CH 73
At the DNA lab in Florida, a tech was given a box that came in for DNA analysis. He sat down and opened, it, figuring it would be the normal '23 and me' samples, or someone who wanted to compare DNA. He first pulled out the long roll of a complete DNA analysis with a letter that only gave a first name, Dana, and her phone number. The letter only read, :Please verify this for me.
He looked at the profiles. One set had 'H" in the upper left corner. The other had "M" in the upper left corner. Looking at the samples, they were the same. One was marked H the other M.
Seeing a folder, he pulled that out. There were pictures in it. He looked through them, it was a scene of a boat on the water, he looked closer at someone in the water. He looked at a few pictures, jaw slacked, then yelled, "Gloria! Get over here!"
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Dana was sitting on her living floor by the end table. She had her lunch and Chomper's. Chomper was in his pool, front feet hanging onto the edge as he watched her. She picked up a small chunk of meat and pointed up with her index finger. He opened his mouth. She tossed the meat in.
SNAP
Dana was learning much about chomper. He recognized her, and was also learning to recognize hand signals. She was also learning to recognize what he wanted. By the couch was a sun lamp. Under it was a non flammable blanket. It took a while, but she got him to look up at the sun lamp when he wanted warmth. When he wanted to be in the water, he just climbed into his pool. She had a doggie door in the bottom of her front door to the porch that he learned how to go through. A fence was around the porch she he couldn't get off it, but it he wanted to go out, he just bumped the door with his snout. Out there, she had various local plants so he could lay there and 'hunt' bugs. he was doing it less often, but he still liked to go outside now and then.
Her phone rang.
"Dana."
"Yes, this is Doctor Meyer at the Harvard Medical center. You are the one who sent us those DNA samples and profiles?"
"Correct, can you verify my findings?"
"Ma'am, I don't know what kind of scam you are attempting to pull. These two sets of DNA profiles you made are exactly the same! Those pictures you sent should go to a Halloween store, not a serious medical lab!"
"They are not the same. Lay one down with a light under it, overlay the other one and you will see there are a few differences. I took those pictures my self with the subject of my study. I just wanted you to run the same tests with the DNA samples I sent to see if I made an error."
"You re trying to tell me these are real?"
"I already know they are real. Like I said, I wanted your lab to rerun the tests to verify my findings. I am not going to submit a false report." She tossed Chomper another piece of meat.
SNAP
"What was that noise?"
"I'm feeding my alligator, he's another one of my test subjects. I am doing marine biological research. That is how I ran across the subjects I sent you pictures of."
"You want me to seriously believe you found real, live Mer people?"
"I don't want you to believe anything except the results you come up with after you rerun my DNA tests," she told him firmly.
"Where did you take these pictures?"
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you that."
"Was it in Florida?"
"I just said, I can't tell you where it was. At the moment, the location is classified."
He grumbled and said, "Very well, to who should I send the bill to after we run your tests?"
"Call me, I'll give you the card number and authorize payment."
SNAP
"May I ask what kind of research you are doing with an alligator as a pet?"
"He's not a normal alligator. His sub-species is called a Joan alligator."
"You have a Joan alligator? Where'd you get it?"
"Joan gave it to me to do research on."
"Location, where did it come from?"
"Sorry, as of yet, the location is still classified."
"Are there many of them?"
"We don't know the range of this strain. That is one of the things we're trying to find out ... Yes, yes..."
SNAP
"They really are incredible creatures. In the last few months, I have taught him how to do very basic communication. He is capable of recognizing individuals and his memory is far better than normal alligators. Soon, I have to get him outside, I want to return him to the wild eventually. I am hoping when he gets old enough, his mating instinct will make him want to leave and go find a mate."
"You can't just open the door and let him out?"
"I have. One day, we were out in the yard for half the day. When I went back inside, he followed me back in. Are you going to verify my DA tests?"
"Yes, we will. I will contact you when we have the results."
"Thank you."
