Page 6 of An Irresistible Force (Vancouver Vice)

“—er, your organization is in a state of flux. We would like to offer our help.”

Gregory nodded and thanked him. But nobody offered anything for free.

“What kind of help?” I asked.

“Well, technical help. Hockey help. I know that Gregory—and you—have executive experience, but perhaps you need advice on hockey-specific matters. We would like to provide that expertise.” He slid his business cards towards Gregory and then me. “You can call me. Day or night, I’m at your disposal. Obviously, it’s a big challenge to take over the management of a hockey team and especially during a crisis. We want to help you through that.”

“Why?” I pressed him.

His brow creased. “As I told you, we had enormous respect for your father.”

“But you haven’t been around lately, have you? Despite all that respect.”

Don shook his head. “Amanda—is it okay for me to call you that?”

I nodded. He was sucking up, but we were finally getting to the real reason they had asked for a meeting.

“Amanda, the truth is that your uncle didn’t want to work with us. He was, er, very independent. But obviously, if the Millionaires can work more closely with the Vice, it’s to both our advantages. You can realize major cost savings, and we can benefit logistically from being able to keep a closer eye on how our prospects are being developed.”

I frowned. “I’m sorry, but I think you’re wasting your time. My brother and I are only the interim managers of the team. Uncle Thomas will be back on the job, probably in a couple of months. So, there’s no point in creating relationships that will have to be terminated then.”

Don’s expression was sympathetic. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years as a hockey executive, it’s to expect the best but plan for the worst. Maybe we’ll only work together for a few months, but perhaps it could go longer....”

I shook my head. It couldn’t go longer. The only reason I’d agreed to my mother’s pleas to help out was because this was a temporary situation. I had a real life back in Toronto. Besides, my uncle was completely innocent. This whole lawsuit was about money—like so many things that happened to our family.

Gregory interrupted. “We won’t turn down any help at this point, Don.” He tapped the business card on the table. “I’ll be sure to call you with any questions I have.”

Don suddenly smiled. “Actually, I have an even better idea. What you really need is an expert right on site. Why don’t we loan you one?”

Everyone turned to him with puzzled expressions. “What are you talking about?” I asked.

He stretched an expansive hand towards Chris. “Who knows more about hockey than this fellow right here?”

“About playing hockey, sure,” I said. “But this is about managing a hockey team.”

But Don had his idea, and now he was taking off with it. “It’s a match made in heaven. You guys have the management expertise, but you’re going to have hockey questions. Chris here is looking to learn about hockey management, and he’ll get to see more here in a month than he would with me. And there’s no charge, of course. He’s on our payroll, but we will loan him to you as a goodwill gesture.”

I glanced at Gregory. He looked pretty excited at this prospect. I began to shake my head, and Don leaned closer to me.

“Amanda, we can do this as a trial. If you don’t think that Chris is helping your organization after say—a couple of weeks, then he’ll go. But if he is, then he can stay—for however long it takes. What’s the possible downside?”

I could only think of million things. Exposing a stranger to the family issues that were bound to come up. The fact that the guy probably knew less about management than our custodial staff. Gregory’s fan boy attitude. The lack of space that meant there wasn’t an office for him. And nobody here had time to get him coffee and doughnuts.

When I glanced at Chris, he looked completely shocked at this turn of events. It obviously wasn’t something the two of them had planned ahead of time. In fact, he looked sick at the idea. But then his expression slid into a smooth mask and he smiled calmly.

Too late, buddy. I could see that he absolutely did not want to work here. Chris was a lazy jerk who was used to getting by on his charm and reputation. He was going to last less than a week.

“Okay. Let’s try it.” I smiled and reached out to shake Don’s hand. “I guess he’ll be reporting to Gregory... and me?”

4

Getting Schooled

Chris

“Jesus fucking Christ,Swanny. What are you doing to me? I have to work for that ballbuster? What the hell, man?”

Swanny held up a hand. “Patience, Lucky. Wait until we get into the car, at least. Your new boss may be watching us.”

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