“Vee,” Uncle Darin said, “I arranged for the cars as normal. I didn’t have a chance to talk to you...”
My smile strained. “At our last meeting, we discussed carrying on our roles. Thank you for arranging the cars, as something you’ve always done. Security?”
“That is arranged as well.”
“After we check into our hotel…” Grant said. “We’re staying at the Waldorf. I’m headed over to Allegiant Stadium in my capacity with communications.”
“We can ride together,” I offered. “Stadium operations are already in full gear.”
The warm morning sun caused me to squint as I made my way down the stairs. Brown mountains in the distance and a bright blue sky above reminded me that we weren’t in Lexington anymore. Keeping our seating the same, I rode to the hotel with Leigh, Hayden, and Lip. Aunt Rachel, Uncle Darin, Grant, and Daphne rode in the other car.
Even at the early hour—we’d gained three hours on our quest west—the city streets were congested and slow. I stared out of the car window at the giant signs, ones that would be lit up come nighttime. My thoughts were on stadium operations and the team’s arrival. According to Tony, the team would only be an hour behind us.
Lip passed his phone to me. On the screen was a short video of all of us deboarding the plane. Hubbards arrive in Las Vegas without Reid Hubbard was on the bottom of the screen.
I shook my head. “I didn’t see reporters.”
He grinned. “This is why it was better for us all to be together.”
Chapter 24
Vee
The Coopers’ equipment manager started the preparation for tomorrow’s game over a week ago. He coordinated with the Raiders’ stadium operations team for everything from game balls to our team’s practice schedule. Our preliminary training staff were already at the practice facility, working with their counterparts in Las Vegas.
The NFL was a well-oiled machine. Not even the death of Reid Hubbard could bring it to a halt. Despite the giant void within me, the game would go on.
My hotel suite was large, too large. It was probably booked when I thought Preston might join me—back before. Now it was after. An unexpected knock on the door came as I was back in the bedroom unpacking. Apprehension prickled my skin as I peeked through the peephole revealing a woman close to my age with dark hair. Securing the safety lock, I opened the door a few inches. “Hello.”
“Ms. Hubbard, I’m Virginia Athens from the Stephens Security Company. Mr. Marsh asked for me to be assigned to you this weekend.”
This was news to me. I didn’t recognize the company name and wasn’t in the mood for company, especially that of a stranger. Plus, there was a questioning voice in my head warning me that she could be a reporter. “Ms. Athens, do you have ID?”
She proceeded to show me her identification as well as a plastic badge with the company’s name.
“Can you wait just a minute?” I asked.
“Certainly.”
Closing the door, I let out an exasperated breath. My temples pounded and the muscles in my neck tightened as I found my cellphone and called Uncle Darin.
“Vee,” he said upon answering.
“What company did you hire for security?”
“Stephens. We’ve used them before. A woman named Athens has been assigned to you.”
“She’s here,” I said. “I would have appreciated this information prior to her arrival.”
His tone cooled. “I told you I arranged security.”
“Not that we had personal…what is she, a bodyguard?”
“She has executive protection training. You want the top title; you should be ready to take what comes with it. The same news outlets that sent the reporters to Lexington know that we’re here now.”
“Dad didn’t have this.”
“He did on occasion. You didn’t realize it because that’s what these people do, fade into the background. Jesus Christ, Vee, you asked about security. I arranged it. Let her do her fucking job.”
