18. Ivan

Of course I was drawn. Ten men selected, Xavier’s grey ball emerged and I just knew. “RED! WE HAVE RED! What a match that will be Xavier versus Ivan everybody!” Kingsley had roared. I shot a quick look at Vincent who was already staring at me to gauge my reaction.

I put my head back down to the ground and said nothing.

I don’t know how the crowd doesn't see through the act. The balls must have ridges or indents on them for the draw to work this way. Yes, the bag is held aloft to the crowd, there is no obvious interference only the entering and withdrawing of a hand. Vincent and Kingsley know exactly who they are picking.

The crowd went ballistic, with Xavier grinning with all his demented grandeur, hi-fiving Denton as though he’d won the lottery. “This is a match-up that will break records!” Kingsley screamed to a crowd that was largely ignoring him now they had the information they needed.

What more could the Axelon group want? As the crowd began to filter out the guards with the cat