Javier smiled. “You shouldn’t have to thank me, but it’s appreciated. I fear I’ve made your situation worse.”
Steven was one step ahead of him. He fully expected Jamie to demand his resignation. If it saved Udo’s position on the squad, he would gladly give it.
There was a knock at the door. Javier straightened up and ran his hands through his hair.
“Come in.”
Steven had expected to see Howard on the other side. Ready to take them to gallows. Instead it was Adam. He marched into the office.
“What the fuck is going on?” he asked.
“Calm down, Adam,” Steven said.
“I’m asking our manager,” Adam continued. “The lads are losing their shit downstairs. You do realise that by requesting new blood it means others will be going.”
Javier got up. “Don’t you dare question my knowledge. Of course I know that. Do you honestly think that we weren’t going to make changes anyway?”
Adam strode over to the window.
“Who?”
“That’s none of your concern right now,” Javier said. “You want a team that can win something next season?”
Adam turned. “Of course I do.”
“There are people in that locker room who are not going to take us there. It’s a fact, Adam. I’m sorry.”
“I understand,” Adam said. He was quieter this time. “I’m sorry for barging in here like this. You caught us all unaware, boss.”
Javier laughed grimly. “I did that to myself. Believe me, I had no idea I would come out with that.”
“I can vouch for that,” Steven added.
The tension in the room was thick. Steven suspected it would be nothing compared to Jamie’s office a couple of floors above them.
“Do you think Jamie will sack you?” Adam asked.
“I’ve no idea,” Javier replied. “He’s got every right to if South Tel pull their support.”
“Fuck,” Adam replied.
The responsibility for this whole mess lay at Steven’s door. They should have waited until Udo retired. Now careers were on the line.
“I will go before Javier does,” he said.
Before anyone could respond there was another knock.
“Here we go,” Javier said. “Enter.”
This time it was Howard. He was gripping onto his iPad and his eyes had a wild quality to them that Steven had never seen before.
“He’s got a video conference with South Tel in five,” Howard said. “You’re both required.”
Shit.
“I’ll go and tell the lads to hang tight,” Adam said.
Javier nodded. “Thank you, Adam. That’s very much appreciated.”
