“I think you need to back off!” I stood and faced them.
“I don’t think I want to. Too many of you celebs think you can do what you want. Look at you now; you’re here with the likes of me.” He pointed at his chest. “Maybe the two if us should show you how we do things here.” They stepped closer, clenching their fists by their sides.
“You can try.” I mirrored their position and clenched my fists. I really didn’t want any more trouble than I was already in, but these two tools seemed to not want to back down. Idiot number one took a swing. I attempted to block it, but the whiskey had completely taken over my brain. I grabbed at him, but only caught air. My cheek stung where he’d made contact. Before I could stumble out of the way, idiot number two took his turn.
“What’s going on in here?” One of the detectives at a nearby desk stood and rounded the corner. “Hey! Break it up.” He unlocked the door to the holding cell, and separated us. I was cupping my cheek at this point, and he directed me out. “You got someone here to see you, Mr. McKay.” My brow furrowed. I hadn’t called anyone so I had no idea who could be here. “You can talk in here.” He opened a door to what looked like an interview room, and closed it behind me.
There was an aluminum table in the middle with two chairs. The window on the side of the space had bars over it, and the walls were brick. Opposite the window was a large mirror. I’ve watched enough cop TV shows to know it was a two way. I sat down and rested my elbows on the table. My head was pounding, and the room spun slightly.
“What the hell were you thinking tonight, son?” Chuck’s voice boomed when the door opened.
“I’ve got a lot going on right now,” I grumbled.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done to your career? Do you even care?” His voice climbed higher as he rounded the table. “When Mike finds out about this, you can kiss that cushy sponsorship goodbye.” He slammed his fist on the table.
“I don’t plan on telling him, Chuck,” I spat the words out.
“You don’t have to. You were arrested. It’s going to be public knowledge. Hell, I’ll be surprised if you don’t make the news. Big time fighter getting arrested is juicy news.” He shook his head.
“What exactly are you trying to tell me right now?” I stood and moved toe to toe with him.
“I’m saying, you’re done. I can’t do this. I’ve had fighters make bad decisions. I’ve been known to take on the ones who like to fuck up, but I’m getting old and tired. You need to get your things, and find another gym.” He shook his head.
“How the hell am I supposed to do that when I’m stuck in here?” I scoffed.
“Figure it out. You already think you know everything. Now’s your chance to prove it.” He opened the door and left me there.
ooooooooo
I spent the night in lockup. Luckily, I was moved to a private area since the other men in the “drunk tank” wanted to fight. It was a night that I will never forget. When morning came, I was roused by another officer. They must have changed shifts because I didn’t remember seeing him the night before. “You’re lucky. Someone posted bail for you. I thought for sure you’d be here for a while.” He led me around the corner and there was the last person I thought I’d see.
“What are you doing here?” I gasped.
“It’s good to see you too, E.” She tipped her head to the side with an annoyed look that she always gave me when we were kids.
“No, really. What are you doing here?” I mumbled as we began walking outside. I hadn’t seen my sister in almost a year. Last Christmas, I think.
“Mom called me. You’ve made the news. I flew out last night. I’ve only been here a few hours.” She was waving her hands around as she led me down to what had to be a rental car.
“And you came alone?” I looked around. I hadn’t seen my brother-in-law or my niece.
“Caleb stayed home with Natalie. It wasn’t going to take all of us to bail you out.” She sounded annoyed and tired. “What’s going on with you, E? I mean, you’ve always been stubborn and bullheaded, but I thought you were going places when you started fighting on the circuit.” She climbed in the car as she shook her head at me.
“I don’t need to hear it from you right now,” I muttered. “I need to get my car.”
“I’m taking you home right now. You need to shower. I’m staying here the next few days, and then you’re coming home with me.” She glared at me.
“No, I’m not.” I jerked away from her.
