Page 89 of Scored

“We’ll coordinate with them.”

I led us through the pretend paths. Aromas fought for prominence. There was the sweet scent of cotton candy and the spicy aroma of onions, peppers, and sausages. Maker’s Mark, the distillery not the football complex, had a stand. Not only could people purchase whiskey to drink, but Maker’s Mark also had commemorative Coopers’ Playoff bottles for sale.

“There.” I pointed to the small stage.

My three shadows looked from one another to the stage decorated with roses.

“That’s quite the statement,” Virginia said. “Have the flowers and vases been searched?”

“Searched?”

Virginia turned to Raphael. “We need dogs.”

“Dogs?” I asked, wide-eyed. “I don’t understand.”

“The roses look innocent enough. One of those vases could be hiding an incendiary device.”

My pulse rate was back up. “We don’t have our own canine unit,” I said. “But Crystal Light works in conjunction with ATF. They complete a sweep prior to all our large events. I can contact my director of security or the department head. A sweep should have already occurred.”

“Before or after the roses were delivered?”

“Ms. Hubbard,” Raphael said, “we’ve worked with both Gavin Weiss and Marvin Phelps in the past. I can contact them.”

“I was just talking to Gavin. He’s nearby.”

Raphael nodded and pulled out his phone.

Virginia nodded. “I don’t want anyone entering the floor until we know for sure.” We should confine the fans who have entered and stop further entries to the building.”

“No.” I shook my head. “My team wouldn’t allow anything into the building that wasn’t safe.”

“Vee, it’s better to be safe…”

Raphael stepped forward. “Ms. Hubbard, Marvin Phelps confirmed that the roses were subject to the canine sweep.”

I let out a breath. “My team is good. I’m just freaked out about the roses.”

Virginia nodded. “No need to change your plans. The fans can continue to enter the concourse.” She turned toward the stage. “It shouldn’t be difficult to learn who ordered all of these roses.”

“I hope not,” I said with a sigh.

“Was there a note?”

“Not to my knowledge.” Looking up, I saw Janine Watson and two bodyguards coming our way. “There’s our mayor.”

“Vee,” Janine said. “I feel like I’m outdoors on a summer day. This is fantastic.”

“I’m so glad you could come and make a few remarks.”

She turned toward the roses. “Wow. You’d think this was the Kentucky Derby.”

My head tilted. “The Derby?”

“Run for the Roses.”

Roses.

Derby.