Field Day by Katy Did

The Knife Throw

           

- Sean -

I silently laughed to myself as I walked toward Dr. Roberts while he made his way back to the booth. He strolled along with a ridiculous loose-hipped gait and had a grin on his face and a twinkle in his old blue eyes. The old dog was a crack shot, and I never knew.

Owen and Axel stood and held out their hands to congratulate him.

"Dr. Roberts, that was excellent shooting. I didn't realize you were so proficient with fire arms."

"Owen, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Phil? You make me sound old. and I'd rather pretend I'm not."

"Of course... Phil."

I couldn't help grinning. I knew Owen felt uncomfortable. Using last names made him feel older and more commanding of respect even though he was only just about to turn twenty.

Working with Phil though, I knew he was still a young man at heart who loved to joke around. I couldn't help but feel like I was looking at my future self at times.

Axel shook his hand. "It's rare to see Raven so shocked over something. It's a look I'll never forget."

I laughed. "You've been keeping a secret from us Phil."

"Yeah, well, sometimes you've got to keep a secret in your pocket and wait until the right moment to share." He chuckled. "My team knew about it and those who have been around for a long time..."

A faraway look crossed his face. "Some fifty years ago, I was the head of training in fire arms. Before I went to school to become the fine doctor I am today." He rocked back on his heels. "Of course, I've made sure not to get rusty over the years."

My eye brows shot up in surprise. "Well I'll be..."

Phil looked around at the crowd. "I have a feeling today may be full of surprises" His eyes had that twinkle again.

Hmm. Seemed like the old goat had another secret in his pocket...

- Sang -

Silas, Kota, Raven and Brandon made their way over and sat back down with therest of us. The rifles and ear protection were being removed and the next eventset up.

"I can't believe Dr. Roberts did that," Silas softly said.

Kota shook his head. "That was amazing"

"Maybe if you had shooting lessons from him instead of Raven you would've won."

Raven shot North a dirty look while Luke gave him a high five.

"That was a fluke." Raven grumbled "Next year will be different." His Russianaccent turned thick.

I turned to Silas and Kota. "I think you both did great. I was very impressed."

"Thank you, Aggele Mou."

Kota reached over and smiling, tucked the constant wayward strand of hairbehind my ear.

"It just goes to show. Never underestimate someone," chirped Kayli. She lookedat me and winked. I grinned back.

On the field large, rectangular pieces of plywood were being stood up. In themiddle of each was the shape of a life size person. Attached to the plywood atvarious points around the shape were balloons. One was above the head, eachside of the neck, under each outstretched arm, both sides of the hips, onebetween the legs, and above each foot. I looked down at my pamphlet that hadthe order of events and saw that the knife throw was next.