Circus Escape by Lilliana Rose Read Free Book Online Page B

slightly. "I have to be able to drive."
    "Yeah well, you had simple instructions, and that was to lose."
    "It's only a one fight. You know that Sally's career is better off if she wins the main fight." Heat burned behind her eyes. She'd been riding the cloud of elation after winning the fight, but now she'd crashed. I did the right thing .
    "One fight?!" He turned and glared at her. "You just had to lose one fight."
    "Did you owe someone a favor? Got into debt?" Joy spat back. Jim's face reddened. It was as if he'd become a lava flow, and she could see the steam coming out of his ears, nose and mouth. "Sally's just as much my mecha as yours. She's my design."
    The veins on Jim's neck stood out. His cheeks puffed out as if full of hot air and were about to burst. He stepped towards Joy, lifting his hand. "How dare you …"
    "What is going on in here?" Nessie asked, her voice firm and sharp. She walked up and stood between Jim and Joy.
    "Get out of my way," said Jim.
    Nessie raised her eyebrow and refused to move. She held up the wrecking bar she'd picked up when walking into the garage. Jim didn't come any closer.
    "Now what seems to be the issue here? I thought Sally fought beautifully."
    "Nothing that concerns you, lady. Now beat it." Jim puffed. His stale breath caused Nessie to wrinkle her nose.
    Nessie held up the wrecking bar. "Oh, I'm not going anywhere until this is sorted out."
    "Jim wanted me to lose the fight, but I didn't. Now he's claiming two life debts," said Joy, grateful that Nessie was here, but unsure how she could really help. Dressed in a long dress, tight waist, she didn't look like someone who could win a fight—even holding a wrecking bar.
    "You tried to fix the fight?" asked Nessie.
    "I ordered it. I can do that. I'm the boss." Jim took a step closer to her.
    "Oh no." Nessie moved the bar backwards as if getting ready to take a swipe at him. It was enough to make him hesitate. "Don't come any closer. Trust me. I want to hit you, so stand there and let's sort this out like civilized people."
    Jim spat on the ground.
    Nessie gave him a stern look. "You will do well to remember I want to hit you." She kept the wrecking bar raised.
    Workers had come to look, but they kept their distance, watching and waiting. Joy hated that they were witnessing this. But now I guess I'm one of them . Her eyes welled with hot tears at the thought. Don't cry . She took a deep breath. Jim had stopped threatening her and she could handle herself in a fight, but she wasn't sure how things would go if she had to keep an eye out for Nessie. She broadened her stance and flexed her hands by the side of her body.
    "Right, tell me Mr. Jim," said Nessie. "How much does Joy owe you."
    "A lot. Too much to pay in a lifetime." He spat and glared at both women.
    "How much?" Nessie repeated, keeping her face nonplussed at his disgusting habits. "Keep in mind that if it's two life debts that you've been ripping her off and others around here, and well I'm sure I can get someone into look at your accounts." She let the bar fall into her hand.
    Jim swallowed hard. "It's none of your business."
    Joy's skin prickled and she flexed her hands once more. Just one punch .
    "No, it is," said Nessie.
    "If you can't do business with the men, then you should get out."
    "Well now, I met an interesting person outside. Now what was his name? Oh, that's right. Mr. Jenkins."
    Jim's eyes widened.
    "He is waiting outside for you, but if you are much longer he will be coming in, and you know how little he likes to talk."
    "Yeah, right."
    "He told me a thing or two which I find rather interesting. First was the debt you have with him. Second, that you've not paid your workers for some time."
    "So what? They owe me," he growled. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
    "These are your options. Take the money I give you, then go out and clear your debt with Mr. Jenkins. I've spoken to him, and I know the amount. But this will clear the debt you have with Joy, and I will now