Stand Of Redemption(56)

“How’s everything going with your family?” Nick asked. He had missed training again that morning.

He watched Ty shut down immediately. Nick had to stop himself from shaking some sense into the kid. He needed to talk it out, and Nick had to figure out how to help him.

“Same old shit. Dad’s a drunk, and Mom puts up with all his shit.” Ty said it calmly, but Nick could see the rage in his eyes.

“Does he hurt your mother?”

Ty shrugged it off. “He’s just a pain in everyone’s ass. If he hurt my mother, I’d make sure it was the last thing he ever did in this lifetime.”

Nick nodded. At least he was starting to get somewhere with Ty. It was obvious that a lot of Ty’s anger was directed at his mother for putting up with his father’s behavior.

“Is that why you’re starting fights all the time?” Nick asked bluntly.

Ty looked up at him with anger. “What the fuck, Nick? I don’t start the fights. I’ve never thrown the first punch.”

Nick looked down at him. “Follow me.”

“I don’t need a fucking pep talk, Nick,” Ty growled.

Nick stepped back toward Ty. “I don’t plan on giving you one. Now follow me, or I’ll beat your ass right now for everyone to watch.”

Nick stepped out of the ring and toward an empty office in the back.

Ty had an attitude, but knew that he had to abide by some rules, or he’d be back out on the street until he could afford the fancy apartment he was working for.

Nick opened the door and Ty walked in behind him, looking up at him with belligerence.

“Wipe that scowl off your face or I’ll do it myself,” Nick threatened him.

Ty took a deep breath and did his best to look normal. He wasn’t doing a very good job, but Nick gave him credit for trying.

“I see so much potential in you, Ty, but you’re pissing it away with your behavior. If you don’t stop getting in trouble, you’ll have a brief career in cage fighting before people lose interest in you.

“You can be the troublemaking punk, or you can be the fighter that people respect,” Nick continued. “I know you’re tight for money. You just graduated, and you don’t have any future plans besides fighting. I know you want a place of your own, but you can’t do that if you don’t straighten up. Making money from working with Emiliano won’t benefit you if you lose endorsements.”

“I can if I win all my fights,” Ty said arrogantly. “It won’t matter if everyone thinks I’m a punk.”

“I’ve seen so many guys like you, Ty. They start off strong, but that anger catches up with them, and it takes something out of them. You won’t stay successful. And do you know how much you’ll lose without the endorsements? You can make a lot of money by saying a few lines, but no one will call you with the reputation you’re starting to develop.”

“I don’t care. The money from the fights will be enough,” Ty fired back. “I don’t want to be like you, Mr. Perfect. Not everyone has your perfect life. I have no desire to be the golden boy.”

Nick shook his head. “You have no idea of the shit I’ve been through in my life. Maybe I shouldn’t try to hide it, but I’ve been able to take care of my family, and they’re the most important people to me. I put this act on for them because it’s my fault my mother is dead,” he said harshly while staring down at Ty. “I work hard to try to make up for my mistake.”

Ty’s eyes widened with surprise. “Fuck, man, I didn’t know you were carrying that kind of shit,” Ty replied, the cockiness and arrogance gone for the moment.

“All I’m trying to say is get your act together. I’ll be honest, if you get in one more fight, Zane has to let you go. You know he likes you, kid, but he can’t afford to have you destroy what he’s worked hard to build. He’s had his own shit to deal with, and things are finally getting better for him. Do you want to fuck that up for him?”

Ty shook his head. “No, of course not.”

“Find someone to talk to that can help with your dad,” Nick advised. “Or you can talk to me anytime. I understand how hard it is to open up. I know someone on the police force; maybe he could do a couple of drive-bys a night at your mom’s house. And just so you know, this is the first time I’ve ever said out loud that I’m responsible for my mother’s death.”

“Thanks, Nick. Sorry for being such an asshole. I know how hard you and Zane have worked with me. I’m lucky to be here.” Ty had finally calmed down. “I won’t get in another fight.”