Naked Hero - The Journey Away

They can set the benchmark that you have to meet to secure Lewis. He’ll go with you, but you have to be fair. I won’t let him be sold short, trust me on that. I’ll assess the value, and then we can work out a deal, based on a signing fee, monthly retainer and a percentage. It’s a win/win. I need a favour though, in return for him wearing your kit at the final. A mark of good faith on both sides. I want something special... Remember Agassi, when he appeared at Wimbledon in virginal white - that sort of impact. All the kids would want your gear.”
    “What do you need?”
    “As I said, something special, now listen.........”

Chapter 46
    Chantal was in the living area of her suite, being consoled by her coach and trainer when Lewis and Lee arrived.
    “Hi, Chantal, how’s it going? Bit of a bummer, eh?” said Lewis as he kissed her and gave her a hug.
    Chantal forced a wry grin. “I’ll survive, Lewis. Thanks for coming round.”
    “No worries, sweetheart,” he replied. Then turning to the door where his new friend was lurking, Lewis added, “Oh this is Lee, you met him before - remember?”
    “Yes, of course I do. How are you?”
    “Fine thanks, sorry about the match. I bet you’re sick of hearing that,” said Lee stepping forward.
    “I am, but thank you anyway. It’s only a match after all - there are more important things I could lose.”
    Lewis patted her on the shoulder and beamed a smile that would lighten even the heaviest of hearts. “Well said! Where is the old trollop anyway?” he jovially asked.
    “I’m through here, Lewis,” came a voice from the adjoining bedroom, “sticking pins into an effigy of you. Are you in pain yet?”
    Lewis chortled, playing his part. “No. You need to use something sharper, try your claws.”
    “They would certainly work better than your wit,” Marie countered. “…Come through and see me for a moment, please.”
    Having been given a nod from Chantal, Lewis left her to her woes and went into the bedroom accompanied by Lee. He found Marie working on her laptop at the bureau.
    “Are you hiding? That’s not very nice,” whispered Lewis.
    “Normality is best,” she replied with an exaggerated shrug of her shoulders. “I leave the dramas to the professionals. Chantal is in good hands.”
    He kissed her then introduced Lee.
    “It’s good to see you again,” said Marie acknowledging him with a curt nod. “How are you enjoying your stay in Melbourne?”
    “I’m having a great time,” replied Lee.
    “He keeps himself busy by darning my clothes. He’ll make someone a wonderful wife,” said Lewis.
    Marie looked at him puzzled then dismissed the frivolity with a shake of her head. “Why don’t you leave us for a moment, Lewis, then Lee and I can have a chat without your banal interruptions. Try them out on Chantal, perhaps you can perform a miracle and resurrect her spirits.”
    “Okay, I’ll try.”
    Marie waited until he was gone then made a suggestion as s he stood up and moved away from the bureau. “Shall we go out onto the balcony, it’s a beautiful view?”
    “Sure,” replied Lee.
    They went out and closed the door behind them. Silence accompanied them for a moment as they stood and looked out over the city before continuing where they left off that morning.
    “You and Lewis seem very relaxed in each other’s company,” said Marie to get things rolling.
    Lee snorted out a strangled laugh. “I suppose that’s because we know where we stand now - he’s made it very clear. How long will you be staying?”
    “Not sure... But Chantal won’t leave whilst Lewis is still in the tournament. He stayed here last year to watch her win, and then again at Wimbledon last summer when he was hurting a lot more than Chantal is now. She might want to retreat, but she won’t.”
    “You can speak to Scott then... Lewis wants him all right,” Lee coldly stated.
    “You’re certain?”
    “He told me as much.”
    Marie drew a deep breath as she considered this. “Another difficult conversation for you - it’s been quite a day. Did you mention anything about our suspicions?”
    “Not directly,” answered Lee. “But I’ve planted a seed. It will probably grow to full realisation, but not in the timescale we have to play with... But perhaps that’s not needed. Maybe they’ll have the time to sort it out themselves. Who knows what’s going to happen after the tournament?”
    “They will go their separate ways,” predicted Marie,