Chapter Three: Ninety-Seven Yards

Marcus looked at him seriously for the first time. The hostility remained, but exhaustion now lived beside it. Outside, Sloane praised the team's “healthiest quarterback room in the league” and its “open competition.” He wrapped an arm around Kai for the cameras. Kai had put his helmet back on to retrieve a wristband from the field. The chinstrap remained fastened. Sloane's thought passed cleanly through his smile. *This kid is worth more than expected. More dangerous too.* Then: *Build him up first. When Marcus's problem breaks, make the kid sign the data authorization. The league will need someone to blame for stolen signals, and fans love watching heroes fall.* Kai kept walking and smiled for the camera as if he had heard nothing.