Page 7 of Playing the Game

“There will be media interest,” Javier continued. “There’s no point in lying about it. We’ve been a news story since last season.”

The scrutiny the club had faced resulted in being the final straw for Jonas. He’d had to watch his teammates joking about the fact that Brockton’s Udo Holtmann had been publicly outed.

“I’m ready for it,” Jonas replied. “Although I may disappoint them. My mission is to win something this season. Pure and simple.”

Javier nodded.

“Why don’t we meet Steven and Tito in reception?”

He led them back the way they had come. Jonas took the time to calm himself. This was his professional home now. He wanted them to know he meant business. No matter what route he’d taken to Brockton.

You’ve been the new boy before. Show them you’re not fazed.

They ran into Steven and Tito about to climb the stairs.

“Mr Lopes,” Javier said. “We decided to come to you.”

“Good morning, all. I’m honoured.”

He shook hands confidently with everyone. Probably one of the most famous people to come out of the Cape Verde islands, Tito Lopes had a reputation that preceded him.

Tall with dark skin and a glint in his eye, Tito oozed confidence. He obviously knew his position at the club. It had been a major coup for Brockton to sign a player of his calibre.

“Sorry I’m a tiny bit late,” Tito said.

“Try to make that the only time,” Javier said.

Tito nodded.

“Jonas here was telling us how his main focus is to win some silverware this season,” Javier continued.

Tito squeezed Jonas’ shoulder. “What a coincidence. That’s mine too.”

“Wouldn’t you have had more chance at Liverpool?” Noah asked.

Tito shrugged. “Maybe I like a challenge.”

Jonas had played against Tito on numerous occasions. He was a force to be reckoned with. What would it be like to play with him?

“How about a tour of the facility?” Javier asked. “Then we’ll put you through your paces.”

“I can’t wait to meet the others,” Tito replied.

Javier and Steven led them around the vast building. The gym was impressive, way better than Canonbury’s. A fact that Jonas shared with them, which appeared to perk things up.

They had a canteen, physio rooms, offices upstairs and windows everywhere overlooking the pitch. Wherever they went, everyone snapped to attention. Their arrival had been eagerly anticipated, apparently.

Tito hummed to himself as they wandered down the corridor that was lined with photographs of past players for the team. Jonas noticed that Tito’s eyes were darting this way and that, taking everything in.

Noah was content to fall into step behind them. He was making no attempt to hide how overwhelmed he was clearly feeling. It made Jonas instantly trust him.

Two men emerged from one of the meeting rooms. The first was short with gelled hair and tan skin. He was dripping in gold jewellery and appeared as if a smile would crack his face.

His companion was marginally taller with a shock of grey hair. He made for an arresting sight in a mint green suit.

“Gents, I’d like you to meet our CEO, Jamie Walter, and our Head of Communications, Howard Clooney.”

Jamie stared hard. He didn’t appear to be the kind of guy you fucked around with. Howard seemed far friendlier. He made a point of greeting each one of them.