Page 2

CHAPTER 2

Caitlyn Carr, Cat

Tatum dashes into the locker room at the last-minute stripping out of her street clothes as she comes. “Oh shit, oh shit. I’m late.”

Shaking my head I glance at the bench where I’ve already laid out her uniform and equipment. “Take a deep breath, you can do this. But you need to tell that jerk you’re dating no texting or visits an hour before the game or practice. You need that quiet time to focus. Or better yet, shut the damn phone off. He needs to respect you.”

I met Tatum six months ago at training camp. My first real friend came with my first break at the life I crave. Professional hockey.

“I can’t shut the phone off. What if coach tries to reach us?”

“And how many times has that happened in the last six months? His schedule is his bible. It never changes.”

She snort-laughs as she pulls off her sweater and leggings, stuffs them in her locker and begins to suit-up.

“I noticed a couple new girls here today. I think they may be trying out for the team. Have you heard anything? What positions they’re after? You said your brother’s friend is the one who bought the team.”

“Yes, Clark Davies grew up with my brother, Turk. They’ve been best friends since preschool. They started in hockey together. When my brother got injured, they stayed best friends. My bro went to med school and Clark went into money shit. I’m pretty sure Clark would have said something to Turk by now — it’s a little complicated and I haven’t had time to talk with Turk.”

“Did you hear that we may run over today?”

“No. And there wasn’t a notice on the board. Shit.”

“It will be okay. I’ll help you get out if you need to.” Her expression softens. “I haven’t heard anything about new recruits. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Cat. There is no way anyone is better than you as center.” She finishes lacing her skates. “Come on, let’s go see what we can find out.”

I follow her down the tunnel to the ice. I’m a nervous wreck. I want—no I need this job. Hockey is the one place I feel like I belong. Starting my warmup laps, I hear Tatum squeal.

Grabbing one of the three new girls I noticed earlier, she gives her a hug. Pulling her by the hand Tatum drags her across the ice toward me.

“Cat, this is Leslie,” she whispers conspiratorially. “She’s the new owner’s sister. Her dad played pro hockey. I’ve known her for years. You were right. They are holding tryouts.”

We shake. Leslie is a little taller than I am. “What position do you play?”

“Goalie. You?”

“Center.”

We look each other up and down. “Want to skate a couple laps?” I ask.

She nods. After about twenty minutes on the ice, the three of us are bobbing and weaving like we’ve been together for years. I’ve got a really good feel for this new girl. Leslie, Tatum and I are all focused on the sport, the goal. Nothing else.

Coach Parley tosses us a puck and we start doing handoffs. After thirty minutes I’m lost in the feel of the play. It’s like coming home. When a whistle breaks our workout, I glance at the clock. We’ve been at it for forty minutes.

The three of us high-five and head to the bench. Coach, his assistant and two guys in suits watch our approach. It’s then that I notice the two other girls are no longer on the ice. Leslie looks unsure of what to do until coach motions for her to take a seat with us.

Clearing his throat, he lets his gaze meet each member of the team. “I know you’re all concerned about the change in ownership. I’ve asked Mr. Davies to join us today. He’s not just a suit looking for an investment. He’s a big fan of hockey. His father played professionally, and he played through college. He knows the game and the commitment necessary.”

I watch the new owner step forward. He’s nice looking, his light hair a touch unruly. He wears a trust me smile. I can see the resemblance with his sister, but Leslie is softer somehow. Confidence oozes from him and it’s obvious he’s comfortable being in front of a group.

The man standing beside him is a stunner. A touch taller and broader, with dark hair and eyes. He reeks of control and an overwhelming aura of command. Yep, he and Tatum are related. They share the same in charge vibe. Both men are dressed in suits, but it doesn’t feel like their natural habitat.

These men are at the top of the food chain because they claimed it. I’ve spent too many years in the shadows attempting to survive under the radar not to recognize danger when I sense it. These men are hunters. Enter at your own risk.

“Thank you, Coach Parley. I’m glad to be here and a part of this group. This team means a lot to me. I love hockey and I think it’s well past time that women in this sport get the recognition they deserve. There is a lot I’d like to accomplish today because we have a game in two days.

“You should have gotten notice from assistant coach Baylor that today may be a little longer than you anticipated. I want to meet each of you for a few minutes, learn about what you think about where we could go and what you need to get there. If someone has a commitment that they must attend, please make sure I meet with you first.

“I also want each of you to meet with the new team doctor and my friend, Dr. Banner. He’s an orthopedic specialist and surgeon. He also played hockey. He will understand your aches, pains and injuries better than anyone.

“I realize you’ve been playing short for some time. That’s going to change. Hockey is physical. We need more depth. We will be adding more players to reach our maximum of twenty-three active and three reserves.

“I’ve also hired two full-time massage therapists. I understand you’ve been without that support as well. Coach Parley will put you through your standard work out today as Doc and I start meeting with each of you. Lunch is being catered in. Any questions before we get started?”

Missy gives Tatum a side eye before raising her hand. I know where this is going and evidenced by her clenched jaw so does Tatum. Missy, the little bitch, is playing first string but’s only qualified for second and based on her lack of effort, she doesn’t deserve to be here at all. For some reason the last team owner liked her.

“Mr. Davies,” she calls out.

“Yes, Missy?”

I choke back a chuckle when he calls her by name making sure she knows that he knows who she is. I wonder if he also knows she’s our resident troublemaker.

“Umm, I-ah couldn’t help but notice that the new Doctor has the same last name as Tatum. Are they related?”

“Yes, they are. Tatum is Doc’s younger sister. She’s been with the team longer than you by two years, right? She’s worked hard for her position and is constantly being recruited by other teams. We’re grateful that she continues to renew her contract with us. As for Doc Banner, as I said earlier, he and I have known each other for years. He’s considered one of the finest doctors in his field in our area. We are fortunate to have them both.

“Nepotism in sports is no secret. Look at the NFL or NBA. The pool for our sport, women’s hockey, is small. Reality is that talent often begets talent. I played with Doc Banner. He had a contract for the big leagues until an injury forced him to leave the sport. Now he tries to save the dreams of others.

“But this is a business for me. So let me make sure that you all understand. I don’t care what your name is, where you came from or who you know. You will keep your job based on one thing. How you play the game with your teammates.

“This is a team sport, and we are only as good, as strong, as the team. Team first. Be inclusive. Be respectful. Weak, selfish links will be removed.

“There is a morality clause in your new contracts. I expect everyone to keep their noses clean and stay out of trouble. What you do privately is your business. Keep it PG in public. Remember, what you do on and off the ice reflects on the team.

He turns, effectively dismissing her. “Coach, I know you have drills to work through. Please send me the first two players and we’ll make this as quick as possible.”