The Scarlet Plan: A Novel

By Rick W. Warren

In the town of Galesburg, Illinois, a storm is coming. Not a storm of rain and lightning but a storm of evil.

It is two weeks until Halloween, and the city is celebrating its undefeated high school football team, led by its unnaturally amazing superstar quarterback, Clayton Stoneking. Football frenzy has overtaken everyone. However, the joy of celebration has also blinded the town from the darkness that has crept in unseen.

Meanwhile, a pastor by the name of Jack McKenzie, who was loved by the community, is found murdered, with no clue as to who did it or why. James “Convert” Madsen, a man whose life was changed by Jack; Aaron Clark, a youth pastor who had been mentored by Jack; and Emma Ironside, a local newspaper reporter who attends Jack’s church, come together in order to find and bring to justice Jack’s murderer. Those three, as well as four of Aaron’s students, delve into the mystery of what happened and begin to realize that things run deeper than they could have possibly imagined as they discover the Scarlet.

This is a story of thrills, mystery, faith, belief, and heart. It shows the depths that evil will take to destroy and the ability of goodness to overcome all that confronts it. Even though the darkness can be great, there is always a greater light that shines through.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jan 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973650119

Rick W. Warren

Rick W. Warren is a pastor in Illinois where he lives with his wife and five children. The Scarlet Plan is his first novel.

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Copyright © 2019 Rick W. Warren.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5012-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5013-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5011-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018915207

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/09/2019

Contents

Pre-Game Show Darkness Gathers Saturday, October 3rd

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3

First Quarter The Storm Begins Friday, October 16th

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First Time Out The Tragedy Of Earnest Weller

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Second Quarter The Rain Falls Saturday, October 17th - Sunday, October 18th

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Halftime A Break In The Clouds

Third Quarter Lightning Strikes Wednesday, October 21st - Friday, October 22nd

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Second Time Out When The Wall Fell

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Fourth Quarter Darkest Before Dawn Sunday, October 25th - Saturday, October 31st

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Post-Game Show The Sun Rises Three Weeks Later

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Acknowledgements

Author’s Note

For

my wife, Kristen

Behind every success, you’ve been there with me.

Home is where your story begins!

Annie Danielson

It all starts here.

Mikey Walsh – The Goonies

Pre-Game Show

Darkness Gathers

Saturday, October 3rd

1

It was on a sunny autumn morning that darkness came into Galesburg, Illinois. This darkness wasn’t made out of storm clouds or an eclipse. As a matter of fact, no one knew the darkness was there. But it was. It came in the form of two men in an automobile heading south on Highway 150. To the naked eye, nothing would have seemed out of place. Their presence set off no suspicions. The car passed a runner as it neared Lake Storey and the runner knew nothing different. No chill ran up her back as the car passed by. There was no indication that in two short weeks she and her running partner would see a dead body floating in that same lake at approximately this same time. She would make no connection in her mind that the car that just passed her would be responsible for all that was about to happen.

It’s the nature of evil. It’s not that it comes all at once bearing its fangs for everyone to see. Rather, evil comes quietly. As a matter of fact, on the day this car drove into the city limits of Galesburg much had already been done in preparation. This was a well-planned scheme with many little connections that no one would have noticed until after the chaos that would come.

The Thinker drove while the Actor sat in the passenger seat. They each had other names, real world names given at their birth, but they were unknown to each other. At least that was half right. While the Actor didn’t know the Thinker’s name, the Thinker knew the Actor very well. He was the Thinker after all. As they began to enter the city, the Actor broke the silence.

It’s a powerful feeling isn’t it? grinned the Actor. Its exactly what we were promised for our devotion: power.

We will be well rewarded for our efforts, The Thinker replied. This should be some of the Scarlet’s finest work yet. We will learn much from this and it will aid us in the future.

When will the Cleaner arrive? the Actor asked.

He should be here soon. He has some other loose ends to tie up for the Scarlet. He’s efficient. He’ll be here exactly when we need him. As a matter of fact, he has been looking forward to this.

So have I. Our scale is increasing. We are accomplishing grander things. I feel as if the time for the Great Plan is drawing near.

Everything in due time, my friend. I share your enthusiasm, but we must take all things in stride. Let’s not lose sight of what we are currently doing. Let’s be able to enjoy everything ahead of us. As power grows, so grows our satisfaction.

