Chapter 15: Defender

Chapter 15: Defender

Last time on Evening the Score:

I power up my laptop and immediately search for contacts at the Red Bulls’ headquarters. Edward mentioned being around several RB employees, so I quickly make a call to their corporate office’s HR department for any public records that list employees and date of hiring. They manage to fax over a two-page list of all employees hired within the last two months. I quickly scan names and departments until certain ones catch my eyes. Several new hires within the coaching and sports medicine departments. Things are about to get very interesting.

~*~*~*~EtS~*~*~*~

I look over the list studiously, organizing my thoughts on how to get close enough to get some answers. There are five new employees: two coaches, a team doctor, and two trainers.

Stevens, T., MD

Roberts, H,  Assistant Coach

Gomez, Eleazer, Assistant Coach

Hawkins, J., Physical Therapy

Tanner, B., Physical Therapy

Any one of these people could be somehow involved in sabotaging Edward, and all of them could possibly have access to Edward’s locker and belongings on the day the steroids were planted. As I my eyes continue to examine the names, one catches my attention. Hawkins. I’ve heard that name before. Why does it sound so familiar to me?

I dismiss the thought. Since I come across so many people in my line of work, it’s probably just a coincidence that I would see names I’ve seen before. I have five names, however, and the only way I can think of to narrow it down to one or two possible suspects is to get into the Red Bulls’ headquarters and see for myself.

I need an identity. I need documents, I need a disguise. I quickly scan names on my cell, and after finding what I’m looking for, I tap out a quick message:

I need your help. -B

I get an instant response.

Don’t we all? –G

Haha. Are you still in the same place? -B

Affirmative. -G

I can be there in 30 min. -B

Bring doughnuts. -G

I chuckle at the screen, type a quick reply, and head out the door.

~*~*~*~EtS~*~*~*~

I knock on the door. It has a peek window that swiftly slides open; two bright blue eyes with glasses stare back at me.

“Where are my doughnuts?” says the disembodied male voice.

I raise the box to his line of sight, giving it a slight shake like I’m enticing a dog with a treat.

The window slides shut just as quickly as it opened and I hear a series of clicks, slides, and chains before the door opens and I make my way inside. I look around at my dim surroundings, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. As the door closes behind me, hands take possession of my bribe and I get a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you. Did you bring me jelly?”

I smile and roll my eyes. “Of course I did, Garrett.”

“Mmm...Showaght bwiinguuheow shwoonnn?” He mumbles as powdered sugar flies out of his engorged mouth.

“Like I said in the text, I need your help. I need to get into the Red Bulls soccer team’s headquarters...” I explain, watching amusedly as Garrett stuffs his face with a second doughnut.

Garrett Perry is a computer geek I met in high school. Back then, he was the stereotypical nerd: pocket protector, acne, glasses, D&D roll player and all. No one even knew he existed until one fateful day senior year. Legend says he hacked into the city’s payroll computer system and cut the mayor’s salary by half. The mayor had been under investigation for fraud and dipping into city funds for personal use. Garrett managed to funnel the mayor’s salary to the teachers of Forks High, since they had taken a pay cut because of “budget discrepancies.” 

It could never be proven that Garrett had anything to do with it, since he was a master of covering up his tracks, but all the kids in school somehow had a feeling it was him. After graduation, he attended MIT. His hacking abilities continued and he garnered secret adoration from like-minded nerds, conspiracy theorists, and me. Of course, no one in the geek world knows him as Garrett. He goes by his tech name, Voltur. Where he got that name, I have no fucking clue, but he’s my go-to guy for all things computer-related, covert and illegal.

Garrett’s eyes widen, and he nods slowly in contemplation. After swallowing a mouthful of jelly doughnut, he wipes a smudge of red goop from the side of his mouth with a napkin.

“Ok, you need an ID card, with barcode, and you need a disguise. What are we dressing you up as? Doctor? PT? Groupie?” he wiggles his eyebrows at the last suggestion.

I roll my eyes once more at his immaturity. “Ugh, whatever. I think I’ll go with PT, thank you very much.”

“Damn. I was really hoping you’d pick groupie.”

“Well, one can dream.”

“Indeed.” He stares at me, nodding appreciatively. What a dork. But I love him.

I ruffle his messy hair and we both laugh it off. As Garrett powers up his laptop, he asks the question I knew was coming.

“So why?”