“You’re gonna lose your sponsors. How do you plan to fight without sponsors? Your money is going to dry up, and then what? Street fight? Your artwork alone probably cost at least a grand.” She nodded to my full sleeve. “For someone who doesn’t want to be like Dad, you sure look a lot like him.”
“I have commitments here,” I tried again.
“From what I understand, you got kicked out of the gym. I heard your trainer dumped you.” She turned into my apartment complex. I have no idea how she knew where I lived.
“Get your shit, then we’re getting your car. You may be bigger than me, but Dad trained me too and I’m older.” She pointed at the stairs that led up to my apartment.
My sister meant business, and I knew from growing up with her, that she had no problem playing mother to me. We were eleven years apart, and now that she had her own family, she was even more of a mom.
“Let’s go. I don’t have time for this.” She pushed my shoulder.
“I’m going, I’m going,” I whined. It was the first time in a long time that I felt lost. I felt so lost right now, that I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to ask for help, and I certainly didn’t want help from the people who always promised to give it…my family.
It didn’t take me long to pack. I only really had clothes. The apartment had come furnished. When I climbed back in my sister’s rental, the sonogram picture fell from my pocket.
“What’s that?” My sister, Riley, pointed at the paper that was slowly fluttering to the floorboard.
I grabbed it and stuffed it back in my pocket. “Nothing.” I brushed her off.
“Didn’t seem like nothing.” She began driving toward downtown. I assumed we were getting my car.
“Just another mistake I have to fix. I’ve been screwing up pretty good lately.” I flopped back against the seat. “Can we not talk about it right now?”
“Please tell me you did not get somebody pregnant.” She laughed as if it was a joke. When I didn’t answer her, she swung her head in my direction. “Oh god, Easton. That’s it, isn’t it? You got somebody pregnant!” She turned into an impound lot.
“I said I don’t want to talk about it right now.” I opened my door and rushed out.
She rolled her window down, “Follow me when we leave.” I glared at her before walking away to pay my fine, and get my car. I didn’t want to talk about this. I didn’t want to talk about it with anyone, especially her. I waved her off as I meandered through the lot to the back corner where my car was parked.
It felt like the one thing that was going right for me when I saw it. I climbed in and cranked the engine, then like the little kid that Riley always seemed to bring out in me, I followed her to her hotel.
ooooooooo
Once we parked, she led me inside. “I’m tired, and I know you’re tired, but we are going to talk about this. I don’t know why you didn’t call one of us sooner, Easton. We’re your family.” Her eyes welled up and I thought she might cry, but she swallowed it away.
“After we sleep, we’re going to fix this. We’re going to figure out the fighting, and the baby situation. It’s going to be okay.” She hugged me. The girl who used to tower over me now seemed so small, but I could feel her strength as she squeezed.
“Who’s the “we” you’re talking about?” I was skeptical. I already knew the answer, but I wanted her to clarify.
“Dad and I.” She was resolute, and when she released me, she walked away knowing I’d follow her. My fat
her was the last one I wanted involved in this, but I knew my sister, and I knew she wasn’t letting it go until she fixed the problem.
Chapter 10
Easton
Ever heard the saying ‘you can’t go home again’? Those words were never truer than they were this morning. I don’t know how she did it, but Riley found an attorney for me, and he got me off on community service. She must have pulled some serious strings because I was allowed to serve at home.
After leaving Miami, Riley and I took turns driving my car back to Boston. She kept telling me that she had a plan and not to worry, but I haven’t been home in over two years. Other than a few texts, Dad and I don’t talk, and have no place to stay.
“What are we doing here?” I glared at Riley when we pulled into my parents’ driveway.
“We’re home.” She turned confused eyes on me. “You didn’t think you were staying with me, did you? I mean, I love you E, but until you figure your shit out, I don’t want Natalie to be around all of this.” She pulled up behind Dad’s truck and parked.
“There’s nothing here for me.” I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted like a little kid.
“Mom and Dad are here. You have a room, and gym to work out in, and you’re helping Dad…remember?” She shook her head at me.
