Talking

"People are beginning to talk."

My office is cramped and the air is stale. There are no windows and not much room. I'm pretty sure it used to be a closet actually, but it serves its purpose. I don't spend a whole lot of time in here anyway. The Sheik sat on the barely functional chair on the other side of the dilapidated desk that was covered in papers, in what can only be described a disorderly manner if you are into understatements.

"They are talking about talking. About the talking you've been doing, and the results of that talking."

"Your Majesty I'm not even sure what we are talking about right now."

The Sheik caught my eye and held it and I waited patiently for the other foot to drop.

"I talked to Oilig Petrolov this morning."

Ah, that.

"Surely he’s satisfied with the team’s progress."

"The man is ecstatic. In fact I cannot get him to stop calling me about it. I am a busy man.”

“He is a bit… overzealous sometimes, but he had spare cash and I needed anchors for my back line.”

“I believe I told you that you had to work with what you already possessed. “

“I assumed that also meant the skills I possess. One of my skills is sales. I found Oilig and his money too good to pass up so I sent him on to you. You could always have refused him Your Majesty.”

The edges of his mouth turned up in the tiniest indications of a wicked grin.

“But then I could not have made him your assistant coach. We must keep those with the money happy mustn’t we?” Well… crap.

I got the message loud and clear, and between me and the wall I thought the punishment far outweighed the crime.

“He will be here later today to… assist you. I do hope that you will not let him interrupt the progress you have made with the team. With that at least I am most impressed. I look forward to seeing my team remain close to the top of the division.” And with that he swept out of the ‘office’ and left me to ponder the consequences of my actions. I picked up the phone and dialed the trainer to see if he had any aspirin. I think I was going to need it.