"You will."
Blake looked back at him.
Arthur continued.
"Everyone does. The important thing is whether you can recognize it before it becomes a bigger mistake."
Blake nodded slowly.
"Okay."
Arthur returned to his work.
Blake stood there for another moment.
Then he said:
"Thanks."
Arthur glanced up.
"You're welcome."
Blake walked away.
Marcus, who had been watching from the coaching desk, approached.
"That was new."
"What?"
"Blake asking a question without trying to turn it into an argument."
Arthur smiled faintly.
"People can surprise you."
"Do you think he's changing?"
Arthur looked toward the young man.
"He's trying to change."
"Is that enough?"
"For today."
Marcus nodded.
He knew the answer was more complicated than he wanted it to be.
The following Monday, Victoria called a staff meeting.
She asked Marcus, Diego, and two senior coaches to attend.
Arthur was not included.
But when the meeting ended, Victoria came looking for him.
She found him near the equipment storage room.
"Arthur, could I speak with you?"
He set down a box of cleaning supplies.
"Of course."
They walked toward the office.
Victoria closed the door.
"I wanted to discuss the instructor position."
Arthur nodded.
"I've been thinking about it."
"That's good."
"I'm not sure."
Victoria sat behind her desk.
"What's holding you back?"
Arthur looked toward the window.
"People."
Victoria waited.
"Once I take the position, members will start asking about my past. They'll want to know where I trained, who I fought, why I stopped. Some will want to test themselves against me. Others will want photographs or stories."
Victoria nodded.
"I understand."
"Do you?"
She considered the question.
"Probably not completely."
Arthur looked at her.
Victoria continued.
"But I can make sure the position doesn't require you to become a public figure."
Arthur remained silent.
"You can teach under whatever conditions make sense. You don't have to discuss your record. You don't have to talk about Daniel. You don't have to tell anyone anything you don't want to tell them."
Arthur looked down.
"People will still ask."
"Then we will tell them that your personal life is private."
He nodded slowly.
Victoria opened a folder.
"I also want to change something about the academy."
Arthur looked at her.
"What?"
"Our training standards."
She removed several printed pages.
"We have rules for sparring, but some of them are informal. Different coaches enforce them differently. Advanced members sometimes receive more freedom than beginners. And there have been situations where we allowed a member's status to influence decisions."
Arthur said nothing.
Victoria continued.
"I want a written safety policy. Clear rules for stopping sessions, reporting injuries, approving competitive sparring, and reviewing complaints."
Arthur studied the pages.
"That would help."
"I also want a staff member responsible for checking whether those rules are followed."
Arthur looked up.
"That should be a coach."
"It should be someone who understands both the coaching side and the safety side."
She paused.
"That's why I want your input."
Arthur took the pages.
He read them carefully.
Some of the language was vague.
Some of the procedures depended too heavily on a coach's judgment.
He pointed to one paragraph.
"What happens if a fighter refuses to stop?"
"Marcus would intervene."
"And if Marcus isn't there?"
Victoria looked at the page.
"We need a second person with authority."
"Then write that."
She nodded and made a note.
Arthur continued reading.
"What happens if a member complains about a coach?"
Victoria hesitated.
"They can speak with me."
"Can they do it anonymously?"
"Yes."
"Will the complaint be documented?"
"It should be."
"Should be isn't the same as will be."
Victoria looked at him.
Arthur placed the document on her desk.
"If you want people to trust the system, they need to know what happens after they speak."
Victoria nodded.
"You're right."
She made another note.
Arthur stepped back.
"You should have a meeting with the staff."
"I will."
"And the members should know the rules."
"They will."
Arthur looked at the document again.
"Then you're building something useful."
Victoria smiled.
"Will you help?"
Arthur remained silent.
Then he asked:
"Can I make one condition?"
"Of course."
"I want the policy to apply to everyone."
Victoria nodded.
"Everyone."
"Even sponsors."
"Even sponsors."
"Even the owner's friends."
Victoria smiled.
"Especially the owner's friends."
Arthur looked at her for a moment.
Then he picked up the pen.
He signed the offer.
Victoria looked down at the page.
For the first time, Arthur Cole had formally agreed to return to a teaching role.
He did not smile.
He did not celebrate.
He simply handed the document back.
"When do I start?"
"Whenever you're ready."
Arthur considered that.
"Next Monday."
Victoria nodded.
"Welcome to the coaching staff."
Arthur looked toward the main training floor.