by P. S. Power
Rick nodded, but the other man pulled some papers, read them, placing them back without showing either of them what was going on.
His words were different than what Tony would have figured.
“Do you think that he might have been hired to harm you, so that you couldn’t fight that night? Or not do it well?”
Rick spoke first.
“Yes. I’ve been wondering that, to be honest. Nothing else really makes sense, does it?”
Anthony snorted though, not able to help it.
“Why? There would be no reason in the world to assume that I was going to win. Even getting me out of the fight would have been a bad plan at that point. We needed the Pay-Per-View watchers. So hurting me didn’t make sense. Not seriously. Showing that I could fight in a pinch might get those numbers up, so I figured that Ralph was set on me to do that both times. Make me look good, so that people would think I could win. He was… He came at me, but I don’t think that it was his actual fighting level. Does that make sense?”
It was hard to get across, but the men there were both smart enough to work out what he was saying. Tony could have, in theory, been as good of a fighter as Simpson. The man weighed a hundred pounds more than he did or more and was ripped. Muscular and with thick veins all over his body. All things being equal, if they met in the ring or cage, Tony was going to lose. Hard.
The man had cheated nicely too, coming in with weapons a few times. The first thing he’d done was a sucker punch. That really should have knocked him out. It had, to be fair about it. Tony had just fought from there and subdued the man. Breaking his arm when he came in for a second helping. No one would let that happen.
Not just for some money.
Logan and Rick talked about all of that, the words being recorded as Tony went over it. Several times. Including the fight with Hodder, on television. That meant he had to confess to some things that he really didn’t want to.
“I… The main portion of the fight? I don’t really remember it. I’ve seen it, but… It happens when I fight sometimes.”
Instead of calling him a liar, or suggesting medical tests be done on his brain, the official stared at him, then nodded.
“I’ve heard of that kind of thing happening. It isn’t that common, but it’s a real enough thing. I had a case a few years ago, seven years I think. Um… Forsythe? Cheating scandal. He claimed something like that. You however didn’t fishhook your opponent’s eye nearly out of the socket, so it’s allowable.”
Rick shrugged.
“I do that, too. Not a lot, but enough that I know it’s a real thing at times. The thing is… I’m Tony’s uncle. Adam Forsythe is his biological father…”
The other man blinked.
“We did not have that in the paperwork. He lives with you because…”
Tony answered that one.
“My mother got a job on a cruise ship. I didn’t know who my father was until about four months ago or so. We did a DNA test based on some guesswork. On his side mainly. It never came up before that. I was put here, so I could avoid living in an alley. It worked out pretty well for me.” Tony shook his head then. “That… It had happened before with my mother. Just being left like that. She isn’t much into mothering, or however that’s said. Rick, Jen… Even Adam, they’re all doing better. Really, it’s just that no one thought to mention it I bet. The whole DNA thing? No one even suggested hiding it. Not to me.”
That got a strange look from the man.
“It isn’t really a problem. I was just wondering if you were hiding from his poor reputation, using a different name. It wouldn’t make any difference officially if you were. So, that means that we’re going to have a hearing about this. On the tenth of December. It’s a Saturday, but we either do it then or end up working Christmas week. No one wants that. You might be required to testify, Tony. If so it will only be in going over what you did here today. Minus the part about who your parents are. Like I said, that isn’t our concern. We just have to make sure any cheating is uncovered. This may or may not change the disposition of your last fight. We can’t promise that it will be overturned. You understand that?”
That got a blink, since Tony didn’t want that.
“It shouldn’t be. The finding… I know what it looks like, but I lost that fight. In the cage. I was pushed… The fact is Erlander is just that much stronger than I am. If it… We should leave that part alone.” He didn’t think he had control over that kind of thing at all, but strangely the other man just stared for a bit.
“I’ll be certain to pass that recommendation along to the panel. Thanks for talking to me, both of you. I should see you on the tenth.”
Then they walked the man out. It had taken about an hour, which meant he had to rush back to the grappling class, only to find that Rick had hold of his shoulder, preventing that.
“You’re doing all right here, right Tony? I mean, you’re happy? You get to do enough of what you want that you’re not…” What he wanted to know was hard to figure out.
So Tony agreed, hoping it was the right thing to do.
“It really beats living in that alley. I haven’t even had to offer anyone handjobs at a discount rate to get food money or anything. So, yeah, this is a good place. You’re all good people. I’m a little bummed about the thing with Steve, but… I don’t know, he might make it? How, well, that part I haven’t worked out or I’d share it.”
The fear there was that he’d leave fighting, Gloria pushing him to be a mechanic or something, since it meant steady money. It sounded safer, but he was one of the rare type who could really make it. Steve Lopez could get to the level of riches and fame, if he wasn’t stopped by circumstances.
“I know, that one… It’s his life. All we can do is be there for him. For all of them. I just wanted to make sure that you’re all right. We kind of got sidetracked with all this other stuff… Logan wasn’t wrong at all, you know that, right? You keep saying that Hodder won, that it was different in the ring, but I’ve watched that fight twenty times. That wasn’t what happened.”
