by Abi Josselyn
“I’m so glad you wanted to see me Seth because I have and urgent and very delicate situation to bring to your attention.”
“PED’s Beth? You, really? Your test came back positive today and you’ll be retested before you leave here today in case it was a false-positive. You were the last athlete that expected to test dirty because your reputation is that of a stand-up woman and I’ve witnessed it myself. This is an embarrassment to the whole program and the US Olympic team as a whole. At least this happened before the flag was raised in your honor.”
Beth was frozen with shock and knew that a second test would clear her. In her hand she held the recording of Heather, which wouldn’t mean much. It would only show where she supposedly scored the drugs. Tremulous and sweating, Beth wanted to break down and sob but she knew it would do no good so she let her anger and disbelief lead. “This is an error Seth and one which I will deny to the grave.” Beth pulled her hand through her red hair.”
“I hope that’s true but until we receive further test results I want you to leave the track immediately. Don’t go back to the field or to your locker as your things are being searched as we speak.”
“Bullshit Seth; that’s a violation of my right to privacy. I’m not worried that you’ll find anything but I know that you need a warrant.” Beth stood out of her chair and raised her voice.
“You signed papers before you came to Apex. We’re not amateurs here and we take violations very seriously. You’ll be required to submit to a second test in the room next door and someone will escort you there. It will include a urine, blood and hair test and you’ll be given the results within three hours.”
“Then what Seth? Beth asked.
“If you test positive, you’ll have six hours to collect your things before being escorted off the Apex campus indefinitely. From there it’s up to the IOC and others to determine how long you’ll be banned from competition. I’m sorry if I sound cold but this is out of my hands and the rules are the rules regardless of how I feel about you or Ben Knight personally.”
“Ben? What happens to Ben?” Tears began streaming down Beth’s face.
“Ben doesn’t work for Apex anymore. I have no control over what this might do to his reputation. He was your physical therapist and many know that the two of you are personally involved.”
Seth pressed a button on his phone and spoke to his assistant. “Send them in.”
A woman in medical scrubs appeared and walked Beth next door for further testing. The phone in her pocket and the recording were useless. Beth put her hand on the device and wanted to call Ben and fill him in but at this point they would probably take it away if she tried to make a call. She felt as if she were a dead woman walking being escorted to the electric chair.
The tests were finished and she went back to her suite where she sat motionless on her couch in a state of disbelief. Heather was at the track but she had already passed her test and had little to worry about. Beth wasn’t concerned about Heather anymore; she was only worried about clearing her own good name. Beth was considering whether to call Ben and fill him in before or after the next test results when her decision was made for her and the phone rang. It was Ben.
Chapter Twenty
Beth answered and Ben knew immediately that something was terribly wrong by the cracking of Beth’s voice. She filled Ben in as best she could and he believed that her second set of results would declare her innocent of PED use. Consoling Beth wasn’t easy but Ben tried the best he could.
“I feel as if my head is on the chopping block and I’m absolutely helpless,” Beth spoke through tears.
“I’d give anything to be there and I will as soon as Monte comes home. He’s at a law conference in New York City and I have Tara next door but I don’t want Lizzie tossed around like a hot potato.”
“I understand. There isn’t much that you can do and I’m concerned that by being around me, that your relationship might be tarnished even more than it already is. You’re a parent and making a living is essential.”
“I’m not worried about my career as a physical therapist because I’m a survivor. I have construction skills because I worked my way through school. There isn’t an odd job that I haven’t done so I’m fine in that regard. If I was there, I could at least hold you and help you find the silver lining that is always waiting to be found.”
“Now I wait, which is excruciating, Heather’s not here, thank God so I’ll just sit and wait for the phone to ring. I’m going to let you go because I’m not much of a conversationalist at the moment.”
“Call me when you get the news. In the meantime, I’m going to make some calls to see where you stand in all of this. If the second results are the same, then there must be someone else involved and that person or persons will be exposed.”
“I love you Ben. Thanks for being there and for not once asking if the allegations are true.”
“It never entered my mind Beth. I love you.”
Beth thought about who could have tampered with the results because she assumed the security surrounding drug tests was tight. Beth decided that Daisy may have some insight because her husband worked at the hospital where the tests were performed. Beth glanced at her watch and guessed Daisy would be home by now.
“Daisy, this is Beth Barker. I have some questions which are actually for Samir but you may have some answers.”
“Beth, I heard what happened and I can’t believe it’s true. Did you really juice?” Daisy asked.
“No, is that what everyone thinks?”
“I keep my head down and don’t get involved with the Apex melodrama but this was too big to avoid. I think most people are shocked and confused, especially since it involves you. I can’t say what people believe. You tell me. Is it true?”
“No Daisy. If I were taking PED’s then I would have beat Su at the trials. I’ve never intentionally put a banned substance in my body.”
