'It's a picture of his fiancee.'
'Ex-fiancee.'
'His fiancee who vanished under mysterious circumstances.'
'Christian and I are willing to take the chance,' Myron said. 'It was in a small publication. It hasn't gotten out so far. We don't think it will.'
Otto sipped his 7-Up. He seemed to enjoy it, even adding an 'aaah' like he was taping a commercial. 'But the press might find out.'
'I don't think so,' Myron said. 'I've discussed it with Christian. We both feel the same.'
'Then you are both fools.'
The facade had dropped open a crack.
'Now, Otto, that wasn't very nice.'
The facade slid back up, smooth as an electric car window. 'Let me remind you of our previous discussion on this very subject, Myron. See if you can follow this. You were to take our agreement and knock it down by a third. If not, the picture of the au naturel Ms Culver goes public, thereby, ruining your player's endorsement career.'
'But he didn't do anything, Otto. It's only a picture of Kathy Culver.'
'It doesn't matter. Advertisers do not like the smallest whiff of controversy.
Remember this, Myron: In business, appearance is far more important than reality.'
'Appearance versus reality,' Myron said. 'That I have to write down.'
Otto took out a contract of his own. 'Sign it,' he said. 'Now.'
Myron just smiled at him.
'Sign it, Myron. Or I'll ruin you.'
'I don't think so, Otto.'
Myron began to unbutton his shirt.
'What do you think you're doing?'
'Don't get excited, Otto. I'm stopping after the third button. Just enough to show you this.' He pointed to the small microphone on his chest.
'What the hell?'
'It's a wire, Otto. It leads to a tape recorder stuck in my belt. You can make the picture public, that's up to you. It may damage Christian, it may not. I, in turn, will make this tape public. I will also sue your sorry ass for any damages Christian may have suffered because of your actions, and I will also see to it that you are arrested for extortion and blackmail.' Myron smiled. 'I always wanted to own a record company. Chicks dig that, don't they, Otto?'
Otto looked at him coolly. 'Larry?'
'Yes, Mr Burke.'
'Take the tape away from him. Forcibly, if necessary.'
Myron looked at Hanson. 'You're a big guy, Larry,' Myron said. 'And I know you were one of the toughest fullbacks ever to play this game. But if you get out of that chair, I'll put you in a body cast.'
Larry Hanson merely nodded. Not afraid, but not moving either.
'There are two of us,' Otto urged. 'I can call in security guards to help.'
'I don't think so, Mr Burke.' Larry was almost smiling. 'And I don't think a few security guards are going to scare him very much. Are they, Myron?'
'Not likely.'
I think we should sign his contract, Mr Burke. I think it's best for all.'
I've even drawn up a press release,' Myron said. 'Says how happy Christian is to be playing for such an outstanding and reputable organization as the Titans.'
Otto thought a moment. 'If I sign,' he said, 'you'll hand over the tape?'
'Not likely.'
'Why not?'
You keep the magazine and I keep the tape. Think of it as our own little balance of terror. A throwback to the cold war.'
'But you have my word-'
'Please, Otto, it hurts when I laugh.'
Otto thought a moment. He was shaken but calm. A guy his age doesn't reach this level without learning to take a few knocks.
'Myron?'
'Yes.'
'I can't tell you how thrilled the Titans are to have Christian Steele, the quarterback of the future, with us.'
'Just sign right here, Otto.'
'My pleasure, Myron.'
'No, Otto. Mine.'
Otto signed. Myron and Otto shook hands. The deal was done.
'Shall we meet the press jointly, Myron?'
'Sounds wondrous, Otto.'
'There's a shower downstairs. I'll make sure you're provided with shaving equipment, if you like.'
'Very kind of you.'
Otto's smile was back. The man was never down long. He picked up the phone. 'Christian Steele has been signed,' Otto said. Then, looking back and winking at Myron, he added, 'At the highest salary ever given to a rookie.'
Myron winked back and gave him the thumbs up. Lifelong chums. He checked his watch. There would be just enough time to shower and do the press conference before he would have to head back into the city for his meeting with Herman Ache.
He had no idea how he was going to handle the evil Ache brothers. But he was still working on it. Feverishly.
Jessica arrived at the house in Ridgewood at ten o'clock. The doctor had wanted to carry out some more tests in the morning. Jessica refused. They finally reached a compromise whereby Jessica promised to visit him in his office sometime during the week. Edward had driven her home in silence.
When they arrived, Jessica noted that her mother's car was not in the driveway. Good. Not in much of a mood to handle a hysterical mother on top of everything else, Jessica had insisted that no one tell her mother about last night's incident. Mom had enough on her mind. No reason to get her unnecessarily upset.
