SlapshottotheHeart
You give me that end of the third power play, tied game, hat trick, full of butterflies kind of feeling...
Cassandra -Hockeyrunsinmyblood.Myfathercoachedandplayed,mymothercoached,andallmybrothersplay.So landingasocialmediamanagerjobwithTheWolfmontVikingsisadreamcometrue Butlikeanyfairytalewilltellyou, there’salwayssomething…orinmycase,somebodytryingtogetintheway.Andmyproblem’snameisLucasSarkozy.“The badboyoftheleague”.Hehashissightssetonmeandisreadytotakemedown.Butonesteamytimeinthelockerroom…and thingshavechanged.Canwescoreagoal?Orwillthisendinthepenaltybox?
Lucas -Afterlastyear’stragedywithanotherhockeyplayer,myhearthasfrozenover Hockeyismyfocus,myonlyfocus The managementofmyteam,TheWolfmontVikings,hasotherideas.Unfortunatelyforme,theirideaofagoodhireismyworst nightmare.CassandraD’amatoisthelastpersonIwantedtoseeinmylockerroom.Astimegoesby,Islowlyletmywalls downandgiveintomylustfuldesires Butthecursestrikesagain,andI’micedout DoIhavewhatittakestopushforward?
OrwillIloseitall?
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1 Cassandra
2.Lucas
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5 Cassandra
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8 Lucas
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14 Lucas
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VISIT MYSPOTIFYHERETO LISTEN
WEAREVIKINGS –PEYTON PARRISH
INSANELYILLEGALCAGEFIGHT –DALAT,JACKSON ROSE
GHOST REALITY–MONCRIEFF
MORALLYGREY–APRAILJAI,NATION HAVEN
POMPEII MMXXIII–BASTILLE,HANS ZIMMER
ANOTHERLOVE–TOMODELL
EASYON ME–ADELE
DARKTHOUGHTS –THEFUNERALPORTRAIT
WILDEST DREAMS (TAYLOR’S VERSION) TAYLORSWIFT
RED FLAG –CLOUDYJUNE
REBELCHILD –DYLAN
HIGH–STEPHAN SANCHEZ
BEFOREYOULEAVEME–ALEXWARREN
LOVESTORY(TAYLOR’S VERSION)–TAYLORSWIFT
BEAUTIFULTHINGS –BENSON BOONE
KARMA(FEAT.ICESPICE)–TAYLORSWIFT,ICESPICE
DID I TAKE MY meds today? Did I turn my straightener off? What if I didn’t lock my door…? No. No, you ’ re fine,
Cass That’s the nerves talking I’mstandinginfrontoftheLangskipArena,homeoftheWolfmontVikingsIceHockeyteam Theyareoneofthetopteamsin theOfficialHockeyLeague.AndhereIam,readytostartmyfirstdayastheirsocialmediamanager;My dream job. Themanager,RoryLancaster,walksovertome.“Cassandra?”
“That’sme!”
“Nicetomeetyou”Heputshishandouttoshake “Let’sgetrollingbeforetheteamcomesin”Weheadinsidetheareaandhe guidesmetothelockerroomarea.“Yourofficeisrightinherewiththerestofus.HereattheWolfmont's,webelievewe’re allateam,soofficesarerightwiththeguys.Hopeyoudon’tmind.”
Ishrug.“Igrewupintherink.Fiveolderbrothersandadadwhoplayed.Thisislikeasecondhome.”
Roryturnstolookatme “That’sright Ourhiringmanagermentionedyoucomefromahockeybackground Remindmeofyour lastnameagain?Sorry,we’vegonethroughatonofsocialmediapeople.”
“D’amato.”
“DadisGeorge?PlayedfortheVoltage,right?Youroldestbrother,Joey,playedforthemaswell.Andtheotherfour…they’re eitherintheleagueorcomingup”
Inod.“Yes,sir.Sohockeyrunsinmyblood.”
“Sorryaboutyourbrother.It’sarealshame.Naturaltalentlikehehadonlyhappenedeverysooften.”
“Hediedplayingthegame.Hewasinhishappyplace.”Roryarcheshiseyebrows.“Areyougoingtobeokayworkinghere?I mean,afterall thiswastheteam-“
Iputmyhandup “Itwasanaccident I’vemademypeacewithwhathappened” “Okay. Just making sure. The teamhas a therapist on site, so if you ever are feeling not so great about it, please use her services.”
“Thankyou”
Hehalfsmiles “Alrightythen Uh here’sthelockerroom”Rorywavesmeinside “Yourofficeisrightthere Now,Ihaveto warnyou, the captainis nothappyabouthavingyouhere. He’s nota fanofsocial media, and certainlynota fanofhaving womeninthelockerroom.Sodon’tlethimgettoyou.Dropyourbagsinthere.Theguyswillbehereinfive.”
IsmileatRory “Icanhandlehim We’rebothheretodoajobandIcanrespectthat Thisistheir world,andIjustwantto documentit”
“Hopefullyheseesitthatwaytoo…”
“Ipromisenottogetintheirway.”
Rorychuckles “Alright I’mgoingtoheadupstairs Makeyourselfcomfortable Thisisyourhomenow” Iheadintomyofficeandfindmyofficiallanyardwithmycredentialsonmydesk.TheyhadalreadytakenmypicturebeforeI startedtodayinaniceteampolo.IplaceitovermyheadasIheartheguyscomingintothelockerroom.I’vegotmyofficial zip-upjacketonwithmyblackleggings,cuteteamcoloredsneakerstoboot. Butnothingcouldhavepreparedmefor them Iknew theywere all big, butdamn. Theyare literallythe size ofVikings;fromthe longhair,to the beards,to their massive bodies.That'swhyotherteamsaresoterrifiedofthem.MaybetheyreallyareVikings… Ismileastheyallcomein,takingtheirseatsonthebenches.Thecoach,LarryGraham,comesovertome.Myfamilyandhego wayback,soit’snicetoseeafamiliarface “Nicetoseeyouagain,Cassie.Gladtohaveyouhere.”
“Youtoo,CoachGraham.”
Heturnstotheguys.“Listenup!ThishereisCassandra.She’sthesocialmediagirl.Befuckin’nice.”
Istepnexttohimandgivetheteamalittlewave “Hey,guys LikeCoachGrahamsaid,mynameisCassandra,butyoucancall meCassie.I’mwickedexcitedtobehereandlookforwardtoworkingwithyouall.”
Thebiggestmotherpucker intheroomstandsup. LucasSarkozy.Teamcaptain.Draftedrightoutofcollege.Pickedfirstround.Nastyplayer,andevennastierattitudeofftheice. Hewalksuptomewithasinisterlook “Havealastname,Cassandra?” Ishiverunderhisglare.“Yup.D’amato.”
“Great.That’swhatyou’llbecalledsinceyou’reinthelockerroom…likeaguy.”
Theotherplayerssnickerbehindme.
“That’s finewithme Igrew uparoundhockey,soyour ‘locker roomtalk’won'tbother me”Ipushpasthimandlookatthe otherguys.“I’myournewsocialmediamanager.I’llbetakingpictures,doinginterviews,helpingmakesomefunvideos;allso yourfansfeelmoreconnectedtoyou.MydadwasGeorgeD’amatoandplayedforthevoltage,asdidmyoldestbrotherJoey. Myotherfourolderbrothersplayhockeyaswell.”CoachGrahamclaps,glaringattheothersastheyslowlyclap.“Excitedto haveyouhere,kiddo!”
“Thankyou I’llputasign-upsheetonmydoorand-“
Lucasinterruptsme.“Wedon’thavetime.We’reheretowinthefuckin’cup.Notmakestupidvideos.Thisisserioushockey, notthosejokesonlinewhodanceduringicetime.”Heturnstohisteammates.“Let’sfuckin’go.”Hestormsouttotherink,the otherguysslowlyfollowinghim CoachGrahamsighsandpatsmeonthebackashepassesme “They’llcomearound,don’t worry” “Notworriedatall.They’llwarmuptome.”
“Attaagirl.Ifyouhaveanyissues,comerighttome.Igotyourbackhere,kiddo.”
He pats me onthe backandheads outtothe ice Noddingmyhead,Itake one lastlookatmyoffice and headoutto follow them,camerainhand
LucasSarkozy,mayhethinkhehastheupperhand,butI’mheretoprovehimdeadwrong. CassandraD’amatoisn’tonetobackdownfromafight.
THEICEBENEATHMYskates putmymindbacktogether. Why the fuck did they hire D’amato’s little sister? Is this some sort of sick joke? And why is she so goddamn pretty…?
Two years ago we were playing the Voltage when the unexpected happened It was a mistake, a freak accident Once in a lifetime type of situation. My mind plays back the incident, like a fucked up back-to-back double feature at the movies. He won’t move….