“That’s enough for me. I consider you a friend Beth and know you wouldn’t lie. You said that you have questions and Samir is here so I’ll put you on speaker if that’s O.K.”
“That’s perfect; hello Samir,” Beth said.
“I hear your world was turned upside down today. What can I do to help because from what I gather, you have been accused of using performance enhancing drugs.”
“That’s right Samir and I deny the charges vehemently. My question is about the testing that goes on in the lab. Do the samples pass through many hands?”
“No; they run a tight ship and if you’ve been tested a second time they use blood, hair and urine and each test is run independently; if the results match, then they’re accurate. I wish I could tell you that someone could tamper with the results but I can’t. I have to go check on Julian so I’m going to hand you back to Daisy.”
“I’m sorry that my husband didn’t have better news. If I can do anything, please let me know.”
“You can focus on the hurdles and bring home gold. Thanks for your support Daisy.”
Beth hung up and checked her voicemails. As an Olympic silver medalist she had sponsors, but not many national brands. They were dropping her like flies even before the final test results came in. When it seemed like things couldn’t get worse the phone rang and it was Seth.
“Beth, I’m calling to inform you that your second set of test came back positive. The results will be available to you at St. Vincent’s Hospital tomorrow morning. There will be guards at your home in the morning at 8am to escort you off the campus. I managed to get you a few extra hours before leaving.”
Beth interrupted. “How very generous of you Seth.”
“Let me get through this Beth because it pains me to have to treat you this way. Your results from Oslo will be voided because according to your hair samples, the drugs have been in your system for four weeks. You’re place on the US Olympic team will be filled immediately and you’re banned from competition or coaching for five years. You’re banned from the Apex Campus for life. If you wi
sh to appeal, then your grievances will be heard after the games this year.”
Beth dropped the phone and screamed into the pillow which turned to heavy sobbing before she heard a knock at the door.
Chapter Twenty-One
Beth open the door to find a precious doe eyed girl wearing a Disney princess backpack. “Surprise. My BenBen is coming behind with our back packs and I know you’re Beth from the picture phone. BenBen said you would be surprised to see us and probably crying. I’m Lizzie Knight by the way.” Lizzies hand shot out but Beth ignored it and hugged the little girl.
Ben walked towards Beth with his hands full he held two sleeping bags and a bouquet of pink roses. She ran into his full arms and the flowers fell to the ground before they were crushed by the sleeping bags. “We couldn’t stay away and when Lizzie said that she’d love to skip out of summer camp, we got the first flight out.”
“I would say you shouldn’t have, but I’m really glad you came. I’m going to be escorted out at 8am.”
“No, Lizzie and I are taking you out early and we’re sleeping under the stars tonight. We all deserve an adventure and this place has bad memories. We’ll watch the sunrise tomorrow and then figure out our next step as a team.”
Beth smiled for the first time since she stepped into Seth’s office and started to shovel her things in her duffle. She pulled Ben into the bathroom while Lizzie was occupied on her tablet.
Beth spoke in hushed tones. “As you probably realized, my second test came back positive.”
“I figured it out.” Ben pulled Beth in and kissed her. “I didn’t think you pulled me in here to chat.” Ben put his hand up Beth’s shirt and almost made it under her athletic bra when she stopped him.
“As much as I want you right now, we have to be aware that a five-year-old is present.” Beth giggled. “I know that somehow Heather Morgan is involved and I know who’s going to help us.”
“Enlighten me Ben.”
“Elijah!” Ben sat Beth up on the vanity. “I don’t think you would have been involved with a man with no scruples. I think this whole deal probably has him freaked out by now and he’ll be grateful for a way out. You said that he’s not mentioned nor did he speak on the recording.”
“You’re a genius Ben. Let’s show Lizzie a good time and we can deal with this tomorrow.”
“I like the way you think Beth. I just might have to give you a visit in your sleeping bag tonight.”
“You’re bad. Can you grab my tea from the kitchen because I can’t sleep without it.”
“I’m on it.”
****
Utah had no shortage of camping opportunities. They drove less than 20 miles from campus and they felt as if they were far away from civilization. Ben rented a tent, they had several sleeping bags and enough food to feed an army.
“Do you like s’mores Lizzie?” Beth asked.
“I love them but BenBen always burns the marshmallows because that’s the way he likes them.”
“I happen to toast a perfect marshmallow because my Daddy used to take me camping in Oregon when I was your age. Your uncle has told me all about you Lizzie, like the fact that you are a ballerina.” Beth occupied Lizzie as Ben spoke on the phone with Elijah while he still had cell service. Beth wanted to talk with him but she was too personally involved and Ben could be very persuasive.
“I’m good at ballet but I think I want to run like you. Can you teach me how to go fast?”
