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Chapter Forty-Eight

Jared

I’m sitting in the waiting area, staring at my phone. Troy and Jamie are still gone, dealing with the paternity test stuff.

I should be there too, but I need a second. A breather. Just to catch my damn breath.

As I lean back, trying to keep my focus off the buzzing in my head, my phone rings. I glance down. Carter Novak. What the hell?

I answer, trying to sound like everything’s fine even though my nerves are shot. “Jared.”

“Hey, man,” Carter says, sounding like his usual self, but there’s something in his voice that makes me pause. “You got a sec?”

“Yeah. I’m in the hospital right now. Savannah just had the babies.”

“Shit, man. Congrats. That’s huge.”

I smile, even though I’m too tired for it to mean much. “Yeah, thanks.” I want to keep it short, but then I remember what kind of guy Carter is. He’s not the type to call just for small talk. “What’s going on?”

There’s a hesitation on the other end. “I hate to interrupt, but I’ve got something I think you need to know. It’s about the Blackhawks.”

I sit up a little straighter, already sensing this is more than a casual chat. “What about them?”

“I think we can shut this merger deal down once and for all.”

“How, Carter?”

“This is big, Jared, but we are going to need a private investigator. A very discreet one.”

I sit back, my mind spinning. A PI. Shit. The last thing I want is more drama, more shit to deal with.

But I know Carter’s right. If there is a scandal brewing with the Blackhawks, it’s only a matter of time before something comes to light. And it better come out before my team is tied up with theirs.

“You sure about this, Carter? I don’t have time to waste on some bullshit.”

“I’m sure,” Carter says, and he’s quiet for a second. “Look, I wouldn’t be calling you if it wasn’t important. I just want you to be prepared. I’ve seen the stuff they’re putting together. It could ruin everything.”

I sigh, pressing my fingers to my temple. “All right. All right. I’ll find someone. Thanks for the heads-up.”

“No problem, man,” Carter replies. “And again, congrats on the babies. I know this is a lot right now, but don’t let this other shit drag you down.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” I mutter, even though my brain’s still racing.

We hang up, and I just sit there for a second, trying to get my bearings. The last thing I need right now is more trouble.

But Carter’s right. I can’t ignore this. If the Blackhawks are making moves like that, I’ve got to be ready.