"National Figure Skating Championships are here already? We just got back from Halifax." Laurel was pulling out suitcases for the trip to Detroit. The national competition was being held early this year because of – She really didn't want to think about it – The Olympics. Taking a deep breath, she began assembling Paige's costumes and music. Practice outfits, competition dresses, and show skate costumes. Music CDs, tights, and hair accessories. Make-up. When had it all gotten so complicated? Laurel shook her head as she walked down the hall to Sophia's room to begin packing the youngster's things.
The early morning flight to Detroit went quickly and by early afternoon Laurel, Paige, and Ian were walking into the lobby of the new ice arena which had just been completed for the Red Wings ice hockey team. As they stood looking around for signs directing them to the sign-in table -
"You must be Paige, Laurel, and Ian – Welcome!" A young woman who they had never seen before hurried across the lobby to greet them. Laurel noted with amusement that she was clomping around in heavy snow boots.
"Yes, we are," Laurel replied. "And you are - ?"
"I'm Kaylie Thornton," the woman replied. "And, I'll be making sure that you get signed in and get your schedule and credentials."
"Where is Joyce?" Paige asked. "She usually handles that."
"Joyce is no longer with the USFSA," Kaylie explained. "She got married just before Christmas and moved to Park City, Utah. Her husband is an accountant for the United States Ski and Snowboard Association and she moved there to be with him."
"No Joyce?" Paige was stunned.
"We have Kaylie," Laurel reminded her gently. "And, I am sure she is more than capable of pointing us in the right direction." She smiled at the enthusiastic young woman.
"That I am," Kaylie assured them. "So, if you will come with me?"
"Is Phil Hughes still with you?" Laurel asked concerned as they walked across the lobby.
"He certainly is," Kaylie replied. "And I know he has been looking forward to seeing you, and also someone named 'JJ'?"
"A professional cohort," Laurel explained. "They always enjoy talking shop."
"And, I believe Joyce said that David Rossi usually comes with you?" Kaylie continued.
"That's right," Laurel agreed. "He always gives a brief talk to the volunteer staff, USFSA officials, and coaches on protecting children and young adults from stalkers and sexual predators."
"Great!" Kaylie sighed. "It sounds like everything is under control."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Paige's first practice ice session was early the following morning. As she and a group of other senior ladies competitors stood patiently waiting for the Zamboni to finish up and leave the ice, one of the skaters began impatiently pushing her way to the front of the group. The entry door to the ice had no sooner been opened than she pushed her way out onto the ice. As the session progressed, she continually got in the way of the other skaters, cutting them off with complete abandon, and completely disregarding the 'Rules of the Road' for an ice rink.
"Who is that?" was the question whispered between the spectators.
"She is going to get someone hurt," was the general opinion.
"Is there anyone here from the USFSA?" was asked repeatedly.
"That is Hannah Decker," Laurel realized. "Where is her mother – and her coach? This needs to stop before somebody gets hurt!"
"Michelle – What is your daughter doing?" Laurel had located Hannah's mother and, along with several other parents, had gone over to speak with her.
"She's on her practice ice session," was the calm reply. "Warming up and practicing her program."
"She's skating irresponsibly," one mother complained. "She's going to hurt someone."
"You don't cut someone off when they are setting up a Lutz," another mother added. "That's hard to stop once you've started."
"So, she's skating a little aggressively," Michelle said defiantly. "Her skating has improved tremendously and she's not about to be intimidated by some second rate skaters."
"Second Rate Skater!" one mother exploded. "I will have you know – "
"Michelle," Laurel interrupted warningly. "If I were you, I'd call Hannah over here and have a word with her. Just in case you haven't noticed, that man over there in the navy blue and white ski jacket is recording her, and I have no doubt that there are officials from the USFSA who would be interested in seeing that recording."
"Not to mention, it will probably be all over the internet within an hour," one of the fathers pointed out.
"Worse yet, he could be planning on selling it to a news station or a 'Tell All' magazine," another mother worried.
"That would make Hannah look bad," Laurel pointed out. "And, you don't need that."
"Just because you can afford to hire a public relations person and get them to wrap the USFSA people around your little finger, doesn't give you the right to tell me and my daughter what to do!" Michelle yelled at Laurel. "So, all of you, just get out of my face!" She stomped off towards the locker room.
"What the - ?" another of the fathers had walked over.
"Our skaters' ice time is almost over and they haven't had a chance to get any real practice in," one of the mothers worried.
"Don't worry," Laurel had her cell phone out. "There were too many witnesses to this for her to get away with it. And, don't anyone go anywhere. I have an idea."