Page 45 of The Sin Bin

Peg had selected the dogs with care: Bella, a calm Golden Retriever mix with impeccable manners; Duke, a sturdy Labrador with search-and-rescue training; and Charlie, a gentle Pit Bull mix whose sensitivity to human emotions made him ideal for anxiety detection work. All three wore service-dog-in-training vests and behaved despite the unfamiliar environment.

"These are the designated patrol routes," Officer Carter, the security supervisor, explained, indicating highlighted paths on the arena map. "We're not asking the dogs to perform security sweeps, just to be visible and alert. If they or the handlers notice anything unusual, they radio it in. No engagement."

Lauren nodded, adjusting Bella's vest. "They understand. All three handlers are experienced volunteers, and the dogs have been evaluated for public work."

Carter seemed satisfied with her assurances. "Good. Dr. Mackenzie, you'll be stationed at the main medical office. If there are any issues with the dogs, that's where you'll be contacted."

The arrangement suited Lauren perfectly. The medical office was quiet but central, allowing her to monitor the dogs' progress throughout the evening while completing some paperwork she'd brought along. As the arena filled with fans, she received periodic updates from the handlers—all positive, with several fans commenting on the dogs' presence.

She had just settled in when the door to the medical office opened, and a tall man with a press credential entered, introducing himself as Scott Greeley from the New Haven Chronicle.

"I'm doing a feature on arena security," he explained, his gaze quickly assessing her. "Heard there was a program with service dogs tonight. You in charge of that?"

Lauren hesitated, wary after the comments she'd read online. "I'm coordinating from the veterinary side. Officer Carter is supervising security."

"Interesting," Greeley said, pulling out a notepad. "And you are...?"

"Dr. Lauren Mackenzie. I'm a veterinarian with the emergency clinic near the arena."

Recognition flashed in Greeley's eyes. "Mackenzie... Aren't you dating Jax Thompson?”

Lauren felt her guard rise. "I'm here in a professional capacity."

Greeley smiled, a sharp expression that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Just curious how you went from patching up animals to socializing with hockey players. Must be quite the lifestyle change."

"Excuse me?"

"No offense meant," he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "It's just unusual. Thompson has a certain reputation. And now he's suddenly bringing kittens to vets and showing up at shelters. It's good material."

"I'm not discussing my personal life," Lauren said firmly. "If you want information about the service dog program, I'm happy to provide that."

"Fair enough," Greeley conceded, though his expression remained calculating. "Though you should know, people are talking. Small-city syndrome—everyone's curious about the woman who tamed the AHL’s most feared enforcer."

Before Lauren could respond, the door opened again, and Kane Norris walked in, wearing a full suit as he hadn't dressed for the game yet.

"Hey, Doc," he greeted her warmly, then his expression cooled as he noticed Greeley. "Scott. Didn't expect to see you here."

"Just getting some background on the security dogs," Greeley replied smoothly. "Always looking for a unique angle."

Kane's eyes narrowed slightly. "Sure you are. Lauren, I was hoping to catch you before the game. Coach Vicky wants to talk about potentially having one of the service dogs be like a team mascot or something. Got a minute?"

Lauren recognized the deliberate extraction. "Of course. Excuse me, Mr. Greeley."

As they walked down the corridor, Kane kept his voice low. "Sorry about that. Greeley's got a bone to pick with Jax after that fight last month. He's been digging for anything he can use against him."

"He seemed pretty interested in my connection to Jax," Lauren admitted.

Kane sighed. "Yeah, I saw that article. Social media's been buzzing since you two were spotted at the charity night." He paused, glancing at her. "You okay? Some of those comments were pretty harsh."

"You saw them too?"

"PR department monitors everything about the team. They forwarded it to me since I'm captain." He gave her a sympathetic look. "For what it's worth, it happens to anyone who dates a player. Most of it dies down after a while."

"Most of it?" Lauren echoed.

Kane shrugged. "Look, Jax is... polarizing. Fans either love him or hate him. The enforcer role comes with that baggage."

Lauren thought about the comments she'd read. "They made assumptions about me. About why I'd be with him."

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