Page 24 of Beyond the Cage
“Focus!” trainer guy yells. “Distractions get you killed!” he continues as he heads in my direction.
“So…you’re Jasmine,” he says, extending his hand.
“Hello.”
“I’m Mannie, K.O.’s head trainer. Great to finally meet you.”
Head trainer? How many does he have? And what does he mean ‘finally’?“You, too.”
“Come, sit.”
He pulls up two chairs, dropping down on one while motioning for me to take the other. I turn mine backward and straddle it, facing the ring. Crossing my arms on the back, I rest my chin on them and watch Cameron. He’s actually fighting – using different moves and techniques. I’ve never seen him like this. It’s…beautiful.
“You are looking at one of the most dangerous men on the planet when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. I’m willing to bet that heisthe most dangerous.”
For once, I don’t see danger. I see art. He moves with such grace and agility. My mouth falls open in surprise when he does some kind of high flying acrobatic move.
“That boy is the most complete fighter I’ve ever met,” Mannie continues.
I turn my attention to him, my interest piqued.
“Ex-Marine. Discipline and sheer power like I’ve never seen.”
Wow. I listen closely because I might actually learn something about him.
“I’m talking Kung Fu, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Taekwondo, Tai Chi Chuan…even Ninjutsu.”
Ninjutsu? So…he’s a ninja? I look to the ring once more, unable to take my eyes off him.
“In the cage, he’s not much of a showman. He likes to get in and get it done. It’s also what he’s known for. The only place you’ll see him move like that is in this gym.”
“Does he train like this every day?” I ask.
“Mostly. He has a few fights coming up. After that, though, he has the big event.”
“Event?”
“You don’t know about it?”
“No,” I answer.
“The Ultimate Warrior. Last man standing, fighters from all over the world, no holds barred, just a few standard rules. It’s his chance to prove he’s the best, hands down. Purse is ten million.”
“No holds barred? That sounds dangerous.” I give him my attention once more, worried Cameron could get hurt.
Mannie observes me with a curious stare, then smiles. “I see why he likes you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just told you that he’s possibly the most dangerous man on the planet and you’re worried about him getting hurt. Not to mention you didn’t even blink when I mentioned the prize money.”
So, what, you think I’m a gold digger?“I don’t want his money.”
“I can see that. I also see the way you’ve been looking at him since you got here. He’s had that same look in his eyes lately.”
He has? Wait…what look?
Mannie winks and makes his way back to the ring, shouting, “Okay, boys. Jackson…floor!”
