Page 148 of Puck Me Secretly

He patted her hand. “I hoped you’d say that. I’ve already asked our lawyer to draw up some paperwork.”

I crossed my arms. “I’d like to talk to my mom alone for a moment please.”

He hesitated.

“Now,” I commanded.

His smile made me sick. “I’ll wait outside.”

I shut the door after him. “Mom. You’re making a big mistake.”

“Your father trusts Baxter.”

“And that trust is misplaced.”

“Stop! Your father is hanging onto his life and you are worried about hockey?”

“I’m asking you to not put Baxter in charge. He could cause reprehensible damage.”

“He’s a good man, and he’s trying to help.”

“I can handle it.”

She stood up. “I think your judgement is skewed.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m giving Baxter the power to handle the team until your father is on his feet.”

A tap sounded on the door. Brian poked his head in. “Baxter called me a couple hours ago to draw up paperwork to give him the power of proxy?”

“Well, that vulture didn’t take long to get his claws in,” tears clogged my throat.

Mom ignored me. “Thank you, Brian. I want to sign those papers.”

Brian sat next to her. “Are you sure this is what you want to do? You will be giving Baxter complete legal authority over the team.”

She raised her eyes to my face. “I’m sure.”

I walkedBrian down to the main lobby of the hospital. There were so many bad things happening today, I couldn’t even focus.

“How’s Max?”

“Bail hearing has been set for tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be there.”

“I can handle it.”

“I need to be there, Brian.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

“How’s he doing?”

“He refused to tell anyone you were with him.”

That shocked me. “Why would he do that?”

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