Making the Cut (12 page)

So much for the best summer of his life. How about the worst?

Charlie stomped into the dressing room. He pulled off a skate and tossed it into his bag. He felt like throwing it through the wall! Alarm clocks that didn’t work, ropes that flew from one side of a wall to the other, hockey equipment that magically disappeared, getting tossed down the escarpment, useless Zambonis that left water on the ice, and now a disqualification for no reason! This camp was haunted or cursed — or maybe he was.

He’d barely gotten his other skate off when the door opened and Trevor walked in, followed by Savard, Jake, Burnett and Slogger.

Trevor looked deadly serious. “Charlie, I told you to wait for me to speak to Jen. Under the circumstances, I can understand why you were upset, but still.”

Charlie didn’t know what to say. Why wait to hear them disqualify him? Meanwhile, Jake slumped to the bench and began to rip off his laces. He looked furious.

“Like I said, I spoke with Jen and she saw the whole thing,” Trevor said in a calm tone. “She told me that Jake
tried to take you on the inside on that turn and he ended up crashing into you, which knocked you into J.C. I’m sorry I missed it. I was joking around with the guys at centre. I guess I was keen to see the ending. Anyway, Nick won the race and Pete came in second. It wouldn’t be right to make them race again. Although for the record they both offered to. We spoke to the coaches and they decided that you and J.C. should move on to the finals. We’ll just have an extra skater. I guess you should get your skates back on. You’ll probably need them, unless you have some fancy running shoes.”

Now Charlie felt embarrassed about storming off the ice. “Give me a sec … and I’ll get back on the ice. I’m sorry I lost it. Dumb reaction.”

Savard stepped around Trevor. “I’m the dumb one, and I’m the one who should apologize. Sorry about the punch,” he said. “No excuse for that.” He held out his glove, and Charlie, feeling self-conscious, gave it a tap.

The whole time Jake was making sure everyone knew how mad he was by throwing his equipment around. Finally, he took his entire bag and threw it into the middle of the room. “This is a bogus camp and that was a bogus decision,” he said loudly. “Joyce cuts me off, knocks me over, and I get DQ’d. That’s fair, Trevor. Real fair.”

No one was listening. All eyes were on the floor. They were looking at Coach Miller’s Stanley Cup ring, which had popped out of Jake’s bag.

“It’s like Joyce can do anything, and no one ever says …” His voice trailed off and then he, too, became mesmerized
by the ring. “Where’d that come from?” he asked in a daze.

“From your bag,” Trevor answered, slowly emphasizing each word. “Can you explain that?”

Jake stared up at him. Charlie had never seen Jake look like that. He seemed scared, like a little kid. Despite all the terrible things Jake had done to him since he moved to Terrence Falls, at that moment Charlie actually felt sorry for him. It must be an awful thing to be caught stealing in front of so many people. But that vulnerable moment lasted only for a few seconds. Then Jake’s face hardened, and he looked mean again.

“I can explain it. Joyce put it there. He was in the room all by himself and wanted to get me in trouble. He didn’t know I’d be disqualified, and he wanted to get back in the race. And he certainly wants me out of camp to guarantee himself a spot in the Challenge Game.”

Charlie couldn’t talk. He just couldn’t. The shock robbed him of his power of speech. He stood still, mouth open, staring back at Jake.

“Jake’s full of it,” Slogger said. “We caught him red-handed. Of course he’d point the finger at someone else.”

“No worries, Charlie,” Nick said. “Jake’s doing a Jake. The coaches are too smart for that.”

“Nick’s right,” Scott echoed, and then added, as if he couldn’t help himself, “although I can’t believe I just said that. But seriously, this is the lamest thing he’s ever done. No one will listen to him.”

“One thing after another,” Charlie said passionately. “Clark ordered
me back to my room. They asked me tons of questions about where I’d been the morning the ring was stolen, and Jen was going on about my missing equipment.”

“You were with us after the obstacle course,” Nick said.

“And then we had a snack,” Scott said. “I remember that.” He patted his stomach.

“Then we had to piggy-back Team 2,” Slogger said. “I remember that.” He hunched his shoulders and held his arms out behind him as if he was actually carrying someone on his back.

“Apparently, Miller likes to work out in the morning, before breakfast, and he went for a skate. He left his ring in the locker because we were going back there for practice.” Charlie sighed and rolled his neck. “You didn’t see how he looked at me. He thinks I planted the ring on Jake. I know it. Jen was beyond mad. Even Trevor was looking at me weird.”

“He won’t get away with this,” Slogger said. “Jake’s a snake. Knew it the first time I saw him. Only guy worse than him is Zane. They deserve each other.”

