There are a few curious glances from my MC brothers when they see the scars along my back, but they don’t ask questions. All of them understand.
We all have our scars. Physical, mental, emotional.
We’re a fucked up bunch, and that’s why we work.
“So, what’s going on?” I ask, rubbing my eyes to get the sleepiness out. “What’s the plan? And why the hell is Jo involved? That man raped her! She shouldn’t have to confront him,” I sneer at Reaper, hating that he would put her in this position. He’d never expect Sarah to do this.
“Because Brody knows her. When he sees her, it’s the validation we need to make a move.” Reaper pulls a small pill out of his cut and shows it to Jo. “I figure you could get your payback.”
Jo hops over on her crutches, injured leg bent as she stares at the tiny pill in Reaper’s big hands. “What is it?”
“It’s the drug he used. The one he planted in your beer. The one he used to take advantage of you. I’m all about an eye for an eye and then plus one. Listen, Jo,” Reaper says, tucking the pill in the inside pocket of his cut. “It’s up to you. If you don’t want to do this, that’s fine, but he might run if he sees us coming for him.”
“How do you know it’s him?” she asks him.
“Well, when we surveyed, there was a guy buying pills from another manager. Badge approached him, met him, and got his name. We did some research, and he’s a senior at the college you attended, living in the building above yours. He’s been managing these fights for a while now. It’s an easy gig. Pays for school and whatever else he wants. Skirt noticed him, and apparently Brody has made a big name for himself. He only has his fighter lose against the best fighters; big money to throw a fight. He’s a dirty guy,” Reaper mumbles around the end of a cigarette. He blows out the smoke between his lips. “You don’t have to do this,” he says. “We can go in there and not take him by surprise, but surprise is what is so great about torture.”
She chews on her bottom lip and looks away, staring at the small puddle formed in a pothole.
“What about Maximo? Does he know? Did he ever show?”
“We told him about what’s been going down at his casino, and he didn’t like it. He says he didn’t know, but when it comes to fights, he doesn’t do background checks. It’s all about the grit of the fight and cash. He’s already here.”
“He isn’t with his brother?” I question, a bit surprised.
Reaper scoffs, “No. Maximo says, and I quote, “That asshole doesn’t remember who I am anyway. He can wait a for more hours. Natalia is with him as well.”
The sun has set, and a few rag-tag people pass us that are for sure going to the fight. We need to hurry if this is going to happen. I walk forward and grab Jo’s shoulders. She looks so scared, so petrified. Her face is pale, and she’s shivering. Her green eyes are drowning in tears, lagoons as Skirt would say, and when she lifts her head, she thrust her shoulders back. “I want to do it,” she says with determination. “I want to give him what he deserves.”
Reaper seems proud as he tosses his half-smoked cigarette on the ground. “Good girl. Alright—” Reaper turns around, and Badge hands her a ticket and some cash. “I want you to find a manager who isn’t Brody. Maximo is going to work on making the ring empty. The only fight that’s going to be there tonight is going to be between us and him. No one fucks with my family, and no man rapes a woman. Everyone ready? Doc?” Reaper pins me with his dark eyes, and I nod, double checking to make sure I have my scalpel in my back pocket.
Check.
“Braveheart, walk with her. Everyone else, we’re going in the back way. And, Braveheart, take off your cut. He doesn’t need to know she’s there with a Ruthless King.”
Braveheart shucks off his cut and tosses it at Tank, who catches it with ease.
“Alright, men, lady—” Reaper tilts his fake hat “—let’s gut this son-of-a-bitch.”
Her eyes meet mine as we walk away from each other. She’s heading toward the main entrance, and I’m going toward the back. I don’t understand why I can’t be the one at her side. Reaper probably knows something I don’t, but it isn’t safe for her to be in this situation. She’s pregnant, for fuck’s sake.
“Reaper, I want to go with her, please,” I ask him, borderline begging.
“No, we don’t know if he knows about you or not. I’m not risking you.”
“Why? Afraid you won’t be able to find another doctor?” I spit angrily like a child, not wanting to get into why I said that, and wanting to put myself in harm’s way for Jo.
“Doc—” Reaper tries to stop me from walking, but I’m already heading down the alley in front of everyone. I come to a half-open garage door and bend down to duck my head underneath, then jump down to the fight floor. My boots kick up dust. The crowd is being corralled into the bleachers. Maximo is straight ahead, a dark brunette woman on his side, and he looks fucking pissed.
I glance around the dark basement that smells of sweat and blood, iron and anger. My eyes lock on Jo, and Braveheart has his arm wrapped around her. Like an innocent doe-eyed sweet thing, she looks as lost as ever, and the managers take notice.
They always know when fresh blood comes into the ring to place a bet.
Her face falls, and Braveheart must feel her tense because he looks left and immediately pushes her behind him. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s willing to square up with anyone, and I respect the hell out of him for it.
Brody must be walking toward her, but Maximo taking the microphone that hangs from the ceiling grabs everyone’s attention.
“Tonight’s fight is going to be a little different. Jo, will you please enter the ring.”
“What the fuck!” I sneer, taking a step forward to stop her when Reaper’s hand lands on my shoulder. “This was not part of the plan!” I yank my arm away and watch as Braveheart helps her to the stage. “She’s scared. She’s fucking pregnant, Reaper. I would think out of all people, you’d give a fuck about that. The stress isn’t good.”
“Listen to me…” Reaper grips me by my shirt and slams me against the wall. “This is why I can’t share with you. You’re too involved.”
“Brody Andrews, please step into the ring. Give me my money while you’re at it,” Maximo orders Brody with a big grin on his face.
I can wait to peel Brody’s lips off with my scalpel. I hate how he’s looking at her.
“Keep him locked down,” Reaper orders Tongue who grips my arms so hard, I swear my bones threaten to break. Reaper scolds me with a twisted expression on his face before walking away and stomping toward Braveheart.
“Don’t make me cut your tongue out, Doc. I like you.”
Bastard. He would too.
“We have a special fight planned for you tonight,” Maximo announces, and Jo takes a step back until she hits the side of the cage. Brody is inching into her space.
He must say something that pisses her off, because in the next instance she whacks him between the legs with her crutch, then slams the other across his face.