Page 48 of Rookie Rules

"That was not praise. Why did it take six repetitions?"

Rowan could cite timing, Luca's resistance to the first route, or the defense changing its gap. The video would support pieces of every explanation. None accounted for Rowan speaking around Luca instead of to him.

"I made the communication inefficient," he said.

Vale leaned against the desk. "Fix it. I assigned you to mentor a player, not create an elaborate postal service."

"Understood."

"Do you? Bennett took the correction. He also spent the next hour deciding whether every word from you was hockey or punishment. That is wasted attention."

Rowan's first response was that Luca's interpretation did not belong to the drill. He stopped before saying it. A captain did not get to control only his intention. He was responsible for what the room had to spend in response.

"Tomorrow I address him directly," Rowan said.

"Today would be a remarkable innovation."

Vale picked up his scouting folder, ending the meeting.

In the corridor, Rowan found Luca helping Eli knot a tie for the foundation reception. Eli stood rigid while Luca redid the knot with quick fingers and explained that formalwear was only tape for civilians.

"It still restricts my neck," Eli said.

"That means it respects tradition."

Luca noticed Rowan and stepped back. The easy expression disappeared without becoming hostile.

Here was the direct conversation Vale had requested. Rowan had the apology, the hockey correction, and Luca's name.

Claire called from the far end that cars were leaving in twenty minutes. Eli thanked Luca and hurried away.

Rowan opened his mouth.

"See you there, Captain," Luca said.

He left before Rowan could decide which truth he was prepared to offer.

The delay was Rowan's choice. For once, he did not rename it discipline.

Owen appeared at the edge of his stall. "Table. Ten minutes."

"I have meetings."

"Then nine."

Rowan followed him to the treatment room. Arguing would only turn nine into twelve.

The right side of his lower back had tightened during the small-area work. Nothing new. Nothing that changed his availability. Owen pressed along the edge of Rowan's hip while Rowan stared at the ceiling and counted the fluorescent panels.

"You're guarding more today," Owen said.

"Practice was fast."

"Practice is usually fast."

Rowan said nothing.

Owen shifted the pressure and waited until the muscle released by degrees. "Mobility tonight. Sleep. And stop trying to win conversations with your nervous system."