Strikers Instinct

by A. D. Rogers

  “You’ll never win lad,” came a familiar voice from the corner. Uncle Jack was sat in a chair reading the sports pages from the Sunday papers. “Your mother has bossed me around for the last sixty-odd years!”

  Jack lived around the corner from Luke’s mother and since his wife had died a few years ago Sally Linden had taken him under her wing. Most Sunday mornings he would be part of the meal around the big table in the dining room.

  “What did you think of Father McNamara’s sermon this morning Uncle Jack?” Sue asked with a mischievous smile.

  “Well – to be totally honest Susan love, I couldn’t hear it very well, the acoustics in that old church are getting worse.” Jack replied with a straight face.

  “Acoustics!” Luke’s mother exploded. “The only acoustics you could hear this morning were in your bedroom – sleeping off the ale from last night in the Red Lion! You haven’t been to mass for weeks and I’m fed up with making excuses for you, goodness knows what Father Mac must think.”

  “I know exactly what he thinks,” said Jack with a smile on his face, “in fact he told me last night when we were having a pint together in the Red Lion.”

  Luke nearly choked on his tea and Sue and the kids tried their best not to laugh. Luke’s mother stomped off into the kitchen and began banging pots and pans around but even though she had her back to them Luke could see that her shoulders were shaking with laughter.

  “Religion is for you young uns.” Jack said. “I’ve spent years praying and my knees can’t take it anymore. Besides which – I don’t do anything wrong these days so I have no sins to confess!”

  The noise of banging pots grew louder from the kitchen!

  “At your age you should be careful what you say!” scolded Luke’s mother.

  “I’ll be fine,” said Jack, “ I intend going to meet my maker in the same way that Luke’s grandad did.”

  Everyone – including Luke’s mother, looked puzzled. “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Well the night he passed away there was a terrible snowstorm,” Jack began, “and Dad knew that he was dying. He told me to get wrapped up and run down the road and bring the Reverend Jackson back with me. I was confused. “But Dad,” I said, “Reverend Jackson is the Protestant Vicar and you’re a Catholic.” “Aye Lad,” he replied, “But I can’t bring myself to drag Father Riley out on a terrible night like this!”

  The room erupted! All the younger members of the family were laughing whereas Luke’s mother was doing her best to hit Jack with a tea towel!

  Sue wiped a tear from her eye. “Jack you are incorrigible!”

  “Well love,” he replied, “I’ve no idea what that means but I’ll take it as a compliment!”

  Finally they all sat down to breakfast and just as they were about to eat Lexi’s mobile chimed. All eyes flicked to Luke’s mother. She didn’t speak but Lexi wisely knew the consequences of answering the phone at the breakfast table. She ignored the call and Luke sighed with relief – they didn’t need another lecture from his mother!

  Actually, Luke was quite proud of the way both his children had embraced technology. Throughout his working life Luke had recognised that the growing global reliance on technology was a double-edged sword. He was determined that his kids would not become slaves to their phones and laptops. They had a few simple rules. Sue and Luke agreed that both kids could have the latest phones and tablets – as long as a few conditions were followed.

  First of all they had to help Nell at home. They would fill the dishwasher, clean their rooms and generally try to keep things tidy. A slightly more unusual request from Luke was that they both agreed to continue attending mass until they were both 16. Luke wanted them to give the church a fair chance but if they reached the age of sixteen and decided that it wasn’t for them then so be it – Luke had done his best. The final condition was that they never post anything on their devices that they wouldn’t want their parents to see. Both children knew that Luke had so many resources at his disposal that that if he wished he could pry into every detail of their cyber lives so they agreed to all conditions.

