I fell backwards as the two goons at the back grabbed Kate and she screamed. I got up and tried to defend myself but the leader pressed his switchblad... on my face and told me to stay down and told Kate to shut up. He then spoke: “Well we can do it the easy way or the hard way. Your choice! If either of you try to resist or run, me and my guys will beat you up. If you behave you might be rewarded later.”I had no choice but to agree. He punched me once more before motioning for Kate to move. "His suspension ended last week. And apparently everyone else had other commitments or didn't want the job." The coach looked straight at me. "Everyone on the field, let's get infield."The team ran out, but Robbie and I sat."Let's play some ball, Tony."Before I could decide how to answer, Robbie pulled me to my feet and tugged me toward the field. I took my place at short as the coach started hitting to the outfield."Look, they all throw like girls," Rich said loudly as Calvin threw the ball. She took a few steps backwards before theyseized her. She was half carried towards one of the cottonwoods, then laid on her back and her arms raised towards the treetrunk. Her wrists were quickly tied to it. More ropes were brought and tiedaround her ankles. Her legs were spread wide and the ropes tied to bushes. Thebraves gathered around her. They were pulling aside or removing theirbreechclouts, exposing their members. They were all either fully erect ornearly so. One of the braves stepped. We could take our time in the darkness and move almost silently. The others, who had a lot to do and only a few hours before dawn to do it, lacked the luxury of time and planning. By dusk we’d be ready to move out. Then began the waiting.Preparedness was something we took for granted, in ourselves and each other. This man might spend a couple of minutes putting unnecessary touches to the edge of a Ka-Bar or Gerber. That one might re-tape his magazines. Another might hurry to finish the last few.