4 Chapter 4

With a sigh,Sean starts jogging away from Barrett,down the length of the field.The chill from the ice wears off as he runs,leaving a dull throb behind in his temple.The hot sun glares down at him,burning away all thoughtuntil his mind is a white haze.All he sees is the line to his left marking theperimeter of the pitch;he keeps as close to it as he can without actually running over it,keeps his gaze on the ground,and follows that line down the length of the field.At the corner he swings out and turns,glancing at his teammates who scuffle for the ball while he passes behind the goal.He hits the other corner,turns,and starts down the opposite side of the pitch.

Cordero stands at the center line,facing the goal.He flashes Sean a sunny grin.When Sean draws closer,Cordero holds out a hand that Sean slaps with his own.“He got you running,don’t he?”Cordero asks.