A Perfect Distraction

by Anna Sugden

  “By this time tomorrow, it will all be over.” Tracy raised a mug in salute.

  “As soon as it’s ratified by the court, Emily and I will apply for residency.”

  “Great. We’ll also formalize the partnership agreement.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Maggie said softly.

  “You’re already doing the job—you should reap the benefits. Besides, I love the thought of the two of us working together and succeeding in a venture we’ve created and grown.”

  “You’ve created and grown.”

  “Your hard work these past few months has helped make us what we are. So be graceful and accept that you’re stuck with me.”

  Maggie grinned. “Thank you.”

  Her sister’s riposte was interrupted by the doorbell.

  A few moments later, Jenny rushed into the kitchen. “Have you heard about Bad Boy?”

  From her friend’s pale face, it was serious.

  “Is Jake hurt?” Maggie’s heart squeezed.

  “They’re accusing him of being the big NHL name in that internet-pharmacy scandal.” Jenny dropped into a seat. “He’s been suspended.”

  “Jake would never take steroids.”

  “I know. But apparently they have Jake’s name and credit-card information on several orders.”

  Though the evidence sounded damning, Maggie knew it couldn’t be true. “I don’t care. Jake’s innocent.”

  “The Cats are standing by him, but the League’s hands are tied. With steroids being such a hot topic, they need to know how many hockey players are involved.”

  “He won’t even allow anesthetic when he’s stitched up. Why would he take steroids?” Maggie shook her head. “It doesn’t add up.”

  “There’s huge pressure to stay healthy, heal quickly and keep playing,” Tracy offered. “Plus, the game has got so fast and the margin for error is small.”

  “You have an inside track, Jenny,” Maggie said. “You must have heard rumors about players using.”

  “Sure, but never anything about Jake.”

  “Then who? Anyone on the Ice Cats?”

  “No...” Her hesitation suggested she knew something but was loath to share it.

  “You can trust us.”

  “It’s not about trust. It’s...difficult.” Jenny sighed. “In the months before Adam’s death, I heard speculation that he might be juicing.”

  Despite her friend’s reluctance, Maggie sensed they were on the right path. “Go on.”

  “Some players always try to cut corners. Especially if they’re not really good enough. Adam didn’t have Jake’s natural skill and he often struggled to perform.”

  “His stats were unusually good in the weeks before he died. He could have had some ‘extra help.’” Tracy used air quotes.

  “All athletes go through fluky spells.” Maggie hated what this would do to Jake if it was true. “Were there any other signs?”

  “His erratic behavior,” Jenny said slowly.

  “Had he bulked up? Did he have skin problems?”

  “Maybe. But if Adam was using, why don’t the investigators have his name?”

  “They may have ignored him because he’s dead.”

  “Perhaps he didn’t use that internet pharmacy,” Tracy suggested.

  An idea occurred to Maggie. One that made horrible sense. “What if he used the pharmacy but didn’t use his own name? What if he used Jake’s information as a cover?”

  “He wouldn’t do that to his closest friend.” Jenny’s words lacked conviction.

  “Why? Because he was such a great bloke?” She was tired of hearing about how wonderful Adam was. “If he took steroids, he’d have been desperate to hide it, and Jake would be a perfect cover.”

  The more she thought about it, the more she knew it was the answer. “If we could prove what Adam did, we could clear Jake’s name.”

  “Jake’s hearing is this afternoon,” Tracy said. “There isn’t enough time to find proof.”

  “Without concrete evidence, convincing anyone Adam’s guilty will be impossible.” Jenny looked apologetic.

  There had to be a way. “What about Adam’s roommate, Nick? He’d know.”

  “If he did, he’d have said so by now.”

  “Unless he was trying to protect himself.” Maggie blew out a frustrated breath. “Can you get hold of him?”

  “Give me a few minutes to make some calls.”

  Her friend pulled out her phone and began dialing. Within minutes, she had Nick’s number. She put the call on speaker when he answered.

  They exchanged greetings, then Jenny got to the point. “Was Adam using PEDs?”

  The silence vibrated with tension.

  “Jake’s career is on the line here, Nick. He doesn’t deserve to be punished for something we both know he didn’t do.”

  Still, he said nothing.

  Exasperated, Jenny swore. “Look, I don’t care if you were using, too. Just tell me the truth about Adam.”

  Finally, Nick said quietly, “We both tried them. But when they didn’t work, I quit. I begged Adam to stop, but he kept upping the dose. Then he started stacking, using multiple steroids at once.”

  “Why didn’t you tell someone? Get him help.”

  “I couldn’t risk it, in case they suspected I’d taken them, too.”

  Doing nothing had cost Adam his life and almost killed Jake, Maggie thought bitterly.

  “Why didn’t you say anything after the accident?” Jenny’s voice was calm despite her disgusted expression.

  “I thought they’d figure it out when they examined his body. When they didn’t, I let the secret be buried with him. You know, I’ve been trying to reach Jake since they raided that internet pharmacy, but he won’t return my calls.”

  Nick’s whining grated on Maggie’s nerves.

  “Do you have information that will help Jake?” Jenny asked.

