Page 14 of Renegade Rift

“Got it,” I toss over my shoulder as I head for the dugout.

“Oh, and McCoy?” His coy tone gives the impression I’ve just been caught doing something I shouldn’t.

I stop mid-stride and glance over my shoulder.“Yeah?”

Bishop’s lips twitch into a lopsided grin. “I’m glad you found her.”

My mouth falls, but I quickly shake the shock from my face. “How did you?—”

Bishop raises a knowing brow as if to say,do you really have to ask?

“Fucking Carson,” I huff.

“Don’t be too mad at him. He doesn’t keep anything from his co-captain.” Bishop chuckles sarcastically. “And believe me, there is plenty I would kill not to know.”

Tugging my hat from my head, I run a frustrated hand through the longer strands on top. “Just…let’s keep it quiet for now.”

“Understood.” He nods. “But you should know I don’t keep things from Willow.”

“Noted.” And I completely understand after all they’ve been through. That doesn’t mean I’m thrilled about the growing number of people that know Juliet is moonlighting as a topless maid, and I’m no closer to figuring out why.

The hot shower didn’t do a damn thing to release any of thetension from this morning.If anything, it only gave me more time to spiral into all the possibilities. Why did Juliet feel the need to disappear? What drove her to be a topless maid when I know damn well she had big dreams and even bigger ambition? Why did she look at me like I was the root of all fucking evil?

That one I can piece together, but I’m choosing not to think about it since I’m fairly positive she doesn’t have the whole story. Only what Tyler shared with her, which no doubt is laced with half-truths, that make him look like the knight in shining armor.

By the time I make the trek to the executive concourse and knock on Willow’s door, I’ve come up with every scenario possible to make sense of Juliet’s disappearance. All of which only spikes my anxiety further.

Willow looks up from her desk, and my eyes immediately lock on the tired circles beneath her eyes.

“Ah, Ford.” She smiles and gestures to one of the two giant armchairs in front of her desk. “Just the person I wanted to see. Take a seat.”

It doesn’t matter that I admire the shit out Willow for everything she’s done for this team and the organization. Being summoned to the owner’s office will always feel like a trip to the principal’s office.

Every step is stiff as I pad across her office and lower myself into the surprisingly comfortable leather.

“Relax.” She chuckles, clearly feeling my apprehension.“Would it make you feel better if I told you I’m not wearing the god-awful heels I’m supposed to?” She leans back and lifts a foot, showing off her signature black Chuck Taylors.

“It helps.” I nod, a half-smile tipping my lips. “Bishop said you wanted to talk to me about Mercer’s reinstatement.”

Her brow furrows, and I get the impression this isn’t going to be a happy update.

“Among other things, yes. I need your help with gathering a few testimonials. The new board wants a comprehensive picture of Mercer both as a person and teammate for their files.”

Mercer Cohen was a teammate of mine in Chicago. Though, teammate is putting it mildly. He was one of my closest friends on the team. Almost two years ago, he was accused of sexually assaulting and raping a woman at a sex club. The long and short of it is he was innocent, and the woman fabricated the whole thing for money and clout. But the damage had been done. Mercer was stripped of his right to play in the league, and the court of public opinion is still split on if he’s guilty of more than enjoying kinky sex.

From the jump, Willow has wanted him back in the league. More specifically, she wants him playing for the Renegades. Yet another reason to respect the hell out of her. But getting Mercer here has been one hurdle after another.

I wish I could say I’ve done my part.I knew damn well he was innocent. Mercer isn’t the kind of man to treat a woman that way. Sure, he’s a bit of a dick, but that’s just a front. Once you get to know him, he more than proves he’s one of the good guys.But when the Blues asked the team to cut all ties or risk our own contracts being terminated, I followed suit. At least publicly. I couldn’t risk not being able to pay my mother’s hospital bills. Within the walls of our apartment complex, we were still close. Mercer didn’t blame me.

Me, on the other hand? I’m pretty sure I failed him as a friend. I should have done more. Tried harder to get more of the guys to stand up to the league.

It’s why I feel the need to do my part now. He deserves to be a part of the Renegades and not only because he’s a damn good first baseman, but because he’d be the perfect addition to our team.

“So, you want me to reach out to some of the guys and see if they’d be willing to help?”

Willow takes a sip from her giant water bottle and nods. “Personally, I think it’s a bit much considering the commissioner is already on board and Mercer was found not guilty in a court of law, but for the board, it’s a cover-their-own-ass sort of situation.” She winces, tilting her head to the side. “And considering all the feathers I’ve rustled, I’m not exactly everyone’s favorite person within the league. Which is why I was thinking it might be better if you approached some of your former teammates.”

“Of course. I’m happy to.” It’s the absolute least I can do. “Though, I’d be lying if I said it will be a simple task. We all know Mercer’s innocent, but the Blues didn’t exactly make it easy on us to support him. I’m not sure they’ll be willing to go on the record if the gag order is still in place.”

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