Chapter 1 - Alyssa

Placing the phone back on its perch, I glanced over my shoulder. He stood on the other side of the room with that ridiculous smirk. The grey suit he wore was one of three he owned. He only used them on fight nights. Generally, he preferred his blue suits, though.

What a way to celebrate my twenty-first birthday. Look at him. He thinks he owns the world. But he just makes me sick. Since my mother passed, he’s forced me to do his evil bidding. It started out simple enough. But now I knew it was only due to my age that I was saved.

At first, it was serving drinks, then taking bids on fights. But now, now he has me selling organs on the black market. And after today, who knew what he would ask of me? I cringed just thinking about it.

Shivering, I felt my mouth drying while also filling with a sour taste. After every fight, this surgeon would come around. Those they couldn’t save would be taken to his hide-out, and the day after, I received a list of organs. I knew what he was doing wasn’t right. And even though I hated his guts, I couldn’t betray him.

No, I would leave. I have been doing some side hustling and have saved up quite a bit of money. Seeing that I spent most of my time on the phone, it was quite easy to do. I found a guy who steals antiquities. These I’ve been pondering off while I sold the organs. Tonight, I would go. Maybe during or right after the fight; I wasn’t sure yet. But I would find a way out.

I had one last sale to do. The supplier sent me the item, and the buyer will meet me at the fight tonight. Once I give him the item and get the last money, I’m outta here. I had been so deep into my thoughts that I hadn’t seen Jones, my stepfather, walking over.

Grabbing me by the shoulder, he pulled me from my perch on the bar stool at the kitchen table.

My feet wobbled as I tried to find my footing while he shook me with full force. “What’s going on in that tiny head of yours?” he screamed. “There is work to be done. You don’t have time to sit around doing nothing! Do you hear me?”

Pushing with all my might, I tried to turn out of his grip. “Yes, yes, I know. Please let me go, you’re hurting me.” I begged as I felt my eyes stinging from the fury of tears threatening to flow like a river suddenly.

“You are nothing without me!” Jones spat at me as he shoved me to the ground.

Blocking with my hands to prevent my head from smashing into the tiled floor, I felt a sting run up both arms. Glancing over my shoulder, I glared at the graying brute. “Why can’t you ever talk to me like a human?” I asked in a shaky voice, swallowing hard at the knot in my throat.

Jones lifted his stubbled chin into the air as he chuckled. “You’re nothing but a nagging child. Grow up, and maybe I’ll treat you better,” he said, bending forward. “Now get off the floor and do as you’re told, or I’ll make you pay!”

Jones stood with his hands folded across his chest, watching me as I rose. I dared not say another word as I wasn’t sure I could keep my tears at bay. I could feel his stare burning into my soul as I returned to the counter.

Flipping through the notes without interest, I hoped he would leave, seeing as I was working again. It was enough for him. He turned and headed out.

Sitting back down, I allowed the heavy breath that was clutching my chest to escape. Tears rolled down my cheeks, falling to the pages before me. Anger surged through me as I slammed my fist on the counter. After all these years, he still got to me. I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my jacket.

Taking several deep breaths, I assured myself it wasn’t long. By the end of the day, I would be free from this tyranny. After concluding the last five sales of organs, I filled the kettle and made a cup of hot chocolate. I stood gazing out the window at the dried grass and trees in the distance.

This place he called home. The house on the hill, surrounded by vast nothingness, wasn’t my home. My heart was heavy, and my mood was low, as always.

But this wasn’t my life. It was a means to an end, I told myself. I’ve been coping with his moods and attitude for eight years. But after today, no longer will I succumb to his needs. Taking my cup, I headed up to my room.

Opening my closet, I removed a medium-sized backpack. I felt sure it wouldn’t look conspicuous and only needed to take the bare necessities. Placing the bag on the bed, I carefully considered what would be required. I would need at least enough clothes for a week. Hairbrush, toothbrush, and at least two pairs of shoes.

