Chapter One: Day 992 on the Bench

“You come this early every day?” he asked. “Yes.” “Why didn’t you tell the press you spotted that coverage last night?” “Because when the person who spotted it loses, everything he says sounds like an excuse.” Grant raised an eyebrow. A heavy thud sounded from the other side of the building. Kane had stepped onto a damp patch during individual work. His right leg folded at an ugly angle. He hit the ground clutching his ankle, his shout echoing through the empty facility. The preliminary diagnosis came ten minutes later: a high ankle sprain, at least two weeks out. Grant looked at Lin as if confirming for the first time that he was not training equipment. “Put the paper bag back,” he said. “You’re active Sunday.”