Split Decision Read Online Free Page B

into the college of your dreams, and then they will get you into the NFL.” Mr. Kelly beamed. “Boom! Just like that.”
    â€œBut Coach Sackett—” PJ started.
    â€œCoach Sackett is small-time. Outside Ashland, he has no connections and no power. Saint Francis is your ticket to the big leagues.” Mr. Kelly opened the garage door and tossed the mangled bike inside. “ No one can know about this. The dirt biking or the Saint Francis practice.”
    â€œCoach Sackett is not going to be happy that I’m injured,” PJ said.
    â€œNo one is happy, believe me. Now go put some ice on that knee. That knee is your future!” Mr. Kelly stalked into the garage.
    As PJ began to hobble after him, Moxy wriggled her mouth free and let out a strained yelp of frustration.
    PJ stopped. He looked over his shoulder and squinted in their direction.
    Ava heard her own heart pound. She clamped her hands tighter over Moxy’s mouth. Had PJ seen them?

CHAPTER
THREE
    Go away, go away, Alex chanted silently, trying to motivate PJ with the power of her mind.
    PJ’s eyes scanned the yard as he balanced on his crutches. Alex, Ava, and even Moxy froze.
    Go away.
    PJ turned and slowly made his way into the house. Mind-power triumph!
    â€œI was sure he saw us. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.” Alex exhaled loudly.
    â€œMe too. Let’s get out of here.” Ava tightened her grip on Moxy’s leash and ran across the yard.
    â€œI’m pretty sure I know the way,” said Alex. She led them in and out of a few yards until she found Quincy Street again. They slowed toa walk and caught their breath. “Okay, what just happened back there? Is PJ really ditching the Tigers?”
    â€œHe’s such a traitor!” Ava cried.
    â€œHe’s stupid, too. Daddy told his players not to do dangerous things like dirt biking. He’s going to be mad,” Alex said.
    â€œHe’s going to be furious . And not only about the injury, but about PJ and his dad being dirty, rotten, sneaky liars!” Ava’s face grew red. “I can’t wait to tell Coach.”
    â€œWhoa!” Alex grabbed Ava’s shoulder. “I don’t think we should.”
    â€œWhat? Why not?” Ava demanded.
    Alex chewed her lip. “We did something that we weren’t supposed to do too. We promised that we wouldn’t leave the block.”
    â€œThat’s different,” Ava scoffed.
    â€œI don’t know. Dad hates it when we break the rules. He might punish us. He might not let me go to the movies with Corey.” Alex suddenly wished she had listened. No movies might mean no boyfriend and then no kiss. She couldn’t cancel on Corey again —she’d already had to do that once when he’d asked her to hang out at the park. She didn’t think that was a date, but she never got tofind out, because she had to study with Max, a boy in her social studies class she was helping. If she bailed on Corey again, she was sure he wouldn’t ask her out a third time.
    â€œNews flash, Alex. This is not about you. It’s about the team—and PJ,” Ava said, as they neared home.
    â€œBut you don’t know that PJ is really going to leave. He sounded unsure to me. In fact, he sounded like he didn’t want to go,” Alex pointed out.
    â€œMr. Kelly sounded sure,” Ava retorted.
    â€œBut that’s not the same. I don’t think we should rat PJ out. We should give him the chance to talk to Dad tomorrow. I bet he’ll come to practice and fess up about it,” Alex insisted.
    â€œI don’t know.” Ava kicked a stone, and they watched it skitter down the street.
    â€œIt’s not our secret to tell. And we were eavesdropping, which is dishonest,” Alex added.
    â€œIs this about honesty or you going out with Corey?” Ava asked.
    â€œBoth.” Alex locked eyes with her twin. “Please, Ave? I