The wheels of the private jet touched down on the runway at Manchester Airport with a gentle bump. It was raining. Of course it was raining. After two weeks of tropical heat in Seoul the grey sky of England felt like a cold wet blanket.
But inside the cabin the mood was sunny.
Michael Sterling stood up and stretched his legs. He looked at Arthur Milton.
The old scout was hugging something very large. It was a piece of cardboard about two meters long.
PAY TO: BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB
AMOUNT: £7,000,000
FROM: SEOUL SUPER CUP ORGANIZERS
"Arthur," Michael said. "You do not have to hold the giant check. The money is already in the bank electronically."
"I like holding it Boss," Arthur said patting the cardboard. "It feels real. Seven million pounds. That is a lot of sausage rolls."
"It is transfer budget," Michael corrected. "And stadium upgrades."
"And maybe a small bonus for the scout who found the tournament?" Arthur asked with a hopeful smile.
