CHAPTER 11
JUSTICE
***
Lauren
The next few days are a whirlwind of uncertainty and emotion. Granger has been radio silent, not returning my texts or calls. The news buzzes with replays of Granger tackling Mark mere inches from Zach. The talking heads say it’s only a matter of time before the league takes action and expels Granger from the league.
I keep my mind occupied by taking extra shifts at the hospital with my sweet patients, but my thoughts continue to return to Granger and the fallout that’s splashed all over the media.
I take a midmorning break and step outside for some fresh air. It’s crisp and cool out, refreshing on any other day. I check texts, hoping for one from Granger, but it’s Madison.
Madison: Found something. Meet me at the area ASAP.
My heart races as I run four flights upstairs to the nurse’s station to grab my keys and jacket. I hate to bolt during a volunteer shift, but whatever Madison’s found has got to be important.
“Come on, you need to see this,” Madison says as I sprint to the main door of the arena.
She leads me to the press conference room and opens her laptop. She hits play on a video, and my breath catches. It’s footage from the game, but not the broadcast that’s played on repeat for the last few days. It's a fan’s phone video with a direct line of sight the moment Zach’s head hits the ice. Seconds into the video, it zooms in on the moment Mark went after Zach while he was vulnerable. The angle shows what official cameras missed–Mark’s skate blade aimed dangerously at Zach’s head.
A second later, Granger intercepts Mark, pushing him away just in time. My stomach recoils, imagining what could have happened if Granger hadn’t been there. Tears pinch and sting at my eyes and nose as the truth sinks in. Granger’s heroic efforts saved Zach.
“He was protecting Zach,” I whisper, my voice shaky. “Has Zach seen this? Does Granger know you have this?”
“Not yet. I hauled tail over here as soon as the kid that filmed it handed it over to me.”
Armed with the video, we head to the locker room to find Zach. My heart pounds, anticipating seeing Granger for the first time in several days, not knowing where exactly we stand.
Zach looks up as soon as we enter, concern flashing in his eyes. “What’s going on? Everything okay? Is Mom all right?”
“Yeah,” I say, scanning the room for Granger. I spot him in the far corner near his locker, looking tired and defeated. I catch my breath, suddenly unsure if I should be here.
“I found something,” Madison says, turning the laptop toward him. “Everyone’s going to want to see this,” she says a little louder, encouraging others in the room to gather around.
Madison hits play as everyone except Granger gathers around. As we watch the video, realization dawns on Zach’s face.
“Mark’s blade. That’s the flash I saw moments before–” Zach’s eyes meet mine. “Granger, you need to see this,” Zach calls over his shoulder.
Granger glances up and catches my eye. If his downcast expression is any indication, I’m the last person he expected to see here. His eyes dart to Zach, looking torn.
“If it’s more news coverage, I don’t want to see it,” Granger says as soon as he sees Madison’s computer.
“You want to see this.” Madison hits play. Granger watches in silence, his eyes heating with fury as if he’s reliving those moments again. When the video ends, his shoulders slump.
“I didn’t think anyone would believe me,” he says quietly.
Zach places a hand on Granger’s shoulder. “I owe you my life.” Zach pulls Granger in for a man hug, slapping him on the back.
“We’re brothers, a team,” Granger says. “You’d do the same for me.”
The two part and shake hands, the tension between them easing. I draw in a shaky breath, the most relieved I’ve felt in days.
“I’ll get this out to the media. People need to know the truth.” Madison shuts her computer. “Mark and the Predators are on notice starting now.”
Zach follows Madison out of the locker room, vowing to get that video in safe hands before anything else happens. I tug on Granger’s jersey and pull him aside.
“Are we okay?” I ask, holding back the knot that’s crept into my throat. “You haven’t returned my calls or texts, and I thought maybe–”
“I promised my dad I’d stay away from you if he kept me on the team. I couldn’t leave Zach unprotected if Mark got another chance at him.” He wraps his arms around me, and relief washes through me. “I’m trying to keep my promises. But now that the truth is out there, nothing could keep me away from you.”
“I love you,” I whisper, my heart swelling with love for this great big teddy bear holding me.
“I love you, Lauren. Thank you for believing in me.” He leans in, and I tip my chin. Our lips brush against each other in a soft kiss that feels like I’m floating on clouds.
“Get a room,” someone shouts from behind us.
I snicker. “Good advice,” I murmur against Granger’s lips.
“Lead the way,” he growls back.
***
Granger
I sit in Dad’s office, flanked by Lauren, Zach, and Madison. My father stands behind his desk, arms crossed, stern as always. We sit silently, staring at the screen, listening to the crowd yelling and blades cutting through ice. When Zach’s head hits the ice, and I crash into Mark, Dad’s eyes darken as crucial seconds tick by. My heart pounds as the video ends.
“Why didn’t you say something?” Dad pauses before abruptly stopping me from replying. “I didn’t let you, did I?”
I shake my head slowly as realization and regret soften his features.
“I should have had more faith in you.”
“I never gave you much reason to,” I admit, not wanting to fall back into our bad habits of accusing one another.
“I’m proud of you, son.” Dad sinks into his chair, not one to make a public show of affection. “And I owe you an apology as well, Miss Brooks. If you’d like your internship back, that can be arranged.”
“Thank you, sir.” Lauren glances at me, a timid smile playing across her lips. “As much as I appreciate your offer, my true calling is with the children’s hospital.”
“And with me,” I add, squeezing Lauren’s hand. My heart swells with love and gratitude. She believed in me when no one else did.
“The league contacted me this morning. They are dropping their internal investigation. The Predators are being sanctioned with a hefty fine, and the process for Mark’s expulsion from the league is underway.” Dad shuffles papers on his desk. “If that’s everything, you can all see yourselves out.”
I chuckle to myself. The old man may have apologized, but he’s still the same old geezer he’s always been–business all the way.
As we leave his office, the air feels lighter, the future brighter. I’ve got the girl, my job, and the respect of my best friend. Things couldn’t be any better than that.
“Hey, Granger,” Zach calls over his shoulder as he reaches his car. “Dinner at Mom’s tomorrow night. Bring a date.”
He grins and chuckles. I hold Lauren a little closer, thankful for the family and friends I’ve chosen and who’ve chosen me. They’re the ones I’ll fight for and the ones who will fight with all their heart for us.