Page 130 of Ice Devil

CHAPTER 27

Beck

“What if this is the end?” I asked Ford just before we stepped inside the Hellions’ corporate offices. The gleaming set of suites also served as the home office for an NBA team as well.

“Then we move on and let fate take its course.”

“You are shitting me. Right? You are not just going to roll over.”

“Of course I’m shitting you. Do you honestly think we’re going to take this lying down?”

I rubbed my palms on my jeans. “Would you believe Sloane didn’t even call me back? I left her a message when we left this morning, but she didn’t even return my call.”

He clapped me on the back. “Give her time.”

“I think she went back to Matt.”

“Bullshit.”

When my phone vibrated, he pulled away, acting as if he already knew who was calling. You bet I was hopeful.

As luck would have it, my father was calling.

I showed Ford the number on the screen and we both sighed. We’d left early to avoid hearing another pep talk, taking our time getting to Portland.

“Dad, not to be rude, but I don’t need another lecture.”

He was out of breath, so much so I could hear him wheezing. “Dad. What’s wrong? Let me call 9-1-1.”

Ford was right beside me, his face pinched from the same anxiety I was experiencing.

“I’m fine, son,” he huffed, sounding anything but fine. “I’m just overwhelmed. Do you know Carter Wainwright from the Today Show was just in our living room?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“I’m serious. There’ve been so many reporters here it’s been a revolving door. The phone is ringing off the hook. People want exclusives and your sister can’t keep up with the social media. That article went viral. It would pay for you to pay attention sometimes.”

No one had my personal number, except those people who mattered. And I’d purposely stayed off the internet. My dad’s reaction made me smile. “You’re right, Dad.”

“Anyway. Your mother needs me, but I wanted to warn you that you won’t have a moment of peace when you get back. She’s making cookies for the film crew. They want to make us stars. Imagine that.”

“Well, Pops, we wouldn’t be here without you and Mom.” I was more amused than anything. Or maybe annoyed. “They want to crucify us, Dad. I’m sure that’s what they are doing.”

“No, son. You don’t get it. This isn’t just about the article, but there are several resignations and people already under investigation. The board of governors is already calling for investigations of three NHL franchises. That mate of yours knows people and works fast. I thought you should know before going into that meeting. The ball is in your court.”

A trickle of joy crashed into one of continued anxiety. But Sloane had made good on her word.

And she wasn’t here.

“Thanks, Pops. You’re right. It is. I’ll call you when we’re done.” I closed my eyes as soon as I ended the call. The ache for her would never leave. I could hear her voice inside my head, reminding me to fight. Yeah, she was also right.

“What was that?” Ford asked.

“Sloane. She must have pulled in some favors. The article went viral. We are not going in there and lying down. We are going to tell Abbott and everyone in the meeting that we are exactly what the Hellions need.”

“That’s the spirit. And I told you Sloane would come through.”

“Yeah, but she’s not here. She’s not coming.”