"He looked exhausted, older."
They stood in the empty study lounge, fluorescent lights humming overhead. Silver waited. Eli stared at his bruised knuckles like they belonged to someone else.
"I went to see my uncle," he said finally. "In Boston. My dad's brother."
"The Venmo transaction. James Rivers."
Eli's eyes flicked up. "You've been tracking me?"
"Americus has been tracking you. I've been trying not to lose my mind." Silver sat on the edge of the study table. "Why Boston? Why your uncle?"
"Because I needed to talk to someone who knew my dad. Who could help me figure some things out." Eli leaned against the wall, like standing unsupported was too much effort. "I've been avoiding dealing with his death for two years. Just buried it. Focused on hockey. Pretended I was fine."
"The coach mentioned your dad passed. I didn't know."
