by Ellie Jean
Roy nods.
Clearing him, he bobs up and down and I do the same, stalking him again. Throwing a cross punch, he ducks and fires his fist at me. Dodging it, I take aim at his jaw, draw a breath and pull the trigger, unleashing all I have into my arm and fist. Rebounding through my arm, I connect perfectly and Wilders is sent on his way. I show no mercy.
My feet bounce as I watch the body of a grown man drop to the floor.
A drum beats in my chest, sweat rolls down my face as I lean forward looking for any sign he is going to recover. My hands pound together and I move around listening to the referee.
“Six… seven…”
Escalation ramps up inside, and my body continues bouncing.
“Eight…” There’s no movement still from Wilders. His team, up on their feet, are screaming into the ring to get up. “Nine…”
Fixated on the body, his right arm makes a slight movement and his legs move accompanied by a moan.
“Ten… down and out.”
Jumping in the air, I pump my fists up and listen to the crowd bellowing my name. Turning slowly, I take in the enormity of tonight. Hundreds, if not thousands, are squashed in under dazzling lights to watch me win. Adults jumping with me in pure elation. I’ve conquered Wilders. Music booms through the arena, mixing with the buzz and energy.
I roar, “Champion of the world,” holding my fist in the air, pumping it more.
My team runs in as Wilders’ team comes and lifts him to his feet. He’s barely conscious, but he offers me his hand to shake and I take it.
“You are the better man tonight.”
Nodding, I leave him to his thoughts and I get wrapped up in the hugs and slaps from the guys. We’ve all worked hard for this.
My eyes glance swiftly to the crowd, specifically to Caro.
Even through my bloodshot eyes, I can see her beauty. She blows me a kiss and then I’m pulled around by Cristo and lose sight of her. “Champion of the world. Holy fuck.”
I spit out my guard. “Yeah. Holy sweet fuck.”
Together as a pack, we stand arm in arm, bouncing and congratulating each other. Blood trickles down my face from the earlier injury, my arms heavy in my gloves and my ribs splitting in pain but it’s dulled by my achievement.
Officials join us and the referee pulls me to the side. He has Wilders on the other side. Our hands in his.
“The new heavyweight champion of the world is Chuck Sansone.” The deep voice booms around the arena and my arm is lifted as my waist is wrapped in a huge gold winner’s belt.
I’d done it.
Achieved my dream.
Hard work and dedication paid off.
Cheers erupt, lights strobe and music blares. Photographers line me up, flashes going off repeatedly. Raising my arms to the roof, I lean my head back and roar until my throat stings. Adrenaline rushes through me and I break out into a jog and do a lap of the ring, thanking the crowd, hollering and whooping at them. I beat my chest like a fucking idiot, letting the wildness surge out. My team stands, grinning from ear to ear. Wanting to thank and join them, I grab Andre and Cristo around their shoulders and we make our way out of the ring.
“Time to celebrate, boys.”
Caroline
“Eight.” Breath.
“Nine.” Breath.
“Ten.” My lungs fill. “Holy Lord. Chuck, you won.” Dancing around, I scream, watching my man jump up and down, punching his arms in the air. His mom squeals next to me and Tomme is hollering and throwing his fist in the air mimicking Chuck. Warm, excited arms embrace me and I hug Fiorella back.
“He won. My son’s a world champion.”
Nodding next to her, my pulse rapidly spits blood through my veins.
“Congratulations, Fiorella.” Standing back, I watch Tomme take her hand and pull her in toward his chest. Tears glisten in his eyes. That’s what proud parents should look like.
I face the ring and my lungs seize.
Crap.
Fuck.
Shit.
Damn.
I’m like a fish out of water gulping to get air in my lungs.
Wilders lost.
My eyes spin around the ring and land on Chuck celebrating his win like he should be. Our eyes lock and I blow him a kiss.