Dana finished her lunch and gave Chomper the rest of his. As usual after he ate, Chomper climbed out of his pool and went over under the sun lamp and looked up. Dana turned it on for him. He ate, now he was going to take a nap. She washed the plates and returned to her seat on the floor and noted the call from Boston in her notes.
The phone rang again.
"Dana."
"I am Gloria Parks from the Florida DNA international labs. Where did you get your DNA samples from?"
"Mouth swipes and hair clippings. I could not get too invasive. Have you verified the results I sent you?"
"We have," Gloria said firmly. "I also called a marine biologist and had an expert look at your photos you sent us to verify they are originals and not modified. I have to know, where did you find these creatures?"
"I can't tell you. That was part of my agreement of why I am allowed to study them. As of yet, their population is small, by the ones I've seen I am figuring there is 25 to 30 individuals. So far I have concluded they do have human-like intelligence and they can speak. It is more marine mammal type sounds, but they can attenuate and once you get used to it, it is understandable. Did the DNA analysis I sent you match yours?"
"Yes, it did. These ... mermaids, I think is the best term I have right now, are very close to human DNA wise. The differences are very minor."
"I was thinking calling them Homo Aquaticus," Dana told her. "Give them a scientific name to lift them up out of myth."
"Agreed. I would like to sent someone to help you study them."
"I'm sorry, I was told their location is classified. The area is protected for the subjects' well being."
"Do you have specialty, Dana?"
"Yes, I am a marine biologist. Needless to say, when I happened to find one, I was thunderstruck. I had never thought of them as being real."
"I doubt anyone has. Have you been researching them long?"
"About a year. More or less just beginning to get into the serious research on them. It's not easy when I can only do research when they appear. The waters here are somewhat hazardous. I am thinking that's why they settled here, little human interference in the area and no fishing. They need to stocks of fish so they can live."
"Is it possible to send you some assistance? I'm sure you could use divers."
"A few locals help me. These Homo Aquaticus are skittish. They know the few locals, and are getting used to me. One of my biggest fears is a group of camera toting investigators will come, be intrusive and either scare them away or make a big ruckus. That would be disastrous."
"I can understand that. Well, your analysis is correct. Your subjects are all but human. Have you got a theory of how they evolved?"
"Yes, I am sure some of them evolved into us about 230,000 years ago. That was when humans first appeared in the south of Africa. That also would explain many things others are having trouble explaining by trying to prove that we came from land apes. Our ability to attenuate sound and speak, for one. My subjects can do that also, and the hair pattern on their bodies is very similar to ours. I have often wondered why we have long hair on our heads. From what I am seeing, it was originally for identifying individuals. They all have dark hair, but there are many shades. Once you get use to seeing them, you can tell which individual it is."
"This is nothing short of astounding," Gloria told her. "Have you told anyone else about your findings?"
"I've sent DNA verification requests to two other labs to ensure what I am seeing is correct. Other than that and informing my employer, no."
"May I speak to your employer?"
"I'll ask. We are doing everything we can to ensure the location stays secret for now."
"If you need anything else, please tell us. This is the find of the century."
.
Saturday morning, Carol want into the sheriff's office with doughnuts to find a pretty, young woman with long dark hair sitting at the desk near the coffee pot. The woman beamed her a smile. "Good morning, Carol!"
"Morning, Carol," the sheriff added with his own smile.
"Morning, I brought doughnuts." Carol said. She wondered where this pretty girl came from as she sat the doughnuts on the sheriff's desk.
"Ohh!" the woman cooed. "Thank you!"
Carol sat as the woman got up to get one. She noted the woman's shape. Friggin perfect! Not only a very pretty face, but a long slim body and boobs that pushed her shirt way out.
Looking into the box, the sheriff asked, "Ann, grab me one of those plain ones, please."
Ann plucked out the doughnut he wanted. "Here you go, Sheriff," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Carol just met her, and she hated the woman! "New in town, Ann?" she asked.
"Yes, I applied for a county job and got assigned to the sheriff," Ann explained.
"They decided I needed an assistant," he explained.
Carol thought and nearly said, "And a sex toy?" She swallowed that thought and offered, "It's good you finally got someone in here to help."
