Page 41 of Breaking the Ice

“What do you mean I need a new winger? What are you trying to tell me, Caleb?”

“Your anger is directed at the wrong person. This stuff...” He gestures at the drugs in my hand. “...Belongs to Durand, and none other than your daughter planted it on Emma.”

“What a lie!” Jessica exclaims with a shrill voice.

“How dare you accuse Jessica!”

“Please, Carl.” Caleb's hand rests on Mr. Flake's shoulder. “Give me five minutes to explain what's going on here.” Flake's face is contorted with anger, but he remains silent, prompting Caleb to continue. “Durand uses these pills to make women compliant.” He turns to his teammates. “Do you remember Emma's first night at Brillant? Do you recall how dazed she seemed towards the end? He slipped half a pill into her Long Island.”

“You did what?” I exclaim, staring at the Canadian in disbelief. So, that's why I felt so awful.

“You're a dead man,” Toby growls, grabbing him by the collar.

“Damn it, this is all your fault, Jess!” Durand shouts. “You said nothing could go wrong.” Now, all eyes turn to the blonde.

“I have no idea what you're talking about!”

“You know exactly. You begged me to give you the pills so you could get back at Caleb.”

“What? You're lying! You've all conspired against me!” The beast turns to her father's side, seeking refuge. “Daddy, you have to believe me. I have nothing to do with these drugs!”

“Just like you had nothing to do with trying to blackmail me? Demanding that I choose between my career and Emma?” Caleb asks.

“I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't need to blackmail anyone.”

“Oh really? Parker?” Caleb turns to his buddy, who nods and steps out from the crowd.

“Mr. Flake, if you would please take a look at this. I recorded it yesterday afternoon in Caleb's loft.” Parker taps on his phone and hands it over to his boss. Flake takes the smartphone with a furrowed brow and looks down at the display. Everyone present listens eagerly.

“So, Caleb, you said you wanted to talk? I assume you've reconsidered my demand. Spit it out, how have you decided?” Jessica's voice emanates from the speaker. Dad and I approach Flake from behind and glance over his shoulder at the phone in his hand. On the display, we see Caleb and his ex, sitting at his poker table, talking. Judging by the angle, the video was taken from the stairs leading to his bedroom.

“No, Daddy, don't watch this!” Jessica exclaims. She reaches down, attempting to snatch the device from her father's hand, but he catches her arm and pushes her aside.

“Shhh, I want to see it.” Now it's her turn to look dumbfounded. I refrain from making a snarky comment and instead watch the video. Caleb is brilliant. He skillfully guides the conversation so that she gradually spills the beans. I see Mr. Flake tensing up as he realizes what a deceitful person his daughter is. He watches the entire video before looking up at his forward with remorse.

“Do you believe me now, Carl? Emma has nothing to do with these drugs.” Caleb steps to my side and takes the plastic bag from my hand. His fingers graze my skin tenderly, sending shivers down my spine. He smiles at me and then turns back to the boss. “These,” he explains, handing him the pills, “belong to Durand, not Emma. I know he has more stashed in his locker.”

“Sir, please, I never took any of these myself, nor did I sell them to any of the guys. You have to believe me,” Durand pleads. He's still hanging from Toby's grip, looking utterly desperate.

“To my office,” says the owner.

“Sir, please!”

“Immediately!” Flake thunders, turning to the other players. “All of you, take this as a lesson. I won't tolerate drugs in my team. Now, get out, I have work to do.” He presses a button on the armrest of his wheelchair, causing it to make a tight turn and stop in front of Jessica. She backs away like a trapped animal.

“And now, you. I am profoundly disappointed. You'll never set foot in my ice rink again, I can tell you that much. We'll sort out the rest later. Go home, I'll deal with you later.” As the blonde girl stomps past her old man, teeth gritted and face crimson, he turns to Dad and me.

“I have to apologize to both of you. I had no way of knowing what intrigues were being spun behind the scenes. If you still want to, Emma, you can keep your job.” I'm still so overwhelmed by everything that just happened that I can only nod in silence.

“Very well, then welcome back, good luck charm,” he says contentedly, then turns around and follows the guys.

“I'll leave you two alone,” Dad smiles at me, kisses my forehead, and leaves. I blink up at Caleb, who steps in front of me, looking down at me with a serious expression.

“I'm sorry,” he says softly, taking my hands in his. His touch tightens my throat. God, how I've missed being close to him. “I didn't want to leave you thinking I had chosen against you, but I had to. It was the only chance to get both Jessica and Durand.”

“I don't understand...” My voice is rough, like sandpaper.

“I didn't tell you about my plan because Jessica could never see that we were trying to fool her. She had to take the bait and believe that I had chosen against you. That was the only way to make sure she stayed here, and I could expose her in front of everyone.”

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