Page 43 of Fight
I blinked for a moment, not knowing what to say.
"So I guess asking around to find out if someone saw anyone at her door won't do any good."Devon said, drawing my attention.
Raine shook his head."No, not really."He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, as if trying to compose himself.He looked up."Honestly, Nick, as much as I hate to admit it, there's nothing I can do here."
"So you have no complaint if I take it to Bill next?"
"I don't like it, I'll admit.But if this is a threat to you," He signaled the note on the table in front of him "you need to.He needs to know what's going on, in order to do whatever he does to keep order in the pack."
I looked at him a moment, trying to read his face.
"All right."I said, "I'll call him later.Thanks for trying."I let out a sigh and dropped my forehead against Devon's chest for a few seconds.After a moment I turned back to Raine."Can I get you anything?Something to drink?Would you like to stay for dinner?"
"No thanks.I'd like to, but I've got to go.I'm sorry I couldn't do more."He packed the things he'd used back into his case and stood up.
"You did more than I'd hoped you could.Thanks again."I broke away from Devon to hug my brother as he went to the door.
"You take care.Whoever wrote that note isn't playing.They'll hurt you if given a chance."
"I'll be careful, I promise."I said.
"Thanks, man."Devon said behind me.
Raine nodded, and let himself out.I reminded myself to call Bill after dinner.
Chapter 12
Friday afternoon was a hot and humid day.I was eager for the monsoons to start, just so the afternoon rains would cool us off a little.I changed from my shorts and tee shirt into a swim suit, slathered my skin with sunscreen, and grabbed my towel and a bottle of water before I heading down to the pool.
I put my water and towel on one of the tables surrounding the pool, before I jumped in and started my laps.I'd barely been in the water long enough to warm up my muscles, when someone reached in and grabbed my ankle as I turned.Not knowing who was there, I came out of the water swinging.Devon saw what I was doing before I was able to make contact, and stepped back out of my reach.When I realized who it was, I stopped, mid-attack.
"You startled me.If it weren't for your reflexes, you'd be on your ass by now."I pushed the water out of my face.
"It's good to know you can defend yourself."
"I can.Don't worry about that."
"I do worry about it, especially after the other day."He bent down until he was sitting on his heals beside the pool, so he was closer to eye level with me.
"I did well enough to put that idiot at the clinic in his place the other day."
"You did.But what if next time, it's not some little idiot, instead it's a guy my size, or like that guy I fought the other day.Mike is bigger than Terry.You wouldn't have done so well against someone that size."
"Are you so sure?"
"Pretty sure."He nodded."But I want to do something about that, I want to teach you some self-defense that you can use against anyone, my size, even someone Caden's size if you need to."
"Caden's huge."
"He is, and after those notes, I want you to be able to take someone that size down if you need to, whether it be a dominance situation like the other day, survival, or just because they pissed you off."
"I guess I can't really argue with you for wanting to teach me to defend myself.If you wanted to protect me by stopping me from doing what I wanted, it would be a different story, though."
"I know, that's part of why I'm doing it this way."
"What do you have in mind?"I eyed him suspiciously.
"I want to find a gym, use the mats, and teach you what you need to know."
