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I kept my head held high knowing Iker respects a man who approaches his punishment with dignity. “Joe I’m disappointed in you – I thought we had moved on beyond this. I want you to talk to Sergio before we have a little chat in the study ok?” Joe was mildly surprised at Iker’s request but nodded knowing that Sergio was in the same position as himself. “Good boy! I’m going to wait in the study. Today, you will be coming to me!”
“How should I present sir?” Someone wise had taught him to ask if he wasn’t sure about something. “Good boy! I’m proud that you asked and I won’t embarrass you, so boxers will be fine.” Despite the heavy heart, a small flicker of happiness went through Joe, his mentor was proud of him. “Thank you sir! I appreciate your kindness” Turning to the second man, “Come Sergio I have somewhere we can talk in private.” With that he led Sergio up to the attic – he’d made it soundproof after Iker’s first ever visit. It was his safe place and Iker respected that and never set foot there – his boys needed their own space.
“Joe, what happened?” Joe had expected the question “In all honesty? I don’t know but I forgot Iker’s main lesson ‘Win as a team, Lose as a team!’ and I regret it.” Sergio felt sorry for the goalkeeper – if he was brave and told the truth, his punishment would be worse. “Joe do you trust me?” The other man nodded. “Tell Iker the truth – if he finds out that you’re going to lie to him then it’ll be a lot worse ok!” That shocked Joe; he was planning to tell Iker that it was just a huge mistake. “Thanks for the warning – you didn’t have to do that.” Sergio held his arms open and Joe climbed into his arms seeking the comfort he needed before he faced his punishment. He would be honest – it’d be better that way.
“I’m scared!” Joe blurted out; he’d struggled the last time he acted against the Golden Rule. “It’s ok, it’s going to hurt but Iker will look after you.” He paused for thought. “I think you should go see him now – he won’t wait forever and it’ll be even harder the longer you wait.” Sergio hated asking for punishments, that’s why Iker only does it when a lesson is repeated or a severe transgression is committed i.e. swearing and backchatting referees. “Thanks Sergio. You’ve helped me a hell of a lot.” Before Joe left the room he gave him a weak smile.
He arrived at the study door and took a deep breath before knocking. “Enter!” Came the instant reply and Joe pushed open the door, entering the room and closing the door behind him. He stood in front of the desk and looked Iker in the eye. “Before we start may I say a few words?” A surprised Iker nodded – usually Joe wasn’t the talkative type when it came around to punishment time. “I forgot the Golden Rule; win as a team, lose as a team. It shames me but I am proud that I was able to admit it.” Pausing for breath, Joe added, “I’m scared about my punishment although I know that I deserve it.” A final big deep breath “Please punish me for my failings sir!”
Iker looked at Joe, he was disappointed in him for forgetting the Golden Rule. But nothing could overtake his pride in his boy. He’d admitted his transgression, shared his fears and asked for his deserved punishment. “Joe I am proud of you – it’s not easy for you to admit everything, you’ll be punished – but it won’t be as bad as it could’ve been if you’d lied to me.” Iker considered the young man before him before telling Joe “Get those boxers off and put your nose in the corner. I need to make up my mind about your punishment.” Joe obeyed immediately to Iker’s cold voice.
Iker had been planning on doubling Joe’s punishment from his last punishment for the same thing but his bravery must be rewarded. He would only put half on top of the original punishment. 155 smacks, 45 with the paddle before finishing off with 15 of the belt. A hard but fair sentence for Joe. “Joe! I have decided that you will receive 155 smacks, 45 with the paddle before finishing off with 15 from my belt. I can promise you that it won’t be easy.”
Joe nodded despite his fears, this would be his worst ever punishment – but he would be brave and take it like the man he should be. He waited silently for Iker to summon him over.