Original subtitles

Thank you.

So we invited Mia Weston, the controversial journalist, into the

week. This is her first public interview since being in the spotlight earlier

this year. Take a listen to some of the highlights now.

So let's cut to what everyone's been asking.

You allegedly witnessed this, this sexual assault, two years ago?

Yes, late in my sophomore year.

And you didn't publish your experience until earlier this year, like right

before graduation?

Yeah, that's true.

Look, I wasn't comfortable putting it out then, but there's been a lot of

conversation on the topic now, and I felt that this was the right time.

By conversation, you're referring to Me Too, right?

Yes. I have a question, Evan.

Go ahead, Jim.

Did you ever think about how many of these incidents you could have stopped

you just published this article sooner to when it actually happened?

Thank you.

Welcome.

Desk. Over there across from Paisley.

My office in 5.

End of office, on the left. Don't keep him waiting.

Thanks.

Come in.

We're very excited to have you here.

You feel the same?

Yeah.

It's great to finally have the chance to write for the Chronicle after reading

it all these years.

Your family always got our paper?

Ever since it was only a weekly.

Simpler days, then.

Funny how it works, though. We've grown so much since going to a daily, only now

to be moving in the direction of being a weekly once again.

So the rumors are true?

Sure.

Every paper's downsizing.

We have a strong readership, but...

We're not immune to the times.

Competition is stiffer, less forgiving.

Seems like an odd time to hire a new writer, then.

Why hire three burnout senior writers on high pay when I can have one right out

of college?

Hungry for stories.

Very true.

I heard that cuts are mostly in sport.

Yeah.

That and the arts.

And business.

Politics.

Pretty much every department.

Those who stayed on are now covering multiple sections of the paper.

Makes sense.

So, what other sections would I be taking on?

Other sections?

No, no, you'll be covering high school sports.

Just high school?

What about college?

Covering high school here is no small task.

We want someone who can devote their entire focus to it.

And who's willing to put in the hours.

I know. It's just that... That's what our readers come for.

That's what this town is.

I know.

It's just that I've covered college for three years now.

At a school paper.

I'm sorry.

I think you'll do a lovely job here. I really do.

Everybody at the office was very impressed with your work over the years

attention you've gotten.

Cover the games.

Compile the box scores.

The rest of the everyday stuff.

Shoot anything big come up you feel you can't handle.

You can pass it off to a more senior writer.

No, I think I'll be able to handle everything.

Glad to hear it.

Your assignments will be on your desk in the morning.

Goodbye, Mia.

I don't think I mentioned it last time, but... You know I coached the football

team here for 13 years.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you were the coach when I was there.

Is your brother still playing?

Yeah, backup kicker.

They're starting on the secondary, but he's still only a sophomore.

Yeah, well, wish him the best.

Competition is stiff these days.

Hey. Hey, you okay?

Coach Sampson?

Coach Sampson, I... Can I help you? Is that player alright?

Who?

Wheeler? Oh, he's fine.

Just took a bad shot, that's all.

Well... Excuse me for saying, but... Water!

That looked worse than a bad shot. Is he being sent for evaluation?

For what?

For the, um... I'm sorry. I'm Mia. I work at the Chronicle. I'll be covering

game this Friday.

Oh, I see.

Well, Miss... It's just Mia.

Mia, right.

Well, Wheeler, he's fine. He's just taking a rest before Friday's game.

You know, he's on track for beating the season scoring record, which I assume

you already heard.

Well, that's great, but... Aren't you concerned with his ability to play after

taking a hit like that? Look, miss.

Mia.

Hey, Mia, I know it looks bad out there, but these boys, they're tough.

This game ain't for the gentle type, you see.

They're here to play.

The gentle type?

I'm sorry, but I just, I don't think... Matter of fact, why are you here? The

game isn't till Friday. This is our practice.

I'm aware.

Well then, why don't you just scoot along?

There's nothing to report here, Miss, Miss Mia.

Kid just took a bad shot.

That's it.

Mom?

Dad?

Hi, Sam.

Yeah, I think it's all right.

The ball is pretty nice, I guess.

Well, it's fine. I understand.

Yeah, come with me.

I'll refer you to me.

Okay. Yeah, I will.

Okay. Bye.

Okay.

Yeah. Yeah, bye, Mom.

Bye.

I'll let you stay.

Uh, just for dinner.

Then I gotta finish moving stuff into my apartment across town.

Mom and Dad will be late. You hungry?

Nah, I'm good.

You coming to the game Friday?

Yeah, I'm covering it.

You playing?

Man, I wish.

Nah.

Heard there's gonna be some scouts from State though, so it kinda sucks I won't

be in.

But, unless somebody breaks an ankle, I'll be sidelined.

