Kaira and Eliot were just moving some stuff in their new apartment above Old Roy's Tavern. Kaira was excited and happy. She was back in the game. Also, it was her and Eliot's one year anniversary in a few days. Kaira had bought Eliot a gift to celebrate. Little did Kaira know, Eliot also had a gift for her.
That's when Kaira's phone rang. It was Nate.
"Hey, Nathan." Kaira answered the phone.
Eliot looked at her, setting down his box.
"Hey, Kaira. How's the move?" Nate asked.
"Oh, going well. Still got a couple of things to move yet, but we're getting there. What's going on?" Kaira said.
"We got a job." Nate informed her.
"Nice. What's the job?" Kaira asked.
Eliot got excited.
"Meet me in Nebraska. I'll text you the address." Nate said.
"See you there." Kaira said. She hung up the phone.
"Well?" Eliot questioned, placing his hands on Kaira's waist.
"We got a job. Nathan wants us to meet in Nebraska." Kaira informed Eliot.
Just then Kaira's phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the text message.
"Nathan just sent me the address." Kaira said.
"Alright. The only thing that's left to unpack is the dishes and the bedsheets." Eliot said.
"Let's finish that and then we'll meet Nathan at the address." Kaira said.
Eliot placed a kiss on Kaira's lips.
"Do I tell you I love you?" Eliot asked, smiling at his girlfriend.
"Every day, cowboy. It's implied." Kaira smiled.
She placed her hand on Eliot's neck and pulled his face towards hers. She placed her lips on his. She let go and the couple finished unpacking. Kaira got snacks for her and Eliot for the 25-hour drive down. With very minimal stopping, they got to the hotel Nate had them meet at.
Hardison had already bought them a room. They unpacked and went to Hardison's room to meet up with the team. They all sat down on the couch in the room as Hardison went into this presentation on the monitors on the table in front of him.
"That's Jed Rucker. He runs a homegrown mixed martial arts league here in Nebraska. They have a very strong wrestling tradition here, so the talent pool is pretty deep." Hardison said.
"Wrestlers have a good base for a blended training approach. You know, they can go from that to Jujitsu, kickboxing, judo." Eliot said.
"Rucker promotes fights." Parker realized.
"And manages fighters, taking a cut every step of the way." Hardison continued.
"Yeah, you know, plus he's not above fixing matches, as the Howorths found out. We've dealt with some lowlifes, but when I heard about this guy..." Nate said.
Eliot was watching some footage of the fight in question.
"That was a nice takedown. Good ground and pound. He's a little sloppy in a closed guard, but it's a solid armbar." Eliot complimented the kid in the video.
"Yeah, you can tell he's a wrestler, but he's good. I mean it ain't the UFC, so." Kaira said.
Sophie covered her eyes with her hands, not liking the footage.
"Hardison, where did you get these?" Nate asked.
"Online. They're viral videos. See, Rucker doesn't have a tv deal, it's pretty much a bare-bones operation." Hardison explained.
"You call this a sport?" Sophie questioned.
"Yeah, it's a sport. These are some of the best-conditioned athletes in the world. Are you kidding me?" Eliot stood up.
"It's about precision, technique, skill." Eliot explained, moving behind the couch.
"Like cockfighting." Sophie said, uncomfortable with the video.
"It's not a cockfight. All right? Let me show you something, Hardison. Come here. Can I borrow you?" Eliot said.
Parker was behind the couch as well. Eliot got her in position. Kaira loved that each team member was learning from each other. Kaira would watch Parker and Eliot train. They were like siblings.
"All right. Square up. Remember what I showed you?" Eliot said.
Hardison faced Parker. Parker had her hands up.
"Are you..." Hardison chuckled before squaring up.
Kaira stood up and went beside Eliot. "There's three phases to an MMA fight. One, striking." Kaira said.
Parker struck Hardison in the face.
"Nice. Next is grappling-the takedown." Eliot said.
Parker pulled Hardison to the ground.
"Good. Third is Jujitsu." Kaira said.
Parker started wrapping her body around Hardison's neck.
"Okay, try to isolate a joint. Good Parker." Kaira said.
"That's a textbook armbar. Put some pressure on there." Eliot said, leaning to help Parker.
"Like this?" Parer questioned.
"Yes. Or you can go for a choke hold." Kaira said.
"She got to be choking me." Hardison said, trying to breathe.
"Oh, yeah, the choke hold." Parker said. She moved her arms to get in the choke hold.
"There you go. Lock that in. You don't have to hold the arm. See, that's a triangle choke. That's nasty." Eliot said.
"Puts pressure on the corroted. And your opponent will submit by tap out." Kaira said, putting her hands together to show the tap out.
Hardison started tapping.
"Eliot, Kaira, I'm tapping! I'm tapping!" Hardison tried to get out.
"Okay, Parker, let him go." Kaira said.
"These fights are won by inches, I'm telling you." Eliot said.
"All about leverage." Kaira finished.
Hardison kept tapping.
"Parker, you can let him go." Kaira reiterated.
"It looks really painful." Sophie said.
"It is painful." Hardison said.
Parker was still choking him.
"Parker, let go!" Kaira ordered.
"No, tv deal, huh? Hardison, what are this guy's other interests? This Rucker guy." Nate asked.
"Parker!" Kaira warned again.
