CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“So, she just handed over fifty thousand in cash to the kid?” said Ghost.

“Yep. I don’t agree with what he did, but I get his reasons. He’s on our side, and he’s going to help, I’m certain of it.”

“And the contracts, Georgie?” asked Gaspar.

“There were none available for public view. That’s not suspicious on its own. Employment contracts don’t have to be shared publicly. What’s more suspicious is the lack of

information around her tax filings, profit and loss statements, medical spend, all of it. I think we need to do some digging into this league. I can’t find anything that tells me they are connected to the NFL or CFL.”

“Do you have the time to take this on, Georgie?” asked Nine.

“Of course, Uncle Nine. Anything for you,” she said, kissing his cheek.

“Hey, I’m your father-in-law. Don’t I get a kiss?” frowned Gaspar. She laughed, kissing his cheek as well, and then started to leave the room. At the door, she stopped and turned toward the men.

“Lara O’Connell isn’t going to be seeing Trevon any longer, but I don’t think she’s even going to bother to tell him that,” she frowned. “Someone has to let him know, and I think it should be one of you guys.”

“Damn,” muttered Ian. “I’ll have a talk with him.”

“I’ll go with you,” said Ghost. “I think he’s out at the Sugar Lodge putting up some lights and things.”

“Do you need any help?” asked Carl.

“Only if he gets pissed off,” smirked Ghost. “I’ll take my weapon just in case.”

Ghost and Ian took an ATV to the back of the property, where the Sugar Lodge was getting fully decked out for the holidays. In recent years, the team had become so large that for holiday meals they often ate out there so that everyone could eat at the same time, not in shifts.

“Sounds like Lara used our man a bit,” frowned Ghost.

“Yeah. I think she was lonely and wanted to be closer to Butch and thought he would be the way to do it. She doesn’t sound like someone who is intentionally cruel, but it doesn’t change that this is going to feel cruel to Trevon.”

“Seems strange that he hasn’t met and married someone yet. He’s a nice-looking kid, made decent money as a player,” said Ghost.

“He reminds me of Skull in a lot of ways,” said Ian. “Big, wide, gentle as a lamb, as I said, good-looking kid other than a few scrapes and scars.”

“I think we were right about him, though. He’s a bit na?ve about certain things, and I think women are one of those things. He’s going to do well working with Noelle, and I think Zeke has already taken him under his wing. Maybe we can get him involved with our school team. That might make him feel connected to football in a small way,” said Ghost.

“That’s a good idea.” He smiled at his friend, nodding toward the Sugar Lodge. There were so many lights on the building it should be visible from space. There were trees along the front of the lodge decorated, as well as more than a dozen trees glittering in the windows upstairs.

They took the steps to the top level and smiled as they entered, smelling the beautiful scents of cinnamon, apple, cloves, and sugar. The enormous body of Trevon was seated at the long coffee bar laughing with Noelle and Zeke as Mary and George poured hot cocoa and shoved a plate of sugar cookies their way.

“Oh, hi there,” smiled Trevon.

“Trevon,” grinned Ghost. “Looks like you’re being taken care of.”

“Yes, sir. Miss Mary and Mr. George are the best. They feel like they should be my grandparents,” he grinned.

“We are your grandparents in a lot of ways,” said Mary, patting his massive hand. “You’re a sweet boy, and we’re glad you’re here.”

“I’m darn sure glad you’re here,” smiled Noelle. “I could have never done all of this without you, Trevon. Where did you learn so much about trees and flowers?”

“My granny. She helped raise us when my mom was busy trying to keep my two brothers out of jail. Granny was raised on a farm and knew everything there was about soil, rain, clouds, all of it. I grow herbs in my little place, and I love to watch things grow.”

“That’s cool, man,” said Zeke. “I know nothing about plants, and I’m sure my native ancestors are rolling over in their graves over that.”

“Is there any problem, sirs?” asked Trevon, looking at Ian and Ghost.

“No. No, not a problem, son. It’s about Lara. Do you want to talk about that in private?” asked Ian. Trevon swallowed, looking at Mary, George, Noelle, and Zeke.

“No, sir. We’re family. Right?”

“That’s right, son,” said Ian. “Trevon, she doesn’t want to call and tell you, but she’s not going to see you again. It turns out that she was in love with Butch this whole time.”

“I see,” nodded Trevon. “I kind of thought I was just her side distraction. I made my feelings pretty damn plain for her.”

“She said that Butch was going to retire the way he wanted, and they would be a family finally.”

“That’s her story,” said Trevon. “Butch wanted nothing to do with being a husband. He was trying to be a father to Carigan, but Carigan was always giving him shit. I think she thought they could be friends, and of course, Butch wanted to lecture her in a fatherly way. She didn’t appreciate that at all.”

“We’re sorry, honey,” said Mary.

“It’s okay, Miss Mary. I’m smart enough to know I don’t want to be with a woman who doesn’t love me for me. I’m confident in who I am. I’m a good man with a good heart and soul. Football was a means to an end for me. It made me a good living, built my savings, and hopefully, will allow me to live a full life here with all of you.”

“You know that’s what we want,” said Noelle. “I meant what I said. I need you on my team, Trevon. I have too much business now, and just taking care of things here is overwhelming for me.”

“Well, I’m here for you, Miss Noelle.” He looked at Zeke and smiled. “As your employee and friend.” Zeke laughed, shaking his head.

“I’m yanking your chain, Trevon,” he grinned. “You’re all good, brother. I trust my wife, and I trust you. That’s what teammates do.”

“So, you’re okay with all this?” asked Ghost. “You don’t seem too surprised by her actions.”

“I think a man knows when a woman isn’t as into him as he is to her. I said ‘I love you’ several times to her, and she never said it back. I guess I was just hoping she could learn to love me.”

“She’s a fool,” said Mary. “You’re the most lovable young man I know.”

“Woman, you best watch your words,” said George. “I still get jealous on occasion.”

“Don’t you worry, Mr. George. Like I said, I think of y’all as my grandparents, and I love it that way.”

“Good man,” smiled Ian. “You’re gonna be just fine, and we’re going to figure all this shit out. I promise. Until then, you’ll keep working here and avoid any press related to the team. I think your former owners knew a lot more than they were saying.”

“Yes, sir. I definitely believe that as well.”