Chapter 67
SIXTY-SEVEN
THE ANNOUNCERS
Superbowl Sunday
Troy “Big Talk” Blanchard:
“It’s cold. There’s snow. But these stands? Blazing hot tonight.”
Wes Ramsey:
“They’re hot indeed, Troy. We’re five minutes out from the third quarter… and Jaxon Wilde—whoa.”
Troy:
“I’mma say it. I’m going out on a limb.”
Wes:
“Oh no…”
Troy:
“Yeah, I’m saying it. In the history of this game, nobody—and I mean nobody—has ever played up to the level Wild Man is playing tonight. Two touchdowns. 124 yards carried in the first half. He’s not just hot, he’s volcanic. Ever since that injury, it’s like he came back possessed.”
Wes:
“That’s true, Troy. They call him Wild Man for a reason. Two touchdowns, wow! And I think his lady might have something to do with it.”
The Jumbotron flashes a shot of Zara Morgan, bundled up in an oversized Bull Sharks windbreaker, front row, beaming.
Wes:
“There she is—Zara Morgan. Thumbs up. That’s their thing. Their signal.”
Split screen: Jaxon, on the sideline, spots her. His grin spreads, dimple deep. He flashes the thumbs up right back.
Troy:
“She’s been at every single game since he returned—home and away. Word is she’s basically part of the organization now. The players love her. The wives. Coaching staff. Everybody.”
Wes:
“And we do too. She’s been electric. Only person in this stadium screaming louder than her…”
Troy:
“…is her father.”
Wes:
“Great story there. Zara and her dad reconnected after he was hospitalized last year. Now? They’re tight. He’s been at practices. Games.”
Troy:
“Guy was on his deathbed—and look at him now.”
The Jumbotron cuts to Leo, face peeking from the hood of his heavy Bull Sharks parka. He flashes a proud thumbs up. Beside him: Zara, Trey, Linda, and Bloom all wrap their arms around him, smiling through the cold.
Wes:
“What a moment.”
Cut to Jaxon, clapping, focused. His voice carries all the way to the front rows:
Jaxon (shouting):
“Let’s go! Let’s finish the job!”