Page 100 of Thunderstruck
“Of course,” he answers without hesitation. At least I can count on Derek to hold to that; he doesn’t make promises lightly.
Though I have to psych myself up, I tell him everything about the game manipulation and under-the-table bribes, giving him as much detail as I can before he starts asking questions. My body is tense the whole time I talk, but something inside me feels like it’s shifting. Coming loose.
Much like when I kissed Carissa last night, it feels like I’m setting down a boulder that has weighed me down for a long time.
“When Javi got involved, I knew I had to get out,” I finish, exhaling all at once, like I’m finally letting go of a breath I’ve been holding for years. “He would have never stopped trying to get me in on the scheme, and there was no way I could renew my contract without being part of the problem once I knew about it. And now it feels like all that crap has followed me to the Thunder, and I don’t know what to do. Tell me what to do.”
For some reason, Derek laughs, though I have no idea how any of this can amuse him. “You all have a lot more faith in me than you should.”
“C’mon, man. Don’t make me regret calling you.”
“I’m glad you called. And I’m glad you told me about the corruption. That sucks.”
I sigh. “It does suck. And I don’t know how to fix it, which is why I’m coming to you and your resources.”
He chuckles again, and I can picture him shaking his head at me like I’m being ridiculous. “I like how you pretend you’re a perfectly average person when we both know you’re not.”
“What’s the point of having fame and fortune when it can’t do anything to solve my problems?” I groan. All of this would be so much easier if Iwasn’tfamous. I’ve never craved an average life more than I do right now. “I haven’t told you the worst part.”
Once I’ve explained Coach Galvin’s offer, Derek whistles low. “Sounds like your ‘coach’ isn’t fond of his paycheck.” His irritation comes out clear when he mentions Galvin, making me smile.
As a car pulls up, I quickly verify that it’s my driver and climb into the backseat, dropping my voice to try to keep my phone conversation private as the driver heads for the hotel. “He’s making more than he deserves, whatever it is.”
“You’re probably right.” Derek sounds thoughtful now, which is a good sign. He’s likely already halfway to a brilliant plan that will solve all my problems. “Before I say anything, I need to know what it is you want here, Cole. Let’s start with the Badgers. What’s your goal?”
I could probably leave that part of my life behind me and be fine, but as we start moving through the streets of Portland, memories of my old life start to surface. I was too focused on Carissa today to really think about the years I spent here, but now that she is in a better place emotionally, my thoughts begin to stray to the city around me.
I liked it here, with the river and the rain. I liked playing in front of sold-out crowds and working as a team and doing something I loved with guys I admired and respected.
“There are still good guys on that team,” I say, frowning at the city as it passes by. “At some point, they’re all going to get recruited or they’ll be shut out, and not all of them will have the same luck of finding something new if they don’t give in to the pressure. I wish there was a way to expose the bad agents and protect the good.”
Derek hums thoughtfully. “Have you talked to Carissa’s sister? Darcy?”
I frown. “Why?”
I can practically hear him roll his eyes. “Because if anyone can expose something like this without hurting the innocent players, Tamlin Park can.”
I feel like I just got punched in the jaw. “How did you know she—you know what? Never mind.” I know better than to question Derek and his limitless knowledge. “If I tell her what’s happening, they’ll know I’m the one who let the cat out of the bag when it all goes south.”
“How?” Derek argues. “Darcy has sources all over the country and it could have come from anywhere. You haven’t been with the team in two years. You’re going to be at Javi’s wedding and showing everyone that you have no hard feelings toward any of the Badgers.”
I pull my phone from my ear, staring at my screen as if I might be able to see Derek through it. “You’re joking, right?”
“Nope. I told you there would be consequences if you didn’t do your homework.”
I curse loudly, startling my driver, and speak as forcefully as I can. “There is no way in hell I’m going to that wedding.”
Derek chuckles. “Are you sure about that? Because you of all people know it’s a bad idea to bet against Princess Freya Alverra.”
Chapter Thirty
Cole
“Freya, I’m done havingthis argument.”
“You can say that all you wish, but I will have my way.”
I groan, all too aware of Carissa’s eyes on me on the other side of the room. After a long night of back-and-forth texts with Freya and fruitlessly trying to get some sleep, I almost didn’t come down to the hotel dining area to meet Carissa for breakfast. It was only the thought of disappointing her that pulled me out of my room and down to the bottom floor. She hasn’t texted me at all since last night, and her expression is pretty impossible to read right now as she waits for me toactuallyjoin her.