“Why what?” I feign ignorance.

“Why this? What’s the deal? What are you trying to do? Some great soccer conspiracy? Writing some huge expose?”

“Um, there’s a possibility that someone’s been tampering with a player’s supplements, causing him to test positive for steroids.”

“Mmhmm, and would this player happen to be someone you’re involved with?”

“How’d you know?” I ask sarcastically. He knows me pretty well, and knows what motivates me. 

“Oh, just a hunch. So why are you going to all this trouble for a guy? Isn’t your MO to stay clear of attachment?” 

I raise my eyes to him. He looks up from his laptop screen to stare at me, as recognition hits him. “Oh, shit, B. Safe to say you are attached, then?”

I hesitate a moment, but respond with a sigh. “Very attached.”

He stares at me, smiling. “Well, fuck me. I never thought I’d see the day. The way Mike the ass-wipe fucked you over, I thought you’d sworn off men forever...actually I was kinda hoping you would start batting for the other team all together...that would be hot as shit, but...”

I shove him playfully. “Stop being a moron.” He shoves me back lightly and laughs. “I’m just shitting you, B. I’m really happy for you. This guy better be fucking worth it for what you’re trying to do....trying to exonerate him?”

“He’s very worth it, Gar. I’m in love with him. I just want to catch the guy or chick who’s fucking with him before he re-tests. There’s always a possibility they’ll do it again. I want them exposed.”

“Well then, let’s get cracking. I’ve already hacked into the Red Bulls HR system, do you already have names?”

I suddenly remember I brought the names of the new hires, and I hand the list to him. He scans the names and within seconds finds personal information on them. He tilts the screen towards me to look at the results. Something immediately catches my eye.

“Shit. Hawkins, J. I keep thinking I know that name.” I say before Garrett clicks on the Hawkins listing. Info springs up immediately. Date-of-birth, hometown, next-of-kin....wait.

NEXT-OF-FUCKING-KIN.

I gasp and stare at the screen and I secretly want to punch myself for not recognizing the name. I’m a fucking journalist for crying out loud! The name should’ve clicked right away!

Garrett grins when he realizes he’s apparently hit the jackpot. “Who is he?”

“Hawkins. Alec Hawkins. He plays for Arsenal in England, Edward’s former teammate... I guess this guy is a cousin, according to this.”

“And Edward is your man?”

“Yes.” I’m still staring at the screen.

“Any reason why this Alec guy might want Edward to go down? What, is he jealous of him? He take his favorite toy from him or something?”

My cheeks flame and I look down bashfully as I mutter, “Um, I kinda slept with Alec before I met Edward.” I cringe in disgust just thinking about my behavior that night.

Garrett lets out a hearty laugh and claps his hands together, leaning back in his chair. I’m not amused.

“What’s so funny? You’re laughing at me?!”

“Oh, B. I’m not laughing at you, I’m laughing at the situation you find yourself in. So, Edward actually DID take this guy’s favorite toy away. The things we men do when our dicks do the thinking...” he shakes his head with another chuckle. I can’t help but giggle along with him.

“Well, I’m glad you find this so amusing. Now can we get back to what I came here for?”

“What, you didn’t com here to seduce me?” His brows wiggle again.

“Ugh, you’re such a dork.”

“And you love me for it,” he declares as he grabs another doughnut from the box.

“Right. So we’ll make you Sarah Jones, new PT hire as of today. How’s that sound?”

“That sounds perfect.” A smile creeps up slowly on my face as my plan starts to fall into place.

~*~*~*~EtS~*~*~*~

Armed with my new identity in my purse, I call Alice. I still haven’t spoken to her about last night, and I’m sure she’s ready to kill me for not calling her yet.

“It took you long enough, woman! I told you tall me ASAP, where there hell have you been?”

“Hi, Alice. Yeah, sorry about that...had some stuff...come up.”

“Oh, I’m sure a lot of ‘stuff came up’” she giggles like a teenager. I roll my eyes.

“Brilliant joke there, Alice. Listen, are you at the store? I’m about five minutes away and I really need your help with something.”

“AND, we need to talk about last night, PRONTO! I’m here, so hurry the hell up!”

“Yeah, I’ll see you in a few.”

After ending the call, I type out a short message to Edward. Amazing how I already miss him.

Dinner tonight? I miss you -B

He responds within minutes.

