Absolution(115)

Jimmy’s eyes were dead and black as coal. “Or we could come back and take this pretty little doll for a ride she’ll never forget – how ‘bout that for an alternative?”

Ally sat poker straight and perfectly still, Jimmy’s fingertips still buried in her shoulders. Jack saw red. He twisted and squirmed, breathing heavily as he fought to get free and knock Jimmy clear into next week. Finally, the guy holding him tired of the game and head-butted him. Jack’s vision swam as he fell forward. He kissed the concrete, loose stones digging into his face as the world around him faded.

He came to, dragged roughly upwards, aware of Ally begging desperately for them to leave him alone. He tasted blood. His head lolled forward and he fought to keep it on top of his neck.

“It’s okay,” he mumbled, his vision still hazy. “It’s okay.”

“What a hero,” Jimmy sneered. “Ten grand, forty-eight hours. Got that?”

Jack tried to nod but his head felt like it was going to separate from his shoulders. He spat out a mouthful of blood directly onto the guy holding him. Taking exception, the guy swore at him and slammed his fist into Jack’s face.

Jack’s legs gave out and he slid down the side of the car, his ears ringing. As many times as he had fought in the ring, he couldn’t ever remember getting a whipping that felt anything near as bad as this. He gasped for breath, crouching on the concrete.

Ally!

Jimmy grabbed a handful of his shirt, yanking him upright as Jack struggled to find his feet.

“Stop it!” Ally pleaded frantically, crying now. “Please leave him alone!”

“Aw, she’s a keeper, Jack. She seems to have a thing for you,” Jimmy chuckled, shaking his head before turning serious once more. “We know where you live and we know where she lives, so don’t try anything stupid like calling the cops because we’re watching you – both of you. Be smart about this Jack, and no one gets hurt.”

Jack blinked away the haze he was looking through, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Why did he send you?” he questioned, struggling to keep his head in the game. “Why didn’t he just come get me himself?”

“That would be none of your business,” Jimmy said coldly. “But let’s just say that if it gets out that he let you get away with ripping him off, it’s over for him – so you can bet your ass he’s taking this little situation very seriously. You know me, Jack. I know you do. Don’t push me.”

Jack blinked, blood seeping down into his eye from the stinging cut to his head. Jimmy scrutinized him, pushing him away, sending Jack stumbling backwards.

“Ten grand, forty-eight hours,” Jimmy repeated. “I’ll let you know where.”

With one final soulless glance in Ally’s direction, both men walked away, leaving Jack teetering on his feet. Ally sniffed and he turned to look at her, his head throbbing.

“Are you alright?” she whimpered.

“I’m fine.”

The dim lighting in the parking lot made her look pale and small.

“You don’t look fine,” she said, her chin trembling. She reached out a hand to him, grimacing.

“Never mind me – are you alright? Did he hurt you?” He stumbled the few steps to her side, falling to his knees awkwardly as he grabbed her chair to keep himself from falling forward.

Tears stained her cheeks but she shook her head. “I’m okay. Who were those guys?”

His heart sank and he silently begged her not to do this to him now, not while his head still spun and he could barely string two thoughts together.

“Come on,” she said, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Let’s get out of here.”

He tried to find the words to tell her how sorry he was but he came up grossly inadequate. She helped him stand slowly.

“I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“I don’t need to see a doctor, I’ll be okay,” he insisted, even as his head felt like it was going to split in two.

“For once, please just do as you’re told?”

He stared down at his shirt, his body aching, his head throbbing. Blood was spattered down the front of it. Too tired and too sore to argue, he followed her slowly to her car.





CHAPTER 21




“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”

- Margaret Thatcher