Page 85 of Risky Match
Before we enter the tent, someone draws Blake into a conversation. While they chat, I hear two men speaking Italian around the back corner of the structure, but I can’t see their faces. Their voices are hushed. I only overhear snippets. They mention gold coins and perfect hiding places. Then I hear two familiar names, Josh and Thomas. I can’t make out more details except I pick up the word “problem.” The men also say something about Blake not having a choice. That’s the last thing I hear before one man says they should go back inside the tent.
Interesting. Their words imply Blake is being coerced to do something they want, and it likely involves the gold coins. That would be consistent with Blake saying he has a problem with his sponsor’s expectations.
If these things are all connected, there’s a good chance those men work for Blake’s sponsor. I need to identify the men and pass along this information to Stephen and Adrian.
I watch for two men to come around the corner, but no one has emerged from that direction. They must have entered the tent through another opening. Let’s hope I recognize their voices because I didn’t even get a glimpse of the men.
Blake says, “Bri, you’re in deep thought. What about?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Are you ready to go inside?”
“I am. Let me introduce you to everyone.”
We barely step inside when we’re surrounded by people. Fortunately, Erin is never far away and keeps a small boundary around us.
Blake introduces me to David, the CEO of ProLuxe. David is thrilled to have me at his party. I can tell that he’ll use our casual meeting as a conversation starter at all future cocktail parties.
Turning to Blake, he asks, “Do you have the trophy and racquets ready?”
“I have the trophy in my bag. I accidentally left the racquets at the house,” Blake says.
The look on David’s face is either horror or anger, I’m not sure which.
“You knew I needed them tonight,” David chastises through gritted teeth.
Why the overreaction? It’s not a big deal. It’s just some racquets. Unless I was right and coins really are being passed in the handles. We need to check the racquets before Blake hands them off.
“We can do photos with the trophy. Come to our next doubles match. I’ll give the racquets to you then,” Blake says.
“That’s a problem, but we’ll talk about it later,” David barks.
Blake and David excuse themselves to take photos, leaving me with Erin. I text Stephen and Adrian an update.
Turning to Erin, I tell her about overhearing two men talking and that I want to wander around to see if I can recognize who they were. Fortunately, there aren’t too many speaking Italian, so I’m hopeful.
Eventually, Blake finds us and introduces me to more people.
By the end of the evening, I’m exhausted but fairly certain I’ve identified the two men I’d overheard. They’re executives with ProLuxe.
That mystery solved, I still have one more thing to ask Blake when we’re in private. The problem is I can’t let him know whyI’m asking. I don’t want to risk him realizing what I’ve figured out.
Back in our Range Rover for the ride to the house, I finally have my opportunity.
“Blake, you said that your coach has been experimenting with different racquet weights.”
“He has. Why?”
“Martina wanted me to add weight to the handle of my racquet. She suggested using weight strips under the grip tape. Is that what Josh does for you?”
If he says no, then I may have found a possible hiding spot.
“He tried that, but more recently he’s having silicone injected into the end of the racquet under the cap. I’m happier with that solution, except when they put in too much weight. It’s a fine balance.”
Bingo. The weight of one of the missing coins is almost identical to the heaviest weight one would add to a racquet handle.
I nod. “Thanks, I’ll tell her.”
It’s too late to arrange a meeting with Stephen and Adrian, but I can send a text.
