Page 3

CHAPTER 3

Turk

The last three hours have been grueling. Not because of the women. Most of them are team players who only want to play the game they love. Missy is going to be an issue. I could see the dollar signs in her eyes as she tried to flirt. I shut that shit down immediately.

She also tried to pump me for information on Clark which was almost laughable since he’s already looking for her replacement. When he says ‘team sport’ he means it.

No, the hardest part was remembering how much I miss hockey. Miss playing. Maybe Clark is right. We need to live vicariously through our sisters and help them make the sport they love a national treasure. These women have just as much heart and drive as their male counterparts.

Our interviews are over. I’m worried about a few of the women. I don’t think a couple weigh enough and Teddie needs to get her blood pressure checked, like yesterday.

One player caught more than my eye. The one who was hanging with my sister. The one I watched workout with Tatum and Leslie. Caitlyn. They call her Cat.

She could use a few pounds, too. But I don’t feel it’s that she doesn’t eat. She’s full of nervous energy. I wonder if she ever just relaxes. The way she bounced her leg as we talked made me realize she’s wound tighter than a clock. Maybe we need to add a yoga instructor, or meditation to the benefits package.

There was something about her responses to all the family medical history questions that gave me pause. Her parents died a few years ago. No brothers or sisters. No family health issues that she knew of. No remaining family. Everything seemed above board. Except she clutched her hands in her lap like her life depended on it. Like there was something she wasn’t telling me.

I’d been captivated watching her and Tatum on the ice. There she hid nothing, giving the game her all. She didn’t skate. She flowed. Every move an extension of her being.

She’s going to be a star if she keeps her nerves in check on and off the ice.

Clark joins me in the minuscule medical room. “So, what do you think?”

“Probably the same as you. Good core, a few questionable.”

“Yeah. Missy has got to go. Coach wants Leslie. There’re a couple other girls I’ve had my eye on from the minor team. I’ll try to get them up in the next week or so. I’d like to see what you think. Four more will fill our team openings plus a replacement for Missy. I’d like to do it sooner rather than later. We have time to make this a winning season.”

“Sure. I’m free the rest of the weekend. I’ve got surgeries on Monday and Tuesday. I’m in the office the rest of the week.”

“How’d it go with Baylor?”

“Who?” I raise an eyebrow, then grin. “Didn’t notice him.”

“He’s another one I’d love to dump, contract be damned.”

“Patience my friend. He’ll hang himself. He always does.”

We catch the end of practice. Coach lets Baylor comment first.

“You did pretty good today, girls. Missy you were on fire. Teddie, you need to focus. Cat and Tatum, you need to push harder, you’re supposed to be the leaders. This is the pro’s not the powder puffs. Cat, I need a few words with you when we’re done.”

“I-ah-I can’t. I have to be somewhere.”

He raises a brow. “More important than your job? Your career?”

I’m stepping forward before I know it. Clark steps in front of me and shakes his head. “Let’s hold that conversation for another day, Baylor. I was planning on meeting with you, coach and Doc.”

Turning, Clark smiles at the team. “I’m impressed with all your efforts today. Thank you for taking the extra time. Have a great rest of your day. Relax and enjoy. I plan on being here for practice tomorrow and I’m looking forward to our game Monday.”

Heading toward coaches’ office I see Cat running down the tunnel to the exit. She looks a little flustered. I can tell she’s tightly wired. I wonder if it’s the team, Baylor, or something else.

Once in the office, Clark doesn’t waste any time. “Due to some of the allegations lately in the league, there will be some changes that go into effect immediately. All staff will be getting the amended personnel policies. Going forward, no male staff member will be alone with any of our female staff or team members. I have hired two full-time employment advocates who will be in all one-on-one meetings. I take sexual harassment charges seriously and all will be investigated.

“Claims of preferential treatment will also be investigated.”

“What about the doctor’s sister being on the team? And wasn’t that your sister who tried out today?” Baylor counters.

Coach jumps in glaring at Baylor. “I don’t give a fuck who they’re related to. Tatum stays and I want Leslie. They’re hardworking and know the game. Did you pay any attention to their moves today? It was like Cat, Leslie and Tatum were born playing together. We need about three more with their work ethic and instincts.”

Clark nods at coach. “I thought so, too. There are three others I want to bring this up next week for tryouts.

“Turk, any concerns on the health of the players?”

“I’m ordering a couple tests on two. I think having our own food brought in and always available will lead to healthier lifestyles. The masseuse will also help. I met with Stan the medical trainer and we’ll cover more things going forward. We’re on the same page and I’ve given him my pager and cell number. I will be at as many games as I can.”

“Good. Let’s call today a wrap.” Clark stands and shakes both the coach and Baylor’s hands. “Coach, thank you for the updated schedule and your playing roster. I’ll be at as many of the practices as I can and plan to attend all the games.”

Walking out we pass Missy still lingering in the hall.

Outside I ask, “Have you had a one on one with Coach? How does he feel about Baylor?”

Clark snorts. “And I quote, ‘the little fuckwad is more interested in dipping his stick than whether anyone knows how to use one’. Be patient. Baylor doesn’t understand rules. He’ll fuck up and I’ll have good cause to get rid of him soon enough.

“Want to go to my place?” Clark asks. “I’ve got team film I’d like you to watch and some on players I’m interested in.”