Page 66 of Expose on the Ice

I press myself against the wall, my heart racing as I try to figure out who he’s talking to. A male voice responds, too quiet for me to make out the words. Tank’s reply, however, sends a chill racing down my spine.

"No, you don’t understand. I’m done after this," Tank says. "The final story goes out tonight, and then we’re square."

Final story? My mind whirls, pieces of a puzzle I hadn’t even known existed suddenly falling into place. The leaked information, the story that had blindsided both Carter and me… Could Tank be behind it all? And is there more to come?

"Look," Tank continues, frustration clear in his voice, "I never wanted to hurt anyone. After this, we’re done. Got it?"

I hold my breath, straining to hear the response. But instead, footsteps approach. Panicking, I duck into a nearby side corridor, hiding and hoping like hell Tank doesn’t look my way. A second later, Tank strides past, his face a mask of worry and guilt. A moment later, a familiar face follows behind him.

Frank, my editor.

Neither had seen me, but I’d seen them.

My stomach drops. Frank and Tank are clearly working together against Carter and me, but why? As their footsteps fade, I lean against the closet wall, my mind racing with the implications. Tank has access to the locker room, to my notes. And now, this conversation about a ‘final story’…

Oh, God…

The cover-up.

Carter’s deepest secret, the one he’d entrusted to me in a moment of vulnerability, the one that could destroy himandus. Tank knows about it – somehow, he knows about it – and he’s working with Frank to publish it…

I have to warn Carter.

CARTER

My legs are burning from exertion as I skate hard towards the net, but my mind is clear and focused. The puck is a blur on my stick as I weave between defenders, their attempts to stop me feeling like they’re happening in slow motion.

This is it. The last minutes of the game, and we’re tied.

But I’m not worried.

For the first time in years, I feel truly free on the ice.

I catch Echo’s eye as he races up the left wing. Without hesitation, I pass the puck, watching it slide perfectly onto his stick. He draws the attention of two defensemen, creating the opening I need to get into the perfect position.

As I cut towards the net, Echo sends the puck sailing back to me, placing it perfectly between the defenders who are harassing him. I receive it smoothly, the satisfying thwack of rubber hitting composite barely registering over the roar of the crowd.

The goalie’s eyes lock with mine as I close in. I can see the tension in his body, the slight shift of his weight as he anticipates my shot. But I will not make it easy for him. I fake right, watching him commit to the movement. Then, in one fluid motion, I flick my wrist and send the puck sailing over his left shoulder.

Time seems to slow as the puck arcs through the air. I hold my breath, along with every fan in the arena. Then, the unmistakable sound of the puck hitting the back of the net cuts through the silence. The horn blares, and the crowd erupts.

We’ve won.

My teammates crash into me, their excited shouts filling my ears. I’ve played some of my best hockey in months, which should get Coach and Mark off my back for a while. The roar of the crowd washes over me as my teammates crowd around, slapping my back.

I grin, basking in the moment, but something nags at the back of my mind. My eyes scan the stands, searching for a familiar face. Lily. But I can’t see her. A twinge of worry creeps into my chest, dampening my high.

Where the hell is she?

CHAPTER 26

LILY

Irace through the corridors of the crowded arena, my heart pounding in my chest. The roar of the crowd celebrating the Frost Giants’ victory fades into background noise as I spot Tank heading towards the locker room.

"Tank!" I call out, my voice barely audible over the commotion. "I need to talk to you."

He turns, his brow furrowing as he sees me. "Can’t it wait, Lily? I need to?—

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