Page 16 of Scored

“Come read this card.”

My assistant came closer and picked the card up from the table. As she read, she crinkled her nose. Finally, she looked up and her gaze met mine. “What the hell?” She turned the card over. “Who sent these?”

I shook my head. “Is that a threat?” I inhaled. “Could you try to find out who sent them? Where’s the wrapping?”

“In my trash can.” Jen turned, hurried from the room, and pulled a small wastebasket from beneath her desk.

I followed.

“It says Mishler Florist.” Her eyes widened. “I know that place. It’s close to University of Kentucky.”

“Can you call them and try to learn who sent these?”

“Right away.”

Shaking off the eerie chill, I returned to my office. Leaving the flowers on the table, I took the card to my desk, sat in my soft leather chair, and reread the message.

“Congratulations on a great season. You’re in the spotlight now. I hope you can handle what comes with that newfound fame. The truth will come out. Daddy isn’t here to stop it.”

“What truth?” I murmured to myself.

Turning the card over in my fingers, I willed some new bit of information to appear.

It didn’t.

Opening the middle drawer, I tossed the card inside. “I don’t have time for that.” I turned my focus on my computer. While I was the vice president of stadium operations, I had six departments and directors under me. Six amazing, hardworking directors. Each director oversaw a more specific area of stadium operations.

Misty Barton was the director of facility and building maintenance. Rex Stone was the director of field turf and grounds. Roland Clint was the director of event and game-day operations. Gavin Weiss was the director of safety, security, and emergency services. Fran Holland was the director of guest services and fan experience, and finally, Caleb Larssen was the director of vendor and third-party oversight.

Each director had his or her staff.

While I was learning the ins and outs of football operations, being back on this side of the franchise was where I truly felt at home. The only stadium ops director who was part of the Coopers before I came on board was Roland Clint. The other five were my hires, people who moved up from other roles. In my opinion, I had an A-plus team.

They were already ten steps ahead.

My desk phone rang.

I picked up the receiver.

“Mayor Watson is on line one,” Jen said.

A smile came to my lips. “Put her through.”

“Mayor Watson,” I said.

“Vee, we’re so proud of the Coopers. This is wonderful for Lexington.”

“Thank you. We’re thrilled with the success. We still have more games to play.”

Her tone subdued. “As soon as the Coopers go all the way, I want to get busy on your and your father’s plans for infrastructure. From the sound of things, during the playoffs we could fill over a thousand more hotel rooms if we had them. I’m hearing that hotels in Frankfort, Mount Sterling, and even as far away as Richmond are filling fast.”

“After the season is done,” I said, “I look forward to doing whatever I can to help facilitate this plan.”

“I spoke to Grant Marsh earlier. Next week we are having the first of many spirit weeks in Downtown Lexington and around Crystal Light. We want the entire city wearing Coopers amber.”

“Mayor Watson, that sounds fantastic. I’m sure Grant will fill us all in tomorrow during our meeting.”

“I know you’re busy,” she said. “I wanted to touch base and tell you how excited we all are for the success of the Coopers.”