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Andrea knew Jaclyn Jones. Gerald was deluding himself if he thought this was the end of the story. “But Jackie is the general manager in charge of personnel.”
“And I’m an equal partner.” Gerald gave her another shrug. “In any case, she knows now.”
What wasn’t Gerald telling her? “What are you going to do about the Insider?”
“What do you mean?”
She lowered her mug. “The Insider’s posts have been a nuisance to your team. Aren’t you curious about the blogger’s identity?”
Gerald’s eyes danced with humor. “Not really. You know I’ve wanted the media to help me keep the team in line.”
“Then maybe you should thank the Insider.”
“I’ll leave a comment on his blog.”
“Those posts don’t just target your players. They’ve also attacked your coach and your business partner.”
“Marc and Jackie can take care of themselves.” He raised his mug to his smiling lips.
She watched him closely. “I’ve noticed that none of the posts have been about you.”
Gerald chuckled. “What could he possibly find about me to criticize?”
Andrea could make a list. “What about Troy’s position? Are you going to start an executive search to replace him now or wait until you’ve relocated the team to Nevada?”
Gerald’s smile turned sardonic. “Why? Are you interested in the job?”
Startled laughter escaped Andrea. “I’m comfortable where I am.”
“Are you?”
Andrea sobered. She forced herself to remain still under Gerald’s mocking gaze. “I don’t want to move out of Brooklyn, and you’ve made it clear you want to relocate the Monarchs.”
Gerald’s brow cleared. “I don’t know why people think I’m out to ruin the team.”
“Go figure.”
He glanced at his Rolex. “If we’re done here, there’s another meeting I have to attend.”
Andrea stood, collecting her recorder and empty coffee mug. “Mind if I ask with whom?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Gerald stood with her.
She nodded and turned off the mini-recorder. Andrea dropped the device into her oversized brown purse. “I have what I need for now. Thanks for your time, Gerry.”
“You’re welcome. Call me if you have any other questions. Or change your mind about the job.”
They parted company outside of the coffee house. Andrea watched Gerald cross the street, walking toward the Empire Arena. She’d bet money his meeting was with Jaclyn Jones. Oh, to be a fly on that wall.
She turned toward the public parking lot two blocks in the opposite direction to collect her temperamental Ford. The sky was a vivid blue with thin streaks of white clouds. But the bite in the air said Mother Nature wasn’t ready for spring. Andrea was. She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her tan overcoat and quickened her pace.
After buckling into her driver’s seat, Andrea dug through her purse for her cell phone. She selected Troy’s mobile number, but the call went directly to voice mail. His rich baritone made her toes curl in her shoes.
The recording ended and she left a message at the signal as directed. “Troy, it’s Andrea.” She hesitated. “I’m sorry you’re no longer with the Monarchs. There’s something else we need to talk about. Could you call me as soon as you can?” She left her cell phone number and ended the call.
Andrea had thought Barron was the Monarchs’ employee who’d needed her help. She’d seen herself in the point guard’s increasingly destructive behavior. In contrast, Troy had seemed confident and in control. Was it just a pretense? She was beginning to think it was.
She started her car. It took a couple of attempts before her engine turned over. Andrea pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward home.
