Page 2 of Ice Melts

They groaned a bit but then the cameras started rolling, and a group of reporters raised their hands to ask questions. Let the press conference begin.

Mostly everyone wanted to know about the team’s plans for the future, what they would do about a run for the Stanley Cup, what happened to the injured player, what did they think about the fairness of the refs or the shootout from last game. But her questions would be different. When at last the others seemed to have died down, she raised her hand.

Jorge lifted a hand in her direction. “Cooper.”

“There has been talk of after game parties, specifically one last weekend. Can anyone give us some more information about a place called…” she pretended to check her notes. “Brogue’s Bando?”

The team was silent for the count of five and then the other reporters started shouting out questions relating to drug use and team morale and overdose. She waited and then leaned over the microphone. “I’m still waiting for an answer to my question.”

Jorge frowned at her, but his eyes were steel when he looked out over the players who were still silent. At last, Trey raised his hand. “I’m sure none of us know what you are talking about.”

“Oh, that’s interesting, since I am in possession of multiple pictures that were almost about to go on someone’s social media account.” She hugged a folder to her chest. “I’d hope the team would take accountability and action against players knowingly breaking the law.”

The coach motioned that the cameras be cut and that the meeting was over. He was a tall man, still much in his physical prime even though his white hair said he was also much in his fifties. He approached her and held his hand out for the folder.

But Sarah shook her head. “These go to press.”

He did not drop his hand. A pair of wrinkles appeared between his eyes. “Don’t do this Cooper.”

“Why not?”

“Because you know it won’t help a single thing. Let me handle it. I’ll talk to the guys.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“And administer suspensions as needed.”

“Player accountability would go a long way. These guys are role models…or should be.” She held his gaze for another moment and then nodded. “I can’t do anything about the press that will already go live because of my questions.”

“I know.” He took the folder from her hands. “You know where I think you can go Cooper.”

She lifted her fingers in a delicate wave. “See you next time.”

He turned from her and she left the room with great satisfaction, fueled by the glares at her back.

On the way home, her assistant, Molly, called her. “I leaked the conference with some key talking points and accurate speculation.”

“That’s why you make the big bucks.”

“I actually don’t make any bucks.”

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that…”

“You have?”

“Actually no. But thank you! The good people of America would thank you if they respected what we do.”

“Which they don’t.”

Cooper could almost hear her leaning back in her chair with a large smile. “Good thing I get so much personal satisfaction from this.”

She laughed with her friend. “It’s important though. Accountability of these athletes might just save their lives, stop a small portion of the demand for the sick products they consume and maybe keep a few teens off the streets and out of prison.” She nodded to herself as if this justified the work she did. Mostly shewasjustified. Nobody was going to like the reporter who told the hard stories. It didn’t mean she wasn’t doing the right thing. At least that’s what she told herself every day even when the backlash hit.

She was viewed as a sensational reporter, the bottom of the barrel of reporting. But unlike some, she was accurate, meticulously so. And was therefore gaining a reputation as an expert investigative reporter. She’d moved apartments to get better security when she felt like she was being followed.

Signs of a good hunch turning into a full-on accurate investigation could also be uncomfortable and dangerous. She shivered. But she wasn’t exactly scared. It was exhilarating.

“Thanks Molly! Until next time!”

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