Chapter 20 · The Pump Key and the Ice

"You've got a cracked main, Ms. Calder." The tech's voice cut through my radio before my second boot hit the tunnel floor. "Ice sheet's dropping two degrees an hour. That's not wear. Somebody hit that valve on purpose."

I was already running, contract folder still jammed under my arm from the penalty box, when I hit the pump stairs and found Dale Weller standing at the top of them like he'd bought the concrete along with the debt.

"Ms. Calder." He didn't move. Gray suit, a smile that cost somebody else money. "Board wants to know why this barn's still standing after three missed interest payments."

"Because I signed a residency clause, not a surrender." I pushed past him, close enough that his cologne caught in my throat. "Seven home games. We're on four. Get out of my way."

"Pull the trigger tonight, you walk clean." Soft, almost kind. Worse than yelling. "Wait much longer and the collectors decide what clean looks like."

"Not pulling it." I didn't look back. "Tell your board I said no.