Page 83 of Lion & Lamb

“Such as?”

“Let’s just say that Francine isn’t here right now with her children because she’s not exactly welcome.”

“Glenn has a problem with Philadelphia’s sweetheart?”

Cooper was suddenly aware of the lack of space between them. Good thing his children were laser-focused on the overflowing buffet of sugar.

“The Sables thought Francine was bad for Archie’s career. That she distracted him from his commitment to the team. Pulled him closer to show business instead of the game.”

“God forbid Archie make someoneelsemoney,” Cooper muttered. “I guess they wanted to squeeze every dime out of their investment before he retired.”

“It’s not just that,” Maya said. “The Sables even tried to block Francine’s halftime performance at this year’s Super Bowl.”

Cooper couldn’t help himself—he threw Glenn Sable some eye-daggers of his own.

Chapter87

TAKE AWAYthe shocking murder. Take away the unprecedented weeklong delay. Take away all of the naysayers who said the Eagles wouldn’t go any further without Archie Hughes’s almost supernatural touchdown passes.

If you had been dropped down into a stadium seat and told absolutelynothingabout this game, you’d still quickly realize you were watching the greatest nail-biter of all time. Despite everyone believing that the Giants would humiliate the Birds, the Eagles stood firm. New quarterback Terry Mortelite held his own, working well with receiver Lee McCoy. By halftime, the Eagles were down by only three points.

Ordinarily, Cooper Lamb would have enjoyed such an exciting nail-biter. But his focus stayed on the occupants of the luxury box, most of whom were cheering and shouting and absolutely giddy with the thrill of possible victory. Even those who weren’t jacked up on sweets had delighted expressions on their faces; they all looked like they’d been handed a surprise gift from the football gods.

All except one person—the man who should have been the happiest. Instead of celebrating along with the rest of the box, Glenn Sable looked like someone had urinated all over his fancy dessert table.

Cooper decided to wander over to Glenn for a mood check. And maybe get some long-overdue answers.

“Jimmy Tua is an absolute madman on the field,” Cooper told the younger Sable. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing. You must be turning cartwheels.”

“Game’s not over yet,” Glenn grumbled. He refused to look Cooper in the eye.

“Ah. You’re being cautious. I can respect that.”

“That ain’t it, Lamb. Archie should be down there right now. None of this feels right without him.”

“Your players are honoring him the best way they can. They’re clawing their way back.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Though I’m not sure Archie deserves it.”

That got Glenn’s attention. He didn’t seem able to process what he’d just heard. Was it a joke or an insult or something else? Cooper let the little big man sort through his very big feelings for a moment before leaning in close.

“I saw what that monster did to his wife and children,” Cooper snarled. “And you’re a monster for protecting him.”

“You think you can go around saying whatever you want,” Glenn said quietly. “But that’s not the way the world works.”

“I want no part of a world where cruelty to children is not only accepted but rewarded.”

“Speaking of, why don’t you take your kids and leave.”

“What, did they finish your favorite ice cream?”

Glenn could no longer keep his voice quiet or calm. “You want me to call security? Let Cooper Junior see Daddy get his ass royally kicked?”

Maya Rain appeared between them with the stealth of a boxing referee. “I’ll take the kids down to your car, Cooper.”

“Ha, look at that!” cried Glenn with fake delight. “You need a nanny to bail you out. Yeah, real tough guy. You’re as soft as your last name!”

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