After gathering my things, I stuffed the pack. Standing back, I wondered if it wasn’t a bit overfull. I removed a pair of sneakers and a jacket. It appeared more reasonable, and I felt sure Jones wouldn’t be suspicious.

As usual, we left just before lunch, heading to the run-down building on the outskirts of town. In my opinion, out of the five places Jones owned, this one was the nicest. Don’t get me wrong, the outside was atrocious. But the inside, man, you would think you were in a five-star gambling den.

The drive there was spent in silence. I preferred it that way. The property was enclosed by high walls. Pulling up to the gate, the guards opened it, and Jones drove around the building to the back. We had to wait a couple of minutes for the hatch parking doors to open before we could drive down into the basement parking.

It was meant to be a three-story complex many years back. Now, the outside of the brick and steel building was half-built walls with a steel frame and not much else. There were no trees or plant life of any kind. As far as the eye could see, there was sand and dust. Jones had the hatch doors installed once the lower levels were completed, and he used them for illegal fighting once a month.

He had four other properties built in a similar style for rotation, but this one had the most magnificent inside. Parking in the furthest corner from the hatch, we were greeted by the manager and two guards.

“Good day, Mr. Thompson,” the manager said as we walked towards the entrance doors. Mr. Goochil just glanced at me and nodded as he held the door open for us to enter.

“I’m just going to the ladies' room,” I said taking a left at the first corridor.

“Don’t be long; there’s work to be done!” I heard Jones grumbling as I walked away from them.

The corridor was lit with only a couple of small round lights fitted into the ceiling. It led to two dressing rooms and two bathrooms. Passing the dressing rooms, I noticed some regular fighters were already warming up. Growing up in this kind of life, I wouldn’t say I hated the fighting. But I surely didn’t approve of it either.

I was more disgusted by the death it led to and what happened to those poor souls afterward. Entering the ladies’ room, I headed to the last stall. Stepping inside, I locked the door. I placed my bag securely on the windowsill. Once the evening was on its way, I would return for it and sneak out.

There was no reason for a windowsill as the windows led nowhere. But Jones found it amusing when he designed the place and included them. I had to admit, it was a nice place to store things.

Rinsing my face, I stared at my reflection. My dark brown eyes appeared black, especially with the dark make-up circles I love wearing around them. I pushed the strands of brown hair falling from my tiny ponytail behind my ears. “It is almost over,” I said, smiling at the girl in the mirror.

Suddenly, a loud banging on the door made me jump. Mr. Goochil’s voice came blaring through it. “Your father is calling for you; better come quick.”

Opening the door, the stocky man stood waiting with his hands on his hips. He was at least ten years younger than Jones. Yet, he had less hair left on his head. The streak of reddish hair he had left ran along the bottom of his head from ear to ear. The top was completely bare and shone in the dim light.

I had often wondered what he rubbed on it to make it so shiny but would never dare to ask. His temper was just as short and as explosive as his circumference. He was wearing what looked like a high school blazer and black jeans. Thinking on it for a second, I had never seen him in a suit and wondered if he even owned one.

“Move along,” he spat, shoving me from behind.

“Yes, yes, I’m going,” I said, looking over my shoulder. “No need to be so pushy.”

Turning left into the main corridor, we walked past another two locker rooms before entering the reception area. This place was magnificent and stretched quite far underground. Behind the reception desk, the floor opened to the casino, the arena, and the bar.

To the right, between the casino tables and the arena, were a couple of rows of seating. To the left, the floor was covered with small tables and chairs. Behind these was the bar area. Jones was standing toward the back, chatting with two men seated at one of these tables. Once he noticed me, he waved, summoning me to him.

Other people were scattered around the place, but the look on his face turned my skin to ice. I knew what he wanted from me. ‘No more, no more, it’s almost over,’ my mind told my heart as I slowly walked towards him. Jones was grinning so much you could see his crooked teeth. They suited him, I thought.

“Evening,” I said in a light tone as I stopped by the table and glanced at the two men.