I’ll cook something, Come over tonight. I miss you like crazy. -E

OK. Aren’t you supposed to be doing drills right now? Don’t want to get you in trouble. -B

In a bit. I’m in the training room, doing some weight training. -E

Ooh. Does that mean you’re all sweaty and all bulging biceps? -B

I guess. I’d rather be all sweaty with you while something else bulges. ;) -E

He’s too cute when he tries using emoticons.

Woah there cowboy. Keep those thoughts for later. Heading to see Alice. Pray for me. -B

LOL. I will. Lord knows you’ll need it. I love you baby. -E

It still gives me goosebumps and makes my heart skip.

I love you too...more than anything. -B

I finally enter Alice’s boutique and she quickly accosts me and drags me to the rear of the store where her office is located. She practically shoves me into a chair, looking at me expectantly. 

“So? Don’t you want to know what happened last night?” She asks giddily.

“Of course I do. I thought you hated Jasper? What the hell happened?”

“Oh Bella, I can’t even begin to tell you....he’s fucking AMAZING. I was totally wrong about him. You know how I am, I’m not really into the whole surfer look. But, OH MY! He’s just spectacular! I totally thought he was going to try the cheesy pick-up lines again, but no...he asked me to go shopping with him. Bella, he asked me to go shopping with him! When have you every met a guy who’s comfortable going shopping with you? So anyway, he said he needed some advice for some stuff he wanted to buy while he was in the city, so I took him to the staples: Bloomie’s, Saks, and a couple vintage shops in the village. I was helping him fling some clothes over the fitting room door when he opened it, dressed to the nines in this fuckhot suit. He held out his hand, and said, ‘whaddaya think, Miss Alice? Do ya think I look like I belong in the city now?’,” Alice drops her voice to imitate Jasper’s deep southern drawl. 

“Before I knew it, we were locked in the fitting room making out. It was amazing, B. We got a little carried away, and you know I’ve never been into the whole sex-in-public-places thing, but oh my God, there’s this thing he does with his tongue...”

“ALICE! No, please....no....really...I don’t need all the gory details. I’d like to be able to look Jasper in the face from now on.”

“But I want all the gory details of your make up sex!” I cringe as she shouts it a little too loudly. I quickly turn to make sure the office door is closed, and to my relief, it is.

“Sorry! Not gonna happen! There are some things I’d like to keep between Edward and me. Let’s just say I’ll try to get him angry more often...” I say slyly, a grin slowly creeping over my face.

Alice claps her hands like she always does, bouncing in her chair, squealing.

“Oh, I’m so happy for you B. You have no idea. Edward is a really nice guy, and he loves you.....he loves you so much....I can see it every time he looks at you...”

Hearing Alice say that warms my heart. I’m finally comfortable enough to admit he loves me and vice versa, which is all the more reason I have to do this for him. Even if I have to turn in the evidence anonymously to the powers-that-be and not get any journalistic credit for it, at least I know Edward will be vindicated, and I’ll be able to stop it from happening again when he re-tests. Chances are, whoever is fucking with him is still around. I won’t stop until I get rid of the threat.

Which brings me back to why I need Alice right now.

“Listen, Alice, I need a favor. It’s a fashion favor, so I know you’ll enjoy it.”

“Yes!! What can I do for you? You need an outfit? Some big vintage Valentino gown for some gala or something?”

“Although that sounds wonderful...Alice...I need a wig.” I lower my head and look at her bashfully through my lashes, waiting for her response. 

Alice stares back at me, an expression of curiosity and confusion on her face.

“Bella,” she starts, warning me. “What are you up to? I know that look. I hope you’re not getting yourself into trouble.” She raises her brow in apprehension. 

“Alice, if I told you, I’d have to kill you. But, can you help?” I stare at her pleadingly.

She takes a moment to study me, and a small smile creeps up on the corner of her mouth. “Yes, Bella, I think I can.”

~*~*~*~EtS~*~*~*~

After dropping off all the loot I acquire from Garrett and Alice at my apartment, I quickly shower and dress to meet Edward at his penthouse. I let myself in once I arrive, and am immediately accosted by a flurry of wonderful, savory scents. 

“Hey, I’m here!” I shout to get his attention.

“In the kitchen!” He yells in return. When I join him, I take a moment to take him in. Jeans, long-sleeve dark blue v-neck tee shirt, and of course, barefoot. He’s trying to kill me.

