Rebel Power Play

by David Skuy

  “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’d love to be out there — now that things have sort of gotten under control.” He paused. “You don’t have to do this, by the way. I mean … I should be the one asking. I could go later in the week.”

  “We can’t wait another day. We need you out there like you wouldn’t believe. It’s going to be a long season as it is.”

  “Well, thanks. I appreciate it.” He cleared his throat again. “And thanks for talking to Pudge and your mom.”

  Charlie cut him off. “Forget that. Your dad’s doing my mom a favour. Just promise to set me up for a ton of cheap goals when you come out.”

  “I can do that.”

  Charlie looked at the clock on the wall. He was going to be late for his next class. He needed to say something first.

  “It’s no big deal,” Charlie said softly. “I mean, about your dad and all. Things happen, and he’ll be okay once he gets going. Don’t let Jake bug you about it.”

  Matt’s face turned red. “I guess. Not much I can say.”

  “That’s not true. You don’t have to take his dissing about your father — and if you want me to back you up, I’m there,” he said fiercely.

  Matt nodded and held out his fist, and Charlie punched it.

  “See you later,” Matt said, and he ran off down the hall.

  The bell rang, announcing the start of the next period. Charlie groaned and ran down the stairs to get his science books, and then back upstairs, karate-kicking the hall doors open so he wouldn’t have to slow down. He groaned again. Should have saved his energy. The door was closed. His life was one big late slip! He took a deep breath and went in. His teacher gave him a stern look, pointing at the clock. Charlie cast an apologetic look back and quickly took his seat. He caught sight of Scott off to the side, laughing. He suppressed a smile and opened his books. But try as he might, he couldn’t stop thinking about meeting Dunn after school.

  He’d already blown it with Mike. He couldn’t mess up again.

  * * *

  Charlie crouched slightly on his skateboard, cruising down the hill towards Terrence Falls’ downtown. The autumn air had a slight chill to it, although the cool air was welcome after a long day at school so he didn’t mind.

  Dunn’s store was easy to find. An enormous orange sign dominated the street: Dunn’s Sportsmart — Play Hard … Live Large. He’d been here once before. The place was amazing — equipment for practically every sport you could name: hockey, golf, tennis, skiing, soccer, lacrosse, running, cycling … Hard to imagine Dunn owned twenty more stores like this. He thought his mom’s café was big. Fifty cafés could fit into this place.

  He made his way to the cash.

  “Excuse me. I’m looking for Mr. Dunn.”

  “In the back,” the cashier replied.

  “Charlie!”

  Edward Shaw came over carrying an armload of hockey sticks. Charlie had grown to like his assistant coach. Charlie found he had a strange desire to help him out, even though he was an adult. He seemed sad most of the time. It couldn’t be easy working for Dunn — and he didn’t seem to enjoy coaching.

  He told Shaw why he’d come. The assistant coach’s eyes widened and Charlie saw a drop of perspiration run down the side of his head.

  “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. Mr. Dunn likes to do things his own way. He did say the team was picked.”

  “Matt’s a great player, and he’d make a huge difference. He’s great with the puck, and he’ll also add some toughness.”

  Charlie saw that Shaw was uncomfortable with the idea, but he offered to escort him to Dunn’s office anyway. They went to the back of the store and through a black metal door. Charlie felt like he was entering an alternate universe. The store was spectacular, so luxurious, clean and modern; the office area and warehouse looked more like a hockey arena. Concrete walls and floors gave it a depressing air. Boxes were piled up to the ceiling on rickety grey shelves and there was dirt everywhere he looked. A few men drove around in hydraulic lifts, moving large boxes around. Fluorescent lighting gave off a yellowish glow and a distinct buzzing noise. He couldn’t imagine working in a worse place. He really felt sorry for Coach Shaw now.

  Shaw pointed to a door to the right. In large, gold letters, a sign proclaimed: The Boss Lives Here. Charlie heard a loud voice from inside. Without warning, the door swung open and a man walked out, his face ashen, as if all the blood had left.

  “Get here on time,” Dunn’s voice thundered, “and make sure the shoes are unloaded from the trucks and stocked on the shelves before we open.”

  Dunn sat in front of a metal desk that ran the length of the room. Papers littered the desktop, with multi-coloured forms hanging from hooks in the wall.

  Shaw cleared his throat. “Mr. Dunn, Charlie’s here to see you, sir.”

  “Who?”

  “Charlie Joyce, from the hockey team, sir.”

  “What does he want? We don’t play until tomorrow.”

