“Sure. What’s up?”
The coach shook his head, his expression grim.
Baffled by Max’s behavior, Jake showered and changed, then headed down the corridor. His heart gave a heavy thud when he saw who else was in the coach’s office. Phillip Hannah, the Cats’ general manager, sat behind the desk, while the medic and head trainer leaned against the filing cabinets. They all looked somber.
This was bad. Real bad.
Two men in dark suits entered behind him. One was tall and thin, with fair hair. The other was stocky and bald. The hard look they gave him as they closed the door was unsettling.
He nodded at them.
No reaction. Not a twitch. What was their problem?
“Have a seat, Bad Boy.” The GM’s usual friendliness was missing.
Tension tightened Jake’s shoulders. He sat.
“These gentlemen are from the district attorney’s office. They’re investigating a serious allegation that’s been made against you.”
“What kind of allegation?”
The bald suit spoke. “We have information that leads us to believe you purchased illegal performance-enhancing drugs.”
The tension whooshed out of him. “If you’d seen me play recently, you’d know I don’t take steroids.” Their faces didn’t crack. Jake frowned. “I’m clean. The tests will prove that.”
“They do.” The team medic looked apologetic. “We’ve taken additional random samples since this surfaced.”
His stomach rolled. How long had he been under suspicion? “What evidence do you have on me?”
“Proof that you purchased drugs from an internet pharmacy.” The tall suit looked smug.
“That’s crap.” He clenched his fists. “Someone’s lying.”
“The pharmacy recorded their transactions,” the man said coolly. “All drugs supplied were logged, dates and quantities as well as credit-card details. You’re on their list.”
This couldn’t be happening. “Impossible. I’ve never, ever juiced up.” He looked desperately to his coach and the other staff. “You guys know me better than that.”
Max nodded. “The Ice Cats stand behind you one hundred percent.”
Before Jake could breathe a sigh of relief, Phillip said, “Unfortunately, until this is cleared up, we have to follow League rules and keep you off the ice.”
“I’m suspended?” Jake’s voice came out scratchy and raw.
“Your hearing is tomorrow afternoon, at 4:00 p.m. at NHL headquarters.” The bald suit’s lip curled. “Bring a lawyer.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“I CAN’T BELIEVE it’s really happening.”
Maggie slipped her passport into her handbag, then sat at the kitchen table. “The custody papers have been approved by both solicitors.”
“By this time tomorrow, it will all be over.” Tracy raised a mug in salute.
“As soon as it’s ratified by the court, Emily and I will apply for residency.”
“Great. We’ll also formalize the partnership agreement.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Maggie said softly.
“You’re already doing the job—you should reap the benefits. Besides, I love the thought of the two of us working together and succeeding in a venture we’ve created and grown.”
“You’ve created and grown.”
“Your hard work these past few months has helped make us what we are. So be graceful and accept that you’re stuck with me.”
Maggie grinned. “Thank you.”
Her sister’s riposte was interrupted by the doorbell.
A few moments later, Jenny rushed into the kitchen. “Have you heard about Bad Boy?”
From her friend’s pale face, it was serious.
“Is Jake hurt?” Maggie’s heart squeezed.
“They’re accusing him of being the big NHL name in that internet-pharmacy scandal.” Jenny dropped into a seat. “He’s been suspended.”
“Jake would never take steroids.”
“I know. But apparently they have Jake’s name and credit-card information on several orders.”
Though the evidence sounded damning, Maggie knew it couldn’t be true. “I don’t care. Jake’s innocent.”
“The Cats are standing by him, but the League’s hands are tied. With steroids being such a hot topic, they need to know how many hockey players are involved.”
“He won’t even allow anesthetic when he’s stitched up. Why would he take steroids?” Maggie shook her head. “It doesn’t add up.”
“There’s huge pressure to stay healthy, heal quickly and keep playing,” Tracy offered. “Plus, the game has got so fast and the margin for error is small.”