Cross Checking
The conference room fell silent as Emma finished outlining the trade parameters Sante’s genere marr on the video screen looked cautiously optimistic, while the des management team changed meaningfut
nces
“To summarize, Emma said, “Jack Reynolds to Seattle for their first round pick, defensive prospect Miler and forward Ramirez.”
“With Boston retaining twenty percent of Reynolds‘ sry, Seattle’s GM added
“For this season only,” Alek rified. “Next year, you assume the full contract
The Seattle GM nodded. “Subject to Reynolds passing physical and psychological evaluation, we have a
deal.”
“We’ll prepare the paperwork.” Emma ended the call and turned to her management team. Thoughts? “Best offer we’ll get,” Coach Donovan said immediately. “Especially considering Reynolds oroumstances “Agreed,” said Ryan Stevens, their head scout. “Miller could be top–four defensive material in two years Ramirez is NHL–ready now.”
“The first–rounder is the key,” Alek added. “Deep draft next year,”
Emma took in their unanimity. After four weeks in treatment, Jack hadpleted the minimum program requirement and was scheduled to return tomorrow. The trade timing wasn’t coincidental
“We’ll finalize before he returns,” she decided. “I want this handled professionally andpassionately” As the meeting dispersed, Emma caught Alek’s subtle nod of approval. Their working rtionship had be almost telepathic–each anticipating the other’s thoughts during negotiations, presentations, and strategic discussions. The team had noticed, nicknaming them “the hive mind” behind their backs. Professionally, everything was clicking. Personally, they’d reached a tentative truce on the public nature of their rtionship–not hiding, but not unting. They asionally shared dinners at quiet restaurants and attended team functions together, letting people draw their own conclusions without official confirmation Emma returned to her office, reviewing the press release draft for Jack’s trade. The wording needed to be perfect–respectful of Jack’s contributions without sounding disingenuous
A knock interrupted her concentration. “Enter,” she called.
To her shock, Jack Reynolds walked through the door.
*Jack!” Emma stood abruptly. “You’re not due back until tomorrow.”
“They released me early. Good behavior.” He smiled tentatively, looking more like the Jack she’d man she’d seen in months. Clear–eyed, clean–shaven, the feverish anger gone from his expression “That’s… good.” Emma regained herposure. “Congrattions onpleting the program.” “Thanks.” Jack remained by the door, seemingly uncertain. “I was hoping we could talk. Officially.” Emma gestured to the chair across from her desk, discreetly closing the trade folder. “Of course.” Jack sat, back straight, hands sped–the picture of professionalposure. “First, I want to apologize. My
|||
behavior at the announcement avent was inavuusatta | Amharises the prior year of
myself
“Apology epted” Emma studied him carefully. How are <i>your </i>fing
“Better Clearer” Jack met her gaze directly. The program happens masas seen went the myself. About how I’ve been handling everything”
Tm d to hear that
“Part of my recovery n includes making amends to pelo jack tokat e te top of that list, Em–Ms Mitchell ”
“Emma is fine,” she said gently
“Emma” Jack nodded T treated you terribly Not just at the end, but for pars before work you for grantes dismissed your ambitions, and then red you when my life started spiraling
Emma hadn’t expected this level of self awareness. That’s very insightful
Tener
“Thirty days of therapy will do that.” He attempted a smile Tm not asking for forgiveness I just want you to know I recognize the damage I caused.”
“I appreciate that,” Emma said carefully “And for what it’s worth, I do forgive you back. We so made
mistakes.”
“No.” Jack shook his head <b>firmly</b>. “Don’t do that. Don’t minimize what happened to spars my feelings. I was
as the one who threw things the one who cheated. I was the one who ended our marriage
drunk and disappeared for days when we had ns”
Emma blinked, surprised by his candor. “The program has clearly been beneficial”
“It saved my life.” Jack leaned forward. “Which brings me to the second reason I’m here I want to retum to the team. Not just physically–I want to contribute. Be the yer I should have been all along”
Emma’s stomach tightened. The Seattle trade was practically finalized
“Jack-
“I know <i>my </i>behavior has put me on thin ice,” he continued earnestly. “But I’mmitted to rebuilding trust. I’ve already spoken with Coach about additional practice time, video study, whatever it takes” “You’ve spoken with Coach today?”
“An hour ago. He seemed receptive.” Jack’s expression brightened. “Said mymitment was encouraging” Emma made a mental note to have a serious conversation with Donovan about protocols for returning yers. “Jack, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but reintegration will be a process. There are many factors to consider,
“Of course.” Jack nodded seriously. “I’m prepared to earn my spot back. No special treatment.”
The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Emma. After months of Jack’s entitlement and outbursts, she was now faced with a model of contrition and cooperation–just as she’d finalized his departure
“We should discuss your status with the full management team,” she said finally “There’s a meeting tomorrow morning. Can you join us at nine?”
“Absolutely Jack stood, relief evident in his posture. “<b>Thank </b>you for hearing me out.”
As he turned to leave, Emma was struck by a pang <b>of </b>something. Not regret, exactly, but awareness of paths not taken, alternate versions of their story.
“Jack,” she called. Tm genuinely d you’re doing better.”
He paused at the door. Thanks, Em. That means more than you
know.”
After he left, Emma sat motionless<b>, </b>staring at the trade folder. The timing couldn’t be worse. A reformed Jackplicated the clean break she’d envisioned. More concerning was the genuine improvement she’d
witnessed–was she trading him <b>just </b>as he found his footing?
Her desk phone buzzed. “Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Volkov is here to see you.”
“Send him in.”
Alek entered looking puzzled. “Was that Reynolds I just passed in the hallway<b>?</b>”
“In the flesh.” Emma gestured to the chair Jack had vacated. “Apparently released early from the program and eager to rejoin the team.”
“Perfect timing,” Alek said dryly, sitting down. “Did you tell him?”
“No. He was <b>so</b>… earnest. I scheduled him for the management meeting tomorrow.” <fn91e3> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? F?nd-Novel</fn91e3>
Alek studied her face. “You’re reconsidering the trade.”
“I’m considering all options.” Emma sighed. “He seems genuinely changed, Alek. Insightful about his mistakes,mitted to improvement.”
“Treatment programs are designed to produce exactly those results,” Alek pointed out. The question is whether theyst once he’s back in the environment that triggered his issues.”
“True.” Emma tapped her pen against the desk. “But if there’s a chance he’s turned a corner…”
“You feel responsible for him,” Alek observed without judgment.
“Not responsible. But I did spend eight years of my life with him. That counts for something<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Alek nodded slowly. “What do you want to do?”
“Dy the Seattle paperwork, Emma decided. “Give Jack a week to demonstrate this new attitude is genuine. If he reverts to old patterns, we proceed with the trade. If not, we reevaluate.”
“The Seattle offer might not hold.”
“Then we find another. Or keep him.” Emma met Alek’s gaze directly. “I want to make decisions I can live with, not just ones that are expedient.”
Alek reached across the desk to cover her hand with his. “One of the many reasons I respect you. We the right solution.”
His supportiveness made the next question harder. “What about us? If Jack stays?”
“Nothing changes,” Alek said firmly. “We’re adults navigating aplex situation. Jack’s presence or absence doesn’t define our rtionship.”
“It willplicate things.”
C
Life ispleted Auk egonezed bachan w
Cements