"Seriously, you ask me a question right now..." Hardison said, trying to breathe.
"Parker! Off now!" Kaira warned again.
"I'll take that. Um, yeah. Rotary club, golf membership." Sophie said.
"Golf, huh?" Nate said.
"Help me." Hardison whispered.
Kaira went back to pull Parker off of Hardison.
"Mm-hmm. Yeah, I mean, this guy's like a 1950's sitcom character. He plays a weekly game with the local businessmen. In fact, last year he won the club championship." Sophie said.
Kaira was still trying to pull Parker off of Hardison.
"Did he? Hmm." Nate said. "Let Hardison go, Parker!" Kaira ordered. "I guess it's uh... it's time to hit the links." Nate said.
They got a plan. Hardison got golf balls ready for Nate to play against Rucker for money for the next day once he recovered from Parker's chokehold. Nate had won the golf game, but Parker stole Rucker's wallet, so he couldn't pay the bet. Nate told him to pay him the next day.
Later in the day, Nate, Eliot, and Kaira went to the gym and acted like Eliot was training. Nate met with Rucker, as Kaira watched Eliot train on a punching bag. Kaira clocked the security cameras in the gym. Kaira looked at her boyfriend.
"You gonna be okay, Eliot?" Kaira asked.
"Yeah. I'll be fine. This is what I do for living." Eliot smiled at her.
Kaira continued to watch as Nate came over and talked to Eliot and Kaira, getting Rucker's attention.
Eliot and Kaira soon walked out hand in hand. Just then a few old trucks drove by, locking Eliot and Kaira in a circle. Kaira placed a hand on Eliot's shoulder as he moved her behind him. He set his bag on the car and saw Rucker walking towards them,
"Sorry for not properly introducing myself. Name's Jed Rucker. Welcome to the Rucker Fighting Method." Rucker said as men were getting out of the truck.
Eliot moved Kaira back as Rucker signaled for one of his guys, Tommy to go after Eliot. Tommy went to throw a punch. Eliot was able to block the punch with his arms and get the guy down. Another guy came up to Eliot and backed him to the dumpster, but Eliot kicked him, giving him space to move forward. The guy punched Eliot, but then Eliot dodged another punch and picked the guy up, and threw him in the dumpster.
The guy tried to climb out, but Eliot punched him. Then a bunch of guys surrounded Eliot. Eliot motioned for Kaira to get closer to their vehicle, and she did. Kaira was nervous. Eliot was a good fighter, but he couldn't use all his moves. One guy kicked Eliot in the stomach and then punched him. Eliot then grabbed the guy and moved into a chokehold. Kaira panicked for a moment.
Rucker went up to Eliot.
"Now, that's it. Enough." Rucker ordered.
Kaira nodded at Eliot to let the guy go.
"Get over there." Rucker told the guy.
Kaira caught Parker recording the whole thing. Rucker extended a hand to help Eliot up. Kaira walked over.
"And who the hell are you?" Rucker asked.
Eliot was getting his breath.
"Uploading video now." Parker reported.
Kaira caught her leaving.
"Got it." Hardison said.
"See, online video websites, they track viewer hits by I.P address so the trick is to just spoof a bunch of I.P's, then write a script that lets you browse the video page via the proxy list and..." Hardison explained as Nate cut him off.
"That's great. We got a feed on the security camera at the gym?" Nate asked.
"Yeah, yeah. The feed's on the tv now." Hardison said.
"Oh, well, how come we're not hearing it? Where's the audio? We got audio?" Nate questioned.
"Huh? No. Oh, but the earbuds work." Sophie said.
She got in an argument with room service about chicken fried steak as Kaira and Eliot were talking with Rucker.
"It's a hell of a welcoming committee you got here." Eliot said, holding an ice pack to his cheek.
"Oh, that? Yeah. We, uh - we put all the newbies through that. We call it the gauntlet. So I can see you've had some training." Rucker told Eliot.
"Some." Eliot answered.
"And Wells - what, he's your manager?" Rucker asked.
"He runs a league out of South Dakota." Kaira answered.
"South Dakota? There's no athletic commission there." Rucker said.
"That's the way he likes it. Kind of under-the-radar. Action's raw. Lot of amateurs trying to make a name for themselves." Eliot said.
"So, so, what's he doing here?" Rucker asked.
Eliot and Kaira looked at each other, nervous.
"No, you - don't worry, kids. You can talk to me. I can make it worth your while." Rucker said.
He put his arm around Eliot and they headed for the stairs.
"He's here looking for talent. You know, some - some fresh blood." Eliot said.
"Why?" Rucker asked.
"We don't know. He sent us here to see if I could spot anybody worth poaching." Eliot answered.
"Is that right?" Rucker questioned.
"Look, all we know is that he has a meeting with a woman tomorrow and he needs guys by then." Kaira answered.
"So, he has a meeting? Here?" Rucker questioned.
"Hmm, that's interesting. Come up to the office. We'll have a drink." Rucker said.
Kaira and Eliot followed him to the office. They sat down and Rucker gave them drinks.
"Here you go." Rucker handed them the drinks.
"Thanks." Kaira said, smiling. She took a sip.
Eliot just held his. Rucker moved to his desk.
"So, tell me, uh, what's her name?" Rucker asked, sitting down with his drink.
