Chapter 13: Callaghan
Being named co-captainhas its perks.
In addition to the snazzy “C” on my jersey, I’m privy to some insider information. Like the fact that Claude Kenley’s been working out with Xavier Henry every day.
Unfortunately for Xavier, it was a slow news week in the sports world when his story broke, so it lingered on for longer than it should have. Sucks for him.
If I’m not mistaken, something’s going down today. Coach asked me to stay late and talk to Xavier. There’s a big meeting, and it’s on me to get Henry from the gym to the conference room.
I’ve showered and returned to the training field, where Kenley has Henry finishing our circuit. The Buzzards have a “friendly” competition for time and reps. It’s supposed to motivate us to do our best. In reality, there’s a lot of wagering that goes on. I’m currently number three. Not bad for the one position player who doesn’t actually have to run.
Henry is in amazing shape. He moves with power and grace, agile but controlled. We need him on this team if we want to go all the way. I hope whatever is going on in the main building today is going to get him here.
I know there are issues because he’s a British citizen and all, but certainly, they can figure all that out. The USSL is focused on developing American talent, especially after the men’s team failed to qualify for the last two sets of the Global Games.
I don’t really care. The US Men are going this year, and I’ll be damned if I’m not named to the team. I’m so close I can taste it. If the leadership role gets me there, so be it.
I’ll do anything for this.
I wait for an opportunity to get Henry’s attention. He finishes his circuit, all but collapsing on the turf. He presses his fists to his face, and I can feel the agony he’s in. Claude Kenley, our strength and conditioning coach, claps from the sidelines. “Holy shit, Bird Man, you’re a beast. You hit the highest reps of the team.”
Damn. The current prize for that is a grand and a bottle of Macallan Rare.
“Too bad I’m not on the team,” Xavier growls in response. You can feel the tension rolling off him in waves. I start walking in, hoping to get to Xavier before he explodes. I’ve never known him to be an angry guy, but he’s got a lot to be upset about right now.
Kenley’s voice is cheerful and also trying to calm him down. “Yeah, I wish I could put your name on the leaderboard. It might spark a fire under these lightweights to know they’ve got serious competition.” He winks at me, knowing Henry still has no idea I’m here. “How do you feel about Scotch?”
I’m on. “Who you callin’ a lightweight?”
Henry pops up, horror on his face. His eyes dart toward the door. He looks as if he wants to make a break for it. “Fuck, Kenley, I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Actually, I came to talk to you.” I sit down next to him, glancing to see if anyone is around to hear. I’ve got to make this convincing and inspirational and shit. That’s what a co-captain does, right? “I’ve got to make this quick though. Word on the street is that you’re totally screwed right now.”
Okay, no one’s ever going to be quoting me as a motivational speaker. Just as long as it doesn’t end up on ClikClak again.
Hannah darts through my brain. She’d have a field day with this.
“Good word travels fast.” He lies down on the turf.
“I got it from an inside source.” I glance up at Kenley. I wonder how much info he’s privy to. Probably more than me. Frankly, I only know as much as I do because of my conversation with Hannah. “Listen, those of us on this track know what it can be like. We get targeted for things all the time. Do you know how many paternity tests we’ve taken as a team?”
Kenley laughs. “Just you personally.”
Bastard.
“The majority are unfounded. Kenley’s working with you, helping you out. That leads me to believe that there’s a chance you might not be as diabolical as the press is making you out to be. But you need to start speaking up for yourself.”
He really does. If he’s innocent, we need to hear it from him.
