Chapter 9
Jack Fisher found his way to Ron Jessup's room at the old hotel where the Pros stayed. Ron was writing a letter. He had expected Jack who had asked for an interview earlier that day. After the usual greeting, Jack asked, "Does that 'Kid Stew' stuff put you in the retirement frame of mind, Ron?"
"No," said Ron. "I haven't really thought about it. I know the kid's good. But I feel I can help this club yet. When I can't I'll hang up my cleats."
"That's going to make a good story," said Jack. "The game's greatest quarterback hangs 'em up. End of an era. End of the perfect blending of an arm and a toe. It'll make real good newspaper copy. I sure would like to have the story when you decide. Sure you haven't?"
Ron said nothing. He shifted his gaze out the hotel window.
"Listen, Ron," said Jack, lowering his voice confidentially, "I have a hunch you plan to retire after this season ... with the kid coming on and Jess pushing him to the foreground more and more, you might be getting just a bit fed up. After all, you've put ten years on top. At any rate," he paused, groping for elusive words, "just tell me first when you want to break it. Okay?"
Ron extended a big, blue-veined hand.
"Shake," he said. Jack shook and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Let's you and me get drunk some night," said Ron.
"You're on," agreed Jack. "How about LA at the La Frenzia, say next Monday night?"
"Sounds great," says Ron.
Jack admired the fabled Pros quarterback, both as a player and as a man. His strong, deeply carved features and slow, sure manner conveyed a quality of honesty which Jack associated with true leadership. No wonder men on the field followed his direction so willingly.