Page 54 of Want You

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Albertson?”

“I have some information about the Hockey Seven case.”

More silence.

“I wasn’t involv⁠—”

“Well, you weren’t with that team, so I can assure you that you’re not on the list.”

“I’ve heard things. I don’t know if that matters but I wanted to offer the information if it’s beneficial to the investigation.”

She took a deep breath. “I guess it depends on what you have to say.”

This was it. He was about to spill dressing room secrets that could possibly have some power in a sexual assault case.

“Joey Connors has talked about some woman named Tina all season. Mentioned how she was into group sex and being forced to do things.” As the words left his mouth, he thought of all the times he’d told Octavia what to do while they were being intimate. Was she doing it because she wanted to or did she feel like she had to? Fuck, he needed to talk to her.

“Mr. Albertson?” The detective’s voice cut into his thoughts.

“Sorry. Um, he complained that it was too bad she wasn’t in the city. Biggest complaint he had about being traded here was because one night hadn’t been enough. I’ve heard him ask guys if they’d be up for going to the bar and finding a local Tina.”

“A local Tina?”

“A local woman who would be into what this Tina woman was supposedly into. Listen, I’ve never been out with the guy, but he makes comments that make him punchable. And I’d say people weren’t paying attention, but I see the way the younger guys take interest in what he talks about.”

“I appreciate the concern but some people are into that. We can’t really go off someone’s kink, it’s⁠—”

“He said it’s better when you have to convince them. I don’t think he’s talking about finding someone who wants this. I don’t think Tina wanted this, and I don’t know who the victim in this case is, but I get the impression that it may be Tina. And if so…I want you to know that he talks about the encounter openly. I’ve heard enough about teammates’ hookups and I’ve never thought much about it until the GM sat us down today and broke the news. Do with this information what you will.”

“Anything else?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Well, I appreciate the info. If I have any questions, am I okay to reach you at this number?

“Absolutely, although I don’t know if I will be much more help.”

“I may be in touch,” she said before the line went dead.

Nathan wasn’t sure what to think about the conversation. On one hand she seemed dismissive, but on the other, maybe that’s just how she sounded.

Next, Nathan found the number he’d been given three years earlier when news had started circulating about team doctors over-prescribing painkillers.

“Kurtis McMahon,” a man answered.

Nathan wished he’d prepared for this. He wanted it to be off the record, only because he didn’t want what he said to interfere with the case. He needed to talk to Octavia. He should have talked to her already.

“I have some things to say about hockey culture, but I need to remain anonymous for now.”

“For now?”

“I am okay with being identified, with a full article in the future. Right now, however, I’d like to remain anonymous.”

“Would you be okay to meet in person?”

Nathan thought for a minute. Was he okay to meet in person? Was it safe to do so?

“I can guarantee you anonymity,” Kurtis assured him. “If that’s your concern.”