A Perfect Distraction(103)

Rotating his tense shoulders, he steeled himself for the meeting ahead. How had he ended up in this mess? It was like one of those thrillers where the hero knows he’s innocent, but everyone else thinks he’s guilty. Only the chances of a happy ending in Jake’s case were zero.

Now Phillip Hannah and Max sat alongside the NHLPA lawyer and Ike, the union     rep, waiting to be called into the meeting. They were clock-watching, too—the team was flying to Boston later. Jake knew, barring a miracle, he wouldn’t be joining them.

He got to his feet, needing to move. He paced the corridor, past the monitors that covered the walls, showing classic games. The steel-gray and white decor, inspired by blades and ice, felt stark and unforgiving.

At the far end was an alcove containing a huge crystal slab etched with an image of the Stanley Cup. On the walls behind were plaques engraved with the names of those who’d won it. If this crazy situation wasn’t resolved, he’d never get the chance to see his name up there.

Or to honor Adam.

“Mr. Badoletti, they’re ready for you in the executive boardroom.”

The walk back to the reception area was the hardest of his life. Each step taking him closer to the end of his career.

“It’ll be fine.” Ike squeezed his shoulder.

Jake would have joked about his friend’s uncharacteristic optimism, only his throat was too tight. He nodded and followed Ike into the conference room.

The NHL commissioner, a short, gnome-faced man with thinning dark hair greeted them before sitting at the head of the long table. To his right were the other League officials and the suits from the previous day. All looked grim.

Jake sat opposite the suits. Ike and Max flanked him and were joined by their GM and the lawyer.

The commissioner restated the League’s position on banned substances before handing over to the bald suit. But before he could speak, a commotion of raised voices sounded outside. The door burst open, and a woman with long, blond hair rushed in, with the receptionist hot on her heels.

Jake was shocked. What was Jenny doing here?

“I said you couldn’t be disturbed, but she got away from me.” The receptionist glared at Jenny.

“I have crucial evidence and I won’t leave until I’ve presented it.” Jenny walked to Jake’s side of the table, clearly marking herself as one of his team.

His head reeled as if he’d been high sticked even as a spark of hope lit within him. What evidence could she have?

“I’ll deal with this.” The commissioner nodded to the receptionist. Once she’d gone, he said, “I don’t know who you are, but this is an important meeting.”

His patronizing tone made Jake grind his teeth. He was about to leap to Jenny’s defense, but she shook her head at him.

“I am fully aware of the gravity of this meeting. I wouldn’t have insisted on being here otherwise.” Her voice was calm and professional, despite her casual outfit. “My name is Jenny Martin and I represent Making Your Move. They’re employed by the Ice Cats to look after Jake Badoletti.”

“That’s true.” Phillip Hannah nodded, though he looked as bemused as Jake felt.

“I don’t understand the relevance.” The commissioner frowned.

“Following Mr. Badoletti’s move from Chicago, there were a number of unopened storage boxes in his basement. He asked Making Your Move to sort through them on his behalf and organize their contents.”

What was she talking about? Which bo— A lightbulb flashed in his brain. Adam’s things. There was evidence in those boxes?

He’d barely processed that thought when Jenny dropped her bombshell.

“In one, we discovered papers pertinent to this case.” She slapped a folder on the table. “This contains proof that Adam Stewart took out a credit card in Jake Badoletti’s name and used that card to order steroids from the internet pharmacy.”

The room erupted as everyone began to speak at once. Neither of the suits looked smug now.

Jake swallowed the bile that rose. Adam was responsible for this?

The commissioner called for quiet. “This will need to be checked out.”

“Be my guest.” She slid the folder down the table toward him. “Before I go, I’d like a moment with Mr. Badoletti.”

The commissioner nodded.

Still shell-shocked by what she’d revealed, Jake rose and joined her. Once in the corridor, Jenny said, “Let’s get away from that room.”

As if she knew he needed a few moments to process what he’d heard, she walked silently by his side until they reached the alcove with the etched Stanley Cup.

Jake stared at the holy grail of hockey, recalling his earlier guilt. Emotions swirled inside him. Relief at knowing the truth warred with sadness and disappointment. Jenny’s information explained Adam’s strange behavior that last night, but not why his friend had framed him.