Chapter 27
Beck
“What if this is the end?” I asked Ford just before we stepped inside the Hellions’ corporate offices. The gleaming set of suites also served as the home office for an NBA team as well.
“Then we move on and let fate take its course.”
“You are shitting me. Right? You are not just going to roll over.”
“Of course I’m shitting you. Do you honestly think we’re going to take this lying down?”
I rubbed my palms on my jeans. “Would you believe Sloane didn’t even call me back? I left her a message when we left this morning, but she didn’t even return my call.”
He clapped me on the back. “Give her time.”
“I think she went back to Matt.”
“Bullshit.”
When my phone vibrated, he pulled away, acting as if he already knew who was calling. You bet I was hopeful.
As luck would have it, my father was calling.
I showed Ford the number on the screen and we both sighed. We’d left early to avoid hearing another pep talk, taking our time getting to Portland.
“Dad, not to be rude, but I don’t need another lecture.”
He was out of breath, so much so I could hear him wheezing. “Dad. What’s wrong? Let me call 9-1-1.”
Ford was right beside me, his face pinched from the same anxiety I was experiencing.
“I’m fine, son,” he huffed, sounding anything but fine. “I’m just overwhelmed. Do you know Carter Wainwright from the Today Show was just in our living room?”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“I’m serious. There’ve been so many reporters here it’s been a revolving door. The phone is ringing off the hook. People want exclusives and your sister can’t keep up with the social media. That article went viral. It would pay for you to pay attention sometimes.”
No one had my personal number, except those people who mattered. And I’d purposely stayed off the internet. My dad’s reaction made me smile. “You’re right, Dad.”
“Anyway. Your mother needs me, but I wanted to warn you that you won’t have a moment of peace when you get back. She’s making cookies for the film crew. They want to make us stars. Imagine that.”
“Well, Pops, we wouldn’t be here without you and Mom.” I was more amused than anything. Or maybe annoyed. “They want to crucify us, Dad. I’m sure that’s what they are doing.”
“No, son. You don’t get it. This isn’t just about the article, but there are several resignations and people already under investigation.
The board of governors is already calling for investigations of three NHL franchises.
That mate of yours knows people and works fast. I thought you should know before going into that meeting. The ball is in your court.”
A trickle of joy crashed into one of continued anxiety. But Sloane had made good on her word.
And she wasn’t here.
“Thanks, Pops. You’re right. It is. I’ll call you when we’re done.” I closed my eyes as soon as I ended the call. The ache for her would never leave. I could hear her voice inside my head, reminding me to fight. Yeah, she was also right.
“What was that?” Ford asked.
“Sloane. She must have pulled in some favors. The article went viral. We are not going in there and lying down. We are going to tell Abbott and everyone in the meeting that we are exactly what the Hellions need.”
“That’s the spirit. And I told you Sloane would come through.”
“Yeah, but she’s not here. She’s not coming.”
Once again, my brother clapped me on the back as if that would make everything that much better. Without my mate standing here with me, this was nothing but a job. However, it was one I planned on protecting.
“Gentlemen.” As expected, Abbott was awaiting our arrival, sitting in one of the huge leather chairs appearing positively bored to death. Or just pissed.
I glanced at Ford, who was trying his best to keep from reacting. With our agent, he truly believed that he could create or fix anything. He also had a God complex. If he wasn’t so damn good at what he did, I’d fire the man.
Who was I kidding? He was undoubtedly about to, at minimum, fire me as a client.
As always, he was dressed in a designer suit, Italian if I wasn’t mistaken and tailored for him.
Even his tie likely cost a couple thousand dollars, likely spun silk from some tiny little shop where everything was hand crafted.
I could see him chaining little old ladies to their workstations.
Maybe I was in a bad mood.
“Abbott. This might be out of line, but I’m going to say it anyway.
I know you think you’re the world’s best agent and we’ve appreciated all you’ve done.
However, we are not going to be kicked out because of bullshit.
Bronco is not injured. I did not do anything wrong.
We don’t cheat and I certainly don’t appreciate being treated as if I’m some bad seed.
Ford either. We are some of the best players in the country and as such, we deserve additional compensation for that and a longer contract. Yeah. Longer contracts. With perks.”
