Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“Me too,” he says, bending to kiss me. “Now let’s go shed some light on that crazy bitch’s schemes and clear my name so we can get on with our lives together.”
With one last affirming kiss, we grab our coats and head out the door. We’re solid.
United.
Ready to confront whatever lies ahead, fully strengthened by our confessions of love.
CHAPTER 22
Rafferty
The drive to the arena is quiet, filled with the kind of tension that comes when you’re on the brink of something monumental. We’re both lost in thought, and yet it says something that I’m comfortable with Tempe in the silence, as she clearly is with me.
We hold hands the entire way, and that’s really all I need.
But as we pull into the players’ garage of the Titans’ arena, a case of nerves strikes and I wonder if this is a mistake. I push it aside though, because I trust in Tempe and well… I trust in myself.
It’s New Year’s Eve and there’s a rock concert tonight at the arena so there’s a lot of bustle and activity as we walk through the bowels to the elevator that leads to the executive offices. When we exit on the top floor, it’s quiet given it’s a weekend with no game. The main lobby’s lights are on but the hallways beyond are dark. Callum awaits our arrival and I reintroduce him to Tempe.
“Thanks for getting this together so quickly,” I say as we follow him back to the inner sanctum.
“Sounded like this was critical to your innocence, so it didn’t seem to leave any other options,” he says amiably.
Brienne’s office door is open, and as we approach, I can see the river and city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind her desk. The office used to belong to her brother Adam, who managed the team but unfortunately died in the crash. The space has been done in dark woods with thick burgundy carpeting and heavy, gold-framed oil paintings. It’s clearly masculine, a holdover from her brother’s time, I suppose, and very reminiscent of Brienne’s family home.
Brienne stands from behind her desk, casually dressed in designer jeans, a cream sweater and red plaid scarf around her neck. Her hair is loose but held back by a matching plaid headband. She moves our way, her expression welcoming, but I see the worry in her eyes.
Her eyes land on Tempe and she blinks in surprise before turning to me. “I didn’t realize you’d have your girlfriend with you.” She looks to Tempe and her smile is genuine. “It’s nice to see you again, Tempe, but perhaps you’d like to wait out in the lobby.”
Tempe stiffens at my side but I quickly clear things up. “Actually, I need her to stay. She can corroborate what I’m about to tell you.”
Brienne motions toward the round conference table in the corner that seats four. “Let’s sit down. Do you two want any coffee or water?”
“I’m good,” I say, and Tempe echoes the same.
When we’re settled, Brienne clasps her hands on the table and looks me right in the eye. “First, let me say I’m incredibly upset about these false allegations against you. I know this is upsetting and I know you’re not happy with the suspension. You can be assured you have my full support and we’ll get to the bottom of this quickly so we can get you back on the ice.”
I take a breath, let it out slowly. “I really hope you mean that, Brienne. Because what I’m about to tell you will explain why these fake reports occurred and you’re not going to be happy about it.”
“I see,” Brienne murmurs, and I can’t help but think… You really don’t. “Why don’t you just lay it out for me then.”
I clear my throat. “First, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice,” I start, steady despite the turmoil inside. “And I appreciate the support you’re giving me just on my word alone.”
“You volunteered for a drug test right away,” Brienne points out. “That was all I needed to know, and I’m well aware that fake stories happen all the time. I fully expect we’ll uncover the truth of what happened.”
“I do too,” I reply, my eyes moving between Brienne and Callum, ultimately landing on Brienne. “But you need to know, your cousin Tansy Carmichael is behind it all.”
Brienne’s mouth drops wide open, her eyes nearly bugging out of her head. “Tansy? I don’t understand.”
“It’s a long story, so bear with me,” I say, and I cycle through all the pertinent information so I can give her a complete picture without droning on and on. “I had a one-night stand with Tansy several weeks ago. I knew she worked for the organization, but I didn’t know she was related to you. I guess that’s not really relevant, but it was consensual and then it was over.”