“How could I forget? You’ve been reminding me since I got the orders. I’m sure Dad is going to have a field day with this too.” I shoved my door open and climbed out.
After grabbing my bag, I stormed up to the front door. Riley followed behind me. “They’re not mad, just worried,” she whispered as I threw open the door.
“Easton!” The word fell from my mom’s lips in shock.
“Hey, Mom.” I offered a half smile.
“I’m so glad you’re home.” She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around me. “Your father had to go into the gym. I’m making your favorites for dinner.” She stepped back and rushed over to the stove. “You can put your things in your old room. I cleaned it up for you.” She smiled and I just looked around awkwardly.
“Thanks.” I started to walk away.
“You’re welcome!” Riley shouted from where she was standing at the door.
“Thanks, Rils.” I waved her off. I didn’t want to be here. Just stepping through the door made my hackles go up. I didn’t know what to do though. I had nowhere to go, it seemed that I had no gym to work out in, no coach, and now I was fighting a baby rumor. Mike had been texting me for days, but I was ignoring him. I know it was stupid, but part of me knew why he was reaching out.
Riley left, and I used the moment to escape to my room. The stairs creaked as I lumbered to the top. I could make this path in my sleep. I walked to the end of the hall, and opened the door. Everything was the same. I’d left this house when I left for college, and this was the first time I’d been back. I’d always found a way to be somewhere else when I could have been home over the years. Now, I was out of options.
The bed looked smaller than I remembered it. The blue plaid comforter had been washed and my childhood teddy bear was sitting proudly on my pillow. I rolled my eyes as I grabbed it, and tucked it away in my closet. Clothes that were way too small hung on the racks when I opened the doors. Golden trophies announcing my winnings from high school wrestling were lining the shelves, and a few Ju Jitsu medals were still displayed on the walls. I sighed as I flopped on the bed and covered my eyes with my arm. I was exhausted, and dreading the moment my father would be home. I had no idea whether I was in for a lecture or a hug.
ooooooooo
I didn’t think it had been that long, but I’d fallen asleep amidst my unpacking. I probably would have slept all night if my dad hadn’t woken me up. “Hey, Angel? I’m home.” Dad’s voice boomed as the front door opened. My eyes flew open at the same time, and I felt like that ten-year-old who was waiting to be punished.
“In here!” she yelled back. Their conversation got quieter at that moment, so I missed what else was being said. I waited, thinking that maybe he’d forgotten I was here, but my mother made sure that didn’t happen.
“Easton! Dinner’s ready,” she called, forcing me to come downstairs.
I slowly stood up and rubbed my eyes as I lumbered toward the door. As it opened, I peeked out before walking downstairs. Dad was rummaging through the refrigerator as Mom pulled a pot off the stove. “Smells great, Angel.” Dad kissed her cheek as she turned to place it on the table.
“I made spaghetti, Easton’s favorite.” She turned back around just in time for Dad to pull her chair out. “Thanks.” She smiled and he moved to his usual spot at the table. I stood there staring as if I was stuck in some sort of a fifty’s sitcom nightmare.
“Are you going to join us?” Dad glanced at me before serving his plate.
“Uh, yeah, sure,” I stuttered as I slowly sat down.
“Help yourself.” Mom motioned to the large pot of pasta.
I scooped a huge mound onto my plate. I was starving, and I haven’t eaten a home cooked meal in months. Both Mom and Dad ate quietly, glancing at me every few bites. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “What?” I barked as I let my fork drop, clanging against my plate.
“Nothing,” Dad mumbled around a mouthful of pasta.
“It’s not nothing. You keep staring. So, if there’s something you want to say to me, then say it.” I glared angrily.
“Fine.” Dad dropped his fork. “I was hoping to eat first, but what the heck.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “As long as you’re here, you’re following our rules. I’m the one who’s signing off on your community service, me.” He stabbed at his chest. “You follow my rules unless you want me to send you back to Miami to work a road crew picking up trash. You’ll respect your mother and me while you’re living here, and you’ll contribute to the household any way we see fit.” He picked up his fork and started eating again. “Am I clear?” His eyes narrowed as he stared at me.
