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I lift a hand, saying nothing.
“Thank you, Layton,” Pix says more quietly from her top step.
I stuff my hands into my pockets and nod. When they both enter the house, I shut the passenger door and jump back in the driver’s seat. I rest my head back onto the headrest for a moment, wondering how much worse tonight could’ve gone, what could’ve happened with Tustin if I hadn’t been there, and why I give a single fuck about Livy Morgan’s well-being.
I hit go on the steering wheel and have the truck’s Bluetooth dial George.
“Hello?”
“Hey, man. Quick heads-up that I’ll be in the news tomorrow.”
After a second of rustling noises, his voice is alert and louder. “What? Why?”
“I was at a club tonight.”
“Good Lord, here we go.”
“Let me finish. I was at a club tonight with Marshall, Mattis, and Carlson. The team’s PT was there, and a guy got handsy with her. I handled that, but there are police reports with my name on them.”
“Anything I need to know about?”
“I didn’t do anything stupid. I’ll send you a written statement for news outlets when I get home. I wanted you out in front of it with Excel so we don’t risk that contract. I’ll get with team PR as well. But you know I’m not a fan of being in the headlines like this.”
“The team PT? Is something going on with you and this chick?”
“Thechickis Olivia Morgan, and no, we’re colleagues.” Why is there indignation in my tone?
“Okay. Okay. I wasn’t trying to demean her, just trying to get the full picture.”
“Remember when I could go in public, and it didn’t require a statement?”
“Yep. You want to go back to those days?”
“Not yet. Give me ten years, and we can revisit that.”
“Retirement in ten?”
“At least that. And, George, I’m sorry for waking you up. I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t necessary.”
“I know. Thanks for the heads-up. Do you want me to set up any interviews?”
“Not this time. Unless this story won’t die, and that will make it go away. Otherwise, nah. Let’s see if we can nip it in the bud.”
I turn into my garage after saying goodbye and take the elevator to my apartment.
I lean against the island in my kitchen, downing as much water as I can, and grab my laptop.
I fire up an email to George, our team’s management and PR teams, and the club attorney.
“Last night, I was at a local club with my teammates when we noticed a woman from our organization being harassed by a patron. I stopped the man threatening our colleague. As a result, he threw a punch. My teammates and I quickly moved to eliminate the threat and to protect our colleague and her friend from any further harassment.
Authorities were called and are handling the matter. I will not comment further to avoid compromising any investigation they may conduct and to protect my colleague, whose privacy I ask you to respect.
Thank you to our local law enforcement who responded quickly and professionally to this matter.”
Team, adjust as you see fit.
—L Ranger
