Coach Henderson laughed at my assessment. “It’s not meant for everyone. Being a big fan, I’m sure he was proud when you played.”
“He was. But I preferred our brand of football.”
I’d learned to play when my mother served as the US Ambassador to Scotland when I was fifteen. When we lived in Edinburgh, it was the closest thing I had to the sport I loved.
He leaned forward and propped his arms on his desk. Lacing his hands together, I waited for what he wanted to speak to me about.
“You’ve heard Flannery’s going to miss next season.”
I nodded. “Yes, sir. He told me.”
“It’s a fucking shame, but it’s an injury that requires time to heal. I’ve been talking to the GM, and I think I’ve found the perfect replacement for him.”
“Okay. Anyone I might know?”
Before he could explain, William Carlisle, the owner of the Storm, walked in. Dressed casually, he looked like a coach.
I stood to shake his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you, sir.”
Mr. Carlisle shook my hand, then patted me on the shoulder like my dad did. He was kind and approachable, not what you would expect from a billionaire.
“You too, Carson. Hope you’re enjoying the offseason. You sure earned the time off.”
I appreciated the praise. “I have, sir. But I’m eager to get back to work. We have a championship to defend.”
His warm smile made him easy to like. “I appreciate your optimism.”
He glanced at Coach. “Have you told him about his new teammate?”
My eyes darted back and forth between them as the team owner took a seat in the chair next to me.
“I was just about to.”
Coach pointed his attention back to me. “We’re planning to bring in another rugby player this season to replace Jayse.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
“He’s a full-back from the NRL in Australia. I’ve been studying his film for a while, and the more I see, the more I’m convinced he’s got what it takes to be another you. He just might be a perfect fit for us if we’re willing to take a chance. And with your rugby experience, you two should get along well.”
I frowned. “What do you mean, take a chance?”
He glanced toward Mr. Carlisle before turning back to me.
“He’s young and plays too hard for the rugby league. But he could be an outstanding acquisition under the right guidance. And William is on board.”
Something wasn’t adding up. Playing too hard in a highly regulated league didn’t sound good.
I rubbed the back of my neck, unsure how to voice my concerns. Overstepping was the wrong move, but I had to be honest with him. He counted on me for that.
“What are you thinking about, Carson? I see your wheels turning,” Coach said.
I released a heavy sigh. “Please don’t think I’m being disrespectful, Coach, but I’m concerned about a player like that. Almost everyone is returning this season, and we’re ready to roll. Our dynamic is good, and we can read each other on the field better than any defense in the league. I don’t want to jeopardize that.”
Coach sat back in his chair. “I understand, and I appreciate your concern. But my gut tells me this guy could be a huge asset to us under the right circumstances. And if he isn’t, we’ll find someone else. We can always pull a safety off the practice squad.”
That made me feel better. “That could work, and you know I’m all for giving someone an opportunity, but we want another championship.”
Mr. Carlisle smiled and patted my shoulder again. “I know you do. And I want that too. But I trust Craig’s judgment, and if he thinks this is what we need, then we owe it to him to give it a shot. Don’t you agree?”
