Chapter Five: The Goalkeeper No Giant Wanted

[PRICE OF THE CONTRACT: BELL MAY NOT PLAY AGAINST NORTHCASTLE UNITED IN THE FA CUP.] [HIDDEN EXCHANGE: CROWN SPORTS WILL ARRANGE NORTHCASTLE'S SUMMER PURCHASE OF A REAL MADEIRA DEFENDER. BELL WILL CONTINUE TO BEAR PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATCH-FIXING INVESTIGATION EIGHT YEARS AGO.] The penalty eight years ago had not been a mistake? Lin opened the notebook. Bell had guessed correctly in that match but moved half a step too early. The investigation closed for lack of evidence. Three months later, a center-back from the same team was transferred. His agent was Adrian Kane. “Why exclude that one FA Cup tie?” Lin asked. The vice president did not blink. “To prevent a recurrence of his condition under extreme pressure.”