"We're supposed to pick her up from the airport." Eliot said.
Eliot grabbed the slip from his back pocket.
"She's coming in from L.A." Kaira said as Eliot handed Rucker the slip.
"Miss Debbie Dreiling." Rucker said.
He looked up the name of his computer.
"She's a producer. Wells is working a tv deal." Rucker said, looking at the guy beside him.
Nate had Hardison trip the news alert, which sent Rucker an email with the video of Eliot fighting, which went viral.
"So, come fight for me." Rucker told Eliot.
"I can't." Eliot said, nervous.
"What's he paying you, three and threes? Five and five? You under contract?" Rucker questioned.
"Sort of. I owe him money." Eliot said.
"So you're his grunt. You're working it off." Rucker said.
"I collect debts, you know. Work security, bust noses. Sometimes he lets me fight." Eliot said.
"I just make sure he gets there and comes back to me in one piece." Kaira said, smiling at her boyfriend.
"Well, let me tell you something. This Wells is an idiot." Rucker got out of his seat and moved to the glass on the other side of the room.
"It's a real waste of talent. See, most of these guys, they're pieces of meat, like the cows, they butcher at work. They come to my gym every night cause they think if they work hard enough and fight hard enough, that they can make it to Vegas. And the UFC. And energy drink contracts. And that's the dream I sell them. They listen to me because I can take that dream away. Now, you-you're different. You fight like something's trying to get out of you." Rucker said.
He sat on his desk.
"So, tell me. How much do you owe Wells?" Rucker asked.
Eliot looked at Kaira nervous.
"You can trust me. I'm here to help." Rucker said.
Kaira waited to hear an amount.
"Hardison, his financials." Nate rushed Hardison.
"I know, I know. I told you back home, it's all a big mess." Hardison explained.
"No, come on. I need something now. I mean, he's..." Nate argued.
"His money's all over the place. Just give me a minute to plow through this, man." Hardison said.
"Okay, Eliot, Kaira. Say, uh, 20 grand. 20 grand." Nate ordered.
"20 grand." Eliot said.
"We got into some trouble and wanted to start over. Wells found him training and offered to pay off our debt and buy us things like an apartment and a car, as long as we work for him. He's been trying to work it off ever since. And I've had to work the odd job here and there to help pay it off." Kaira explained, shaky a bit.
"Well, I can swing that. I can even bump someone off my next card. You'll be fighting within days. But I'll need something in return. I'll need you to bring this - this Miss Debbie Dreiling to me. Before Wells. Now you do that, and I'll get you and your girl out." Rucker said.
Karia and Eliot agreed to the deal. They left the gym and went back to the hotel.
The next day, Eliot and Kaira took Sophie to the golf course to meet with Rucker and Wells. They walked to the dining room.
"Oh, this guy, he just - he gives me the creeps." Sophie said, dressed as Debbie.
"We've gone up against rougher dudes than this before." Eliot said.
"I know. But it's this whole treating people as commodities. This whole barbaric sport." Sophie said before Kaira cut her off.
"Hey, Soph. Don't think that all these guys are like Rucker. Okay, Rucker isn't what the sports about. He's just a bastard." Kaira said.
"Kaira, this "sport" is about two guys beating the crap out of each other." Sophie said.
"MMA fighters act with more respect than any other athlete I've seen." Eliot explained.
"Yeah, they're "Braveheart". I get it." Sophie said.
"No, you don't. These guys don't fight because they like hurting people, all right. They fight to gain some sort of control - over their opponents, their environment, over their lives. Have you seen this town? Huh? The farms are drying up. The only stores are bail bondsman and pawn shops. And there's nothing they can do about it. So, yeah, they get in the ring and try not to let it all suffocate them." Eliot explained.
Kaira placed a hand on his shoulder as Sophie looked at Eliot.
"And it's about two guys beating the crap out of each other." Eliot said.
Sophie exhaled and smiled as they kept walking. Eliot and Kaira sat Sophie down with Rucker as they ordered. They got their drinks and Kaira and Eliot watched.
"I'm not saying that this Bill Wells is a liar. It's just that he - he overpromised." Rucker told Sophie.
"What are you telling me?" Sophie asked as Debbie.
"That he doesn't have the product that he says he did." Rucker said.
Sophie chuckled. "Sweetie, I think you may be operating on some misinformation. I'm just in town to produce a show." Sophie said.
"But you're also here closing a tv deal with Wells. And, I'm guessing, a pay-per-view package. But the thing is, he doesn't have what you need. And that's why he's trying to steal my fighters." Rucker said.
Eliot's phone rang, so he answered it.
"Uh, excuse - I'm gonna - I got to take this." Eliot said.
Kaira kissed his cheek and he left. Kaira tuned back in with Sophie and Rucker.
"Say what you're saying is true. What exactly are you telling me?" Sophie questioned.
"That you don't need him. He's a middleman. You need me." Rucker said.
"My, my. What a little shark you are." Sophie flirted a bit and chuckled. "Are you sure we didn't have lunch at the Ivy last week?" Sophie asked.
"Just trying to make you feel at home. Little Midwestern hospitality and all. You hungry? Because they serve a mean chicken fried steak here." Rucker said.
"No." Sophie coughed. "Mnh-mnh. Um" Sophie chuckled. "I'm - I'm fine." Sophie said.