The sheriff shrugged. "I wasn't planning on it, but having a full time assistant is becoming handy."
Carol noted his better attitude. Of course, she was assisting him day AND night!
"I heard Bob got a job after he graduates?" the sheriff asked to break Carol's cold gaze at Aliana.
"Yes. He's going to be a cameraman for Joan's football team. Joan and Allison are graduating a few days early so they can make the game their team wants them for."
"That's good, I know they wanted to stay together," the sheriff said.
"Are you ever going to start a family?" Carol asked, fishing for information on how close he was to his new slut. Carol bet if she searched porn sites, she'd find a picture or two of Ann in there someplace.
The sheriff shook his head. "No, doubt I ever will. That's just not for me."
The door opened and Sonya ducked in. "Hey sheriff, sorry to bother ya, but we got a problem down at the garage. A guy's real upset over the cost of his repairs and Joe's not exactly calm either. I walked in on it going into see Mark. Mark's in between'em now."
The sheriff got up. "Let's go. Ann, hold down the fort."
Not wanting to be sitting here with miss perfect -and probably mostly silicone- Ann, she got up and said, "I need to go too."
Carol got back in her car as Sonya and the sheriff walked down to the garage. She drove away gritting her teeth. She knew any chance at snagging the sheriff was gone. DAMN DAMN DAMN!
.
The garage door was shut , the sheriff heard arguing from inside. He stepped in to see Mark standing against the door. Joe and old Mr. Jenkins were glaring at each other.
"That car doesn't leave here until I get paid!" Joe stated in a hard tone.
Mr. Jenkins saw the sheriff and flung a hand at Joe. "Sheriff, Joe here won't give me my car!"
Joe turned to the sheriff. "Sheriff, putting a new engine in his old Buick wasn't cheap, I even knocked off the shipping fee for the motor. The motor and the work we put into it, I'm not knocking off. If he can't pay, he doesn't get his car back!"
"I'm on social security, I don't HAVE 5700 dollars!"
The sheriff raised his hands. "OK, both of you calm down. Mr. Jenkins, Joe did put the engine in your car like you wanted. He does deserve to get paid for his work. Can you take a bank loan out, or something to pay him?"
Mr. Jenkins shifted in place. "They said I ain't go no credit, I never took a loan out before."
"Joe, will you take payments?" the sheriff asked.
Joe nodded. "I will, but the car stays here until I get the full amount."
"That may take months!" Mr. Jenkins complained. "I need that car!"
"You get it the moment I get paid, " Joe stated.
"How much can you afford a month?" Sonya asked.
Mr. Jenkins shrugged. "On my SSI? Hundred, maybe 150 a month."
Sonya asked, "Sheriff, can I loan him the money to pay Joe? He can pay me back as he can."
"Don't see why not. Mr. Jenkins? will you agree to that?"
"Long as I get my car back."
Sonya waved towards the office, "Joe, I'll pay. Mr. Jenkins, at least a hundred a month until it's paid off. That good with you?"
"It is."
Joe and Sonya went into the office.
Mr. Jenkins sagged in place. "Mark, your wife saved me. I don't know how to thank ya."
"We got it worked out and no one got punched. Thank us by paying her back as she said," Mark told him.
"That's always good," the sheriff agreed and went back to his office.
.
The NFL channel played the women's football games as well. Joan, Bob and Allison sat on the couch eagerly waiting out the commercials for the game to start. Finally a scene showing the city came up a an announcer said. "Welcome to Chicago, where today the Chicago Bliss is hosting a game against the Austin acoustics!"
The couch filed up. Cameron, Delilah, John, Jackie, JJ and Peggy all got seats around the TV.
"Our team is on," Allison said brightly.
Two announcers were shown on the empty field.
One said, Today Chicago Bliss will play the Austin Acoustics. "Jay, what is your predictions of this game?"
"Well Jack, both teams have had a turnover of players, retirements and new rookies coming in and this is their first game of the year. I will say, from watching the pre-season Austin farm team game, the rookies are showing promise and surprises. Let me show you a surprise play by Austin's farm team quarterback last year.
