disclaimer: not mine, no money
Red Card
Dr Hannibal Lecter walked stiffly off the field, the rain distributing Mason Verger's blood over his shirt, tinging it pink. Bella Crawford, from her wheelchair, handed him a water bottle, and he drank deeply. They watched in silence as the downed man was treated for his broken nose, then helped up and led away.
Miriam stalked over, team Law Enforcement's coach, an angry frown on her face. "Hannibal, as happy as we all are that you agreed to help out with our charity match, I thought you, as a European, would know the rules about headers and range of elbows."
"I am truly sorry, Miriam. Poor judgement on my part, due to lack of experience. It has been a long time since last I played a team sport." He allowed himself a small smile. "I did score, though."
The coach got distracted when the match continued. Soon, Will Graham was zigzagging through three of Baltimore Business' men, and Miriam shouted and gesticulated wildly for Brian to go along.
The doctor pulled on a jacket and sat down on the bench, massaging his calves.
"Do not worry, Bella. With your husband in the goal, we will win easily even playing short. He will catch whatever comes his way, or die trying."
"You think so?"
He kept his face calm and serene. "Of course. I do." After another drink from the water bottle, he added thoughtfully: "I only wish we could have gone for ice-hockey instead."
"Why is that?"
"There, you can use a stick."