Page 81 of Eight Count Heat
"What kind of documentation?"
"Medical verification. Blood work to confirm designation markers."
There it is. The trap they've laid. Blood work would expose everything within minutes, ending not just my racing career but potentially my entire college experience.
"I don't consent to medical testing without legal representation," I say, falling back on the few rights I have in this situation.
"Miss Callahan," the head official says gently, "if you refuse verification, we'll have no choice but to rule you ineligible for today's competition."
They have me cornered. Refuse the test and forfeit, destroying my team's season. Submit to testing and expose my designation, destroying everything I've built.
"How long do I have to decide?"
"Ten minutes," the Westlake representative says with obvious satisfaction. "Race time is approaching."
I'm about to respond when a familiar voice cuts through the tent from behind me.
"Excuse me, but I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
I turn to see my father striding into the tent with the commanding presence that has intimidated board rooms and business rivals for decades. He's dressed impeccably despite the early hour, and his expression suggests someone has made a very poor decision.
"Mr. Callahan," I breathe, shocked by his appearance.
"Sweetheart." He places a protective hand on my shoulder, the gesture both supportive and possessive. "I came as soon as I heard about this... situation."
The officials straighten immediately, recognizing authority when they see it. The Westlake representative looks suddenly less confident.
"Sir, this is a closed hearing," the oversight woman says. "Only the athlete and officials are permitted."
"As Miss Callahan's father," Father replies smoothly, "I have every right to be present during any proceeding that questions her eligibility or character. I've also contacted our family attorney, who is reviewing the legal implications of these allegations."
I didn't know he was my attorney of record, but I'm not about to question it.
"Now then," Father continues, settling into a chair beside me with the casual confidence of someone accustomed to taking control of situations. "I understand there are questions about my daughter's documentation?"
"We've received allegations suggesting Miss Callahan may have misrepresented her designation status," the head official explains, suddenly much more deferential.
"Allegations from whom?" Father's voice drops to the tone he uses when destroying opposing counsel. "Because making false accusations against a student athlete is a serious matter with legal implications."
The Westlake representative shifts uncomfortably. "We have sources who—"
"Sources." Father's smile could cut glass. "Anonymous sources making unsubstantiated claims designed to disrupt a major competition? That sounds remarkably like harassment to me."
He reaches into his jacket and produces a leather portfolio. "Since we're discussing documentation, perhaps we should focus on the actual transfer paperwork, which was properly reviewed and approved by both institutions. Unless you have specific evidence of wrongdoing?"
My heart pounds as he slides documents across the table. I have no idea what those papers say, but his confidence suggests he's several steps ahead of everyone else in this tent.
The officials examine the paperwork while Father continues his offensive. "I'm curious about the timing of these allegations. Filed the morning of competition, designed to create maximum disruption and distress. One might wonder if there are competitive motivations behind this challenge."
The oversight woman looks up from the documents. "The original transfer documentation does appear to be properly processed."
"Of course they are," Father replies. "My daughter has never misrepresented anything about herself. Unlike whoever filed these baseless accusations."
"Sir," the Westlake representative interjects, "we have reliable information—"
"Do you?" Father turns the full force of his attention on the man, who visibly wilts. "Because I represent several clients in the education sector, and I'm very familiar with FERPA regulations regarding student privacy. Sharing medical information about a student without consent is a federal violation with serious consequences."
The man's face goes pale as the implications hit him.
