“Dennison got us a comfortable lead, and Graham put on the padding. It was the defense that made the biggest difference in my opinion.”
“You surprise me.”
“How?” I asked.
“I thought you’d take this opportunity to speak up for Graham.”
“Fin doesn’t need me to pad his accomplishments. He’s capable of succeeding on his own.”
After a discussion about a few calls in the fourth quarter, Don stood. “I heard Royce told you his plans.”
“Yes. What’s your opinion of Quinten Ledger?”
“He’s good,” Don said. “He learned from Royce. He’ll keep the Coopers’ status quo.”
“Is that where we want to be?”
“I believe that’s a question for you and Mrs. Marsh.”
“You’re right. We’ll start our discussions at today’s executive meeting.”
Two hours later, that was where I was, sitting at the conference table in the Carroll room, listening to a lively debate about the general manager’s position. Finally, I lifted my hand. All eyes came to me.
“You haven’t said much,” Uncle Darin said, his eyes on me.
“I’ve been listening.”
“You have an opinion?”
“I don’t want opinions,” I said. “I want the answer that will be best for the Coopers moving forward. Don Tilson made an interesting comment. He believes Quinten Ledger would benefit the Coopers’ stability.”
Aunt Rachel nodded.
“Is that our goal?” I asked.
“Yes,” Grant said.
There was an unnatural calmness about my cousin that had been missing of late. I hated to think that it was because he got laid yesterday, but the possibility was there. “Why?”
Grant sat forward. “Uncle Reid is gone. You’re the owner, but that’s under question. Mom’s the CEO. We all know she planned to retire. Vee, do you really think we need a change in philosophy or management of the GM department?”
“Why is my ownership under question?”
“Reid had a new will written,” Grant answered. “And the more obvious unspoken issue is the wording in the old will—children. What if Bre isn’t lying?”
‘Weren’t you the person who told me she was?’ I didn’t say that. Instead, I inhaled and searched the people around the table, looking for someone to speak up in my defense.
“I don’t understand,” Lip said. “Does Aunt Daphne’s contesting of the old will affect the Coopers’ ownership?”
“My attorney filed for a separation—separating the team from Dad’s estate.” I shrugged. “The judge hasn’t ruled on it yet.” That was bothering me, but I wouldn’t show it to this group of vipers.
“Back to the general manager position,” Aunt Rachel said. “If we’re entertaining the idea of hiring from outside the franchise, we need to start looking at available candidates. The teams who don’t make the playoffs will be firing coaches and general managers after next week’s games. The good ones will be picked up quickly.”
“At the same time,” Uncle Darin said, “we should be concentrating on the playoffs.”
“We will have to do both,” I replied. “Uncle Darin, you’ve been with football operations almost as long as Aunt Rachel. She’s busy with her new responsibilities. You can gather data on Quinten Ledger and anyone else who we might promote from within. Also, gather data on possible outside hires. We’re already able to identify most of the teams who won’t make the playoffs. Look at their personnel.”
“Because we want a GM from a losing franchise,” Grant said dryly.
