16

Colt had a few days off and went to visit his best friend, Slade. Candy, his wife, answered the door.

“What’s up, sexy beast?”

“Not much, Sprinkles. You look prettier every time I see you. How is my little niece or nephew doing?” Colt leaned over and hugged her hugely pregnant belly.

“Kicking the shit out of my bladder. A little over a month and we will get to meet my little one. I can’t wait. Doctors say I’m doing better and expect the birth to go fine.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to run away with me? There’s still time.”

“Nah. You’re too hot to handle.”

Colt winked at her. “Damn right. Where’s jungle dick?”

“Slade’s in the living room. I’m going to the gym for pregnancy yoga. It’s supposed to help with the labor. I’ll bring back dinner.”

Entering the house, he saw his friend lying in the middle of the living room floor spread out flat on his back.

“Slade, what the hell are you doing?”

“I was doing therapy stretches, but I got bored. Candy won’t give me sex because I ate all her pink Starburst.”

“She’s going to get diabetes eating all that candy. Still doesn’t explain what you’re doing on the floor.”

“I have been lying here watching to see if that fly gets smacked by the ceiling fan.”

“You know the wind will just keep blowing it away, right?” Colt sat down, looking at Slade like he was crazy.

“Nope, he’s a fighter. I think he can make it.” Slade sat up narrowing his eyes at his friend. “Why the long face?”

“You know why.”

Slade grunted. “Going to get right to the point, are we? Davis is trying to delay my return to break up Retribution. Figures. Since you’ve been in charge, you’ve been giving him more shit than I do. I think he wants you to be one of his henchmen. Also, I think he knows you’re becoming a big star. Which means money for The Alliance members if you join them. He’s trying to give them a good push. They do have a lot of good new talent.”

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

“If he controls you, he controls the money flow. The more tickets and merch sales you bring to the company, the more he wants to keep you on top. It’s good for everyone when his top guys are bringing in money. Just means he sees something in you.”

“I just don’t like being manipulated like this,” Colt noted.

“Good. Don’t let him. I’m proud of you, bro. Keep him in line. We both know if you don’t hold some power over Davis, you lose his respect. Then you lose your push in the company. Then you end up on the unemployment line. If you want to keep his respect, keep playing his games and give him a challenge. He acts like he hates when people defy him, but secretly he loves it. If you become just another yes man, he won’t respect you. If he’s messing with you, he’s testing you.” Slade hopped up.

“I get that. Guess you’re feeling better.” Colt shook his head, seeing Slade so perky. Candy was wearing off on him.

“Hell, yes. Ready to get back in the ring. I am ready to get back on the road with my girl before the baby comes. She’s going to take off for a while after the baby is born, so I need to get back to work. Did you know baby stuff is so expensive?”

“Did you think it was cheap?”

“It’s not. And there are so many crazy things. Did you know women pump their breasts like a cow? That’s weird.”

“You’re an idiot. I am sure your sisters and her family will be around helping her.”

“Yes. I hate to go back to work and leave her and the baby so soon. The twin terrors are driving me crazy, but they help a lot. They keep Candy with them all the time shopping.”

“Did you expect anything less? Your sisters are shopaholics.”

“Not really, but they are going to bankrupt me. The twins are an evil influence on my girl, who normally is so thrifty. So, big man. Wraith says you have been seeing Holly. She’s a rough one, Colt. Sure you can handle her?” Slade smirked, looking at him with a side-eye. He knew she was Colt’s type.

“Slade, you know her better than I do. Can I trust her?” Colt sat back on the couch, rubbing his chin.

“Listen, Colt, she may be a fighter, but she is one loyal girl. Almost to a fault. That’s why her ex kept screwing her over. She loves hard and sometimes is way too trusting. Wraith probably set her up to be around you so Davis couldn’t manipulate her.”

“Just like he and Cyrus set up Isis and Gage?”

“Yep. Holly can be a pushover, but once you piss her off, she comes all-guns-blazing. I wish you met her that week Candy and I got our handcuffs trapped in the ring. If you met her when I was there, you could have seen how fun and sweet she can be.”

“I didn’t realize you knew her that well until recently.”

“I didn’t want anyone to ask about her past. I helped her out of a lot of dangerous situations. I don’t want that shit following her into IWX. But from what I hear, it’s already starting with people starting rumors about her. She needs a fresh start because she was hurt a lot. Holly just needs to feel wanted and protected. That’s why she is close to Wraith, Cyrus, and even me. She feels protected with us. It took me a long time before she trusted me. If she is trusting you enough to date you, that says a lot about where her mind and heart are.”

“I still don’t think the guys trust her.” Colt popped a piece of gum in his mouth.

“But they trust you. You’re the leader now. Even when I come back, it’s going to be you leading the way. You and I have become equals now, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.” Slade patted his shoulder.

“Thanks, bro. How have you been otherwise?”

“You mean drinking and drugs?”

“Yes.” Colt frowned.

“Better. It’s a struggle. I won’t lie. After the shooting in the Everglades, I had some setbacks. I killed a man. No matter how bad a person James Marco was, it was still a human being. Candy’s parents have helped a lot. Especially Sophie. She experienced a lot of terrible years with James and helped me to see it was the right thing to do.”

“I still can’t believe Candy went through all that. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been here more for you these past few months.”

“It’s cool. I know you wanted to be. I feel like I am getting in a better place. Thanks to you and Gage, I turned my life around. If not, I wouldn’t have Candy in my life. I never want my wife to see the man I used to be. She deserves better.” Slade went over and hugged his friend. “You are more important to my life than you realize. I hope you know that.”

“I’m proud of you, Slade. You can do this. If you ever struggle, just call me. I’ll be there.”

“I know. Tell you what. We have a few days before we take down the old man. Let’s go out and have some fun.” Slade headed for the door.

“By fun, you mean sober fun, right?” Colt snarled.

“Yes. Gee grandma. Don’t forget your walking cane and purse. We can go see a movie or something. I’ll park close so the old fart doesn’t have to walk too far. Maybe we can catch the early bird special at Denny’s too. I’ll call Candy to meet us there so she can administer your evening meds, ya old geezer.” Slade laughed.

Colt punched him playfully in the arm. “Hey! I’m still young, hot, and in demand. Just ask your girl Candy.”

“Why do you always have to go at my girl?”

Colt laughed. “Because it pisses you off.”