I approach him as he turns around and he grabs me around the waist, immediately kissing me and engulfing me in his embrace. 

“Hey, baby. I missed you. Hungry?” he murmurs in my ear after softly biting my earlobe.

“Starving. And I missed you too, by the way. It smells delicious, what are you making?”

“Oh, just a quick vegetable stir-fry. You want some wine?” He asks as he moves away and grabs an already filled glass, offering it to me. I gladly take it, closing my eyes as I swallow. “What a day.”

Edward leads me to the dining room after serving up our dishes. “Yeah? Tough day? What happened?”

What do I say? I don’t want to lie to him. But telling him I’m infiltrating his team’s headquarters to find the fucker who’s trying to ruin his career might end badly. Edward doesn’t understand why I have to do this. If I leave it to his lawyers and the Union, they may not catch whoever’s lacing his food or vitamins with steroids. And if that happens, it might happen again, thus ruining his MLS career before it even begins. Edward might think what I’m doing is too risky. Hell, I think it’s risky, but I have to do it...for him. 

But I can’t tell him that. So I decide I won’t lie...I’ll omit.

“Oh, just some stuff at work. Rose is freaking out over a sex scandal with some Yankee’s player. I’ve been running around all day...and, I was doing some digging around...you know...atRebBull’sheadquarters...” I finish the sentence mumbling quickly.

“Bella, please promise me whatever you find goes directly to Rose. I don’t want you getting yourself into trouble for me. Please.” He grabs my hand and forces the power of his jade eyes upon me. He’s pleading. I feel terrible to have to keep the important stuff from him, but he’d never approve.

“Edward, I’m just going to do my job and leave the rest up to Rose, like I told you. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” He gives me a wary glance and finally lets it go.

We eat our dinner peacefully. He tells me about his day of drills and workouts, and I can’t help but smile watching him light up when he talks about what he loves. It strengthens my resolve to help him keep his position, whether he likes my methods or not.

The rest of the evening is calm. He plays the piano for me while I sit next to him and watch. We eventually end up making out, before we lose ourselves right there on the piano, he carries me to bed. I could easily get used to this for the rest of my life.

Wait. What?

Yep. I guess I have to admit it to myself that this guy, this beautiful man, might be it for me...like IT. 

And that thought is my last as he brings both of us to orgasm, both of us falling asleep in each other’s arms soon after.

~*~*~*~EtS~*~*~*~

The next morning, Edward rushes off to another round of practice and drills, leaving me to get ready for the day. I quickly lock up the penthouse and make it to my apartment. I place all my necessary items on my bed and get dressed. I’m not going too overboard with this disguise. Alice provided me with a pretty decent wig: dirty-blonde and layered into a shoulder-length style. I dress in khakis and a polo shirt, finishing the look with adidas sneakers. I place my new driver’s license that shows one “Sarah Jones” into my wallet, and check to make sure I have my tiny camera and digital recorder securely hidden in the seam of my small duffle bag.

I check myself one last time, finding a stranger with smart-looking glasses reflected back, and it’s now or never.

I arrive at Red Bulls training camp and sign in at the front desk. The waif-like girl asks for ID to check that I am in fact a new hire.

“Oh, wow. You look so different. Did you just get your hair done? It looks great!” She gushes, leaving me a bit confused before I realize the picture on my fake ID shows the ‘old me.’ I quickly collect myself. “Oh, yeah...I figured, new job new look, you know?”

She just smiles and nods in agreement. “Oh, I like totally get it! Okay, Miss Jones, you’re all set! If you go through these double doors, the HR office will be the second door to the left. Someone will be there to show you where to clock in and where your locker is.” She ends with a gleaming smile and gestures toward the doors.

When I arrive, a middle-aged, stocky gentleman greets me, and it doesn’t escape my notice that his eyes travel up and down my body. I shiver from the icky feeling I get but plaster on a fake smile to get on with it.

He guides me to the clock-in area, where there are several small lockers, with one assigned to me...well, the fake me. He opens the locker to give me the Red Bulls logo polo shirt that has been neatly folded on the shelf, and my new barcode ID hanging from a lanyard. He leaves me to get dressed in a small restroom, giving me an opportunity to attach my mini-recorder and stash the camera in the back pocket of my pants.

