Page 115 of Line Change

He proceeds to rattle off a name and number, and I grab a pen and scribble the information down. “He’s a council member who’ll probably have a lot to say. I’m not saying your father’s been buying favors, but I’m also not not saying it, at least based on what I’ve heard.”

I laugh. “Got it. Thanks.”

“No problem, and if I hear anything else, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks again. Have a good day,” I tell him before hitting the End button.

I was honestly not sure what to expect when I called him. It felt like a long shot but clearly it was worth it. I stare down at the paper with the name and number on it for a few seconds before grabbing my phone and texting the information to Bash so he can pass it along to his PI. Might be nothing, but might be something. Alex pokes his head into my office as I’m setting my phone down.

“Hey, Sutton. Do you have a few minutes?” he asks.

“Of course. I was getting ready to swing by your office.”

“Perfect timing then.” He walks in, followed by Coach Weaver, Jake.

Well, that’s a surprise.

“How are you, Sutton? Alex was filling me in on what’s been going on.” Jake runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this. I wish I’d known before.”

“It’s fine. I know you’re busy getting ready for the post season.”

He shakes his head, taking the seat next to Alex and looking over at him. “I still don’t like it,” he grumbles. “What are we doing about this? Can we go to the league?”

I blink back tears. My father may be a piece of shit, but I don’t feel lacking in family. Between Becca, Hadley, and the rest of the ladies, the guys, plus the staff, the coaching staff, and everyone else, it really is like I have one big family. I take a few breaths, tamping my emotions down.

“You’re going to want to see this.” I hand the stack of papers from Wes over to Alex. “I think this is all the proof we need, at least to get the league to open an investigation. If that’s not enough, I have more. Wes knows a player who’s willing to speak up. I’m sure there are more if we really dig.”

Alex mutters under his breath as he reads, handing each sheet to Jake when he’s done.

Jake doesn’t hold back. “What the fuck?”

I chuckle. I can’t help it. He’s not wrong.

“This should do the trick. Thank you,” Alex says. “Are you doing okay? Anything we can do?”

“I’m fine. Well, as fine as I can be, given the situation.”

“If you or Sebastian feel the need to step away, we’d completely understand. Or if you want to work from home,” Alex says. “I don’t—” He pauses, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I don’t want you to be under any extra pressure.”

“Thank you,” I say slowly. “I might take you up on the working from home, but otherwise, I think I’m good.” I tip my chin toward the papers in his hand. “Especially now we have that.”

“Alright. We’ll get out of your hair. You know where to find me.” He gets to his feet. “I’ll let you know what happens.”

“Yep.”

“If you need anything, anything at all,” Jake says. “You don’t hesitate to ask, call, text, whatever is easiest for you, no matter the time.”

I clear my throat, feeling like there’s a golf ball sized lump lodged in it. “Thank you.”

When they leave, I roll my shoulders and head, trying to relieve the tension that has made itself at home in my body.

I force myself to focus on the tasks I have on my to-do list for the day. I’m so ready for this to be over and done with.

For justice to be served to my father and all the other people involved in this mess. For my father to finally not get his way. For shit to hit the fan for him. Maybe he loses a few business deals. People finally see the narcissistic side of him. He finally gets what’s coming. For the players involved to be suspended, maybe even barred from the league. The same goes for the referees, linesmen, and, apparently, people on the Player Safety Board who went along with everything.

Chapter forty-four

Sutton