“There are other reasons for a losing record,” Lip said. “Injury is a big one.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Gather the information. We may need to move on this as early as next week.” I looked around. “If you haven’t seen the email, the NFL moved our game next Sunday to 8:20 p.m.” The tips of my lips curled. “Not bad for a small-market team. I’d still like to fly to Houston on Saturday.” There were nods around the table. “Is there anything else we need to discuss?” When no one replied, I said, “Then our meeting is adjourned.”
Aunt Rachel lingered as the others made their way out of the Carroll room.
“Is there something else?” I asked as I stood.
“I wanted to be your aunt for a minute.”
My aunt.
Not the Coopers CEO.
“Okay.”
Pressing her lips together, Aunt Rachel smiled. “Vee, watching you sit and listen as everyone voiced their opinions about Royce’s replacement...” She inhaled, her nostrils flaring. “I just wanted to tell you that I’ve seen a lot of growth in you over this season. Reid was a good teacher, and you are making him proud.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Yesterday was difficult. I don’t think I could have spoken to the full stadium as eloquently as you did. That’s something Dad or Reid would have done.”
I sat back in my chair. “Why did Grandpa Carroll leave the team to Dad and none of it to you?”
She shook her head. “That’s water under the bridge. It isn’t pertinent to today’s concerns.”
“Did Blaine Marsh help Grandpa purchase the Coopers?”
Aunt Rachel’s complexion blanched. “My parents bought the Coopers after selling their many McDonald’s franchises. You know our history, Vee.”
“I know what I’ve been told.”
“My father-in-law was a successful man. He and Dad were friendly to one another. I’m sure I would know if they were in business together.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded and stood. “Thanks for being my aunt for a minute.”
We walked to our respective offices.
Cammy Wilcox was in mine when I arrived. “Do you want me to order lunch?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Please close the door.”
The small hairs on my arms stood to attention. “Okay…” After closing the door, I went to the grouping of chairs where Don and I sat earlier this morning. “What’s going on?”
“We should include Tricia in this discussion.”
I retrieved my tablet and opened our scheduled Zoom meeting. Trish appeared on the screen. “Thanks for joining us, Trish,” I said.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there in person.”
I set the tablet facing both Cammy and me. “Cammy, you called this meeting.”
She sat taller. “I have reason to believe that Reid Hubbard placed the Coopers into a trust.”
“You believe.” I said, not fully understanding. “What does this mean?”
“Have you seen the trust?” Trisha asked.
Cammy shook her head. “I’ve been digging into old files. There’s a file with a trust worksheet. If the trust was written like the worksheet states, the Coopers are not part of Reid’s estate and on the worksheet, Vee is specifically listed as the beneficiary.”
