“Penalty?” Declan says.
“Community service?” Chase suggests.
I remain quiet because I’ve been in this office on numerous occasions when Coach has to give a token scolding for misbehavior. We’re the Bruisers, we’re known for our “antics,” but his tone and the drop to his shoulders are different from in the past. Whatever is coming is going to be bad.
“No, you’re going to finishing school,” Hammer says.
I tuck my head, not sure I heard correctly, while the other guys ask a flurry of confused questions. But I’ve known Richard Hammer for almost twenty years. I’ve seen his many moods and this is not a joke... not even a prank.
5
GREY
At Coach Hammer’s proclamation that we’re getting shipped off to finishing school, Wolf barks a laugh.
“I think Coach is saying that he has to make an example of us,” I say.
“Not me. This is coming directly from the commissioner.” Hammer drops into his seat as if he wishes it weren’t so. He tosses a newspaper down on the desk between us so we can see the headline. He stabs it a few times.
Full moon over Boston.
Declan and Wolf chuckle. Chase cracks a smile. I remain as stony as ever, because, yes, it’s a big deal and I’m not one to rock the boat, but at this point, I’m not even sure I’d know if I were drowning. Maybe I already am.
Hammer groans and scrubs his hands down his face. “You guys are terrible with the press.”
Declan smirks. “They say any kind of press is good press.”
“The problem is you’re lacking in actual good press. You’re all cocky. Not at all humble.”
“Come on, it’s all hype,” Chase says.
“The fans love to see us getting rowdy,” Declan adds.
“We’re the Bruisers. We have a reputation to uphold,” Wolf says, elbowing me, likely because I’ve been on the team the longest. “Tell him.”
The coach’s perfunctory smile suggests any appeal I make is a lost cause. He goes on, “Starky wants you to clean up, learn some manners, and prove that you’re well-behaved gentlemen.”
I snort, because although we’re all men, it’ll take an army to turn this group of jocks into anything approaching the definition of the wordgentle.
“Think of it like reform camp. You’ll be there a month.”
The room falls silent.
Hammer clears his throat. “You’ll attend several classes for your betterment. I hope I’ve made my point and you’ve learned your lesson. No mooning the commissioner’s daughter, or anyone else, for that matter.”
The silence erupts with protests and I’m not sure who asks what as the call from the lawyer collides with my career. I can’t lose my spot on the team. It’s all I have. But what about my son? Nancy said we had about ten days, but the coach said my sentence is a month. What will I do?
“What about training camp?”
“OTAs?”
“The program you’ll be attending is the only organized team activity you’ll be completing if you want to go to training in August.” Hammer, ever the picture of calm, grits his teeth.
“So, if we want to go to training camp, first we have to attend this camp?” Chase asks.
“That’s right. Your midpoint and final reviews will determine whether you hit the field with the rest of the team before the season starts.”
All at once, we each come up with objections and try to talk him out of it, except I don’t tell him about the call, the kid,or what’s coming my way. I can’t tell the guys any of that yet because I don’t know what it’ll mean for next season.
