The Hidden Game by Richard Donald Groves

Author:Richard Donald Groves
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 2022-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Travis did not have to be at the team facility until eleven the next morning, so at nine sharp he was in the reception area of the VP of Internal Security for the NAFL. He introduced himself to the receptionist and explained that he had an urgent matter to discuss with Mr. Townsend, who was in his office and came out to greet Travis.

“Travis, welcome. I’m Phil Townsend. Please come in and make yourself comfortable.” When the door was closed, he continued, “I was told you have an urgent matter. How can I be of service?” He was confident he could stop this potential train wreck.

“Mr. Townsend, I’ll come right to the point. I’m being blackmailed. For the past few weeks, I have been altering my play to try to change the outcome of games, to favor my team’s opponents. I don’t know who’s behind this, but I think it’s some type of organized crime syndicate. They knew an awful lot about me, the money problems I’ve gotten into in Vegas, things like that. They threatened me physically, to end my career, if I didn’t cooperate. They promised to square me with Vegas, so I cooperated.”

“This is quite serious, Travis. Can you go into more details?” Townsend had carefully rehearsed his role.

Travis summarized the most important events. He reviewed the roles he had played in the games and the results of his play. He omitted any reference to the help he had received in college. When he finished, he simply stared at the floor.

“This is quite a story, Travis. You did the right thing coming to us. It took great courage. I’ve got to ask. What caused you to stop?”

“Mr. Townsend, I’m very embarrassed about this. This is not how I was raised. I’ve hurt a lot of people, let a lot down who believed in me. I’ve got to try to make it right.”

“Have you told anyone else about this? Any of your coaches?”

“No, sir. You’re the first I’ve come to. I thought it was my duty. But I made an appointment with the FBI for tomorrow morning.”

Holy shit!! Townsend’s eyes narrowed, and his voice developed an edge. “That’s not a good idea, Travis. It’s premature. Let my office handle this. That’s our job.” Townsend’s mind raced. This was not going as he had planned.

“But, Mr. Townsend, I’ve got to protect myself. I’ve probably broken laws, and maybe they can give me immunity if I help them. I came here because you protect the league, and hopefully the FBI can protect me.”

“Your career will be over if you go to them, but we can try to save it if you work with us. You have a lot to lose. Think carefully about this before—”

“I have thought carefully about this!” he said, his voice rising. “It’s not my career I’m concerned about losing at this point; it’s my life!” He stormed out of the office before Townsend could reply.

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