“That’s what I said.”
“Be there soon.”
I end the call and return to the mess on the floor. There’s blood splattered everywhere. Not just in one place. It’s on the hardwood. On the baseboard. Even a few drops on the wall that I missed earlier.
I get back on my hands and knees and scrub.
They arrive twenty minutes later.
Tiger came out of her dad’s room about ten minutes ago and said, “I can’t find it anywhere.”
But that didn’t stop her from taking a few of his files with her. A manila folder stuffed with papers. She took them to her room without explaining what they were.
I wonder what she found.
She closed her door and it’s been closed ever since.
“Is she okay?” Callum asks as he drops onto the couch.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly.
“So what did Coach want?” I ask, changing the subject.
Callum and Zephyr exchange a look.
Callum laughs. Then he starts telling the story from beginning to end. The protein powder. The accusations. The drug tests. Rowan’s positive result.
“So it was Rowan from the beginning?” I ask, shaking my head.
Zephyr shrugs noncommittally.
Callum nods. “Yeah.”
“Think he’s going to be suspended?”
Callum nods again. “For sure.”
“So who the fuck’s going to play center?”
Callum shrugs. “Probably the second-string center, don’t you think?”
I glare at him. He knows exactly what I’m thinking.
Zephyr catches on. “You want that spot?”
“And be captain? Fuck no.” I pause. “Callum?”
Callum shakes his head. “Nah.”
“So you two don’t mind if I go for it?”
Callum laughs outright. “Text Coach right now. I want to hear what he’ll say.”
“Fuck you,” Zephyr says, but he’s smiling.
“That’s one way to shine,” Callum adds. “Go for it.”
Tigerlily walks out of her room shortly after. When she notices Callum and Zephyr sitting on the couch, she stops.