Coachcallsmeovertothebench,snappingmeoutofanotherspiralingwalkdownshittymemorylane “Sarkozy!”Iskateover andheshakeshishead.“GottaplaynicewithCass!She’sagoodkid,beenthroughalot.Nottomentionthebigguysaregettin’ pissedthatyou’verunoffeverysinglesocialmediahire.”
“I’mheretowinafuckingcup It’snotinmycontracttomakestupiddancevideos”
Heshakes his head.“Look.Iknow.Just…benicetoher abit.Everythingwill bedoneduringdowntime,never interrupting practiceorgames.Deal?”
Ilookaround,thenbackathim.“We’llsee.I’mnotmakinganypromises.”
“Don’tdothis,Lucas.Icanpullyouofftheice.”
“Theyshouldn’thavehiredher” Coachsighs “It has nothingto do withyou She’s our best candidate Maybe youneed to come off the ice and talkto the therapist.”
Shakingmyhead,Iskateoffandwhistleattheguys Theycomeskatingovertohuddleup
“Thebigwigsthinkourteamisafuckingjoke.HiringD’amato’slittlesistertobethefuckinginternetgirl.”
Ourgoalie,Hans,pipesup “Dude Joeyisdead Wecanbealittlenicetoher”
“No.Herbrotherpassingduringagameagainstuslastyearisn’tareasontotreatherlikealittlepuckbunnyprincess.We’re
heretowin Ifyouwannamakestupidvideos,getthefuckofftheteam”Ilookaroundtoseethemall puttheirheadsdown “Good.Nowlet’sgetbackoutthere.”
We practice for hours, Cassandra watchingour everymove. We don’tneed pictures or videos ofus practicing. How is that goingtohelpanything?Fanswanttoseegames,notthisshit.
Iwatchasshewalksbackintothelocker roomaspracticewindsdown,formulatingaplaninmyheadtogiveher alittle scare.
Idon’twanther here.Idon’twanttobe remindedeveryfuckingdayofJoey.This is supposedtobe peace,myrefuge.And nowthat’sruined
Walkingintothelockerroom,Icheckthesign-upsheetandchuckletomyself.Notonepersonhassignedupatall.ButIknow thatwon’tstopD’amatofromtrying.Soit’suptometogetherawayfromourarenaandrunningbackhome.
Sittingonthebench,Inodtotheguysastheywalkouttoheadhome.Butme?Myassisstayingrighthereuntilit’sjustmeand thepreciouspuckbunny Alone
Oncethelockerroomisempty,Istandandwalkclosertowhereherofficeis.CassandraiscompletelyobliviousthatI’mright outsideherdoor.She’shummingtoherselfasshepacksherbags,asmuglookonherface. Soarrogant.Sosmug.Thisgirlthinksshe’sdonesomethingbybeinghere.Likethisisn’tthebiggestslapinthefaceforme.I mean,fuck Whatwouldherbrotherthink?Couldn'thisdamnteamhavehiredher?
Istepbackasshewalkstothedoor.Sheturnsherbackasshestepsback,lockingthedoor.Whensheturns,shebumpsright intome.
“Oh!Sosorry,Ididn’tseeyouthere.”
Notsayingaword,Itakeastepforward,D’amato’sbackhittingthedoor “Uh,canIhelpyouwithsomething?”
Iputmyhandsoneithersideofherhead,cagingherinwithnoescape.GoosebumpsrundownherarmsandIlookdownather, rightintohergorgeouseyes.
Gorgeous eyes? Fuck Get it together, Sarkozy
“Yeah Tonight,you’regoingtowriteyourletterofresignationandneverstepfootinthisarenaagain” Shescoffs.“Excuseme?”
“DidIstutter?Wedon’tneedyouhere,nordowewantyouhere.”
“Thentakeitupwiththebigguysupstairs Youarenotinchargearoundhere Idon’tknowwhatyourproblemwithmeis,but itseemstobealittletoopersonal”
I slammyhand against the wall, makingher jump. “Youknow why! Is this some sort of sickfuckin’joke to youand your family?Useyourconnectionstogetinhereandfuckwithme?”
Sheshakesherhead “You’reinsane Iappliedtoalltheteamswithopenings Thishasnothingtodowithwhathappenedlast year Itwasanaccident ”
“That’showwe’regonnaplay?Yougotsomeballs,Cassandra.Don’tfuckingshowuphere.Everagain.” Iturnonmyheel andwalkaway,hopeful thatour littleinteractionmadeapoint.I’mdoubtful thatshe’ll show uptomorrow. Walkingtomytruck,Ihopinandheadtomyapartment
Wehaveacuptofocusonandwedon’tneedCassandraD’amatofuckingupthoseplans AndIcertainlydon’tneedhermessingwithmyheadlikeearlier.Shemaybepretty,butafterwhathappenedwithherbrother,I justcan’tbringmyselfto evenbe near her. Imean, fuck. She would never wantto be withme, anyway. Whatkind ofsister
wouldbeattractedtothesamemanwhokilledherbrother?
IknowImayhavehurtherfeelings,butit'snecessary.Noroomforerrors.Noroomforfeelings. Cassandracan'tworkhere.Pointblank.
Anyway,afterwhatIjustdidtoher,IhavenodoubtJoey'spuckbunnyprincesswillevershowherfaceinthisarenaagain.
ISITSMUGLYINmyoffice,waitingforSarkozytoarrive.Mydooriswideopensotheteamcanseemeassoonasthey walkin.
He thought he could intimidate me like that? That I would just walk away from my dream job? Well, he’s about to learn a hard lesson on the resilience and stubbornness of Cassandra D’amato. Icanhear the teamcominginandsitupstraight,thatsmugsmile onmyface.As the guys come throughthe door,they’re all laughingandjokingwitheachother,notevenbotheringtolookintomyoffice.
ThenLucasSarkozywalksthroughthedoor Hissmilefaltersashelooksupandmakeseyecontactwithme Hisgreyeyesturn darkandstormyashepushespasthisteammates,stormingintomyoffice. Heslamsthedoorshutbehindhim,slamminghishandsonmydesks,leaningdowntogetinmyface.
“WhatthefuckdidItellyou?”
Ishrug “I’veneverbeengoodatlistening”
Lucaspointsinmyface.“Wedon’tneedyouhere.”
“Yes,youdo.Youneedasocialmediapresence.Yourfanswanttoconnecttoyou.”
He shakes his head. “No. We don’t need to connect like that. They come to the games and see us fucking win, that’s connecting”
IrollmyeyesasIstandfrommydesk.“Verymature.”Ipointtothesign-upsheetonmydoor.“Pickaspot.Sarkozy.”Walking out,Icallout.“Horne!Comeoninandlet’sdoyourinterview.”
HesmilesashewalkspastLucas,ploppingdowninmyofficechair.“Let’sdothis,sweetcheeks.”
Laughing,Ipointouttowardtherink “Let’sdoitoutthere Ithinktheicewouldbeasuitablebackdrop I’llgrabmycamera andtripodandmeetyououtthere”
HorneheadsoutandLucasstepsinfrontofme.“Don’tdothis,D’amato.”
“You’renotthebossofme,Sarkozy.”
Ipushpasthimandheadouttotherink Horneisontheice,doingsomebasicskatingdrills Igrabmyphoneandtakesome quickvideosandpicstopostwithhisinterview
Hecomesskatingover,iceflyingallover.“Ready?”
“Onlyifyouare.I’llsetupthetripodonthebenchandyoucanstand?Orwecandoittheoppositewayifyouwannasit.” “I’llsit”
HornetakesaseatasIsetupthetripodandcamera Istandbehinditandclickontherecord “Alright.Let’sstartwithyourname,number,position,andteamyouplayfor.”
Hesmiles.“Heythere.I’mTimotheeHorne,rightwingerfortheWolfmontVikings.Numberfourteenbaby!”
Ilaughashepumpshishandsintheair “Perfect Thefanswilllovethat Howdidyougetintoplayinghockey?”
“Igrew upinasmall Canadiantownwherehockeywaswhatweall livedfor.PlayedsinceIcouldwalk.Pondhockey,tiny tots,younameit,Iplayedit.GotascholarshiptoplayforBleakdaleUniversity,goducks!” “Tellmeaboutyourself.Whatdoyouliketodooutsideofhockey?”
Hechuckles “There’salifeoutsideofhockey?Ha,justkidding Ienjoyspendingtimebackhome I’mactuallybigintoreading andI’manamateuralienresearcher.”
“Wow,tellmeaboutthat.”
“Aliensarereal.Butthey’recoollittlegreendudes.They’recomingandwegottaberealchillaboutthem.Treatthemlikethey grewhere,notliketheyflewhere,yaknow?”
Inodmyheadwhilestiflingmylaugh.“Absolutely.Ihadagreattimegettingtoknowyoutoday,andI'msurethefanswillbe excitedtohearmorefromyou!”
