Chapter 15
Jack Fisher had planned to duck out of the hotel, have a quiet dinner and hit the sack early that night. Jack and the Pros were" to leave for the Coast the next morning. However, growing evidence indicated a plot to unseat Collins was nearing a climax.
He arrived too late. The shrewd maneuver plotted by Morgan, Jackson and Henderson to goad the big man into taking a sock at Jackson had already worked.
Collins blasted Jackson for downgrading Ron Jessup in the Darts game and had explained patiently the Kid Stew strategy, but in vain. Finally, exasperated, Collins had taken a poke at the newspaperman and Morgan had instantly demanded his resignation. Collins had agreed, in the best interests of the team, and Morgan said the story would be put out that Collins had to retire for the season because of a sudden attack of stomach ulcers.
Jess Henderson was named acting head coach by Barnes. It had been a swift package deal and was all over by the time Jack had gone to find Ron Jessup in the hotel bar to relay the news to him. He also wanted to find out the venerable quarterback's reaction. Jessup, with a plaster tape across his nose, was having bourbon and water.
So far as Jack knew, none of the Pros had been informed that Hank "resigned" because of ulcers. Jack saw no reason why he shouldn't tell the veteran quarterback.
"To get on with the bad news," he said. "Collins is gone. Out with ulcers for the season." He studied Ron's leathery face; its square jaw would be described in Westerns as granite-hewn. He also had blue eyes, a strong mouth and solid, prominent cheek bones. If ever TV horse operas ran out of actors to portray the town marshal, Ron Jessup would do-right down to the taciturn, unemotional "huh" which he grunted at this disclosure. He puffed delicately at his cigar a moment or two and said, "Morgan got rid of him at last, eh?"
"That's not the story we put out," replied Jack.
"What did Morgan tell you to write?" asked Ron.
Jack winced. "Hank suddenly came down with a case of bleeding ulcers. Strain too great. Complete rest for the remainder of the season. After that, Morgan hopes Hank will be able to resume."
"It's Jess then, this year and next, and from here on in."
"Right." said Jack.
"Listen," said Ron, "I told you that I'd give you a scoop when I decide to retire. Well, I'm retiring at the end of this year."
"Can I write it?" Ron nodded. "And say," he added after a pause, "if you know of any good business I can invest in, let me know."
"I'm thinking of buying a small newspaper. Would you like to be a publisher?"
"I'll think about it on the plane ride back to L.A."