Page 141 of Check & Chase
The last few days have been a nightmare. From the moment Natalie Winters called about the ethics complaint, everything has spiraled. I handled it all wrong—keeping it from Emma, confronting Carina, breaking my word after giving it.
Now Emma’s career is in jeopardy, and it’s my fault.
I slip carefully from her embrace, needing to move, to breathe. The ring box sits in my dresser, hidden after our fight last night.
I grab my phone, slipping out to the hall so I won’t wake Emma. My agent never sleeps, and sure enough, Phil answers on the second ring.
“This better be good, Mitchell,” he growls.
“It’s about the ethics complaint. I need your advice.”
He sighs heavily. “I was wondering when you’d call. The league office contacted me yesterday.”
“What did they say?”
“That you’re in deep shit. This isn’t just about the complaint anymore, Chase. Your little confrontation with Carina Reed has the Bears’ management losing patience.”
My stomach drops. “What does that mean?”
“It means they’re worried about off-ice drama affecting team performance. They’re worried you’re becoming more trouble than you’re worth.”
The words hit like a physical blow. “So what do I do?”
“First, you stop making scenes in public,” Phil says sharply. “Keep your head down and focus on hockey.”
“And that’s supposed to help Emma how?”
“You want to help Emma? Then stop throwing gasoline on the fire. Every time you draw attention to the situation, you make it worse for both of you.”
He’s right, and I hate it.
“Let the investigation play out,” Phil advises. “Cooperate fully, provide any documentation that supports your side. The truth will come out, Chase. But it takes time.”
After ending the call, I lean against the wall, feeling trapped. My phone buzzes with a text.
Tyler:Heard about the ethics complaint. Need to talk. Meet for coffee?
Despite everything, Tyler’s been trying to make amends. And he knows Carina better than anyone.
Me:Sunrise Café at 6.
I dress quietly, leaving a note for Emma:Gone for coffee with Tyler. Back soon. I love you.
Tyler is already there when I arrive, sitting at a corner table with two cups of coffee.
“Wasn’t sure how you take it,” he says, nodding to the extra cup. “But I remember Emma saying you like it black.”
“What’s this about?”
Tyler leans forward, lowering his voice. “I know who helped Carina file the complaint.”
My pulse jumps. “Who?”
“Andrea Flores. She’s an admin in the medical department, works with billing and patient records. Carina befriended her months ago, made her feel special.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because I was there when they discussed it,” Tyler admits, guilt flashing across his face. “About a week before Carina and I split. She was drunk, talking about how she was going to ‘make you pay.’ Said she had an insider who could pull patient records, appointment logs, anything she needed.”