Within a millisecond, I bound up the stairs, lungs bursting, but I keep going. Eyes on the first exit, I lunge through it and scan the way I came in. Fuck, more stairs. Kicking off my shoes, I weave like a maniac through crowds of people. Thank god for Chuck buying me a short dress. Trying to maintain focus on getting to the door, my heartbeat thrashes in my ears, drowning out the conversations and music. I’m in my own terror-filled bubble. Bodies without faces restrict my movements, smells waft through my nose, my feet trample trash and stuff sticks to the soles of my feet but I hurtle forward. My mouth is dry, teeth clamped, and my nose heaves in air.
Black spots interrupt my vision and I slow to a walk, my eyes darting around the outer arena. I mentally thank there are hundreds of people here. Even with my gold dress, I would be hard to see. Crouching low, I continue down the stairs praying for the dots to rack off. Unsure of what’s happened to Dex’s security and if they’re following me but the thickness in my stomach is telling me I’m alone.
“Hey, watch where you’re going,” some girl yells at me as I bump into her. I don’t flinch or stop. Self-preservation is my main concern. “Bitch.”
Damn right I am and I don’t care.
I duck into a small darkened corner and survey this level. People are still spilling out of the arena. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Out of all the people here tonight, one of the guys who stood in my apartment while I was threatened stands near the closest exit. Shit… he’s talking to another two guys who are roaming their vision across the crowds.
“Think, Caroline. How the hell are we going to get out of this?” Talking to myself, gasping in air, my legs are on fire and I’m now going crazy. Holding my stomach, I watch and wait.
Chuck looked elated with his win. His team rallying around him, hugging him and yelling congratulatory remarks at him. Bruised, bloody and I could see he was tender on his right side, Chuck lit up the ring with his smile and passionate frenzy. His mom and dad thrilled by his win, proud their son accomplished his dream, one he and his mom worked at together through every day challenges and scrutiny.
My convulsing stomach, pounding head, and lack of breath is all worth it.
I take this time to get my breathing under control while spying the underworld men who plan to take me and do God only knows what to me. Their eyes scan everyone thoroughly. My breathing is almost normal, I need to get out of here while there’s still a cover of people. Psyching myself up, I loosen my shoulders and bend my knees.
“Hey Miss.”
My head swivels rapidly to find an older lady chatting to me.
“Do you know where the restrooms are?”
I should ignore her, but I cannot afford a scene. “I’m sorry. I don’t.”
“They must be around here somewhere. Why don’t they have signs up?” She comes closer and looks like she’s here for the long haul.
“Gosh, I wouldn’t know.” If I had my bag, I would throw it over my shoulder letting her know I’m out of here. “Have you tried over there?” I point near the guys who are still standing rigidly, the main guy obviously talking into a mouthpiece.
“I’ve tried everywhere, love. If I don’t find it soon, I’m gonna pee my pants.” Her serious face almost deters me from cracking a smile. “Getting older is no fun. Enjoy your youth while you can.”
My smile wipes quickly off my face, thinking I may not have any youth left. “Those men over there look like staff. You should ask them.” My head again nods in the direction of the men and she follows my eyes.
“Yes, they do. Thanks for your help.” She smiles then leaves swiftly.
Time to leave.
Checking she has them all occupied, I stick my head down, turn the corner and proceed
to the exit, staying shoulder to shoulder with a very tall, bulky guy. I’m stuck on him like glue. I won’t look at him in case he questions what the fuck I’m doing, but I keep pace with him, hoping he doesn’t stop and yell in front of everyone.
I’m close to the door and the cool air hits my face. Breaking away from my human shield, my feet hit the concrete and I run. My ankle gives out and I fall into a group of men who take up the sidewalk. My knees are skinned and I’m sure I heard my dress rip, but a kind man helps me up.
“Sorry.”
“Are you all right?” Clearly I’m not, shoeless and heaving, but I nod.
“Yep, all fine.”
“Can we help you?”
I should say yes, but I need to find my car quickly and get out of this place.
Turning my head back to them as I start to walk away, I explain, “I’m good, just in a hurry.”
