“I don’t know why you’re doing it, but I appreciate it,” Simon added. “Not because we care about Troy’s future, I’m just looking out for our team. If word gets out that Troy Hartman is MIA. It’s all anyone would see when the Blades are playing. Then we start losing our best to trades. There’s an image we need to uphold. We’re a strong team. We always were.”

“What’s going to happen if—”

“Nothing good,” Ryan shook his head, standing beside the first Captain. I didn’t blame the guy. As alternate, he had an obligation to be loyal and honest.

There was a loud knock on the door before someone stormed in. Coach Higgins.

“Hartman,” he bellowed.

Shit. Hey Coach? Yes, Sir? What the hell did Troy call him?

I straightened. “Yeah, I know, I’m getting out there.”

“Sit down.”

I knew Coach’s orders were not to be taken lightly. And this guy meant business. Toughest NHL coach in the industry—with zero tolerance for the kind of BS Troy was pulling.

I should have seen this coming. But I worked on Wall Street. Managing a team of six portfolio managers, and three associates. No one ordered me around. Not even the CEO of our firm, who worshiped me since I’d made the firm billions in assets last year.

When I hesitated and probably looked like I was going to throw one down, Ryan put a firm hand on my shoulder, lowering me onto the bench.

My jaw tightened. “What’s going on Coach?” Figured I couldn’t miss with that one.

“You know you’re practically still a rookie. What makes you think you can march in here minutes before you’re due on the ice?”

He was yelling.

I didn’t do well with people yelling at me. I did most of the shouting where I worked. And people jumped. Now this dull-witted clown was treating me like I was some delinquent.

There was a rock in my chest as I stood, taking two deliberate steps toward the man—to hell with Troy.

Simon stepped calmly between us. “Troy’s been here for about twenty minutes now and we’ve already caught up extensively, haven’t we, Hartman?” His tone was sharp, but I didn’t miss the pleading expression on his face to let it go.

My jaw moved tight but I managed to speak. “Yes.”

Coach’s eyes moved from Ryan to me. “Good. You’re starting. And don’t disappoint.”

“Wait why?” I felt I had every right to ask since Troy never started.

“Because if we bench you, everyone will think we’re avoiding bringing you on. They’ll think you’re our weakness.”

Ryan stepped in. “Coach, I don’t think we should start with Troy. I think we need to end with him.”

“Fine. Whatever. But he’s playing tonight, no question.”

“Of course,” Ryan agreed dutifully.