“Jake’s done for,” Nick declared.

“This whole thing makes no sense. Why would Jake steal the ring? I know what he’s like — boy do I know,” he said, and his friends laughed, “but stealing a Stanley Cup ring? Not sure Jake’s that kind of guy,” Charlie said.

His friends continued to offer him encouragement, and he pretended to agree that everything would be fine, but he knew better. His feud with Jake was no secret, and
Charlie had been alone in the dressing room just before the ring was found. Planting the ring would have been the perfect way for him to get back at Jake. And Jake was a good talker. Charlie had a sinking feeling the coaches would listen.

He was totally cooked. Worse yet, what would his mom say? She’d spent all that money and Danielle had given up her drama camp — only to have him kicked out for stealing? If he could turn back time he’d tear that invitation up into tiny pieces.

If only!

Charlie said goodbye to his friends and returned to his room. The reality of his situation had sapped him of all his energy. Even though it was only eleven o’clock in the morning he could have gone right to sleep.

“Take a shower, Joyce, and maybe you can clean off that bad luck that follows you around,” he said aloud to himself.

“Go ahead, I’ll wait.” Corey smiled and sat up. Charlie flushed. He hadn’t noticed his roommate lying on his bed. “I saw what happened. I thought Jake cut you off. You definitely got ripped on that call. You should go to Clark or Miller and complain. That’s what I’d do, and if you want me to back you, that’s no problem.”

He obviously didn’t know about the ring. “Don’t much care about the race. Bigger problems,” he mumbled.

Corey shrugged. “What problems? Did the coaches change the teams around?”

Charlie stiffened. What was he talking about? “No,” he snapped.

Corey opened his eyes wide. “I get it. The stress level is major-league high, what with the Challenge Game lineup being announced tonight. I figure I’m in a good spot. I had a great practice today. And the coaches don’t really care about the skills competition. You don’t win games stickhandling around pylons. You win by playing hard, being smart, hitting, forechecking and scoring.”

After what he’d just been through, Corey was tough to listen to. He told him about the ring to stop him from talking about himself.

“Wow! Did you take it? I mean, really?”

“No!” Charlie said.

Corey held up his hands. “I believe you; I believe you. I didn’t think you were that type. That’s whacked, though. The ring popped outta the bag in front of everyone? Crazy. I never trusted that … um … what’s his name?”

Charlie wished he’d never heard it. “Jake Wilkenson,” he answered mechanically.

“That’s right — Jake. I’ve seen him play a bit. Another guy who shouldn’t be on Team 1. I bet he won’t make the Challenge Game. I think he’s overrated, personally. He doesn’t go hard to the net. Perimeter player. No intensity. Of course, he stole the ring, so he’s gone from camp anyway.”

Charlie furrowed his brows. He must have Jake confused with someone else. Jake was a lot of things, but not intense? Definitely not. “That’s not Jake,” he said.
“He’s got black hair — a fairly big guy …”

“I know him,” Corey replied. “If I hadn’t gotten sick, no way he makes Team 1. Savard’s not bad. Got some skill, and he can skate. But he’s soft on the puck. Doesn’t go into the corners and pay the price.” He puffed out his chest. “I’d love to go up against him. Use my conditioning and strength to wear him down and then dominate with the cycling game down low. I got him figured out too. He’s weak going to his left.”

“I’m gonna take a shower,” Charlie said tersely.

“Go for it,” Corey said.

His roommate’s high spirits bugged him. He could be a little more sympathetic.

Corey had other things on his mind, however. “Assuming Jake’s kicked out for stealing, which is a safe bet, I think things are set at centre, with you, me, probably Savard … and maybe that James guy. He’s not bad. Not in our league, but you gotta have four centres. Defence will be interesting. Zane’s a lock ’cause of his size. I got him all figured out too. You make an inside move, and then take it wide. He can’t move to his right. Doesn’t do a quick crossover …”

Charlie tuned him out. The Challenge Game was the last thing he cared about.

“Your bud Nick could make it,” Corey continued. “Nice shot. Good skater. I think you hang out with another guy, what’s his name — Slogger? He’s okay. Do you think he’ll make it? Can’t believe camp’s almost over. I’m only hitting my peak now. Getting sick was like the worst luck, don’t you think?”

Corey would not stop talking. He kept jabbering on about different players, and how he knew their secret weaknesses.

“You did great for your first camp,” Corey said. “I bet you learned a lot, right?”

Charlie opened the bathroom door.

“You learned a lot, right?”

It would be rude not to answer. “Uh, yeah. Right. I learned lots.”

“At least you didn’t lose any more equipment,” Corey said, laughing.