I guess so.

Oh, and Mia?

Mhm? Be careful.

Careful of what?

I think I can handle some high school boys. I know you can.

But these guys, they take it all pretty seriously, you know?

They want to be made to look good.

Just don't... Just keep that in mind, okay?

Right off the mirror, someone's reputation again?

Those guys, Connor.

They got what they deserved.

The story needed to be written.

Yeah. Of course.

Look forget it. I know you can take care of yourself.

I'm happy you're back in town.

Me too, Connor.

Thank you.

I'm sorry about how we got off on the wrong foot the other day. I didn't mean

any offense. I was just worried about the players.

Yeah, I mean, we need to work together to be on the same page. I mean, we're

going to be seeing each other a lot during your time at the paper. Very

Great game tonight, by the way. I saw how you took that time out in the third

quarter to talk to the players. That was a big turning point in the game. You

guys really got back into that.

Could you elaborate on what you said to them?

Yeah, well, we were slipping away at that point.

Like you said, I had to slow the game down for the guys and remind them why

we're out here. And why's that?

Well, I mean, look at the fans. I mean, every home game, no matter what, the

whole town shows up.

I mean, we're playing for them. I mean, we're giving them the support they give

us. That makes sense, and the atmosphere here is unmatched.

Coach, if I may, who made the decision to bench Miles Mack tonight?

Was that decision disciplinary or injury -related?

Injury? This kid's healthy.

So it's disciplinary, then. I never said that.

Look.

We're dealing with off -field issues.

Nothing serious.

Off -field issues.

Care to comment further?

Look.

We are celebrating a big win tonight.

So why don't you just lay off? We're talking about your all -state running

being benched out at the blue. What's going on?

Coach Sampson, what about Wheeler? Is he cleared for play?

Coach Sampson!

Fuck!

I've been here for how many years? We're not letting you go, Paisley. The hell

you are. Our pay is already shit and you just cut that in half.

You know we're struggling.

I bet you kept the girl on full time though, right?

Typical. You know what?

Fuck you, Pat.

I'm just so done with this.

Okay, I definitely get off next time. Well, I'm not listening to K -pop, so

bring my headphones.

Yeah, like your shit's any better.

Hey, Conor, wait a sec.

Yeah, I'm running late.

It's a night practice. You're 20 minutes early.

Exactly.

Jesus. Okay, um, I just need to ask, do you know anything about any off -field

issues with any of the starters?

What are you talking about?

With Miles, your best player, was benched on Friday.

I asked Coach Samson, but he wouldn't say anything.

It kind of seemed like he was hiding something.

And?

I don't know if you know something.

Miles is a fucking idiot.

What are you talking about?

Come on.

I mean, these guys, they're serious.

I'm shooting for Washington State College.

They're SEC or bug.

They'll do what they have to to get an edge.

An edge? You mean like steroids?

No, I'm not talking about this with you right now, okay?

These guys are ahead of you on the depth chart. Doesn't that make them

competition? I've just heard things.

People talk, you know.

Okay.

Yeah, yeah, you're on the right track, but... I gotta get to practice.

You didn't hear any of this from me, okay?

Sure.

Promise me, Mia.

I'm not like you.

I'm not gonna be a rat.

Look. Okay, Connor, I get it. I get it. Good.

Connor.

Be careful.

Mile?

Hi. Hi.

Sorry to catch you like this.

I'm Mia. I'm with the Chronicle.

Okay.

Can I help you?

Yeah. You see, I'm writing a story on you and your impressive performance.

I've been following you since the start of the season. You've really done a lot

for this team.

I mean, yeah, I guess so.

Maya, you said? Mia.

So do you mind if I ask you a few questions on my story?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Quickly, though, I mean, you know, I've got to get to practice.

Coach actually mentioned your name, I think.

Oh? How do you mean?

He said you were painted in the ass, throwing up trouble, you know, that sort

thing. Well, I don't know about that.

Obviously, I didn't mean that. I'm just meeting you. Oh, no, no, don't worry

about it.

You know, I saw Wheeler take that hard hit last week, and I was concerned.

It looked pretty bad, but I saw him on the field the next day, so I guess his

evaluation checked out.

Evaluation? Uh, yeah, for the head.

Oh, yeah, that.

No, no, no evaluation. Coach usually tries to avoid that sort of thing.

You mean he wasn't checked for a concussion?

Is that not standard procedure with head injuries?

No, is this article on me, or...? Oh, yeah, yeah, of course. I'm just trying

get a better picture of the environment before I focus in on you, you know?

Yeah, well, if I'm being truthful, I don't really know how much Coach pays

attention to that whole paperwork stuff.