Agreed.

2

Hatred burned in his dark eyes as he walked along the road. He liked the hatred. It fueled him. It motivated him. He didn’t hate because he was vengeful or hurt. He hated because it felt good. To him, hatred was power. Power to do whatever he wanted. And that’s exactly what he did.

There were people he listened to. There were people who even told him what to do. However, there was no one who made him do anything. He chose if he wanted to listen. He always made the choice. Ultimately, the reason he listened was because they gave him an avenue to do what he loved the most: create chaos.

As the leaves of fall crunched beneath his feet, he smiled at the task he had ahead of him. He looked forward to his role in the storm that was approaching. The hatred, however, never left his eyes. The hatred would stay. It was inside of him and it was inside those that were also inside of him.

Usually when a storm rolls into town you can tell by seeing the clouds on the horizon. Animals skitter, the air changes, and the wind picks up. This was a different type of storm. This one had nothing to do with the weather. The storm that was coming was evil. Were there warning signs for this storm? Of course there were, but only to those whose eyes were open. There were some who knew something was off and there were some who could do something about it.

That’s why the Cleaner arrived to Galesburg. People were getting in the way of this coming storm and it was his job to remove the obstacles. That is why, on this day, he had arrived. The preparation was almost complete and the pieces were falling into place. Now it was time to tie up the loose ends, and that was exactly what he was here to do. The hatred remained in his eyes, but a grin had now formed on his face.

3

Jack McKenzie sighed as he put his book of crossword puzzles down on the end table next to his recliner.

What’s wrong, dear? His wife Marie said as she crocheted in her chair next to him.

I think this puzzle has gotten the best of me.

What’s the clue? Maybe I can help.

Sure, he said as he picked the book back up. What is a six-letter word for hidden?

Do you have any letters to help?

The second letter is an ‘e.’ Otherwise that’s all I got.

Marie leaned back in thought while her hands continued to crochet. How about ‘veiled’?

Jack looked down for a second and grinned. I believe you are right. I think veiled describes this entire puzzle book to me.

If it is so difficult, why do you bother with the frustration? Marie asked.

I heard that crossword puzzles help keep your mind sharp. At 75, I think I can use all the sharpness I can get.

Marie grinned at him with the grin he fell in love with almost sixty years ago. I think Jeopardy might be on. Do you want to try your wits at that?

Sounds good to me, honey.

They sat there as the sun set outside on an unusually warm fall evening. To Jack’s joy, trivia was easier than crossword puzzles.

Do you have any ideas for what you might want for supper? Marie asked.

Believe it or not, I kind of feel like ordering a pizza, Jack replied. Let’s keep the dishes clean for a night.

Sounds fine to me. Do you want to order?

Sure, Jack said as he picked up the phone. Half cheese, half supreme?

You know your wife, Marie said smiling.

After Jack ordered they watched the show together until it was almost finished. The pizza place said they should be there in thirty to thirty-five minutes. After about twenty, the doorbell rang.

Wow, Jack said. He got here early. Good thing because I’m hungry.

Jack grabbed his wallet as he made his way to the door and opened it. The man standing on the front porch wasn’t the pizza guy.

First Quarter

The Storm Begins

Friday, October 16th

1

Aaron Clark sat at his desk as he saw the beginnings of fall unfold before him outside. Fall was definitely his favorite season. He enjoyed the colors, the smells, the harvest, the change of all foods to pumpkin flavors, and he loved that it meant football was back. In his role as Youth Pastor at Truth Community Church, it also meant that he was very busy.

Today was Friday and tonight was the final regular season home football game at Galesburg High School. So far it had been an amazing year for the football team. Not only were they undefeated; they were playing unlike any football team in the history of Galesburg. To say they were dominating would honestly be an understatement. In the eight games they had played so far, no opposing team had scored on them yet, and in terms of scoring, the lowest the offense got was 49. The ability by which they were playing had actually gotten national attention. How could a football team that had losing seasons for years now be a team that was unlike any high school team that had been seen before? People wanted to find out and flocked to come see it for themselves.

