Page 25 of Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans #15)
CHAPTER 25
Rafferty
T he pressroom in the Titans’ arena vibrates with the residual energy of our win against the New Jersey Wildcats and the promise of an even juicier story. It’s a medium-size room, not far from the locker rooms, designed specifically for moments like these. The walls are adorned with framed jerseys and action shots of key moments in Titans history, a testament to the legacy we’re part of.
At the front, I sit at a long table on a small stage alongside Coach West, Callum Derringer and Penn Navarro, who was the undeniable star tonight, with two goals and an assist. While he’s standoffish with teammates and apparently prone to random bouts of violence, he’s always gracious and cool as a cucumber at press events. I think that’s because hockey is the only thing that Penn is truly comfortable with and he seems ready to relive every moment for the eager reporters seated in rows of chairs before us.
We’re waiting on a few more journalists to enter and it gives me the opportunity to read one more time the front-page article in the Pittsburgh Times sports section from this morning. It exonerated me of all accusations and provides an idea of the questions I’ll be asked today.
Titans Star Cleared in Doping Scandal
By Michael Thompson
In a stunning turn of events, Pittsburgh Titans defenseman Rafferty Abrams has been cleared by the team of all doping allegations, even before a full investigation could be completed. According to the team’s general manager, Callum Derringer, a member of the Titans’ front office has been identified as manufacturing the false evidence and has voluntarily resigned from the organization after admission to executive management. The allegations, which suggested that Abrams had used performance-enhancing drugs, were refuted by an expedited drug test and further forensic analysis of the submitted evidence is expected, although the team maintains it is not necessary, given the confession by the perpetrator.
Mr. Derringer provided a statement earlier today. “While we believe that the lab reports and photos allegedly showing Mr. Abrams engaging in drug use were digitally altered, our own internal investigation revealed the person responsible for the fake reports, and the matter has been handled sufficiently for all parties involved. Rafferty Abrams took an immediate drug test after the accusations surfaced, and the results have unequivocally confirmed his innocence.”
Owner Brienne Norcross, whose decisive actions in the wake of the scandal have been lauded by fans and insiders alike, reiterated the team’s commitment to integrity. “We stand firmly behind Rafferty and are pleased that the truth has come to light,” Norcross stated. “The Titans hold our players to the highest standards, and we are committed to maintaining a clean and fair playing environment.”
The scandal initially broke when several media outlets received anonymous tips accompanied by what are purported by the team to be doctored photographs and falsified lab reports. The swift actions by the Titans’ management helped to quickly dispel the accusations, which could have marred the team’s reputation and unfairly tainted Abrams’s career.
Derringer highlighted the organization’s rigorous approach to such serious allegations. “We take any accusation of this nature very seriously,” he said. “Our immediate priority was to ascertain the truth while supporting Rafferty during what was undoubtedly a distressing period for him and his family.”
The public response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Abrams, with many fans and fellow players expressing their relief on social media. Abrams, known for his commitment both on and off the ice, has been a key player for the Titans and is expected to rejoin the team for their next home game tonight against the New Jersey Wildcats.
The organization did not disclose the source of the false allegations but assured the public that measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. According to Norcross, “We have reinforced our internal protocols and will continue to protect our players against any unwarranted accusations.”
As the Titans gear up for their upcoming games, the clearing of Abrams’s name allows the team to refocus on their season ambitions without the shadow of controversy. Fans can expect to see Abrams back in action, defending the blue line with the same vigor and integrity he has always shown.
For continued coverage and updates on the Pittsburgh Titans, stay tuned to the Pittsburgh Times Sports Weekly.
I couldn’t have asked for a better statement to the press by Callum and Brienne and as I scroll through the comments following the article, they are unanimously in support of me with only a few conspiracy theorists opining that Brienne is manufacturing fake evidence to clear my name. I can only assume those are Wildcat fans and ignore them.
Callum Derringer taps the microphone, drawing the room’s attention, and I look up from my phone. A small smile lifts the corners of my mouth when I see Tempe and Farren standing at the back, both wearing Abrams jerseys.
“Good evening, everyone,” Callum says. “Thanks for joining us after a great win against the Wildcats. I know there’s a lot to discuss. As you can see, we have Rafferty Abrams here, who will make a statement regarding the false doping allegations against him. But let’s focus on the game tonight and take those questions first.”
A reporter from the front row raises her hand, and Callum nods at her. “This question is for Coach West. How do you feel the team performed tonight, especially the defense, which seems to have tightened up significantly?”
Coach leans forward, his hands clasped. “I’m extremely pleased with our performance. The defense did tighten up, and it was a collective effort. We’ve been working on a few strategies that I think are starting to pay off. The players executed brilliantly tonight.”
Another reporter, a young guy with a notepad, turns to Penn. “Penn, two goals tonight and an assist. What was working for you out there?”
Penn smiles, although admittedly, it doesn’t seem to reach his eyes. “Just felt good tonight, you know? The line was clicking, and we found some rhythm early on. It’s all about finding those gaps and taking advantage. My teammates set me up perfectly, can’t take all the credit.”
Coach and Penn are peppered with more questions, drilling down to the impact moments during the game. They answer with the ease and confidence of a team that just came off a decisive win.