  When he didn’t reply, she spoke through gritted teeth. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll go to the NHL and you’ll be implicated.”

  He swore. “Adam used a credit card in Jake’s name to buy the drugs.”

  Maggie felt both relieved and sick. Jake’s friend had set him up.

  “Do you have proof?” Jenny demanded.

  “It’s in those boxes that Jake has.”

  Both Maggie and Tracy were on their feet before Jenny had hung up.

  “Do you still have the key Jake gave you?” Tracy grabbed the car keys.

  “Yes, but we can’t just go into his house and open them without his permission.”

  “Call and ask him.”

  “He might refuse,” Jenny warned. “Jake won’t want to tarnish Adam’s memory, even to save himself.”

  “Without his permission, the investigators may not allow the evidence,” Tracy added.

  Maggie’s heart sank. The very traits that convinced her Jake was innocent might seal his guilt. The kitchen clock ticked loudly, emphasizing the passing time.

  “Stuff it.” She thumped the table. “Let’s find the papers first, then worry about the rest of it later.”

  “What about your flight?” Tracy tapped her watch. “We’ve only got a few hours before you have to leave.”

  “Jake can’t wait.” Maggie didn’t hesitate. “I’m packed and ready to go. So the sooner we get going, the sooner we get this done.”

  “All right,” Tracy said. “I’ll drive.”

  Her sister broke the speed limits getting to Jake’s house, but no one complained. Once inside, they rushed down into the basement. The boxes were in the same place the delivery guy had dumped them on the day Jake had moved in.

  They went through the boxes one at a time, checking each one meticulously, t
hen resealing it and moving it across to the other side of the basement.

  An hour passed, then two. The pile of unopened boxes diminished steadily, but they didn’t find what they needed. The silence in the basement grew tense as the minutes ticked by, broken only by the rustle of paper and the jarring rip of packing tape.

  Finally, there was only one box left.

  Maggie took a deep breath as she sliced through the tape. The evidence had to be in here.

  On the surface, it contained memorabilia and albums of press cuttings. Pucks, folded game-worn jerseys, programs and photos.

  Her shoulders slumped as she stacked the items carefully beside her.

  Time to admit defeat.

  Lifting out a promotional bobblehead doll, she noticed the bottom of the box wasn’t lined with packing paper like the others. Curious, she pulled out a thick plastic folder filled with documents.

  Her heart jolted.

  With shaking fingers she opened the folder. Even before she’d finished reading the top page, she knew she’d hit the jackpot.

  “A credit card receipt from the internet pharmacy in Jake’s name, but with Adam’s address. And the card itself.” She flipped it over. “This isn’t Jake’s signature. We have to get this to Jake’s hearing.”

  Jenny dusted her hands on her jeans and got to her feet. “My boss is out of town and I don’t have any meetings this afternoon.” She was the personal assistant to a local media mogul. “If we leave now, we should just make it.”

  Tracy looked at her watch and grimaced. “You’ll have to go without me. I need to be there when Emily gets home from school.” She turned to Maggie. “You have just enough time to get home before the driver arrives to pick you up.”

  Maggie had a tough choice to make. If she missed the plane, she’d miss tomorrow’s meeting and lose her deal with Patty. She had no wiggle room. It was that meeting or nothing.

  On the other hand, this was her chance to prove to Jake that she believed in him, even if he didn’t believe in himself.

  Newark Airport or the NHL headquarters in Manhattan?

  “I’ll get the evidence there in time,” Jenny promised.

  Maggie had no choice. There was only one answer.

  Much as she wanted to follow her heart, this time her daughter came first.

  * * *

  THREE FORTY-FIVE.

  The minute hand inched forward. The illuminated NHL logo in the reception of the League’s headquarters seemed to pulse with the same frequency as Jake’s heart.

  He ran a finger under his too-tight collar. The damn thing was choking him. This already felt like the longest day of his life, and it wasn’t anywhere near over. His parents and Aunt Karina had dropped by the house earlier to show their support.

  “We’ll show them you’re not a jerkie.”

  “Junkie.” He’d managed a half smile for Tru’s mom.

  “Junkie, jerkie. It’s the same, no?”

  “Either way, you’re not a cheat,” his mom had said, straightening his tie. Their unquestioning belief in his innocence had touched him deeply.

  As had the many supportive texts, tweets and emails from teammates and other players, referees, commentators, journalists and fans. The Cats and the NHL Players’ Association had issued statements backing Jake and vowing to clear his name.

  The one voice he’d wanted to hear was Maggie’s. But his phone had remained silent. Despite what had happened between them, he knew she wouldn’t believe this crap about him. That he needed her reassurance only reinforced the mistake he’d made.

  Rotating his tense shoulders, he steeled himself for the meeting ahead. How had he ended up in this mess? It was like one of those thrillers where the hero knows he’s innocent, but everyone else thinks he’s guilty. Only the chances of a happy ending in Jake’s case were zero.

  Now Phillip Hannah and Max sat alongside the NHLPA lawyer and Ike, the union rep, waiting to be called into the meeting. They were clock-watching, too—the team was flying to Boston later. Jake knew, barring a miracle, he wouldn’t be joining them.

