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“Well, damn.” That’s a surprising turn of events. I never expected him to call.
Looks like he finally caved. I’m sure that stubborn asshole must have hated that, but what does it mean?
“I think he realizes the error of his ways. He wants to talk to you, Luc. Of course, I took the chance to have a word with him.”
“What did you say? I’m intrigued to know.”
“I told him you wouldn’t be speaking to him unless he had a viable solution to this problem.”
I smile at that, even though I know he’s calling to reason with me. “How did he take that?”
“He said he understood, which sounds promising to me.”
Preston knows the only thing I want to talk to Jakobe about is the captain position.
“I need to think before I speak to him. He’s not just going to do a complete turnaround and give me what I want. Jakobe still wants me gone.”
“I know, but this is a start in the right direction.”
“Uncle, he’s probably only calling because the press and the fans have gone wild.” Things must be worse today for Shawn Jakobe to get off his high horse.
Preston is silent for a moment and I picture him resting a weary hand on his forehead as he contemplates what to tell me. He’s probably in his office or at home, dressed in one of his tailor-made suits.
As the head of Le Blanche Global he comes across all sorts of people The good, the bad, and the wretched. But I know I’ve put him through hell more than once. Especially lately because he’s worried about my career.
He thinks I’m making things worse and I’ll lose everything.
He might be right but that doesn’t stop me from wanting justice, or wanting to deliver it myself.
“Luc, listen to me, kid.” When he calls me kid it means he’s about to preach some wisdom he wants me to pay attention to. He also uses that careful tone he’s taken with me ever since he took me in to live with him after my parents died. “You’ve made your stand and they’veallgotten the message. You need to think of your future and the success of the team. The guys barely made it through last night’s game.”
I knew the team would win regardless of my presence or lack of it. That was never a worry. I’m not so big-headed that I think they can’t do without me. At the same time I know that when certain things are thrown out of sync it messes with everyone. Me disappearing on them like I have will do that.
Although the team won’t play like shit and risk not getting into the playoffs, not knowing what my plans are will make them lose that deep focus they need to battle on the ice.
But what about me?
“I am thinking about the future, Uncle.Mine.Jakobe doesn’t have a problem with anyone else in the Hawks. That bastard stripped me of my position and handed it to Evan. He stands to gain everything I worked hard for.”
“You guys need to talk this out like men.” Preston’s voice is stern but imbued with the discernment of a man who’s fought many battles. “That is all you need to do. Don’t give either of them the privilege of getting rid of you by giving them a reason. I understand your anger but there’s a line. One I’m asking you not to go too far over. You got Jakobe’s attention. Don’t push too hard or allow your anger to fuck things up. If you keep pushing back at this stage it might cost you everything you worked so hard for. Talk to the man, then regroup. If we need our lawyers to get involved, you know you have the best at your fingertips.”
Allowing his reasoning to sink in, I bow my head briefly, then rest it back against the nightstand drawer.
As much as I don’t want to accept it, my uncle is right.
I need to talk to Jakobe.
The problem is I still have to figure things out. Fixing this shit won’t be as simple as playing the best game of my life at every match to convince anyone they need to keep me. I do that anyway.
There is no team on this earth who wouldn’t kill to have me. That includes the one I’m currently on, even though the owner wants my head.
“Alright.” I nod even though Preston can’t see me. “I’ll call Jakobe later, but I’m not going to Canada.”
There’s no way in hell I’m going to any game in the height of the season to sit in the stands and watch. If Jakobe wants to see me, he will at the fundraiser on Friday. My sentence will be over by then.
“I think that’s reasonable.” Preston tries to sound accepting of my decision, but his tone suggests he wanted me to agree to head up to Canada to be with the team. “When will you be back?”
I think for a moment about when I should return. “Tuesday.” That gives me today and tomorrow to blow off some more steam and think.