Thankfully, the high school had the facility to accommodate the influx of people due to the brand new football complex that had been built because of an unbelievably large donation given to the community. It was given with only a few directions: 1) It is specifically meant for a new football complex, 2) the new complex was to be the most state of the art complex of any high school in America, and 3) the official mascot of Galesburg High School was to be changed from the Galesburg Silver Streaks to the Galesburg Fire. Of course this was peculiar to the City Council when the lone individual who presented on behalf of his anonymous client gave these conditions. However, after it was presented, support began to appear on the council and in the community. People were excited by the possibilities and three months later the school board, the citizens of Galesburg, and the city council agreed to the terms and the most impressive high school football complex ever built found its home in Galesburg, Illinois.

Not only had the complex been built, with its two gigantic video screens, full video studio, and pyrotechnics, but also the most impressive quarterback to ever take the GHS field had arrived: Clayton Stoneking. To watch Clayton play was like watching an artist create a masterpiece or to see a musician flawlessly perform. He had the ability to see the field and make plays unlike no other before him. Athletically, he was the fastest person on the field and he had the ability to throw the football from end zone to end zone with unbelievable accuracy. He was a once in a lifetime talent and he was only a freshman! He had ability, charisma, and a football team that would do anything for him. It was no wonder that thousands from Galesburg showed up to a game as well as people from Peoria, the Quad Cities, and even some from Chicago. Football fever had hit Galesburg and it was an exciting time for the entire community. Just like the new mascot, the football team was definitely on fire.

Aaron felt a nervous excitement as he thought about tonight because he had a big event planned for after the football game at church. Clayton was actually a regular attender of Truth Community and Aaron was excited at the prospect of how many kids he could bring with him tonight. It honestly wasn’t because Aaron wanted to be seen as cool to the football team, but he wanted to have the opportunity to tell them about Jesus and tonight his special speaker had an amazing story of how Jesus changed his life. Aaron was excited about the immense blessing God had given by providing an opportunity to preach Jesus to so many kids who were definitely not walking with Him.

Therefore, tonight he would go to the football game with some other youth leaders and would promote their event in the hopes of seeing kids show up later. He even managed to get it advertised on the huge video screens! It was going to be an exciting night and hopefully a night where people’s lives would be genuinely changed. Aaron leaned back in his chair and couldn’t help but smile.

Thank you, God, for letting me be part of your plan to reach the people of Galesburg, he prayed. Use me in any way to give glory to You and to lead people to the salvation that only You can provide. May tonight be a night where many lives are changed forever.

Aaron looked out the window and noticed a few clouds coming in as the wind gradually picked up causing leaves to scatter across the parking lot. There wasn’t supposed to be rain today, but overcast was possible. No matter. Today was going to be a great day. Lives were going to be changed. Aaron didn’t realize how true that would be.

2

As the afternoon wore on, the sky began to get darker. It looked like rain was becoming more of a possibility, but hopefully it would hold off for the game. School was out and everyone was free to get ready for what everyone had waited for all week: football. For a certain group of guys, however, they were even more excited about something else.

Finally, no school for two days! Trent said as he ran to catch up to his three buddies. I think that last class was the longest hour of my life! Hey Jordan, you know what? I think we have found the most amazing science teacher in the world.

Jordan looked over in confusion, What do you mean? I thought you just said that class was the longest hour of your life?

Exactly! Trent replied, I think Mr. Anders has figured out how to slow down time. He proved it today. I could have sworn he had already talked for an hour and when I looked at the clock it had only been five minutes!

Jordan smiled. He should have expected Trent was setting up a joke. It was what he did all the time. They weren’t always funny jokes, but it didn’t stop him from trying.

Are you serious? Mark asked. You really think he figured out how to do that?

Jordan and Josh looked at Mark stunned by his gullibility. Trent, however, didn’t miss a beat.

Of course, Mark, he said grinning, and I think he used that ability on your brain as well!

They all burst out laughing as they saw understanding descend on Mark’s face.

Come on guys, its not that funny, Mark said. I just thought that would have been really cool if he really had figured something like that out. So sue me for holding out hope that something cool like that could actually happen.

Jordan threw his arm around him.

No big deal. It was just funny to see your reaction to Trent. Keep on hoping. That’s why we love ya!

Yeah, don’t worry, Mark, Josh replied as he was pushing up his glasses in order to see the screen of his iPhone better. I’ve been working on an app that rates Trent’s jokes and so far he has only gotten a nine.

Hey! Nine out of ten is pretty good I say, Trent said smiling.

It’s not nine out of ten. It’s nine out of a hundred, Josh shot back smirking at the zinger he just pulled off. Trent’s stunned reaction was exactly what he had hoped it would be.

