Sudden Death Read Online Free Page A

Popov, a shaven-headed, black-suited bodyguard the size of a bear was shaking the raindrops off the umbrella.
    ‘This is Mr Bastin’s residence?’ said Popov in a heavy Russian accent.
    ‘Who is it, Jake?’ asked his dad. He was at the top of the stairs wearing his dressing gown.
    ‘Steven!’ said Popov, ignoring Jake and holding out both hands. ‘Steven, I came as soon as I heard. I was at the opera in Covent Garden. I’m so dreadfully sorry about our friend. Andrew was a credit to football.’
    With his hand on the banister, his dad descended as quickly as his limp would allow. He eased Jake aside and gestured with a sweeping hand. ‘Please, come in, Mr Popov.’
    There was something in his dad’s tone that Jakehadn’t heard before. He sounded like a servant speaking to his master.
    Popov seized Jake’s dad’s elbow in one hand and the other went round his back in a light embrace. When he pulled away, Jake thought he saw a mist in Popov’s eyes. Whether it was genuine or not, he couldn’t tell.
    ‘Andrew was a good friend,’ his dad said. ‘And in good health. As far as I know.’
    Jake stared at his dad. Now Chernoff was a good friend again! And ‘in good health’!
    ‘Yes, yes,’ said Popov. ‘A tragedy.’ He pointed to Jake. ‘And this must be your son. The likeness is unmistakeable.’ Popov held out his hand to Jake. ‘Igor Popov. Pleased to make your acquaintance.’
    Jake stepped up and took the hand. ‘Jake Bastin,’ he said. ‘You’re the man who wants to take my dad to Russia.’
    He spoke the words neutrally, but the smile on Popov’s face slipped to half-mast for a second, then returned with a flash of white teeth. He looked past to Jake’s dad.
    ‘So Andrew told you of my offer before . . .’ he paused. He looked at Jake again. ‘Jake, I have a great respect for your dad. He was a phenomenal player, and he’s a real statesman for the game –’
    ‘Jake,’ said his dad. ‘I’d like to speak to Mr Popov alone.’
    Jake was about to argue, but Popov spoke first.
    ‘There’s no need to send the boy away, Steven. How will he become a young man if he is always sent away when the men talk business? Let him stay, why not?’
    Jake’s dad pressed his lips together in a smile. ‘As you wish, Mr Popov.’ He gestured to the study. ‘This way, please.’
    The books were back on the shelf, but Jake couldn’t forget what he’d seen earlier that night.
    The bodyguard followed them into the room, then stood by the door. Jake couldn’t help feeling that they were being caged in.
    ‘Mr Popov,’ his dad said. ‘Let me get straight to the point. I’m not sure that I can accept your generous offer –’
    Popov held up both palms and Jake’s dad stopped speaking. ‘Is it the money, Steven? If so, I can –’
    ‘It’s not the money,’ his dad said. ‘It’s a personal matter. You see, my son and I have only just begun living together. Perhaps Andrew didn’t tell you. Until recently Jake has lived with my ex-wife, or been at an international boarding school, but now I feel he needs a period of
stability
.’
    He’s using me
, thought Jake.
He’s scared and he’s making excuses.
    ‘And now,’ continued his dad, ‘now Andrew’s dead, well, I really think . . .’
    Popov smiled widely, but there was no joy in his eyes. ‘Of course, of course. You feel you must put your family first. But think what we could achieve together.’ He let the words hang for a moment, before lowering his voice to a theatrical whisper. ‘I have an admission to make, Steven. I was going to tell you this later, but now seems like a good time.’
    ‘Yes?’ Jake’s dad asked.
    ‘I have made a new signing. It’s not announced to the press yet, because the deal is highly sensitive. Would you like to know who it is?’
    Despite himself, Jake leant forward. The gleam in Popov’s eye promised something really special, but surely no top player would go to a new, untried team. No matter what the