It's probably for the better, actually, because it allows him to, you know,

focus more on play calls, field work, and for Wheeler, well, he should know

better than to ask for an evaluation. Come on.

Um, well, we should not be talking here. I don't think Coach would like it.

Do you have any more questions for your story, of course, my number or

something?

No, I think I have what I need.

Hi. Sorry about the wait. We're turning a new employee. What can I get for you

today? Black coffee, pump a hazelnut, please.

Size?

Grande. That's the medium one, right? We have a small, medium, and large like

normal people. I'll take a medium then. Thank you. You got it.

Thanks.

Yeah, I think Harvard wants me for like a full ride or something like that. I

don't know. We'll see how it all works out in the end.

Hmm? Nothing. That's really cool. I've heard that.

That's awesome.

Yeah. Yeah.

I think you're getting a phone call.

I am.

Connor? Mia.

Hey.

So who's this?

This is Karen. Shira.

My girlfriend.

Just a friend, actually.

But, hi.

You must be Mia. Yeah.

So, sorry to interrupt, but did you get that email?

Um, what?

Yeah, the dates are all locked for our service trip.

Oh, did Connor not tell you?

He practically runs a service organization out in East London. They

of youth homelessness there, and Connor helps them get fed or find a foster home

or adoption.

Really?

Yeah, and we have this family we try and visit once a year. Whenever we go out

there, Connor basically organizes the whole thing.

Really helps the community.

Black coffee, one pump hazelnut.

Well, that's me, and I have a lot of work to do, so it was lovely to meet

Kira. You too.

Hi, Faisley.

Hi.

Thanks for the...

Good boy.

Talk to you soon.

I don't feel right.

Paisley!

Hey, uh, do you need a lift?

Oh, I'm good. Just walking.

You going home? I can give you a ride.

No, I'm good. You know I need my exercise.

Well, it ain't gonna be a pretty walk in a moment.

Your car broken down or something?

So, where are we going?

Just follow the road up here. I'll tell you where to turn.

I'm going to wait here until you ride, Jova.

Guess you'll be waiting here for a while, then.

I've got time.

I'm locked out of my apartment. Left my keys at my parents' place on the east

side. Oh, well, we can go get them.

When are they, like, you know, two or three hours away?

Well, this weekend, then.

And tonight you can stay at my place. I have an article I'd like you to look

over anyway.

I guess your place works, then.

But I have a lot of work to do.

Do you know what my favorite article of yours is?

You read my article?

Yeah.

I don't know. The, um, the bathroom football players one, like everyone

swear that's the only one anybody ever read. No, no, no, no.

The, the Sonics one.

Really?

Yeah, I mean, you did your research, you thought big, and we started a movement.

Well, we still don't have a team, so I guess it wasn't that successful, huh?

That's not the point.

Well, I mean, it kind of sort of is, but... You know, it still made progress,

and... Dammit, it added to your following, didn't it?

Yeah.

Thank you. Um, how did you even find it, though?

Online.

Which is where the Chronicle should stay, if you ask me.

Online only?

I'd still have my job.

We would cut so much spending, but...

Pat just has way too much pride to... I'm sorry.

No, you're good.

Well, uh, speaking of that, you said you have some work stuff for me to look at,

right? Oh, yeah, but it's nothing.

Come on.

Thank you.

Stop?

Yeah.

This was terrible.

I'm kidding.

Come on.

It's actually pretty good.

I'm just wondering, why did you include so little about the HGH and the

steroids? I couldn't find enough to back that up. I was actually going to take

it out of the headline.

Oh, no. That's one of the main parts.

Well, how did you back up the whole concussion thing?

Uh, doctor's notes.

See... Technically, once the notes are given to the coach, a public school

employee, the notes themselves become public records.

But doesn't that go against, like, every FERPA and HIPAA law? Yeah, that's what

I thought. But since he's 18 and the notes don't disclose anything health

-related, just how long he'd be out for, it's public.

Okay. What?

Don't you see?

So, Pacific School District changed their drug testing policies about, like,

years ago, right? Mm -hmm.

So I always thought that these were covered under the FERPA and HIPAA law.

But look.

The same concept applies.

Yeah.

Wish I'd known that a week ago.

My only shot to get this printed is tomorrow when I meet with Pat and these

records are going to take a while.

Well, you have to get that in tomorrow.

Otherwise, you'll be way too late into the playoffs.

So?

Well, they'll think you're trying to sabotage them again.

Again.

You know what I mean.

We'll go first thing in the morning.

Hello? Oh, yeah. It's actually Paisley.

We're on our way, though.

She's drafting the article right now.

Yeah.

Okay, okay. All right, we'll see you soon. All right, bye.

You need to hurry up. He is not happy.

And, oh, you're going to have to reprint that, by the way.

