"You ever box?" Eddie asked.
Martin didn't look at him.
"No."
Eddie smiled.
"Funny."
"What's funny?"
"You just lied to me."
Martin finally looked up.
For the first time, Eddie saw something behind those tired eyes.
Not fear.
Not weakness.
History.
"I've been around boxing a long time," Eddie said quietly.
"So have I."
Martin stood.
He picked up his mop.
"Good night, Eddie."
And walked away.
Eddie watched him disappear through the back door.
He whispered to himself:
"Who the hell are you?"
============================================================
CHAPTER 3
The gym developed sick patterns around Tyler's abuse.
Fighters timed their water breaks to avoid him.
New members quickly learned which lockers were "Tyler's."
Nobody touched his equipment.
Nobody interrupted his sparring sessions.
Nobody challenged him.
Because Tyler wasn't merely strong.
He was profitable.
Frank Wilson, the gym owner, had built Champions Den into one of the most respected fight gyms in the region.
But Tyler brought sponsors.
He brought cameras.
He brought followers.
And every month, his online videos attracted thousands of views.
Sarah eventually confronted Frank.
"This place is changing."
Frank sighed.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Stop letting Tyler treat people like garbage."
Frank rubbed his temples.
"He brings sponsors, Sarah."
"So?"
"So we can't afford to lose him."
Sarah stared at him.
"What about everyone else?"
Frank didn't answer.
That silence told her everything.
Meanwhile, Tyler's behavior became worse.
One afternoon, he deliberately bumped into Martin while carrying a protein shake.
The drink splashed across Martin's shirt.
Tyler laughed.
"Watch where you're standing, old man."
Martin looked down at himself.
Then calmly reached for a towel.
Tyler stepped closer.
"You know what I don't understand?"
Martin said nothing.
"Why do you keep taking it?"
The gym became quiet.
Tyler leaned closer.
"You could quit."
Martin wiped the protein shake from his sleeve.
"Could."
"Then why don't you?"
Martin looked directly into Tyler's eyes.
"Because some places need cleaning."
Tyler's smile disappeared.
"What did you say?"
Martin walked away.
The younger fighters stared after him.
Jake whispered: