16: Into The Spotlight

Carlos woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing. Squinting at the screen, he saw a message from Herrera.

Herrera: Be at the stadium by 7 PM sharp. We're putting you on display.

His heart skipped a beat. What did Herrera mean by "display"? He quickly threw on his training gear, packed Chico, and bolted out of the apartment.

As Carlos arrived at the iconic Atlético Gran Rey stadium later that evening, he felt the weight of its grandeur. The field was perfectly manicured, the floodlights blazing like beacons in the evening sky. Players, scouts, and media personnel milled about, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation.

Herrera stood near the tunnel, talking to a group of men in expensive suits. When he noticed Carlos, he waved him over.

"Carlos," Herrera said, his tone calculated yet smooth. "Tonight is your chance to show them what you're made of. You'll play in a showcase match alongside some of our top academy players. It's not just about skill—it's about proving you can handle the pressure."

Carlos nodded, though his palms were slick with sweat. "Who's watching?"

Herrera smirked. "Scouts from Europe, agents, club executives. The best eyes in football. No pressure, of course."

No pressure. The words echoed in Carlos' mind as he stepped into the locker room to prepare. Diego sat nearby, already lacing up his boots.

"You ready for this?" Diego asked, giving him a nod of encouragement.

Carlos exhaled sharply. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The match kicked off under the roar of a modest crowd, but the energy felt electric. Carlos' team was stacked with talent, each player eager to impress the eyes scrutinizing their every move.

Early on, Carlos struggled to find his rhythm. The pace of the game was relentless, and every mistake felt magnified. A miscalculated pass. A hesitation on the ball. His frustration began to mount.

"Focus, Carlos!" Diego barked after intercepting a loose ball.

Carlos nodded, shaking off the nerves. He took a deep breath and reminded himself of what Navarro had taught him—play with purpose.

The next time he got the ball, he didn't rush. He shielded it from an approaching defender, scanned the field, and spotted Diego making a run. With a perfectly timed pass, he set Diego up for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Diego scored, and the crowd erupted. Carlos allowed himself a small smile.

As the game progressed, Carlos grew into the match. His confidence returned, and he began orchestrating plays from midfield. His passes were precise, his movement sharp. He even notched a goal of his own—a curling strike from outside the box that left the keeper rooted to the spot.

By the final whistle, Carlos' team had won 4-2. He'd contributed a goal, two assists, and countless key plays. As he walked off the pitch, his chest heaved with exhaustion, but his spirits were high.

In the tunnel, Herrera waited with an approving nod. "Well done, Carlos. You've made an impression."

Carlos smiled, but before he could respond, a tall man with a thick German accent approached them.

"Impressive performance," the man said, extending his hand to Carlos. "I'm Klaus Dietrich, head scout for Borussia Hamburg. We'd like to discuss your future."

Carlos froze. Borussia Hamburg was one of the top clubs in Europe.

Herrera stepped in smoothly. "Carlos is under my management. Any discussions go through me first."

Dietrich nodded but kept his eyes on Carlos. "You have potential, young man. Don't waste it."

As the scout walked away, Herrera leaned in. "See? This is just the beginning. Stick with me, and you'll go far."

Carlos nodded, but the earlier warnings crept back into his mind. What if Herrera's interests didn't align with his own?

Back at home, Carlos couldn't sleep. The thrill of the match mingled with the unease of Herrera's control over his future. He reached for his phone and stared at the unknown message again.

Unknown Number: Herrera isn't what he seems.

Carlos typed out a reply: Who are you? What do you know about Herrera?

A response came almost immediately.

Unknown Number: Meet me tomorrow at Plaza del Sol. Noon. I'll explain everything.

Carlos hesitated. Was this a trap? Or could this person hold the answers he needed?

Looking at Chico resting by his bed, Carlos whispered, "I have to know the truth."