“You know, by taking him step by step through the business plan, scouting reports, the draft and free agency. All that’s so overwhelming, and Russell’s only too happy to help.”
Hmm. I bet he is.
He could play along. “Thatisnice for Mr. Winters. I’m sure he’s been a big help. Do you think he felt he should be appointed CEO?”
Lucy lifted a shoulder. “I don’t think so…I mean, yeah, we were all surprised that Armand wanted to take over, but the reality is”—her voice dropped—“for the most part, Russell’s really running the show. Eventually Armand will bow out and let Russell take over.” She collected the leftovers of her lunch and tossed them into the trash bin. “Everyone likes Armand, but you can agree that it would be best for the team that way. You won’thave to worry about your job, though. Armand would still keep you. I’d better run. It was great talking to you. Let’s do it again.”
She click-clacked out on her stilettos, leaving Hayden to ponder their conversation. Part of him agreed that it would be best for the team not to have an upheaval right before the season started. The other part didn’t like the behind-the-scenes finagling and sneakiness. He’d yet to determine if Russell truly cared about Armi, or if it was a way to get his hooks deeper into the team, and what Lucy had revealed didn’t make Hayden any fonder of the man.
At his desk, he began to make a list of questions he believed Martin Price would have for Armi, and cross-checked with interviews the reporter had held with other new owners. He’d reached number twenty when his intercom buzzed.
“Are you busy?” Armi asked.
“Do you need me? I’ll be right in.”
“Thanks.”
In the years he worked for Boris, Hayden could count on one hand the number of times the man had said thank you to him. He waited in front of Armi’s desk.
“What can I help you with?”
“This interview…I don’t…I’m not sure…” Armi chewed the inside of his cheek, and Hayden could see he was working himself up into a panic.
“Don’t worry,” he soothed. “I’ve got you covered. I’ve already worked up a bunch of questions from past features I’ve read. We can practice them this afternoon.”
Relief flooded Armi’s eyes. “Thanks. I know it’s a lot—”
“Not at all,” he smoothly interrupted. “It’s my job. We can start now. I’ll just print out two copies.”
“Armi, you ready?” Russell stood in the doorway.
“R-ready for wh-what?” Armi looked to Hayden, but Hayden had no clue. “Do I have a meeting now?”
Hayden searched his mind. “Not this afternoon. Tomorrow is pretty full.”
“I told you yesterday,” Russell sounded exasperated, which raised Hayden’s hackles. “We have a meeting about free agents today at two thirty.” He pointed to his watch. “It’s two twenty now. I figured we’d chat for a few minutes beforehand, and I’ll fill you in.”
“It wasn’t on the calendar.” Hayden pulled out his phone to check. “No. There’s nothing.”
Russell barely paid attention to him. “I must’ve forgotten to put it on, but come on. I can brief you on the way.”
Fucking slick, Russell. I’m on to you, sneaky fucker.
“Don’t worry.” Pretending it was no big deal, Hayden waved it off. “We can do the interview questions later.”
“Come with me, please, Hayden,” Armi turned to him and pleaded.
Russell’s jaw hardened, and Hayden responded promptly. “Of course. Let me get my tablet to take notes.”
Russell said, “I can help you with anything you’ll need, Armand. Hayden will need to answer your phone.”
“Will Lucy be at the meeting?” Hayden wanted to know in case he was being deliberately left out.
“No,” Russell clipped out. “It’s just the board members, Coach Jackson, and the scouts we sent out.”
“Oh…I don’t know, then…maybe you should stay…” Armi ran a hand through his hair. “I guess.”
Unwilling to put Armi in an uncomfortable position, Hayden nodded. “No worries. Mr. Anders is correct. I’m learning, but Ican see it’s going to take some time, even though I’ve already picked up so much.” He gave Russell a sunny smile and didn’t miss the narrowing of the man’s eyes. “I’ll use the time to prep for the interview tomorrow.” As the owner, Armi should have whatever he wanted, but Armi wouldn’t push Russell, and it wasn’t Hayden’s place to do so.
