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“What?” I whisper as chills ripple down my spine. He’s the best player in Europe, but he always refused to move to America. I don’t know how this billionaire got Svensson to come and join the Hyenas of all teams. There must have been a shit ton of zeroes on that check.
“We also got Austin Gambill in the draft,” he says with a grin. “How would you like to have the number one draft pick lined up beside you? How many goals do you think you’d score with him passing you the puck?”
A record-breaking amount.
I have goosebumps as I sit a little straighter in my chair.
“I know you’ve had problems with teams taking cheap shots at you,” Van Morgan says. “Your current team in Miami has failed to provide you with proper protection. Well, the Hyenas have already signed Tucker McKinstry to be your enforcer.”
My jaw drops. He’s the toughest fucker in the league. I’m not sure if he’s a better boxer or a better hockey player, but I want him on my side for once. A lot of those cheap shots I got over the years were from him and they did not feel good.
Players will think twice about fucking with me if they know that Tucker McKinstry will be unleashed on them if they get out of line.
“And,” Van Morgan says as my heart rate picks up, “to lead the pack, I brought in legendary coach, Finn Moss.”
I’m too stunned to speak. He’s the best coach in the history of the league. He’s retired now, well, he was retired.
“In addition to all of that,” Van Morgan continues, “we have a new state-of-the-art arena nearing completion. We have everything we need to form a new dynasty in the league. All we’re missing is The Sniper.”
My heart is beating so fast. My headache has cleared and I’m feeling lightheaded instead. This is… incredible.
It’s exactly what I want. What I need. A new start. A chance to be great. Truly, truly great.
“And this is what we’d like to offer you.”
Van Morgan slides a piece of paper across the desk. I turn it over and my throat makes a sudden whimpering sound when I see all of the zeroes.
I don’t even want to negotiate. I want to jump onto the table and scream ‘YES!!!’ at the top of my lungs.
“Just one thing,” Van Morgan says as he slides the paper back. “We do have our reservations. We must consider your reputation.”
The excitement in my chest deflates like a sad balloon.
I glance at Lydia. She looks as concerned as I feel. She might have been keeping the fun announcement from me, but she wasn’t keeping this part from me. She’s as in the dark as I am.
“Sebastian Kemp is known as a team player,” Lydia says, jumping to my defense. “He’s a hard worker, a once-in-a-generation athlete, and a goal-scoring machine.”
“No one is debating his accomplishments on the ice,” Van Morgan says. “It’s off the ice that is the problem.”
My stomach sinks as three years of tabloid headlines run through my mind.
Flavor of the Week for Sebastian Kemp: Actress Wynona Belle.
Sebastian Kemp wraps new Ferrari around a telephone pole.
Penalty Box or Jail for Sebastian Kemp? Star Hockey Player Caught In Another Bar Brawl.
There’s more. Lots more.
Lydia turns to me with a tight smile.
“You don’t become a billionaire by losing money,” Van Morgan says. “I like to ensure that my investments will bring me a return. And it’s hard for my investments to bring me a return if they’re stuck in some small town jail for fighting hillbillies or if they’ve driven themselves off a cliff after downing a bottle of Jack Daniel’s.”
“Those days are over for Sebastian,” Lydia jumps in with a near-frantic tone. “He’s turned over a new leaf. He’s a new man!”
Van Morgan doesn’t look convinced. Probably it’s the bags under my bloodshot eyes.
“It hasn’t been announced to the press yet,” Lydia says with a deep breath. I give her the side-eye. “But Sebastian has a new girlfriend!”
