Page 6 of Ice-Cold Truth

I meet his eyes steadily. “Yes, sir, that’s correct. Sam Masterson is my older brother.”

A glimmer of something—interest or maybe calculation—flickers in his faded blue eyes. “Is that so? How very…intriguing.” He takes a measured sip of his coffee. “You might not be aware, Miss Masterson, but this firm is currently engaged in a rather complicated legal proceeding involving the Firebirds’ head coach. Come with me.”

I smooth my pencil skirt as Dervin Kobin gestures for me to follow him into his office. The room exudes an air of understated elegance, from the rich mahogany desk to the leather chairs positioned before it.

“Please, have a seat, Miss Masterson.” He settles behind the desk, studying me intently.

I perch on the edge of one of the chairs, my heart pounding. What could this be about? Surely, he can’t have an issue with my work already?

Kobin steeples his fingers, clearing his throat. “I’ll cut right to the chase. I’m interested in your familial connections to the Seattle Firebirds organization.”

I blink, caught off guard. “You mean my brother, Sam? He plays defense for them, yes, but he’s not part of the organization if you mean management.”

A faint smile flits across Kobin’s weathered features. “Indeed. Which puts you in a unique position regarding a case this firm is currently engaged in.”

Curiosity piqued; I lean forward slightly. “What sort of case?”

“A wrongful termination lawsuit against the Firebirds’ head coach, Reginald Matthews.” Kobin’s expression turns grave. “Filed by a former player named Vince Halstrom.”

The name rings a vague bell, but I can’t quite place it. “I’m afraid I don’t know the details…”

Kobin nods. “Allow me to enlighten you.” He laces his fingers together, the silver of his wedding band glinting in the soft light. “Halstrom alleges that Matthews forced him to play through a serious knee injury, resulting in permanent damage that ultimately ended his career prematurely. He’s suing fordamages, claiming Matthews’ negligence cost him millions in potential future earnings.”

A frown tugs at my lips as the gravity of the situation sinks in. “That’s…incredibly unethical, if true. Coaches are supposed to protect their players, not put them at further risk.”

“Precisely.” His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that makes me shift in my seat. “Which is where you come in, Miss Masterson. Your insider access could prove invaluable in uncovering any corroborating evidence or testimony.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he raises a hand to silence me. “I understand your hesitation but consider this a unique opportunity to leave your mark. To uphold justice and protect the rights of athletes everywhere.”

His words strike a chord deep within me. Isn’t that why I chose this path? To be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves? Still, the conflict of interest gnaws at me. “With all due respect, Mr. Kobin, my brother is on that team. As is…” I swallow hard. “Someone else I care about. Getting involved could damage relationships I don’t want to jeopardize.”

He regards me shrewdly for a long moment before responding. “I’m well aware of the…personal entanglements at play here, but I think you can stay professional.”

A hint of a smile plays across the partner’s lips, and I feel like I’ve just stepped into something far bigger than I ever imagined. The weight of his request feels too burdensome.

When I don’t say anything, he leans back in his leather chair, steepling his fingers. “I realize this is a big ask, Miss Masterson, but I have faith in your ability to handle this.”

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. “You want me to…investigate my own brother’s team? His coach?” The conflict of interest is glaring, a potential ethical nightmare I’m not sure I can or want to navigate.

“Think of it as an opportunity to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.”

He has a point, but the thought of betraying Sam’s trust, of jeopardizing his career over something that might well be a misunderstanding…

His gaze bores into me, daring me to look away. I can’t. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for—a chance to prove myself, to make a real impact, but at what cost?

Squaring my shoulders, I meet Kobin’s stare head-on. “What is the plan?”

The smile returns to the elder attorney’s lips. “Allow me to elaborate…” He leans forward, resting his forearms on the desk as he begins to outline his plan.

I listen with rapt attention and try to ignore my doubts.

“…Essentially, you’ll be our eyes and ears on the inside. Attend team events, practices, and games. Befriend the players and the staff. Gain their trust and see what you can uncover about Matthews’ conduct.”

“You want me to…spy on them?” I can’t keep the disbelief from my voice. “That seems shady.”

He arches an immaculate silver brow. “I prefer to think of it as…discreet information gathering in the interest of justice; but look at it this way—if Matthews is innocent, you’ll simply confirm that, and the case will be dropped. No harm, no foul.”

His logic is sound, but something still gnaws at me. “And if I do find evidence against him? Against the team?”

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