Read Online Boot Camp by Eric Walters - Free Book Online Page B

game.”
    â€œYou play chess?” he asked—it sounded more like an accusation than a question.
    â€œI know how to play,” I said, “although I really don’t play.” I needed to change the subject. “You gonna come over? We have to figure out a name for our team.”
    â€œIs Losers taken?” he asked.
    â€œWe could win…if you were with us.”
    He didn’t say anything. This was better.
    â€œWe have to pick a captain,” I said. “I can’t vote for you if you’re not going to play.”
    â€œYou were going to vote for me?” he asked. He sounded genuinely surprised, but then again, I was surprised I’d said it too.
    â€œWhy wouldn’t I?”
    He looked like he was going to answer with what we both knew to be true, but he didn’t.
    â€œWell?” I asked as I offered my hand. He took my hand, and I pulled him to his feet.
    Now that I’d convinced him to join the team I had to convince the rest of the team to join him.

Chapter Nine
    â€œWe picked a captain yet?” I asked as we joined our team.
    â€œNot yet,” one of the guys said.
    â€œHow about if Jamal is our captain?” I asked.
    â€œWhat?” Kia asked. There was no disguising the shock in her voice or in her expression.
    â€œJamal. I think he should be our captain. He’s got my vote. How about yours?”
    Kia’s mouth dropped open. I knew she wanted to say something, but it was like her brain had frozen. It was rare to see her at a loss for words.
    â€œHe’s a good player, and he wouldn’t mind arguing with the ref if he disagrees with the call.” Kia couldn’t disagree with that because I thinkwe all knew Jamal didn’t mind arguing with anybody.
    â€œAnd he knows the rules,” I continued, trying to think of other possible reasons.
    â€œHe does?” Kia asked.
    â€œA whole lot better than you do,” he snapped.
    Kia scoffed. What he didn’t know—and I did— was that she knew the rules inside and out.
    â€œHow about a little contest, me against you?” Jamal said.
    â€œWhat sort of contest?” she asked.
    â€œWe ask each other questions about the rules. Winner gets to be the captain. Loser gets to shut up.”
    â€œWorks for me,” Kia said. “How about everybody else?”
    People nodded their heads in agreement. I wasn’t so sure Jamal knew what he was getting himself into. Kia would be pretty hard to beat, and I didn’t think Jamal would take to being beaten by a girl, especially in front of everybody.
    â€œNick, what do you think?”
    â€œIf everybody else agrees, I guess I agree too.” Like I had a choice.
    Kia reached out and she and Jamal shook hands.
    â€œWho goes first?” she asked.
    â€œI’ll ask you the first question. I’ll try not to make it too difficult for you.” Jamal cleared his throat. “How much time is there in the twenty-four second clock?”
    â€œWhat?” Kia asked.
    â€œYou heard the question, so do you know the answer or not?”
    Kia gave a scowl that even Jamal could have admired. “Twenty-four seconds.”
    â€œDidn’t want to start you off with anything too hard since you’re a girl,” Jamal said.
    â€œI’ll try and return the favor, you know, not asking you too hard a question because you’re stupid. Now your question. If there is an illegal defense, how much time is reset on the twenty-four second clock?”
    â€œTwenty-four. And with each successive illegal defense after the first, the clock is reset and the team is awarded one free throw and possession,” Jamal said. “Right?”
    â€œYeah…but who doesn’t know that?” Kia asked.
    â€œMy turn again. How big is the backboard?” Jamal asked.
    â€œSix feet by three and a half feet,” Kia saidwithout hesitating. “My turn. You know the restricted half circle under