Page 75 of Sinful Secrets

“Yeah, how did you know?”

Did Spencer talk about me to his teammates?

He runs his hand through his sweaty hair, pushing it off his forehead. “I watched the ice girls’ auditions. One of my neighbors’ daughter tried out, but she didn’t make the team.”

I wonder which one she was. There were so many of us at the auditions, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that someone besides me knew a player.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Hopefully, she didn’t take it too hard.”

He shrugs. “She’s young, and she can try out again next year. She volunteers here every season, so I’m sure you two will eventually meet.”

“I’m nervous about tonight’s game.” I blurt out.

Tonight might not be my first game, but it feels like I have targets on me.

“I’m sure you will do great. The fans are loud and crazy, but no matter what happens, just enjoy the time you have out there.”

“Thanks, I-” My phone rings, interrupting our conversation.

I yank my phone out of my pocket, hoping it’s Spencer, but it’s the detective, Jacob Carter.

Scowling at my screen, I answer his call. “I’m sorry, but like I already told you, I’m not spying on the Marinos. I have too much going on. You need to find someone else.”

Before he can speak, I end the call and shove my phone back into my pocket.

Gage raises an eyebrow and glances around the arena. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

“It’s just a complication that I’m trying to sort out before tonight’s game.”

“It sounds like you can use some help, especially since you’re running out of time.”

Surely, I can trust him. He’s Spencer’s teammate and genuinely seems concerned.

“While Spencer was away for the funeral, the day of the ice girls’ auditions, a local detective and an FBI agent approached me to try to get information on Arturo Marino to put him behind bars.”

Gage’s jaw ticks.

I immediately add, “I didn’t and haven’t said anything to the cop, but he won’t leave me alone.”

His expression softens. “I wasn’t accusing you.”

“Good, because Spencer already did. He won’t answer my calls or messages. Besides, it’s not like I have any proof of any crimes the Marinos have committed.”

“So the cop wants you to try to find proof while you are here for the games?”

“Yeah, he wants me to eavesdrop on their conversations to find something he can use, but if Arturo really is that dangerous and unpredictable, then why would I put my life at risk?”

He’s surprised, but he doesn’t say anything for a few moments. “I’ve known the Marinos since Joey joined the team years ago. What is the cop expecting you to find?”

“Well, based on my research, I’m assuming he wants proof that they are the mafia family that is portrayed online.”

His eyes widen. “Meaning what?”

“Meaning they are guilty of drug trafficking, money laundering, and kidnapping. Oh, and not to mention murder.”

He shakes his head and mumbles. “They wouldn’t. They couldn’t.”

“Do you think the Marinos are as bad as people say? I know I’ve seen Spencer angry, but murder is entirely different, especially in cold blood, like people are saying on the internet.”

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