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It feels like a lifetime between Anthony joining Newcastle and the mags' next match against whichever team Frank Lampard washes up at after Everton give him his P45. They meet before kick off, all smiles for the cameras. Jason front and centre, taking Frank's outstretched hand and crushing it in his own. "Alright Lampard?" Leans in, makes sure he can be heard over the noise. "Do me a favour, yeah, and stay the fuck away from Anthony Gordon, would you?"
Frank's expression is unreadable. There's a brief hesitation. "The fuck you on about?"
"You heard. We're still picking up the pieces of the mess you left him in at Everton."
Frank's hand flexes in Jason's grip. "What you listening to that gobby little fucker for?" He asks instead of deny it. Voice pitched low and dangerous. Makes no effort not to look severe. "Think he's got anything good to say about you, you fucking permatanned lap dog?"
"Fortunately for you the kid's from Widnes, he's no grass," Jason points out. "But he didn't have to say anything because I'm not as thick as I look. You remember when we was kids and your dad used to come and watch us play for Senrab? 'Cause I do. Vividly." Grips Frank's hand so hard his knuckles are white. "Was the other way round though, wasn't it? He'd watch. Then he'd come. And the apple never falls far from the tree."
Frank's eyes go cold and flat. The way the sea goes. His voice is tense with barely controlled rage. Anger like a rip tide just under the calm surface. "Who the fuck do you think you're talking to Tindall? Howe not give you a bone today or something?"
"Keep your fucking hands off Anthony, yeah?" Jason says, still smiling but it's just teeth. "The last thing you fucking want is my undivided attention." He lets go casually, slipping away into the crowd easily.
Eddie's up next, media smile on, shaking hand ready. "Hello, Frank. Jase tell you how well Anthony's getting on?"
"Need to learn to control your dog," Frank tells him, jaw clenched.
Eddie chuckles amiably. "Nah, you misunderstand," he says. "Pack instinct always comes from the Alpha." He claps Frank on the shoulder and doesn't wait for a response before moving on. And when he walks away he doesn't need to say 'heel' for Jason to obediently fall in line behind him.