Page 112 of Keepsake

I scoffed at my lunacy, ready to leave, when I spotted something across the street.

The Castillo Construction logo

Alvaro’s truck.

I swung the door opened, my eyes on the old gym that looked more like an abandoned warehouse. When I stepped in I made a face, overwhelmed by the smell and the noise. The machines were moved to the side, and there were people everywhere.

Right in the middle, a boxing ring.

I could barely walk, avoiding people but they practically dragged me. Not sure where I was going, I had to stop in my tracks when the crowd started to chant.

His nickname was a rehearsed song. Turning my stomach, I held onto it in shock.

El Toro, they called for him.

Far away, someone started announcements. The cheers went up a notch, energy sizzling. My heart was hammering in my chest. I knew it was coming, but still felt faint when I saw movement to my right side. My eyes darted to the door just in time to see him parting the crowd.

His serious manner was simply deadly. He was all muscle, dressed in nothing but black silk shorts. Long gone was the man I kissed this morning. This one carried death in his eyes.

He parted the ropes and entered the ring as the man announced his opponent.

I watched it all with my ears ringing. Eyes following every move, each punch.

“I bet fifty on the Toro,” the voice to my side said.

Dread spread over my chest, and I turned only to see for myself what I already knew.

David seemed relaxed in the middle of it all, smiling at my horror as he watched the fight with me.

“You brought me here.” It was all I said without taking my eyes off Alvaro.

“And you came. Always the good girl, Lo.”

I wanted to ask him not to call me that, but I didn’t care anymore. I wanted him not to call me at all. When I didn’t reply, he pushed.

“Told your man I won’t tell anyone. But I have a price, Lo. I’m not a charity, ya know?”

“Tell what?” I faced him.

That was enough to make him open a smile. Cursing myself, I turned back to watch Alvaro again.

“This is illegal. This circus. Paddy shouldn’t be illegally gambling here, but Paddy isn’t good at following the rules.”

I couldn’t give a damn who Paddy was, but his words hit nevertheless.

“You asked for money already.”

“And you ignored me. Rude. So I asked big brother. I think he was easier to persuade than you. Surprising right? I’d say he has more to lose.”

“You’re blackmailing him.”

“Oh, no,” he scoffed. “That’s the funny part. I’m blackmailingyou. He just sees himself as a superhero. I’d say he can’t protect anyone, but whatever makes the money move, huh?”

Alvaro was winning one punch after another. He was ending the man against him.

“And you’ll go forever?” I managed to croak. “I want you out of the country. I want you gone.”

“No high school reunion?” He smiled.

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