Page 126 of The Goat in the Bedroom
“Absolutely,” Coach Reimann agreed. “Which is why we're working with Gryff Kingman on plans to launch a comprehensive pride initiative next season, with safe spaces, support systems, and voluntary visibility campaigns. Not forced outings for television drama.”
Sloane was looking around wildly now, realizing how thoroughly she'd been exposed.
“The photos,” she said suddenly, desperately. “I have photos of players?—“
“You mean these?” Parker pulled out a tablet, showing thumbnails of various images that had been electronically blurred. “All retrieved from your personal devices and cloud storage. Which, by the way, violates about fifteen FlixNChill policies regarding exploitation of subjects and invasion of privacy.”
“Not to mention the potential criminal charges,” Dad added pleasantly. “Blackmail is still illegal in California, last I checked.”
“You can't prove?—“
“Actually,” Harry, Sloane's lead cameraman, stepped forward from where he'd been standing with the crew. “We can.”
Everyone turned to look at him. Sloane's face went white.
“Harry, what are you?—“
He pulled out his phone and connected it to the facility's display screen. “I've been documenting Ms. Mitchell's behavior for weeks.” A video started playing, showing Sloane cornering someone whose face was blurred, but I recognized the player and the conversation. How this tiny worm of a woman had intimidated the commanding tower of Xander Rosemount was mindboggling.
“Listen [BLEEP],”Sloane's voice was clear on the recording.“I'm trying to help you here. This is your chance to control your own narrative. Otherwise, well, things have a way of getting out in this industry. Photos surface, rumors start... it gets messy. I'd hate to see that happen when we could make this a beautiful, empowering moment for you instead. You understand what I'm saying, don't you? Friday's when we film the segment. Your choice how this story gets told—by you, on your terms, or... not.”
“You recorded me?” Sloane spun on Harry, furious. “You work for me.”
“I work for FlixNChill,” Harry corrected quietly. “And I have about fifteen more videos like this. Different players, same threats. I blurred their faces and bleeped their names to protect their identities, but it's all here. Every threat, every manipulation, every time you crossed the line.”
“You little?—“
“I couldn't stand by and watch you destroy these guys' lives for ratings,” Harry said firmly. “That's not why I got into television.”
Sloane's face had gone from pale to gray.
Tally Tajaria looked around, frustrated. “The problem is,Rookie Risingis one of our top-rated shows. We can't just cancel the rest of the season. We need someone who can take over immediately, who knows the players, knows the show...”
“Kendra could do it,” Harry said suddenly.
Everyone turned to look at him, including Kendra, whose face flushed pink.
“Kendra, my assistant Kendra?” Tally asked and looked over at the woman who'd remained quiet throughout the entire confrontation.
“I've worked with her on three other projects,” Harry explained, his voice gaining confidence. “She understands sports, she respects the subjects, and she actually cares about telling real stories, not manufacturing drama.”
“Harry,” Kendra started, clearly flustered.
“She's also been developing ideas for authentic documentaries that focus on the human element without exploitation,” Harry continued, looking directly at Kendra with obvious admiration. “She's exactly what this show needs.”
Tally studied Kendra. “Is this true? You have ideas for the show?”
Kendra straightened, finding her confidence. “Yes, ma'am. I believe we can showcase the real rookie experience, the pressure, the brotherhood, the adjustment to professional sports, without inventing conflict or violating anyone's privacy.”
“She's brilliant,” Harry added quietly, and the look they exchanged made it clear this was about more than just professional respect.
Tally nodded slowly. “Kendra, congratulations. You're the new producer ofRookie Rising. Harry, I assume you'll be happy to stay on as lead camera?”
“Absolutely,” Harry said, smiling at Kendra, who was trying very hard not to smile back.
“Good. We'll discuss your vision for refocusing the show after we deal with... this.” She turned back to Sloane. “Security will escort you out. Your personal items will be sent to you. Your final check will cover the work completed. But expect a bill fromthe legal department about the legal fees FlixNChill will incur cleaning up your mess.”
“You can't just?—“