Thu scene changed to show the teams on the line, Joan back in the shotgun position. Upon he hike she ran at the ball and caught it, running to the line, she jumped. The Joan hurdled the line, one leg out straight, the other straight behind her, She flew over the line an took off running.
"I have to say, I never saw that before. The strength and speed number 13, Joan Connor has, is incredible. Allison Young is also vert fast on her feet. Unfortunately, they will not be in this game, but Patty Garregan will be."
A picture of Patty came up, waving her left hand that didn't have any fingers.
"This girl is a ball of energy. On defense, she's a line breaker. Last year she intercepted passes, even with no fingers on her left hand! She is another rookie with strength and speed. She refuses to say she is disabled due to having no fingers on one hand, and does her best to prove it."
They went though the Austin lineup, then did the same with the Chicago line up, telling something about each girl as the girl was shown.
"The teams are coming out on the field," Jay said as he looked over at them. One girl ran out ahead of the rest of the Austin team. By the long red hair, Joan knew it was Patty. Amd out, helmet on her right hand a closeup was shown of Patty. She did a forward flip, then another one then roared at the Chicago team.
The crowd was applauding as Jack said, "Look a the muscles on that girl! If her attitude's not enough to make Chicago nervous, her build will."
"That's why she's a line breaker," Jay said, "She can out- push just about any other girl on the field."
"Patty is pretty strong," Allison agreed.
.
Watching, John was a little surprised Patty was so well built. Not just her arms, but sh had a washboard stomach and her highs and calves were bulging with well defined muscle. The teams lined up on each side of the field an the National Anthem was played. Then the coaches came out for the coin toss. Chicago had the ball first.
The teams were fairly equal. Chicago fought their way down field, then on a turnover from downs, Austin pushed back. A pass was intercepted, to make some yardage for Chicago, then Patty broke through to sack the quarterback with a 7 yard loss. Trying to make up the 16 yards they had to go fo another first down, Austin help them stopped and got the ball again.
"This is a real football game," John noted, watching the hard hits and tackles. These were women playing, but they were not playing soft.
Joan and Allison were on the edges of their seats as they watched intently. Late in the first quarter, Patty intercepted a pass and charged for the goal.
"YEAH! GO! GO!" Joan and Allison cheered loudly. A Chicago girl chased Patty to the goal and dove t her in a futile attempt to stop her. Patty ran into the end zone and cheered, then did a flip and roared. The crowd roared with her.
So did Joan and Allison, fists in the air.
Chicago managed to keep Austin from getting an extra point, but couldn't move down field before the first quarter was over.
"Let's listen to the Chicago huddle," Jay said.
Grouped around their coach, the coach was yelling at them. "Keep sharp out there! Char, if you can't find an open receiver, run it or throw it away into the stands so they don't get it! You're doing good, but you have to do better! Linemen, keep the pocket open. Look, we can win this game, but you have to make every play with everything you got! Now get out there and get that ball to the end zone!"
The teams came back out onto the field. Chicago's ball, Chicago again worked their way down the field with 4 and 6 yard runs.
"Jay, it looks like the ground game is working for Chicago, sow, but as long as they keep gaining yards, they will get there."
"Indeed, their yardage id getting shorter, Austin picked up that every play is to the left. This last one only got them a two yard gain."
"They are doing their best to keep the ball away from Patty. It's 3rd and five now. If they can gain those last five yards, they got a shot at getting a touch down."
The ball was hiked, a good sneak pass and the runner found a hole. She managed to stiff arm a tackle attempt and raced for the goal. Two Austin players hot on her heels. They caught her and dragged her down just before the end zone. Stretching her arms out, she fell, the ball was just inside the end zone.
"Touch down Chicago!" The crowd roared with applause and cheers.
A closeup of the reply showed the ball was barely inside the end zone, part of it right on the line.
"That was maximum effort by number 27, and evened the score," Jack said. "This is turning out to be a tough game for both teams. so, far it's anyone's game."
