THE RIDER (Galactic Football League Novellas Book 4)
Page 27
Salton’s eye flooded black. “No. I won’t sell you the Ridgebacks!”
“The offer has been tendered,” Gredok said. “Since you don’t have the funds to cover your debt, you are in default to me. You are in default to Gredok the Splithead. You will understand, Salton, that I can not allow such a thing to happen. It is bad for my reputation.”
The Ki growled a long sentence.
“The Great and Delightful Tee-Ah-Nok says that you are too late,” Kewellen said. “He says Anna Villani will stop this.”
Gredok smoothed out his black fur, tried to peel away a glob of dried T-Rex spit.
“You have ten seconds to leave this office,” he said. “Or, I will feed you to my new pets. Pete, what was the name of the one with the teeth and the surly attitude?”
“Sydney,” Pete said. “Hasn’t eaten all day.”
Tee-Ah-Nok said something Pete couldn’t understand. Kewellen apparently did understand, and did not agree.
“Oh, screw that, you disgusting salamander,” the Creterakian said. “You’re on your own. Also, you fart constantly and the stink is abysmal.”
Kewellen hopped off the Ki’s shoulder, flapped madly, and flew from of the room. The Warrior sprinted out behind him, leaving Tee-Ah-Nok alone.
“Five seconds,” Gredok said.
Tee-Ah launched himself out of the chair so fast he fell, long body skidding across the floor. He scrambled to his six feet and rushed out.
“Excellent,” Gredok said. “Now that we will not be interrupted, Salton, shall we complete the deal?”
The current team owner sagged in his chair. It was over and he knew it.
Pete watched Gredok take everything Salton had worked so hard for. It was sad in a way, and Pete felt the tiniest bit guilty, but that guilt was insignificant compared to the relief he felt.
Three more years with Bess. At least, maybe more if he played his cards right and learned how to best work for Gredok.
Yes, the season was over, but he and his mount — his best friend — would remain together. They would train hard in the off-season. Dar’s talent would continue to grow, and next year she would take Ian’s place as the number-two rider on the team. Critter would heal. If Pete could develop Stikz, or possibly convince Gredok to shell out the dough for a free-agent rider or two, the Ridgebacks would be back in contention once again.
And then, Poughkeepsie Pete and Ol’ Bess would ride again.
They would fight for a title. Together.
THE END
Final Dinolition Regular Season Standings
x = Qualified for Dinolition championship tournament.
* Winner of the Guestford Cup for best regular-season record.
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