grungy PI.
“Austin told me about your theory that Gregory Emerson used his connections between his father and our team doctor to drug Damon so Emerson would have the opportunity to prove himself.” Ian’s stern face was enough to intimidate anyone, but she held her own.
She’d also discovered motive and the connection to make her hunch possible. “Yes, and this morning I found out that Dr. Jonas had IRS issues. He couldn’t pay taxes and owed a lot of money. About a month ago, he wrote them a huge check. Some digging into Emerson’s father showed he had the same amount going out of his bank account on that same day. Can’t be coincidence.”
“Son of a bitch. So Emerson’s father paid off Doc’s debts in exchange for Doc dosing Damon?”
Evie sighed. “That’s my theory. Because Damon didn’t take drugs. Someone doped him somehow.”
Ian studied her intently. “I believe that, too, or I wouldn’t even entertain this notion. You’ve got good connections, Ms. Wolfe.”
She grinned. “I manage.”
“Look, I don’t want to believe Emerson would stoop that low. The kid is diligent, focused, and he works hard. I’d like to speak to him. Handle it my way. I just don’t want him to feel like he’s being cornered. I’ve dealt with my share of sports families, and I have my own ideas on how this went down.”
She nodded. “However you want to handle it is fine.” She was just grateful Ian was being proactive on Damon’s behalf.
A knock sounded on the door. “Mr. Dare? Gregory Emerson is here,” his assistant said.
“Send him in, Dana.”
As Emerson entered, he smiled for his boss, then the grin slid off his face as he realized they weren’t alone. “Evie. What are you doing here?” he asked, obviously confused.
“Come sit,” Ian said.
“I don’t understand.” Emerson looked from Evie to Ian and back again.
“Greg, Evie’s a private investigator. She’s working for Damon to help prove he didn’t knowingly take PEDs.”
Through narrowed eyes, Emerson asked, “And what does this have to do with me?”
Ian clasped his hands together and leaned forward at his desk. “Did you know your father and Dr. Jonas were frat brothers at Duke?”
“Yes.” Emerson let out a slow breath, shoulders slumping. “But I never wanted to get anywhere in my career by nepotism or favoritism, so I don’t discuss it. Never told anyone. Ever. As far as I’m concerned, it has nothing to do with me.” He ran a hand over his face. “Why is this coming up now? Are you accusing me of something?” He clenched his fists at his sides.
“Not accusing. Asking you flat out. Are you working with Doc to drug Damon so you have a shot to prove yourself?”
“Fuck no!” Emerson slammed his hand on the arms of the chair and propelled himself out of his seat. “And if you think that, fuck you. I won’t be disrespected like that.” He started for the door.
“Sit,” Ian said in his commanding voice. “I believe you.” He glanced at Evie. “I’ve always relied on my gut and this is no different.”
Her stomach twisted, feeling like it was plummeting to the floor. “But Damon—”
Ian held up a hand and waited.
Finally, Emerson turned around and met his boss’s gaze. “I don’t think Damon took PEDs, either.”
“Then what do you think happened?” Ian held the other man’s stare and, along with Evie, waited for him to reply.
The clock seemed to tick as they sat in silence.
“My father has high expectations,” Emerson finally said, shoulders slumped.
Ian rose and walked around his desk, sitting on the corner near Emerson. “And how far would he go for you to meet those expectations?” he asked, his voice deep and low, as if they were the only two in the room.
Emerson swallowed hard. “I guess I need to find out.” He looked up at Ian then and glanced over, including Evie. “If my father did anything, not only didn’t I know, I don’t approve. And I’d gladly step down and give the captain back his starting position on game day.”
Suddenly Evie could see why Ian had provided the man the benefit of the doubt. He might be the puppy dog who looked up to Damon, but he was also a man with pride, and he’d grow into himself as an athlete on the team. On his own merits.
“Evie, let me speak to Greg alone. We’ll get this sorted out and tell Damon I’ll be in touch.”
Evie nodded, her mood somber despite being so close to clearing Damon she could taste victory.
On her