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“Did you do as I asked?”

“That I did. I’ve video of the South Africans and also the fellas still wagering on you. But, Finn,” she pauses and offers me a puzzled look, “yer wan isn’t going to like seeing you get yer face smashed in. Aren’t roses and chocolate a better make-up gift than this?”

No. This is perfect.

“Give it here.” I hold out my hand.

“You don’t want me to film yer winning? Because you are going to win, right, Finn?”

“Did you place money on me?”

“A wee bit.”

“Why don’t you go have a smoke outside.”

“A smoke?”

“You heard me.”

“Whatever.” She passes me the phone and I jam it deep inside my pocket.

I gesture to the front exit.

“May God be on yer side tonight,” she murmurs, her expression saying it all. She believes I’m going to lose.

She walks off, and I turn toward Edward, the thin fella I helped out not so long ago. He’s sporting a smile the size of Cork.

“What are you grinning about?” I grunt out.

“Just taking the piss. O’Brien had me deliver an airline ticket to the South African lady. She had a few choice words for him then ordered all her fellas to double down on their bets.”

“She’s here?”

“Right over there.” I follow his pointer finger to the group of South Africans lined up thick as thieves by the far wall. Sure enough, Mrs. Ogdenhayer is among them.

“Grand,” is all I say.

“You’re going to win, right?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Damned if I do and damned if I don’t, wouldn’t you say?”

He leans in toward me. “One good deed deserves another. I’ll be in a car waiting for you in the back alley. Yer going to want to make a quick exit.”

“You think so?”

He chuckles.

“Thanks.” I’m not a trusting fella. Whether Edward will be waiting in the alley or not is questionable. But I won’t know for sure till I get out there, now will I?

Vidal reenters the cage and positions himself dead center. His eyes tracking my movement when I don’t join him and, instead, shift closer to the steps.

The bell rings.

I wait, hands by my side.

One second, two.

Vidal charges forward for the attack.