Page 68 of Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion)

“If we follow your plan, we’ll lose. And we’ll lose more than players. We’ll lose coaches, staff, people we need.”

“We’ll find others. If they don’t want to be here, then they should leave.” He peered at her over his reading glasses. “Are you one of them?”

She sat up straighter in her chair, hands folded primly on her lap. “As team president, I have a duty to the fans, the staff, and the shareholders. I’m advising you that we need to adjust course now or we’ll be in dire straits.”

“Advice noted and ignored. If you bring this up again, you’re fired, along with your boyfriend, Wainright.”

She paused, pain stabbing her heart. Finally, quietly, she said, “You don’t need to worry about Lucas any more. He’ll be leaving soon, if he isn’t already gone.”

Seamus put his pen down and sat back in his chair, studying her intently. “I’d say I’m sorry but, honestly, I’m glad he’s gone.” And he picked up his pen again and began writing something on a pad of paper.

“Aren’t you going to ask what happened?”

“You finally figured out that he was here to steal my team?”

Her mouth opened and closed a few times as words refused to be spoken.

Finally, she stammered, “How did you know?”

“Besides the fact that I knew he wanted the team? I know his boss, Roger. He’s been wanting me out of the league for years, since I almost got him fired eight years ago for negotiated a piss-poor deal with the player’s union. He saw his chance and sent his attack dog after me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He sighed and put the pen down again, then folded his hands on his stomach. “Honestly? I wanted to see if you had what it took to run this team. But you showed yourself to be naive and trusting, two qualities that will destroy you in business. So, knowing that, I’m not inclined to trust your advice on strategy right now.”

“Then look at the results. Ticket sales, vendor sales, wins. All up. Since you came back, they’re down.”

He froze and fixed a hard stare on her. “Are you saying that I’m destroying my team, I’m to blame for their reversal?”

She swallowed but stood her ground, too tired of peacemaking and getting nowhere. “Yes, I am.” She walked around the desk and propped a hip on the edge, laying a hand on his arm. “Daddy, I’m worried for your health. This is too much for you. You need to look out for your health and leave the team to us.”

He yanked his arm out from her hand. “I should have known. He’s corrupted you, turned you against me.”

She drew back. “You’re being paranoid. I’m on your side. I’ve been running interference since you’ve been back, making excuses for you, trying to help you. Instead, you accuse me of turning against you? I’m just trying to help.”

“Well, if you really want to help, then do what I tell you and leave me alone. And make sure everyone knows who signs their checks. Or they can find another position.” He stared meaningfully at her. “And that goes for you, too.”

Stunned, she walked around the desk and faced him. “You won’t consider any other ideas?”

“No.” His tone was final.

“Fine. Then I’m giving my notice.”

His shoulders sagged for a moment as he stared at her, probing to see if she truly meant it. She stood tall and firm, resolute in her decision, even as she quaked inside. She had given enough to this team. She couldn’t help the team or help her father. They had both defeated her. Either he would back down and accept her help or he would let her go.

After a long moment, he snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. Get back to your office.”

“Only if you take Prosser off the trading block and back off.” She swallowed and folded her shaking hands together to hide the nerves.

“No.”

“Then I quit. Effective immediately.”

He picked up his pen and starting scratching again. “I’ll expect your letter on my desk within the hour.”

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her, and she walked out of the office, closing the door quietly behind her. She leaned against the frame, her knees not able to hold her much longer. He had called her bluff. She never thought he would but there it was. Now she knew where she stood—well below the team.

So be it. She pushed off the wall and headed for her office, calling Maggie to find some boxes.

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