Page 60 of Player

“Does yer wan think he’s in there to accept a bleedin’ award?”

“Sorry, Clarissa. But he’s about to get handed his arse.”

Finn leans in and says something, unfazed by his opponent’s intense stare. Whatever is said excites the man, who waves his weapon-free fist at Finn while shouting a stream of profanities.

I take a deep breath, hoping Finn knows what he’s doing by antagonizing him.

“This isn’t going to last long.”

“Or end well.”

“We’re here if you need us, Clarissa.”

Finn sidesteps a punch then motions with his hands. “Come and get me.”

The crowd begins to shout. “Get out of the ring before you get yourself killed.”

“Lay those knuckles on him, Charlie.”

“Cover your drinks, lads, blood’s about to go flying.”

My heart sinks as two men approach the cage with an empty stretcher.

His opponent charges forward, fueled with frustration. I understand that feeling well, having been on the opposite end of Finn’s sharp tongue.

Arms to his side, Finn sways back and forth on his feet. Relaxed and seemingly unworried.

Waiting.

Either he’s as foolish as he wants everyone to believe or, like an expert poker player, he’s ready for the next gold-knuckled hand to be dealt.

Finn waits until the man is a hair’s breadth away before reacting. Then with one punch he connects with his opponent’s jawline with a loud crack. The man’s head snaps sideways, the brass knuckles hit the mat and he pitches backward , eyes rolling to the back of his head as he falls.

It’s so abrupt, so unexpected, the crowd gasps in unison.

A series of “Sweet Mary and Joseph” echoes through the room.

Finn scoops up the brass knuckles, approaches the cage wall, and gestures to the same older man who placed him on the list to fight. “Give these to your nephew Seamus, will you?” He tosses the brass knuckles and a collective cheer goes up.

I should have seen this coming. He played this fight and this crowd beautifully. In one punch, he went from underdog to savior of Seamus’s honor. A champion.

A hero.

And I’ve just won a lot of money.

Our eyes meet.

This time it’s me, giving him two thumbs-up, along with a knowing wink.