Iturnthecameraoff,andTimstandsup.“Hey,don’tletSarkozygettoyou.He’sanassholetoeverybody.” “Eh,it’sokay Igrewupwithfiveolderbrothers,sothisisnothingtome”
“Look..I’mreallysorryaboutJoey.He,uh-“
Ishakemyhead,puttingmyhandup.“It’sokay.We’vemadepeacewithit.” “Okay.Justknow,weallmourned.Joeywasanamazingplayer.”
Smiling, Inod “Thathe was He died doingwhathe loved Itis whatitis Imiss mybrother everysingle day, butIdon’t harboranyresentmentagainstSarkozyortheteam.IfIdid,Iwouldn’tbehereworkingwithyouall!”
Hornechuckles.“Gotapoint,Cassie!I’mheadingbackontheice.Therestoftheguysshouldcomeoutsoon.”
Iwatchas he skates off, the restofthe teamslowlycomingoutas well. Sarkozycomes outlast, glaringatme as he skates aroundtherink
Sighing, I packup mythings and walkbackinto myoffice. Joeydied doingwhat he loved; playinghockey. Withas many concussionsashehad,itwasonlyamatteroftime.Lucas’shitjusthappenedtobethefinalone. I'veheldnoill-willagainstthisteam,orSarkozyhimself.Accidentshappen.Thiscanbeadangeroussport,andweknewthat goingintoit Joeyknew,mymother,myfather,everysinglepersoninmyfamily Betweenconcussions,injuries,Imeancome on!They'redancingaroundonrazorblades,forgoodnesssakes
Sarkozycanbeupsetallhewants,butI'mheretodoajob.I'mnothereforrevengeoranythingcrazylikethat.Ijustwantto takepictures,gotohockeygames,andlivemylife.
Withoutanydrama
Lookingdownatmylaptop,Ipushthosethoughtsoutofmyheadandfocusonthetaskathand IneedtoeditTim’svideoand getituploadedtonightbeforethegametomorrow.IhaveaplantoreallymakeitknownthatI’mheretostayandthatthisteam needsme.NomatterwhatSarkozythinksorsays.I'mheretostay.
GAMEDAY.
MyChristmasmorning.Mygotime.Mytimetoshine.I’mcompletelyinthezone. UntilIwalkintothelockerroomandsee her;CassandraD’amato “Whythefuckisshehere?”
TheotherguyslookupatmeasCassandracomesoutofheroffice.Hornestandsupandshrugs. “She’sthesocialmedialady.”
IshakemyheadasIstalkclosertoher “No She’snothingtothisteam Socialmediaisajokeandcompletelyuseless We’re heretowinfuckinghockeygames.”
Cassandrasmirks.“We’llsee,huh?”
“Gotsomethingtosay,D’amato?” “How‘boutabet?”
Theotherguyshootandholler.ButIdon’tbreakeyecontactwithher. “Fine.Laydowntherules.” “Thegame.”
Iarchmyeyebrows “Whataboutit?”
“Whenyougooutthere,Iwantyoutolookaroundandseehowmanypeopleareoutthereandwhosejerseythey’rewearing.” “Ok.Andwhenyoulose?”
D’amatolaughs.“IF Ilose,I’llwalkawayaftertonight.ButWHEN Iwin?Youhavetositdownanddoaninterviewwithme.” “Deal”
Iputmyhandout,andsheputsherhandinmine
Her hand is so soft. It looks so tiny compared to mine. It makes me want to pull her into an empty room and have my way with her.
Iquicklypullmyhandawayfromher Idon’tknow whatkindofsorceryshe’stryingtouseonme,butitwon’twork Coach comesinandwaveshishandsaround “Let’sgo!Getyourfuckin’skatesonandgettothattunnel!”
HornewalksoverandpatsCassandraontheback.“Seeyououtthere,Cassie!!”
Cassie? What the fuck? Since when are they so close? Clearly, her charm has worked on some of the guys But not me I won’t go down that path I don't need to go down that path I'm good, alone
Shakingmyhead,Iheadtothetunnelandwaitforthecuetoheadtotheice.Icanhearthecrowdgoingwildastheydimthe lights.Thelowvibrationfromthemusicgetslouderandlouder.
The drums beat as the lights flash The crowd is screaming out for us The guitar plays, but when it stops, the fireworks explodeandwecomeskatingoutasthedrumsandguitarplayagain.
Ilookaroundandrealizethateverysingleseatisfilled.Fromthenosebleedsdowntothefrontrowseats.Fansarebangingon theglass,paintontheirfacesandallwearingeitherjerseyswithourteamnameorsomesortofVikingoutfit.
ButasIlookcloser,Iseeexactlywho’sjerseytheyarewearing;Horne’s Heskatespastmeandsmirksunderhishelmet.“It’safuckin’seaofmyname,babyyy!” Lookingoveratthebench,IseeCassandrasittingrightbehindit,aslylittlesmirkonherface.
She fucking knew she was gonna win that bet That fucking… Ishakemyheadandfocusonthegame WealllineupasthenationalanthemfortheUSAandCanadaplays,thenwegetinour positions.
Therefdropsthepuck,andit’sgamefuckingon.AtrailofpowderfollowsbehindmyskatesasIglideacrosstheice.Horne passesthepucktomeasIlookupandseetwodefendersinfrontofme.
One steps forward, tryingto take me outwithhis shoulder Butto his surprise, Isidestep himand pass the puckto another teammate.Thepuckbeingpassedbacktomealreadyhasthecrowdgoingwild.
Aheadfakeforces thegoalietofreeze,thinkinghe’s aheadofme.Instead,Icontinuetohandlethepuck.Ileaveitdangling, confusingthegoalie.Helungesouttobatitaway,butIpullthepuckbackin.
BAM
Iloftthepuckintothenet;thecrowdgoingwild.Ipumpmyhandsintheair,myteammatesandIpattingeachotherontheback.
WhenIlookintothecrowd,IlockeyeswithCassandra.Herblondehairisupinaponytail,strandsfallingtoframeherface. She’sgotoneofourjerseyson,handswavingintheairasshecheersuson
Shit, she’s gorgeous.
Horneskatespastme,bumpingintomeashechuckles “Pretty,ain’tshe?” “Shutthefuckup”
“Oooo,somebody’sgotalittlecrushonCassie.”
IshovehimasIskateofftothebench Thegameismyfocus NotCassandra,notanythingelse Itdoesn’tmatterhowprettyshe is;CassandraD’amatoisnotmyfriend,isnotmyteammate,isnotandwillneverbealoveinterest
Hockeyismylife.Thatisit.
Thebuzzergoesoffandweallheadbackontotheice,readytodominateouropponents Gamefaceson,it’stimetopillageand destroy.
Therestofthegamegoessimilar,withuswinningfivetonothing.Weheadbackintothelockerroomtochangeintooursuits. Thenweheadbackouttothepressroomtotalk
Reportersscreamquestionsatus,aseaofchaoticmicrophonesshoveduptowardourtable IcanseeD'amatobehindthemall, squeezingherwaythroughthecrowd.
Shesitsrightupfront,thatgorgeousfuckingsmileondisplay.
Hornebumpsmyshoulderandwhispers "Answerthequestion"
Iclearmythroat."I'msorry.Whatwasthequestion?Musthavehitmyheadhardtonight,ha."
Thecrowdlaughsandtheredheadedreporterwinksatme."Noproblem.Howdoyoufeelabouttonight'sgame?" "Wewon,soprettydamngood."
"What'syourfavoritewayto celebrate awin?"
Cassandrarollshereyes,andthereporterbatshereyesatme.TryingtoseeifI'lltakethebait.Butsincetheotherday,allIcan thinkofisacertainblonde…
"Goinghomeandplayingsomevideogames,tobehonest."
Afewmorereportersaskmyteammatesquestionsandweheadbacktothelockerroomafter Iheadtotheshowers,readyto justgohome.Cassandra’slittlebetisstillinthebackofmymind.Shemayhavethoughtshewon,butIwon’tmakeiteasyon her.
IT’SANEXHILARATINGEXPERIENCEbeingbehindthelenswhenyourteamwins.Fromthecelebrationonice,tothe lockerroomcheers,tothepressconferencehigh.Theninterviewingfanswhoarejustasexcitedastheguys.Allofitjust remindsmewhyIlovehockeysomuch
Andthatpressconference...Iknowwomenfindhockeyplayersattractive,butdamn.Rightinfrontofeveryotherreporter?But Sarkozyhandeditwellinfrontofeverybody.Isawthereporterstandingoutsidethelockerroom,soI'msurehe'salreadyon hiswaytohisapartmentwithher.
