Chapter 3 Elyse

I take a seat in the firm's employee lounge, my heart pounding with nervous excitement. This is it—my first day as an intern at the prestigious law offices of Morgan, Kobin I lean forward slightly. "What sort of case?"

"A wrongful termination lawsuit against the Firebirds' head coach, Reginald Matthews." Kobin's expression turns grave. "Filed by a former player named Vince Halstrom."

The name rings a vague bell, but I can't quite place it. "I'm afraid I don't know the details…"

Kobin nods. "Allow me to enlighten you." He laces his fingers together, the silver of his wedding band glinting in the soft light. "Halstrom alleges that Matthews forced him to play through a serious knee injury, resulting in permanent damage that ultimately ended his career prematurely. He's suing for damages, claiming Matthews' negligence cost him millions in potential future earnings."

A frown tugs at my lips as the gravity of the situation sinks in. "That's…incredibly unethical, if true. Coaches are supposed to protect their players, not put them at further risk."

"Precisely." His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that makes me shift in my seat. "Which is where you come in, Miss Masterson. Your insider access could prove invaluable in uncovering any corroborating evidence or testimony."

I open my mouth to protest, but he raises a hand to silence me. "I understand your hesitation but consider this a unique opportunity to leave your mark. To uphold justice and protect the rights of athletes everywhere."

His words strike a chord deep within me. Isn't that why I chose this path? To be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves? Still, the conflict of interest gnaws at me. "With all due respect, Mr. Kobin, my brother is on that team. As is…" I swallow hard. "Someone else I care about. Getting involved could damage relationships I don't want to jeopardize."

He regards me shrewdly for a long moment before responding. "I'm well aware of the…personal entanglements at play here, but I think you can stay professional."

A hint of a smile plays across the partner's lips, and I feel like I've just stepped into something far bigger than I ever imagined. The weight of his request feels too burdensome.

When I don't say anything, he leans back in his leather chair, steepling his fingers. "I realize this is a big ask, Miss Masterson, but I have faith in your ability to handle this."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "You want me to…investigate my own brother's team? His coach?" The conflict of interest is glaring, a potential ethical nightmare I'm not sure I can or want to navigate.

"Think of it as an opportunity to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served."

He has a point, but the thought of betraying Sam's trust, of jeopardizing his career over something that might well be a misunderstanding…

His gaze bores into me, daring me to look away. I can't. This is the opportunity I've been waiting for—a chance to prove myself, to make a real impact, but at what cost?

Squaring my shoulders, I meet Kobin's stare head-on. "What is the plan?"

The smile returns to the elder attorney's lips. "Allow me to elaborate…" He leans forward, resting his forearms on the desk as he begins to outline his plan.

I listen with rapt attention and try to ignore my doubts.

"…Essentially, you'll be our eyes and ears on the inside. Attend team events, practices, and games. Befriend the players and the staff. Gain their trust and see what you can uncover about Matthews' conduct."

"You want me to…spy on them?" I can't keep the disbelief from my voice. "That seems shady."

He arches an immaculate silver brow. "I prefer to think of it as…discreet information gathering in the interest of justice; but look at it this way—if Matthews is innocent, you'll simply confirm that, and the case will be dropped. No harm, no foul."

His logic is sound, but something still gnaws at me. "And if I do find evidence against him? Against the team?"

"Then we'll have the ammunition we need to take down Reginald Matthews." There's a glint of something predatory in Kobin's faded blue eyes. "And send a message that this sort of conduct won't be tolerated."

I chew my lower lip, weighing the pros and cons. On the one hand, the potential to uncover wrongdoing and seek justice is incredibly compelling, but on the other, the risk of alienating Sam and losing Jack before I even have a chance with him…

Kobin seems to sense my internal struggle. "I'll understand if you need some time to mull it over, Miss Masterson. This is a weighty decision that could shape the course of many lives—including your own."

He lets the weight of his words hang in the air between us. I can practically see the calculations being made. He knows he's baiting me with precisely the sort of high-stakes, high-impact case any fledgling lawyer dreams of sinking their teeth into, and I'm not even a lawyer yet. Two years into pre-law hardly qualifies. It shouldn't sway me, but damn him, it's working.

I meet his piercing stare once more, my jaw set in determination. "No need to mull it over, sir. I'm in."

The barest hint of a smile spreads across his weathered features. "Excellent. Then allow me to provide you with the key details thus far…"

He launches into an overview of the case, laying out the allegations against Matthews in stark detail. With each passing minute, my resolve hardens. If even half of what he's saying is true, then Matthews' actions aren't just unethical but criminal. Endangering players' lives, covering up injuries, bullying and intimidation tactics—it's all utterly reprehensible.

As he concludes his summary, I lean forward in my seat, hanging on to his every word. "What's our next move?"

"For now?" He leans back. "You'll attend the Firebirds' practice sessions. Get a lay of the land, so to speak. See if you can pick up on any tensions or whispers among the players and staff."

I nod, my mind already whirring with possibilities. "Consider it done."

The smile returns as he rises from his chair, extending his hand. "Welcome aboard, Miss Masterson. I have a feeling you and I are going to make an excellent team."