As I exit, the gentleman is waiting right outside to give me the tour of the facility. I make mental notes to memorize my surroundings, and patiently wait for him to finally show me to the players’ locker room and therapy rooms, which are adjoining. 

We pass several players who stare at the new girl appreciatively. Geez, you’d think they’d be a little less obvious. Sexual harassment much?

He finally introduces me to the head physical therapist. He’s very polite and knowledgeable. Tall, mid-thirties, clean cut, and slightly handsome. I feel pretty at ease around him. He smiles and introduces himself as Jonathan Roberts. He walks me around the facility, telling me little anecdotes about the job, the players, coaches and how therapy sessions work. At the end, I’m trying really hard to retain all the new information that has been shoved down my throat in one hour.

Jonathan excuses himself, since it’s nearly lunch time, and points to a common lunchroom, with in-house catering. Snazzy. 

“Great. Thanks for the tour, Jonathan, I really appreciate it. Say, do you mind if I just hang out here for a bit? I’ve had a lot of info thrown at me, and would just like a few minutes to let it sink in before heading to lunch. I’m so excited to get started.” I act nervous, which he believes without a second thought, agreeing to meet me back at the lunchroom. 

“Sure, no problem. When you get there, I’d like to introduce you to the rest of the medical staff. See you in a bit.” He leaves me alone, and I finally take a moment to breathe.

Everything is über clean, which I guess is because the facilities are brand new, having opened just a few months ago. I walk around a bit, taking everything in, and immediately notice security cameras nestled high the in the ceiling’s corners. I start to think that maybe there’s also a camera in the locker room, so I make my way over and confirm my suspicions. There has to be footage of whatever asshole is fucking with Edward. I make a mental note to see if Garrett can hack into their surveillance system.

I read the players’ names off of each locker, finally finding Edward’s. As I trace his name with my fingers, I hear voices, with one in particular sounding very familiar. Shit, it’s Edward...I quickly move to the adjoining therapy room and realize he’s coming in. 

Shit shit shit...if he finds me here, I’m fucked! 

Edward’s laughing and joking around with a few team mates as he walks over to a fridge that, lucky me, is right next to me. I turn around, not allowing him to see my face, and make as if I’m folding towels on a nearby shelf. Then, as if it couldn’t get any worse...

“Miss, do you mind reaching over to the fridge and grabbing me a bottled water? I’m kind of blocked...” I notice there’s a heavy laundry bin in the way. Shit.

I think fast and disguise my voice. “Oh, sure...um....here you go...” Fuck me, I sound like  I smoke five packs a day.

I hand the bottle to him, all the while keeping my head down, looking away. When he reaches for it, his fingers gently graze mine, and the familiar buzz is back. 

He hesitates a moment, and I go back to folding towels, praying he doesn’t get too curious.

“Um, thanks...thanks a lot.” He says slowly, I catch a glimpse of him looking at his fingers around the bottle in confusion, and will him to walk away.

“Oh, no problem, sir.” I croak out and continue folding towels, averting my face from him. He stays a beat longer, then saunters away.

Shit, I almost crapped my pants there.

I hear the door swing close, and finally let out a huge sigh of relief. By some strange miracle I managed to dodge the man who knows me better than anyone, and not get caught. But I don’t want to take any more chances. I’m making my way to the lunchroom doors to meet Jonathan, when I hear the voices of more players nearing the area.

As the voices get louder I move quickly to make my exit, but the door opens and I slam into a very hard chest.

“Oh, Miss, I’m terribly sorry, I wasn’t even looking....I...I wasn’t expecting anyone...”

“Oh, no worries, I was just on my way out to the lunchroom to have lunch, excuse me...” I rattle off in my normal voice without looking up. I don’t want him to really get a good look at me, especially since he’s with a couple other players. I straighten up and make the mistake of meeting his eyes. I quickly look down again and step to the side to make my escape, when a strong hand grabs my forearm. He says nothing, and I refuse to turn around. I don’t want him to see my face.

“Don’t I know you?” He finally questions.

“Um, I don’t think so...” I lie, keeping my head down. He’s not buying it. The rest of the players are already inside the locker room, but he guides me out the door, until they’re no longer in earshot. This is going to suck.

“Bella, is that you?” He asks in a whisper, confused.

I guess I better get this over with. I slowly lift my eyes to meet his. I figure I can cover my tracks if I play this right. Who knows, he might end up coming in handy.

“Hi, Emmett.”