Apartofmystings,butthenIgetmyshittogether He's an asshole, Cass. Not attracted to you. You can look, but don't ever touch. And what would your family think? I sigh. They wouldn't think anything of it, actually. Shaking off this weird feeling, I walk around the arena just to check everythingout.Everyonehasleftthebuildingexceptforsomesecurityandthejanitors. Iheadbacktomyofficeaftermakingafewlaps UploadingallthefootageIgot,Itransferitalltotheirownfoldersandstartto reallygothroughallthepicturesandvideos.
Some go into video folders, others into picture folders. Fromthere, Igetevendeeper inmyorganizationand sorttheminto whichsocialmediachannelsI'llusethemon.
Hornepopsinwithasmile “Thatlistislookingprettylong” “Allthankstoyoufortakingachanceonme.”
“Anytime,Cassie.Haveagoodnightandthanksformyinterview.It’sreallycooltoseethosefansouttherewithmyname.”He turns,butthenwhipsback.“Dude.Thenosebleedfanshadaliens!Alienshirts,blowupaliens,itwasfuckin’awesome.”
Ismileashepracticallyskipsoutofmyoffice Laughingtomyself,Igetuptocheckthesignuplist Almosteverysingleplayer isonthere exceptforone Lucas Sarkozy.
Shakingmyhead,Iwalkbacktomydesktograbmythings.I’ll hunthimdowninafew days.Lethimstew inhisloss.That willteachhimtomakeabetwithme There'snodoubtinmymindhe'llkeephispromise I’mheadingoutwhenIhearanoisecomingfromtheothersideofthelockerroom Curious,Iplacemybagsdownonabench andtiptoeover.
Thenoiseiscomingfromtheshowers…there’smusicandsomebodysinging.
It’s a slow, sensual song Lyrics abouthow nothing, notevendeath, cankeep themfromtheir love Ican’thelp myselfas I slowlywalkin Ineedtoknowthepersonbehindthisbeautifulvoice WhenIturnthecorner,thesteammovesfromthehotshower.Lucasisstandingunderthewater,thedropletsglisteninghisgod likebodyashebeltsoutthewordstothesong.
I’mfrozenintimeasIwatchhim,entrancedbytheentiresceneplayingoutinfrontofme Lucasisgorgeous Fromhislong darkhair,tothebeard,tohischiseledbody.Everythingisimpeccableabouttheman.
Ifinallysnapoutofit,rememberingwhatanassholeheis.Istepbackwards,thenturn,tryingtogetoutofthereasfastasIcan. Butahandonmyarmpullsmeback.I’mslammedintoLucas’schest.Lookingup,hiseyesaredark.Thestormbrewingbehind themsendsshiversdownmyspine
“Whywereyouwatchingme, Cassandra?”
Thewayhesaysmynamesoundsso… sultry. “I,uh.Iwas..wasn’t.”
Hesmirks “Catgotyourtongue?”Ishakemyhead,andLucasleansdown “Seesomethingyoulike?” Ipushbackfromhim,scoffingasIpullmyshittogether.“No.Assholesaren’tmything.”
Lucassneersatme.“You’refuckingmouthy,yaknowthat?”
“I’vebeentold.Iwasjustcomingtoremindyoutosignupforyourinterview.Iwonthatbet,soyougottapayup.”
“No”
Mymouthdrops.“Excuseme?”
”Isaidno.”
“Wemadeadeal!”
Lucaspushesmeagainstthewall,hisarmscagingmein “Idon’thavesomefeel fuckin’goodstoryIwanttosharewiththe world.I’mnotaniceguy.DoyouthinkIgotthenicknamethebadboyoftheOHLbecauseI’mafuckin’BoyScout?No.I’mthe mosthatedmanintheleague.Don’tpretendlikeyoudidn’tdoyourresearch.”
“Ithinkthere’smoretoyourstory,Lucas.”
Heslamshishandonthewall,makingmejump “There’snot We’redonehere” Lucaswalksawayfromme.
“Butthebet,theinterview…”
Heturnsonhisheel.“Thatwasyourdamninterview.LucasSarkozyiseverybitofanasshole,astheysay.Boom.Done.”
Ashestormsaway,Islidedownthewall,completelydefeated IthoughtIwasgoingtomakesomeprogresswithhim Maybe he’sright;heistheassholelikeeverybodysays
Pickingmyselfup,Igrabmybagandheadhome.Ineedtodecompress,reallythinkabouthowtogoaboutthisjob.HowcanI bepositivewhenthecaptaincan'tevenkeephisowndamnpromise?
Shakingmyhead,Ipackmythingsupandheadouttomycar Drivingoutofthelot,IcatchSarkozyoutofthecornerofmyeye, thatdropdeadgorgeousreporterleaningonhiscar
ButasIwatchcloser,heshakeshishead,throwinghishandsupintheairashegetsintohistruck.Shebangsonthewindow, yethejustdrivesoff.
Itgives methetiniestbitofpleasuretoknow shegotturneddownafter tryingsohard Sighing,Idriveoutandhitthedrive throughbeforegettinghome
Good,cheapfood,sometrashytv,andmycomfysweatpantsaretheperfectendingtothisday.
AWEEKHAS GONE byand Cassandra has avoided me all damnweek. I almost feel bad. But thenI remember how annoyingsheis.Shedeservedeverysinglelittlethingthatgamenight. Ilookuptoseeherlaughingwiththeotherguys,andthisrageboilsthroughmybody
She won’t even look at me. Why the fuck can she get along with everybody but me? Cause I’m an asshole, that’s why.
Coachcomesinandslapstheclipboardonmyback.“Readytohittheroad?” “Yes,sir.”
He clears his throatand everybodyturns to lookathim “Bus leaves infifteen Make sure all your personal shitis packed Gearisalreadyloadedontheplane.”HeturnsandpointstoCassandra.“D’amato.Gotyourthingsready?” “Yup!Wickedexcited,Coach.”
Istandupandglareather,butsheagainturnsawayfromme.“Whythefuckisshegoing?”
Coachsighs “Sarkozy Enough Getyourshitpackedandjustgetonthebus”
Cassandrasmirksasshewalkspastme,herbackpacknailingmerightinthestomachassheswingsitontoher.
Weallheadoutandclimbintothebus,fanswaitingoutsidetoseeus.Cassandrahasherphoneinhand,videoingeverythingas shewalksinbehindus.
Thebusrideisshort Itpullsintotheairportandweallunload It’sanicerplanewithbiggerseatsmadeforus Ithasourlogo onitwiththeseatsmatchingaswell.
Cassandra sits right up front, all smiles like this is some fucking girls' trip. I wait until everybody else is seated before ploppingdownnexttoher.
“Whyareyouhere?”
Sheturnsandglares “Totakepictures”Cassandrasnapsapictureofmewithherphone “See?Easypeasy” Cassandraputsherheadphonesinandturnstolookoutthewindow.Iriptheheadphonerightoutofherear.
“Iwasn’tdonetalkingtoyou,Cassandra.”
“I’mofftheclockassoonasthepuckdrops,don’tworry Justhereforpreandpostgamepictures”
Sheturnsherentirebodyawaythistime,forcingmetowalkaway Isitdirectlybehindher,makingsuresheknowsthatI’mnot goinganywhere.
Wefinallylandandheadofftheplanetoanotherbus.Thatbustakesustothestadiumwherewe’llbeplayingtonightagainst theCheshireCalvary
Headingintothelockerroom,IlookaroundandseenosignofCassandra
Good. I can focus on the game.
We all change and head outto the ice to do a quickwarmup Still no signofCassandra as we head backinside the locker room.Theteamgoesthroughtheplansfortonight,whattokeepaneyeonandwhotoavoid.
Game time finally arrives, and we head to the press roomto do our pre game conference. After answering all the yelling reporters,weheadbackintothelockerroomandwaitforthehometeamtoheadoutfirst.
Theyintroduceourteam,andweskateouttoaseaofboosandjeers Butitjustfuelsuson,ignitesthefiretodestroythehome team.
Theydon’tcallusVikingsfornothing;wewillpillagetheCalvary,burntheirhometotheground,laughaswewatchthemcry formercy.
Iskatearoundtherink,thenwelineupfor thenational anthems Ilookaroundas themusicplays,lookingfor her Butshe’s nowheretobeseen.
Weallgetinpositionastheothercaptainstaresmedown.Thepuckdropsandit’sfuckinggametime.
Chaos ensues as bodies slamtogether and thatlittle blackpiece ofrubber slides across the ice. The crowd screams as the announcersencouragemore
Islideintothewallwherethefansbangontheglass.ButwhenIlookup,Iseeher;Cassandra.
Exceptshe’swearingtheotherteam'sjersey,specificallytheothercaptains.Ibangontheglasstogetherattention,notgivinga flyingfuckaboutthegame.
“Takethatshitoff,D’amato!”
