Page 44 of The Sin Bin

"What about service-dogs-in-training?" she suggested. "Not as replacements for your K-9 officers, but as a supplementary presence? It would provide valuable public exposure training for the dogs and give you additional sets of eyes."

Officer Daniels looked thoughtful. "That might work in a pinch. The optics would be good and the general public doesn't really have to know they're in training. Do you have specific dogs in mind?"

"Parkside Animal Rescue has several dogs in their service training program," Lauren explained, placing a careful stitch in Ranger's pad. "They're all temperament-tested, partially trained, and in need of public exposure opportunities. I volunteer with their program, so I could coordinate."

"It's worth proposing to arena management," Daniels said, pulling out his phone. "If you can provide credentials for the dogs and handlers, I'll run it up the chain."

By the time Lauren finished treating Ranger, the plan was in motion. Arena security had provisionally approved the use of three service-dogs-in-training to supplement the security team for that night's game, pending final authorization from upper management.

"They want you there to oversee the integration," Daniels informed her as he prepared to transport Ranger home for recovery. "Since you're vouching for the dogs, they want your professional stamp of approval on site."

"Me?" Lauren blinked in surprise. "I have appointments until six."

"Game's at seven-thirty," Daniels said. "They'd need you there by six-thirty for the briefing."

Lauren mentally reviewed her schedule. It was tight but doable. "Tell them I'll be there with the dogs and handlers."

After Daniels left with a sedated Ranger, Barb approached with a knowing smirk. "So, you're going to tonight's game without me?"

"You can come too. The more hands the better."

"Can I drink beer and eat nachos?"

"No, we're on duty. The shelter dogs need the exposure opportunity, and the arena needs additional security."

"No thanks. Say hi to the Mountain for me."

If she had time. She'd text him, but his phone would be off until after the game.

Before leaving the clinic, Lauren made a quick stop at her office computer, intending to email the service dog credentials to arena security. As she opened her browser, an alert from her phone caught her eye—a notification for a Charm City Sports app she'd downloaded to track the Chill's schedule. She clicked it absently.

The headline hit her in the gut:Chill Enforcer Jax Thompson Spotted with Mystery Blonde at Charity Event—Off-Ice Romance Heating Up?

Beneath was a photo of them at the casino night, Lauren laughing at something Jax had said, his hand resting on the small of her back. The image was clearly taken from a distance, probably a fan's phone camera.

Curiosity overriding her better judgment, Lauren scrolled to the comments section.

Who is she? Never seen her before.

Thompson usually goes for models. This is different.

She looks too normal for a hockey player lol

Probably just using him for his money and fame

I heard she's some kind of dog doctor? Weird match

They'll never last. Enforcers need arm candy, not brain

Lauren's chest tightened as she continued scrolling, the comments growing increasingly speculative and occasionally mean-spirited. Most assumed she was a gold-digger or a fame-seeker. Some questioned what someone like Jax would see in someone so "ordinary." A few defended her, pointing out that professional athletes often dated "normal" people, but they were drowned out by the cynics.

"Hey, whatcha looking at?" Barb's voice made her jump.

Lauren quickly closed the tab. "Nothing important. Just checking some emails before I go."

But the comments lingered, planting seeds of doubt she hadn't anticipated. Was this what dating a professional athlete entailed? Public scrutiny, strangers commenting on your appearance, your motives? She wasn't sure she was built for that kind of spotlight.

THE CONTROLLED CHAOSof the arena before a game was unlike anything Lauren had experienced during her previous visits. Arriving with three shelter dogs and their handlers, she was immediately swept into the security protocols—passes being distributed, instructions given, routes assigned.

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