3. What Have I Done?
Chapter Three
WHAT HAVE I DONE?
~~Inez~~
Three days into my new job, and I’m about to take a huge risk. No pain, no gain. No risk, no reward. And all that crap.
I rapped on Brian’s open door, and he waved me inside.
“Inez, what’s the word on Lucas?” he asks. Lucas Sutton, our talented rookie, was injured in our last game.
“He’s out for the season. Needs knee surgery.”
“Damn.” Brian runs a hand through his thick hair and leans back in his chair, clearly troubled. “We don’t have a good replacement in our system for him at this time.”
Gathering my courage, I sit in the chair across from him. Now or never. I take a deep breath and blurt it out. “Camden Hale was put on waivers by New York last night.”
Brain squints at me, as if he wonders where I’m going with this.
“He’s a solid fourth line winger. He’s not flashy, but he’s a grinder. A hard worker. A good teammate. He might not win a game for us, but he won’t lose one. Not a bad two-way winger, either. Excels on defense.” I hold my breath and wait for his response.
Brian seems impressed. “You’ve done your homework.”
“I think we should take a chance on him.” I’ve been mulling this move since Hale came over the waiver wire last night. I did do my research. I’ve followed Camden’s career closely since he played for the Seattle Sockeyes a few years ago. In the right system he could do well. I think we have that system.
“Toronto put Dennis Ivers on waivers this a.m. He’s a far better shot than Hale. Why not choose him instead?” I have the distinct impression that Brian is testing me.
“Ivers is prone to injury, he’s slow, and he’s not good on defense. Our fourth line needs to play well on defense, and we need fast skaters if we’re to be successful. Besides, Coach is known for his ability to get the best out of each player and upping their play a notch. He’s a good fit.”
Brian rubs his chin, considering what I’ve said. For a long moment he stares out the window before turning his attention back to me. “I’m going to let you have this one.” His tone carries a warning. I’ve been put on notice. This is my first big decision in my new job, and I hope it’s the right one. When I saw Hale was available for next to nothing, it was too good to pass up.
“Thank you. You won’t be sorry.” I want to knock on wood, cross my fingers, and pray to the powers that be, but I don’t. My reputation and Brian’s trust in me ride on Camden Hale’s back. I hope the guy plays the way I know he can.
“Call his agent and let her know.”
“I’ll do that right now.” I excuse myself and hurry to my office. I check my notes and dial the number for Celia Leonard, one of the top agents in the hockey world. She usually only handles the best of the best, so her representing Camden is curious and leads me to believe she sees something in him just as I do.
“Leonard and Barnes.” Camden’s agent speaks with the utmost authority. I’m instantly intimidated, and it takes a lot to intimidate me.
I muster my most professional self, which isn’t difficult. I’m great at being professional. Personal connections are where I fail. “Hi, Ms. Leonard. This is Inez Lewis. I’m the new assistant GM of the Portland Icehawks.”
“I heard about that. Congratulations. We need more women in the upper management levels of this sport.”
“Thank you.” I don’t dwell on her compliment but get right down to business. “We’re interested in claiming Camden off waivers, but I have a few questions first.”
Her brief silence indicates she’s stunned, but she recovers quickly. “Certainly. What’re your concerns? And call me Celia.”
“Last year, Camden had an undisclosed injury and missed five games. Is he completely recovered?”
“Absolutely.”
“He’s been a healthy scratch more than he’s played this season.”
“I’m aware of that. New York is a bad situation and a bad fit.”
“I’ve heard murmurs that they have issues on that team and with their management.”
She doesn’t comment, which I appreciate. I wonder if she considers my comments unprofessional.
“Camden would be an asset to the Icehawks. I’m aware of the team’s system to play fast and hard to make up for the lack of star power. I believe it’ll complement his strengths perfectly.”
“And those strengths are?” I know what I think they are, but I want to hear from her.
Celia launches into a sales pitch worthy of an agent of her caliber. By the time she’s done, Camden sounds like a future Hall of Famer and a top-tier player. We both know he’s neither, but I don’t point out his stats to her. She already knows them.
I speak for a few more minutes before I end the call. I’m more determined than ever to acquire Hale’s services. He may not be the best player out there right now, but he’s the best for this team. I truly believe that. I’m not one prone to hunches, yet I have a hunch about him.
At the game later in the evening, the Icehawks break their losing streak. Jakob Bang has his game back, and the team plays the most complete game of the season. Camden Hale is now an Icehawk and flying across the country to join the team.
After the game, I make the mistake of checking social media for news on the team. I like to keep an eye on what they’re saying about us, and what I read isn’t flattering, especially as it pertains to me.
The Icehawks have finally broken their losing streak. Jakob Bang has gotten his groove back along with acquiring a girlfriend, it appears. All should be right with the world. But alas, dear readers, the Icehawks continue their blundering ways. After naming Inez Lewis as assistant GM, they make the questionable move of picking up Camden Hale on waivers. Hale is a fourth-liner who belongs in the AHL, not the bigs. You have to wonder if an inexperienced assistant GM chose this particular player. —Aria at All Hockey News
Aria is a stone-cold bitch. She’s been the Icehawks’ biggest critic since we became a team, almost as if she has a personal grudge.
Regardless, I’m plagued by my own doubts. Should I have taken the easy way out with the most talented player available rather than risk it all on a guy who’s nothing more than a grinder?
I shove my worries to the back burner as I take the elevator to the locker room level of the arena. I spot and approach Gardenia, one of my closest friends. After tonight’s very public declaration, the entire world knows that she’s in love with Jakob Bang, and he feels the same way.
We share a few words. She’s positively glowing, and I feel a twinge of jealousy that I quickly push away. I might want what she has, but I don’t have time for it. Nor has the right guy come along.
“Are you okay?” Despite Gardenia’s joy, she picks up on my agitation.
I hesitate before handing my phone to her. She and Jakob read Aria’s statement on the screen.
“She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Gardenia defends me, but Jakob keeps his opinions to himself. Not a good sign.
“You didn’t give up anything for him, so I don’t see how you can lose,” Gardenia points out.
“That’s exactly it. What do we have to lose?” I sound confident, but inside I’m a fucking mess.
What have I done?