“My thoughts exactly,” Howard said.
“What do you mean?” Jamie asked.
Howard loved it when all eyes were on him. He began to pace the office like he was in a court of law.
“We confirm that Steven has been working with Udo. There’s no harm in admitting that Udo struggled at first. Plenty of players do. The fans will like the human aspect of it.”
Howard had the talent to spin anything he put his mind to.
“We can say that the last two games are proof that it’s working. We need Holtmann to score every match between now and the end of the season.”
Talk about putting more pressure on Udo. Once again, Steven battled his instincts to debate. Now wasn’t the time.
“Do it,” Jamie said.
Howard nodded and sped out of the office to put his plan into play.
That left the three of them.
“I don’t like attention,” Jamie said. “I like goals.”
“We know that,” Javier replied.
Jamie glanced at Steven. “You’re very quiet today.”
A trickle of sweat ran down Steven’s back.
“Me? I’m bracing myself for the reporters trying to get a comment when I go home tonight. I’m just doing my job.”
He smiled sweetly.
“I heard you had an outburst this morning.”
Fuck. Someone blabbed to him.
“I’ll admit things got heated,” Steven said. “I don’t like disloyalty. Riggs has been acting like a twa…fool since Christmas.”
“Since Udo joined?” Jamie asked.
“Since his best friend was ejected,” Javier replied. “That was your idea, if I remember.”
It was a brave move. Steven probably owed Javier about two hundred drinks at this point.
“Harmony is what I want to see,” Jamie said, barely acknowledging that remark. “You can go.”
They didn’t waste any time obeying that order.
“Well done, “Veronica said as they strode past her desk. “No limbs were lost.”
“More by luck than judgement,” Steven replied.
They tore down the stairs as if Jamie might drag them back at any moment.
“What do we do next?” Steven asked breathlessly.
“You heard him. He wants harmony,” Javier replied. “You’re going to make peace with Shaun and quickly.”
The training session finished with Steven and Javier once again at the helm. Steven clapped a few of the lads on the shoulder as they jogged toward the showers.