Butshejustshakesherhead,flippingmeoffintheprocess.Theothercaptaincomesflyingupandchecksme. Alright. I’ve had enough of this motherfucker.
Iskateovertohimandpushhimontotheice;thecrowdsscreamingforagoodfight. The crowd gets what the crowd wants Heturnsandshakeshishead.“StaythefuckawayfromCassie.”
IlaughasIripmyglovesandhelmetoff.Hedoesthesameandwecircleeachotherasthecrowdchantsfight. Hetriestothrowapunch,butIdodgeit.Igrabthebackofhisshirtandpullhimover,hittinghiminthestomachafewtimes. Hepushesawayastherefscomerushingover
Iwhiparoundandnailhiminthefaceasthereftriestopullmeaway Bloodspurtsfromhisnoseontotheice Therefsmanage tograbusboth,buttheothercaptainswingsaroundandhitsmerightinthetemple. IseestarsasIlungeforward.Buthemovesoutofthewayastherefsdragustothepenaltyboxes.Thecrowdyellsascoach justshakeshishead
Lookingover,Cassandraissittingrightnexttothebox,astupidsmirkonherface Ibangontheglassagain.“Takethatshitoff,Cassandra!” “Offtheclock!”
“TakeitofforI’llhopoutofhereandcutitthefuckoffofyou!”
Sherollsherprettyfuckin’eyesatme
Wait. Pretty? Shit. I must have gotten hit harder than I thought. Whenmypenaltytimeisup,Igetrightbackontheiceandchargetowardtheotherteam.Ineedthiswinmorethanevertoday. It’satoughgame,butwewinthreetotwo IcheckthecaptainintothewallagainasImakemywaybacktomybench Coach justshakeshisheadagain “Getinthere,Sarkozy.”
Butlookingback,IseeCassandraontheicehuggingtheothercaptain Iseefuckingredastheylaughtogether
thisjealous..right?Fuck,I’mallmessedupfromthathit.
Looks like Cassandra and I will be having a little chat before we head back to the hotel…
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Citizens of United States, not to be abridged on account of color, race, or previous condition of servitude, (15th amendment), .. .. 20
Citizens of each State shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States, 4 2 17
Claims, no prejudice to certain, 4 3 17 of the United States, or of the several States, not to be prejudiced by any construction of the Constitution, 4 3 18
Coasting trade, regulations respecting, 1 9 15
Coin, Congress fix value of foreign, 1 8 15
Commerce, Congress to regulate, 1 8 15 regulations respecting, to be equal and uniform, 1 9 15
Commissions to be granted by the President, 2 3 17
Common law recognized and established, (7th amendment), .. .. 19
Congress vested with power, 1 1 13 may alter the regulations of State legislatures concerning elections of senators and representatives, except as to place of choosing senators, 1 4 14 shall assemble once every year, 1 4 14 officers of government cannot be members of, 1 6 14 may provide for cases of removal, death, &c., of President and Vice-President, 2 1 16 may determine the time of choosing electors of President and Vice-President, 2 1 16
may invest the appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the courts of law, or the heads of departments, 2 2 16 may establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court, 3 1 17 may declare the punishment of treason, 3 3 17 may prescribe the manner of proving the acts and records of each State, 4 1 17 to assent to the formation of new States, 4 3 18 may propose amendments to Constitution or call a convention, 5 1 18 to lay and collect duties, 1 8 15 to borrow money, 1 8 15 to regulate commerce, 1 8 15 to establish uniform laws of bankruptcy and naturalization, 1 8 15 to coin money, to regulate the value of coin, and fix a standard of weights and measures, 1 8 15 to punish counterfeiting, 1 8 15 to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court, 1 8 15 to define and punish piracies, felonies on the high seas, and offenses against the laws of nations, 1 8 15 to establish post offices and post roads, 1 8 15 to authorize patents to authors and inventors, 1 8 15 to declare war, grant letters of marque, and make rules concerning captures, 1 8 15 to raise and support armies, 1 8 15
to provide and maintain a navy, 1 8 15 to make rules for the government of the army and navy, 1 8 15 to call out the militia in certain cases, 1 8 15 to organize, arm, and discipline militia, 1 8 15 to exercise exclusive legislation over seat of government, 1 8 15 to pass laws necessary to carry the enumerated powers into effect, 1 8 15 to dispose of and make rules concerning the territory or other property of the United States, 4 3 18
President may convene and adjourn in certain cases, 2 3 17 may enforce prohibition of slavery by appropriate legislation, (amendment), 13 2 20
Congress may, by a two-third’s vote, remove disability of persons who engaged in rebellion, (14th amendment), 14 8 20 shall have power, by appropriate legislation, to enforce the provisions of Article XIV, (14th amendment), 14 5 20 shall have power to enforce the provisions of Article XV, (15th amendment), 15 2 20 representation in, how apportioned, (14th amendment), .. 2 20
Constitution, how amended, 5 1 18 laws and treaties declared to be the supreme law, 6 1 18 rendered operative by the ratification of nine States, 7 1 18
Contracts, no law impairing, 1 10 16
Conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution, 5 1 18
Counterfeiting, Congress to provide for punishment of, 1 8 15
Court, Supreme, its original and appellate jurisdiction, 3 2 17
Courts inferior to the Supreme Court may be ordained by Congress, 1 8 15 Ditto Ditto, 3 1 17
Crimes, persons accused of, fleeing from justice, may be demanded, 4 2 17 how to be tried, 3 2 17
Criminal prosecutions, proceedings in cases of, .. .. 19
Debts against the confederation to be valid, 6 1 18
Debt, public, authorized by law, shall not be questioned, (14th amendment), .. 4 20 incurred in aid of rebellion not to be assumed or paid, (14th amendment), .. 4 20
Disability of persons who engaged in rebellion (14th amendment), .. 3 20
Duties to be laid by Congress, and to be uniform, 1 8 15 further provision respecting, 1 9 15 cannot be laid by the States, 1 10 16 on exports prohibited, 1 9 15 on imports and exports imposed by States shall inure to the treasury of the United States, 1 10 16
Elections of Senators and representative shall be prescribed by the States, 1 4 14 qualifications and returns of members of Congress to be determined by each house, 1 5 14
Electors of President and Vice-President, how chosen, and their duties, 2 1 16 altered (see 12th amendment), .. .. 19 to vote the same day throughout the United States, 2 1 16 no senator or representative, or public officer, shall serve as, 2 1 16
Enumeration every ten years, 1 2 13
Executive power vested in the President, (see President), 2 1 16
Exports not to be taxed, 1 9 15 and imports, States prohibited from laying duties on, 1 10 16
Ex post facto law, none shall be passed, 1 9 15 prohibited to States, 1 10 16
Fines, excessive prohibited, .. .. 19
Fugitives from justice to be delivered up, 4 2 17 from service may be reclaimed, 4 2 17
Habeas corpus, writ of, can be suspended in cases of rebellion or invasion, 1 9 15
House of Representatives. (See Representatives.)
Impeachment to be brought by House of Representatives, 1 2 13 tried by the Senate, 1 3 14
Impeachment, judgment on, 1 3 14 all civil officers liable to, 2 4 17
Importation of slaves, not prohibited till 1808, 1 9 15
Judges shall hold their office during good behavior, 3 1 17 their compensation, 3 1 17
Judiciary—tribunals inferior to Supreme Court may be created, 1 8 15
Judicial power vested in a Supreme Court and courts inferior, 3 1 17 powers of the judiciary, 3 2 17 restriction as to suits against a State, .. .. 19
Judicial proceedings of each State are entitled to faith and credit in every State, 4 1 17
Jury trial secured, and shall be held in the State where the crime shall have been committed, 3 2 17 further regulated, (6th amendment), .. .. 19
secured in suits at common law where the value of controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, (7th amendment), .. .. 19
Law, what is declared the supreme, 6 1 18 common, recognized and established, (7th amendment), .. ..
Laws, President to see them faithfully executed, 2 3 17
Legislative powers vested in Congress. (See Congress.)
Loans, authority to make, 1 8 15
Marque and reprisal, letters of, 1 8 15
Militia to be called out, 1 8 15 to be officered by the States, 1 8 15 to be commanded by the President, 2 2 19 their right to keep and bear arms secured, (2d amendment), .. .. 19
Money shall be drawn from the treasury only by appropriation laws, 1 9 15 Congress to coin and regulate value of, 1 8 15 States cannot make, 1 10 16
Naturalization, uniform rules of, 1 8 15
Navy, Congress to provide and govern, 1 8 15
Nobility, titles of, shall not be granted by the United States, 1 9 15 nor by the States, 1 10 12
Oath of the President, 2 1 16 of the public officers, 6 1 18
Office, who prohibited from holding, (14th amendment), .. 3 20
Officers of the House of Representatives shall be chosen by the House, 1 2 13
Officers of the Senate shall be chosen by the Senate, 1 3 14 civil, may be removed by impeachment, 2 4 17
Order of one house requiring the concurrence of the other, 1 7 14
Pardons, President may grant, 2 2 16
Patents to be granted to inventors, 1 8 15
Petition, right of, .. .. 19
Persons held to service or labor, their importation or migration into the United States may be prohibited after 1808, 1 9 15
escaping from one State to another shall be delivered up to those entitled to service, 4 2 17
Piracy, Congress to prescribe punishment for, 1 8 15
Post offices and post roads, establishment of, 1 8 15
Powers not delegated to Congress nor prohibited to the States are reserved, (10th amendment), .. .. 19
legislative (See Congress.) executive (See President.) judicial (See Judicial.)
