Page 3 of Havoc

“Grim.” Ricky handed me the official invitation to fight. It was outlined in gold. I’d wanted that. It was something I’d worked hard for and something I could be incredibly proud of.

“I’ll make it worth your while, of course. I’ll double whatever you’d make if you had won.”

“Why?” I’d dealt with plenty of shady people before, but this somehow really bothered me.

“It’s just business.” He shrugged and watched me carefully. “I’ll have your name put on the door, and ‘Vegas Reaper’ will be on everyone’s lips.”

I eyed the card as the light caught the gold on its edges. I stood and handed it to him.

“Not interested.”

“For what it’s worth,” Ricky folded his arms, “I agree with Grim. I’m his trainer, and he’s worked hard for this. If you loved this sport like he does, you’d never ask him to throw a fight.”

“Sorry, Mr.…?” I waited for his name.

“Capri.”

“Sorry, Mr. Capri, but I fight to win, every time. I’m not the guy for you.” He studied the card then looked at the man who had spoken earlier, and something passed between them. Then he returned his gaze to me. “If that costs me my spot in the tournament, then so be it.” I stared him down.

He nodded then held the card out to me.

“It will cost you nothing.” He waited for me to take it back, then he called to his men, and they walked out. Confused, I watched them leave as I wondered if I’d made the right choice coming here.

“Gentlemen.” I turned to address my security detail.

“Yes, Mr. Gates?” Trevor replied.

“You’re all fired.”

“Grim.” A voice said from far away. “Hellooo, Grim.” I blinked and saw my brother’s confused expression. “Where the hell were you?”

That was odd. I’d let my mind slip far back. Those days were long gone.

I shook my head and glanced at my phone. It showed I had a missed message and two calls from Morgan.

“Sorry. Give me a sec, Leo.”

I tapped Morgan’s number and waited for the call to connect.

“I hope I didn’t wake you,” Morgan yawned.

“No, I was just dealing with something,” I lied. “Well?”

“I followed her to her house, she slept, and now looks to be awake.” I heard him grunt as he moved around. “No company so far.”

“Good.”

“I’m not spending another night in the truck. I’m going inside and see what’s up.”

“Stay in touch.”

“Yeah.” I hung up, and Leo eased into the chair.

“She, okay?”

“Yeah. Morgan’s going in to check on her.”

“Good.” He rubbed his tired face. It had been a long last few hours. “I still can’t believe she wouldn’t stay. The doctor should have looked her over.”