"Well, bottom line is, you need good product. What - what event are you here to produce?" Rucker asked.
"On it. There's a tractor pull in Grand Island, a livestock show in Council Bluffs... white people doing other white people things... oh, uh, Sophie, there's a Trianna concert in Omaha." Hardison reported.
"Trianna?" Parker questioned.
"She's that teeny bopper kid's star. She's got a show on that kid's network." Hardison explained.
"Trianna." Sophie answered Rucker.
"At the Mid-American Palace? That's a hot ticket. So let's say you've got Trianna-" Rucker was saying before Nate came in with Eliot.
"Yeah, right. Enough. Enough's enough. I'm sorry - monkey boy and his little girlfriend here were supposed to take you to the hotel. It didn't happen." Nate said as Wells.
Sophie got up and Kaira made her way over.
"Quite all right, sweetie. I was just catching up with the local welcome wagon." Sophie said, getting her purse on.
"Yeah, all the more reason I'm sorry." Nate said.
"Well, I really enjoyed our conversation. Perhaps we could continue it at the concert later?" Rucker asked.
"Pardon me?" Sophie questioned.
"Turns out I'm going to the big show. Maybe we could meet up there." Rucker suggested.
Sophie turned to Nate and he nodded his head yes.
"Of course. Definitely." Sophie said.
"Well, I look forward to it." Rucker said.
Sophie joined the trio and they left.
"Triana? Really?" Nate questioned.
"Hey, man, look. You're lucky I didn't give you a monster truck rally on an Indian Reservation." Hardison said.
"Now what?" Eliot questioned.
"To hook this guy, we have to convince him Sophie's the real deal." Nate questioned.
"How are we gonna do that?" Kaira questioned.
"Let's go steal us a concert." Nate said.
Parker and Hardison went to the concert to steal the production team as Nate stalled the director so Hardison could be the director.
Kaira went with Eliot to the gym to watch him train. Kaira liked watching Eliot train. She smiled at him.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're turned on right now, Princess." Eliot smirked at her.
"Maybe. I do like it when you train." Kaira smiled.
That's when Nate came in to watch. Sophie got Rucker to pay half a million dollars for the production to get his fights filmed.
"Did you get all that?" Sophie asked.
"Got it. Great job. We should be on our way home by this time tomorrow." Nate said.
Kaira smiled. "Good. Cause by then it will almost be me and Eliot's one year anniversary." Kaira said.
"Really? A year already?" Nate questioned.
"Yeah. Surprised myself." Eliot said.
They left the gym a bit later.
Then Sophie got a call that Rucker wanted to meet at the gym. Sophie walked in carrying a poster.
"Hey, saw this in town." Sophie said.
"Oh, yeah. It'll be a good gate. Lots of interest in the new boy. The message boards are blowing up. He's gonna fight Tank here. Tank, come here." Rucker called Tank over.
"I want you to meet Debbie Dreiling. She's gonna make us all rich." Rucker said.
Sophie chuckled.
"Now, this is a lot of money. I need to know it's in good hands." Rucker said.
"You're making a good bet." Sophie said.
"I want to know I'm making a great bet. So, where are your partners?" Rucker asked.
Kaira perked up. This could be bad.
"Waiting for you to blow me off?" Rucker questioned.
This was not good.
"Uh, I'm sorry, I-I don't know what you-" Sophie was saying before getting cut off.
"Well, let me tell you what. Alex's cousin Jimmy is in the fight scene in South Dakota. And guess what - he's never heard of Bill Wells." Rucker said.
Sophie chuckled nervously and clicked her tongue.
"Sweetie..." Sophie said.
"Sweetie." Rucker repeated Sophie.
"I-I think you're getting a little paranoid." Sophie said, trying to salvage her cover.
"So you think you can come to my town, huh? Us country bumpkins, right? Cause all we can do is kick ass. I'll show you what us ass-kickers will do." Rucker said.
Nate, Kaira, and Eliot went inside the gym. The con was officially blown.
"Let her go!" Kaira exclaimed.
It was obvious she and Eliot were pissed.
"All right. Leave her alone." Nate said.
"Oh, look - look who's here. Wells. So, where's the rest of your crew? In the getaway car?" Rucker questioned.
The trio went beside Sophie.
"Yeah, all right. Parker, Hardison, break it down. We're out of here. Come on." Nate said.
"Oh, you talk in a fancy wire, huh? Pretty fancy." Rucker said.
"Yeah, nothing but the best for you, Rucker." Nate said, not happy.
"Yeah, well, we're not all frauds. People do want to see you fight. So why don't you take on Tank here?" Rucker said, gesturing to the big dude next to him.
"I got five seconds to kill out of my day." Eliot said, sizing up Tank.
Kaira kept Eliot back as Rucker pushed Tank back.
"No, no, no. Not here, Tank. But, you know, you're probably right. We've seen what you can do. But that's the thing, you know. See, you're favored. So I'm gonna need you to take a dive." Rucker said to Eliot.
"Hell no." Kaira said, staring down Rucker.
"Come on. Come on." Nate said.
They all turned to leave.
"Fine. Go back to L.A or whatever. It's a shame you won't be here next month when Jack Howorth's house goes on fire." Rucker warned.
The team stopped and faced him.
"Or in six weeks when Mark has a car accident. But you won't be around for any of that." Rucker taunted.
