Page 38 of Taking The Shot

He bent over, gripping the trash can, squeezing his eyes shut to keep himself together.

Elizabeth didn’t hesitate. “I think I can get it dismissed and removed from your record.”

His head snapped up so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash.

“The convictions,” she clarified, her tone blunt, businesslike. “I can get them removed because I reviewed the files and?—”

“How did you…?”

She smirked. “I get paid very well to dig up anything and everything. And I’m on retainer to clean up messes. Well, Captain Boucher, you’ve got a big ol’ pile of doodie linked to your name.”

Keith’s stomach clenched as he glanced at Coach Starnes, who nodded.

“I need you to step back from the captain position,” Elizabeth continued smoothly.

“What?”

Coach Starnes stepped in. “I’m making Savage the captain for the season.” His voice was gentle and measured. “This isn’t a decision I make lightly, but Elizabeth needs you out of the limelight so she can do her job. She’s already ruffling feathers, requesting documents, making moves to get those convictions of public lewdness and indecency with a minor erased from your record.”

Keith swallowed hard, his whole body vibrating with tension.

“I don’t need that tacked onto my captain’s name during our first season,” the coach continued. “I need someone who looks clean-cut, like a golden boy scout, leading the team on paper. Do you understand?”

Keith stared at him, heart hammering in his chest.

“I need Savage as the captain for now,” Coach Starnes said, “but I needyou. I need your expertise. Your leadership. I need you to be patient while Elizabeth fixes this mess, because when she does, you’re taking over next season. And I want you lifting that Stanley Cup when it happens—without a stain on your name.”

Keith barely breathed.

“I’ve been in your shoes,” Coach Starnes admitted. “Not just me—the owner, too.”

The words stunned him.

“We’ve got your back,” Elizabeth added, her voice softer now. “We’re going to fix this. I promise.”

Keith’s throat tightened.

Coach Starnes’ expression was steady, unwavering. “I want that Cup this year. And next. No pay cut, no demotion—just a title shift for now.” He held Keith’s gaze. “Do you think your ego can handle it?”

Keith exhaled shakily. He thought about the headlines. The whispers. The questions.

It didn’t matter.

This was his team. His future.

“You’re serious,” he rasped.

The coach’s voice softened. “You’re a Wolverine. And we take care of our boys.”

Keith swallowed against the lump in his throat.

Coach Starnes held out his hand.

Keith hesitated only a second before gripping it.

And then, before he could stop himself, he stepped forward and hugged the man who had just given him back his future.

“I’ve got your back, kiddo,” Coach Starnes murmured, patting his shoulder.

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