They continued to talk as they walked down the sidewalk of Fremont Street. This was an everyday routine for the guys. They would meet up after school and walk together as they made their way home. They all held the same common interests (video games, church, music, etc.…) and yet they were unique in different ways.

Jordan was the most levelheaded of all of them. He was usually the one who knew the wisest thing to do and it was most often him that kept them out of the trouble that most freshmen guys often get themselves into. Josh was known as the techie of the group. He was always fascinated with the newest device or software. If something need fixed or figured out, Josh was the guy to go to. Mark was certainly the most naïve of the group, but it was due to his caring nature. Out of all their childhoods, he had it the roughest. He was an only child due to his dad’s passing when he was little. His mom never remarried. Add to that the fact that he had always been made fun of because he was on the heavier side of all the kids who were his age and you can see that things were rough for him. However, Jordan, Josh, and even Trent did not treat him that way. Trent was good at teasing each of his friends equally and he was sensitive when it came to Mark’s weight… most of the time. To Mark, those three guys weren’t just his best friends; they were his brothers. Trent certainly was the one known to take things far more lightly. In some ways he was opposite from Jordan. Whereas Jordan would say, Wait a minute, Trent would say Let’s do it! It wasn’t that Trent was a bad kid. He actually had a very good heart. However, he wanted to have as much fun as he could. The group was certainly a good balance for each other.

So are we going to watch Clayton play tonight? Mark asked.

I’m up for it if you guys are, Jordan replied.

You mean we get to see ‘King Clayton’! Trent said sarcastically. Do you think I could get him to sign my teddy bear so I could stare at his autograph each night before I sleep! Then in the morning when I open my eyes the first thing I would see is the teddy bear that Clayton Stoneking took the time to sign! Well, we shouldn’t even go home! We should go stand outside the locker room right now!

The three other guys couldn’t help but laugh as they watched Trent’s theatrics. They understood why he acted this way, though.

Dude, Clayton’s not that bad. He’s just really busy, Mark said.

When is the last time you had an actual conversation with him? Trent asked. When have any of you been able to say more that ‘Hi’ or ‘What’s up?’ Have you forgotten how he used to hang out with us all the time in Junior High? As a matter of fact, he used to be as shy as anyone I ever knew and he was so clumsy he could hardly walk down a hallway without knocking something over. Then all of the sudden over the summer he gains this athletic ability and he becomes the hero of Galesburg! After that he had nothing to do with us. What kind of friend is that?

You’re right. It stinks that he effectively threw us away, but that doesn’t mean he won’t someday apologize, Jordan replied.

Threw us away is a nice way to put it. He erased us. He unfriended us on Facebook, he blocked us on Twitter, and he even changed his phone number. What he did to us was just cold and it certainly isn’t the way a Christian is supposed to treat others.

I hear you and I agree with you, but I hold out hope that he will change. At least he still attends church and at least he still comes to youth group. He has actually brought a lot of his football friends.

Trent looked at Jordan with a serious look that was very rare for him. Dude, he brings his friends because they want to check out the girls. It’s not to hear about Jesus. To tell you the truth, they worry me. How do you not see that? You can always tell when something’s up.

The truth was that Jordan did see it and it worried him too. He just had a hard time accepting what Clayton had become.

I see it, Trent, I see it, but I don’t know what to do about it.

So are we not going to go then? Mark asked.

No, we should go. Trent responded, At least it’s fun to watch. It’s history in the making.

Don’t worry. I’ll catch you one of those foam footballs that the cheerleaders throw, Josh said grinning.

Sparks, I’ve seen one year olds catch a football better than you. You better stick to your tech stuff and leave the catching to me. I wouldn’t want you dropping your phone through the bleachers. Besides, all the cheerleaders are looking for me anyway.

You’re right. They are searching for a goofy mascot. Hopefully they find you! Mark jabbed.

Zing!

3

Emma Ironside sat at her desk watching the clock tick towards 4:30. It had been a long week and she was ready for the weekend. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her job as a reporter for the Galesburg Ledger (Read it here first while the rest of the city catches up!); rather she was just genuinely tired. The news cycle had pretty much been consumed by the local football scene which meant most other matters fell by the wayside. One would think that would have made things easier since there wasn’t as much pressure on her, but for Emma it only drove her to try harder. Therefore, the weekend was a relief.

