Page 98 of Breakaway

“Oh. Yeah.” I stepped back, and she got to work, amazing me with the level of skill they had on site.

“Let us through,” a booming voice yelled. I turned and spotted Fletcher and Dax glaring at the guard.

“They’re with us,” I said, getting his attention. He looked back at me, recognition in his eyes.

“Yes, Mr. Cole. Big fan.” He smiled, letting them through, and I nodded, thankful my fame had been good for something for once.

The two of them raced over, their hands hovering over Henley as they tried to figure out where to touch.

“They want to take her to the hospital to get scanned and stitches,” I said, pointing to the gauze that had been taped to her chin. “It doesn’t look like she has a concussion, but will do scans to make sure.”

Both men sighed in relief just as the bay doors opened and an ambulance backed into the space.

“I’m riding with her. Meet us there?”

They nodded, already turning to run off to get to the car. The EMTs jumped off the back and grabbed the gurney, quickly rolling Henley into the ambulance. I nodded to the medic who’d helped, trying to convey in my eyes how thankful I was.

The EMTs asked me a few questions, so I explained what had happened. Their whole demeanor changed when they realized who she was and what Dakota had done.

“We’ll take good care of her. My little sister’s her biggest fan,” the EMT said. “We watched the documentary together, and I think what you all are doing is brave and should be celebrated.”

“Thanks,” I croaked, not used to people being so open and honest with me. Usually, my asshole face kept people from talking to me, so to hear someone openly gush to me was weirding me out.

When we got to the ER, I was forced to remain in the lobby as they wheeled her away, my heart following her the whole way. I stared at the double doors, waiting for someone to return and tell me how she was. I was still standing there when the others found me.

“How is she?”

“Any update?”

I shook my head. “Nothing yet.”

I glanced back and did a double-take. I’d expected the rest of our group, but it felt like half the stadium had come with them. My eyes bugged out as I looked around, nodding to a few of the people I recognized.

“When word got out, everyone followed,” Fletcher said, patting me on the shoulder. “Henley has her own fan club.”

“Really?” I asked, shocked.

“Yep. They call themselves the Henhouse.”

“What?” I asked, chuckling. It felt nice to let that out. Fletcher nodded, joining me in laughter.

“Holy shit,” Dax said, then ran over to grab the remote for the TV. He flipped the channel until it stopped on Saint Bishop’s show. The volume increased, Saint’s voice coming through loud and clear in the lobby.

“We’re told just moments ago that Dakota Hughes was arrested at the Baron Baltimore’s stadium. Earlier, I’d broken the news that there were countless allegations against him from women and other players spanning years. Several charges had been dropped or disappeared before they made it to court. Everything from assault, sexual battery, intimidation, and defamation. During the skills showdown with Henley Henshaw, Dakota broke the most sacred rule and tackled Henley when she was in a clear breakaway, causing injury to the player. Police showed up soon after, escorting Hughes from the building. Do you think this is connected?” he asked his host.

“Regardless, he needs to be penalized for his crimes. The act on the ice shows his willingness to push limits, assuming the laws and boundaries don’t apply to him. It’s another classic case of an entitled player who believes he’s untouchable,” the host said. “I have to ask, did Henley win?”

“I believe she did,” Saint said with a smile. “She’s got class and skills.”

“That she does. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Henley and her family, wishing her a speedy recovery. We’ll keep you updated when we have more news on both of these players.”

“Holy shit.”

I nodded, my thoughts exactly mirrored. This was better than we ever imagined. When Pippa had given us files of everything the Society had covered up for Dakota, I’d wanted to go to the cops right then. But Henley had seen a better play. Leak it to Saint during the showdown and let the entire world see who he was. It infuriated me to know the type of things he’d gotten away with over the years and that he’d dated Henley.

Now that he’d hurt her, I wouldn’t hold myself back if I ever came face to face with him again. Though, it looked like his days of being free were over. It was the least he deserved.

Seeing the lengths the Society had gone to for him, it made me want to take them down even more. But that would be soon. We had other plans for them.

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