  Luke swelled with pride as he looked across the table at his kids. He was happy because they were so – well, so normal really. Lexi was worryingly starting to become more aware of the opposite sex but apart from that they were really good kids. They had always been interested in whatever their parents did and both youngsters had been to karate classes with Luke since they were both toddlers. Nowadays they were both more than capable of taking care of themselves – and each other. Luke had been worried about Lexi on Facebook and Twitter but Sue reassured him that she was a sensible kid and he begrudgingly agreed. Sue scolded him because he didn’t seem as worried about Tom and Luke agreed with a grin that he was probably being a teeny bit sexist!

  As he enjoyed his bacon and eggs, Luke gave a silent prayer – he was so lucky. He had a wonderful family and a great life – he had a lot to be thankful for. He also grinned when he thought about the various tracking devices he had placed on his kids phones. Not only did he know exactly in the world they were 24 hours a day but if they ever tried to post or access anything that was slightly dodgy – he would know in seconds. He consoled himself with the thought that it was for their own good!

  Luke’s daydream was broken by his Uncle’s voice.

  “What’s all this I hear about you finally becoming a footballer?” he asked.

  Luke reddened. “Hardly a footballer Uncle Jack,” he replied. “I won a competition to be part of the Wishton squad next year. I’ll get my own squad number, I’ll be on the official team picture and I’ll get to train occasionally with the squad.”

  Jack nodded. “A pity it’s twenty years too late.” he shook his head sadly. “Your father was a really good footballer when he was young,” he said to the kids, “but circumstances meant he couldn’t afford to follow that path.”

  “Come on Uncle Jack,” Luke smiled, “I was never that good.”

  “Well we’ll never know – will we?” Jack grunted. “After what they did to your Dad everything changed.”

  “That’s enough of that kind of talk,” Luke’s mother broke in, “now, has everyone got enough to eat and drink?”

  Everyone had enjoyed their breakfast but somehow the happy mood had been broken – it was as if a cloud had passed over the room.

  CHAPTER 19

  The summer moved on and Ed returned from his trip to America refreshed and reinvigorated – full of ideas for his various businesses. The main focus for the next few months would be the launch of his new drinks line – TxT Plus – but he knew he couldn’t afford to let his attention slip in any of the other areas.

  As far as Wishton Clough was concerned Ed had been keeping his eye on things from a distance. He was still smarting from the problems with the pitch and the subsequent embarrassment and expense. In addition he was disturbed to discover that Luke Linden had won the competition to find a fan to join the first team squad. In many ways Luke was the perfect winner but Ed had a nagging feeling that something was wrong – it just seemed too much of a coincidence. However, he pushed those distractions from his mind – he was determined to stay positive.

  There was, however, one other small potential problem that he had to deal with. On his return from America he was summoned to visit his mother who still lived in the family home in Wishton. In truth Ed knew that he didn’t visit her often enough but in all honesty – she wasn’t really a welcoming person. In fact it could be said that Ed inherited a lot of his less endearing traits from his mother. Ed’s father had been a fairly happy and warm person but his mother was generally cold and aloof – even to Ed.

  That didn’t mean that Ed didn’t love his mother – far from it – he always made sure that she had everything she wanted but he never really felt comfortable with her. So it was with some trepidation that he drove up to the old family house. His mother’s housekeeper opened the door.

  “Good morning June,” Ed said, “How is she
today?”

  June merely rolled her eyes.

  “Same as usual then.” said Ed drily.

  “Come on through, she’s expecting you.” June led Ed down the hallway into a pleasant, sunny conservatory.

  “Edward my dear,” said Mrs. Tierney, “lovely to see you after so long – I thought you had forgotten that I was still alive!”

  “Now mother,” Ed replied, “you are hardly housebound – you could come over to see me any time – besides which, I’ve been out of the country – and I called you most days.”

  Ed’s mother didn’t seem convinced and sat stiffly as Ed lowered himself onto the couch. They made small talk for a few minutes and then suddenly Ed’s Mother’s attitude seemed to change slightly. She smiled at Ed.

  “Anyway,” she began, “it’s always lovely to see you – I know how busy you are these days – your father used to be exactly the same.”

