Page 14 of Ice-Cold Obsession
I’M UP EARLIER THANusual because I’ve been tracking Gabriel’s schedule. He runs most mornings before the sun is fully up, usually the same route around the campus. But today, he’s not heading toward the track or the quad.
He’s going in the direction of the athletic center.
I follow at a distance, keeping enough space between us so that he won’t notice me if he turns around. The campus is mostly empty at this hour, with just a few early risers heading to the gym or grabbing some coffee.
Gabriel’s shoulders are set and his pace quick. He’s wearing sweats and a hoodie, his hands shoved in his pockets.
He disappears into the athletic center, and I wait a little before following him inside. The hallway is quiet, and I can hear his footsteps echoing ahead of me. I stay back, moving carefully so that my shoes don’t make any noise on the tile floor.
He stops in front of Coach’s office and knocks. A voice from inside tells him to come in, and he opens the door and steps through.
I move closer to the door. It’s cracked open just enough, so I can hear voices.
“Thanks for meeting me so early, Coach,” Gabriel says. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but this is important.”
“No problem. What’s going on?”
“It’s about Zyair.”
I pull out my phone and start recording, holding it close to the crack in the door.
“Zyair?” Coach sounds surprised. “What about him?”
“He’s been struggling lately,” Gabriel says. “He’s got some family stuff going on, and I think it’s affecting him. He doesn’t want to say anything because he doesn’t want to let the team down, but I think he needs some time off.”
“Family stuff? What kind of family stuff?”
“I don’t want to get into the details because he asked me not to say anything. But I think it would be good for him to have a break, just for a game or two. Give him some space to deal with what’s going on.”
“I appreciate you telling me this,” Coach says. “I’ll talk to him and see what’s going on.”
“No, don’t do that,” Gabriel says quickly. “He’d kill me if he knew I told you. I promised I wouldn’t say anything, but I don’t want this to mess with the team. He just needs help, and I thought you should know.”
“All right. I won’t say anything to him directly. But I’ll keep an eye on him and give him some space if he needs it.”
“Thanks, Coach. I just want to make sure everyone’s okay.”
“You’re doing the right thing, looking out for your teammates like this. That’s what being a captain is about.”
I hear footsteps, and I pull back quickly, ducking around the corner before the door opens. Gabriel comes out, and I press myself against the wall, watching as he heads back down the hallway and out of the building.
I stay where I am for a moment, thinking about what I just heard.
Gabriel just told Coach that Zyair had family issues and needed some time off. But why? Does he actually care about his teammate? Or is there something else going on?
It doesn’t make any sense. Gabriel doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who looks out for other people unless it benefits him somehow. But he sounded genuine, and Coach seemed to believe him completely.
I replay the recording on my phone. Gabriel sounds protective of Zyair’s privacy but still willing to speak up for his sake. Maybe he really cares about his teammates.
But something about this feels off. I can’t put my finger on it, but my instincts are screaming that there’s more to it than Gabriel just being a good captain and that there’s some kind of benefit for him.
Or maybe I just can’t imagine there’s any good in him.
I shove my phone back into my pocket. Whatever game Gabriel is playing, I’m going to figure it out.
AS I’M IN THE HALLWAYafter practice and packing up my camera gear, I hear voices from the locker room. The guys are joking and laughing, which isn’t unusual.
“What the fuck do you mean I’m off the team for the next game?” Zyair’s voice is loud and frustrated.