Jerome sat at his expensive desk inside the big, luxurious office, overlooking the city from up high. The sun set in the background, illuminating the room with an orange and red glow. He meticulously read a report in a folder, flipping through page and page.
"Come in," he called out, hearing a knock at the door.
"You wanted to see me, Jerome?" Ty asked, slipping inside to grab a seat.
"I need your council about something. It has been weighing on my mind heavily these past months."
"Yeah, sure, what case did you want to go over?"
"I feel like I've been misdirecting my anger and it clouded my judgement. Hypothetical situation, here me out. Person A and B are both causing Person C a headache. Who should be removed to alleviate the throbbing in the skull?"
"Both of them, unless one is causing more problems than the other."
Jerome pointed a finger at Ty, waving it up and down in agreement.
"Exactly. However, Person A is only involved indirectly due to the actions of Person B."
"Would Person A still be a pain if Person B disappeared?" Ty asked.
"That is the situation I'm dealing with. Both could disappear but it'd raise a lot of unneeded attention. If Person A disappears, people are going to raise a fuss. If Person B disappears, it'll fuck up a time table and ruin months of groundwork, not to mention the lost money and revenue."
"Yeah, but if Person A is only involved because of B, just extract B from the equation and there would be no need for A to be involved. A would disappear on their own, thus leaving no questions. Unless B is critical to the flow of an operation, how much value does B create when the situation with A is turning B into a net negative?"
"You always surprise me, Ty, with that analytical mind of yours. Right again. I wanted a fresh perspective to this hypothetical to make sure I did not overlook anything."
"Without knowing the conflict between A and B which is creating the headache, the only complication to this analysis would be A or B doing something that forces C to stay involved no matter what. It becomes a matter of timing, maybe."
Jerome wagged his finger in agreement again, before tapping the desk with his knuckles.
"Person D is going to take care of B shortly. I am hoping the headache will be fixed in this hypothetical situation. That stupid fool keeps bringing heat on us, and I'm fed up of dealing with his shit. We're going to cut our services to Mr. Jimmy Jack."
Jerome fished for his wallet, opening it up to take a crisp hundred dollar bill. Turning his seat sideways to stare at the wall of framed articles, he extended his hand towards Ty. The other lawyer knew exactly why and grabbed the cash, pocketing it.
"He decided to get into more extra-curricular trouble so we're going to stop representing him in court, effective tomorrow. I want you to arrange everything, file the motions and burn that midnight oil. I'm sure the wife will be quite displeased you won't be home tonight but that's life."
"Michelle understands. I'll give her a call and then get right on it. Does our guy already know, or do I need to contact him as well and assign him a fresh case?"
Jerome waved his hand.
"Already taken care of on that one, just do the paperwork. Thanks for the hypothetical advice, councillor."
Ty got up and left, taking out the hundred dollar bill as he walked to his office. Jerome only gave him cash for one reason, and one reason only, to add another layer of confidentiality to their discussions. If the hours are billed, the conversations can be considered privileged between attorney and client, an extra layer of security for a delicate situation.
Jerome locked his door and then took a special burner phone from his desk. Looking out at the setting sun, he dialled a number from memory.
"Putt-Putt Emporium, when can I book you a tee time?" the sweet-sounding voice answered.
"I'd like to set up an appointment for the future."
"What kind of numbers will be teeing off?"
"Solo appointment, but private. I'm not looking for any paparazzi to show up while I'm working on my putting skills."
"No problem, sir. What is the name on the reservation?"
"Jimmy Jack..."
X
"Owwwww..." Suzy groaned, hitting the mat hard.
Keishu flung Suzy around like a sack of potatoes, easily tossing the malnourished girl around.
"It'll toughen you up," Keishu answered.
"If I wanted to be turned into a punching bag, I'd have allowed my mom to keep slapping me around. What has this got to do with me becoming a better fighter?"
"Defence first, then offence. You're skinny, lack muscle, and have no stamina. Running is your priority right now, not standing toe-to-toe with a killer. Run and get to safety, which means getting used to a few smacks and keeping your wits about you."
"Did you seriously teach Gale this, going through all these motions?"
