Page 34 of Bar Down

“Not going to happen.”

"Look, I can handle Reed. I've dealt with him before."

Marcus stood, closing the distance between them. In her heels, she was still nearly a head shorter, having to tilt her face to meet his eyes.

"The best defense isn't retreat," he said firmly. "It's a strong counter-attack. Reed's tactics rely on isolation. He picks off targets one by one."

"Reed destroyed careers in Boston. People who stood with me lost everything—positions, reputations, futures in hockey."

"I know. I reviewed what happened after Boston." His voice remained steady. "Six people backed your claims. Four fired within three months. One quit under pressure. The sixth demoted and shipped out."

"So you understand why I can't let you risk your position."

"I understand why you think backing off would protect me," he corrected. "But you're missing key advantages we have."

"Such as?"

"Coach Vicky isn't a pushover. Kane's got the team's respect. I'm essential to our defensive system." He paused, then added, "And I don't back down from tough opponents. Ever."

The locker room had emptied, players giving them privacy. In the quiet, only the hum of the air conditioning and distant sounds of arena staff breaking down equipment remained.

"This isn't about courage."

"Strategically, sticking together gives us the best chance." He stepped closer.

"What exactly are you proposing?" she asked.

"Total honesty. Shared intel. United front with ownership. No more unilateral decisions made for the other's protection.'"

"That would include running it by me before investigating my past," she countered.

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Agreed. Though the findings were interesting."

"And alarming, I imagine."

"Clarifying," he corrected. "Context changes everything."

"What exactly did you find?"

He hesitated, unusual for someone typically so direct. "Reed systematically targeted women in leadership. Pattern of intimidation followed by retaliation when rejected. Your case wasn't isolated—it was his standard playbook."

Stephanie appeared dumbstruck for a moment. "How many?"

"Three documented cases before you. Two after. All buried with NDAs."

"Shit." She closed her eyes briefly. “And the companies just...”

"Protected their interests," he finished, a rare edge entering his voice. "The pattern repeats across organizations."

"You're really pissed," she said when she opened her eyes again.

"It's bullshit."

"I can’t get you to back off on this?" she asked softly.

"Hell no."

"Even knowing the potential consequences?"

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