retired_missyamy

He walked in. Wearing a pinstriped suit, the short roundfaced man looked around to see if he'd been spotted. It was something that he'd done many times before, but never in a place that was so close to his current employers.

In the end, it wasn't a face that he knew that betrayed him. It was a 16 year old boy, working as part of a work experience placement, he'd spotted him walking into the foyer, and asking if another man had come in, and what room he was in, but he knew exactly who this other man was, who he worked for, and more importantly the reason why he was there.

He scratched around in his pocket, knowing that if he was spotted, he wouldn't be able to explain himself that easily, as employees weren't permitted to have mobile phones on them, they were supposed to be kept in lockers, away from the gaze of the public.

Hiding behind the pillars near the reception area, he held the phone in his right hand, and making sure that noone was watching him, took several photos using the phones inbuilt camera.

It was this bit of timing that would cause the most problems, little did he realise that the innocuous handshake that he'd just captured on the phone would eventually lead to one of the most controversial situations in the history of the small city, and its football team.

The small man carried on, talking to the man that he'd been witnessed shaking hands with, it was a short meeting, but one that would change his career in a bigger way than he expected.

Running faster than he should have done, the young boy reached the office of his father, and showed him the pictures he had taken. His dad recognised both men, and realised the significance that it would have, as should the press get hold of it, the careers of both men would be in tatters. With a wry smile coming across his face, he picked up the phone, and dialed the number of his manager.

"Boss, you're not going to believe this, but I've got a story that is perfect for the front page tonight"

He listened intently as the man at the other end of the phone replied, offered his thanks, and put the phone down. Turning to his son, he said "Go to the 3rd floor, the editor will see you in his office, take the phone with you"

He turned, thanked his dad and left the office, not realising the amount of damage the photos he had in his possession would cause....

retired_missyamy

The meeting with the editor went well. He couldn't guarantee a story in todays paper, but said that there would definately be a mention in the next days edition, as they wanted to do some research into it before it could be printed.

As the youngster left his office, the editor picked up his phone, he knew exactly who he could get in touch with, someone who he went to university with, and just happened to be a reporter with one of the major British tabloids.

It was answered on the third ring, pleasantries were exchanged, and the two men discussed exactly what the editor had in his possession.

"I'm not wanting anything for the picture, we're running the story on our front page tomorrow, I just thought I'd let you in on this, as it could have big consequences for all parties involved."

"So you're saying that they've tapped him up?"

"It looks like it, but we'll be looking at it in more detail in the morning"

"Right, I'll run a few lines tomorrow on the meeting, but leave it at that, my people may be in touch in the morning to see if we can assist in this"

"Thanks for the offer. I've supported them all of my life, but I'd never thought that they'd stoop this low, especially when they're looking at taking the manager from my local club, I don't even think he's the right man for us, he's not well known enough"

"They must see something in him though, especially if they've offered him the job without approaching his bosses"

"Suppose so, I hate this side of the job at times, this could hurt so many people...."

The two men continued the conversation for another hour, eventually arranging to meet each other at the next home match, if this were as big as they thought it was, there would be protests against everyone involved in the club, and that was easy reporting for anyone in the media. They finished their call shortly after agreeing the meeting, each going off to discuss the impending story and its possible impact....

Who'd have thought it, a Championship club, tapping up a League Two manager, and there being photographic evidence of the meeting....

Someone was going to pay, and very dearly.

retired_brianrt

Intriguing start Rob. Like the way you've written the opening two posts, makes me want more. Well Done :thup: