The Finall Play novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Same As Last Time

Tanner did not speak until they were outside, on the loading dock behind the coaches' offices.

It was seven-twenty, cold and gray, and the dumpsters smelled like wet cardboard.

He stood with his back against the wall and his good hand pressed over his eyes.

"Tell me," he said.

"Tanner..."

"Same as last time. What was last time?"

Elliot leaned on the opposite railing and watched his own breath fog.

He had practiced this in his head for two years.

None of the speeches were any use now.

"It's not something I talk about," he said.

"I'm asking you to."

"I know."

"You said day ten." Tanner dropped his hand. "It's day thirteen."

"I know what day it is."

"Then say it."

"I can't say it here."

Tanner pushed off the wall and stepped into his space.

He was furious, and under the fury there was fear, and Elliot saw both.

"He wants to put a needle in my arm," Tanner said. "He already did it to you, and you let me walk in there blind."

"I did not let you."

"You didn't tell me."

"I told you I wouldn't sign it."

"You told me you hadn't decided yet!"

The shout echoed off the brick.

A pigeon burst up from the dumpster.

Elliot flinched.

"That was before," he said. "Before I knew you."

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