Page 72 of Scored

“You mean you’re not betting on our boys.”

I lifted my hands. “I’ve never placed a bet in my life. And I’m certain the NFL wouldn’t look too kindly on that if I had.”

I furrowed my brow. “Any complaints about our offense?”

“The Bills’ defense was tight. Drew and I dissected the game and plays. Dennison is quick on his feet. He sees the plays. Our offensive line can’t let Houston’s defense shut us down like Buffalo did.” Don stood. “It’s a little early this morning, but we have two weeks’ worth of work to accomplish in six days. We’ll be working every day. Yesterday was the day off.”

I also rose to my feet. “That’s the plan. I know you and the other coaches will have us ready.”

“A Detective Oldson came to talk to me the other day.”

I inhaled. “I told him about your and Dad’s standing meetings.”

“I wish I could be more help. Reid was never late. I hadn’t put the time of his accident together with our meeting until you mentioned it to me.”

“It’s okay. I’m glad Detective Oldson followed up.”

Jen wasn’t in the office yet when I saw Coach Tilson to the door. Pouring myself another cup of coffee, I made my way back into my office and sat behind my desk. The small readout in the corner of my screen said 7:24 a.m. It was fine with me that Don left earlier than usual. I needed every second of this day that I could get.

I was wading through emails when my cell phone rang from within my purse inside the desk drawer. The sound startled me as I usually turned off the ringer when I entered Maker’s Mark. Opening the drawer and digging through my bag, I found my phone. Cammy Wilcox’s name, the Coopers’ head of legal, was on the screen. I swiped to answer. “Hi, Cammy.”

“Vee, I spoke with Tricia Loften. She can be to Maker’s Mark at noon today.”

“Noon,” I repeated. I was meeting with someone from Stephens Security at noon. “Cammy, what is this about?”

“It’s big, Vee. Are you on your way to the football facility?”

“I’m here, tucked away in my office.”

“Oh,” she said, “I called your office line, and I received a recording.”

“My staff won’t be in until eight.”

She hummed. “That makes sense. Tricia has a small window of availability. Can you make noon work for you?”

I exhaled. “This can’t wait until after the Texans’ game?”

“No. It really can’t. I would come to you right now, but Tricia and I have been working on this together. She wants to be here.”

“Okay,” I conceded. “I’ll make it work.”

“Great. We’ll be to your office at noon.”

Disconnecting from Cammy, I called the number for Stephens Security. As I did, my day’s schedule was mapped out in my head. Ten a.m. executive meeting. Noon meeting with attorneys. One p.m. to five–five thirty p.m. meetings with all six of my stadium operations directors individually. Maybe out the door by six–six thirty p.m.

“Hello,” I said when the call connected. “This is Maeve Hubbard. I’m afraid I’m going to need to postpone my appointment.”

After a short discussion, the gentleman from Stephens offered to have my representative come to Maker’s Mark right away. It was better to get started sooner not later. He said they would need copies of the cards that came with the flowers. He promised it would be a short visit.

“Okay. I’ll see the representative as soon as they can arrive,” I said before disconnecting the call.

A knock came to my door, proceeded by its opening. Jen stepped through the doorway. “Coopers won.”

My smile returned. “Yes, now to beat Houston.”

“Again.” She lifted the sides of her hair showing the whiskey-barrel earrings. “These babies are good luck. I’m not taking them off until the Coopers are crowned Super Bowl champions.”

“I like your dedication.”