The Blackwood Blades training facility hummed with tension. Players stretched and geared up, voices lower than usual, glances darting toward the locker room door. Nathan Stevenson was due any minute for his first practice.
Emma watched from the observation deck, coffee cooling untouched beside her laptop. She'd barely slept, Nathan's words about Jamie echoing in her mind.
The door swung open. Nathan entered wearing Blades practice gear, the familiar blue and silver looking alien on him after years in Scorchers' red and black. The room fell silent.
Coach Wilson clapped his hands. "Alright, gather round!"
The team formed a loose semicircle, keeping noticeable distance from Nathan.
"As you know, we've acquired Nathan Stevenson for the season. I expect professionalism from everyone." Coac
