Page 40 of Saving Blood

“Too bad Bolt can’t fight anymore, ‘cause he’s got fists like sledgehammers.” I angle my face toward the light.

“Yeah, I can see that.” Diesel laughs around his words, and I shoot him a fisheye.

“Sorry, Boss.”

“You got a reason for being in my office, or you just come in to bust my balls?”

“I wanna go over the lineup for Saturday night. We’ll put the guys up first. The new guy we took on should probably go last. He’s got the biggest following, and for whatever reason, he seems to bring in the females. Shit, last week some of those bitches were ripping off their tops and throwing them in the cage. One of them had him signing her tits with a marker.” Diesel grins. “Best part of fighting—chicks with their tits out.”

“Shit, don’t make me laugh.” I wince. “It hurts too damn much.”

“With the women next. I’m guessing you want Maxine up last since the big money’s gonna be on her. My guess is her fight’s gonna bring in the most scratch.”

“Yeah.” Fuck, I have to get my head together.

“You betting on her Saturday?”

“Never bet on the fighters—you know that—too unpredictable. Just take the cut afterwards, more reliable.”

“I know, but I figured you’d put something on Maxine since it looks like she’s the favorite, and you . . .”

“I what?”

“You’re always hanging around when she’s sparring and working out, so I just figured?—”

“Well, you figured wrong. And while we’re on the subject, what the fuck did you tell Smoke?”

“Nothing, just you seem to be into her.”

“What are you, a matchmaker now?” I knock a cig out of the pack on my desk, light up and draw deep, hoping the nicotine will smooth out the rough edges.

“No big deal, just see the way you look at her. Fuck, she’s hot. There ain’t a guy in the gym who ain’t looking.”

“From now on, keep your thoughts and your eyes to yourself.” I suck in more smoke, but it’s not working. “How are we with security Saturday? There’s gonna be twice as many people, and I don’t want any bullshit goin’ on.”

“I’m on it, Boss. Since Smoke is closing The Tropics for the night to avoid competition, I’m taking the bouncers and bringing them here.”

“Good move. What about the party favors?”

“Manny placed the extra orders of booze and kegs of beer through the club, and I’ve hit up our contacts for the chemical entertainment. Nothing hardcore, just enough to get the party going.”

“Sounds like we got it all together.” I flip my pack of smokes from end to end.

“Then how come you look like you’re gonna jump outta your skin?”

That’s the problem with working side by side with someone every day. Diesel knows all my tells, sometimes before I do. It’s one of the reasons we work well together, but right now, it’s fuckin’ annoying.

“Nothing. Got a lot goin’ on.”

“Other than the fight?”

“Hey, Diesel,” Javi calls from the door. “They need you in the gym.”

Diesel shoots me a look as he leaves. “Just stay cool.”

“Javi.” I wave the kid into my office. “I got something important for you.” I round my desk and pull out some cash.

“Sure, whatever you need.”

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