I stand and begin to pace. “Did the hockey team ever recover its money?”
Chip shakes his head. “Mr. Gardiner believed Joseph had stolen it, so he replaced the money and planned to seek payment from Joseph. But no, the money was never recovered. I suspect Margaret and the bartender have it, and they probably left the country.”
“Do you believe the story Margaret told you about Ted?”
He meets my eyes. “No. I believe taking the money to frame Joseph was her idea and she used Ted. I also believe she only confessed to me in hopes I wouldn’t press charges and hinder her plans to leave.”
I stand up and pace the room. I’ve seen some corrupt places, but I didn’t expect so much deceit at a university. One I thought I wanted to attend once.
“I have another question.” I turn to Chip. “Now that Lawrence Gardiner is dead, what will become of the hockey program? I understand he was their biggest funder.”
Chip smiles. “No worries. Someone has stepped in and promised to continue the funding.”
“Who?”
“I shouldn’t say, but as I understand you are involved with Mr. Gardiner’s daughter, it’s just a matter of time before you find out.”
No. It can’t be.
Chip confirms my blooming dread. “Valerie Gardiner.”
Why would Lucy’s mom fund perks for a college hockey team?
I run my hand through my hair. “Are you sure?”
Chip clasps his hands. “Very sure.”
If Valerie is stepping into Lawrence’s business here, what other business is she picking up?
* * *
“Hey, sexy,”Lucy says as she sets her bag down.
I’m so deep in thought, I didn’t even hear her come in. Even though she refuses to live together until the house closes, she’s been staying with me at Stormy’s house every night.
“Hey to you too.” I pull her close for a kiss.
“What’s wrong?” Her fingers brush the line I’m certain is between my brows.
“I met with the university president earlier today.”
Her eyes widen. “You were on campus? You should have stopped by and said hi.”
That was my original plan until my conversation with Chip left me reeling.
“What was your meeting about?” she asks.
“He asked me to sign an NDA, so I actually can’t say.”
She sits on the couch, staring at me. “You signed an NDA just to have a meeting?”
“There was more to it than that. He was concerned about what all I had learned while working with Joseph.”
“Well, I’ve always suspected there are more secrets at that place than anyone lets on, so I can’t say I’m surprised.”
I sit beside her. “Why do you say that?”
She shrugs. “I’ve overheard some of the things the students say.”