Chicago tried for the extra point with a pass. Carla jumped up to intercept it and the ball bounced up and into the stand. A spectator caught it.
Chicago is challenging the play, saying it was pass interference. The refs are reviewing the play.
The replay was shown. Just before the Chicago player caught it, Carla tried to catch it. It bounced up and out of her hands, "Neither player touched, that's an attempted interception, I don't see any interference." Jay said.
A ref came out on the field and said, "No player interference is found, the play stands. Austin has the ball in the fifteen yard line."
"I can't blame Chicago for challenging the play, they need every point they can get." Jack said.
"Yes, six to six late in the second quarter, this is a tight game," Jay agreed. "From what I see, these team are equal in offense. Defense, I have to give the edge to Austin."
"Agreed. The kept Chicago scoreless for the entire first quarter and halfway through the second."
The teams lined up the hike was made. Austin's quarterback cocked back to the right side receiver, then quickly turned and threw just before she was tackled. The other receiver caught it and ran. She made it to Chicago's 20 yard line before she was brought down by a safety.
"Outstanding play!" Jay announced. The feign to the right got the safeties headed that way, and cleared the way for the throw to the left. Austin made great yardage on that play."
"Time's ticking down, if Austin can make the goal before the clock runs out, they will regain the lead."
"Come on guys, you can do it!" Joan yelled at the screen.
John chuckled. It was a very good game and close, but Joan was squirming in place as she watched it.
The teams got in place, Austin huddled then came out to take the line in a shotgun formation. A minute 20 was left on the clock. On the hike, The Austin line let the Chicago linemen go past and turned back. again, the quarterback was about to be sacked, but got the ball off just before she went down. An Austin player caught it, and had plenty of blocking coverage as she ran down field. Chicago tried hard, and downed a few Austin players and were downed themselves, but Austin crossed into the end zone for another touch down.
"That was my play!" Cameron and Joan said at the same time. They looked at each other. "I did it first," Cameron said. Joan stuck her tongue out at her.
"I think that was the bravest, most riskiest play I have ever seen!" Jay cried.
"It certainly was a surprise, and totally unsuspected, Jack said. "The surprise factor made it work. I wonder how many other surprises Austin has up their sleeve."
"It boosted them up to 12 points, Austin is in the lead again."
Austin announced it was going for the two point extra. Instead of the five yard start, they went back to the ten yard line.
"Going for the two extra points is another risky move for a team that is fairly equal to their opposition," Jack said.
"It is," Jay agreed. "I think they are counting on the surprise factor from last play to get them over the line."
"With 22 seconds left on the clock, we'll see."
This time the quarterback was right behind the center, Just before the hike,m she lifter her foot both receivers ran at her. he faked passing the ball the receivers passed close to each other. The receiver racing after the quarterback kept tucked like she had the ball, the ran into the defender moving to tackle the quarterback. Having a blocker, the quarterback made it into the end zone.
The score was 14 - 6, 15 seconds left on the clock.
Chicago lined up and tried a pass. Moving back to pass, Patty sacked her on the five yard line.
The first half was over. Austin led 14 to 6.
"This is an exciting game," John said. He still wasn't happy Joan would be showing all that flesh on the football field, but it was a good, hard fought game. From what he could see, neither team were slouches.
"Yeah it is," Allison said, beaming a smile. "And we're winning!"
"By some, it's still to close to call," Joan told her.
A big run of commercials was on. Snack time!
The announcer Jay came on, standing on the field with the Austin Quarterback. "I'm here with Jesse Long, the Austin quarterback. Jesse, a couple of those plays you made were very risky! Especially letting the entire Chicago defense trough your front line! What made you decide to do that?"
Grinning, Jesse shrugged. "We needed yardage and a goal. Talking with the coach, we decided to risk it. Yeah, I could have easily been sacked, but the risk was worth the gain."
"So how did you come up with that insane play?"
Jesse said, "I saw another of our girls do it. It works due to the shock factor. It was a little scary but I had plenty of receivers and even if I get driven to the ground, the ball is going to go far downfield with many blockers around her. Like I said, the risk was worth the gain."
