“Underground?” I interrupt.
“It is black-market if you have to put a label on it. High profile celebrities and politicians seek entertainment and are often judged for it, but my underground gives them that forbidden desire without the public eye criticizing them, and in return for disclosure they pay a hefty price. This bringing my fighters a bigger payout than the MFC you see on TV can offer.” Her calculated voice echoes through the room as she stops in front of me, her hands clasped in front of her. Money, the root of all evil, everyone needs it. I could use it to get my dad out of debt, for myself as I set forth my fighting career.
“I’d say I’m listening,” I state, the words leaving my mouth cause goosebumps to race along my arms.
She cups my shoulders, and I look her in the eye.
“I want you to fight in my underground ring. If you accept I will pay you fifty thousand for just participating, and another million if you win.” I open my mouth to call bullshit but she continues speaking, halting the sentence sitting on my lips. “If you win, I will set up a contract for you to fight for the MFC. You will become a professional fighter Tate, just like you’ve always wanted.” She smiles, standing up straight. This seems too good to be true. Money, fame, to be at the top so quickly just for a black market fight.
“What is the catch?” I raise a brow and she laughs.
“She’s a smart girl.” Silvia glances at Debs, who is eating every word Silvia is spewing. “There is some fine print.”
“Such as?”
“Such as, you won’t know who your opponent is, and the rules of the cage are different from the ones ran by the sports committee in the MFC. There are no rounds, no times outs, and you’ll go until someone is knocked out or taps out.”
I nod, letting the info set in.
“We can dwell on semantics after you accept. However, there is one thing I need to make very clear.”
“What is that?”
“Nobody can know about The Underground, or this offer. Do. You. Under. Stand?” Her words are sharp, grabbing my attention from trying to process everything to focus on her. “The high profiles that attend these underground fights will not take lightly that of someone trying to take their secured entertainment away.”
I swallow, feeling that threat to my toes.
Silvia gives me a tight lipped smile and turns on her heel.
“Debs, you have twenty-four hours to give me a yes or no on the deal. I hope you make the right decision, Tate.” Silvia leaves as smoothly as she came.
“Take it, don’t overthink it. This is your shot at the big time, one stupid little fight and you have everything you ever wanted,” Debs’ voice cracks as she begs.
“Yes, but I can’t tell Camden about it, I’d have to lie to him. I don’t think I can do that,” I explain.
She huffs. “He’s going to need you to support him if he doesn’t get his shit together and get back in the ring, Tate. Take the fucking deal, or find another coach.” She crosses her arms, leaning against the lockers.
Biting my inner lip I want to tell her to go to hell. That Camden has taught me more than her, but she did get me this fight, how did she get me this fight?
“Debs, how did you get me this fight, with Kiki?”
She stops, her hand on the door handle.
“I promised a few friends my cut if you were accepted into The Underground. Being your coach, when you are accepted into The Underground I’m granted a payout as well.”
I scoff. I knew she was money hungry but I didn’t realize how deep her issues really lay.
“You have gotten this far Tate, granted I’m shocked, but are you really just going to give up?”
Camden
Walking back inside I find the hall outside Tate’s locker room oddly empty, a tension in the air unsettling. Quickly I make my way inside and find Tate getting dressed, and Debs leaning up against a locker casually. A chill races up my spine as Tate hits me with an unreadable look.
“Everything okay?” I question, looking between Tate and Debs.
Tate looks at Debs, then down at her feet before nodding.
Striding toward her I pull on her elbow, making her look me in the eye.
“Are you sure?”
Her eyes flutter before a weak attempt of a smile crosses her face. “Nothing, I’m just really tired. The high of the fight is gone and I’m starting to feel everything.”
Suddenly feeling like an ass for thinking she’s not telling me the truth, I let her go and rub at my chin.
“Lets get you to the hotel, has the medic looked her over?” I question Debs, ready to take Tate back to our room and pamper her.
“Yeah, she’s fine.” Debs waves me off.