  “I know, Coach,” Charlie said, stepping nervously into the office. Even in his sweatshirt he was cold and he had to force himself not to shiver.

  The cold didn’t seem to bother Dunn — he wore a short-sleeved shirt.

  “I wanted to tell you about a good friend of mine, Matt Danko. Mike knows him. He p
layed with the Wildcats last year, and the school team this year. He can play centre or wing. He scores, and hits too. He’s a real all-round team player. I talked to Mike this morning, and he told me to speak to you.”

  Dunn’s eyes narrowed.

  Charlie’s heart was racing. Deep down, he just wanted to run. But he wasn’t going to let Matt or the team down. He forced himself to speak slowly. “He missed the tryout because of work, but now he’s got a new job and can play. He’d really like to come out. I mean, maybe he could just come to a practice and you could see what he can do. Once you see him in action, I know you’ll be impressed.”

  He had prepared an entire speech, but somehow he couldn’t remember the words. He mumbled about Matt being ready to come out any time, and then waited for Dunn to reply. Dunn nodded a few times. Charlie thought that was a good sign. Then he began to chuckle, at first quietly, and then louder and louder. Charlie’s hopes began to fade. The laugh sounded nasty.

  “I really appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to come down here and talk to me. As you can see, I don’t have anything to do but discuss the Hawks. Isn’t that right, Edward?”

  Shaw smiled awkwardly, his face beet red. He looked as if he wanted to run out of the office.

  “In fact, now that I think of it, I don’t see why I even bother to coach. You know a lot more about hockey than me. Right, Joyce?”

  “I didn’t mean that,” Charlie said.

  Dunn interrupted. “It’s not enough that I drop fifty grand on new equipment. It’s not enough that I take time out of my incredibly busy schedule, running a chain of sporting goods stores, managing the distribution system, sales, marketing. That’s obviously not enough for Charlie Joyce. You can do better, I guess.”

  Charlie remained rooted where he stood. He couldn’t feel his legs.

  “I’m glad you came, though,” he said. “Now I can fix my mistake — something I should have done already. Instead of this Matt joining the Hawks, why don’t you join him at that new job? You’re too high maintenance, Joyce. I don’t like your attitude. Never have, never will. I don’t put up with problems. I take care of them, which is why I’m sitting here and you’re going to get out of my store.”

  What? Charlie’s mind was reeling.

  “I was just …”

  “Are you thick or something?” Dunn yelled. “You’re off the team. It’s over. So find the nearest exit and use it. And I want my equipment back in my store by seven o’clock tonight or I’ll call the cops and have you charged with theft. Got it?”

  Charlie stared uncomprehendingly at Dunn, who spun in his chair and began banging away on a keyboard.

  A hand touched his shoulder

  “Come with me, Charlie,” Shaw said softly.

  He followed him back into the store. Nothing seemed real. He felt like he was dreaming. Unfortunately, it was no dream.

  “Don’t worry about the equipment,” Shaw said. “I can come by your house tonight after work and get it.”

  “I’m off the team?” Charlie asked.

  “He doesn’t take kindly to criticism. I had a bad feeling about your idea. Maybe I should have asked him.”

  “But I didn’t criticize.”

  “I know,” Shaw soothed. “He’s been in a foul mood since the last game.” He sighed and ran his fingers through his thinning hair. “I have a feeling he’ll be in a foul mood most of the time now that you’re gone. I don’t know much about hockey, but from what I’ve seen you’re the best guy we have.”

  “I can’t believe it,” Charlie said. He wasn’t really listening.

  “Don’t worry about the equipment,” Shaw repeated. “I’ll get it tonight.”

  Charlie nodded. “Thanks, Coach Shaw. That would help out.”

  They shook hands.

  “Edward, the boss wants to see you — now.”

  Another employee was motioning towards the back of the store.

  “I have to get to work,” Shaw said. He looked closely at Charlie. “You okay? You need a lift back? I could take my break early and drive you.”

  “Don’t worry. I have my skateboard.”

  “I’ll see you later — for the equipment.”

  He left the store. The guys were going to freak. He was the biggest loser ever. The dream team was over. Why couldn’t he leave things alone?

  He started back up the hill. Typical. No matter how hard he tried, things always got messed.

  11

  ALL FOR ONE

  School wouldn’t start for another hour, but Charlie was slowly heading over. He hadn’t been able to sleep last night, and finally decided to eat and get out of the house. He’d managed to give his equipment to Coach Shaw without his mother finding out. That was silly; but somehow he couldn’t stomach the idea of telling her just yet.

