Chapter One: The Human Passing Machine

*Don't admit he's dizzy. The league observer is here. One more concussion report and the owner will blame medical again.* “I'm fine,” Kai answered automatically. The doctor's lips had not moved. As they helped Kai up, more voices arrived. *I didn't mean to hurt him. I just needed the coaches to notice me.* The rookie. *Good. One less guy taking preseason snaps.* The third-string quarterback. And then, loud as thunder: *My right shoulder is numb again. Grant can't know. Nobody can know.* Marcus sat smiling on the bench while his left hand secretly gripped his right wrist. Kai ripped off his helmet. Every hidden voice vanished, leaving insects, breath, and a ship horn from the harbor.