“Crystal,” I muttered as I sighed.
“We love you, Easton.” Mom started to say something else, but Dad placed his hand on her arm and she stopped.
“Sure.” I stood with my plate and started to walk away.
Mom looked upset, but Dad mumbled, “Just let him go,” before going back to his dinner.
ooooooooo
Morning came sooner than I would have liked, and Dad made sure I was awake. “Day one of earning your freedom back starts now.” He banged on my door. “Dress in workout gear and meet me at my truck in ten.” I heard his steps fade away as he jogged downstairs.
I groaned as I scrubbed my hands over my face. The sun was already up, so that was good. At least I didn’t have to be up before it anymore. Not fighting will do that.
I grabbed a pair of gym shorts and a tank, quickly tied my sneakers, and then put a hat on to cover my bedhead. When I came downstairs, Dad was standing by the door with a hand out, holding a cup of coffee. “You look like shit. Drink up.” He was stone-faced and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to laugh or snarl.
We climbed in the truck, and Dad drove us to McKay’s. I could have driven here with my eyes closed, and when we pulled up it was almost like visiting an old friend. Nothing about the place had changed. “I have a self-defense class starting in fifteen minutes. You’re going to be my assistant.” He climbed out, leaving me there.
I stared at the door for a few minutes after he’d disappeared inside. “Assistant? Great,” I grumbled. He was basically letting a bunch of women beat me up, and I was just supposed to take it. I climbed out, head hanging low as I shuffled inside.
“Hey! The Parodical Son returns,” Caleb, my brother-in-law, shouted from the front desk. I’m sure he and Riley had a good laugh last night.
“Screw you,” I muttered as I brushed past him. I wandered around for a few moments watching patrons work out as I made my way back to the training room where Dad held his classes. I felt a little lost as I stared at a few of whom I assumed were new fighters. There were two sparring in
the center ring, and two more working on the heavy bags.
When I stepped into the training room, Dad was holding a clipboard and checking off names. There had to be about twelve women of various ages sitting on the mats on the floor. “Oh good. My assistant is here.” Dad grinned and my stomach sank. He was going to have too much fun this morning. “This is Easton, your punching bag for the next hour. Don’t worry about hurting him. He’s a trained fighter.” Dad smacked my shoulder as he walked past me. “Go gear up.” He nodded to the padding in the corner.
“I don’t think I need any of that.” I smirked cockily as I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Whatever you say.” Dad shrugged. “Your mom broke my nose twice when I was your age, but hey…what do I know.” He turned to the group of women. I thought about his words, but decided against the warning. I’ve never been a good listener, and apparently wasn’t about to start now.
“Okay ladies, have we all stretched out?” He smiled as he pulled each arm across his chest and surveyed the room. I stretched a little, but how hard could this be?
Dad droned on and on about how size didn’t matter. I’ve heard this speech before. It’s about knowing your attacker’s weakness. Even if you’re small, you can still escape. Getting away is the goal, not beating up the guy. Yada yada yada. “Who’s ready to try?” Dad smiled at the women.
One woman’s hand flew in the air. He called her forward, and motioned me over. “We’re going to work on the foot first.” He positioned her in front of me. “Easton is going to grab you from behind. When you feel him, yell ‘no’ and stomp on his foot as hard as you can. You won’t hurt him. He’s trained for this.” Dad winked at me, and I rolled my eyes. There was no way these girls could do any damage. I got beat up for a living.
I moved behind the woman and grabbed her around the middle. Faster than I could prepare for, she screamed no, and brought her heel down on the toe of my shoe. I released her as I jumped backwards and hopped around for a moment. “Son of a…” I growled and Dad just laughed. He fucking laughed at me.
Broken Shadows (The Broken Series Second Generation Book 2) Page 7
