Page 66 of Playing for Keeps
“I thought we were leaving those inside,” Steven said.
“Sorry.”
Udo reached forward, being careful not to disturb Steven. He grabbed his phone from the table.
“It’s bloody Shaun,” he said.
Steven sat bolt upright. “What the hell does he want?”
“I’d better take it.”
Udo pressed Answer.
“Shaun? Now’s not the best time, mate.”
“Okay, I’m just going to come out with it. You know I did an interview withSports Shade Online.”
Udo’s heart dropped.
“I didn’t but what does that have to do with me?”
Shaun was silent for a second. “I might have mentioned you getting preferential treatment at the club.”
“What?”
“It was just after I’d found out and I was mad. I’ve been trying to get them not to include it.”
So that explained the furtive phone calls and bad temper.
“I appreciate you telling me.”
“I’m sorry, Udo. Really I am. Me and my big mouth.”
Udo wanted to scream at him that he should know better than to slag off a teammate to a journalist. Especially one at the cheapest gossip site on the internet. But after the hard-won victory of finding a space where he and Shaun could operate without drama. Udo didn’t fancy ruining the fragile truce.
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Udo terminated the call and stared at Steven.
“Trouble?”
“We’d better call Howard.”
SEVENTEEN
STEVEN
Steven stormed into Newby Park. Javier waited for him in the reception area. He must have seen him come into the car park.
“Wait a second,” Javier said, holding his hands up.
“What the fuck is going on with this team?” Steven asked. “This isn’t Brockton FC. Have you spoken to him?”
Javier shook his head. “He’s not arrived yet. Howard’s upstairs and wants to talk to us.”
Steven had barely slept. Udo had been so upset when he’d read the interview that they’d stayed up most of the night talking. Shaun had downplayed to him just how vicious he’d been in the article. Udo was ready to walk away. Thankfully, around three in the morning, Steven had managed to persuade him to stay and see it out.