  Ed immediately was on guard – he knew from past experience that when his mother seemed to be in a pleasant mood then usually it meant she wanted something.

  “Both your Father and Grandfather would be so proud to see what you have achieved,” she continued, “you have really put the family name on the map.”

  Ed remained silent – he sensed that his mother was slowly leading up to the point of his visit.

  “Yes – they were both very keen on the family unit and family values – and I know you are exactly the same.”

  Still Ed refused to comment – he just smiled sweetly at his mother.

  “However,” his mother continued, “on the subject of family, I was talking to your Aunt Jennifer the other day.”

  Mrs. Tierney paused and Ed took the hint.

  “I hope she’s well?” he asked.

  “Actually – now you mention, it she does have a small problem.” replied his mother.

  Ed realised they were approaching the point of the exercise.

  “In fact,” his mother seemed to be thinking aloud, “perhaps this is something you could help with?”

  Ed smiled. “In what way?” he asked.

  “It isn’t Aunt Jennifer who has the problem,” Ed’s mother began to explain, “it’s your cousin Jessica.”

  Now Ed began to feel really uneasy. Jessica was bad news. She was around the same age as Ed but at the last count she was on her third marriage. As far as Ed was concerned, trouble seemed to follow Jessica around. The last he had heard she was living in the South of France with husband number three.

  “Poor Jessica has been let down again.” continued Mrs. Tierney. “Her latest husband has abandoned her and she has been forced to return home penniless to your Aunt Jennifer. And as you are well aware – your Aunt Jennifer doesn’t have the funds to support her. We were hoping you may be able to help…..”

  Ed began to protest. “I’m sorry Mother but throwing money at this problem really isn’t the answer.”

  “Don’t be silly Edward,” she snapped, “I’m well aware that wouldn’t be the solution! No, I was thinking of perhaps something more constructive.”

  Ed had no idea what his mother meant.

  She sighed. “Isn’t it obvious?” she demanded.

  He shook his head.

  “It’s quite simple really,” his mother continued, “you need to find her a job working with you.”

  Once again Ed began to protest but his mother stopped him dead.

  “No protests Edward,” she said firmly. “I have told your Aunt Jennifer that you will help Jessica get back onto her feet and that’s the end of it.”

  Ed didn’t speak for a few minutes – his brain working feverishly to try to find an escape route. Finally he realised that he didn’t really have an option.

  “OK.” he sighed. “I’ll sort something out. When will she be available?”

  “As soon as possible,” his mother responded, “and please make sure she has a suitable position – we don’t want a family member in some kind of menial role.”

  Once again Ed stifled his protests. He would stick Jessica in an office somewhere away from sight and she would soon get bored and leave. He smiled when he realised that things probably weren’t as bad as he had originally thought.

  He wasn’t smiling the following day when his cousin turned up unannounced at his office at the canning factory.

  “My dear Jessica,” he greeted her – trying to hide his irritation, “it’s been far too long.”

  “I agree Ed,” she purred, “I don’t see enough of my favourite cousin.”

  Ed had to admit that although Jessica had to be in her mid-thirties she had looked after herself very well. Slim and blonde, with flashing green eyes he could quite understand why men seemed to fall at her feet.

  “Well I hadn’t expected to see you so soon,” Ed began, “I haven’t really had chance to finalise the details regarding your new position.”

  “That’s exactly why I am here.” Jessica replied. “I wanted to speak to you before you made any final decisions so that we could make sure we both get the best from this opportunity.”

  “How so?” Ed asked warily.

  “I’m sure you have already had some thoughts about what vacancies may be available,” continued Jessica, “and I thought it may be sensible for us to have a chat.”

  Ed nodded. “Go on.”

  “I’m not sure what you had in mind for me,” Jessica said, “but essentially I am a people person. I need to be involved with social interaction – I would be wasted stuck away in some dreary office.”

