Page 77 of Scored

Mr. Ledger leaned forward. “Royce is old school. I’ve learned a lot under him.”

“Yet you want to make some changes? That’s what you told us yesterday.”

“I do, because we can always do better.” He exhaled. “Ms. Hubbard, there’s something special here. Your father, your family, and you are all a part of a complicated structure that works. Royce has been with the Coopers since the early 2000s. That’s unheard of in the NFL. I want to continue what he started and work to make it better. I have my wife and two children. They’re just starting their teens. The average GM moves teams every three to five years. I want to stay with the Coopers, stay in Lexington, as long as the arrangement is working for me and for you.”

It took all my strength to stop tears from flooding my eyes.

This man’s attitude was what Dad and I both wanted for the Coopers.

We spoke for a few more minutes, but I knew my answer was that Quinten Ledger had a heart for this team.

“Vee,” Aunt Rachel asked, “as owner are you satisfied with Quinten Ledger, or do you believe we should extend the search.”

“Uncle Darin had some good names, but I’m satisfied. I think Quinten is our best option from within or without. The coaches and players know him. We need consistency.”

My decision earned me a satisfied nod from Grant.

“Are there any objections?” I asked. When no one responded, I also nodded. “Uncle Darin, please work with legal to draft a mutually satisfying contract. We need to have Quinten signed by the time we accept the Lombardi Trophy.

“We should receive the new IR list by the end of the day,” I went on. “Despite the Bills’ pressure, I’m happy to say we came away with only a few minor injuries. We’ll know more once we get the report.”

Grant straightened his shoulders. “It was good to see Dennison play the entire game.”

If that was a dig at Fin, I wasn’t biting. “He’s our star.”

Others agreed.

I looked down the table. “Uncle Darin or Grant, can you fill us in on this week’s fan activities? Last Friday night’s pregame was a huge success.”

This Friday’s celebration would be even bigger. I promised to work with stadium ops for whatever public relations wanted to plan. We would bring the excitement to the entire city.

It was nearly noon when I adjourned our meeting. This time, it was Uncle Darin who lingered as the others exited the Carroll meeting room. I looked in his direction. “Did you want to talk?”

He waited until we were alone. “I wanted to ask you if you contacted Stephens Security?”

“I did, last night. This morning Virginia Athens, the woman who was assigned to me in Vegas, came to my office.”

“You know, Vee, this kind of publicity wouldn’t be good for the Coopers. We need to keep things positive.”

My lips curled. “Thank you for your concern. I have no plans to make anything public. The last thing I want is to be followed again by reporters.”

Uncle Darin furrowed his forehead. “I am concerned. That’s why I wanted to speak with you privately. Does Ms. Athens think there’s a credible threat?”

“She’s going to get back to me after she does more investigating. Today, she went over to my place to assess my security. She’s also going to follow up with the florist.”

“Florist?” he questioned. “You said notes.”

“The notes came with large bouquets of amber-colored roses.”

“Rachel received amber-colored roses yesterday. They were on our stoop when we got home after the game. There wasn’t a card.”

My pulse kicked up a notch. “No card? How did you know they were for Aunt Rachel?”

Uncle Darin scoffed. “I suppose they could be for me. I’ve never received roses before. Since they were amber-colored, we figured they had something to do with the Coopers’ win.”

I looked at my watch. “I’m sorry. I have a noon meeting back in my office.”

He squeezed my arm. “I’m glad you decided to call Stephens.”