Retribution (Secrets & Lies #3)(31)
“I think so,” I say as I drop the hammer again, where it smacks the top of the chisel, driving it another small bit. “The line of quartz is our first key. From the little bit I remember about rocks, that sort of flaw is a weak point, and probably why it wasn't used before for other work. It's too inconsistent for structural loads.”
“It's been a long time since you did stone carving,” Carson reminds me. “And that was marble.”
“That's okay, we're just exploring to see if there's potential here,” Andrea replies, giving a smile. “If that's okay?”
Carson huffs, but nods. “Of course it is. Just... mind if I watch? I don't need either of the two most special women in my life get hurt f*cking around with a big rock.”
“Hmm, he thinks we're special,” Andrea wisecracks as she steps back and lets me swing the hammer again. My shoulders ache from lifting it over and over, but I seem to be able to get more progress with this than I did with splitting wood. The chisel bites deep this time, and there's a cracking sound deep within the stone. “Sugoi, oneechan!”
“Thanks,” I reply, smiling as I set down the big sledge. “I think that's enough for today though, don't you?”
“Are you sure?” Andrea asks, her enthusiasm driving her. “I mean, we can get a chunk off if we go at it hard and...”
“And I think 'Lissa has a point, my love,” Carson says, his voice gentle but firm as he puts his hands on Andrea's shoulders. “Exercise is good for you, but you don't need to throw out your back trying to break off a chunk of rock before 'Lissa even knows what she wants to do with it, okay?”
“Yes sir,” Andrea says immediately, her mood not so much dimming as shifting.
“It's not that I don't appreciate your helping 'Lissa, Andrea,” Carson says softly, taking her in his arms and kissing her sweaty forehead. “I just don't want you to hurt yourself. We can take our time with it. I know 'Lissa, when she's burning with inspiration, she'll have us all out here taking turns smacking this rock until it breaks. Isn't that right, 'Lissa?”
“He's right,” I admit. “I've had a lot fun cracking this rock with you though. Come on, let's clean up for this sparring session tonight.”
“Okay guys, remember this is just for fun. Respect each other and respect my commands. You ready?” Jackson asks, slightly nervous as he looks from side to side. We've actually lit the chapel up tonight, Carson and Andrea sitting together with BA between them and munching on some popcorn for entertainment while I sit on the other side, chewing my fingernails nervously. I don't want either of them to get hurt, and my stomach is in knots, but I can't look away as Katrina bows to Nathan, who nods his head respectfully in return. “Then fight!”
I thought the fight would start out like a kung fu movie, with dramatic moves and lots of spinning and dodging. Instead, Katrina and Nathan both come out, their hands up a little bit but just circling constantly. Nathan's got some height on her, but I don't think either is worried about the extra three inches or so.
Katrina flicks out a left punch, and Nathan casually slaps it away while throwing a little kick toward Katrina's knee that she knocks away easily. Suddenly they're both in motion, a blurring mix of bodies that I can only see because Nathan is wearing all white while Katrina is in her typical black. Nathan has Katrina and goes to throw her, but she twists somehow in the air, landing on her back but not with the concussive impact I expect. Instead she throws Nathan, who rolls easily, and both of them are back on their feet, back to circling.
“Impressive,” Carson comments, chewing some popcorn. “Nice job, guys!”
“Shut up, Carson,” I half-growl, earning a surprised glance from everyone as I stare at the two people in the middle of the mat. Even Katrina and Nathan glance over quickly before resuming their fight, this time tumbling together to the mat. Nathan flips somehow, keeping Katrina with him, and his elbow is digging into the back of her neck, his hand cocked to deliver what looks like a fatal blow.
“No,” I gasp, fear gripping my stomach, and Nathan glances up, his hand relaxing just enough that he instead slaps Katrina in the back of the head. Katrina doesn't realize that he’s given her mercy, and instead rolls herself, her legs coming up and trapping Nathan's right shoulder in some sort of lock that wrenches his arm deep behind his body, and she sits up. Before she can though, Nathan grunts and slaps the mat, surrendering.
“All right, that's it!” Jackson says, putting his hand on Katrina's shoulder to stop the action. “He tapped out, Katrina.”
Katrina stops and lets go of Nathan's arm, rolling backward and to a standing position. Nathan climbs off the mat and shakes out his arm. “Good job, you caught me with a good one.”
Katrina smiles, and reaches out to shake hands, but Nathan's having none of it, hugging Katrina and then kissing her on the cheek.
“You sure you don't want to go another round?” Katrina asks, and Nathan shakes his head, still with that little half-smile on his face. “Well then, maybe we can do some training together sometime soon? Please?”
“That's a promise,” Nathan says, hugging her again before leaving the chapel. Katrina watches him for a moment before pulling her gloves off and picking up BA, everyone celebrating her victory.