Page 151 of Rookie Rules

When the cameras left, Vale stopped beside his stall.

"Tomorrow, you run the final sequence six times," the coach said. "Then Bennett runs it without you."

Rowan looked up. "Why without me?"

"Because I need to know whether the hesitation follows the structure or the people inside it."

"The structure is sound."

"I know." Vale capped his marker and slid it into his jacket pocket. "I am less interested in what you know than in what the line can repeat."

There was no accusation in the statement, which made resistance useless.

"Six times," Rowan said.

Vale glanced toward the medical corridor. "And Owen checks the hip before you touch the ice."

"It is manageable."

"That is his decision tomorrow. Tonight it is an instruction."

Rowan nodded. The captain in him recognized the hierarchy. The rest of him resented needing one.

After the room emptied, Finn sat beside him wearing compression pants and one sock. He waited until Rowan finished untying his skates.

"You want to tell me why it looks like you and Eighty-eight are negotiating a ceasefire?"

"Timing issue."

"You have used that one."

"Because it remains accurate."

Finn leaned his elbows onto his knees. "He is playing scared of choosing wrong. You are playing like choosing anything means losing control. I don't need the details to know that isn't hockey."

Rowan pulled the right skate free. Pain released, then settled deeper into the groin.

"He made the correct read at the end," Rowan said.

"I know."

"The pass missed."

"I also own eyes."

Rowan reached for the other lace.

Finn's voice softened. "Do you need a friend or a winger?"

The opening was careful enough that Rowan could have entered without confession. He could have said friend and offered only the shape of loss. Finn would not have demanded a name.

"I need you ready for practice at ten," Rowan said.

Finn sat back. Hurt crossed his face before irritation covered it.

"Winger, then."

He stood and left Rowan alone.