They walked out onto the corridor. Noah was a sweaty mess. Quick shower then a site inspection.
He frowned when he saw Adam standing in the doorway of the locker room.
“He’s coming,” he said.
“What’s going on?” Noah asked.
“Come with me.”
He allowed himself to be led into the briefing room where Javier, Ewen, Tito, Jonas, Steven, Ingvar and Goran all waited for him.
“Skipper?”
Adam stood in front of the small crowd.
“Me and the lads have been talking and we think what you’re doing for your brother and the wider community is pretty amazing.”
Noah dropped his head.
“Thanks,” he mumbled.
“We’ve decided to give you a month’s wages as a head start.”
Noah was so shocked he couldn’t find any words. Were his ears deceiving him?
“What?”
Javier stepped forward. “You can’t do it on your own and you shouldn’t have to. Save your brother’s league and do your charity but please, for fuck’s sake, keep the house.”
With the combined salaries in that room, they were giving him a huge amount of money.
“I can’t accept this.”
“Of course you can,” Tito said. “Are you seriously going to refuse it?”
The determination on all their faces told him resistance was futile.
“I can really get this going.”
Jonas squeezed him on the shoulder. “And hopefully find some balance in your life.”
Noah knew what he meant. He shook his head.
“Before you ask, I’ve not heard anything,” he replied.
“I went to La Piazza last night,” Goran said. “Stefano is out of intensive care and on a regular ward.”
Noah’s heart soared. He was so pleased for the Amato family. Then it plummeted. Carmine hadn’t told him. He was ashamed of his selfish response. Yet still it stung.
“That’s good news,” he said.
He hugged them all.
“Thank you,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart.”
“Now that you don’t have to sell your house, go and do that inspection,” Udo said. “And plan for moving in. This is exactly the right time.”
Noah nodded. “I will.”
