Page 137 of Massacre Monday

He smirks. “Figures.”

And then he’s gone. But this time, the door closes like a beginning—not an end.

forty-four

Coach still won’t letme back in the game, saying he doesn’t want to risk my brain and needs me for finals. Because we will make it. We’re just that good.

Or Landon will take a club to the knees of our opponents to get there.

Dressed in street clothes, I sit on the bench with my mom, sisters, and girlfriend taking up the row behind me. My bruised ribs are just an annoying ache by now if I stretch the wrong way and my cuts are almost fully healed.

During the first period, I was irritated because all I wanted to do was go in and play. Now, there are only ten minutes left in the second, and I’m enjoying being a spectator. Especially knowing this will be part of my future career. Watching. Observing. Selling agents and management to peak talent. I can do that.

“Adalantea!” Pippi exclaims.

“What’s up, buttercup?” I ask, half turning to see her holding up her phone.

“Elina wants me to meet her right now at theSigmahouse, along with the officers.” She glances up at me with large, amber eyes. “What do you think she wants?”

Elina. I haven’t thought of her in weeks. Not since I made my choice and got rid of her. Hearing her name, I remember thepressure. The expectations she came with. How heavy everything felt when I was around her.

She was never the one for me. It was always meant to be my P.I.C.

“Better go see.”

“What about the game?”

“I’m not even playing. I can meet you there after.”

With a deep inhale, she glances at my family, who encourage her with a nod.

“Okay.” Her skin pales as she stands and heads out.

Landon and the second year taking my spot do amazing work, scoring three among them. State College Strikers can’t score against our goalie, and we easily win. It makes me proud to see that things will go smoothly for NU after I’m gone.

Once the game is finished, I swiftly kiss my mom on the cheek.

“You two are coming to Sunday dinner again, right?” she asks.

“We’ll be there every week that we’re in town.” Her golden smile fills me with warmth. “Love you, Mom.”

Coach slaps his hand over my shoulders and walks with me to the back hall. “I heard about the new adventure following graduation. It would be amazing if Northview had a pool of talent for you to choose from.”

My eyes crinkle as I grin knowingly. “I have a feeling they will.” I’ll make sure the best of the best come to NU before the NHL unless I pluck them from high school.

The future looks bright, and my heart fills with happiness. It wasn’t too long ago everything seemed bleak. Now, I look forward to the days I can lord over Adal and tell him to clean toilets until they shine.

After the team meeting, I exit the Nighthawk Arena and aim for the shortcut through the park behind the Cathedral. It’s dark and chilly, but my coat and beanie keep me warm. The trees are wide apart, dotted with iron benches and streetlamps along the paths. When I pass one, a dark figure in a hoodie stands and walks beside me.

“I have your info.”

My steps shuffle to a stop, and I face the man in front of me. He’s tall and thin, but built. There’s nothing I can make out behind the black shadow of his hood. Rumor is, he’s never been seen, except by those close to him.

“What do you have?” I ask.

He holds up a flip phone screen. On it are several text messages, the same from the unknown number Pen received.

“This was his?”