Naked Hero - The Journey Away

time.”
    Scott was surprised at the boldness of the statement. “Do you think Lewis could get there... this year? There’re not many people who rate his chances at present.”
    “Aye, he could - this year, despite what’s happened. But he needs help. More help than I can give him.” Once again the whisky dominated Jim’s view as he made this new confession.
    “I see,” said Scott gazing intently at Jim Murdoch. He understood how difficult the admission was for the man. And he knew now for sure where the conversation was leading. He had already guessed as much before the meeting. His defences were raised as Jim continued towards his conclusion.
    “He needs… a more experienced hand to guide him through this fortnight. There are some tricky matches ahead. I was wondering if your schedule might find time to give the lad a bit of advice - maybe just have a look at his game, and give him a few pointers. There’s nobody out there who knows more about what it takes to win this tournament than you. Any help you could give would be appreciated.”
    “Does Lewis know that you’re here?”
    Jim looked back up with renewed fire in his eyes. “No! Nor should he ever do, if you decide not to help. He’s had enough rejection already.”
    “I haven’t done any coaching, Jim, I’m not sure if I would be of any real use.”
    “You’ve done a lot of winning, and that is a hell of a lot of use. Just see the lad. Talk to him... unless of course there’s a problem that we’re not covering here. There’s no point in me being backwards about that now, is there? I’ve had enough of ducking that particular issue.”
    It was an uncomfortable question to have been asked, and Scott tried to hide his uncertainty in the answer he offered. “There is no problem... if you’re referring to him being gay.”
    The right words were said, but there was something that Jim Murdoch did not feel totally convinced about. Again he needed to press a point at the risk of offence. “I would need to be sure of that you see. This is not a good time to play mind games with Lewis.”
    “I can appreciate that, Jim - believe me.” This time the words rang with sincerity. There was no need for Jim to press further.
    “Will you think about it then?” asked Jim, moving in for a close.
    “What’s his draw like?” asked Scott in return, buying some more time.
    “He should see the second week no problem, on paper that is, but… there could be some trouble on Monday. He’s got an Aussie in the first round and the tabloids are stirring up a rabble.”
    “Yes, I read it... Scandalous! I doubt if there is anything I could do to help him with that, though. But I will think it over, Jim. I’ll let you know within a couple of days at the most. I need to see how it would fit in with the other commitments I have here.”
    Jim nodded his head. “Of course… But tell me - these commitments you have. It’s not something you’re all that serious about, is it – commentating? I mean… I don’t really see it myself… Sorry, but there was nobody as competitive as you in your day. I can’t see you being that happy just sitting on the sidelines. Commentating… An easy life I suppose. I just thought that maybe you might want something more... more than commentating.”
    Now that took Scott Taylor by surprise. He had seen the plea for help coming, but this was going further than he had anticipated. “What are you getting at here, Jim?”
    Murdoch’ s hand moved forward an inch towards the barely touched glass and then withdrew. “Sorry, just thinking aloud. Ignore me! But please, just look at the boy. He needs some help, and I think you’re the man that can give him what he needs.”
    Scott Taylor looked Jim Murdoch in the eye once more, and could see no sign of subterfuge, just an honest plea for help, which he admired him for. Enough had been said for now, so he decided to take his leave.
    “I’ll be in touch,” said the American as he stood up.
    “Thanks, Scott,” replied Jim, rising as well to shake hands.
    He stood there for a few moments as he watched the American leave, wondering how comfortable that suit was for him - if the years had dulled the competitive edge and would result in him keeping it on. He seemed to carry it well - a real gentleman of leisure as he weaved his way past the tables, nodding on one occasion at a half raised hand. Jim was seated again by the time Scott passed through the door, never once having looked