Presents from foreign powers to public officers prohibited, 1 9 15
Press, freedom of
President of the U. S. vested with the executive power, 2 1 16 shall be chosen for four years, 2 1 16 how elected, 2 1 16 same, (12th amendment), .. .. 19 qualifications for, 2 1 16 who shall act in case of vacancy, 2 1 16 compensation of, 2 1 16 shall take an oath of office, 2 1 16 may be removed by impeachment, 2 4 17
President, commander of army, navy, and militia, 2 2 16 may require the written opinion of the heads of departments, 2 2 16 may reprieve and pardon, 2 2 16 may make treaties with consent of the Senate, 2 2 16 may appoint to office with consent of the Senate, 2 2 16 shall fill up vacancies happening during the recess of the Senate, 2 2 16 shall give information to Congress and recommend measures, 2 3 17 may convene both houses or either house, 2 3 17 may adjourn them in case of disagreement, 2 3 17 shall receive ambassadors and public ministers, 2 3 17 shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, 2 3 17 shall commission all officers, 2 3 17
Privileges and immunities of members of Congress, 1 6 14 of citizens (See Citizens, also Rights.)
Property, Congress to provide for care of public, 4 3 18 shall not be taken for public use without just compensation, (5th amendment), .. ..
Punishments, cruel and unusual, prohibited, .. ..
Quorum for business, what shall be a, 1 5 14 of States in choosing a President by the House of Representatives, 2 1 16
Quartered, no soldier to be quartered on a citizen, .. .. 19
Rebellion, debt incurred in aid of, not to be assumed or paid, (14th amendment), .. 4 20
disability of persons who have engaged in (14th amendment), .. 3 20
Receipts and expenditures, accounts of, to be published, 1 9 15
Records, how to be authenticated, 4 1 17
Religion—no law to be made—free exercise of, .. .. 19 religious test not required, 6 .. 18
Reprieves granted by the President, 2 2
Representatives, House of, composed of members chosen every second year, 1 2 13 qualifications of voters, 1 2 13 qualifications of members, 1 2 13 apportionment of, 1 2 13 vacancies, how supplied, 1 2 13 shall choose their officers, 1 2 13 shall have the power of impeachment, 1 2 13
Representation shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its members, 1 5 14 what shall be a quorum, 1 5 14 any number may adjourn and compel the attendance of absentees, 1 5 14 may determine the rules of proceeding, 1 5 14 may punish or expel a member, 1 5 14 shall keep a journal and publish the same, 1 5 14 shall not adjourn for more than three days nor to any other place, without the consent of the Senate, 1 5 14 one-fifth may require the yeas and nays, 1 5 14 shall originate bills for raising revenue, 1 7 14 compensation to be ascertained by law, 1 6 14 privileged from arrest, except in certain cases, 1 6 14
Representatives shall not be questioned for speech or debate in the House, 1 6 14 shall not be appointed to office, 1 6 14 shall not serve as electors of President, 2 1 16 and direct taxes apportioned according to numbers, 1 2 13 how apportioned among the several States, (14th amendment), .. 2 20 who prohibited from being, (14th amendment), .. 3 20 of a State, vacancies in, supplied until a new election by executive authority, 1 2 13
Resolution, order, or vote, requiring the concurrence of both houses, to undergo the formalities of bills, 1 7 14
Revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives, 1 7 14
Rights of the citizen declared to be— privileges of citizens of the several States, 4 2 17 liberty of conscience in matters of religion, .. .. 19 freedom of speech and of the press, .. .. 19 to assemble and petition, .. .. 19
to keep and bear arms, .. .. 19 to be exempt from the quartering of soldiers, .. .. 19 to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures, .. .. 19 to be free from answering for a crime, unless on presentment or indictment of a jury, .. .. 19 not to be twice jeoparded for the same offence, .. .. 19 not to be compelled to be a witness against himself, .. .. 19 not to be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due course of law, .. .. 19 private property not to be taken for public use, .. .. 19 in criminal prosecutions, shall enjoy the right of a speedy trial by jury, with all the means necessary for his defence, .. .. 19 in civil cases trial to be by jury, and shall only be re-examined according to common law, .. .. 19 excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines imposed, no cruel nor unusual punishment inflicted, .. .. 19 enumeration of certain rights shall not operate against retained rights, .. .. 19
Rules, each house shall determine its own, 1 5 14
Seat of government, exclusive legislation, 1 8 15
Searches and seizures, security against, .. .. 19
Senate, composed of two senators from each State, 1 3 14 how chosen, classed, and terms of service, 1 3 14
Senate, qualifications of senators, 1 3 14 Vice-President to be President of the, 1 3 14 shall choose their officers, 1 3 14 shall be the judge of the elections and qualifications of its members, 1 5 14 what number shall be a quorum, 1 5 14 any number may adjourn, and compel attendance of absentees, 1 5 14 may determine its rules, 1 5 14 may punish or expel a member, 1 5 14 shall keep a journal, and publish the same, except parts requiring secrecy, 1 5 14 shall not adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place, without the consent of the other house, 1 5 14 one-fifth may require the yeas and nays, 1 5 14 may propose amendments to bills for raising revenue, 1 7 14 shall try impeachments, 1 3 14 effect of their judgment on impeachment, 1 3 14 compensation to be ascertained by law, 1 6 14 privileged from arrest, 1 6 14 not questioned for any speech or debate, 1 6 14 shall not be appointed to office, 1 6 14
Senator, shall not be elector, 2 1 16 who prohibited from being, (14th amendment), .. 3 20
Senators and representatives, elections of, how prescribed, 1 4 14
Slaves, their importation may be prohibited after 1808, 1 9 15 escaping from one State to another may be reclaimed, 4 2 17 claims for the loss or emancipation of, to be held illegal and void, (14th amendment), .. 4 20
Slavery, except as a punishment for crime, prohibited, amendment, 13 1 20 Congress authorized to enforce the prohibition of, (amendment), 13 2 20
Soldiers not quartered on citizens, .. .. 19
Speaker, how chosen, 1 2 13
Speech, freedom of, .. .. 19
States prohibited from— entering into treaty, alliance, or confederation, 1 10 16 granting letters of marque, 1 10 16 coining money, 1 10 16 emitting bills of credit, 1 10 16 making anything a tender but gold and silver coin, 1 10 16 prohibited from— passing bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or laws impairing contracts, 1 10 16 granting titles of nobility, 1 10 16 laying duties on imports and exports, 1 10 16 laying duties on tonnage, 1 10 16 keeping troops or ships of war in time of peace, 1 10 16 entering into any agreement or contract with another State or foreign power, 1 10 16 engaging in war, 1 10 16 abridging right of United States citizens of, to vote on account of race or color, (15th amendment), .. 1 20
States, new, may be admitted into the Union, 4 3 18 may be admitted within the jurisdiction of others, or by the junction of two or more, with the consent of Congress and the legislatures concerned, 4 3 18
State judges bound to consider treaties, the Constitution, and the laws under it, as supreme, 6 .. 18
State, every, guarantied a republican form of government, protected by United States, 4 4 18
Supreme Court. (See Court and Judiciary.)
Suits at common law, proceedings in, .. .. 19
Tax, direct, according to representation, 1 2 13 shall be laid only in proportion to census, 1 9 15
Tax on exports prohibited, 1 9 15
Tender, what shall be a legal, 1 10 16
Territory or public property, Congress may make rules concerning, 4 3 18
Test, religious, shall not be required, 6 .. 18
Titles. (See Nobility.)