Thank you. Appreciate it.

This is it?

Hmm? The article I've been working on?

The assignment?

Is the headline too much? I can turn that down.

Mia.

What?

What do you expect me to do with this?

Publish it.

No.

No, Mia, no.

You're joking, right?

I can't.

It's shit.

I can't, Mia.

I can't publish this.

This is our community, our people.

I don't understand. Isn't this our job?

I just back -checked all of this. It's all backed up with public records.

I know these families.

I've covered these kids for years.

Heck, a few of them, Mia, I even coached.

They worked their whole lives towards something. You really want to penalize

them for...

Wanting it a little too badly?

Pat, you can't begin to tell me that this is what's best for them.

You know it's not.

If we expose this, it gets fixed.

We're helping.

Yeah.

How long will that take to happen?

These families' kids will be long gone by then.

These are slow, painful processes. You're not starting this.

Not in my time.

This is a big story, Pat.

You know that.

But I don't think you'd fully realize what a big story could do for the paper

right now.

No secret that we're struggling.

Laying people off, combining departments.

Hell, you should be hungry for a story like this that'll actually make the

Chronicle relevant again.

Aberdeen deserves to know.

Is there any way... What?

Never mind.

Can you go back to work?

We're not going to do this, okay?

It's not the Chronicle I'm putting without the morale.

Good luck with that.

Now...

When you approach the ball, you're going to want to use your legs, okay?

You're going to want to plant them into the ground. Really soak up the energy

from the ground into your legs, all right?

And then you just plant and follow through.

Now say it with me.

Plant and follow through.

Okay, you got this, champ. Just keep your eye on the ball.

Okay, that's good. That's called an onside kick, which is great.

Can be great when strategy comes up. I can't do it, Dad. I suck. No, come on.

It's our first time. Come back. We just need a little practice, all right? You

can do this. I'm telling you.

Now remember, it's all about follow through. You want to finish with your

pointing towards the sky, okay?

You got this.

Whoa! Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? Did you see that?

You're a natural.

Future kicker for state right there. Oh, yes!

Let's do it again.

A letter and everything, and then nothing in response?

Nope. Nothing. Just a cold.

Screw him, Chet.

That's what I say.

I don't know, man.

Maybe, I don't know, one day.

Just one day.

Keep an eye on yourself, Bill.

Sorry, am I interrupting the weekly soap opera?

Speaking of which, how's your lady friend doing?

Yeah, I heard she's part -time now.

I don't know.

Not great.

Still not sure why it wasn't one of you two clowns instead.

It very well could be soon.

Yeah. If only she wasn't sad.

High school sports are big, but not that big. What?

Paisley needs to cover high school.

It wasn't too long ago. Things are changing quickly.

Rumor is they might be merging departments soon.

Right. I could cover the knitting festival right after some sea team

Living the dream.

Such a lifesaver. Thank you, sweetie.

Have time to stay?

Uh, no.

Well, come on. We're just cleaning up after a bunco. Natalie's stopped by,

I'd rather not.

Oh, come on. You haven't seen her in ages.

You two used to be so close.

Okay, but if she says like more than five times, I'm out. Oh, stop it. You

what I mean. You can't get through a conversation with her without her saying

it. Oh, you are overreacting. It's fine. You two were practically sisters. Yeah,

that's the way she says it. Yeah, I'm... Okay, okay.

Okay, fine. Just for a bit.

You should, like, come back to campus sometime.

You could, like, hang.

Yeah, of course. I'd love to.

These people.

Man.

It's like a different world out here.

I'm Ted.

I work for Washington State.

Oh. The college.

Uh, yeah, I know. Um, you said it's Cedric?

Uh, no.

My name is Ted.

Your name, though.

It's been getting a lot of buzz recently.

We could help each other out here.

It's a common thing for writers to do some freelance work on the side.

Trust me.

Paisley's done some for us before.

That's between us.

I won't go into too much detail, but small -town paper like yours can be very

persuasive when signing day comes around each year.

Oh.

Look, Mia.

You're a talented writer.

I can offer you a platform, an audience.

Something you won't get at the Chronicle.

Well, what do you need done?

That sexual assault piece you wrote?

What about it? We want to hire you to do a few investigative articles at the U.

On the same issue.

Well, that sounds great, but I... But?

You're too busy covering a JV girls soccer game that'll end up three pages

in a weekly? Hey, the Aberdeen Chronicle is a daily.

Still.

Look.

Here's my card.

Give it some thought.

Meet for coffee tomorrow at 6 p .m.? Okay.

You write for the Chronicle, don't you?

Yeah.

I've seen you out there, covering the games. It's great stuff.

Some of the people around here may not appreciate it now, but they will when

they look back on these days.

Thank you.

