11 TOBIAS
T he basement's emptied out, leaving just the lingering scent of sweat, blood, and spilled whiskey.
Rhea stands behind the makeshift bar, her fingers drumming against the polished wood.
Her green eyes dart around the room like she's cataloging every detail, every drop of blood on the mat, every empty glass left behind.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Corey's name flashes across the screen.
"Yeah?"
“All good down there?” Corey asks.
“Yep. Ready to Mariette to clean up.” "Roger that. Bring Rhea up. Now." He says uneasily.
“You sure you wanna do that already? Isn’t one eye opening experience enough for the night?” I look in her direction, she has her hands on her head rubbing her temples. Poor girl.
“I need her to look at Carla… she has a medical background.” I catch the uneasiness in his voice.
"Say no more." I slide the phone back into my pocket and cross the room. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across Rhea's face, highlighting the tension in her jaw.
"Come on, little mechanic. Boss wants to see you."
Rhea takes a step back, her fingers gripping the edge of the bar.
"Yeah, I don't think so. I've done my due dilligence for the evening."
"Nothing's going to happen to you." I keep my distance, giving her space. The basement's shadows dance across her face as she weighs her options. "Corey just wants to talk."
"Talk?" She scoffs, gesturing at the blood-stained mat. "Like how someone 'talked' to Carla? I saw her face."
"That's different." I run a hand through my hair, loosening the tie.
"Carla got herself into that mess. She's been sleeping with fighters, passing information between them. Can't keep her legs closed or her mouth shut."
"And that justifies her being beat?"
"We didn't touch her. The competitors did that when they found out she was playing both sides." I take a careful step forward. "Look, I get it. This is fucked up. But right now, you're standing in the middle of it, and Corey needs to make sure you understand what that means."
Her green eyes narrow. "What if I just walk?"
"Then you walk. But at least hear him out first." I hold out my hand. "I won't let anything happen to you."
She studies my face, searching for something. After what feels like forever, she pushes away from the bar. "Fine. But I'm keeping my car keys in my hand, and if anyone tries anything..."
"You'll what? Run me over with Betty?"
"I wouldn’t damage my car with your oaf ass." She brushes past me, heading for the stairs. "Lead the way."