Title from foreign state prohibited, 1 9 15
Treason, defined, 3 3 17 two witnesses, or confession, necessary for conviction, 3 3 17 punishment of, may be prescribed by Congress, 3 3 17
Treasury, money drawn from, only by appropriation, 1 9 15
Treaties, how made, 2 2 16 the supreme law, 6 .. 18 States cannot make, 1 10 16
Vacancies happening during the recess may be filled temporarily by the President, 2 2 16 in representation in Congress, how filled, 1 2 13
Veto of the President, effect of, and proceedings on, 1 7 14
Vice-President of the U. S. to be President of the Senate, 1 3 14 how elected, 2 1 16 amendment, .. .. 19 shall, in certain cases, discharge the duties of President, 2 1 16 may be removed by impeachment, 2 4 17
Vote of one house requiring the concurrence of the other, 1 7 14 right of citizens to, not to be abridged on account of race or color, (15th amendment), .. 1 20
War, Congress to declare, 1 8 15
Warrants for searches and seizures, when and how they shall issue (14th amendment), .. .. 19
Witness, in criminal cases, no one compelled to be against himself (5th amendment), .. .. 19
Weights and Measures, standard of, 1 8 15
Yeas and nays entered on journal, 1 6 14
BOOK V. TABULATED HISTORY OF POLITICS.
Aggregate Issues of Paper Money in War Times, 5004
Ante-war Debts, 5015
Cabinet Officers of the Administrations, 5013
Chronological Politics, 1765–1892, 5025
Civil Officers, 5018
Customs Tariff of Great Britain, 5010
Electoral Votes for President and Vice-President, 5005
Electoral Votes; Number to which each State has been Entitled, 1789–1892, 5016
Gold; Highest and Lowest Prices of, 5024
Interest Laws of all the States and Territories of the United States, 5004
Length of Sessions of Congress, 1779–1881, 5018
National Commerce, per capita, 5023
National Debt, per capita, 5023
National Expenditures, per capita, 5023
Popular and Electoral Votes in Presidential Elections, 1789–1889, 5011
Presidents and Vice-Presidents,, 5010
President and Vice-President, Candidates for, 5016
Rebellion, Expenditures caused by, 5021
Signers of Declaration of Independence, 5015
Speakers of House of Representatives, 5020
States, when admitted, 5019
Supreme Courts, 5017
Territories, when Organized, 5019
Troops furnished by each State, 1861–65, 5020
Troops, number of called into service during the Rebellion, 5017
Value
of United States
Money
in Foreign Gold and Silver Coin, 5003
1. Edwin Williams in Statesman’s Manual.
2. From the Statesman’s Manual, Vol. 1., by Edwin Williams.
3. N . See Constitution, Art. 3, Sec. 4, p. 5.
4. In the Ritual the words in parentheses are omitted. In the key to the Ritual, they are written in figures the alphabet used being the same as printed below So throughout
Key to Unlock Communications.
1 7 13 19 25 2 8 14 20 26 3 9 15 N O P Q R
V W X Y Z 21 4 10 16 22 5 11 17 23 6 12 18 24
5 Concerning what is said of cities, the key to the Ritual says: “Considered unnecessary to decipher what is said in regard to cities.”
6. President Buchanan’s Inaugural Address.
7 From Mr Buchanan’s Administration on the eve of the Rebellion, published by D Appleton & Co., 1866.
8. The Provisional Constitution adopted by the Seceded States differs from the Constitution of the United States in several important particulars. The alterations and additions are as follows:
ALTERATIONS
1st The Provisional Constitution differs from the other in this: That the legislative powers of the Provisional Government are vested in the Congress now assembled, and this body exercises all the functions that are exercised by either or both branches of the United States Government.
2d. The Provisional President holds his office for one year, unless sooner superseded by the establishment of a permanent Government.
3d. Each State is erected into a distinct judicial district, the judge having all the powers heretofore vested in the district and circuit courts; and the several district judges together compose the supreme bench a majority of them constituting a quorum.
4th Whenever the word “Union” occurs in the United States Constitution the word “Confederacy” is substituted.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ADDITIONS
1st. The President may veto any separate appropriation without vetoing the whole bill in which it is contained.
2d. The African slave-trade is prohibited.
3d. Congress is empowered to prohibit the introduction of slaves from any State not a member of this Confederacy.
4th. All appropriations must be upon the demand of the President or heads of departments.
OMISSIONS
1st. There is no prohibition on members of Congress holding other offices of honor and emolument under the Provisional Government.
2d. There is no provision for a neutral spot for the location of a seat of government, or for sites for forts, arsenals, and dock-yards; consequently there is no reference made to the territorial powers of the Provisional Government.
3d. The section in the old Constitution in reference to capitation and other direct tax is omitted; also, the section providing that no tax or duty shall be laid on any exports
4th The prohibition on States keeping troops or ships of war in time of peace is omitted
5th The Constitution being provisional merely, no provision is made for its ratification
AMENDMENTS.
1st. The fugitive slave clause of the old Constitution is so amended as to contain the word “slave,” and to provide for full compensation in cases of abduction or forcible rescue on the part of the State in which such abduction or rescue may take place
2d Congress, by a vote of two-thirds, may at any time alter or amend the Constitution
TEMPORARY PROVISIONS.
1st. The Provisional Government is required to take immediate steps for the settlement of all matters between the States forming it and their other late confederates of the United Slates in relation to the public property and the public debt
2d Montgomery is made the temporary seat of government
3d This Constitution is to continue one year, unless altered by a two-thirds vote or superseded by a permanent Government
9. From Lalor’s Encyclopædia of Political Science, published by Rand & McNally. Chicago, Ill.
10. Official Journal of the Convention, pp. 9 and 10.
11. The text of Webster’s speech in reply to Hayne, now accepted as the greatest constitutional exposition ever made by any American orator, will be found in our book devoted to Great Speeches on Great Issues.
12. These were afterwards seized.
13. The attempted removal of these heavy guns from Allegheny Arsenal, late in December, 1860, created intense excitement. A monster mass meeting assembled at the call of the Mayor of the city, and citizens of all parties aided in the effort to prevent the shipment Through the interposition of Hon. J. K. Moorhead, Hon. R. McKnight, Judge Shaler, Judge Wilkins, Judge Shannon, and others inquiry was instituted, and a revocation of the order obtained. The Secessionists in Congress bitterly complained of the “mob law” which thus interfered with the routine of governmental affairs. McPherson’s History.
14. Resigned January 17th, 1861, and succeeded by Hon. Lot M. Morrill.
15 Did not attend
16. Resigned and succeeded January 2d, 1861, by Hon. Stephen Coburn.
17. From the “History of Abraham Lincoln and the Overthrow of Slavery,” by Hon. Isaac N. Arnold.
18. 1864, February 15 Repealed the above act, but provided for continuing organizations of partisan rangers acting as regular cavalry and so to continue; and authorizing the Secretary of War to provide for uniting all bands of partisan rangers with other organizations and bringing them under the general discipline of the provisional army
19 See memorandum at end of list
20 This incident was related to the writer by Col A K McClure of Philadelphia, who was in Lancaster at the time.
21. Arnold’s “History of Abraham Lincoln.”
22. On the 23d of July, 1861, the Attorney-General, in answer to a letter from the United States Marshal of Kansas, inquiring whether he should assist in the execution of the fugitive slave law, wrote:
A -G ’ O , July 23, 1861.
J. L. M D , U. S. Marshal, Kansas:
Your letter, of the 11th of July, received 19th, (under frank of Senator Lane, of Kansas,) asks advice whether you should give your official services in the execution of the fugitive slave law.
It is the President’s constitutional duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” That means all the laws. He has no right to discriminate, no right to execute the laws he likes, and leave unexecuted those he dislikes. And of course you and I, his subordinates, can have no wider latitude of discretion than he has Missouri is a State in the Union The insurrectionary disorders in Missouri are but individual crimes, and do not change the legal status of the State, nor change its rights and obligations as a member of the Union.
A refusal by a ministerial officer to execute any law which properly belongs to his office, is an official misdemeanor, of which I have no doubt the President would take notice. Very respectfully
EDWARD BATES.
23. Republicans in Roman; Democrats in italics.
24. Democrats in italics.
25. Republicans in roman; Democrats in italics.
26. In 1860 a vote was had in the State of New York on a proposition to permit negro suffrage without a property qualification. The result of the city was yeas 1,640. nays 37,471. In the State yeas 197,505, nays 337,984 In 1864 a like proposition was defeated yeas 85,406, nays 224,336
In 1862, in August, a vote was had in the State of Illinois, on several propositions relating to negroes and mulattoes, with this result:
For the enactment of laws to prohibit them from going to, or voting in, the
154,524
From McPherson’s History of the Great Rebellion.
27. December 23, 1862 Jefferson Davis issued a proclamation of outlawry against Major General B. F. Butler, the last two clauses of which are:
Third. That all negro slaves captured in arms be at once delivered over to the executive authorities of the respective States to which they belong, to be dealt with according to the laws of said States
Fourth. That the like orders be executed in all cases with respect to all commissioned officers of the United States when found serving in company with said slaves in insurrection against the authorities of the different States of this Confederacy.
