Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

Deke

What the fuck was Windy doing talking to Director Franklin this morning? And standing so close to him? The two of them had looked extremely cozy. Knowing what I know, or at least suspect, about the school's athletic director makes what I saw even worse.

I thought Windy and I had a connection, but now I'm doubting everything. Project Pledge is already in motion, my players having jumped on the chance to prove themselves drug-free. The freshman I'd overheard, probably realizing I had done just that, have even tiptoed into my office to make sure I knew they never would have agreed to use the drugs being pushed on them.

It's because of them I even know the specific drug and reasoning behind it. Franklin wants athletes taking Meldonium, a drug that boosts endurance while cutting down on recovery time. In theory, it's a miracle drug. In reality, the medication isn't legal for use in the United States at all, thanks to its myriad of side effects.

"Whatever you're brewing up for your players, I want mine in on it." That's all the warning I get before Paul bursts into my office. The women's soccer coach looks like he ran the length of the field a half dozen times before getting here.

"Breathe, Paul. What's this about?"

"My players. I think they're being pressured to dope, too. Bhodi Wells just came to my office. I think you already know what he told me." Fury rolls in waves from the slender older man.

"Which of your players do you suspect are using? We need to get this cleaned up quickly and under the radar or we're all fucked." I don't have to tell him that, but I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge I'm on a fishing expedition. I want to know if Windy Howell is on the list of players he believes are using illegal drugs.

"Bhodi says he doesn't believe any of them are actively using it. But several of my players are being pressured. Including Taryn Ellis. I should have put two and two together on my own. The girl's feisty, but she's always been tied at the hip with Windy Howell, and that girl's a rock. Never a foot out of place or a lick of sass no matter how hard things get. Until recently, at least." He gives me a knowing look.

"I think she might be using," I admit. The feeling of betrayal sours my stomach, and I'm not sure whose betrayal is making me feel sick. Windy for potentially using illicit drugs, or mine for casting suspicion on her.

"Who, Taryn? Nah. Bhodi says the whole reason the girl was getting herself in trouble with me left and right was to make sure I'd drug test her. Then she could refuse Franklin's pushing without him punishing her. Just my punishments. Franklin hired Bhodi to keep Taryn out of trouble and I didn't bother looking any deeper into it. Fuck, do I feel guilty for just accepting his appearance out of the blue."

I can understand why he thinks I'm asking about Taryn since she's the one who's been making waves and landing herself in the spotlight as a troublemaker lately. But really, I only care about Windy and whether she's given in and started using illicit drugs. If so, I'm not sure what I'll do.

The logical thing would be to cut off anything between us. Protect myself. My heart rebels at the thought. I can't help the anger that builds in my gut when I think of how great I felt when I woke up this morning to see Windy's sleep-tousled hair spilling all over my chest from where she curled up in my arms. 6 am Deke had no idea the way the day would go to shit. 6 am Deke woke up feeling like life was finally making sense for the first time ever. Fucking 6 am Deke.

"And Windy?" Fuck me for the needy, hopeful question.

"I see the rumors have some truth to them." My old friend chuckles. He's a lucky bastard. Married since his own time as a college athlete to a woman he's known since high school. He's never had to deal with any of this drama shit.

"Yes, fine. Okay. Whatever you heard about Windy and me, it's probably true. Now tell me, is she in trouble?" Just thinking of her putting dangerous, illegal drugs into her body has my palm itching to find her backside and paint it red.

"I want to say no, Deke. And not just because I know she's important to you," he says.

"You can't though. Can you? Can't be sure." I already know. He's got the same concerns I do, maybe even for the same reason. Did he see Franklin corner her this morning the way I did?

"You want me to test her?" he offers.

Integrity demands I agree. Concern for this girl who has come to mean so much to me so quickly urges me to refuse. I must take too long to answer, because Paul answers himself.

"Why don't we put a pin in the idea while you explain to me this action plan Bhodi says the players are talking about. Come on, we can head off campus to the Monarch Wing for lunch and you can give me the details."

There's an idea I can work with. This place feels too stifling to think right now, anyway. I grab my jacket and follow Paul out. The Monarch Wing has the best burgers in town, and everybody knows big decisions are best made over full stomachs.