She looked outside and saw the storm clouds looming. It looked liked it might be a rainy night for the Galesburg Fire.

No rain can quench this inferno! Emma said out loud. Hey Bruce! You should use that line on the radio tonight.

Bruce looked at her from across the news floor bewildered. He was both the sports columnist for the Ledger and the radio commentator for the team. He was known as Galesburg’s voice for 30 years. Use what?

Tonight if it rains you should introduce the Fire by saying ‘No rain can quench this inferno!’

Bruce grinned. That’s a pretty good line. Do you want credit for it?

Nah, its yours free of charge.

Are you going to the game?

I might if I can find someone to go with.

How does a pretty girl like you not have a person to go with? Are the guys in this town really that blind?

Emma blushed. That’s very nice to say, but I guess I’m still waiting for what God has in store for that. In the meantime, I get to come up with witty lines for your broadcast. Maybe I should live tweet them to you during the game.

Well, I hope you can find a friend. I’m sure there are better things you can do than provide material for an old guy like me.

The clock turned to 4:30. Quitting time. Emma spun around in her chair and grabbed her jacket and purse in one fluid motion.

See ya, Bruce. Have a great weekend. Don’t go too crazy.

You too.

Emma left with a spring in her step. She was glad to be done for the week and she honestly looked forward to the time off. She didn’t realize how long of a weekend she was going to have and the range of emotions she was about to go through.

4

James Convert Madsen pulled up his Ford F150 into the driveway of Jack and Marie McKenzie’s house a little after 5:00. The downstairs apartment had been his home now for a couple of years and he was ready for the weekend. This week had been a good week for work. He had been able to tear out and rebuild a deck without much difficulty and the weather had been agreeable as well. He looked up at the sky as he got out of his truck and thanked the Lord for holding off the rain until he was at least done for the day.

As he walked around the back of the truck he made sure his toolbox was closed and locked. He didn’t want anything to get stolen or wet. Everything looked good and secure. Now his thoughts shifted to what really mattered: supper.

Nice truck, mister, a voice said behind him.

Convert spun around and saw standing before him in the driveway a couple of teenagers wearing matching black hooded sweatshirts and black jeans. He was surprised to see them standing there because he hadn’t heard the sound of their approach. That was unusual for Convert. He was always aware of his surroundings and the one thing he made sure never to happen was for someone to sneak up on him. I must be slippin’ as I’m getting older, he thought.

Thanks, he replied. I didn’t notice you guys standin’ there.

Both boys stood there staring at him with their hands in the front pockets of their sweatshirts. The one who spoke was grinning while the other one stared blankly. Convert thought they couldn’t have been older than 15 or 16 and he was quickly getting suspicious about why they were standing here at this time.

Is there something I can do for you guys? Convert asked.

You go by the name, Convert, don’t you? The kid with the blank look said. The grinning one just kept grinning. Is that a Christian thing or something?

Well, yes and sort of yes, Convert replied. I do go by that name and it’s because of Jesus that I changed it. Can I ask you guys what your names are?

No, said the grinning kid.

Immediately Convert became very uncomfortable. Something was not right here. Something was not safe. So why are we talking here guys? Is there a problem?

They both stood there silent. The grinning kid was still grinning and the blank stare kid was still staring.

Alright guys, Convert said. I think its time you left. I don’t know what you’re up to and I’m not comfortable with you standing here.

You think that Jesus saves? Blank stare kid replied. You think your life is different now that you follow Jesus?

What is going on here? Convert thought. Yes I do with all my heart. Why are you asking me these questions?

Hearts don’t feel, the grinning kid replied. Hearts pump blood. If we talked to your heart it wouldn’t tell us anything but ‘Bump bump, bump bump.’ We’ve never heard a heart talk. We’ve heard people talk. We’ve heard people scream, but we’ve never heard anything different come from their heart.

At that, Convert had had enough. I don’t know who you guys are, but you are on private property. It would be best for you to be on your way before I call the police. I don’t understand what your talking about, but I’ll be very blunt with you: I think you’re up to no good and I’m not comfortable with you being here.

Grinning kid didn’t flinch. The problem with living in a past of shadow is that sometimes the shadows come back.

Convert reached down to his pocket to grab his cell phone. It wasn’t there. He had left it in the cup holder inside his truck. Ok, guys. We’ll have it your way, he said as he went back to the door of his truck to get his phone.

