Fast Break (Brooklyn Monarchs 1)

“I know the Monarchs’ offensive and defensive playbooks.” DeMarcus kept his voice level even as his mind spun. Where had these rumors come from? Who had started them?

Were they true?

Troy argued the point. “He was a leader on the court, and he has what it takes to win.”

Andrea tilted her head. “What’s that?”

Troy sat straighter. “A winning attitude. A winning philosophy.”

DeMarcus interrupted Troy before the media spin cost him his breakfast. “The proof will show in the number of W’s at the end of our season.” Confidence and conviction prompted him to predict more wins than losses this year.

Andrea rose from her chair. “Monarchs fans will be keeping count. Thank you again for the interview. It’s been informative.”

DeMarcus stood. “I take my job as seriously as you take yours, Andrea. To me, winning is everything. Otherwise, why play the game?”

“I wish you luck.” She nodded toward Troy.

DeMarcus escorted Andrea to the door, then shook her hand. With his back to Troy, DeMarcus watched the reporter walk past the assistant coaches’ offices before disappearing beyond Elia’s desk.

He kept his attention on his executive secretary’s desk. “What do you know of these rumors Andrea’s talking about?

3

Silence stretched a little too long. The media executive’s hesitation wasn’t a good sign. DeMarcus half turned to look back into the room. “Was I hired to lose?”

Troy stood beside the conversation table and met DeMarcus’s gaze across the cavernous office. “I don’t know what Andy’s talking about. I haven’t heard any rumors about your being hired to lose.”

Shit. The media executive was more cautious giving an answer than a rookie point guard was at taking a shot. “Let’s try this again. Was I hired to lose?”

Troy shook his head. “I don’t believe that. Jackie wouldn’t do anything to hurt the team.”

“But?”

Troy’s sigh raised his shoulders. “But it’s not all up to her.” He paced back to DeMarcus’s desk. “Combined, Gerry and Bert own fifty-one percent of the franchise. Gerry’s also the interim general manager.”

“Gerry and Bert hired me. Jackie didn’t sign my contract.” DeMarcus read his deduction in Troy’s eyes. Jaclyn wouldn’t do anything to hurt the team. But Gerald and Albert had hired him. Did they want the team to lose? DeMarcus didn’t like uncertainties. “Why would Gerry and Bert want the Monarchs to lose?”

Troy’s expression was tight with frustration. “No idea. But most of Gerry’s personnel decisions don’t make sense. He trades promising young players for older players or problem ones. He forced out one of the best coaches the franchise has ever had for a coach with a losing record.”

“And hires one with no experience.”

“No offense.”

“None taken.” What had he gotten himself into? “How far has the rumor spread? Are the other coaches and players aware of it?” Are people whispering behind my back? He wasn’t used to being a laughingstock.

Troy pushed his hands into his front pants pockets. “I haven’t heard anyone talking about it.”

“Someone must be talking about it. How else would a reporter have heard of it?”

Troy raised an eyebrow. “Don’t look at me. I don’t feed gossip about my team to the media.”

DeMarcus needed to move. He dragged a hand through his hair as he crossed the room. “Would Jackie?”

“Not on your life.” Troy’s answer was quick and definite.

Some of DeMarcus’s tension left him. At least his boss wasn’t known to air her grievances in the media. Dammit. She’d tried to tell him yesterday, but he hadn’t believed it. He still didn’t want to believe it.

DeMarcus checked his watch. It was almost half past eleven. Gerald should be in his office. He pivoted on his heel and marched to his door. “I’m going to talk to Gerry.”