Page 63 of The Naughty List

“This feels like a set up,” I say.

Malachi Stryker is a former UFC champ and no one to fuck around with. I beat him three years ago in a highly controversial judge’s decision. It was the very last fight of my career.

“It’s just an opportunity, Jonah. Nothing more, nothing less. Up to you.”

I’m at war with myself in the middle of the highway. Fifty thousand dollars would be huge for the WDA. And two hundred and fifty thousand would completely change the lives of the thirty-six kids living in the group home. Hell of a lot more than a couple of Christmas presents.

“Can I think about it?”

He coughs. “Come on, Jonah. We both know you’re out of shape. If you’re going to do it, you have to get out here and start training like yesterday.”

“I still train a little here and there.”

“Stryker’s been off for six months. What do you think he’s been doing every single day?”

“Point taken.”

“The fight was scheduled to be in New York since they were both training here, but the association has agreed to bring it to you if you agree. They’ll move it to The Garden. New Year’s Eve. I’ll get you on a redeye tonight. Be ready first thing in the morning.”

“I haven’t said yes yet,” I remind me.

“You’d have already hung up on me if you weren’t interested. See you soon.” The call is disconnected from his end and I drive in stunned silence to my place.

By the time I make it inside, I know what I have to do.

18

HOLLIS

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Jonah’s only been gone about an hour when my phone rings with his name on the screen.

“Hey—”

“Hollis, listen. I know tomorrow is Christmas but we need to talk. Is there any way you can pack a bag and come stay at my place for a few days? Could you do that?”

My heart leaps into my throat. “You mean like right now?”

“Right now. I have to be at the airport in an hour.”

“The airport? Jonah, what’s going—”

“There’s no time, Hollis. If you’re coming, please just get your stuff and get here as soon as you can. If not, I need to figure out somewhere to board the boys. But I’d rather tell you this in person either way.”

“Okay. I’ll be there soon.”

What in the actual hell is going on?

Only one way to find out I guess.

I throw a few pairs of leggings and some sweaters, underwear, and my toothbrush into my carry-on while mentally preparing myself to explain to my family why I’m leaving on Christmas Eve. If I’m lucky, they’ll all be in bed already and I can just leave a note.

I ease down the stairs like a teenager sneaking out. When I make it to the living room, I see Dad asleep in the recliner. Tiptoeing past him, I hear my mom clear her throat in the kitchen.

She steps around the corner and gestures to my bag. “Running away from home, Hollis? Been awhile since you’ve pulled that one.”

I sigh. “I know it’s Christmas Eve, but something is going on with Jonah.”