"I'll do it." Eliot said.
"No, babe." Kaira turned to face him.
Eliot gave her a smile.
"You don't have to do anything." Nate said.
"Yeah, I do. And then you lay off the Howorths." Eliot negotiated.
"You do what you have to and they'll be fine. But I'm betting it all on Tank here, so it can't look like a fix." Rucker said.
The team turned to leave.
"And feel free to use the gym. We don't want anybody to think you're not ready." Rucker said.
Kaira took one last look at Rucker, flipping him off. They met Parker and Hardison outside the van. They gave Hardison a look.
"What? What? W-what was I supposed to do? It was cousin Jimmy." Hardison said.
"He's right. We couldn't have planned for that." Sophie defended Hardison.
"Look, you know what I can do? I can re-task a satellite, I can get level three NSA clearance, but I can't hack a hick." Hardison said.
"All right, it doesn't matter. What do we do now?" Eliot questioned.
"We can move the Howorths." Parker suggested.
"We're not moving the Howorths. Alright? This is their home. That means something to people here." Eliot said.
"Yeah, we can't babysit them forever." Sophie said.
Kaira was not happy.
"Listen, we've taken out bigger players than this. You know, there's got to be some way..." Nate said, thinking.
"No. No. I take the dive." Eliot said.
Kaira turned to him.
"You sure you want to do this, cowboy?" Kaira asked, nervous.
"It's the only way." Eliot said, grabbing her shoulders.
"Give me some time, okay? I've found some funny business in Rucker's accounts. I can move some things." Hardison suggested.
"Forget the fact that we just got beat by Barney Fife, all right? This is the right move. Tactically it's the right move. You all know that." Eliot said.
He got in the van. Kaira followed.
"I don't like it." Kaira said to Eliot.
"I know, Princess, but it's the only way to help the Howorths." Eliot said.
"I know. That's what sucks about this, cowboy." Kaira said, sighing.
They went back to the room to make a plan of some kind to get Rucker. Eliot had gone to the gym. Kaira wanted to let him be for a while, so she stayed at the room.
Sophie soon went to the gym. Kaira went with her. It was dark by the time they got there. Eliot was doing drills, punching the air. He was sweaty and had his hair up.
"Hey! Listen, you-you don't have to do this, you know. Nate's gonna come up with something." Sophie said.
Eliot paused his drill.
"I'm losing a fight, Sophie. I'm not diving on a grenade. I'll be alright." Eliot said.
He went to resume his drill.
"Yeah, I know. I'm not talking physically." Sophie said.
"I think my ego can handle it." Eliot said. Eliot noticed Kaira's concern.
"Look, you told me and your girlfriend that it's all about control, about knowing that you're never gonna be the victim. And that's what keeps you going, right?" Sophie said.
Eliot leaned against the rope, looking at Sophie and Kaira.
"You think I'm upset cause I got to let this guy kick my ass? I learned a long time ago, you can't control the violence. I can take the punishment. That's what I do. What I need to control is not out there." Eliot patted his chest.
"It's here. Always. And she." Eliot pointed at Kaira, causing her to smile.
"Helps me control it." Eliot said.
Sophie gave him a smile and left. Kaira stayed. Kaira went up in the ring. Kaira started tearing up.
"What's wrong, Princess?" Eliot questioned.
Kaira hugged Eliot. She didn't care he was sweaty.
"I'm worried about you, Eliot. I don't like that I have to watch you get hurt. Usually, when we get in a fight, I'm always at your side. This time I can't." Kaira said, trying to calm down.
Eliot shushed, rubbing Kaira's back. Kaira let go and held on to Eliot's arms.
"I know you are. What's it been?" Eliot smiled at Kaira.
Kaira smiled back, calming down. "Almost 5 years we've known each other, dated a year in two days." Kaira answered.
Eliot chuckled. "Already? It feels like yesterday I told you I love you and we were in bed together." Eliot said, reminiscing.
"Seems like yesterday that I saw you for the first time, in your army greens. A devilish look in your eyes and a rattlesnake smile. I remember thinking to myself, "Well, shit. This boy's gonna get me in trouble. But I'll like it." I remember your body. Like a 67 Chevy Impala. Sexy and handsome, yet rugged." Kaira smiled.
"And I remember looking at you for the first time, thinking, "What's a pretty thing like her doing in the army? I better watch myself around her. She will kick my ass if I don't play this right." And that's when I went up to you and started flirting." Eliot smiled at Kaira.
Kaira chuckled. "You're right. I will kick your ass." Kaira giggled.
They looked at each other for a while.
"You know when I saw you fight for the first time, I thought to myself, "Damn. She's everything I could ask for in a woman." Eliot said.
Kaira smiled. "When I saw you fight for the first time, I was turned on, not gonna lie." Kaira chuckled with Eliot.
Eliot pulled Kaira close to his lips. They kissed.
"Be safe out there, cowboy." Kaira kissed him again.
"Always, Princess." Eliot smiled.
She left and got in the van.
They waited for the others to arrive to set the venue. Kaira joined Eliot in the back room while Nate and Hardison checked something. Kaira sat next to Eliot on the wooden bench.
"You can do this, cowboy. I love you." Kaira said, placing a hand on Eliot's cheek.
"I love you, too, Princess." Eliot smiled at her.
