Keeping Score

She shrugged. “He refused to speak with me.”

“Can you blame him? He knew your article could ruin his reputation. What gives you the right to do that?” He hadn’t meant to ask that question.

Color dusted Andrea’s high cheekbones. “I speak for the sports fans who want to see a competitive play-off series. I represent the ticket holders who want their money’s worth. That gives me the right.”

Troy met the challenge in her electric eyes. “Your media credentials allow you into the press section with the other reporters for free. We all know reporters will write any sensational piece—fact or fiction—to get a headline.”

Andrea’s full red lips tightened. “You know the truth matters to me. That’s why I came to you first when Gerry was planting lies about Marc’s supposed drug addiction.”

Her hard gaze forced Troy to face the facts. He remembered when Jaclyn Jones’s franchise partner, Gerald Bimm, had tried to smear DeMarcus Guinn in the media. Gerald would have succeeded if Andrea hadn’t warned him and Jaclyn of Gerald’s plan. By her actions, Andrea had proven the truth did matter to her. Then what was behind her damaging story about Barron?

Troy leaned more heavily on the conference table and crossed his ankles. “We can’t have negative stories about the team, Andy. They’re a distraction. Instead of focusing on beating the Cleveland Cavaliers when the series starts Saturday, the players are wondering whether their captain has a drug problem. How does that help anyone?”

“If Barron’s on drugs, you can’t sweep that under the rug.” Her voice was urgent.

“He’s passed his drug tests. He’s clean.”

“Then what’s causing his destructive behavior?”

He wished he knew. “That’s Barron. That’s just the way he is.”

“But why?”

Troy dropped his arms to his sides and tried another persuasive smile. “Frankly, Andy, I’m not here to be interviewed. I want you to stop writing negative stories about the Monarchs.”