Page 123 of Player Misconduct
"…you are required to submit documentation and appear for an interview within 30 days…"
"…failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation of licensure…"
The room tilts.
I grip the edge of the desk, forcing myself to breathe—four counts in, hold, six counts out—the way I coach patients in the quiet room when their world is spinning out of control.
My hand goes to my belly again, steadying myself.
This is what I was afraid of.
This is why I have rules.
This is why I should have walked away.
Now the board is coming for me, and Aleksi's career is collateral damage, and Niko is caught in the middle of a mess I created by daring to believe I could have something good.
I call Penelope.
She answers on the second ring, her voice tight. "I was about to call you."
"I got the email," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
“We discussed this last night. We knew this was coming.” she says, as cool and calm as the badass GM she is. “Now, we’re going to stick to the plan and see how it all shakes out.”
Last night, I went to the owner’s box, I told her what had happened in the hallway and then she quickly escorted me to her office for privacy. I offered to take Coach Evans up on hisdeal but that doesn’t help me with Tarron being on the team, or the scandal. Though I have to admit that the temptation to run is overwhelming. Unfortunately, medical board reviews aren’t something you can out run.
The relationship that could possibly get me in trouble is the one between me and Aleksi. That’s the one I have to manage right now. So we came up with the idea of maternity leave instead. It was already in the works and truthfully, I can’t be out on the ice at this stage of my pregnancy.
It doesn’t feel like enough to go to the board with, but it’s better than no plan at all.
“I know, you’re right. Were you able to get a hold of the hospital and get my fill-in scheduled?” I ask.
Penelope had already advised them that I would need a fill-in during my maternity leave but that wasn’t supposed to start for another few months.
“I did and they agreed. He’ll start next week and Theo will keep doing what he's doing from now on.”
“Thank you…” I tell her, disappointed in myself that I put her in this position.
“I know this is hard but you have me and the girls. We’re going to help you get through this. Do you need a lawyer for the review? Mine is really good,” she offers and I’m grateful but it’s unnecessary.
“That is very kind of you, but no. My medical insurance through the hospital will assign me a lawyer who deals with these sorts of infractions all the time.”
“Let me know if you change your mind,” she says. “What are you planning to do about Aleksi? He’s been going crazy with you not being at the house. He’s texted and called everyone to see how you are since you’re not giving him much information.”
The guilt hits hard and straight through the heart. “I can’t tell him what’s going on Penelope… you know what he’ll do. He’lltry to ride in on his white horse, say all the right things, give up anything he has to, buy me a mansion—”
“Okay, okay, you're right,” she concedes. “He’s not going to let you take the fall to keep him out of it.”
“I just can’t let him. Not again. Not after everything he’s done for me. He’s worked his whole life for the NHL and a Stanley Cup win. His father died before he got to see it happen. If there is any chance, even a small one, that I can protect him and the Hawkeyes from sanctions, I have to try.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Aleksi
The coffee's gone cold.
I stare at the mug on my kitchen counter—white ceramic, some expensive brand stamped on the side, another one of Vivi's purchases to prepare the house for Kendall--and realize I've been standing here for twenty minutes, phone in hand, waiting for a reply that isn't coming.