They kissed again. They heard the crowd cheering. Kaira was nervous walking out with the team. Eliot went in the ring, placing one last kiss on Kaira's lips. Kaira got seated with Sophie and Parker as Nate and Hardison got Eliot ready at the corner of the ring, giving him water to drink. Nate and Hardison left the ring as Eliot prepared himself.
"So, your friend knows to stick to the plan, right? He goes down, and I collect on my bet." Rucker reminded the women.
"And you leave the Howorths alone." Sophie said.
"And you get the hell out of my town." Rucker said.
Kaira gave him a glare. Rucker seemed nervous at the glare. Nate and Hardison went up to Eliot.
"All right. Listen to me. Listen to me. You make it look good, but not too good, all right?" Nate told Eliot.
The bell rang.
"Alright? Don't let it go past the second round." Nate reminded Eliot.
They left the ring. The crowd was still cheering. The ref told Eliot and Tank to meet in the middle, and they hit hands. Then Tank swung his leg, which Eliot took to the stomach. Tank did the same move a few moments later, but Eliot blocked it with his forearm and punched Tank, but Tank dodged it. They went around and Tank went to hit Eliot again with his leg, but Elliot blocked it, landing a punch on Tank. Tank recovered and went to punch Eliot again, who blocked all of the punches, minus one, which sent Eliot to the ground.
"Come on, baby!" Kaira yelled, nervous.
Eliot got up and got into the fighting stance. After a moment, Eliot lunged at Tank's waist, and knocked him to the ground. Tank went to put his legs around Eliot, but Eliot landed a couple of good punches on Tank. Rucker wasn't happy.
"What the hell is he doing?" Rucker questioned, upset.
"You told him to make it look good, didn't you?" Kaira retorted.
Eliot tried to switch his position, but Tank kicked him in the face with his foot. Eliot stumbled back. Kaira winced at the sight. Eliot got right back up. Tank took a couple of jabs at Eliot, who looked woozy. Tank then tackled Eliot, sending him in the pole. Eliot yelled and Kaira tried to stay calm. Tank then had Eliot in a hold and started punching his stomach. Tank then flipped Eliot on the ground and started pounding him. Kaira watched nervously as Eliot's expression changed. She watched as Nate sniffed the bottle, looking at the women. Kaira immediately knew what he was saying.
"You bastard! You drugged him!" Kaira exclaimed.
"Why? He already said he'd go down!" Parker exclaimed.
Kaira could hear Eliot grunting. This was not good.
"What makes you think I would trust a bunch of lying grifters to keep their word?" Rucker said.
Nate yelled at the ref.
"Get the doctor, Parker - now." Sophie ordered, worried.
Parker left.
"No need. It'll be over in a couple of minutes." Rucker said.
"You stupid, stupid, bastard! My man's not like any other fighters. His training is to survive. That's what he does! It takes all of his control to not kill somebody. You just took the safety off a very dangerous gun!" Kaira exclaimed.
Just then, Eliot blocked Tanks punch and got him in a headlock with his legs. Eliot then flipped Tank over and started pounding on him. Then Eliot flipped him again and started choking Tank with his legs. Tank was tapping, but Eliot didn't listen. Nate kept yelling at the ref. Rucker was nervous. The ref tried to peel Eliot off of Tank, but Eliot wasn't budging.
Finally, they got Eliot off of Tank and the doctor went to examine him as Nate and Hardison took Eliot aside. The women were nervous. Did Eliot kill someone? The doctor then stuck Tank with something in a syringe. Rucker told his crew to get everyone out. The doctor performed CPR on Tank as everyone left. Kaira went up to Eliot, holding his face.
"You okay, cowboy?" Kaira asked him nervously.
"I'm okay. I'm okay." Eliot said, weaky.
He held her hand. Nate, Hardison, and Rucker met on the ring.
"What the hell just happened?" Rucker questioned Nate, accusingly.
"What the hell are you doing?! You could have killed him!" Nate exclaimed.
"You know how much you just cost me? I'm gonna make you pay." Rucker threatened Nate.
Kaira got in the ring and got in Rucker's face.
"You did this to yourself, you stupid son of a bitch! You're the one who drugged my boyfriend's water. You took the safety off the gun!" Kaira yelled.
Rucker looked back at Nate.
"Make me pay, huh?" Nate questioned.
"We had a deal!" Rucker exclaimed.
"You broke that deal when you drugged my man." Kaira said in a calm anger.
"Hey, listen to me! Tank is dead!" The doctor exclaimed.
Kaira started breathing heavily in panic. Everyone there was nervous.
"No. No, wait." Rucker said, going to Tank's body.
"You killed him." The doctor accused Rucker.
"Wait a second, Doc. Look, are you sure?" Rucker questioned, getting panicked.
Kaira walked over by Eliot and hugged him. He was sweaty, but Kaira didn't care.
"There's nothing I can do." The doctor said.
"Listen! Listen to me! He could just be out!" Rucker exclaimed.
"I've got to call the police." The doctor said, getting out his phone.
"No police! Listen to me! Listen-listen, we can work this out. Keep it in the family? I'll make it worth your while." Rucker pleaded.
"There were hundreds of witnesses, plus we've got a dead body. What am I supposed to do about that?" The doctor explained.
"And also, we ain't family." The doctor told Rucker off.
