"So must yours be if you spend so much time on us," Neil said.

"They were," Wymack agreed.

"Oh," Neil said. "Are they both dead?"

Wymack looked amused by his tactlessness. "My mother OD'd almost ten years ago and my father lost a prison fight the first year I started here at Palmetto State. I hadn't spoken to either of them since I left D.C.."

Neil's heart skipped a beat. "You grew up in D.C.?"

"Interesting that that's the part you got hung up on."

Lying was easy, but Neil had never felt this guilty about it. "I was born in Alexandria. My mother worked in D.C. for a while. I just think it's funny we both started there and now we're here. Sometimes the world feels so big, but then I'm reminded how small it is."

"Big or small, just remember you're not alone in it," Wymack said. "You have your team, but that's a double-edged sword. They're there for you any time you need them, and they'll hold you up if you want them to, but your actions have consequences for all of them as well. The more you antagonize Riko, the harder you make things on them."

"Like with Seth," Neil said. "I know."

Wymack stared at him for an endless minute, then said too quietly, "The fuck did you just say to me?"

Neil realized too late Andrew hadn't shared his theory with Wymack. "It's convenient timing, isn't it? I insulted Riko on TV and applauded the Foxes' small size, and that same night Seth overdosed and made me starting line. Even Kevin thinks Riko orchestrated that."

"Even Kevin," Wymack echoed. "Do I even have to ask whose idea that was? Look at me, Neil. Are you listening? Seth had a lot of problems and no good solutions. We always knew he'd make it to graduation on a wing and a prayer. In his first four years he overdosed three times. It was past time for him to try again.

"I don't care what Andrew said to you. I don't care what Kevin thinks. If—and that's a big if, Neil—if Riko really was behind it somehow, the blame is all on him. He chose to take out his petty rage on Seth. He chose to cross a line. You didn't. You hear me? You didn't. Don't ever blame yourself for Seth's death. That is too dangerous a road to walk down. You keep your eyes on your own path and keep moving forward."

"Yes, Coach."

Wymack didn't look convinced, but he didn't push it. "So do we need to talk about last night?"
"No, Coach."

"Then come on. Andrew said you're meeting them at the stadium this morning. I'll give you a lift." Wymack emptied the rest of his coffee in one swallow and led the way out of the apartment.