Chapter 13

Viper


I don’t have his blessing yet but I’m one step closer to Sabine. Casper explains some of what I already knew about someone terrorizing Sabine and the rink. “ How did the person know this was Sabine’s truck?” Thor asks. Casper laughs “ Thor that thing sticks out like a sore thumb. Most people in town know it is Sabine’s. Some were even there when she got it as her highschool graduation present. All of the Devils chipped in with her parents and Nixon to get it for her.” I admit it does stick out. There is not another one like it in town.

“ And there was a note stuck in the front tire.” Casper said. “ I’ll take it and go over it with a fine tooth comb.I will let you know what I find.” Thor said. “ Just bill me for it. When do you think you can have it back?” Casper asks. “ I can have the tires changed out in an hour and have it back after.” Thor says. Casper nods “ Good. I don’t want Sabine to find out about this.” “ How the hell are you keeping this from her and why?” I asked.

“ Viper, I have known Sabine all my life. I know what the stress will do to her right now. She has a big competition in a month and a half. She is not only doing her own events but she is helping out in the pairs event. That is four routines she needs to learn. You may not know what it means but I will not add to her stress if I can avoid it. She is already stressed from the broken windows that happened a few days ago. And from a routine she and the partner can’t nail. I can’t add more to her. I won’t.” Casper said.

I can see where he is coming from. I wouldn’t want to stress Sabine out if I didn’t have to. “ Alright. But I want to add a few of my guys to watch over Sabine as well.” I said. I see Casper shaking his head. “ Sabine doesn’t have to see them. You will be incharge. You can keep them outside the rink and they can follow but stay out of sight.” I said. I won’t back down from this. I would feel better if a few of mine were watching Sabine as well as the Devils.

“ Fine. But she can’t see them. You know how she feels about you guys right now. She is getting better. Sabine even let Axel and Rowdy back in the rink. She knows she acted before thinking.” Casper said. That is good news for me. She might be ready to talk to me soon. “ Deal.” I said. I turn to Thor “ Take care of Sabine’s truck. I’ll take care of it.” Thor nods and starts hooking it up to the tow truck.

“ Casper, I need to talk to Sabine. I need to explain a few things.” I said. “ Viper, now is not a good time,” he said. I’m about to say something when Casper holds his hand up and continues. “ She is in the middle of practice. I can’t let you bother her now. I will let you come in and watch. And I might try to talk to her on your behalf. But no talking today. In two days it is gym day. That is a better time to talk.” I don’t like it but I’ll take it.

I follow him all the way up to the wall where Rocket is sitting again. Sabine is talking to Ice while drinking a bottle of water. Sabine’s partner is stretching against the wall. “ Long program. Let’s go.” Nixon says. Sabine hands the bottle to Ice. I see him kiss her forehead and it takes every bit of self control to not leap over the wall at him. The music plays and I watch them skate. Nixon is giving them instructions as they go. I watch Isacc grab Sabine’s skate and swing her around. I can’t stand this shit. Her face is so close to the ice it looks like she could cut her face.

“ Release.” Nixon says. Issac swings Sabine one more time then she goes flying through the air. Even I know something isn’t right and this is before Sabine hits the wall. I feel myself move before I can think. Casper holds his arm out to block me and shakes his head. I look at him like he is crazy. “ I know what you are thinking. But you can’t move. Just watch.” Casper says. I look at Sabine and see her give a thumbs up. “ Again. Just the spin.” Nixon says.

As much as I don't like it, I stay still. They know what they are doing. Isaac and Sabine go again and the same thing happens. Sabine hits the wall. It takes her a second but she gives another thumbs up. I watched them do it four more times. Sabine is not giving up. “ Isaac, you have to get your speed up before you launch. And you need to release on the up swing.” Nixon calls out.

They go again just working on that one move. I’m getting dizzy just watching them. Three more times and she either hits the wall or the ice. I’m about to lose my mind. How can these guys just sit and watch? They see Sabine is getting hurt. “ They usually don’t stop until Sabine says. She knows what she can handle.” Casper said. They go again and when Isacc lets go of her I brace myself. This time I hear it when she hits the wall. Sabine doesn’t move for at least thirty seconds. I look around but everyone’s eyes are glued to the wall. I see Sabine weakly push herself up off the ice and lean back.

“ Ice get her.” Nixon yells. It looks like Sabine can’t catch her breath. That hit literally knocked the wind out of her. I see Ice jump the wall and Isaac skate over. Ice helps Sabine lean back and checks her over. I see Sabine try to lift her hand. Is she seriously going to try and go again? Ice stops her and shakes his head. “ I’m calling it Pixie. You have done enough. I’ll have Isaac work on his speed. You hit the steam room. I’m sending Rocket to check you over.” Nixon says. “ I know you can. But I’m calling it. You need to catch your breath.” Nixon says.

I look at Casper “ Pixie is saying she is strong enough to go again but Nixon isn’t having it. He let her go this long but she can’t catch her breath. He won’t let her continue.” Casper says. I see Ice pick Sabine up and carry her off the ice. Rocket gets down and follows. Casper motions for me to follow him. We get to the entryway when Casper stops. “ Viper, what you saw is a normal day for Sabine. She gets bruised and cut up from the ice. She goes until she has no energy left. If you can’t accept that and trust her to know what she is doing. You need to walk away right now. I know it is hard to watch. I have been watching for years and it is still hard to see what Sabine goes through.” Casper says.

I have seen the end result of her training in the videos. I know this is Sabine’s passion and I won’t take that away from her. “ Casper, it is hard but I will deal with it. For Sabine. I will support her in this. I’m not going anywhere.” I said with all my heart. “ Good man. I think we both need a beer. And you can tell me what you remember of that weekend.” he says. He is right again. After watching that I need a beer. So we head out after Casper gives his crew instructions.