Free Rebel Power Play by David Skuy Page A

the team.”
    “Because …?”
    He wasn’t going to make this easy. Keep your cool, Charlie told himself. “I wanted to ask what you thought about getting Matt Danko on the team.”
    “Team’s been picked.”
    “I know. He missed the tryouts. His dad got laid off and he had to work after school. Anyway, Pudge was able to get him a job with more flexible hours.”
    “Yeah … and …?”
    “Okay. Well, he’s got the time to play again, and his dad’s found lots of work. He’s an amazing carpenter.He’s building a ton of stuff for my mom’s café, shelves and new counters, and I think he’s lined up a few more contracts — at least that’s what my mom told me.”
    “I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am that he’s building shelves for your mom. What’s it got to do with me, or the Hawks?”
    Charlie felt his temper rise. For Matt’s sake, he took the abuse and continued calmly.
    “Matt’s a great player — you know that. He’d be a sweet addition to the team. We need more firepower up front. He’s also a physical force, and let’s face it, we’re not the biggest team in the world.”
    “That’s my dad’s decision. I’m not the coach. Talk to him.”
    “I thought maybe you could talk to him. Get him on side.”
    “You thought wrong. We don’t need Matt. Our problem is certain guys think they’re better than everyone else.”
    Charlie flushed deeply. Mike was obviously referring to him.
    “Let me give you some advice,” Charlie said. “You’re the captain, and the captain’s supposed to bring the team together, not … not … make things up about guys.”
    “I’m not making anything up. I call ’em like I see ’em,” Mike snarled. “Stop acting like you’re such a superstar — and come off the ice when you’re called!”
    “That’s spaced. I don’t know what game you watched. I was on the bench practically the whole time. While we’re on the subject, if anyone needs to get off the ice it’s you.”
    “Well, I scored, didn’t I?”
    “So what. I scored too.”
    “Aren’t you just the superstar?”
    “That’s not the point. The point is …”
    “The point is the other lines suck.”
    “And that’s why we need Matt!”
    “Forget Matt — and forget you. You’re lucky to be on the team, Joyce. My dad already regrets picking you. Our team would be ten times better without a superstar wannabe like you … and get off the ice when you’re called, Third Line Boy!”
    He brushed past Charlie and marched towards the front doors. Charlie was so angry he felt like running after him. Then it occurred to him — and he allowed himself to smile. Mike hadn’t said no; he’d told him to speak to his father. Well, Charlie Joyce would do just that.
    The bell rang for the start of school. He picked up his knapsack and hurried to join the line. He had to laugh. Even when he got to school an hour early he was late.

10

THIRD STRIKE
    Charlie caught up with Matt during the day. “What’s Matt up to today?”
    “I got a spare right now,” Matt said. “Might head to the library and catch up on some work. I’ve been totally behind this term.”
    “I know that feeling,” Charlie said. “I’ll catch up with you after my class.”
    “Pudge told me you spoke to Mike this morning,” Matt said in a low voice.
    Charlie could see Matt was embarrassed. “I just wanted to talk about the team. I also asked about you playing, and he told me to speak to his father. I’m going over after school.”
    Matt groaned. “I gotta work.”
    “I know. Don’t sweat it. I think he’ll say yes, especially after the Tornadoes game. It was pathetic. We got totally smoked.”
    “Zachary filled me in. Said something about Mike playing the whole game.”
    “Things will sort themselves out. First thing is get you on the team.”
    Matt cleared his throat, rolling his neck slightly. “I’dlove to be out there — now that things have sort of gotten under control.” He paused. “You