"They say genius can be confused for insanity. I'd say that play was a stroke of genius. Good luck. This is Jay with Austin quarterback, Jesse long!"
The scene showed the players coming back onto the field, Jack's voice said, "And here we are for the second half of tonight's exciting football action! Austin currently leads 14 to six. Chicago has the ball the ball. The question is, can they get downfield and answer Austin's last score?"
They all got on the like, Chicago taking the shotgun position. On the hike, the receivers took off, Patty lunged through the line and ran at the quarterback.
"She's looking for a receiver, and here comes Patty ... Chicago quarterback tucks and tries to make a run for of it, and is tackled. It's a three yard loss for Chicago!"
Setting up again, Chicago tried another pass. The quarterback got it off just before Patty tackled her, but the receiver missed the ball.
"Incomplete pass, now it's second and thirteen," Jack said. "This isn't looking good for Chicago."
"They need to stick to their run game," Jay agreed.
Chicago did to a run, gaining 4 yards. Third down and 9 yards to go. A pass behind the line got them another five. yards, too short. 4th and four, Chicago took a little longer in the huddle. They came out and lined up in the shotgun. All the Chicago line didn't block Austin, but let them through and ran a few steps to look back. Patty raced at the quarterback. The quarterback threw, Patty leaped up and caught it. She came down to stiff arm the quarterback to the ground and raced for the goal. No player were close enough to stop her. Touchdown Austin. the score was now 20-6.
Chicago called a time out.
"I can't believe she tried that!" Jay cried. "They had to know Patty was fast and a dedicated line breaker."
"Let's see what their coach had to say," Jake said.
A scene zoomed in on the Chicago huddle, Their coach was red-faced furious. "What the HELL was that? he cried at the quarterback. "This isn't a game of monkey see, monkey do! Don't you EVER do that again! Our best chance is sticking with the running game. Their defense is all over you every time you try to pass! Forget fancy, GET TO THE END ZONE!"
"Ohh you can just see her face turn red in her helmet. She screwed up and she knows it," Jay said. "Let's her what the Austin coach is saying."
"Now that Patty got a good interception, get out there, the the extra point. "Let's go!"
Austin missed getting the extra point by a foot when the receiver was brought down hard. Austin got the ball and struggled up the filed with short runs. Twice they were on 4th down and made the little extra yardage to keep going.
At the one yard line, The Chicago quarterback hiked and passed back to the right side receiver. Patty moved to intercept, the receiver ran straight at the line and jumped. Hitting the blocker, they tumbled, Carla going backwards. The girl beside her tried to tackle to and fell over with them. Arm outstretched, the Chicago girl planted the football just inside the end zone. Touchdown, Chicago, bringing the score to 20-12.
"That's two touchdowns Chicago barely got." Jack noted.
"To win, they need to make this extra point and another one." Jay said.
"It's the middle of the third quarter, and the also have to keep Austin at bay," Jake reminded him.
Short passes and runs, Austin made their way up the field. Joan and Allison watched intently as they got to Chicago's 12 yard line. Here, Austin formed a shotgun formation. The Chicago safeties moved back. Austin hiked. In the clash, Jesse couldn't find a receiver and a player was charging her. She waited until the player got close, the ducked and spun out of the way behind her and ran a few steps. Looking again, she saw an opening and threw the ball, right after the ball left her hand she was hit with a high tackle. Her head bounced off the ground.
The throw and reception was good, right inside the end zone. Touchdown Austin, the score now 26 to 12.
A medical team came out on the field, Jesse got up, bu a medic motioned her to the side. A safety time out was called.
"Let's listen to Jesse's mike," Jack said.
Jesse's voice asked, "What? No I'm fine! ... Where's the coach... No, I don't need medical treatment."
A male voice said, "Your head hit the ground hard, we need to check you for a concussion."
"I'm fine!' Jesse cried.
"We're the medical experts, it's time out until we get you off the field."
"This is BULLSHIT!"
