He stood by the window with his arms crossed, not looking at me. The mark was visible even from across the room, dark against his pale skin. I'd wanted him to have something to remember me by. I hadn't thought about what it would cost him.
"I'm sorry," I said.
He sighed. "Yeah. Me too."
I stopped at the door. He was still facing the window, one hand pressed against his throat.
"Red."
"Just go, Joel."
The hallway was cold and empty. I found my way to the parking lot and stood there in the gray morning light, pulling up the Uber app.
The nearest driver was eight minutes away.
I waited by the entrance. His blinds were still closed.
The Uber arrived. I got in without looking back.
The Athletic — March 7
TRADE DEADLINE TRACKER: Vegas Aces Acquire Robert Piper from Utah
By Daniel Voskuijlen
The Vegas Aces have acquired forward Robert Piper from the Utah Hive in exchange for a future second-round pick and defensive prospect Zane Yusti.
Piper, 21, has 14 goals and 31 assists in 58 games this season in the AHL before earning a call-up to Utah in January. The 5-foot-6 center has drawn attention for his compete level and playmaking ability despite his size.
Vegas (38-22-7, second in the Pacific Division) has been seeking forward depth since losing Allen Zevchinko to a lower-body injury in February. Piper slots in as a middle-six option who can kill penalties and win faceoffs—he's at 54.2 percent in the dot this season.
"We're excited to add Robert to our group," Vegas GM Jack Hollistan said. "He's a high-motor player who can create offenseand make the players around him better. He fits what we're trying to build here."
Piper will wear number 17 for the Aces and is expected to join the team in time for Thursday's game against Seattle.
March 7, 4:47 PM
Joel:Vegas.
Red:you saw
Joel:I saw.
Red:i was going to tell you
Joel:When?
Red:i dont know. it just happened
Joel:Trades don't just happen.
Red:joel
Joel:Forget it. Congratulations.
Red:dont do that
Joel:Do what?