  He got to his feet, needing to move. He paced the corridor, past the monitors that covered the walls, showing classic games. The steel-gray and white decor, inspired by blades and ice, felt stark and unforgiving.

  At the far end was an alcove containing a huge crystal slab etched with an image of the Stanley Cup. On the walls behind were plaques engraved with the names of those who’d won it. If this crazy situation wasn’t resolved, he’d never get the chance to see his name up there.

  Or to honor Adam.

  “Mr. Badoletti, they’re ready for you in the executive boardroom.”

  The walk back to the reception area was the hardest of his life. Each step taking him closer to the end of his career.

  “It’ll be fine.” Ike squeezed his shoulder.

  Jake would have joked about his friend’s uncharacteristic optimism, only his throat was too tight. He nodded and followed Ike into the conference room.

  The NHL commissioner, a short, gnome-faced man with thinning dark hair greeted them before sitting at the head of the long table. To his right were the other League officials and the suits from the previous day. All looked grim.

  Jake sat opposite the suits. Ike and Max flanked him and were joined by their GM and the lawyer.

  The commissioner restated the League’s position on banned substances before handing over to the bald suit. But before he could speak, a commotion of raised voices sounded outside. The door burst open, and a woman with long, blond hair rushed in, with the receptionist hot on her heels.

  Jake was shocked. What was Jenny doing here?

  “I said you couldn’t be disturbed, but she got away from me.” The receptionist glared at Jenny.

  “I have crucial evidence and I won’t leave until I’ve presented it.” Jenny walked to Jake’s side of the table, clearly marking herself as one of his team.

  His head reeled as if he’d been high sticked even as a spark of hope lit within him. What evidence could she have?

  “I’ll deal with this.” The commissioner nodded to the receptionist. Once she’d gone, he said, “I don’t know who you are, but this is an important meeting.”

  His patronizing tone made Jake grind his teeth. He was about to leap to Jenny’s defense, but she shook her head at him.

  “I am fully aware of the gravity of this meeting. I wouldn’t have insisted on being here otherwise.” Her voice was calm and professional, despite her casual outfit. “My name is Jenny Martin and I represent Making Your Move. They’re employed by the Ice Cats to look after Jake Badoletti.”

  “That’s true.” Phillip Hannah nodded, though he looked as bemused as Jake felt.

  “I don’t understand the relevance.” The commissioner frowned.

  “Following Mr. Badoletti’s move from Chicago, there were a number of unopened storage boxes in his basement. He asked Making Your Move to sort through them on his behalf and organize their contents.”

  What was she talking about? Which bo— A lightbulb flashed in his brain. Adam’s things. There was evidence in those boxes?

  He’d barely processed that thought when Jenny dropped her bombshell.

  “In one, we discovered papers pertinent to this case.” She slapped a folder on the table. “This contains proof that Adam Stewart took out a credit card in Jake Badoletti’s name and used that card to order steroids from the internet pharmacy.”

  The room erupted as everyone began to speak at once. Neither of the suits looked smug now.

  Jake swallowed the bile that rose. Adam was responsible for this?

  The commissioner called for quiet. “This will need to be checked out.”

  “Be my guest.” She slid the folder down the table toward him. “Before I go, I’d like a
moment with Mr. Badoletti.”

  The commissioner nodded.

  Still shell-shocked by what she’d revealed, Jake rose and joined her. Once in the corridor, Jenny said, “Let’s get away from that room.”

  As if she knew he needed a few moments to process what he’d heard, she walked silently by his side until they reached the alcove with the etched Stanley Cup.

  Jake stared at the holy grail of hockey, recalling his earlier guilt. Emotions swirled inside him. Relief at knowing the truth warred with sadness and disappointment. Jenny’s information explained Adam’s strange behavior that last night, but not why his friend had framed him.

  He threw his head back and glared at the ceiling. “How could you betray me like that?”

  No answer. No rumble of thunder nor lightning bolt—the lights didn’t even blink.

  Typical.

  Anger erupted. For all his sins, Jake would never stab a friend in the back. Hell, he wouldn’t do that to an enemy. Adam may have seemed like a good man, but he hadn’t understood the meaning of friendship or loyalty.

  Jenny touched his arm. “Adam wasn’t a saint, but he wasn’t the devil, either. Like the rest of us, he was a human being with flaws who made some bad decisions.”

  “How can you defend him? His ‘bad decisions’ nearly cost me my life and my career.”

  “He paid a pretty high price himself.”

  Her soft words cut through his rage. She was right. Adam had paid the ultimate price.

  Jenny had been right about Adam all along. Hell, everyone who cared for him had said the same thing but he hadn’t been able to see it. Until now.

  Saint, sinner...sinner, saint. It wasn’t that simple, that black-and-white. If it wasn’t that simple for Adam, then maybe it wasn’t for Jake, either.

  Maybe he wasn’t the devil he thought he was. Maybe there was a good man inside Jake Badoletti after all. That was something to think about. At least, once today was done.

  “This nightmare will soon be over,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “I know you’re still reeling and you’ve got to get back into the meeting. But before I go, there’s something you should know.”