“Hi there, little lady,” the one said, jabbing his companion in the side with his elbow.

“These men would like some company before the show starts,” Jones said, grabbing me by the neck and shoving me forward.

I pushed out my hands and took hold of the table as I tried to glance back at him while speaking. “I’m still kind of busy. You know that. There is work to be done, isn’t there?”

Jones let go and rubbed his stubbled chin. I could see he was thinking very hard and knew I would have to remind him if I hoped to get out of this mess. “The client for the package would be here any second, and if he doesn’t get his delivery on time, well, you know,” I said, shaking my head at him.

It looked like I had flipped a light switch, as Jones remembered. “Yes, yes, that’s true,” he said, raising a finger in the air. “Sorry, maybe a bit later once she has completed her other tasks,” he added, winking at the men.

Turning, I hurried towards the reception area, needing to get away from him and those men as quickly as possible. He had never asked me to have sex with his customers, and for that, I was glad. But I had to sit with them, keep them company, and sometimes they would get touchy. Now that I am twenty-one, things might change, though.

Most of them got slashed halfway through the night, and I would sneak away. But sometimes, they could get touchy. This I couldn’t take. No more, not tonight, if I had anything to say about it.

After calling the client to find out what time he would be arriving, I called my own client. I had to confirm a time with him as well. The two would basically be right after one another so that Jones didn’t suspect anything.

I hadn’t seen him following me to the desk, but he jumped as he spoke behind me. “Now, what was that I heard?”

As I turned, he was almost on top of me. “Do you have other dealings that I’m not aware of?” he spat, lifting his hand.

“No, no,” I said, lifting mine to protect my face as I tried shrinking into the counter.

“Don’t you dare lie to me, wench,” He screamed, grabbing me by the shoulder. Glancing up, his face was red and looked swollen from anger. The veins in his neck were enlarged and pumping.

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t. I promise.” I protested as he started dragging me to the corridor.

“Then tell me why you made two calls. Don’t think I’m a fool, girl!” Jones shoved me forward into the corridor.

Falling to my knees, I placed out my hands to stop myself from tumbling over. The hard gravel surface of the floor stung where small rocks and sand collided with my skin. Turning, I sat down, rubbing my knees.

“I…I made a mistake and called the client back to correct the time. Sorry,” I muttered, looking at the small red spots on my knees.

“You’re useless, that’s what you are. Can’t ever do anything right.” Jones retorted, leaning forward and looking into my eyes. “Get up and meet the client as arranged so you can get back to work. No diddling around, you hear me?” He screamed as he started turning back to the reception area.

“Yes, yes,” I replied softly as I stood up.

Jones stopped and glanced back at me. “There’s no escaping, I know what you’re thinking, don’t even try.” He mumbled under his breath.

“What?” I asked, hoping to sound surprised. “Never, I don’t know where you heard such things.”

Jones shook his head, mumbling some more as he walked away.

I stood for a bit, making sure he went all the way to the reception desk before turning and heading to the car. ‘I’m not staying. The quicker I can get this done, the quicker I can leave.’ I told myself as I went. ‘I have to escape before he figures out what I have done and are doing.’

The organ was on ice in a cooler, still in the boot. While I waited, I greeted the staff and patrons as they arrived. It was about half an hour before the organ buyer showed.

The tall, skinny man studied the organ before making a transfer for the payment and went on his way. As he pulled out, a young man in a hoodie approached me.

“Miss,” he said, standing a couple of feet away.

“Yes,” I replied, scanning the parking area. “Are you here for the item?”

The young man’s face lit up at my words, and he hurried towards me. I took the small box containing the war medal out of my pocket, offering it to him. He opened the box and peeked inside. Once he was pleased, he handed me an envelope of cash. I took the other money from my pocket and added it to the envelope.

This should be enough to keep me going for a couple of months until I can find work. Feeling pleased with myself, I turned to head back inside. First, I would put my money in my bag I thought.

