The crowd exploded.
I backed up immediately.
I have not celebrated.
I didn't need to.
The timer was still working.
4:51
Derek pushed himself.
His face had changed.
I was no longer looking at a boring HVAC salesman.
I was looking at a man I couldn't understand.
4:58
4:59
5:00
The doorbell sounded.
No one moved.
Then I heard Claire whisper:
“Oh, my God.”
I looked at Derek.
“You owe me half the house.”
He was still on his knees.
Then one of the oldest coaches walked towards me.
He stared me in the face for several seconds.
Then his eyes fell to my knee.
“You’re Cole Mercer.
Me
I froze.
The coach swallowed.
“I knew a man by that name once.”
Derek seemed confused.
“What are you talking about?”
The coach looked at him.
“You don’t know who you just challenged.”
I didn't say anything.
But Claire did.
“Who is he?”
