Page 17 of Breakaway

“Why?” His gaze is hard.

“I can tell she’s hurting, on edge. It’s not healthy. It’s not good for her career. Based on what you’re saying, she’s not safe. I’m worried about her.”

I pause then look him dead in the eye. “Truthfully, I’m attracted to her.”

“She ain’t some notch on a bedpost.”

“I realize that. I’m not that kind of guy. I can’t honestly tell you at this point where my attraction could lead. But I do want to help her. Let’s pool our resources and work together. My father will help.”

Mel glances at my father. “Heard you retired.”

Dad leans forward. “I’m not dead and I still have friends who believe in the oath they took. I need info, names that he has on his payroll if you’ve got them. Proof of the shake down. I can help. I damn well want to help.”

“He sends someone to pick up the money here after closing on Fridays. It was early this week because she was going out of town for the game.” Looking at me, Mel continues. “Someoneon your buddy’s team is in his pocket. There was a note in her locker. You need to clean house, too.”

I pull a business card from my pocket and add my personal cell number. Dad takes it and writes his cell number on the back and hands it to Mel. “These are the only two numbers you call and we’re the only two you talk to until we know who we can trust.”

“Give me another one of your cards,” he demands. On the back he writes some names. “Those are the ones I’m sure are on the take.

“I’ve got mirrors everywhere and a few cameras to keep watch for my customers and her. But I’m not sure how much longer she’ll be safe here. I think he’s using his own product which makes him even more unstable. I got a bad feeling.”

CHAPTER 10

Caitlyn (Cat)

The team bus is nicer than what the other owner provided. This one has blankets, pillows and a fully stocked snack bar with sandwiches. I’m so tired from the last couple of nights I cuddle up next to the window and fall asleep.

Tatum and I are rooming together at the hotel. We both fall right back to sleep once we hit our room in Toronto. Despite some sloppy shots by Missy, we’re able to pull off a win Thursday night. Missy’s not our best player, but damn, she’s been bad even for her.

The next morning she’s noticeably missing from practice. Coach says she’s not feeling well and puts Steph in for drills. With the addition of Leslie and Steph the team already feels better. Teddie is more relaxed. We’re more united, a true team. No showoffs.

Clark grins from ear to ear. “That was a stellar practice, ladies. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s game. We’ll have a slight advantage because of our new players. Our opponents won’t be familiar with them, but it won’t be enough to count on. Plus, they’ll be gunning for us because they lost last night when theythought they had it. So rest up and be prepared. Dinner in the hotel restaurant is on me. Easy practice tomorrow morning.”

Tatum rushes me back to our room. “Hurry up. We’re going to the coffee shop next door. I was reading up on them and they have a couple specialty brews I want to try. I keep telling my boss we need to shake-up the menu a little at the coffee shop, but he won’t listen.”

By the time I’m ready Teddie, and Leslie have joined us, and Tatum is on the phone with Steph. Megan is begging off to get some sleep. She was studying for a test all week and wants to be good for the game. She’ll see us at dinner. “Yes, meet us in the lobby in five minutes.”

Disconnecting, she shoves her phone in her pocket. “Let’s go ladies.” Inside the coffee shop Tatum grabs the big semicircle booth in the corner and pulls a small notebook from her bag. “Okay ladies, you are helping me with research. We are going to get one of each of their specialty brews and analyze them.”

“It’s coffee, Tatum. It’s gonna taste like coffee.” Leslie frowns.

“There are nuances, notes, flavors. I need to know what you like, don’t like and if it needs to be stronger. Like if it has cherry overtones do they need to be more intense.”

“Why are we doing this?” Teddie asks.

Tatum releases her breath. “Because next summer I’m opening my own coffee shop.”

“What?” Leslie squeals. “OMG finally. This is something you’ve always wanted.”

“Wait,” Teddie interrupts. “Are you leaving the team?”

“Hell no. I’ll be the owner of the coffee shop. I’ll have staff to run the things while I’m away and when I retire it will be waiting for me.”

“I’m so happy for you, Tatum. So glad you’re going for your dream.” Leslie smiles.

Teddie looks at Leslie. “What’s your long-term dream after hockey?”

Her cheeks turn rosy. Clearing her throat, she looks us all in the eye. “I want to be a mom. Just a mom. Watch my kids, maybe someone else’s. Go to school and help the teachers. Join the PTA kind of mom.”

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