Page 20 of Power Play

“I’m fine.” I snap my notebook closed and shove it in my bag. “Only having a mild panic attack about why the woman in charge of firing people wants me to visit her office.”

“There’s no way you’re in trouble.”

She wouldn’t be so confident if she’d overheard the conversation between Charlie and Doug yesterday, which is exactly why I didn’t tell her—or anyone else for that matter.

Those two have power, and I know I’m a piece in their game. They don’t care if they take me down along the way.

“Never say never. Maybe one of the players complained about me.”

“Please. The guys adore you. You’re the only one half of them talk to.”

“Wish I could get them all to talk to me.” I gesture to Liam in the goal. He takes off his helmet and shakes out his hair, scowling at Ethan who tries to knock his skate with his stick. “That one over there still won’t come close to a microphone. I swear to god he’s allergic.”

“Don’t let one sour grape ruin the whole bunch.”

“It would be nice if he were a little less sour. Like, neutral is all I’m asking.” I stand from the bench where we’ve been spectating and sling my bag over my shoulder. “Are you heading out?”

“I was planning on it, but I can wait for you.”

“I’ll be fine. Probably easier this way. If I have to turn in my credentials, you won’t see me escorted out by security.”

Maven rolls her eyes. “You arenotturning in your credentials.”

“We’ll see.”

With a wave and a few deep breaths, I make it to the hallway where the administrative offices are located. I wipe my sweaty palms on my shirt then knock on Helen’s door, waiting for her to answer.

“Come in,” she calls out, and I swallow down a final gulp of air.

“Hi.” I shut the door behind me, locking myself in the room with the woman who controls my future. “You wanted to see me?”

She gestures to the empty chair in front of her desk. I move toward it and notice Bradley, our rinkside reporter, in the other one. “Take a seat.”

“Thank you.”

I sit on the edge of the leather and bounce my thigh up and down. Nerves rack my body. It’s nearly suffocating in here, the air thick and the tension high. I brace myself for what’s coming, knowing there’s no way this conversation ends well for me.

“This morning, I was informed of comments that were made about you by your colleagues over the weekend. I’m appalled by what I heard,” Helen starts.

Oh my god. I whip my head to the left, my chest tight as I stare at the man beside me.

DidBradleyturn them in?

Charlie and Doug wouldn’t have turned on each other, and Bradley is the only other person on our broadcasting team. A quiet guy, he tends to shy away from confrontation. He shows up, does his job, and goes on his way.

We’re friendly, but we’re notfriends. Definitely not close enough for him to feel like he has to protect me from the men he reports to, and I’m shocked he might be the one who took this situation to the people who could fix it.

I slump in my chair and turn my attention back to Helen. “I-I wish I could say it’s the first time this has happened, but it’s not. I, um, met with someone in HR recently to discuss a comment Charlie made to me during our weekly meeting; however, I didn’t report what I overheard in Austin. I was planning on doing it today, but it’s been chaotic with preparing for tomorrow’s game. I’m sorry for waiting so long to come forward,” I say, hanging my head.

Helen puts up her hand, stopping me. “You’re not going to apologize to me, Piper. I’m the one who is going to apologize to you.” I suck in a breath, letting myself sit a little taller as shecontinues. “What was said is inexcusable and has no place in our organization. I’m embarrassed by their behavior, and I’m sick to my stomach knowing it’s persisted for years. Charlie and Doug have been fired effective immediately. Additionally, a team-wide memo went out about sexual harassment in the workplace, along with mandatory e-learning modules.”

I falter at that.

Beneath all the bullshit Charlie said, there was truth to his words.

He’s been with the team for two decades. Considered a god in every arena we visit, he was recently inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. I doubt anyone’s given a shit about how thick his HR file might be.

Until now, I guess.

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