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‘He had a stellar season on the field last year and he was a big part of the reason we made it to the grand final. When he got nominated for lock of the year, we all thought he’d take it out.

Aaron believed he had it in the bag, so when they announced the winner, he was already on his feet to accept the award.

Only they called Jefferson’s name instead.

Nyssa was really good about it and jumped to her feet as well, making a big show of clapping.

She eyed us all to get up and we did. Aaron took it hard.

’ He paused and swallowed, his mind going back to that night.

‘When the awards part of the evening was done and the photos were all taken, a lot of people left. I thought Aaron and Nyssa had gone as well because I hadn’t seen them for a while … I’d been busy, though.’

‘Yeah, because you cleaned up with halfback of the year. Congrats on that, man.’

Carter grinned but it was di?cult, given everything else that had happened that night.

‘Thanks, mate. Anyway, I was in the lobby trying to find a bathroom and I stumbled on a disabled one. It wasn’t locked so I went in and—’ he cleared his throat, the memory stuck there, ‘—Aaron had Nyssa pinned up against the wall by her throat.’

Ethan swore and Carter’s fist tightened.

He pushed himself to go on. ‘She was bleeding, and the fear in her eyes was just … it was too much. I side tackled him. He was so focused on her that he didn’t see me coming.

He struggled against me, but I had the upper hand and held him down.

I remember just saying, “What the fuck are you doing?” Over and over.

Nyssa ran out and someone called for emergency services because there were police and ambulance o?cers.

They asked me what I’d seen, and I didn’t hesitate.

I told them everything. I thought he was going to kill her.

Aaron was arrested and Nyssa went to hospital.

We were just lucky that the media hadn’t hung around. ’

‘They kept it under wraps?’ Ethan asked.

Carter nodded. ‘As much as they could, until he appeared in court. His lawyer requested a media ban to protect his reputation, and the magistrate must’ve been in a sympathetic mood. Anyway, he granted the ban so the media didn’t get any details.’

‘Wow, I didn’t know they could do that.’

‘Apparently it happens more than we realise.’

Ethan’s shoulder jerked up. ‘Makes sense. So did he plead guilty?’

‘Kinda. Nyssa told me that he took a plea deal to avoid going to trial and risk the media finding out. She was relieved. The police were the ones who’d pressed the charges so she couldn’t withdraw a statement or anything and make them disappear.

She just wanted it over so she could cut ties with him.

’ Carter rubbed a hand down his face. ‘She’s living in Perth now. ’

‘Is that why Beau and his boys’ club don’t know what really happened?’ Ethan asked.

Carter nodded. ‘They only know what Aaron told them, and you can imagine what he’s said to cause this special treatment.’

‘Was it the court’s decision for him not to play in the grand final?’

‘Nope. Turns out the club takes that morality clause in our contracts really seriously. He wasn’t allowed to play in the grand final and we lost. He told everyone that I’d lied to get him kicked off the team, so everyone blamed me.’

Ethan let out a low whistle and grasped Carter’s shoulder. ‘The blame’s on Aaron, not you.’

Carter shook his head. ‘Yeah, but we all turned a blind eye to Aaron and the way he’d dump on Nyssa.

Hell, the way he spoke about all women. No one stood up to him, me included.

I just wonder what would’ve happened if I’d told him earlier that it wasn’t on.

You know, to knock it off and show some respect. ’

‘You couldn’t have known it would end up like this. That’s on him.’

Maybe. Carter wasn’t up for pushing the conversation, so he kept quiet.

‘Everything all right here, men?’ The chair across from them squeaked against the lino as Jonathan took a seat.

‘Yes, sir,’ Ethan answered, knocking his knee against Carter’s. It was a sign of comradery.

‘Just giving Ethan the other side of the story, given he’s been dragged into it by rooming with me.’

‘Yeah, well someone had to,’ Jonathan said. ‘I’m hearing whispers that Beau put that snake in your room this morning?’

‘There’s no proof,’ Carter answered quickly. ‘He could’ve just been making the most of a coincidence. Leave it.’

Jonathan rested his chin against his interlaced fingers. ‘I’m not sure that’s the right play on this.’

‘It’s how I want to play it.’

‘Son, you’ve been letting a lot go lately. If it was any other player copping this much, we would’ve stepped in by now. It’s not a weakness to say enough.’

Jonathan’s words sparked anger. He didn’t get it. ‘But I’m not any other player. I’m your stepson, and any interference by you or the coaching staff is going to look like I’m being protected. Let’s just get on with it.’

He stood up, knocking his chair over and drawing looks from everyone still in the room. Refusing to acknowledge them, he stalked out to the field.