Anthony smiled, then locked eyes with the other man. Blue to blue. Rick was older, with a short beard that made him seem manly. Tony was still a kid and knew that. Even if he felt a hundred years old inside just then.
“It’s what had to happen. This isn’t about me trying to be the best fighter ever. I know that it’s what everyone here wants, so it’s hard for you to understand. I just want to help people. To protect them and make their lives better. Like what all of you did for me. That… It’s important. Maybe the most important thing that anyone could ever do. So… Yeah. Hodder won that one. He should get his rematch with Morse. He deserves it. He can win. I think he will.” If it happened.
His uncle didn’t move for a while. It was like he didn’t know what to say to that. Probably, Tony figured, due to the monumental stupidity it had to seem to him.
“Yeah. I know. He can win that fight, now. Against the champ in his weight class. But he can’t beat you. I don’t think Morse could either.”
“Which is why I’m going to be a doctor. After all, who wants some kind of unbeatable jerk hogging the top spot for twenty years? That would be annoying, don’t you think?”
It really would be, so he left then, not saying goodbye. He had people to try and help. A big part of that was getting better and finding their weak points, so that they could each work on them. For instance, Neema’s weak area, other than punching, since she had no skills there, because it wasn’t needed in her world, was in her left hand sweeps. Locks as well. She was great in many ways, but uneven if you truly payed attention.
Most of the time it worked for her, but that was what held her back as a fighter.
So Tony did nothing except make her work on that when he got back. Doing it until everyone stood there watching her desperately try to get him to let her have his other side. Raul saw it first, standing back with his arms crossed. There was no smile on his face, however. He just waited as Neema flo
pped around, until he called out what was needed.
“The other arm. Focus on that side. Tony will not let you have your preferred techniques now. You must grow and overcome the new obstacle. Practice this, in your mind. Get ready, since I believe we have entered the next phase of training. Until tomorrow, everyone.”
They got to leave then. Neema made mean faces at Anthony, her smooth dark skin covered in sweat. When she walked over the woman pushed his arm.
“You think you’re so great? Hmm? God’s gift to grappling?” There was no smile on her face, but something in her body language gave her intent away.
“That’s silly, Neema. Clearly not. I’m God’s gift to you. The others here too, just so you don’t get the wrong idea. It isn’t just for you, personally. I’m the present you didn’t want, that will goad you into being your best. If I can manage that. It’s the goal.” That came out sounding cocky, but got the laugh he was going for. The truth was he wasn’t special at all. No more so than anyone else. Anyone willing to do the work could help people.
Lexi walked over and patted him on the shoulder, smiling.
“That’s about right, isn’t it? You always try to help everyone. Even if they can’t see it. I should try to be more like that. I won’t, because I’m not that good, but I should.”
There was a snort from behind them, as Roy, the large, muscular and good looking grappler moved toward them, clearly listening.
“Get a room why don’t you? First, Tony, can you do that with me? That trick you used? I get the idea, it’s her pattern, but with mine…”
He actually had the most weak points in his fighting style, being the least experienced person there. Except Lexi and of course him. That part… Well, fighting wasn’t his goal in life at all, but it was easy. It made sense to him. If you paid attention, practiced and didn’t give up you could do anything, nearly. As long as the basic talent was there.
Roy could do it though, if he wanted. Any of them could.
They were good people, after all. That was almost always a great place to start.
Chapter twelve
Thanksgiving was way different than Anthony had expected it to be. For one thing, the cooking for it, while a bit nerve wracking, was expected to be a group effort. Almost everyone had shown up in town the day before, which meant that his grandmother Samantha and grandfather William were both there, having camped in the guest room. Jen’s family was from far enough away that they’d driven in, but stayed at a hotel nearby. So when Tony got up to start the turkey at six-thirty, he didn’t have a long wait for others to be up and around that day.
It wasn’t too bad to start with, since he had a run to go on with Riley. Mark skated on them, but they only did six miles, since it was a light day for everyone. That was apparently normal for the gym. The guy slapped him on the shoulder when they were finished.
“Thanks Tony. Happy Thanksgiving.” There was a smile from the man, showing that he meant it. Even if he didn’t love running.
“You, too. Happy Thanksgiving. See you tomorrow?”
That got a wave as the larger fellow took off, jogging in the cold morning air toward his car. Tony needed to do that himself, soon. Learn to drive. Instead he did his own running, headed back to the house, hoping that his turkey hadn’t burned while he was gone. That wasn’t going to happen, since he was cooking it at a low temperature. Like the directions said to. The thing weighed nearly twenty pounds after all. That meant going long and being careful with it.
After he showered, he got to split his time between doing prep for the food dishes that needed to be made later in the day, cutting up vegies and potatoes mainly and baking the rolls. The kind he was doing were called Parker House, which had a pat of, butter folded into the top of each one. Other than that they were just bread. Some things, like corn, was just going to come from a can and simply had to be warmed up. That would happen right before the meal.
