Page 137 of Player Misconduct
"What?"
"She thinks it's the only way to protect you and the team," Penelope says softly. "If she fights it, it goes public. The NHL gets involved. Sanctions come down. She's trying to take the fall so you don't have to."
I stare at her, my chest tightening until I can't breathe.
"She was never protecting herself," I whisper. "She was protecting me."
Penelope gives me a small, sad smile. "That's what Kendall’s love looks like, Mäkelin. It’s maybe not as upfront or obvious as the way you show it. She’s been keeping you at arms length because she knows you’d never let her do this–not if you knew."
Kendall’s right. I’d never let her do this to protect me. I’d tell her to fight.
"When's the hearing?" I ask, my voice rough.
Penelope glances at her watch, and my stomach drops.
"Right now."
"Where?"
She hesitates. "Downtown. Medical Board offices. But, Aleksi, she asked everyone to stay away—"
"Where exactly?" I interrupt, already turning for the exit.
"Fourth and Union. The Cascade Building. But—"
I'm already running.
Behind me, Penelope calls out, "What about practice? Coach isn't going to be happy you're not there!"
"Tell him to bench me!" I shout over my shoulder, hitting the side exit at a full sprint.
The door slams open, cold air hitting my face, and I don't stop running until I'm in my truck, engine roaring to life, skates changed out in a rush for sneakers, and then tires screeching out of the parking lot.
The city blurs past—streetlights, traffic, the slow crawl of morning commuters who have no idea that my world is ending.
I weave through lanes, heart hammering, hands white-knuckled on the wheel.
She thinks she's protecting me.
But this time, I'm not letting her face the fire alone.
My phone buzzes on the passenger seat.
I glance down, just long enough to see the notification.
Scottie:Dude, where are you? Coach is pissed.
Me:Tell him I’m going to get our doctor back.
Because there's only one place I need to be.
And I'm already halfway there.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Kendall
The conference room that Richard and I were in last time is the same room we are escorted back into during decision day.