But as the game-related questions wind down, I feel the shift in the room. A seasoned reporter from a major sports network clears his throat, his eyes on me. “Now, if we can, I’d like to address Rafferty. Can you share how you’ve been dealing with the recent allegations and the effect this has all had on your game?”
I’ve been waiting for this, preparing mentally for what I’d say. I lean into the microphone. “Sure. It’s been tough, obviously. No one wants their integrity questioned, especially not over something completely false. The last few days have been really hard, especially missing the game last week against the Breakers. Formally, I’d like to thank Brienne Norcross, Coach West and Callum Derringer for their belief in me, as well as my teammates’ support. Most of all, I really appreciate the outpouring of positivity from the fans. That has meant the world to me.”
“Rafferty,” someone calls from the back of the room. “How has this specifically affected you personally?”
That doesn’t take much thought. “Again, my teammates have had my back, but I want to really thank my family. My parents are always there for me, as is my sister. I’d also like to thank my girlfriend, Tempe.” My eyes land on her, and I can see she’s shocked and embarrassed to be called out but her return gaze doesn’t waver. “She’s been my rock throughout all of this. As to how it affected me personally, I’ve tried to keep my focus on the ice. That’s where I can prove my dedication, not just to the game but to my teammates and our fans.”
A woman toward the back stands up, her recorder in hand. “We understand that someone within the organization made up these rumors. Would you care to identify that person?”
This was the question I’m most ready for. I lean forward and in a low voice, I simply say, “I would not.”
The reporter isn’t satisfied. “But there’s no proof that the lab reports and photos were fabricated. Until that part of the investigation is concluded, how do we really know what the truth is?”
Callum clears his throat as if to take the question and move the heat off me, but I beat him to it. “You know it’s the truth because I say it is, and you don’t have the person responsible to say otherwise. But what’s most important is that I took a drug test no more than an hour after the allegations broke and it was negative. You have certified copies that can’t be impeached. The Titans’ organization also got a confession from the individual and that person is no longer a part of this company, so I’m not sure what else you need to prove my innocence.”
The woman has the grace to look chagrined and lobs an easy question my way, perhaps to save face. “Can you tell us how you felt when you heard the news that you were cleared?”
Solace floods through me remembering that moment. “Relieved, obviously. Grateful for Brienne’s support and the team’s. They believed in me from the start, which meant everything. It’s behind us now, so I’m looking forward to playing hockey and helping the team win games.”
Another hand shoots up, this one belonging to a blogger known for his deep dives. “Can you comment some more on the support you’ve received from the fans during this time? Particularly since the city has so tightly rallied around the Titans since the plane crash.”
I nod, a smile finally breaking through. “The support has been incredible. It really shows you how tight-knit the hockey community is. I’ve received messages and encouragement from fans not just here in Pittsburgh, but from all over. It’s something I won’t forget, and it’s given me even more reason to give my all every time I step on the ice.”
Callum interjects because the press has all the information they need to put this story to rest. “Thanks, everyone. I think Rafferty’s answered your questions well. We’re all glad to put this chapter behind us and focus on the season ahead. Let’s keep the conversations on the ice moving forward.”
As we stand to leave, the reporters begin to disperse, some lingering to exchange thoughts on the revelations. Coach West claps me on the shoulder, a silent show of support. I’m shocked when Penn offers me a fist bump, quietly stating, “Great job.” He’s gone before I can even respond.
Turning from the dispersing crowd, I see Tempe and Farren waiting for me near the exit. Tempe’s eyes meet mine, her smile wide and proud. I make my way over to them, the fatigue of the past days finally starting to hit me.
“Hey,” I greet, slipping an arm around Tempe as I reach her. She leans into me, her presence instantly grounding.
“Hey yourself,” she replies brightly. “You were amazing up there.”
Farren, ever the supportive sister, punches my shoulder lightly. “Yeah, not bad for a guy who almost got taken down by a scandal.”
I chuckle, the sound more relieved than amused. “Thanks. Glad that’s over.”
“We were just talking about heading to Mario’s to celebrate,” Farren adds, her tone suggesting it’s more of a statement than an invitation. “Willa and Mazzy are already rallying the troops. They sent me to fetch you two.”
Tempe looks up at me, her eyes searching. “We could go, if you want. Might be fun to unwind a bit with everyone.”
The idea of a noisy bar, even with friends, suddenly feels overwhelming. I shake my head. “Actually, I’d like to go home. Chill out for the rest of the night. Just us.” The last part I say softer, meant only for Tempe.
She nods, understanding immediately. “Home sounds perfect.”
Farren, picking up on our vibe but not wanting to press, shrugs. “All right, you two old folks enjoy your quiet night. I’ll tell the gang you send your regrets.” With a playful wink, she hugs us both quickly. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she teases, before heading out the door.
Once she’s gone, I pull Tempe closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Thanks for being here today. For everything.”
She sighs contentedly, leaning back to look up at me. “Where else would I be? But seriously, I’m just relieved it’s all finally behind us.”
“Yeah, me too,” I admit, feeling the truth of it settle in. “Let’s go home.”