Adam and the others scarpered like schoolboys faced with an incredibly pissed-off headmaster. Jamie strode into the office closely followed by Howard and Javier.
“Howard,” he barked.
A flustered Howard sat opposite Steven.
“I don’t need to say that we’re in the shit,” he began. “Of course the dailies are vying for an exclusive. We’ll have to do that in a day or two. For now I say we keep quiet. Let’s make sure no skeletons come out to play.”
“There aren’t any,” Steven said, firmly.
“I’d still like to be sure,” Howard replied in a shitty tone.
“And you don’t think you’re being slightly hypocritical?” Steven fired back.
“Meaning?”
Steven couldn’t control the rage building inside him. “You have a different man every bloody month.”
“None of them are Premier League footballers that I’m responsible for. Do you see the difference?”
“Enough of this,” Jamie said. “I’ve a good mind to fire the pair of you.”
Javier stepped forward. “You will not. I have control of my team.”
“You only think you do. I can overrule you at any time.”
Things were spiralling. Steven sat stock-still.
“Then you might as well look for a new manager,” Javier replied. “We narrowly missed relegation this year. I promise you that I can build a team over the summer that will bring a trophy. But I do it with Holtmann and Steven. Is that understood?”
Jamie’s face was immobile.
“We will see how the week plays out,” he said cooly.
He fixed his icy stare on Steven.
“You will only see Holtmann professionally for the time being. Is that understood?”
“What? You can’t?—”
Javier sat next to him and put his hand on his shoulder.
“The press will be after another shot,” Howard explained. “A tearful reunion. Better yet, an argument. It will keep the story alive. Udo is a no-go area for you.”
Steven wanted to scream. The thought that he’d be able to cradle Udo in his arms that night had been the only thing keeping him going. Now they were to be kept apart. Their love seen as toxic.
Yet they were all giving far more than other clubs would.
“Fine,” he said. “Whatever you think is best.”
The tears were fighting to come out. Steven absolutely would not cry in front of Jamie.
“I’m not doing this to be cruel,” Jamie said. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry that you’ve been put in this position.”
Steven could only smile. If he uttered a word, he would be done for.
As if sensing this, Jamie gestured to Howard it was time for them to leave.
“I’ll give you hourly updates,” Howard said, getting to his feet. “For now, total radio silence. No matter how much those wankers try to goad you.”
