Chapter One: The Verdict Before the Game

Jordan Bennett walked in, better known as J-Ben, the position four for Harbor Wolves, a North American second-tier team nobody took seriously. Caleb had played against him in scrims before. The guy was tall and narrow, cap pulled low, like a wire that could snap if the pressure was wrong. “You’re still here,” Jordan said, glancing at the desk. “I thought you’d have broken your keyboard by now.” “I’m not that dramatic.” “Shame. Drama sells.” Caleb finally looked up. “Why are you here?” Jordan held out his phone. There was a message from Harbor Wolves’ manager. “We need a mid,” Jordan said. “Not a brand-name roster. Not a sponsor machine. Our jersey sponsor is a local peripherals chain.