Page 57 of Bar Down

"I think it would demonstrate our professional maturity," she said, perched on the edge of the visitor's chair in Westfield's office. "Reed and I may have had our differences in Boston, but if he's consulting on this transition, we should at least be civil."

Westfield's eyebrows lifted slightly. "That's unexpected coming from you, Stephanie."

"I'm practical," she replied, ignoring the churning in her stomach whenever she thought about Reed. "Besides, Columbus is always a good game. Their enforcer Diedrich usually puts on a show."

"Very well. I'll extend the invitation." Westfield leaned back, studying her. "Have you given any more thought to my offer?"

The promotion that would consolidate Communications and Analytics—right when Reed was threatening to destroy both departments with his blackmail scheme. The irony wasn't lost on her.

"I'm still considering it," she replied. "It's a significant change."

"Indeed." Westfield checked his watch. "I have a call in five. Anything else?"

"Yes," Stephanie said, keeping her voice casual. "I'd like to have Chilly make an appearance in the executive box during first intermission. The mascot photos always do well on social."

"The penguin?" Westfield frowned. "Is that necessary?"

"The mascot program brings in over thirty thousand in annual sponsorship revenue," Stephanie countered, knowing executives responded to numbers. "Plus, it adds energy to the luxury box experience."

Westfield sighed. "Fine. First intermission only. And tell whoever's in that costume not to spill anything. The suite was just recarpeted."

"I'll make sure they know." Stephanie stood, feeling the first piece slide into place. "Thank you."

In the hallway, she took a deep breath before heading for the mascot department. Phase one: done. Phase two: secure a mascot performance so distracting it would give Chenny his window.

The mascot department was in the arena's basement, filled with costume parts, sewing machines, and the smell of sweat masked by air freshener. Phoebe Tayler was working on Chilly's penguin head when Stephanie walked in.

"Hey, Phoebe," Stephanie said, closing the door behind her. "Got a minute?"

Phoebe looked up, setting aside her work. "Ms. Ellis! Sure, what's up?" She wiped blue fuzz from her hands onto her jeans.

"Please, it's Stephanie." She smiled. "I need Chilly in the executive box during first intermission tonight."

"No problem," Phoebe nodded. "Standard routine?"

"Actually, I need something bigger. The most engaging five minutes you've got in your repertoire. Something that will keep everyone's attention completely locked on you."

Phoebe raised her eyebrows. "Any special reason?"

"Ownership transition," Stephanie said simply. "We need to showcase the full entertainment value of your program. Budgets are being reviewed."

"Say no more." Phoebe grinned. "I've been working on this dance number that always gets a reaction."

"Perfect." Stephanie handed her a small earpiece. "Wear this. I'll cue you when to start and finish."

"Got it." Phoebe took the earpiece. "I'll keep everyone's eyes on me, don't worry."

"I never do." Stephanie checked her watch. "And this stays between us. No need for anyone else to know the details."

Phoebe nodded, turning back to her costume. "I'll deliver. They won't look away for a second."

Walking away from the mascot department, Stephanie felt her pulse quicken. The adrenaline of crisis management, of setting pieces in motion that could either save or destroy everything she'd built.

And then there was Marcus. The man who'd gone from professional irritant to essential partner to... something else she wasn't ready to name. The way he looked at her now—like she was a puzzle worth solving, not just an obstacle to his data-driven worldview—made her stomach flip in a way that had nothing to do with their current crisis.

Her phone buzzed with a text:Supply closet by training room in 20?

She glanced at her watch. The PR director in her said no—too risky with Reed in the building. The woman who remembered Marcus's hands on her skin in Toronto had other ideas.

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