Charlie closed the door behind him and turned the shower on.

As he showered up, something about what Corey had said kept bugging him.

He repeated the words “lose any more equipment” over and over in his mind.

Did he mean when Charlie couldn’t find his hockey bag, or was it something else?

A crazy thought popped into his head.

He had to speak to Trevor right away.

Charlie washed up as fast as he could, got dressed, and headed for the door.

“Charlie! Where’re you going? Coach told us to stay put.”

Charlie closed the door behind him.

Corey did have a point. The coaches would freak if they found out he was disobeying their orders. But he had no choice but to risk it. He could only hope no one saw him. He knew Trevor’s room was on the first floor,
and so he headed to the stairs.

“Charlie!”

He whirled around, his heart in his throat.

Nick stuck his head out of his room. “Are you crazy?”

“You scared me to death.”

“I heard your door shut and figured you were just coming across to our room. You must really want to get sent home.”

“I know this sounds nuts, but I gotta talk to Trevor.”

“Did you hurt yourself? Can’t it wait?”

“It’s not that. It’s … I promise to tell you everything after I speak to him.”

Another door opened and Slogger stuck his head out. “What gives?”

“Charlie’s decided now’s the right time to talk to Trevor.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I might have,” Charlie whispered. “I’ll be back in a sec.”

“I can’t let you go down alone — I’m coming,” Slogger said.

“Me too,” Nick said.

“Don’t leave me here alone,” Scott whimpered. “I get scared in the dark.”

“It’s still light out,” Nick said.

“I get scared when it’s not dark out too.”

“Come on, guys,” Charlie pleaded. “We can’t all go. It’s too risky.”

“You’ve been a walking disaster since camp started.” Slogger folded his arms across his chest. “Besides,
you can’t even find Trevor’s room.”

Charlie raised his eyebrows. “That’s where you’re wrong, my friend. He’s on the first floor at this end of the hall.”

Slogger thumbed over his shoulder. “He’s at the other end. You’re going the wrong way. Follow me.”

The four of them tiptoed as quietly as possible to the stairs. Once they were in the stairway, they ran down the stairs two at a time, skidding to a halt at the door to the first floor. Charlie put his finger to his lips, and slowly pushed the door open.

“Coast is clear. Follow me.”

Charlie took off, but before he took two steps a hand grabbed his shoulder out of nowhere. Caught already!

He turned around and let out a deep breath — Nick!

“Don’t do that!” he hissed. “You really are gonna scare me to death.”

“You’re going the wrong way — as usual,” Nick said.

“I knew that.” Charlie turned, ran to the end of the hall and knocked on the door as quietly as he could. No answer. Please let him be here, he prayed, knocking a little louder. He felt like breaking the door down. Couldn’t anything work out?

“I guess he’s with the coaches,” Slogger whispered.

The door swung open.

“Charlie? Boys?” Trevor’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t think this is the best time for a visit.” He looked over their shoulders down the hall. “I just came from the cafeteria. I was told to come get Charlie in five minutes. They want to speak to you again. And weren’t you all
told to stay in your rooms?”

“I know. Sorry about this,” Charlie said. “I just have to ask you a question. It’s really important. Please. It’ll only take a second.”

Trevor hesitated. “Fine. Get in, all of you,” he said.

The television was on, and a large pile of white towels littered the floor.

“We don’t have TVs in our rooms,” Scott said.

Trevor sighed. “Being an adult has its privileges. But I’m assuming that’s not the reason you’re ignoring Coach Clark’s explicit instructions.”

Charlie snapped to attention. “No. Sorry. I have a question. Do you remember when I lost my elbow pads back at the beginning of camp? I used hockey socks instead, and banged my right elbow on the boards and you gave me ice. You remember?”

“Yes, Charlie. I remember.”

“Anyway, about the elbow pads, did you tell anyone, I mean, anyone at all? Did you tell another player, or even a coach, or maybe Jen?”

“No, Charlie. I did not discuss your elbow pads with anyone. Why would I?”

“No reason. I needed to know, that’s all.”

Trevor peered down at him. “Will you please tell me what’s going on, Charlie?”

Charlie hesitated. He thought he could trust Trevor, but he needed a minute to sort things out first. “Can I ask you a favour? Please?”

Trevor smiled. “You can ask. Sure.”

Charlie laughed awkwardly. That hadn’t come out
right. “Um … What I meant was, can you do me a favour and give me a few minutes to sort something out before you come and get me to speak to the coaches. I’d really appreciate it, and it would help a lot.”

“I don’t mind doing that, but why?” Trevor said.

“I just need the time,” Charlie said earnestly.

