Page 262 of The Forbidden Center

Then it goes.

“I still love playing.”

“I know.”

“This hurts.”

“I know.”

“I’m not ready to be good about it.”

“Then don’t.”

We sit there. My phone is still in my hand.

I call Quinn. She answers on the first ring.

“That wasn’t an hour.”

“I know.”

“You sure?”

“I’m going to hate it tomorrow.”

I look around the room.

My stall. Ryan’s name across from me. Finn’s tape stuck to the trash can. Mack beside me.

Then my left hand.

“Yeah. I’m sure.”

“Okay.”

“I’m retiring.”

Quinn is quiet.

“I’ll tell Kansas City.”

“Tell them thank you.”

“I will.”

“The offer was good.”

“I know.”

We hang up.

Mack gets to his feet.

“You telling Silas?”

“Yeah.”

“The room?”