It was interesting to hear the story from Gavin’s perspective this time.
The facts were the same, but the way they interpreted it all was a little different. Still, the thing Graham noticed most was that Gavin and Thad were more alike than either of them would ever admit.
So willing to carry all the blame instead of letting anyone else shoulder it.
When Gavin was done talking, the room was silent.
He took a deep breath and loosened his tie. “The reason I’m telling you this now is twofold. The first is because I think being more honest about my past is the right thing to do, especially because Thad is the one who has to carry the stigma of having been in prison with him everywhere he goes.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Graham caught a glimpse of Crawford nodding.
“I’mproudof my brother.” Gavin’s voice cracked. “Proud of what he’s accomplished in his life despite the hardships. Proud of the man he is.”
Graham glanced over to see Thad duck his head and swallow hard.
Gavin took a deep breath. “But I also told you this story because it’s a reminder our actions have consequences. Split-second decisions can impact the rest of our lives. And whether on the ice or off it, every choice impacts not onlyyourlife butthose of the people you care about.”
Everyone nodded.
“Hockey is a passionate sport. And it seems you are aparticularlypassionate group.”
Several guys chuckled.
“I think you’re all aware that the number of you dating each other has led to a handful of … questionable choices on the ice.” He glanced slowly around the room. “I haven’t felt the need for disciplinary action because I think you all know those choices generally didn’t lead to positive outcomes for the team. I want you to learn from your mistakes on your own, not have it drilled into you through punishment. Frankly, I don’t think the latter approach would do anywhere near as much.
“But I hope what I told you today will be a good reminder that actions have consequences. Choices have ripple effects. And it’s worth taking an extra fraction of a second to think before you act.”
There was a finality to his tone, like the discussion was over, and everyone nodded, their expressions somber.
In the background, Graham heard Kady whisper. “Am not sure I understand. Why does Gavin look like disappointed dad?”
Graham glanced over to see Jesse pat Kady’s thigh. “I’ll explain after.”
“Okay.”
“Okay, guys,” Gavin said with a quiet sigh. “Let’s get out of here, huh? Go home, rest up, and regroup.”
A couple of guys stood but Erik called out, “Uhh, Gavin. I have a question, if that’s okay?”
“Yes?” Gavin turned back.
Erik looked around. “Is this … is this like … ateamsecret?”
“No,” Gavin said firmly. “I donotfeel good about being the GM who asks my players to keep a secret for me. We’ve seen how toxic that can be in places like Evanston. I don’t believe in hiding from the truth.”
“But wouldn’t you, like, getarrestedor something if people found out?” Erik asked, his expression turning uneasy.
Gavin gave him a faint smile. “No. I appreciate your concern but the statute of limitations for a robbery charge is five years, if I remember right. There would be no legal consequences now. Professionally … there could be. But I’ve been fully upfront with the ownership group about my past, and am prepared to face any consequences if it goes public.”
Thad pushed off the wall and walked over to stand beside his brother. “But there’s a difference between your GM asking you to keep it a secret and you choosing to do it on your own.”
“Thad …” Gavin said warningly.
“No,” Thad said, turning back to the room. “Shut up for a minute, Gavin. And listen to me, guys. I agree with my idiotbrother about one thing. Keeping secrets can cause some real fucking problems. And yes, sometimes it’s easy to convince ourselves we’re doing that for the right reasons, like protecting someone we love, which can lead to somereallyshitty things. But this isexactlywhat Gavin was talking about earlier. About the consequences of our actions.”
He looked around. “Gavin and I, we both made our choices back then. And we can argue until we’re blue in the fucking face about what was right and what wasn’t. But for me, this is what it all boils down to now: is telling the truth about something going to hurt someone or is it going to help someone? Do you get what I’m saying, Erik?”
“If we told someone the truth about, uh, Gavin’s past,” Erik said slowly. “It could hurt him. But it wouldn’t help anyone.”