Jesse complained as they led her off the field. The secondary quarterback came on the field to play.
"I know what that's like," Joan grumbled.
Austin didn't get the extra point. The rest of the third quarter, they battled up and down the field, no one scoring.
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Jesse was declared healthy and fit to play. Joan and Allison cheered when she walked back into the field.
"To have a chance, Chicago needs to ramp up their game," Jay said. "At 26 to 12, they need two touchdowns and two extra points just to tie the game up."
"I don't see it happening," Jack said, "The Austin defense, especially Patty is playing well. Unless they soften up some, if Chicago can get one more goal, they will be doing good."
"I can see Patty becoming an MVP."
"She has stopped many of Chicago's plays, and got two interceptions this game. An amazing feat for a girl with essentially one hand."
Austin had the ball. Shotgun position and they hiked. Jesse faded back and threw as a Chicago player charged. The girl leaped too soon. Instead of mid-body, she hit Jesse in the knees. Jesse folded. The pass was caught, the receiver made the Chicago 14 and was tackled.
Jesse was on the ground screaming and gripping her leg just above her knee.
The refs looked at the footage. They offered a ten yard penalty for an illegal hold. The Chicago player was thrown out of the game. She left, crying and yelling she was sorry. Austin made much more yardage than that, so the coach declined. Chicago also got a warning. Their coach fought it, but by the video, it appeared his player did aim right at Jesse's knees.
Jesse was taken off the field on a stretcher. The team lined up and all offered Jesse the best in getting better. Before the game restarted the Austin Coach called a huddle, a camera focused on him as did video.
"NO trying to get revenge!" he stated firmly. "Keep up the good play and let's finish this game. Keep your head and keep sharp. It isn't over until the end buzzer. Offense get out there and get us another goal! Betty, on the ground, start with number ten. Let's go!"
"That has to be a blow for Austin, their primary quarterback being take out." Jay said.
"It is, but I think they are far enough ahead on points, that as long as they can keep up their solid defense, they will carry the game."
In the first play Austin made a run to the 3 yard line. 2nd and goal. Their next run just missed , being tackled on the one. 3rd and goal. The next play, they packed together except one receiver in the back, behind the quarterback. At the hike, they all shoved forward, Betty passed back to the receiver and dove in to help shove. The receiver jumped onto the line and a step on Betty's back and a dive and she made it into the end zone. Touchdown, Austin. The score was now 32-12.
They tried the same tactic again. Chicago didn't pack together this time. The receiver got the ball and tried to run. She was tackled.
Chicago got the ball and the two minute warning sounded. They got four yards on a run then another three on the next run. The third run was stopped at the line of scrimmage, no yards. 3rd and two, they tried another run and with three yards, they pushed on, and the clock was ticking down. 50 second left in the game, Chicago tried a long pass. Only one receiver ran out, the other stayed to block Patty away from the quarterback. At the hike, Patty broke through the receiver got in front of hr as the quarterback cocked back to thrown. Patty pushed the guard back into her as she threw. The ball flew wild. An Austin safety caught it. She ran to the line of scrimmage to be tackled.
Betty was told to go out, delay the game and take a knee after each hike. There were only 35 seconds left on the clock.
Watching as Betty called hike, then dropped down on one knee, JJ asked, "Why'd she do that?"
"She's running the clock down," Joan told him. "We're way ahead and there's not enough time left to do anything meaningful. Game's over."
Three downs and the clock ran out. Game over, Austin won 32 to 12.
The show played on, showing the teams passing by each other shaking hands. The announcer Jay said, "This gives Austin their first win of the year, and Chicago their first loss. In their next games Chicago will play Nashville, and Austin will play LA. LA is always a strong team, That one is sure to be a nail-biter. Next week, Seattle will be playing Atlanta. We'll see you then for more football action!"
.
Helping to make dinner, Joan got a call.
"Joan."
"It's coach Baker, Jess has a broken knee, she'll be out for the rest of the season. We're moving you up to irst quarterback. Ensure you know all our plays, and practice passing with Allison. You'll be the quarterback when we play LA."
