Page 18 of Scored

Rubbing my temples, I smiled at Jen. “You really have a feel for stadium operations—all of it. My directors are fantastic, but their knowledge is specialized. You see the big picture.”

“Thanks. I try to think of what you would ask. You need more than Gavin’s information on security. You need Misty’s information on Crystal Light and Rex’s information on turf and grounds. It’s a whole package.”

My cheeks rose. “You’re right. It is.”

After Jen stepped away, I sent Fin a text message.

“WHAT IS HAPPENING? I HAVEN’T RECEIVED ANY NEWS? I’M ALSO READY TO GO HOME WHEN YOU ARE. WHILE THE NAP WAS NICE, I’M READY TO NOT THINK.”

I hit send.

Grant came into my office without so much as a pause or knock. “I didn’t know you’d be in today. I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“I’m here. It appears you are too. I keep my ringer off when I’m working.”

He sat down in one of the chairs opposite me, spreading his legs and unbuttoning his suit coat. “Yeah. Something odd happened this morning.” He narrowed his gaze. “Wondered if you knew anything about it.”

“This morning, I was sleeping.”

“Detective Oldson showed up at Daphne’s house today, woke her, and asked her questions.”

CHAPTER 7

Vee

Technically, it’s my house.

I didn’t say that.

With all that was happening, I’d forgotten about my phone call with Det. Oldson yesterday. If he went to Daphne, he and his captain must have decided my concerns had merit. Nevertheless, I feigned ignorance. “What was Detective Oldson asking Daphne about? Something about Dad?”

“You should call her. She’s very upset. After all, she didn’t sleep well last night, being in a recliner on the plane.”

I scoffed. “Seriously, Grant. Did you sleep well? I sure as hell didn’t. There’s no reason to make the queen a bed. Hell, if she wanted, she could have spent the night in Houston and flown back commercial in the morning.”

“If she had, she wouldn’t have been ambushed today.” He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. “The detective asked her about Uncle Reid. He wanted a timeline of everything they did or said from Sunday after the game to when they went to sleep.”

“I’m shocked it’s taken them this long to ask.”

“Bre was arrested. Why are they looking at Daphne?”

Leaning back, I crossed my arms over my chest. “I have a better question. Why do you give a shit? Why is Daphne calling you and crying on your shoulder? How long have you been sleeping with her?” I lifted my eyebrows. “Did it start before or after Dad died?”

My cousin stood, his face growing redder by the second. His words came out in a gruff whisper. “Don’t make accusations you can’t prove.”

I wasn’t backing down. “Remember the lecture you gave me, the one about the Coopers being a family business? You were irate to learn that Fin and I were back in a relationship.” I quirked an eyebrow. “Tell me how your department will spin the story when it becomes public that you’re banging your aunt, the mourning widow of your uncle.”

“Daphne is an aunt by marriage, not blood.”

Pressing my lips together, I nodded. “That will go down well in the Lexington Herald. I’m not so sure about the mega churches.”

“Okay, fine.” He walked to the door and pushed it shut. “This is just between the two of us.”

“Go ahead.”

“Daphne can’t answer Detective Oldson’s questions because she lied to the police after the accident.”

“Excuse me. What did you say?”