The room erupted.
"He did what?" Luke said.
"He filed a formal complaint," Ellie said, standing up. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her. "He is questioning my credentials as a physical therapist. He's suggesting that Cole's recovery was either exaggerated or achieved through improper methods that should be investigated."
"That's complete bullshit," Jamie said immediately. "We all saw Cole's recovery. It was real."
"I know," Ellie said. "And I have all the documentation to prove it. Medical records, treatment notes, third-party evaluations, independent physician reviews. Everything was done by the book."
"Then why is he doing this?" Tyler asked in his usual deadpan.
"Because he can," Cole said. "Because he's got credentialsand a reputation, and he knows how to use them to create doubt. Even if Ellie proves everything was legitimate people will remember the investigation, not the result. That's the point."
Mac’s jaw clenched so hard his teeth ached. He needed to stop doing that, or his dentist was going to have opinions. "This is what he did to Rachel. Plant seeds of doubt that grow even after the accusations are disproven."
"He will go after Rachel, too," Sophie said. "Because she's with Mac. Because she found happiness after he tried to destroy her. This is revenge."
The room went silent.
"Then we protect them both," Jamie said firmly, his usual energy replaced by something harder, more protective.
"Agreed," Coach Davies said, speaking for the first time. His weathered face was grim. "I've been coaching for thirty years. I've seen guys like Matthews before. Bullies who use credentials instead of fists."
"What's our strategy?" Luke asked.
"Documentation first," Cole said. "Ellie compiles everything."
"What about Matthews himself?" Jamie asked. "Do we confront him?"
"No," Ellie said firmly. "That's what he wants. He wants a reaction. He wants us to look unprofessional or emotional or defensive. We stay calm. We cooperate with any official investigation."
"And Rachel?" Mac asked. "He'll try to isolate her, convince her she's bad for everyone she cares about."
"Then you make sure she knows that's not true," Cole said, looking directly at Mac.
"I will." Mac's jaw unclenched slightly. "She's moving in with me, actually."
A smile pulled at his mouth despite everything.
Jamie's face split into a grin. "You're moving in together? Mac, that's amazing!"
"Focus, Jamie," Cole said, but he was smiling too. "Though yeah, that's good, man."
Cole's brow furrowed. "So here's the plan. Ellie handles the official complaint through proper channels. And we show the Vermont Hockey League that Derek Matthews picked the wrong team to mess with."
"Agreed," Mac said immediately.
"I'm in," Jamie added.
Sophie nodded. "Whatever you need."
"Then let's get to work," Cole said.
35
Rachel
Rachel was cataloging new arrivals when Mrs. Henderson approached.