That's very kind.

It must be easy, though.

Writing here, I mean.

Why's that?

Well, there's always another success story.

Always someone doing good for Aberdeen.

Thanks. Yeah, I know.

Just remember it.

I don't think you'd be turning your back on this community.

You'd just be doing what's best for yourself. If I cared about what's best

me, I wouldn't have become a journalist.

You want to help people?

So start investigating real issues.

Real issues?

I mean, come on, it's high school.

All I'm saying is, you'd be fooling yourself if you think you can go on

the local girl.

Okay, well, what's the gig?

There's a pattern of sexual assault at the U.

Football players, mostly.

Players sign and listen a week.

You want to help people?

Expose this.

Help us fix this.

I need the article in six days.

What? That's nowhere near enough time for an article of this size. You're not

Spotlight. I just need a brief article on arrival.

And I need it in six days.

What brings you here, then?

Uh, kind of a side story I'm working on. I need to look into the football team a

little, though. Do you know where I can find Luke?

Um, he's not really on campus much anymore, but he'll be at a party

assume. Which one?

Kai Sig?

I don't know. He still hangs out with the football guys.

Kai Sig, isn't that... That's Jared's.

That'll be interesting.

You're fine. It'll be, like, a big party. I'm sure you won't even see him.

Yeah, hopefully.

Uh...

Yeah, I've got to run.

Thanks, though. Yeah.

Working on it as we speak.

Following the lead. Who?

Luke Foster.

Foster. Why do I know that name?

He had a history of assaulting girls. Got caught once and took off the team.

Think he'll give you something?

I think so.

Okay. We need something soon. We meet tomorrow night.

Foster, lead better turn something up or we're pulling the plug.

Copy that.

Hey, Jared.

Mia, what are you doing here?

I mean, I'm sorry. It's great to see you, but... I was just on campus

friend. Sorry, because I like to stop by.

Well, that's awesome.

Yeah, why don't you come on in?

Let me get me something to drink.

I'll be right back.

All good?

Um, I actually can't hear or see someone. I'm looking for a Luke Foster

here. You and Luke?

It's not like that.

Oh, okay. I mean, you could if you wanted. Don't feel like you need to,

Uh, thanks.

You're good.

How about we get coffee sometime and catch up? It's been a while.

Like that.

So, do you happen to know where Luke is?

Hey, what up, man?

Hey, what up, dude?

This is my, uh, friend, Mia.

Hey, uh, you and Kai's big too?

Uh, no, I'm just, uh, visiting. It's always good to see some old friends, you

know?

What's up, dude?

You know where Luke is, actually?

Foster? Yeah.

Why? Yeah, Mia was wondering.

Mia? Oh my god, I can't believe you're here!

You never come to these things! Why are you here? Uh, yeah.

You two,

I feel like I've seen you two together. Where did you say Luke was?

Oh, yeah, he's over there by the table.

Cool, thanks.

Yeah? Hi, I'm Mia.

Nice to meet you, Mia.

Do you want me to get you a drink?

No, it's okay.

So, um... So you're on the football team, right?

Well, I was.

What do you mean?

Long story.

I had a good time.

Oh, alright, well... Still not really a great story.

Kind of boring, I'd say.

and you really seem like the type who thinks it's boring.

Oh, it's just curious.

Just wondering why a guy like you wasn't down on that field today.

I know.

The whole team does the same shit. Why am I the one who has to go down?

Call you first thing in the morning, okay?

You sure you don't want me to come with?

Coldness Even already Mia

Thank you for coming over.

Hey.

Good morning, sweetie.

Hey. Do you want any coffee or tea?

Glasses. Psycho.

Thanks.

They knew my name.

Had you, um... Had you seen them before?

I couldn't see the faces.

That you saw.

Two guys in hoods, and you were just with that Luke and that guy, right?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

I know you called about this, but did anyone call 911 after you found Natalie?

Jared did, when Natalie and I were in the bathroom.

Natalie was, I don't know, quiet when we were there.

Well, it's normal, I think.

But just think of how, like, you would respond to all of this.

All you can do is be there for her.

I'll try.

Well, I have a shift soon, but please just let me know if you need anything at

all. Okay, sweetie.

Hello? Hello?

You know, in Aberdeen, people look out for one another.

I think you have the wrong number.

No, Mia. I believe I don't.

Who is this?

I'm going to call the police, you asshole.

You're lucky you were too much of a coward to show your face. Whoa, what's

the hostility?

Sad you didn't get someone's number last night?

Or would that have made your little girlfriend jealous?

What the hell is your problem?

Your little brother's trying out for a spot in state, right?

Hopefully, we don't see another article on this anytime soon.

We would hate to have to drag your brother into all this.

Stay away from my family.

I think I remember seeing him at Cobain Memorial, shooting up with all those

other tweaks.

I don't know.

It'd be an interesting headline.

you need to get your ass

Don't call me that anymore, you piece of shit! Fuck you!

Well, it looks painful.

I hope it gets better soon.

Let me know if you need anything, okay?

Okay.

What have you got for us?

Uh... I didn't turn up anything.

Dead end.

Tell me more about the events that took place at the party.

I don't know what you expect me to say.

It's a dead end.

Do you remember the contract you signed with us?

It breaks your agreement with the Chronicle.

They'd be forced to terminate you.

But you said Paisley did it too. No, I didn't.

Now, Pat doesn't have to know. Just hand over your investigation on Foster.

What, so you can trash the U, steal their star recruits, even though you

damn?

Damn well, you guys are doing the same shit.

We're trying to build our program, Mia.

Now I know how hard it is for you girls in this industry.

Please, let me give you this opportunity.

Our platform.

First of all, I don't need your handouts.

And secondly, platform?

No one this side of the Cascades gives a shit what you guys say.

Fuck off back to Hickville.

I'm working.

I have too many of you players and coaches as they come out.

No, I'm still waiting for them.

All right.

All right.

Stop it.

Thanks, man.

Must be nice.

People hyping you up even after a shitty game like that.

It's a good enough game to get your mom wet, man. What the fuck did you just

say? You just heard me.

Oh, yeah.

48. Pretty sure I burnt your ass at the 20 yard line, huh? Ran all the way to

the end zone as your fat ass fell on the ground.

Yeah, well I'm pretty sure I laid you the fuck out on my 50.

You come to our house every year and we smoke your team every fucking year. You

already know that. You're gonna talk shit about me? Do you even know who I

Do you even know who I am, man? You wanna fucking start some shit?

What? Hey, stand down! Stand down!

Go to your corner! Go to your corner!

Mia, did you see Connor when you went down there?

Is he okay?

No, I couldn't even get past the doors.

I'm sure he's fine, though.

Well, I called him a few times. He hasn't answered. Mom, relax.

He just booted up. The phone is probably in his bag or something.

Oh, wait. I see him now.

Is he hurt?

Any more trips to the hospital, and I am pulling him out of this.

Yeah, it's fine. He looks fine. Just wait there. I'll check on him.

Hey. Hey. You all right?

Yeah. That was wild.

You need to do it?

Well, Mom and Dad are grabbing the car.

They're worried about you. They want you in the back of an ambulance or some

shit. Why would I be?

Never mind.

So, what's going to happen now?

I don't know. Coach said half our starters will be out for next week.

You're kidding.

Can you come over for dinner?

Sure.

Tell Mom and Dad I'll meet you there.

Okay.

So the game was a close one, 21 -17 final. But the real story starts after

game. The teams erupted into violence when star running back Miles Mack, an

Oakville punter, got into a physical altercation in the parking lot. And in

local sports...

So, Connor, how are you feeling?

Fine.

Are you sure?

I just said I was fine. You know, if the refs would have put their foot down and

gotten a hold of that game, tensions wouldn't have gotten so high.

Nothing I could have done.

Smart not to get involved.

You would have been suspended too.

Not like it would have mattered.

Come on, man. With an attitude like that, you're never going to see the

It all starts up here.

Did you at least get a few good, clean hits in? No. I thought that was your

forte. You're a kicker. I didn't even play in the game.

Now my fucking place to hop in that fight. Excuse you. Watch your mouth,

You know, maybe if you didn't have such a bad attitude, you'd get to play a

little bit more. Just stop asking stupid questions.

Calm. I am calm.

Don't worry about it, sweetie.

Yes, me.

Those coaches, they could just go to hell. There's no reason you shouldn't be

out there starting. Regina, please stop. I don't want to encourage this kind of

behavior. She's not encouraging anything, Dad.

She's disappointing her son. I guess you wouldn't know what that looks like.

Mia, you can't just go off to college for a couple years and come back here

trash everything we stand for in this household. It's called getting out of

bubble. Maybe you could try it once. Bubble? Who do you think you're talking

You know, just because you went to college with a bunch of gooks doesn't

you can... I'm serious.

The type of attitude you learned there is a bad influence on your brother.

he could stand to get out of the bubble too.

Don't put me in the same category as him. What if that's a bad thing? Just

the fuck up, Mike. Mike, that's it. Phone, now. Go to your room. No. Go to

room.

Fuck you. Get out!

Leave them for you, Regina.

You want to act like a man, you'll get treated like one.

How's the salmon?

It's good.

Actually, the billet I've cooked.

I've been meaning to ask you, this message on his phone, what is primo?

Is that pot?

