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Ty knew Black Rock—his new enemy—wouldn’t stop just because Ty hadn’t been in his apartment last night. He’d keep coming until he was back on the block or he’d start searching elsewhere. It wasn’t that Ty had committed the ultimate crime against Rock, he was coming after Ty because that’s what Rock’s reputation made him do.
Ty stood in the parking lot next to Kell while Duke pointed out two of his transport vehicles. They were Chevy pickups with a high cab on the back and bars on the insides of the windows. He had his business name and logo painted on the rear of each cab.
“If we go after a jumper, we don’t call the police to pick up for us unless another crime has been committed. Otherwise, we are responsible for the safe transport of our bounties back to jail. I stress the word safe. That’s a sure way for an agency to lose their license. Just because our jumpers are criminals, and it was their own stupidity that kept them from going to court, doesn’t mean we have the right rain down any kind of punishment.” Duke looked between him and Kell. “Is that clear?”
“Got it,” Ty answered. No making it personal.
“Yes sir.” Kell nodded.
“All right. Load up. We got the gym for the next two hours.” Duke got into the truck with Quick on the passenger side. “Ty, Kell, you guys ride with us. Brian. You, Ford and Dana follow in your car.”
The gym was almost twenty minutes away. During the ride, Quick started talking to Kell about a new schedule at the dojo. Ty was staring out of the window, not seeing anything, because all his attention was on the conversation. He was becoming more and more impressed as he listened to Kell speak. He looked so young to be talking with such maturity.
“I can still manage my morning classes, Sensei. I don’t have to be at Duke’s until nine.”
“That’s this week. Next week we may have you coming in at four or five a.m.”
Neither he nor Kell flinched at the ridiculous hour.
“I’m having JC cover your classes for now, until your training is complete. I told you we expect twenty-four-hour availability throughout the program and after.” Quick turned and glared in Kell’s direction. “You must’ve forgot.”
“No, Sensei, I did not forget,” Kell answered.
“Good.” Quick was quiet for a bit longer, then went in another direction. “On the mats today I want you to be careful, Kellam. Be mindful that these men are not trained fighters. You could hurt one of them. Duke has asked the gym manager to lend us a few of his biggest guys so we can perform some demonstrations. Use your Judo and Karate only when sparring.”
“Yes, Sensei.”
This time Ty wasn’t discreet as he stared at Kell’s profile. Okay, what am I missing? Is Quick serious? He was concerned about Kell hurting a guy much bigger than him? Kell’s face was mostly covered again, but all Ty had to do was see those light eyes and he could tell that the small—potentially dangerous—man was excited. Ty was too.
The gym was almost empty. It was early on a Monday morning; most people being at work already or any-damn-where else besides the gym. A man with a buzz cut and tattoos all over his neck and massive forearms approached Duke and Quick, giving them both a genuine smile and a one-armed hug. He was breathing hard as if he’d just jumped off the treadmill at top speed to greet them, his thin Nike tank top drenched with sweat. “‘Sup fellas? These must be your newbies.”
Quick’s arms were crossed over his chest as he nodded toward Kell. “That’s the one I been telling you about, Jake. This is Kellam Knight.”
Jake stepped back as if he wanted to get a better look at Kell. Then stood directly in front him, his sweaty chest almost touching Kell’s nose. It was an obvious but lame attempt at intimidation. Ty stiffened for reasons he didn’t understand. Jake moaned then sucked his teeth as if he was eating something tasty, “This young, sweet, tender thing, here? I can’t buy that.”
“Good. Because I’m not selling it,” Kell quipped. He hadn’t stepped back, even though the man was violating his space. Kell didn’t retreat. He began to unravel his scarf from around his neck; his eyes narrowing to slits as he glanced toward Ty. As soon as they made eye contact a shiver ran down his spine, as if he felt Kell’s irritation.
“All right then. Let’s work out some of this hostility on the mat, shall we,” Duke said in part amusement. “This should be fun.”
“I’m suiting up too, fellas. I want some of your prize pupil, Quick.” Jake the manager pointed at Kell’s back as they made their way to the locker rooms to store their belongings. Ty liked that Kell didn’t bother to turn around or respond to the jab. Instead, he walked next to Ty, his eyes forward and his shoulders back.
