Page 51 of Pucking Them
“A man who abused and stalked your own daughter.” D’Angelo’s voice is frosty. “Who secretly filmed and blackmailed us, while attacking us on the ice. The captain who has shown that he will use dirty tactics.”
My throat tightens.
Are the Penguins a real threat? Not only in hockey but to our lives?
Are they involved in the death threats that the Bay Rebels have been receiving?
I bite my lip.
Will I make things worse if I admit to the death threats now? Suddenly, my phone feels heavy in my pocket.
“A man who hates and hazed D’Angelo,” I add.
“Suck it up.” Coach’s stern stare settles on D’Angelo. “You’re not a college kid anymore. You’re the captain of a pro team who rely on you to take charge. Or am I wrong to trust that you can keep it together for the sake of your teammates like a fucking man?”
D’Angelo fiddles with his cuff links. “No, coach.”
Dad finally relaxes in his chair.
For the first time, I notice how tired he looks. His suit is crumpled, and there are deeper wrinkles around his eyes than normal.
But then, it must be gone midnight.
“Good because the board are all over my ass on this one. I want revenge for my daughter too. Fuck this guy being your rival. Use that energy to destroy him but you do it without playing into his hands. Understand?”
D’Angelo nods.
His gaze meets mine, however, and it’s troubled.
“Now, are you going to finally tell me what chirp that dick whispered that made you break your promise to me not to fight?” Dad demands.
So, that’s why he’s kept Shay here for hours, interrogating him.
I can’t help glancing at Shay. I’m intrigued to know as well.
Shay flinches. But then, his expression shutters.
“I’m sorry, coach.” He looks down, but not before I notice the way his gaze darts to me just for a moment. “I didn’t mean to break my promise. I won’t do it again.”
Dad raps the desk, impatiently. “What did Talon say?”
Shay sets his jaw, stubbornly. “I’d prefer not to say, coach.”
“And I’d prefer that you did.”
“He said no,” D’Angelo says, firmly. “Don’t ask him again.”
Dad’s gaze shoots to D’Angelo in shock.
D’Angelo shoves his hands in his pockets to hide that they’re shaking.
“Good news.” Cody gently helps Shay to put his sweater back on. “Your shoulder is bruised to hell but nothing more serious.”
I give a relieved smile. “Hear that? No amputation.”
Shay smiles. “We don’t know about my leg yet, love.”
“Hey, no humor that is darker than mine.”
