Chapter Four: The Missing Twelve Seconds

[Next season: 12 appearances; 2 goals; groin surgery in December.] [Hidden condition: after Costaro's tenth appearance, Royal Sanctum may unilaterally delay payment until next season.] The twenty million might not arrive for a year. The “free” striker would cost Northport four million in wages. But Lin did not reject it. “Agreed in principle,” he replied. “Extend validity by twenty-four hours.” The news leaked. After training, Costaro threw his bib onto Lin's desk. “Were you only waiting for the price?” “If I wanted to sell you, I would have done it three days ago.” Lin opened a match clip. “But in each of your last four games, twelve seconds go missing.”