Rucker started getting up.
"All right. All right. You're right. You're right. You call the police, and I'm gonna - I'm gonna call the athletic commission." Rucker said.
He left.
The team sat down in the seats, waiting for Parker.
"Parker, you got him?" Nate asked.
"Yep. He's gone." Parker reported.
The team was relieved.
"You plant the transmitter?" Nate asked.
"Wired to his GPS." Parker reported.
Hardison got on his phone and started tracking Rucker.
"Looks like he's heading to Iowa." Hardison reported.
"Make the call." Nate ordered.
Just then Jack Howorth arrived. The team stood up.
"Uh, just give me a sec. Doc? You got Tank, right?" Nate asked.
"Yeah. Oh, he'll be fine. Should come around in a few minutes." The doctor explained.
"Wait, wait. He's not dead?" Jack questioned.
The doctor pulled the syringe out. "Succinylcholine. It's a mild paralytic. It only works for a few minutes." The doctor explained.
He put the syringe back in his pocket.
"Yeah, it was just enough to scare off Rucker." Nate said.
"So - so Eliot..." Jack questioned, coming around the ring.
"He didn't kill anyone. Nathan found the drugged water and swapped it for a clean one before the fight." Kaira explained.
"Rucker's not too original when it comes to this kind of thing, apparently." Nate said, holding up the water bottle.
Parker returned. The doctor came down.
"So, Jonny, you were in on this?" Jack asked the doctor.
"Mr. Ford and his friends came and asked me for help. I told him around here, we always stand up for our own. Where's Rucker?" The doc said.
"Oh, the Iowa State Police just got a tip that a fugitive is headed in their jurisdiction. And I'm pretty sure crossing state lines with a bag full of cash won't look too good." Hardison explained.
"Especially when they find the little surprise in his trunk." Parker said.
Kaira recalled Parker going to the gun store nearby and handing a guy an envelope of cash, asking him for 6,000 dollars worth of guns. And a toy.
"That should hold him off until the IRS gets down here." Nate explained.
"The IRS?" Jack questioned.
"Yeah, the money that Rucker makes from these fights? Well, it's all in cash." Sophie explained.
"Yeah, and he wasn't too good about reporting that income." Hardison explained.
Kaira recalled Hardison saying Rucker's financials were a mess, and that he should look through it.
"All we had to do was flag the government about the tax evasion." Hardison continued.
"Rucker won't be coming back to town anytime soon." Parker said.
"He doesn't have anything to come back for. He bet everything on Tank." Kaira explained.
"So all that money's gone?" Jack asked.
"Well, you see, not exactly." Nate said.
Kaira recalled that because of the amount of money, Alex, Rucker's second, had to lay the money on a bunch of different bookies, which were all controlled by Hardison.
The doctor went to examine Eliot. Kaira sat next to him.
"You took a hell of a pounding. We should get you a CT scan." The doctor said, having shown a light in Eliot's eyes.
"You could have internal bleeding." The doctor continued, sitting down.
Jack grabbed the ice pack.
"You let yourself get hammered like that on purpose? That's a hell of a lot of punishment to take." Jack said.
Eliot put the ice pack on his shoulder.
"That's what he does." Sophie said, smiling at the couple.
"My cowboy. Always willing to get hurt for others." Kaira smiled at him.
Eliot smiled back. They left. Kaira helped patch Eliot up, comforting him to help him heal.
The next day at the gym, they met back up again. Jack went to get Mark, who had gotten out of the hospital.
"So, with Rucker out of the picture, management of this gym and all the fighters - it's all up in the air." Nate explained.
"You guys could use a fresh start." Parker said.
"They just need a little direction." Sophie said.
"I mean, the place could use some spit and polish, but it's solid." Hardison said.
"You might not be able to fight anymore, but you know the sport. You know what it means to commit to something." Eliot said to Mark.
"So, what do you say? Run the joint the right way?" Kaira smiled at Mark.
"Plus, you know what? You'll have some seed money from Rucker's bet. I mean, enough to get you started." Nate said.
"Let me get this straight - you guys want me to be in charge? Of all this? Of all the guys?" Mark questioned.
Jack chuckled.
"They're fighters. Like you. You treat them that way and you'll be fine." Eliot said.
Nate grabbed the keys from his pocket and tossed them to Mark. Jack hit his son's shoulder.
"What do you say, son?" Jack said, excited.
"Thank you." Mark said to Eliot, shaking his hand.
They all shook hands with each other. The team then started walking as Mark and Jack talked about what to do with the gym. Sophie was eating pork rinds.
"Pork rind?" Sophie offered Parker and Kaira.
Parker and Kaira declined.
"They're actually pretty good." Sophie said, eating one.
The team met back up in the van and drove to the hotel. Hardison got everything ready to move out.
Kaira and Eliot drove back to Boston and their apartment and arrived the next day. Kaira was so glad they were home. Kaira and Eliot sat their bags down and smiled at each other. Kaira went up to Eliot.
"You know, today is our anniversary." Kaira said.
"Indeed it is." Eliot said.
"I'll get your gift as soon as I get you some ice to put on your shoulder." Kaira said, going to the freezer.
"No, Kaira. I'm fine." Eliot said, grabbing her hand.
"Please, Eliot. For me? It'll help with the swelling." Kaira said.