Um, I don't know.

I don't think so.

Well, that explains his behavior. Man, I knew this burnout in high school.

Honey, remember Stuart?

I don't know what I always thought. I always had this dead look in his eyes.

That was his glaucoma, Mike.

Oh.

Well, either way, I don't like it.

What's Connor been up to outside of football?

You know, girls, school. Friends, homework.

You guys don't bother to ask about anything else?

Well, you know what? Kids are like that age to me. I can barely get three words

out of him.

What?

Um, I'm going to take off.

You just got here.

Yeah, I know, but I think I left the stove on or something.

Hey, after all this time, you might as well stay. That place is toast.

Not funny.

Connor's gonna be fine, okay? He just needs to man up a little bit.

Yeah, um... Yeah, maybe.

Uh, I gotta go, though.

Keep me updated with Connor.

Can't let them win.

I don't even know how he got my number in the first place.

Those girls.

They need someone to get justice for them.

They need it, Mia.

Thank you.

I appreciate the perspective of our local journalist slash barista.

You can fill me in on what the community says if I buy their weekly gallons of

coffee. Yeah, laugh all you want.

But the truth is... What?

These weren't on sale at work. Oh?

Employee discount, though.

I mean, it has its perks, I guess.

Do you... Do you ever feel like we chose the wrong industry?

Yes.

every single day.

Then why the hell do we put ourselves through this?

If you're looking for someone to give you a bullshit motivational speech,

come to the wrong girl.

But I think the fact that we question ourselves so much

and we're able to justify it each time shows how many reasons we have.

Amen. Just keep thinking bigger, okay?

The way I see it, I played it safe my whole entire life,

and I still ended up here.

Well, it ain't nothing wrong with where I'm at. It ain't half bad.

Look, what I'm trying to say is,

If this is as low as you can fall, then trust me.

You have nothing to be scared of.

Just throw in all your chips.

What if... With all this attention, what if this is

my peak?

It's not.

You may fall flat on your face about three more times before you get your

big break.

It's not a mite.

I will.

You know, there's something about you.

You're not at your peak.

Not yet.

Not yet.

So I got a shift early in the morning.

Do you want to just crash here?

Yeah.

Yeah, actually I do.

Cool. Well, this way.

Connor.

Jesus.

What time is it?

Did you walk all the way here?

Look, sit down.

I just had a friend staying over.

What the hell is up with you tonight?

You sound like Regina.

Regina?

Connor, what's going on?

I've been working hard.

Nobody sees it.

I know Dad doesn't, but... I know a lot of the other players

are... What?

You know.

Are you taking anything?

Holy shit.

I'm finally getting the Mia Weston that the rest of Aberdeen talks about. I'm

your sister, Connor.

You can talk to me.

What?

So you can go write about it in your stupid paper.

Think I'm going to snitch on the team?

On myself like that?

I've tried, Mia.

I've tried to do it.

Staying late after practice twice a week, doing everything I can for coach.

know, the whole politics routine.

I've even been working with that kicking coach Dad hired.

And you know what's come of it?

Nothing. Not even a second.

Not even a minute.

Not even if we're up by 20.

We're not all on steroids. Stop covering for them.

I know you don't even like some of them that much.

I'm gonna think this is what you have to do.

That this is the only way, but... But what?

What the hell's wrong with that? I just don't want to see you throw everything

away for a few weeks of glory that no one's gonna remember.

Says the girl in her mid -twenties, still covering high school sports.

Hey, could you give us a second?

If I can... I'm a lesbian.

I always knew it.

Connor!

Jesus, how many more doors are you going to storm through tonight?

Please, can't we just stop and talk?

Where are you going?

You know, I remember when Dad used to take you up to the school.

You'd practice kicking and passing and whatever else.

I know I put up a fuss, but I secretly loved coming along on those trips.

And now you're here, and... I just wanted to say that I'm happy I've been

to be here through all of this.

For you.

Too bad I'll never see the field.

I'll never start here.

Because of one year?

You're young. You'll work your way up.

I've seen you do it before. This is no different. No.

Why?

Connor, talk to me, please.

I'll never get a chance to prove myself while you're here.

Writing for the Chronicle, trashing this team.

Coach Sampson, he hates you.

And I know he's taking that out on me.

What do you want me to do, Connor?

What's keeping you here in Aberdeen, Mia?

My job.

I would lose that and...

And so what?

Connor, if there's ever anything that you need to talk about, please just tell

me.

I've been through it all, and I can help.

I just think you should find a new job.

In a different town.

I'm sorry about tonight.

And what you walked in on.

It's not because of that.

Mia.

You know it's not because of that.

I'm gonna let Mom and Dad know you're here.

Bye, Connor.

It's like you could use another.

