Michael Sterling sat in his kitchen eating toast. He was trying to read a tactical report but his hands were shaking. The pressure was immense. The whole town was painted red. There were flags in every window. Even the statue of the town mayor in the square was wearing a Barnsley scarf.
His phone buzzed on the table.
It was Arthur Milton.
Michael picked it up immediately. "Arthur? Is everything okay? Did Kenji run too much? Did Diego eat a teammate?"
"Boss," Arthur said. His voice sounded strange. It was breathless. "I need you to come to St. Mary's Church. Right now."
"The church?" Michael asked confused. "Why? Are we praying for a win?"
"Just come," Arthur said. "And wear a suit. A nice one."
The line went dead.
Michael stared at the phone. A suit? On a Saturday?
He ran upstairs. He put on his best black suit. He looked in the mirror. He looked like a manager ready for a press conference. Or a funeral.
He grabbed his keys and drove to the church.
