Chapter Four: The Seven-Million-Dollar Reserve

Mara stood silently against the wall. Her tablet held last night's answer: his auditory discrimination had not recovered. The loss was permanent. Lin closed the contract. “We talk after the game.” News of his refusal reached the locker room first. Duke blocked the aisle with his shoes. “Seven million isn't enough for Record Boy?” “Too many strings.” “Without Kane's ankle, you never see an offer.” A football flew at the back of Lin's head. He turned and caught it. Duke spread his hands. “Fast reactions. Do miracles work in practice now?” “Next time,” Lin said, throwing it back, “don't stare at the target.” Marcus Kane emerged from treatment in a walking brace. “I'll play next week. The X position is mine.”