  Ed began to fidget – this wasn’t going well. “Actually, I do have an interesting opening in our Finance department. We have a new CFO starting soon and I remember that you were always good with figures – I was thinking that perhaps you could be her PA?”

  “Oh no,” said Jessica sadly, “I think that would be a waste – I think I definitely would be more useful to you in some kind of selling role.”

  “But we have nothing like that available,” began Ed, “nothing at all.”

  Jessica began to sniffle. “Mummy will be so disappointed. She thought this would be the start of a whole new future for me – looks like we were all wrong. Ah well, it can’t be helped – thank you for trying.”

  Jessica rose to leave and Ed began to panic. “Wait – let’s not be hasty,” he blurted, “there must be some way we can help each other.”

  Once again his mind went into overdrive as he tried to think of a way to keep his mother off his back and also to put Jessica somewhere where she couldn’t cause any trouble.

  Suddenly Ed smiled. “I may have solution,” he said, “do you like football?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Not really,” she replied, “but I do like footballers…..”

  CHAPTER 20

  Sarah packed her bag to head for home and reflected that it had been a very mixed day. It had all started so well when Ed had called up to ask her to meet up with Sue Linden. Sue was still working out her notice on her current job but was finding more free time as she gradually handed over her duties. This meant that she could start to do some background work on her new position and Sue was determined to hit the ground running.

  She had asked Ed’s advice on the best way to acclimatise herself in advance and he suggested that Sarah may be a good place to start. Ed knew that she had a broad depth of knowledge about Tierney Enterprises – in fact she knew much more than he realised. He advised Sue to sit down with Sarah to have an informal chat. Sue was shrewd enough to realise that she needed to get Sarah on her side so she decided to whisk her away from the office to have lunch in the centre of Liverpool.

  Sarah was impressed. “Well, I have to say that I am more used to having a sandwich at my desk but I could get used to this.” she grinned.

  Sue responded with a smile. “I’m not going to try to pull the wool over your eyes – I want to pick your brains and I’m not going to be able to do that with your boss hovering over us!”

  “I appreciate your honesty,” said Sarah, “it’s not s
omething I get too often working with Ed.”

  “Thanks.” replied Sue. “Look – let’s set some ground rules. We’ll eat first – no business talk and then when the coffee arrives we can have a chat about Tierney Enterprises – but one thing I will say is that I won’t pressure you to talk about anything you aren’t comfortable about – but if you do share a confidence with me then I promise I won’t say a word.”

  “That sounds fair.” Sarah answered. “Let’s eat!”

  The next half hour flew past – Sarah couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much and it soon became apparent to Sue that Sarah didn’t seem to have much of a life outside work.

  “It wasn’t always like this.” said Sarah sadly. “I used to have a great social life and even had a long-term boyfriend but Ed became more successful and my workload increased with it. Ed was good enough to recognise how hard I was working and gave me a whopping pay rise but my boyfriend got fed up with the late hours and one day he simply wasn’t there.”

  “I’m so sorry.” said Sue.

  “Oh don’t worry about me.” replied Sarah cheerfully. “On the whole I love my job, I get to travel all over the world and I’ve nearly bought my own house. In a few more years I’ll be in a position to look for something a little less demanding and then perhaps I’ll find Mr. Right!”

  Both girls laughed and then Sue turned serious. “OK – I guess that would be a good point to start talking about what I have let myself in for!”

  For the next 30 minutes they chatted informally about the different divisions within Tierney Enterprises – ranging from the Drinks Division right down to Wishton Clough. They didn’t go into any great detail, Sue had already done some quite extensive background research but she just wanted to try to get a personal feel for the company. Sarah was a great help – providing just the right mix of gentle gossip and insightful comments. Far too soon it was time to head back to Wishton and Sue turned to Sarah.

  “That was really helpful Sarah,” she said, “and I think this should be something we should do on a regular basis. You need to get out more and I don’t get enough female company.”