Page 324 of The Lies We Play

No longer only tender.

I look at her because my body obeys before my mind argues.

“I’m going to tell you one thing,” she says. “This is important.”

I wait.

“I never left you,” she says. “You never left me. They lied to us. We’ve been playing inside their lies and calling it life because they gave us just enough truth to make the cage look reasonable.”

Creed’s jaw flexes behind her.

Livia keeps her eyes on mine.

“We have proof. My father built a case before he died. Fitz has receipts. Call logs. Bank records. Messages. Names.”

“Fitz and his team have enough to help with the investigation,” Creed says. His voice is lower now, all control and purpose. “We’re here as a precaution because he found a judge who may issue the restraining order today. Tomorrow is the first hearing, and if everything goes well, there will be arrest warrants after that.”

“You have to play on Tuesday,” I remind him.

Creed scoffs. “That’s such a Hal thing to say.”

“He’s still responsible,” Livia says, and there is a smile in her voice through the tears.

“Told you he’s there,” Creed says.

“Your game,” I insist.

“I told you I have time off,” Creed reminds me. “I should be back on the ice by Thursday.”

“You should’ve retired already,” Livia says.

“That’s what everyone keeps saying,” I agree.

Creed looks between us. “Neither one of you has been following me, and now you have opinions?”

Livia fidgets with her lower lip.

I see it immediately.

“What are you hiding?”

She glances at Creed. “I might have searched your stats a time or two.”

“A time or two?”

“Fine. Several times.” She lifts her chin. “I also saw the interview where you said you wouldn’t retire because you didn’t have anywhere to go.”

The room shifts again.

Creed looks away.

I remember that interview. It’s from the day I recognized him. His eyes were so fucking sad then.

“You meant us, didn’t you?” I ask.

Creed’s throat works once.

He nods.