“You would have increased your odds!” Max joked.

“Max – this is not a game.”

Really?

“Alright then,” Max said defiantly. “So… why did you choose me?”

“You had time. You had money. You were young, with no dependants. And we thought, as a sportsman, you just might simply respond to the challenge.”

Just… for the thrill of it.

Just like… in a game.

“It was David Brown’s suggestion to use you but in the end we all agreed. You were the perfect choice.”

Perfect?

Old man – get serious!

“I’m nowhere near perfect!”

“For us you have been.”

Mate… this is too much!

What do they expect?

“I should warn you,” Max said. “I hate public speaking… and I’m no good at it.”

No ripple of surprise stirred in Shard’s eyes.

“We know.”

“And… I’m not that smart either.”

Shard smiled.

Mate… by now… everyone knows that!

“So if you’re looking to me… to convince anyone of anything… I can tell you right now. I’ll be a huge disappointment.”

Shard nodded in disagreement, but kept smiling.

“If you are depending on me…” Max continued, determined to make this perfectly clear. “Your project will fall flat on its arse!”

Shard laughed.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “That’s not your problem.”

“You know,” Max said, with a teasing grin. “You may have picked the wrong bloke here.”

“We don’t think so.”