Grant looked from me to his father. When Uncle Darin nodded, Grant agreed.
Aunt Rachel reached for my hand. “I’m going with you down to Royce’s office and the practice field.”
“We need to hurry.”
As the two of us traversed the long amber hallway, I thought about how much more familiar I was with the football operations side than I’d been at the beginning of preseason. It wasn’t only the building, but the people. Tears prickled my eyes as I said a silent thank-you to Dad for encouraging me to learn more about the football side of the franchise.
“Why didn’t Grandpa Carroll leave half of the Coopers to you?”
Aunt Rachel blinked rapidly and pursed her lips. “This isn’t the time.”
“Was it because you’re female?”
“It seems the logical answer.”
“But it’s not logical.”
“It was nearly twenty-five years ago,” she replied. “Things have changed. And even though Reid wasn’t obligated to include me, he made sure Darin and I were a part of the Coopers. It’s a family business. It has been since our dad bought the team. I know he’d want it to stay that way.”
My feet quit moving. “Are you, or anyone” —my volume rose— “seriously concerned that I will cut any of my family out of the franchise?”
“Vee, we have time for that in the future. Right now?—”
Inhaling, I nodded. “You’re right.”
Together, we approached Royce Beasley’s office. Again, I tried to fill my lungs. Our general manager was standing inside near his desk with an irritated expression. Our head coach, Tilson, offensive coordinator, Drew Pratt, and defensive coordinator, Darius Brown were also present.
They turned as we grew nearer.
“What is this about? We have work we should be doing,” Royce said as he gestured around. “All of us.”
I nodded once. “Gentlemen, there’s no easy way to tell you what I need to say, except to say it.” My heart thumped against my breastbone as I maintained my posture. “The Kentucky State Police informed us of an accident on 64.”
The four men were now staring at me.
“My father was killed.”
The room filled with collective gasps.
“Vee,” Drew said, taking a step toward me. “Are they sure? Are you all right?”
I backed up a half step. I couldn’t look into Drew’s concerned gaze. I had to maintain the walls I’d hastily constructed around my emotions and heart, the ones that would allow me to do whatever needed to be done—to be Reid Hubbard’s daughter. Swallowing, I spoke to the room. “Uncle Darin and I will be going to the coroner’s office soon to make a positive ID. However, when the police spoke to Darin, they were certain of Dad’s identity. We don’t have a lot of information yet. Nevertheless, we decided it was best for the team and others who are a part of the Coopers to hear it from us first.”
“This is terrible news,” Royce said, looking at Tilson. “Everything was going our way. Now what?”
“We continue,” I said. “My dad wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“I’m assuming,” Royce said, “Darin Marsh will assume Reid’s responsibilities as CEO for the time being.”
“That’s incorrect. I am now the owner and CEO of the Coopers.”
Chapter 2
Vee
Silence hung in the air. If any one of these men wanted to challenge my authority, I was prepared to meet them head-on. Aunt Rachel was the one to speak. “Vee will have the full support of me and my husband. The Coopers will remain our top priority.” The tension eased. “We should go to the practice field.”
“Are the players in the indoor facility?” I asked.
