Chapter Four: The Starting Job Is Not a Prize

Kai heard bait, then intent. Instead of shouting an audible, he flashed a hand signal Mountain had taught him. The line showed an outside slide, then folded inward at the snap. The linebacker charged into three bodies. Kai hit Eli for twenty-six yards. The defense disguised coverage on the next series. Kai stopped chasing individual sentences and listened for the moment the whole unit's confidence changed. Seven yards, twelve, touchdown. The first offense returned in silence, but it was a heavy silence: they were beginning to expect him to move the ball. Marcus watched bareheaded from the sideline. Without his thoughts, Kai had to study his face. It held less anger than the bewilderment of a man watching strangers empty his room.