Eliot gave in. "Alright. I'll get my gift for you when you get yours." Eliot said.
Kaira grabbed the ice pack from the freezer and gave it to Eliot. She kissed his not sore cheek and went into the bedroom. Kaira grabbed the medium-sized box from the closet. Eliot grabbed his gift. He plugged in the radio they had and set it on the island in the kitchen and grabbed the cassette tape and a small black box. He opened it, admiring the ring inside. It was a simple, yet elegant platinum ring. He heard Kaira coming, so he put it in his pocket. Kaira walked back into the kitchen. She looked curiously at the radio.
"I'll give you yours first." Kaira said.
She handed the box to Eliot. He tore the wrapping paper, revealing small glass jars filled with various high-quality herbs and spices. Eliot looked at Kaira, smiling.
"Thank you, Princess. I love it!" Eliot kissed her cheek in thanks.
Eliot sat the box on the island and grabbed the cassette tape. He looked at Kaira.
"Now, your gift." Eliot said. He put the cassette tape in the radio and hit play. Kaira heard the strumming of a guitar. Then she heard Eliot sing. Eliot held his hand out for Kaira to grab. She grabbed it and Eliot pulled her to him. Eliot and Kaira swayed to the music, her head on his shoulder.
(Listen to the song before continuing the story. If for some reason you can't play the video, the song is More than I Deserve by Christian Kane.)
/ab4rlnvzSuY
Kaira had tears in her eyes. She let go of Eliot and wiped her tears. She had heard Eliot sing and play guitar before, but not with that much emotion.
"When did you make that?" Kaira asked, composing herself.
"When we had that off time, I knew our anniversary was coming soon, so I got ahold of a buddy of mine in Texas and recorded that song when you were off doing that solo gig." Eliot answered.
Quickly, his demeanor changed. He was nervous.
"Cowboy, why are you nervous?" Kaira questioned, worried.
Eliot exhaled. "I have another present for you." Eliot said.
He composed himself and closed the distance between them.
"When we talked for the first time, I told myself, "Now, Eliot, you got to marry this girl." You are the most amazing woman I've ever met. You're smart, brave, kind, loyal, and stubborn as hell." Kaira and Eliot chuckled.
Kaira teared up.
"You are more than I deserve because you are way out of my league. Which is why I was so shocked when you followed me to this life. But I wouldn't change it. Not for the world." Eliot said, getting emotional.
"I wouldn't either." Kaira choked out through happy tears.
"You've been with me through Hell and back. These last close to five years of being your partner, and this past year of being your boyfriend, have been the best years of my life. I couldn't imagine being in this life with anyone else. I love you so damn much, Kaira. That's why I got you this." Eliot said.
Kaira was wiping her tears and smiling when Eliot got down on one knee and pulled out the black ring box in his pocket and opened it, revealing the engagement ring.
"Kaira Lynn Newton, will you marry me?" Eliot choked out.
Kaira was speechless. She shook her head yes enthusiastically, still wiping tears.
"Yes?" Eliot questioned to confirm, a nervous smile on his face as he stood up.
"Yes!" Kaira exclaimed.
She hugged Eliot, who smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. He grabbed her hand and moved the promise ring to her right ring finger and put the engagement ring on her left ring finger, shaking slightly in excitement. Kaira hugged Eliot, burying her face in his shoulder. Eliot chuckled in relief. They let go and looked at each other.
Eliot placed a hand on Kaira's waist and on her neck and Kaira held some of Eliot's hair and placed the other on his toned back. They pulled into a passionate kiss. They chuckled again and Kaira looked at her hand.
"God this is... you've outdone yourself, Cowboy." Kaira looked at Eliot.
"You have no idea how nervous I was." Eliot said, relieved.
"Really? Why? Think I'd say no?" Kaira questioned, curious.
"Yeah." Eliot admitted.
"I would say yes every time you asked me, Eliot. I love you." Kaira held Eliot.
"I love you too, Kaira." Eliot held Kaira.
They kissed again. Kaira's eyes got wide.
"Holy shit! I'm engaged!" Kaira laughed, excitedly.
Eliot laughed at his fiancé. "Yes you are, Princess." Eliot smiled.
"You want to wait to tell the others, or do you want to tell them now?" Eliot asked.
Kaira thought a moment. "I kinda want to keep it to ourselves for the moment, just to let it sink in, you know?" Kaira answered.
"Alright. Whenever you want to tell them, let me know and we'll do it together." Eliot said.
They kissed again.
"I think it's time to celebrate. Bedroom?" Eliot smiled, grabbing Kaira's hand and leading her to the bedroom.
"Hell yeah, cowboy." Kaira smiled.
They went over to the bed and stripped down to their undergarments, both getting hot. They crawled up on the bed and kissed a hard, passionate kiss. Then Eliot grabbed Kaira's waist and moved her on her back on the bed. Eliot peppered her stomach and neck with kisses. Kaira enjoyed it. Kaira then flipped Eliot over. Eliot chuckled, surprised a bit.
"You're not the only one with moves, Cowboy." Kaira grinned.
Kaira kissed Eliot, being mindful of his cheek. They continued like that for a moment, before kissing one last time and going to bed. They both smiled as they slept. They were starting a new chapter in a new city, and a new apartment. Kaira and Eliot couldn't wait for what would happen next in their crazy lives.