I was on a roll. Even Ford was impressed, the smirk nothing in comparison to the glint in his eyes.
After taking a deep breath, I dared Abbott to say a goddamn word telling me that I was wrong.
Which was why when he broke out into a wide smile, I was floored. So much so, the term dumbfounded could be used.
“Nice performance, kid,” Abbott said. “I didn’t know you had it in you.
You’re like your brother. You have fire in your belly.
I can work with that. And you’re right. My office has been bombarded with requests for appearances from both of you.
In addition, just about every hockey franchise in the league, at least those not currently under investigation by the feds are sniffing around to see if you’re now considered free agents.
I already have a new contract in my briefcase that I am certain representatives from the Hellions are eager to sign.
How does double your current salaries sound? ”
There was nothing quite like having the wind taken out of your sails.
“Sounds about right,” I managed while Ford tried to keep from laughing.
“Now, let’s go to the meeting. I have a plane to catch.”
We followed Abbott into the huge conference room and you would have thought we really were celebrities.
In the next several minutes, there were nothing but basic formalities and pictures being taken. The Hellions’ owner wasn’t a stupid man. He was taking full advantage of the downfall of others. The entire situation was a whirlwind. Yet nothing felt real because Sloane wasn’t here.
“We have one last order of business and that’s the upcoming exhibition game.” Zane Barker was doing most of the talking. As owner, he had the most invested in the Hellions.
“What exhibition game?” Ford asked.
“It was an idea presented just a couple days ago and we think it’s good, especially given the new light placed on shifters in the NHL.
I’d told her as much when she forced a meeting.
However, I also mentioned I needed to check with the Chicago Wild Dogs to see if they’d be willing to fly out to Portland with the team.
They are. With all monies going to charity, I assure you the weaponization attempts being played regarding shifters and all the concerns will go away.
The coach is going to handle most of the details but mark your calendars for two weeks from now.
With the recent notoriety of the article, which I understand has been syndicated all across the country, I want to strike while the iron is hot. ”
Zane looked from Abbott to Ford and me.
What the hell?
“One last thing,” Zane stated with no room for error. “We need to win this, exhibition or not. The game will place the Hellions on the map for years to come. Something to keep in the back of your mind, boys.” His grin was merely a soft reminder of how much was on the line.
Including our asses.
“Wow,” I managed, no longer finding any of the right words.
“If there’s nothing else, gentlemen, I have a daughter turning sixteen and need to get home.” When Zane stood, we all did.
He gathered his things and headed for the door, just when I realized Zane had mentioned a woman had brought the idea.
I didn’t have a chance to catch him before he walked out, the other men he’d brought into the meeting as well.
But Coach Griffen remained.
“What the hell was that?” Ford asked, finally taking a breath.
“I’m not sure. A whirlwind.”
“Ford, Beck. I hate to run, but I also have plans. I’ll get the new contracts finalized and copies sent.
As far as interviews, I don’t need to tell you how to handle being in front of the cameras.
Just remember the ladies. They love you.
I’ll weed through the other offers and narrow them down.
There also could be a book deal if you’re interested. ”
Ford and I looked at each other.
“I think we just want to play hockey.” My answer seemed to amuse him.
“Good enough.” Abbott nodded to the coach before walking out.
Now that we were alone with the coach, I finally took a deep breath. “Coach. Where did the charity even come in? Who made that suggestion?”
He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask. Ms. Winters is responsible.
I can assure you that even with the article, Zane wouldn’t have given you an audience.
He doesn’t like controversy. Evidently, she refused to take no for an answer and set up a meeting.
You know how it goes with rich guys. You need to find a way of making them more money or greater publicity.
She did that with the exhibition match. And in doing so, secured your fate.
You have her to thank for getting new contracts.
She’s one special lady and cares a lot about you. ”
As he walked out, leaving the two of us alone, I turned to my brother. “I fucked up. Didn’t I?”
“Meaning what?”
“I shouldn’t have let her go.”
“Nope,” he said, popping the p. “You shouldn’t have. I offered rope.”
I nodded, the ache in my heart and in my loins growing. “What am I going to do now?”
“Well, little brother, if I were you, I’d jump on a plane.”