"She did not complain like you. She had focus, discipline, an inner desire to be the best," Keishu stated, reaching down a helping hand.
Suzy accepted it, popping back up onto her feet. She dripped sweat all over, deeply sucking in air as the long workout had few, and far apart, rest breaks. However, she reset her position, not wanting another slap to the face for being slow and dull in her stand. All she had to do was dodge and block the attacks Keishu threw her way, nothing more.
Keishu did not make it easy. For every few 'easy' jabs with the boxing gloves, she tossed in a hook to keep the teenager on the tips of her toes. Suzy wore headgear and a body pad, still a bit weak from the previous beating but also because Keishu knew one hundred percent of the punches would land cleanly.
They had been practicing for an hour while Gale trained down with the commoners. It helped business if she trained in the open with the regulars, showing that she did not turn her nose up at normal gym rats and also give them some inspiration when lifting. Few ever had the guts to come up and say hello or ask a question. All the trophies, and the fact she was a hot woman, stopped a lot of people in their tracks.
From time to time she got photo and autograph requests which she obliged the fans. At the events and fitness conventions, she garnered huge lines. Keishu always stood by her side, acting as the head of security in those cases to help keep the line flowing. Keishu had no problem playing the bad girl, telling fans their time expired and needed to move along. It kept Gale's clean image intact, and direct any negativity towards herself.
Sitting at the bench press, Gale took a deep breath, staring at the floor. Tapping her knee to a beat, she psyched herself up for the heavy lift. Earphones covered and drowned out the surroundings, allowing the intense woman the ability to focus completely. Lying back, she gripped the smooth, steel bar and breathed out with a grunt.
The weight pushed upwards, then slowly came down towards her chest. Controlled and in rhythm, Gale shot out five reps, grunting out with each push of the bar. With the headphones and music blocking her hearing, she did not notice how she sounded, nor see the looks from new customers looking over in bewilderment.
A set of tanned hands grabbed the bar, as a woman came out of nowhere to stand in the spotting position. Gale smirked, noticing who stood above her. Sitting up, and re-positioning the headphones around her neck, she gave the interloper a sizing up.
"Your legs look weak. You been drinking too much after the last show, Cammy?"
"Don't worry about me, Gale, I'll be ready for the next event."
"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be back in Portugal by now."
"Spain, or do they not teach geography in Korea?"
"Touché, so why are you here?" Gale asked again.
"I came to sign up. I've been looking to find a new training area and wanted to see if you had the honor to live up to your offer," Cammy replied.
"My offer?" Gale stated. "Oh, from before. I did not think you of all people would accept it. I said it to needle you."
"And now I'm calling you out on it, or does the great Kelly Gale not have any honor?" Cammy smirked.
The honor comment irked Gale. Cammy had no clue just how serious and sacrosanct the concept meant to her.
"Fine, you want to train here, be my guest. I'll even make you a better deal. I'll let you train here for free if you agree to take some shots for my publicity. You should not have any problem with your posing now, do you?"
Gale extended her hand, offering to call a truce to their rivalry.
"A photoshoot for a free membership? Why not, I could use the extra portfolio pictorials."
Cammy's hand gripped Gale's, their grips clamping down in unison. They did not move for a solid minute, staring each other down as if they were in an 80s action flick. They eventually let go but the tension still remained between two bitter rivals. One held the lofty position of champion, while the other climbed up the hill, chasing after the golden crown.
"I think I'll get started tonight. No problem with that, Gale?"
"Go right ahead, it is an open floor," Gale replied.
Cammy bent over to pick up her gym bag, slinging it over her shoulder. 'La Reina Del Fitness' emblazoned the side facing Gale. A crown hung off the left side of the R. Fire decorated the word Fitness. The Spanish flag used the L in La as a flag pole, hanging as if caught by a strong wind.
"Am I going to upscale your clientele or do you have some up and comers you're grooming to take over your crown?" Cammy inquired, looking around to scout out the floor plan.
"I do some private lessons here and there but I don't pay too much attention. No one has stated they wanted to represent the gym in a competition."
"Smart, why let young blood take your spot?"
"We're the same age, Cammy."