He’d practiced making three kinds of gravy, but had two jars of the stuff, as backup in case he failed in the clinch. Jen got up at about nine-thirty, rolling her eyes at him. She didn’t get to speak though, since someone knocked on the door. That turned out to be Jen’s family, who flowed into the place like they owned it. Her mother looked a bit like an older version of her with shorter hair and more curves. It worked for her, which meant it probably would for Jenny later in life. Her dad was actually very different looking, being a step-father.
Anthony could have guessed that on his own, since the man was black. He had a great smile and managed to give Jen a hug that didn’t seem too uncomfortable. They had a girl with them, who was as pale as the other ladies, but who had jet black hair and black lipstick on. Dramatic eye shadow as well. She was in a skirt though, with black and gray striped leggings.
She also looked sullen enough that Tony smiled at her, trying to cheer her up. It might have worked, if she’d bothered to look up at all.
Jen turned to look into the kitchen.
“Tony? You met mom and Carl last night… This is my sister Addy. Addy, this is Tony. I told you about him?”
The sad seeming girl looked up then, but only at her sister.
“The one whose mother dumped him on you and the grandpa sugar daddy you trapped into a relationship? The kid that keeps getting into fights and who might have drug problems?”
Jen went wide eyed, as if that was wrong or something. Tony walked out from the kitchen, as Carl looked ready to get mad for some reason.
He just nodded at the girl, smiling.
“That’s pretty close to right. I don’t do drugs. Now. Not for years. The rest is pretty spot on about me. Tony Winters. Pleased to meet you.” He put a hand out, to shake, since she might be a pain in the ass, but refusing that would be a bigger deal than trying to cause problems by telling the truth.
She actually took it and smiled at him. Holding his hand for a bit.
“Okay, she forgot to mention the part where you’re cute. Also that you can’t be pushed around with words. I nearly had her going, don’t you think?”
He nodded then, since that was also about right.
“Yeah. Stop that. We have food to make and football to misunderstand. Come with me, so I can hit on you without your sister thinking I’ll get you pregnant… You brought birth control, right?”
It was interesting how people reacted then. Carl smiled, his white teeth showing that he thought it was funny. Possibly true as well. Jen’s mother looked away, annoyed. Jen however nodded.
“She’s too old for you, Tony. Don’t be fooled, sis. He’s only fifteen. Addy is twenty. Keep that in mind, because I like him more than I do you. Keeps getting into fights… He’s a professional fighter, that isn’t the same thing…” There was a distinct grumbling then, but it was done in good humor.
That did get the gothy girl to follow him into the kitchen, as if he were serious. On the good side, she actually helped, seeming to know a lot about that kind of thing. She was impressed that he could do anything at all in there.
“Practice. I even cooked a turkey a few days ago just to make sure I had a shot at this. So… Jen is pretty great, don’t you think?” He really believed it, which showed it seemed.
Addy gave him a look that made it seem like he was about to be called names for a moment. Then she faked a sigh.
“Sure. Sure. She’s incredible. Tough, smart, pretty. Everything that I’m not. You know, the whole thing where she went first, so already did everything, situation? That kind of thing.”
“Ah. Well, you’re pretty. I haven’t seen tough or smart yet, but the day is young. I’d avoid fights. Even the cute women coming later are pro-fighters, so you do not want to go there. That would be Lexi and Dani. Really, you might like Lexi. She’s about the same age and all that.”
“Oh? Well, warned fairly. I’ll only set the bitch level for five then. Is she your girlfriend? Lexis.”
“Lexi? No. She’s really nice, but… Well, you know, the age thing? I’m single. Also, if you want to date me,
I suggest not letting Jen know. Talk about a buzz kill that way.” Then Tony smiled, shaking his head for affect. “I don’t know how to do this kind of thing really. Holidays. You know, my mother, the one that dumped me here? Not big on that kind of thing as it turns out.”
She made a face then, which was hard and a bit angry.
“Sorry about that. Earlier? I was kind of roped into being here. As if family is important or something. So, you know, I have to be the brat. It’s the curse of being around family.”
That might have been the case, but there was a schedule to keep, if everything was to be made correctly at the right time. Interestingly all of the women tried to crowd him out at about noon, as if he couldn’t handle food for fifteen people. Samantha attempted to make him go watch a game that hadn’t started yet, in the living room.
“We have this now, I’m sure.”
“Except my corn bread stuffing. I made the corn bread last night, from scratch, so… Um, I need to work on that?”
The woman, who had stunning blue eyes in her grandma face just smirked at him, shaking her head as she did it. Lydia, Jen and Addy’s mother kept patting him. It started out as being on the shoulders and upper arms, but after her third glass of red wine she was swatting his, butt often enough that it was kind of obvious. That nearly got Jen going, since she was clearly afraid that Tony was either going to have a meltdown at the contact or sleep with her mom in the other room. That was a bit over the top, since the woman was still just being friendly, not trying to do things with him.
Addy went to the living room, oddly enough discussing insurance with William, who was on the board of Prudential, Tony thought. He ran out some snacks, since that was part of the holiday. So were big fights, but that should be avoided if possible. At two, things going well enough, his gym people started showing up. He didn’t get to do a lot with that part of things, until nearly four, when everything was coming out of the oven. The turkey was cooling, which would need to happen before it was sliced. Then he had to load it onto a large silver platter.