Page 45 of The Off Limits Captain

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“Your brain got us the win,” I say.

Evan’s chair lands with a soft thud.

For a beat, the room holds still around us.

Then Roman mutters, “Put that on a mug,” and the tension cracks just enough for a few guys to laugh.

I would take the laugh and the win and the small, reluctant nod Evan gives me if my phone were not vibrating against the table.

Dad.

My father knows not to call during team hours unless it matters.

I stand before I consciously decide to move. Coach sees my face and nods toward the door.

The hallway outside the film room is bright enough to hurt.

“Dad?”

Dad’s breath comes rough over the line. “It’s your mom.”

Everything in me narrows.

“What happened?”

“She collapsed getting out of the truck. They’re taking her into surgery. Heart. They said a valve, maybe more. I don’t have the words right.”

I press my hand flat against the painted cinderblock wall. Cold comes through my palm.

“Where?”

“Hill Country Regional. Mrs. Alvarez is with the girls. I’m here. Son, I…”

“I’m coming.”

“You’re in San Antonio.”

“I’m coming.”

I end the call before my father can argue and walk back into the film room. The screen shows my own face in freeze-frame, mouth open mid-command, body angled toward a hit that has already happened.

I hate that image suddenly.

It looks like a man who believes he can get anywhere in time.

Coach Sully reads my face. “Go.”

“My mother is in surgery.”

The room goes still for a different reason.

Roman is on his feet first. “What do you need?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Evan says.

I give him a look. Evan shrugs. “Different from proud. Easy mistake.”

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