Page 70 of Southie
Damian had finally gotten up off the mat, and he was sitting on a stool in the corner with his head down. I refused to walk over and shake the man’s hand because I hadn’t done enough to him for putting his hands on Camilla, so it was best I stayed away.
In the center of the ring with Camilla and Gerald by my side, I waited for the announcer to declare me as the winner.
“Okay folks! One minute and thirty-five seconds, into the fourth round by way of knockout, your winner is…Liam “Southie” Daugherty!”
The referee raised my hand in the air. Gerald handed me my flag, and I wrapped it around my shoulders while the chants of “Southie” sounded across the packed arena.
I pulled Camilla closer to my body and kissed her lips. “I love you, baby.”
“Liam, I’m so proud of you,” she said with a wide smile. “I love you too.”
“Two questions for you, Southie,” the sports announcer said. I gave my permission while I kept my arm wrapped around Camilla’s shoulder. “All right, we’re here with Liam ‘Southie’ Daugherty. Man, what an amazing fight, Liam. How does it feel moving from mixed martial arts to boxing?”
“It’s been an amazing journey. I have one of the best trainers and cornermen in the world. And with this pretty lady standing by my side, I can do anything. I wouldn’t have won without all of them.”
“So, what’s next for you?”
“Anyone who wants to step up, I’m all in. Anytime, anyplace. The sky is the limit. This is for Southie!” I yelled, holding my flag in the air.
The cheers and Southie chants started up again throughout the arena, and you couldn’t wipe the smile on my face. I loved it.
“Thanks, Liam. You heard it here first folks,” the announcer said, turning towards the camera. “Liam ‘Southie’ Daugherty is ready for whoever wants to step up. That was one hell of fight guys, and I for one can’t wait to see more from this up-and-coming boxer. Back to you in the studio.”
“You guys ready to get out of here?” Gerald asked.
Camilla and I nodded.
I shook the announcer’s hand, and then helped Camilla out of the ring. As we made our way up the aisle, I slapped hands with the crowd who offered their congratulations but kept Camilla close by my side. We had to prepare for the backlash that was coming from both her father and Paddy.
Once we made into the tunnel, we continued our walk toward the locker rooms, reveling in the excitement of my first semi-pro win. Our steps faltered and chatter ceased when we approached the door with Johnny and Sean posted outside. That meant one thing.
Paddy was waiting for me.
Face to face with my reality, I turned to Gerald. “Take Camilla home.”
“You sure?” Gerald asked, eyeing both Johnny and Sean. “I can have one of the guys escort her.”
“Nah. You do it.”
“Liam, what’s wrong?” Camilla asked.
I pecked her on the lips. “Nothing, baby. I got something to take care of and then I’ll be right there so we can celebrate.”
Worry flickered in her eyes, but there was nothing I could do. I had to deal with Paddy, and it was best she was at my home where no one could get to her if shit went left.
“Give the guard the code, and stay safe,” I whispered in Gerald’s ear.
He knew I wanted him to take Camilla to the safe room in my home until he heard from me. If he didn’t hear from me within twelve hours, he was to take her to his cabin until further notice.
During our time apart, I’d made sure Gerald and I sat down and came up with a plan for this exact moment. We knew Paddy wouldn’t be happy with this whole situation, and we needed to make sure Camilla was out of harm’s way until I had dealt with Paddy. But in case I didn’t make it out of this alive, Gerald had his instructions on how to take care of Camilla.
“Come with me, beautiful,” Gerald said, grabbing Camilla gently by the elbow.
“Liam…”
“I need to handle this, but I won’t be long.” I kissed her on the lips again. “I love you.”
“Love you, too. Be careful.”
