The walk to Jamie’s office was long. Everyone was staring. Javier had his head held high. Steven had no choice but to follow suit.
“Just go straight in,” Veronica said.
She couldn’t meet their eyes.
Shit.
Howard led them into the lion’s den. Jamie was over by the window with his back to them.
“Now, Jamie?—”
Jamie held his hand up.
“I don’t want to hear it. Wait until South Tel are on.”
Javier glanced at Steven.
What are we supposed to do? Stand here?
Thankfully Howard broke the silence. “The socials are largely positive, if that helps.”
His remark got no response.
Veronica knocked and entered. “South Tel are ready.”
Steven dropped his shoulders. This was a lot.
Veronica grabbed the remote and switched on the huge plasma TV screen that dominated one wall of the office. Jamie sat in his chair. Steven noticed he didn’t extend the offer to his staff.
There was Meera Jakhar. When they’d met in London she had terrified Steven. Today was a whole different matter. Her face was stony as were the advisors who flanked her.
“Meera,” Jamie said.
“What is going on?” Meera demanded.
“We have two options,” Jamie replied, clasping his hands together. “One, we retract what you said. Put it down to a heat-of-the-moment thing.”
“And two?” Meera asked.
Jamie shrugged. “Ignore it and move on.”
“There’s a third option,” Javier said.
Steven shuddered.
Keep it shut.
Jamie scowled at him. “Go on, brains. Enlighten us.”
“Double down,” Javier replied. “Make a statement saying the club fully supports what I said.”
Jamie threw his hands up. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“Wait,” Meera said. “Go on, Javier. I’m listening.”
“Think about it,” Javier continued, taking advantage of the moment. “We could get some talent at a knockdown price.”
Jamie suddenly became alert. Steven glanced from one person to the next. Even Howard was transfixed.