Trevor held up his hands in mock surrender. “I guess I could use the extra time to fold these towels. I’ll come by your room in ten minutes.”

“How about Scott’s room?” Charlie asked. He knew he was really pushing it here.

Trevor stared at him, and Charlie wondered if he was going to change his mind. “Okay, Charlie. Ten minutes in Scott’s room.”

Slogger led the way back.

“Listen up, guys,” Charlie said the moment Scott closed the door to his room. “I’ve got a question for you to think about.”

“Anchovies or onions?” Scott said.

“And pepperoni, ground beef and pineapple,” Nick added.

“Come on, nobody really likes pineapple on pizza. It’s only for colour,” Scott said.

Normally, Charlie would have laughed. But this wasn’t the time for jokes. He was running out of time.

“I’ll get you a pizza with anything you want on it — I promise. First, I need some help about a killer decision I have to make.”

“About what?” Slogger said.

Charlie took a deep breath. “So. Corey was in my
room when I got back from the rink.”

“That’s totally insane,” Scott said, “since he’s your roommate.”

Charlie furled his brow. “I’ll give you that. But he was in a strange mood, like almost giggling, and he couldn’t stop talking about the camp and the teams and other players.”

“I can’t imagine Corey acting strange …” Scott said to Nick, pretending to be perplexed.

“Well, more strange than usual. He said to me that with Jake gone he’ll get promoted to Team 1 and that he’s a shoo-in for the Challenge Game. I’ve never seen a guy more stoked. He was beyond hyper.”

His friends went all quiet.

“So I’m about to take a shower, just to get away from him, when he says, ‘You did good — and you haven’t even lost any more equipment.’”

“What does that mean?” Scott asked.

Nick’s expression grew serious. “I think I’m getting it.”

“Getting what?” Scott said.

“Everyone knows about my hockey bag ending up in the wrong rink. I didn’t tell anyone about my elbow pads, though — mostly because it was stupid,” Charlie explained. “Like I said to Trevor, I ended up wrapping my elbows with hockey socks, and naturally I banged one elbow and got a nasty bruise. Actually, I have Slogger to thank for that, courtesy of a hip check into the boards.”

“Don’t mention it,” Slogger said.

“Anyway, Trevor told me to look in the lost and found, and the elbow pads were sitting right on top.”

Each of his friends nodded.

“Now here’s the thing,” Charlie continued. “I never told Corey about losing my elbow pads, and as you heard, neither did Trevor.”

“So how’d he know?” Scott said.

“’Cause he’s the one who took them!” Nick exclaimed.

Scott looked surprised. “When did you get so smart?”

“I’ve been doing brain exercises; they must be working.”

“There’s more,” Charlie said. “The equipment comment got me thinking. Almost every time someone’s gotten into trouble, or something’s gone wrong, Corey’s been around. At the obstacle course, before the finals, I spoke to Corey. He was all bummed out because his team didn’t win. He told me he was going to watch the race and I saw him walk off down the course before it started. He would’ve known that I was behind Savard.”

“Then he was the guy that tossed your rope,” Slogger said.

“Exactly. He waited for Savard and Nathan to finish. And do you remember my stupid alarm clock not going off when we did our fitness tests? Corey had left the room already. He told me he went for a run. I bet he changed the time or turned the alarm off.”

Charlie had to force himself to speak slowly. It all made sense now. “And what about Duncan? He got sent down
to Team 3 because he lost his binder, and Corey knew about it before anyone. I bet he took it. Now that I think of it, at the fitness testing, Corey knocked me into Zane. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure Corey was behind my equipment ending up in the other rink. I remember him running across the field while all the other guys were watching the piggy-backing. Finally, we get to another piece of serious evidence. Today after practice, Slogger and I saw Corey walking down the corridor when we were going on the ice. I don’t know why it didn’t register then, but what was he doing there when he hadn’t made any finals? He should’ve been in the stands with the rest of the guys. Corey probably figured everyone was on the ice already. He wouldn’t know that I was late getting over to the rink.”

“And that’s totally when he planted the ring in Jake’s bag!” Nick practically screamed.

“Shh!” Charlie pleaded. “I don’t want anyone else to hear this, at least not yet. But that’s exactly what I think too.”

“All right, so why’d he do that?” Scott said. “What’s the point?”

“’Cause he wanted to be on Team 1 — and, most of all, in the Challenge Game. He basically has to be, because his dad is crazed about hockey. He wants Corey to play Junior or get a scholarship to a university, and even make it to the NHL. He pays for extra power skating, shooting sessions, personal training. He calls Corey at least three times a day. I swear Corey’s on the phone for an hour every night telling his dad about
practices. He’s under unbelievable pressure.”