  At least for once he was glad to get to school early. It would give him time to think about what he was going to tell the boys. They were going to be major-league angry with him. He’d totally blown it. First he convinced them to leave their teams, and then he managed to get himself kicked off the Hawks.

  He turned the corner and couldn’t believe what he saw. His friends were already there. Why’d they come so early? It didn’t make sense.

  Pudge spotted him as he crossed the street, and waved. Charlie waved back. May as well come out and tell them, he decided.

  Pudge handed him a sheet of paper before he could say a word.

  “Take a look at this,” he said.

  Coach Dunn,

  The following players believe that Charlie Joyce has been unfairly removed from the team roster. We want him put back on the team, or we will all have to quit.

  We only want what’s best for the Hawks — we hope you do too.

  Signed,

  Pudge Moretti

  Nick Katsopoulos

  Scott Slatsky

  Zachary Jackson

  Robert Ryan

  Christopher Ryan

  “How’d you find out?” he said.

  “Coach Shaw came to the restaurant last night, after he picked up the equipment from your house, and told my dad,” Pudge said.

  “I don’t think Dunn will back down,” Charlie said.

  “He’d better,” Zachary said.

  “The whole thing’s insane,” Charlie said. “It’s like a bad television show, except I’m actually in the show.”

  “And we’re going to see this through,” Pudge said.

  “The way I see it, Charlie comes back, and he lets Matt on the team too, or he’s seen the last of me — end of story,” Scott said.

  “I don’t want you all to miss a season,” Charlie said. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have gone to his store. Besides, you shouldn’t suffer for my mistake.” He slapped his thighs hard with his hands. “I’m sorry for all this. I messed things up.”

  “It’s not your fault the guy’s a jerk,” Scott said.

  “Maybe if I spoke to him again …”

  “We talked it over,” Nick said. “We’re in this with you, and we made our own decision to play with the Hawks. You don’t have to apologize to me. That petition’s going in, even if it only has my name on it.”

  “That goes double for me,” Scott said.

  Charlie felt honoured to have such loyal friends. “So what’s the plan?” he asked.

  “After school, we go to Dunn’s store to hand over the petition,” Pudge said. “Even the twins are coming to meet us.”

  “Do you think I should come?” Charlie said.

  “We should probably do it ourselves,” Pudge said.

  “Makes sense,” Charlie said. “I’ll be at my mom’s café.”

  “We’ll come by after,” Pudge said.

  “And maybe have some pie … or a sandwich,” Scott said.

  “You guys having a practice and not telling me?” It was Jonathon. Julia was with him.

  “How’s it going?” Charlie said, adding, “Hi, Julia.”

  “The Hawks have had some intere
sting personnel changes,” Scott said.

  “Like?” Jonathon said.

  “Like Dunn’s kicked Charlie off the team for asking if Matt could join,” Scott explained. “Can you believe it? We all signed a petition — Charlie’s back or we walk.” He called out to Pudge. “What about Jonathon? He could sign.”

  Charlie and Pudge traded an uncomfortable look.

  “It’s not fair to put him on the spot like that,” Charlie said. “I think we have enough names.”

  “On the spot, nothing,” Jonathon said. “Hand it over.”

  He took the petition and signed with a flourish. “If you guys leave, Mike’ll never get off the ice.”

  They all laughed and began imagining what Dunn would say when they gave him the petition. Charlie and Pudge went off to the side.

  “This is not the way to start a season,” Charlie said.

  “It’s intense, but I don’t see any other way.”

  “If anyone can pull this off, it’s you. All I know is the guy hates me for some reason.”

  “Time will tell.”

  “This is all my fault. I’m such an idiot. I should’ve … I don’t know … waited or something …”

  “This isn’t your fault,” Pudge said. “Like Scott said, Dunn’s the problem.”

  Charlie didn’t respond. What could he say? This was going to be the longest day of his life.

  * * *

  All day Charlie kept imagining how Dunn would respond — and he was having trouble imagining him saying yes! Finally, after what seemed forever, the bell rang, signalling the end of school. It brought no relief, unfortunately, and he decided to go straight to the café and wait. It was fairly quiet when he arrived. A few people were having coffee and dessert.

  “Hi, Mom,” he said. “It seems slow today. What gives?”

  She shrugged. “That’s the café business. Busy when you don’t expect it, and dead when you’re ready for a horde. I probably don’t need your help. You can go home and get ready for the game. Grandma’s there with Danielle.”

  It was probably time to tell her. He steeled his nerve.

  “About the game … I sort of had a bit of a run-in with Coach Dunn. I was asking if Matt Danko could come play on the team.”