Lib Novel Page 155
He chuckles. “It’s not going to be a problem. Have you really managed to save up a decent amount of money? That is what you were planning, after all.”
“A somewhat decent amount,” I reply vaguely. “But it’s not just about the money, Mathew. Like I told you before, my body can only take so much wear and tear before it collapses. That’s one of the main reasons I feel I need to stop after this next year.”
Mathew leans back in his chair and studies me. “I could offer you more money, you know.”
“If I wanted more money, I would have asked for it.” I smile at him, not insulted that he’s ignoring what I just said about my body. “But I also need to make sure I don’t damage myself too much. Even though my strength is greater than a human’s, I still have to take punches and kicks to keep up the façade. It’s not like those blows don’t cause any harm.”
Mathew sighs. “You’re right. Well, let’s have a drink then, to commemorate our last year together.”
He heads over to his liquor cabinet and takes out a bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses. I look around his office as he pours each of us a drink.
“Alcohol before a fight?” I ask cautiously. “That might impair my judgment.”
“Nonsense!” Mathew booms as he sits back down. “Even with impaired judgment, you will still always come out on top. Now, come on. I’m not drinking alone.”
He lifts his glass and, left with no choice, I lift mine as well.
“Here’s to another fruitful year of working together!” I toss my shot down my throat, and Mathew beams at me. “Excellent. Now go get ready in your dressing room. I’ll come get you when it’s your turn to fight.”
His words throw me off. “What do you mean? Isn’t there a schedule? Just tell me what time the fight is, and I’ll come out then, like I usually do.”
“Not tonight.” Mathew rests his cheek against his fist, watching me. “There’s a new fighter I’m trying out, and it’s hard to say how much time she’ll need. I’ll fetch you. Don’t worry.”
“Okay.” I get to my feet. “Or I could watch—”
“No need. Just stay put and trust me.”
I head back to my dressing room, finding the whole situation bizarre. After putting on my fighting gear, I sit down to wait.
I expect Mathew to show up in half an hour or an hour, but no luck. I’m starting to feel tired, and I yawn multiple times, the urge to sleep becoming overwhelming. I just want this fight to be over so I can go home and lie down. It’s getting to be quite late when I finally lose my patience and decide to go see what’s going on. I make my way to the end of the hallway and the door that opens into the arena. I’ll have a clear view of the fight from there.
Mask in place, I push open the door and watch. Nobody can see me, but I can see everyone.
There are two people in the ring, and I recognize one of them. It’s the Beaver, the female opponent I faced a couple matches ago. She was a professional and skilled fighter.
Hold on…Wasn’t I supposed to fight her tonight?
Why is she fighting somebody else?
The Beaver’s opponent has her back to me, but I can tell she’s wearing the same outfit I am: a black tank top and tights. I can’t see her face. Suddenly, she tosses the Beaver to the ground and turns around.
A shock wave passes through me.
Her mask! It’s the same as mine!
What is going on here?!
The crowd is cheering her on.
Nobody seems to realize it’s not me in the ring. Where is Mathew? Does he know about this?
My eyes search for him, and I see him watching the match from the opposite doorway, a smug smile on his face.
What is he up to? Is he replacing me with this woman? It’s not like I’m overly attached to the identity of the Wily Vixen, but this doesn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t he simply tell me he was training somebody else under my stage name?
No. There’s something else going on. This is way too strange.
My eyes flick back to the fight taking place, and the woman wearing my gear is now pummeling the Beaver. Her attacks are ruthless and oddly familiar. She isn’t even giving her opponent a chance to breathe.