Page 78 of Expose on the Ice

"It was an accident, man," another voice defends me.

But I’m not done. I turn to Tank, who’s trying to shrink into his locker. "And Tank has been leaking information about me, about us, to the press."

Tank’s face goes pale. "Carter, I?—

"Don’t deny it," I cut him off. "You stole Lily’s notes, broke into her apartment. You admitted to me you’ve been selling us out. Face up to it."

The locker room erupts again, this time with shouts of anger and disbelief directed at Tank. Guys are on their feet, some moving towards Tank, others holding them back. Even those who’d been yelling at me a moment ago have now turned on Tank, and I think fists might start flying.

"Enough!" Coach roars, bringing silence. He turns to Tank, his expression a mix of disappointment and anger. "Is this true?"

"It is, Coach," Tank says, nodding at the Coach, then turning to me. "I really am sorry, Carter. For everything."

"You’re suspended indefinitely." Coach Carson’s words cut into Tank like a blade. "Get out of my sight."

Tank nods, not meeting anyone’s eyes as he starts to gather his things and stuff them into his bag. The rest of the team watches in stunned silence, until Tank has shuffled out, then all eyes are back on me and Coach Carson.

I stand there, feeling drained but oddly liberated. The truth is out – all of it. No more secrets, no more lies. As I look around at my teammates, I see a mix of emotions on their faces. Anger, confusion, sympathy.

For the first time in years, I feel like I can breathe.

As the guys disperse, some pat me on the back, others avoid my gaze. I catch Echo’s eye, and he gives me a small nod. It isn’t forgiveness, not yet, but it’s something. But it feels like even those who are angry or disappointed at me are seeing me for the first time.

"We can’t let this story break, man," Echo says, letting out a loud sigh. "Not like this. It’swaybeyond the line of what’s fair."

I shake my head. "It’s too late. Tank’s already leaked it. Lily’s editor is going to run it and fire her in the process."

"Maybe not," Mack chimes in, his veteran wisdom kicking in. "We’ve got connections all over the league. What if we got ahead of it?"

The energy in the room shifts as Mack explains his idea, a brief but brutal plan to get things back on our terms. Suddenly, guys are pulling out their phones, fingers flying over screens, sending emails and texts and social media messages.

"I’ve got buddies in the NFL," Mack says, already texting.

Kurt nods. "I’ll hit up my college teammates who are pros now."

Echo grins. "We can make this big, real big."

I watch in amazement as the locker room transforms into a war room. Phones are ringing, guys are shouting across the room, coordinating their efforts. We have a plan, and it might just save both Lily’s job, and mine.

And maybe get one back on Frank.

CHAPTER 31

LILY

As I make my way through the bullpen in the Star office, my stomach churning with a mix of anger and determination, memories of my first day here flood back. I’d been so green, so full of hope and ambition. I remember clutching my notepad like a lifeline, ready to take on the world of journalism.

God, I’d been naive.

I catch sight of my reflection. The eager-eyed rookie is gone, replaced by a woman with a steely gaze and a chip on her shoulder. The irony isn’t lost on me – I’ve finally gotten my big break, but at what cost?

Whispers follow me as I stride past the cubicles. I can feel the weight of my colleagues’ stares, their hushed conversations falling silent as I pass. I keep my chin up, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

"Did you hear about her and that hockey player?"

"I can’t believe she’d sleep with a source."

"Frank’s going to eat her alive."

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