“I’d love to be your coach Lizzie. Athletics is important but your main focus should be school.”
Ben chimed in. “Ah Beth; she doesn’t begin kindergarten until the fall.”
“Right,” Beth laughed. “I forget that Lizzie’s only five because she’s so well spoken and mature.”
“Lizzie has had to grow up fast.” He said. “Were trying to slow thing down and make sure she has a balanced childhood. Lizzie, you’re going to be our scout and I want you to find a good spot in the clearing where we can pitch a tent. We want the best view of the stars.”
“I’m going to make the best Girl Scout when I’m older because this camping stuff is easy. I bet I’ll even see a shooting star and we can all wish on it.”
Lizzie searched for a flat spot where the stars gazing was at its best, while Ben filled Beth in on his conversation with Elijah.
“I spoke to Elijah as a fellow PT and stressed to him the importance of a clean reputation in this business. There isn’t a chance in hell that anyone will hire him if and when this scandal breaks. He has nothing to fall back on and putting his future in the hands of a 19-year-old is unwise.”
“Why did he agree to help Heather in the first place?” Beth asked.
“I didn’t have to ask. Heather is beautiful and she told Elijah what he wanted to hear. She claimed that she would make him rich and open doors for him.”
“How is he going to help us? Did Heather bribe someone at the lab?”
“No and this is where Heather went rogue and didn’t give Elijah details. You tested positive because the drugs are in your system. Heather somehow got them there and we’re going to brainstorm with Elijah tomorrow morning. He is willing to give us what we need in exchange for our silence.”
“Silence for Heather Morgan is out of the question,” Beth complained.
“I agree but we don’t have to say anything about him. My brother is coming into town also and we can use his help with the IOC and the IDTF – Monte is a lawyer.”
“My problems have a chance of being solved! I never could be looking at my future with a smile, without you. I thought tonight was going to be like a funeral but instead it’s a celebration.”
“Anything for you Beth. We aren’t out of the woods yet but we’re better off than we were yesterday. We meet Elijah at the diner outside of campus and Monte will meet us too. Lizzie will be with him so we’ll have time alone with Elijah.”
Lizzie alerted Beth and Ben that she had found the perfect spot where they had a splendid view of the stars. The placement of the sleeping bags was up to Lizzie and she put herself in the middle, which made Beth laugh and shake her head.
“It will be fine Ben. We had our special night at the lodge and something tells me there will be plenty of those to come.”
“You’re right Beth and I expect that I’ll be covered in marshmallow goo, which wouldn’t be very romantic.”
“I love the taste of marshmallows and I love you so I think you’re wrong. There’s a creek not far from here and I think you and Lizzie should go fishing because the trout are running this time of year.”
“What if we don’t catch anything? We’ll be hungry,” Ben said.
“I don’t expect you to catch anything, which is why I brought so much food. With the two of you gone, I’ll get the fire going and set up a s’more making station. Don’t worry about me because I have a whistle and you’ll hear me if a bear comes calling.”
“Or an axe murderer – kidding, it’s safe around here. It looks and feels like the wilderness but it’s close to the next town.”
****
Ben made it back to the campsite with Lizzie asleep in his arms. It was the sexiest he had ever been in Beth’s eyes because it showed his softer side. He loved that little girl and it made Beth love him more.
“Where’s the fish?” Beth smiled.
“We had a big one on the line but it got away and Lizzie and I were busy skimming stones. Whatever you brought for back-up smells divine.”
Ben and Beth snuggled by the fire while Lizzie slept in her princess sleeping bag under the gathering cluster of stars. She woke up just in time to see her very own shooting star, closed her eyes and made a wish. Ben did the same and finally Beth saw a comet race across the sky.
“What’d you wish for Beth?” Ben asked and Lizzie anticipate the answer.
“Last year I would have wished for a gold medal but I know now that my dreams have already come true. Being with the two of you beats any color medal I could hang around my neck.” Bet
h leaned over and kissed Ben and then Lizzie.
“I’d say we’re covered then because I did wish for the gold medal. What did you wish for Lizzie?”
“I wished for more s’mores and don’t burn the marshmallows, BenBen.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Monte was at the diner first and went for a walk with Lizzie who was enamored with her other uncle. With Lizzie’s Mother in prison her young life could have been spent in foster care but she turned out lucky with two outstanding uncles. Beth and Ben sat at a booth waiting for Elijah who was right on time.
“Hey guys. It’s good to see friendly faces after the morning I spent with Heather. She wanted me to set up a system at the Olympics to have her blood cleansed daily. She was asking me to break laws and I hinted that I no longer wanted to be involved. Heather went ballistic and I want to distance myself from her in the worst way,” Elijah said. His hands were shaking because Heather seemed to be coming unhinged.