That’s exactly right, the blank stare kid replied. It will be our way and it will always be our way.

With that they turned and walked on. Convert watched as they sauntered down the sidewalk. They walked as if they had nothing else to do with nowhere else to go, but they kept walking. The sight of them sent a chill up Convert’s back. Who were they? Why were they here? Will they try and come back? How did they know him?

Convert grabbed his phone and walked toward the house. Today was a good day and tonight was supposed to be a good night. However, those two kids brought a kind of darkness to his mood similar to the clouds forming in the sky. Something wasn’t right.

5

Football night in Galesburg was a flurry of activity and tonight would be no different. There was excitement everywhere. The smell of hot dogs and brats filled the air as people sat tailgating in the parking lot. Kids ran around laughing with balloons and different noise making devices, such as horns and cowbells, all of which were intended for cheering on the greatest football team in the history of Galesburg. Even though by 6:30 the clouds were heavy and rain was certain, no one was deterred from being at the premier place to be on Friday night.

Aaron arrived with his buddies, Jason and Tom, with the excited expectation of reaching souls for Christ. The three of them grew up together and after Aaron graduated college and returned to Galesburg as a youth pastor, they helped him out as youth group leaders at the church. All three of them had a stack of fliers to hand out to whatever student they could find in order to invite them to the after football youth event at Truth Community. Aaron had been praying for this event for a long time and his hopes were high. Everything looked like it was coming together perfectly. The fact that Clayton, who was the closest thing to a celebrity in Galesburg, was from the church meant that many of the students would show up after the game because they would want to be around him. Aaron had made sure to ask him to be there and Clayton was adamant that he would be. Excited even!

What do you guys say we split up, get all these flyers handed out, and once we’re done we’ll try to find a seat for the game, Aaron said to his friends.

Sounds good, Tom replied. This is crazy out here. It’s like the whole town showed up. You sure this isn’t homecoming night?

I know, right? Aaron replied smiling. Thanks again for all your help. I definitely do not think our work is going to be in vain tonight.

Hey, as long as we don’t see half of these flyers waded up or turned in to airplanes, I think we should have our biggest turnout yet, Jason said. This was a good idea, Clark. It’s nice to see you have one of those every once in a while.

Here’s a good idea. Hand these flyers out before I take you down like I used to in wrestling practice, Aaron replied with a grin. It was good to be with his friends and it was good to be back home. Thunder rumbled in the far distance, but it was almost unable to be heard from the fanfare of the night. The game was close to starting and they had work to do.

6

Dude, I still can’t get over how crazy this place is on a Friday night! Mark said as he was riding his bike with his friends to the game.

I know, Jordan replied. It’s like a rock concert and Clayton is the rock star.

It reminds me of all the football games you see in the movies with the massive crowds and booming music, Josh said. The upgraded tech that they put into this is awesome! How in the world were they able to afford it?

What do you mean, Sparks? Trent replied. You know the city got that anonymous donation to do this. That’s where they got the money.

I know that, Trent, but do you realize how many millions of dollars it was to do this? Josh said. Why would someone give so much for the football field to be upgraded like this especially when it was done before Clayton was ever discovered as a star football player? Think about the perfect timing of the whole thing. The new complex is built and then almost miraculously Clayton emerges and everything explodes into what we see tonight.

Wow, Josh, Mark replied. I never thought of that. It is pretty amazing how everything lined up that way. Do you think it means anything?

Yeah, Trent replied. It means that Josh remains single because he’s too busy thinking up crazy conspiracy theories about Galesburg football instead of actually talking to a girl.

Well if that’s the case, then what’s the reason you don’t have a girlfriend yet? Jordan replied with the full pride of having a witty comment to drop on Trent.

As usual, Trent didn’t miss a beat. I’m still trying to decide on which girl to say yes to. I don’t like breaking all those hearts, but I gotta make a choice eventually.

The only choice you have to make is whether to put on your Batman or Superman underwear in the morning, Mark shot out quickly as he began to immediately laugh at his own cleverness.

Actually, I was thinking on trying out some Pokémon underwear. Could I borrow some of yours?

Mark looked at him blankly with nothing to say. Trent caught him flat-footed once again.

7

The emergence of a good football team in Galesburg was a great thing for the community. It was something