“Yes you,” he said. “You have a unique position. Presumingafter all the drama of this week, you intend to continue your relationship with Mr Cox.”
Udo’s legs almost fell out from under him.
“We haven’t had a chance to talk.”
“Yes, Howard may have been heavy-handed with the enforced separation. Get this game finished and you two can…well, make up for lost time.”
How he wished they could sack off the game and start on that right away.
“So I’m not being transferred?”
Jamie chuckled. “Why on earth would we do that? We paid a bloody fortune for you. I will admit, I did consider it when you were in your doldrums. You’ve shown me what you’re made of. Why don’t you go and win this match for us? I’m always willing to be proven wrong.”
When Udo got into the locker room, the team were on the benches. He had to push past Steven. The scent of him filling Udo’s nostrils. It would be totally inappropriate for him to be buoyant. Inside he wanted to tell everyone in that room that he was safe. For the time being at least.
A stern Javier pointed to an empty spot between Ewen and Goran.
“You’re just in time,” he said.
Udo took his place. He didn’t dare look at Steven.
“Riggs!” Javier shouted.
Shaun came through from the bathroom.
“You called?”
“Sit down.”
Shaun had a ridiculous smug expression on his face. He obeyed though.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Javier asked.
“Me?” Shaun replied.
His attempt at innocence seemed to be fooling no one, judging by the scowls that were directed his way.
“Don’t even try it,” Javier continued. “Udo was in position at least three times and you passed to anyone but him.”
Shaun shook his head. “Did Cox tell you to say that?”
To Udo’s horror, Steven stepped forward.
“You’re out of line,” Steven said.
Shaun stood. “Coming from you, that’s a compliment.”
“Meaning?”
“Sleeping with players. Ever heard of a conflict of interest?”
Javier pushed his way between them. “Steven has been totally open with me about his relationship with Udo.”
Shaun’s jaw dropped. “And you didn’t have a problem with it?”
“They’re both standing here, aren’t they? I’ll tell you what isn’t all right with me. A piece of shit letting his own prejudices get in the way of this team winning.”
The lads murmured their approval at this.
