Page 83 of The Callahan Effect

"I didn't need a fourth."

His jaw tightened.

"I referred the footage to the conference office."

"You reported it?"

"I asked them to review it."

I understood exactly what he meant. He wasn't interested in settling scores. He wanted dangerous hockey dealt with before somebody else ended up in an operating room.

"The doctor filled me in on your recovery."

I sighed.

"So you know."

"I know."

"Eight weeks."

"That's what she told me."

I stared at the blanket covering my legs.

"I was finally getting comfortable with the systems."

"You know what always hurts the most when one of my players is injured?" Coach asked.

I shook my head.

"It’s not losing them from the lineup. It’s seeing them lying on the ice and not being able to do a damn thing to help. I always feel so fucking helpless."

The words hung between us.

"You've become part of this program in a very short time, Mason. So stop worrying about how long you’ll be out. The team will adjust."

"I hate letting everyone down."

"You aren't."

His voice left no room for argument.

"You got hurt playing the game the right way."

"It still feels like I'm leaving everybody short," I argued.

Coach shook his head and leaned forward.

"You've got one responsibility now."

"What?"

"Do exactly what Dr. Juneau tells you."

A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.

"That's it?"