Side Control (The Dojo) by Jones Patrick

Author:Jones, Patrick [Jones, Patrick]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing
Published: 2013-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

“Happy birthday, son,” Jackson’s mom says as she hands him an envelope. She’s taken him and Joseph out to a fancy restaurant. Jackson convinced himself that the big steak he devoured was good muscle fuel. His opponent may be older, but he won’t be stronger. Or hungrier to win.

“Thanks, Mom,” Jackson takes the envelope. He’s distracted by Joseph, who is texting under the table, unbeknownst to his mother. Jackson opens the envelope, and inside the birthday card is a blank check. “What’s this?”

“It’s good for another year of training at the dojo if you decide to do that,” Jackson’s mom says with a smile. “Or good for a trip back home from basic if you join Special Forces. It depends on what you decide to do. Do you know yet?”

“Thanks, Mom,” Jackson answers without really answering. It’s times like this that Jackson wishes he could obey orders like at the dojo. Sweep the leg. Throw a jab. Close guard. You don’t decide at the dojo, you just do.

“Bro, I got you something,” Joseph says. He also hands Jackson an envelope. Jackson hides his disappointment. What he really wants is his army jacket back. Jackson could just take it from him, but he wants to test his brother: will he do the right thing and give the jacket back?

Jackson opens the envelope and inside is a wad of cash.

“Son, where did you get that?” Jackson’s mom asks.

Joseph fixes Jackson with a hard stare as if he’s daring him to snitch. “I won it,” Joseph answers. Jackson doesn’t blink. Joseph probably stole it or sold stuff he stole to get the money.

“Won it? Doing what?” Jackson’s mom asks. “I won’t have you—,”

“I know a guy who placed a bet for me on a fight, no big deal.” Maybe his mom can’t hear the lying tremor in Joseph’s voice, but Jackson does. Jackson’s mom shakes her head. If she knew where he got the money from, she’d be heartbroken rather than just disappointed.

“I don’t want you to do that ever again, you hear me, son?”

“I won’t do it again.” Joseph nods in agreement.

“Good. Now, how about some dessert?” Jackson’s mom waves the waitress over to their table. While his mother talks to her, Jackson wants to finish the conversation with Joseph.

“So what fight did you bet on?” Jackson asks softly, just trying to see if Joseph tips his hand.

Joseph lifts his head up and smirks like Hakeem. “Yours. I bet you’d lose. Thanks, bro.”

Under the table, Jackson pounds his hands together until his knuckles bleed.

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