Stacia glared at him, but didn’t want to make a scene.
Finally, it was time to begin. Jason flashed his million dollar smile and set to work charming the gruff Hank. While the reporter hammered him on baseball, steroids, women, and anything that came to mind, Jason replied calmly, even poking fun at himself on occasion. The only tense moment came toward the end of the interview.
“Jason, you went into baseball right out of high school even though you received a full scholarship to Texas A&M. What’s the story behind that?”
Jason’s smile froze on his face and Stacia swore she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes, quickly masked. “Well, Hank. I was young and thought I was ready for the big leagues. I never expected to be in the minors for four years, learning the trade. You know how teenagers are.”
Hank laughed. “Yes, teenagers think they’re invincible, but your coach thought it was a mistake, didn’t he? Thought you should go to college. Considering your recent shoulder injury, career threatening in fact, do you think it was wise to not have a college education?”
“Like I said, Hank. I wasn’t very smart back then.” Jason’s tone cooled, a distinct chill plunging the temperature of the room. Hank hadn’t quite picked up on it yet. Or maybe he had and, like any good reporter scenting blood, dove in for the kill. Stacia prayed Jason would keep his cool, make it through the interview, not let them goad him into saying something he’d regret.
“We’re hearing rumors he may be joining you here on the Knights as hitting coach. Are you looking forward to that reunion?”
If it was possible, Jason froze even more, his expression immobile and stiff like a rock statue. He glared at Stacia and Cole. There was a flare of panic in his gaze. “Bill Monroe is coming here?” he stammered, the suave ballplayer gone, replaced by a stunned man.
Hank glanced over at Cole, an innocent expression belying the glee in his eyes. “Oh, was I not supposed to say anything? The rumor has been spreading on all of the networks. I thought you knew.”
He turned his attention back to the interview, but Jason had composed himself. Stacia relaxed infinitesimally “Obviously, I hadn’t heard that tidbit. I tend to avoid the newspapers. So much garbage and rumors are passed as truth. I prefer to go to the source.”
Hank’s face tightened at the subtle barb.
Stacia nudged Cole, alarm making the movement more of a shove. “End it. This could get out of hand.”
Cole nodded then stepped forward and made a cutting motion across his throat. The reporter scowled but ended the interview.
Jason ripped off the mic and stalked over to Cole and Stacia. “We need to talk. Now.” And he brushed past them out of the room.