28. McPherson’s History, page 317.
29. This act is in those words:
Be it enacted, &c., That hereafter every person elected or appointed to any office of honor or profit under the government of the United States, either in the civil, military, or naval departments of the public service, excepting the President of the United States, shall, before entering upon the duties of such office, and before being entitled to any of the salary or other emoluments thereof, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I, A B, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have never voluntarily borne arms against the United States since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto; that I have never sought nor accepted nor attempted to exercise the functions of any office whatever, under any authority or pretended authority, in hostility to the United States; that I have not yielded a voluntary support to any pretended government, authority, power, or constitution within the United States, hostile or inimical thereto; and I do further swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter; so help me God;” which said oath, so taken and signed, shall be preserved among the files of the Court, House of Congress, or Department to which the said office may appertain. And any person who shall falsely take the said oath shall be guilty of perjury, and on conviction, in addition to the penalties now prescribed for that offense, shall be deprived of his office, and rendered incapable forever after, of holding any office or place under the United States.
30. Compiled by Hon. Edward McPherson in his Hand-Book of Politics for 1868.
31 Unofficial
32. From Greeley’s Recollections of a Busy Life, page 413.
33. From the Century of Independence by John Sully, Boston.
34. The following is a correct table of the ballots in the New York Democratic Convention:
George H.
Winfield S.
Sanford E.
George B. McClellan
Salmon P Chase
Franklin Pierce
John T. Hoffman
Stephen J. Field
Thomas H. Seymour
35. General Blair was nominated unanimously on the first ballot.
36. One Democratic elector was defeated, being cut by over 500 voters on a local issue.
37. Commonly called “Greenbacks,” or “Legal Tender notes.”
38. Commonly called “National Bank notes.”
39. By Rand & McNally, Chicago, Ill., 1882.
40. This was partially done by the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1881.
41. Act of March 2, 1850.
42. Act of January 19, 1866.
43. Senate doc. 181, 46th Congress.
44. Sec. 2, 258, Rev. Stat. U.S.
45. According to the affidavits of Samuel Howard and others, page 14.
46. See Report of Attorney-General United States, 1880–81.
47. Act of March 6, 1862.
48. Act of February 16, 1872.
49. Secs. 1 and 2, act of February 3, 1852.
50. See act of January 17, 1862.
51. Act of January 7, 1854, sec. 14.
52. Acts of Jan 21, 1853, and of January, 1855, sec. 29.
53. Act of February 18, 1852.
54. Act of February 18, 1852.
55. Act of January 14, 1854.
56. Sec. 106. Act March 6, 1852.
57. Enormous sums are, however, given to soldiers who were wounded during the war, or who pretend that they were for jobbery on an unheard of scale is practised in connection with these pensions. It is estimated that $120,000,000 (24,000,000l.) will have to be paid during the present fiscal year, for arrears of pension, and the number of claimants is constantly increasing, [The writer evidently got these “facts” from sensational sources.] Am. Pol.
58. The undeniable facts of the case were as we have briefly indicated above, See, for example, a letter to the ‘New York Nation,’ Nov. 3, 1881.
59. Speech In New York, March 7, 1881.
60. ‘New York Tribune,’ Feb. 25, 1870.
61. Letter in New York papers, Feb. 20, 1875.
62. Mr. George William Curtis, in ‘Harper’s Magazine,’ 1870.
63. Article I. sect. vi. 2.
64. ‘Commentaries,’ I. book iii. sect. 869.
65. [These are mere traditions tinged with the spirit of some of the assaults made in the “good old days” even against so illustrious a man as Washington. Am. Pol.]
66. Mr. Watterson, formerly a distinguished member of Congress, is the author of the “tariff for revenue only” plank in the Democratic National Platform of 1880, and is now, as he has been for years, the chief editor of the Louisville Courier Journal.
67. American, 707; scattering 989.
68. In Connecticut, the vote for Sheriff is taken. In New York, the average vote on four of the five State officers chosen, excluding Secretary of State. In Nebraska, Democratic and Anti-Monopoly vote combined on Judge.
69. Scattering, 106.
70. In these States the vote on Lieutenant-Governor was taken, as being from special causes, a fairer test of party strength. In the others the principal State officer was taken. Where State officers were not elected, the Congressional vote was taken. In Georgia, Congressmen-at-Large was taken.
71. The vote for Chief Judge.
72. The Regular and Independent Republican vote is combined.
73. Vote of the two Democratic candidates is combined.
74. One vote lacking in each.
75. One vote lacking.
76. One vote lacking.
77. 3 votes lacking.
78. Upon the resolution of Mr. Wythe, which proposed, “That the committee should ratify the constitution, and that whatsoever amendments might be deemed necessary should be recommended to the consideration of the congress, which should first assemble under the constitution, to be acted upon according to the mode prescribed therein.”
79. In answer to an address of Governor Eustis, denouncing the conduct of the peace party during the war, the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, in June, 1823, say, “The change of the political sentiments evinced in the late elections forms indeed a new era in the history of our commonwealth. It is the triumph of reason over passion; of patriotism over party spirit. Massachusetts has
returned to her first love, and is no longer a stranger in the Union. We rejoice that though, during the last war, such measures were adopted in this state as occasioned double sacrifice of treasure and of life, covered the friends of the nation with humiliation and mourning, and fixed a stain on the page of our history, a redeeming spirit has at length arisen to take away our reproach, and restore to us our good name, our rank among our sister states, and our just influence in the Union.
“Though we would not renew contentions, or irritate wantonly, we believe that there are cases when it is necessary we should ‘wound to heal.’ And we consider it among the first duties of the friends of our national government, on this return of power, to disavow the unwarrantable course pursued by this state, during the late war, and to hold up the measures of that period as beacons; that the present and succeeding generations may shun that career which must inevitably terminate in the destruction of the individual or party who pursues it; and may learn the important lesson, that, in all times, the path of duty is the path of safety; and that it is never dangerous to rally around the standard of our country.”
80. 2d Dodson’s Admiralty Reports, 48. 13th Mass. Reports, 26.
81. It appears at p. 6 of the “Account” that by a vote of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, (260 to 290) delegates to this convention were ordered to be appointed to consult upon the subject “of their public grievances and concerns, ” and upon “the best means of preserving their resources, ” and for procuring a revision of the constitution of the United States, “ more effectually to secure the support and attachment of all the people, by placing all upon the basis of fair representation.”
The convention assembled at Hartford on the 15th December, 1814. On the next day it was
Resolved, That the most inviolable secrecy shall be observed by each member of this convention, including the secretary, as to all propositions, debates, and proceedings thereof, until this injunction shall be suspended or altered.
On the 24th of December, the committee appointed to prepare and report a general project of such measures as may be proper for the convention to adopt, reported among other things,
“1. That it was expedient to recommend to the legislatures of the states the adoption of the most effectual and decisive measures to protect the militia of the states from the usurpations contained in these proceedings.” [The proceedings of Congress and the executive, in relation to the militia and the war.]
“2. That it was expedient also to prepare a statement, exhibiting the necessity which the improvidence and inability of the general government have imposed upon the states of providing for their own defence, and the impossibility of their discharging this duty, and at the same time fulfilling the requisitions of the general government, and also to recommend to the legislatures of the several states to
make provision for mutual defence, and to make an earnest application to the government of the United States, with a view to some arrangement whereby the state may be enabled to retain a portion of the taxes levied by Congress, for the purpose of self-defence, and for the reimbursement of expenses already incurred on account of the United States.
“3. That it is expedient to recommend to the several state legislatures certain amendments to the constitution, viz.,
“That the power to declare or make war, by the Congress of the United States, be restricted.
“That it is expedient to attempt to make provision for restraining Congress in the exercise of an unlimited power to make new states, and admit them into the Union.
“That an amendment be proposed respecting slave representation and slave taxation.”
On the 29th of December, 1814, it was proposed “that the capacity of naturalized citizens to hold offices of trust, honor, or profit ought to be restrained,” &c.
The subsequent proceedings are not given at large. But it seems that the report of the committee was adopted, and also a recommendation of certain measures (of the character of which we are not informed) to the states for their mutual defence; and having voted that the injunction of secrecy, in regard to all the debates and proceedings of the convention, (except so far as relates to the report finally adopted,) be continued, the convention adjourned sine die, but as was supposed, to meet again when circumstances should require it.
82. I refer to the authority of Chief Justice Marshall in the case of Jonathan Robbins. I have not been able to refer to the speech, and speak from memory.
83. In this extended abstracts are given and data references omitted not applicable to these times.
84. Speech at the Tabernacle, New York, February 10, 1843, in public debate on this resolution:
Resolved, That a Protective Tariff is conducive to our National Prosperity.
Affirmative: J B , H G .
Negative: S J. T , P G .
From Greeley’s “Recollections of a Busy Life.”
85. All the series were published in 1860 by Follet, Foster & Co., Columbus, Ohio.
