Chapter Four: The Seven-Million-Dollar Reserve

Grant avoided the challenge. “Lin starts Sunday. Production decides who stays out there.” As Kane passed Lin, he murmured, “They gave you one bite to see if you'll swallow the hook.” Steel City's second-ranked defense refused to isolate Lin. A corner forced him outside while a safety read Eli's eyes. Lin caught only two passes in the first half, and the Storm trailed 17–6. At halftime, Grant slammed his board down. “Two men follow eleven. Throw to the open receiver!” “The open routes develop too late,” Eli said. Lin drew three crossing lines. “Put me in motion. Their safety must exchange assignments. On the third exchange, Duke goes deep and I fold behind him.” Duke laughed. “I clear space for you?” “Run hard enough and the ball is yours.”