“It’s work. But coaching pays a fraction of what playing paid.”
Volkov nods like gives a shit about my father’s welfare instead of calculating a way to exploit it.
“And you mentioned having access to players who might be interested in supplemental income?”
I swallow past the growing lump in my throat.
“Several. Young guys, financial pressure, performance anxiety. The usual profile.”
“Anyone specific?”
“There’s a goalie. Tate Barnes. Been struggling this season, family pressure, career uncertainty. He’d be perfect for your kind of work.”
I hate saying his name, hate using him as bait even though it’s not real. But Volkov’s expression sharpens with interest.
“Barnes. Yes, we’re familiar with his situation.”
“You are?”
“We make it our business to be familiar with potential assets. Mr. Barnes has interesting vulnerabilities.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning he has people he cares about. The kind of leverage that makes cooperation more likely.”
They’ve been watching Tate’s family. Just like I suspected, just like Morrison hoped they’d reveal.
“You’ve been watching?”
“We’ve been watching several potential assets. Mr. Barnes, his family, his routines. We also had someone visit his coach’s father as well.” His lips curl upward into a nasty smile. “It’samazing what confused old men will tell friendly strangers about their sons. We like to be in the know on potentialandpast assets because you just never know when you might cross paths again.”
Fear slams into my chest. That motherfucker. He just confirmed that they’re the ones who’ve been visiting my father, gathering intelligence about me while he was too confused to understand what was happening.
“So you’re interested?”
“Potentially. But first, let’s discuss your role in such an arrangement.”
“My role?”
“You can’t throw games anymore, obviously. But you could identify targets, provide intelligence, and help with recruitment.” Volkov leans back in his chair. “A coaching position provides excellent access for that kind of work.”
“What kind of intelligence?”
“Performance patterns, psychological profiles, financial pressures. The kind of information that helps us craft effective approaches.”
“And recruitment?”
“Introducing potential assets to our organization. Making the initial contact seem natural and legitimate.”
This is exactly what Morrison needs…admission of conspiracy, recruitment practices, targeting methods. I just need to keep him talking.
“What’s the pay structure for that kind of work?”
“For someone like Barnes? Fifty thousand, since he’s high value.”
“Define high-value.”
“Starting goalies in major markets. Players with significant media profiles. Anyone whose cooperation provides maximum return on investment.”
