Page 98 of Forbidden Hockey

“I wanted them, sure, but they’re a win-win. What’s wrong with indulging myself with something that’s good for everyone?”

I take a breath. “Okay, fine. You have information on me and Dirk, are you here to expose us?”

“What? I’d never do that to my best friend. I support your unconventional relationship, even though so many others wouldn’t.”

Everything he says has an underlying threat. I rub my hand over my face. Maybe I’ll try speaking the man’s language. “You just had sex in my broom closet, you’re welcome. Now tell me the information you have about Robin.”

He snaps his fingers. “Right, the business I was here for. You’re gonna love this.”

Maxwell is insufferable. I wish I could strangle him. Instead, I breathe through all the feelings of murder coursing through me.

“I found out that Robin’s being released early.”

My heart pounds. For several long moments, the world goes that eerie sort of silent I’d imagine the end of the world to sound like. Did I hear him correctly? “How’s that possible?”

“Good behavior. Happens all the time.”

“When?”

“August.”

“Of this year?” He nods. “I was supposed to get a letter about it.” I have a friend in the DA’s office. Now that Dash is no longer under conservatorship, the letter would go to him, but I pulled a favor and asked that he send it to me.

“You will, but there’s a bunch of paperwork, and our judicial system is horribly backlogged. But see? I’m your personal information delivery. It pays to know an Elkington. I’ve got someone watching the situation for you.”

Paying to know an Elkington remains to be seen, but that piece of information is the equivalent of gold to me. I’m grateful for it, no matter what Elkington thinks he’s getting in return.

“Thank you, Maxwell.”

He swallows more alcohol. Uncomfortably. My genuine thanks makes him squirm. “Well, whatever. You’d do the same for me, bestie.”

Would I? Fuck. Yeah, but not for him, for his kids. “You need to stop calling me bestie.”

“Too soon?”

“Way too fucking soon.”

“Alright. I need to go. Lots of Mayor shit to do and all that.”

Mayor shit? I’m glad I didn’t vote for him. Is being mayor a game to him?

Maxwell saunters out the door like the king he thinks he is, and I’m left to contemplate what the fuck I’m gonna do about Robin. Maxwell was right about one thing: I’d do anything for the people I love. If Robin’s getting out of prison, I might have to do something about it.

My phone buzzes.

Pretty Boy

So? What the fuck did that weasel want?

Maybe my age, but this feels like a phone call instead of a text message. Except for one thing.

Me

First, he did things to Eddie I don’t even wanna know in my broom closet.

Pretty Boy

In our broom closet, Trav? I’ll kill him.