I keep going until I blend into the shadows. The dim lights will help with my escape but I still have to be smart. Parking the car on the street was a challenge, but when you’re after a fast getaway, it’s worth driving around and around until you can get one several streets away. My back flat against the outside of the building, I scan the area again and get my bearings. I’ve come out a different door to what I went in.
Sweat forms on my upper lip and my stomach is tight and cramping. “Come on, think. Which way was it?” Closing my eyes, I don’t have time for this. My boobs rise and fall rapidly and I try and clear my head, thinking about what surrounded me when I walked up.
Opening my eyes slowly, I concentrate on the landmarks. A church. I’d walked past a large church. Turning around scanning for a cross, I spot it and let out the breath I was holding.
Shuffling my feet toward it, I try as much as I can to stay hidden in the corners and dark areas. I follow the streets, running past concrete buildings, every now and then ducking into black corners to heave in a quick succession of breaths, crossing roads quickly, away from streetlights where I can to get to my car. Finally, the trees start to line a street and lifting my head, I catch sight of my vehicle.
Fuck.
A sharp pain darts through my head and my throat constricts like a rope is tightening, strangling me. There’s four bulky men in dark suits surrounding my car. They could be Dex’s men. A whirlwind rips through my head. For all I know, they could be Basilio’s guys as well. How long has it taken me to get here? Does Chuck know I’m missing? These men are probably Ferraro’s chumps, coming to take me away and kill me.
Backtracking a few feet, I crumple to my knees behind a concrete fence. My stomach spasms and I start dry retching. Bent over, my throat burns with acid, my bare feet throb and my shoulders slump, until a new wave of nausea hits and my gut tightens trying to rid me of anything left inside me. Tears well up in my eyes and roll down my face. Running a hand through my hair, holding it back, I straighten enough to see a blackened corner near a large wall. Crawling on all fours, my knees scrape on the harshness but I keep going until my back’s against the wall, away from any eyes. There’s not a chance anyone will see me here. I need strength to continue and for now, I have none, nothing, zero.
Curling into a ball, knees under my chin, I close my eyes and let the tears roll steadily down my cheeks in silence while my entire body shuts down from pure exhaustion.
I have nothing left.
Chuck
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
My new title. One I’d worked my ass off for.
With the team by my side, the noise coming from us echoes through the corridor going back to the locker room.
“Get these gloves off me.” Holding my hands out, Andre gets to work. “I want to hold my belt.”
The light reflects off the gold, hypnotizing us. It is real. I wore it and I earned the privilege of being called champion.
Sal gives me a drink while the last glove’s undone.
“There.” Andre loosens the last lace and pulls it off.
Moving my fingers, Cristo undoes the belt, handing it to me. I lift it high in the air and we erupt into cheering, yelling, and roaring. The weight in my hand is compelling and without hesitation, I pull it to my mouth and kiss it. An explosion of noise blasts and once again we are all hollering and whooping. Running my fingers over the metal, savoring the magnitude of tonight, I hand the belt to Cristo. Jubilation is evident on his face. Fuck, on everyone’s face.
There’s a knock on the door and Sal lets Dexter in. Heading straight toward me, he takes out his hand and slaps me on the back, reaching for my other hand, shaking it.
“Fucking good fight, Sansone. Congrats. I knew you’d do it.”
“Your belief in me pushed me forward.” I look at the belt being passed around the team. “Your continuous support got us there.”
He places his hand on my shoulder. “Anytime.”
The door opens again and Fiorella pounces. “Son.” Her arms knock Dex out of the way and her body wraps around my sweaty, sore one. “You won.” I laugh at her simplicity.
“Yeah, I did.”
“I’m so proud of you.” She continues hugging me while Tomme stands back watching with adoration on his face. It’s clear to anyone he worships my mother. “And thrilled.” I wince as she tightens her grip around my waist.
“Oh, Chuck. I’m sorry.” Shaking her head, Mom recoils. “I forgot in all this madness you were punched, hurt, and possibly need medical care.” Lifting her arm, she signals to Nizo and Cristo. “Have you checked him over yet? Look at his eye, it’s all red.”
Grinning, I let her go and harass one of the guys. She likes to feel useful.
