Page 105 of Shadows Within

I grab a couple of the letters, tuck them into my back pant pocket, and leave Mom’s house. I start the car and sit there for a moment. My face falls in my hands and I cry. I cry for Mom. I cry for Dad. I cry for myself and all that’s been taken away from us because of The Society.

As I wipe the tears away, I pull out my phone and call the only person who will understand. Someone who has been controlled by The Society his entire life.

“Callum…” I don’t know if I’m ready to tell him.

“What is it? Where are you, Scarlett?” There’s panic in his voice.

“No, I’m safe. I just— I just… I’m at my mom’s. I went through some of her things and Callum, it’s so much worse than I ever expected.” Tears return as I lean back against the headrest.

“I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“No, you don’t have to. I know you have a meeting and class today. I just wanted to tell you.” He’s the first person I want to turn to when things go wrong.

“I’m going to go to the gym anyways and see Ricco. I bet that old man misses me.”

“Ha, yeah, you’re not only his best fighter, you’re also his top client.” He teases.

“Hey, other people go there!”

“Angel, I’ve seen him leave others mid-training just to help you. The guy relies on you.”

I smile. “Thank you.” It was the first time Callum comforted me with humour.

“I’ll see you later. Call if you need me before tonight.”

“I might call just to talk to this sweet side of you again.” He laughs.

“Oh, Scarlett.” He adds. I wait for him to continue.

“Check your glove box,” he says and hangs up. I open it to find a manila folder with my last name on it. Inside, I see the same receipts and pictures of Mom, along with Elliot’s name on a sticky note. My name is written beside his, with details from the night I was almost raped.This must be The Society’s property.Callum must’ve taken it for me.I smile, thinking of the man who’d do anything to protect me, and the answers I finally have.

I crave a round with Ricco. It’s the one thing that makes me forget. I turn and make sure that my gym bag is in the back seat. Thankfully, it is.

I drive to the gym. Once I step inside, the familiar lemon scent greets me. I look around for Ricco and spot him in the ring.

I wave to him as I head to my locker. I open it and see the pictures. My hand runs over them like I’ve done a hundred times, but this time I feel guilty. I started boxing when Mom left. Dad said I needed to put my anger to good use and pushed me toward Ricco. He dropped me off one day and said, “I’ll pick you up in an hour.”It feels like just yesterday, but so many things have changed. So many things that will never be the same.

Over the years, I’ve changed. I don’t fight against myself anymore. Now, all my demons are at the surface, and I know what I need to do.

I shut the locker door and carry my gloves over to the ring. I lean against it as Ricco finishes with the younger kid he’s training.

“Thought you were a goner.” He looks to me.

“Are you kidding me? You could never get rid of me.”

He smiles from ear to ear, knowing that’s the truth.

I watch him train the boy. He looks troubled, with tattered clothes and holes in the bottom of his sneakers. Once they finish, Ricco walks over and ruffles his hair.

“Tomorrows another day, kid. Don’t beat yourself up,” he says. The boy climbs out of the ring with his shoulders down and his face flat, defeated.

I jump into the centre of the ring and slip my sparring gloves on. Ricco throws his hands up and I bounce from side to side. It’s as if I haven’t missed a day.

After I take a few jabs, I stop and look at him.

“I don’t tell you enough, but you’re amazing you know?”

“Oh, shut up. Quit trying to throw me off.” He looks off into the gym.