Chapter 6 - JASON'S DEAL
Jason finally agreed to meet.
Not at the gym.
Coffee shop.
Public.
Emily arrived first.
Jason wore sunglasses even indoors.
His cheek had a fading bruise.
Emily said:
“You look ridiculous.”
He smiled slightly.
Then stopped.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“The fight.”
“Which part?”
Jason looked down.
He knew there were too many.
Then he explained.
Cole Mercer offered him:
a regional apparel contract,
two sponsored bouts,
streaming documentary,
and a possible developmental deal with a national promotion.
Condition:
prove marketability.
Cole believed family story would work.
Brother living in shadow of champion sister.
Then:
he defeats her.
Torch passes.
Jason said:
“I thought you’d block and let me look good.”
“You thought I agreed?”
“Dad said you did.”
“Did you ask me?”
No.
There.
Jason wanted to blame Robert.
Could not fully.
Then Emily asked:
“Did you know they used my signature?”
Jason froze.
“No.”
She believed him.
Maybe.
Then:
“Did you know about Jason Carter Performance?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know my likeness was in the deal?”
“I thought Dad handled it.”
Again.
That family sentence.
Dad handled it.
May you like
Meaning:
nobody asks Emily.