But as I completed my turn to head back inside, Jones stepped out of the shadows. I felt my skin go cold and sweat covering it as I looked into his face. “What have we here?” Jones stated as he took hold of my arm and yanked the envelope from my hands.

“It’s not what you think! I was saving up for a gift!” I exclaimed. I hoped to convince him that it was for some other purpose than what I intended to use it for.

Jones said nothing as he dragged me through the corridor to the fighting pit. His silence was horrifying. I was used to him beating me and telling me what a useless piece of crap I was. But this, his silence. I had never seen this side of him in all my life. Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t like him to not go off the deep side.

He stopped at the front desk and scanned the room. “What will we do with you?” he said in a strangely cheery tone.

Swallowing hard, I tried to find something I could use as a diversion to escape. Jones waved at one of the guards who hurried over to us. “Hold her here until I can decide what to do with her. Don’t let her out of your sight!” he ordered as he pushed me onto the couch.

He walked towards the bar area. I waited until he was far enough, and then I decided I would have to make a run for it. It was now or never. Glancing at the guard, I smiled and winked at him. “I have to go to the bathroom,” I said, rising from the couch.

After glancing at Jones, he nodded and allowed me to start walking. As we got to the start of the corridor, I heard Jones screaming from behind us. “Where are you going?”

Knowing I wouldn’t get another chance, I sprinted down the corridor. My heart was beating in my throat. I dared not think about what would happen if I got caught. Barging through the door leading to the parking lot, I had to stop. I hadn’t considered how I would get out.

Deciding I would have to hide until the hatch opened, I tried to find a safe place in the darkness behind some cars. I ducked down and held my breath, so I wouldn’t be heard. Then I saw the hatch opening and a car pulling in. Without looking around, I rose and started towards the opening.

I slipped and fell on the loose gravel. Before I could get up, a hand closed around my arm, and Jones pulled me to my feet. “Where do you think you’re going?” he shouted, towing me back inside.

“Bring a chair,” he yelled at a guard as we moved to the shadow side of the ring. Forcing me to sit, he continued to speak to the guard. “Tie her up and make sure she can’t get loose.”

“Please, Jones, please. I’m sorry.” I begged.

“Quiet, I want to hear no more from you!” He hissed before walking away.

The guard was one of the newer ones. Looking at him as he tied my feet, I tried to convince him not to tie me up. “Please don’t do this, please. Is there something I can give you to let me go?” I asked, smiling at him.

He barely looked at me as he answered. “Sorry, miss, just doing my job.” He tugged at the ropes around my feet, making sure they were tight, and then walked off.

I couldn’t believe my fate. I tried wiggling and shifting in my seat, hoping the ropes would loosen from all the movement, but they didn’t budge. ‘This was not how I had imagined today going.’ Glancing around, I felt my eyes burning. A tear pushed out of my eye and streaked down my cheek.

Jones took everything from me, my money, my freedom, my life. My head hung as the tears flowed through the open floodgates. I tried holding them back as much as possible. I held my breath, thinking of all he had done, trying my best to stay angry. But my heart was overflowing with sorrow, and it was harder than I had hoped.

With my hands tied, I couldn’t even wipe at them. I knew my eyeliner would be leaving black streaks down my face, but I no longer cared. I wanted out, anywhere, but here would be better.

One of the waitresses came over. She spoke softly as she bent down and wiped my cheeks. “He is a mean man.” She lifted my chin, and I nodded. “You want a sip of water?” she asked, holding a glass closer.

“Please untie me; the bounds hurt,” I said in a wavering voice.

“Sorry, hun, you know I can’t,” she replied.

After taking a couple of sips, I nodded my thanks and watched her leave again. I didn’t dare try to speak further as I may not have been able to contain the hurricane of emotions. Glancing around, I noticed the place was packed. This wasn’t something new, though; the first couple of rounds had already occurred.

I was glad that he left me in the dark. Most people didn’t even seem to notice me. However, the fighters would all be able to see me. I had watched many of these events during my short life and knew all the contestants by name.