Breaking Point (The Point Series: Book 2) by Gerard Brennan Read Free Book Online Page A

body fat and bulky muscle mass isn't really an indication of strength. A bear doesn't have a six-pack. Try wrestling one of those."
    "Right." Brian didn't think there was much point in arguing that bears had big claws and sharp teeth and that the fat was necessary for hibernation. Hardly a like-for-like comparison. But maybe he was missing some sort of metaphor.
    Brian looked down at his own dinner, a chicken burger with coleslaw. It was a County Down thing he'd adopted since moving out of Belfast. He had a bit of a cheek questioning Tony's food choice when he had his own belly-buster to go through. Though, in fairness, Brian was quite a bit slimmer.
    "I think this one should go at the top of the timeline." Tony turned his laptop around so Brian could see the screen. A video featuring a choreographed fight between Tony and Brian played on the finger-smudged screen. Brian stepped in with a boxing-style double-jab and right cross combo. Tony easily deflected all three blows then returned a barrage of fake punches to Brian's head and chest. When Brian retreated, Tony chased after him, tripped him and laid him gently onto the ground then rattled out another bunch of punches that didn't actually make contact. Brian had to admit, it looked pretty impressive.
    "Man, if this goes viral, we'll need to move the club to bigger premises."
    Brian rubbed his head stubble. "You reckon?"
    "This is the best way to market ourselves, Brian. We've nailed it with this one."
    "Do you reckon anybody will show up tonight?"
    "Yeah, definitely. It'll be convincing them to come back for the next class that'll be the real challenge."
    "Any comments on the Facebook page?"
    "Not yet. We've got seven likes today, though. And when this video blows up... wow, you know?"
    Brian's phone buzzed in his pocket. It'd probably be Rachel again. Could she not wait for him to call her back? After ten seconds of relentless vibration he gave in and answered.
    "Hi, babe."
    "You have your phone, then?"
    "Yeah, yeah. Why, were you trying to call me earlier?"
    He could hear Rachel's calming breaths. She was counting to ten.
    "Some shady looking guy called into the shop today, Brian."
    "Okay."
    "He was looking for you."
    "Why?"
    "He didn't say, but by the look of him I don't think he intended to deliver good news."
    There was a danger that Brian would puke half a chicken burger onto the uneaten half. "You didn't recognise him?"
    "No. He did say he knew Daddy, though. I called our John to see if he could get me any info. No word from him yet."
    "Okay. What do you think I should do?"
    "Keep your eyes open and your guard up. Where are you anyway?"
    "In Castlewellan. You know the sit-in chippy? The Oak Grill? I'm there with Tony."
    "I like chips."
    "I know, babe. I'll bring you something home."
    "Yeah, right. I'll be half-starved by then. Don't bother."
    "You sure?"
    She was deep-breathing again. Then, "Are you on the rota tomorrow?"
    "Yeah."
    "Maybe you should call in sick? Just until we know what this stranger wants."
    "Have we made enough to pay rent this month?"
    "Just about."
    "Happy days. Will you call them for me? You know I hate those calls."
    "When are you planning on coming home?"
    "Just a second..." Brian covered the mouthpiece with his thumb and asked Tony; "What time is your class on until?"
    "Half eight."
    He took his thumb off the speaker. "I'll be there about nine."
    "Nine? I'll probably be in bed."
    "Sleep well, babe." Brian made a kissy noise then ended the call. He felt a tiny bit guilty but that was better than the snipe-fest Rachel was trying to instigate.
    "You going to eat that burger?" Tony asked.
    Brian shook his head. Tony snatched it off the plate and tore a huge chunk out of it with an enthusiastic chomp.
    "Training gives me a wild appetite."
    "So I see."
    Tony shrugged. "You fit for another hour of training before the class starts?"
    "Yeah, should be."
    "Good lad. We'll run through two or three more moves. So long as you know just a little bit more