Tomme’s standing back.
“You’re not going to congratulate me?” Nothing tonight could dampen my spirits.
“I didn’t want to intrude.” There’s a slight hint of sadness on his unflappable face.
“Are you fucking kidding me? You hold me against my will, make me join the family business, but you don’t want to intrude.” Shaking my head, I reach for his hand, hoping he takes the hint. Clasping strongly onto mine, we shake and I pull him into a hug, patting him on the back. He does the same to me. My shoulders and neck relax, my heart thuds.
“You’ve done us all proud.” His voice is low in my ear. “I’m blessed to call you my son and have your mother back in my life.”
“Don’t mess it up.”
“I don’t intend to.”
There’s a quick flash grabbing my attention. “Beautiful.” Mother snapping a quick photo of us on her cell. “Now where is that sweetheart of yours? Let’s get a photo of you two.”
I let Tomme go and look around the room. The guys are still ogling the belt, Dexter is looking stern talking to Sal.
“I thought she would be up here already. She left before us.”
Caro hadn’t come in. Did I miss her in the commotion? Adrenaline flowing freely ramps up, my heart beats out of control. Walking toward the exit, I open the door and search outside in case she’s too nervous to come in. Although she wouldn’t know how to make her way up back here. Leering at me from the end of the hall is some slick guy who puts his hand up to his head like a gun and jerks it back.
What the fuck?
My legs, although heavy and sluggish, have a sudden shot of adrenaline. My feet start to move headed toward the guy I am going to reduce to pulp until the yelling in the room makes me halt.
“We thought you had her,” Dex is shouting at Sal.
Nizo stands by his side, a fierce look etched on his face. “You said you would watch her.”
“And we did, but at the end, all chaos broke loose and one minute she was there, the next she was gone.”
Listening to their words, none of it makes sense. “Who are you talking about?” Banging thuds in my ears.
Mother is instantly next to me taking my hand, color draining from her face. “It’s Caroline, honey.”
My stomach plummets like I’m cascading down a cliff, free falling to the ground without a harness. My ja
w tics and I look at Fiorella.
“What? Where? Fuck.” Shaking my head, I have no clue what I should be saying or doing. I don’t understand. I’ve been sucked up in a cyclone, spinning. “Someone explain.” Gripping my hair, I shut my eyes, trying to gain some restraint.
Dexter talks first. “Caroline came to me about the Ferraro family. Her father it seems is tied up with them, owes them for a past debt.”
I look at my father then back to Dexter.
“Paolo and her father told her she needed to get you to throw the fight, or she would be taken and unlike the last time, she wouldn’t be rescued.”
Grabbing the scissors from the table, I start hacking at the plaster on my hands. My head’s bursting.
“I need this off.” Yelling in frustration, Andre comes over and takes the scissors while steam pours out of my ears. “Where is she?”
“We don’t know. Because she wasn’t clear with me if she would go ahead with it or not, I told her I would have security here if she needed it.”
Sal cuts in, “And Dex told us what transpired when he came in tonight so we could manage things from our end. But somehow, she’s slipped through our men.”
“Well that’s a fucking surprise.” Sarcasm drips from my mouth. “I hope you weren’t relying on the dickheads I had the pleasure of witnessing in action.” A wildfire is roaring through every cell. Andre finally gets the bandages off.
“What the fuck do we do?” I’m lost.
Minutes ago I was soaring the skies. On top of the world, at the pinnacle of my career.
How fucking fast it can crash and burn.
A few words and stupid actions and this could be the end of the beginning.
Tomme’s on his cell, my mother attached to his side, idolizing his every word. Dex is yelling directives to some poor chump on the other end of his phone.
“Where is it?” My father nods and I sit on the bench, head in my hands. “We need confirmation. Get it now. Any way you can.”
“Tell me.” Staring, Tomme’s doing what he does best.
“They’ve found her car, parked a few blocks away.” Unsure how he knows what kind of car she drives, so I just nod. “Our men will find the Ferraros and ascertain if they have Caroline.”