Oh, no. I can get my own.

Easy, big fella. Not like that.

Sorry. I just, uh, lately... It's all right.

Seemed like you could have used it.

Get your mind off that.

Yeah.

Well, that's it.

I'll take another beer if the office feels bad.

You got it.

Another one for, um... Mia.

Mia.

The name's Taryn.

Taryn Wilkin?

The writer?

Guilty.

You've read my work?

Uh, no, actually.

Of course you haven't.

You have.

I know your name, though.

You're a local celebrity.

Celebrity? Shit, I don't know about all that.

Well, you're just about the only name people know around here outside of

football, so I guess that makes you something of a celebrity.

If you think so.

You're a writer?

Me? No. I mean, yeah.

Journalism. I work at the Chronicle.

Journalism? Well, yeah, you're a writer.

More so than most.

I never had the stones for journalism myself.

What do you mean?

Look, what I write, it's simpler.

I gotta tell lies to tell the truth, but you have to. You have to tell the truth

to show the lies.

That ain't easy.

Yeah, what if no one wants to hear the truth?

There's no truth left.

Listen, fuck what they want to hear. You make enough noise, they'll have to

listen. You can count on that.

The reason I'm here tonight.

Chris. Hey. Chris, I want you to meet my new friend, Mia.

She's a reporter at the Herald here in town.

Nice to meet you.

He's a reporter.

The Times.

Oh, no shit. The Times.

Yep.

Chris Ocampo.

Yep.

I've definitely read a few of your columns.

We're going to grab a table over here.

Nice meeting you, Mia. Do you mind? Could I get your autograph before you

Of course.

You're that Weston daughter, right?

What are you doing out here watching my son's practice?

Working on another story to ruin his future too?

I'm sorry? You know, my older son, he trained day in and day out.

Nine years. Nine.

He's got offers from Central, Idaho, Eastern.

Even the large school coaches are calling him. Wow, that's very

You're damn right it's impressive.

That all vanished this morning.

Everything retracted, all thanks to your fake news blog post.

I didn't make up anything, sir. I know what I saw.

Maybe you should talk to your kid about it.

You even think about what you post?

Jesus!

What are you doing here?

I heard you've been meeting with some papers across the state.

I was wondering why you didn't stop by the Times.

I don't know. A jump from a small -town paper to the Times seemed a bit

unrealistic.

That's a main article you wrote.

Really?

Oh.

Yeah, we all like the research you've done on it, and we'd be interested in a

multiple -part series on the topic.

Nowhere near a full -time job.

We're not hiring right now.

What do you say?

Yeah. Yeah, of course. Thank you.

My number's on the card. Feel free to send me yours in your email and we'll

in touch.

Okay. Thank you so much.

Looking forward to working with you.

This was not an easy decision.

You guys are all established writers and easily find jobs elsewhere.

Except maybe Chad.

But, seriously, I should have let everyone know.

Weeks ago.

Even when this was just talk.

Sorry, guys.

Hey, what's going on?

Um... Pat just announced that the board vote shut down the paper.

He's known about it for a while.

Where's Paisley?

She and Paul got engaged a few weeks ago.

Guessing Pat probably filled her in on what's going on.

Probably took off.

I should have told you earlier.

The article.

I've been a coach, a teacher, and an editor.

I'm still a father.

I don't think this is your town.

Aberdeen?

A friend of mine has a paper merging with a few others.

South Bend area.

Got Paisley a job there.

I can make another call if you want it.

I think I'm going to get a place in Seattle.

They hired you full time?

Not yet.

Not yet?

Not yet.

Anyway, I figured I should just call you.

I wanted to hear from you.

And hear your voice.

I'm not really sure if all this is worth it.

Or what's to come of it. Or if I even have the money for it. But I'm just

rolling with it.

I have a feeling it could go somewhere, though.

These drop interviews, I mean.

Sorry for how I left.

And I wish I would have just brought you along with me on this, but...

Thank you for the advice you gave me.

I'm getting out of Aberdeen.

Thinking big, like you said.

Even if all these editors are the same.

I don't sleep much anymore.

But I still see it.

I see it right in front of me sometimes.

Both of them now.

You know, Pat tried to tell me that these are just kids I'm writing about,

but... I've seen them.

And what they grow into.

This keeps me going, it's nothing else.

We both could say we haven't changed a

bit.

And we're all so clean like the spaces between the stones

beneath the sea.

But they're just stones to me.

There's no time for us.

And while in a way, we're just a lipstick stain on the carpet of

our lives.

Like all good things will run.

Thank you.

Give it one last chance The cigarette smoke used to

make me choke Cause I wanted to be free

But now it's all the same

lovers sing and they will forevermore I

wish we could go and explore