Page 143 of Justice II

“I just have a bad feeling about tonight.” She stood up and sauntered away.

“You have ample security here. Nobody can get through. And you know I’m straight at the casino. You’re just nervous because of everything that’s been going on.”

She looked over her shoulder without answering.

I went over and kissed her forehead.

“Try to enjoy having your son here. Order something, watch a movie. I’ll be back before you start missing me.”

“I already miss you,” she said, looking at me with her soft eyes.

“Damn. You starting early.”

She laughed, but she still held on to my sweater when I tried to step back. I stayed long enough to kiss her again before grabbing my keys.

I checked in with the security outside before leaving. Knowing somebody was looking out for them made it easier to pull away, although Melody standing at the bedroom window didn’t help.

I wanted a picture of her sitting beside me at the fight. Eventually, I wanted her coming to these events without having to wonder who might be waiting for her. Tonight, she needed to be somewhere comfortable with Keenan. We’d get there eventually.

By the time I got to the Banks Grand, the line of cars waiting for valet stretched past the entrance. There were folks taking pictures at the entrance as well as at the indoor fountain. I was proud to see my family’s spot alive.

I stepped out of my whip and handed my keys to the valet. As soon as I did, I could hear the music booming.

The screens above the entrance had Deacon Knox on one side and Raul Lopes on the other. Both men had a winner’s glare in their eyes. It was going to be interesting to see who won, though my money was on Deacon. Literally and figuratively.

Inside, people were lined up at the bars for drinks or making their way toward the event space. Cameras flashed near the backdrop with our name printed across it. A rapper I recognized was posing with his whole entourage while one of our employees tried to get them to stop blocking the walkway.

I passed a couple arguing over whether they had time to gamble before the main event. I heard a few girlfriends plotting on ballers, claiming their sugar daddies. There were people from all over the world attending the event.

Big Will had done a good job promoting. We made the right call hiring him for the event.

“Mr. Banks, you got a minute?” a woman asked, lifting her phone for a pic.

“Yeah I got you,” I said as I stood beside her. Her friends tried to jump in but I ain’t have time for that.

“All right, now. I gotta earn my money tonight.”

“You ain’t earned enough?” her friend joked.

“Apparently not. I’m still working.”

They laughed, and I kept it moving.

It felt good to see this many people in the space. I wished Melody could’ve seen it but there would be more opportunities. I checked my phone to see if I had any messages but everything was clear.

I stepped into the venue to find people filling in.

The cage was in the center, ready for the opponents to throw blows and kicks. Blood and sweat would taint its pristine look by the end of the night. Lights hung above the cage, illuminating the canvas while the surrounding seats stayed dim.

There were two large screens hanging from the ceiling which gave people farther back a view of the action. The chairs near the cage had been reserved for the fighters’ people and our guests. Behind those, rows of spectators were already standing whenever somebody landed a decent hit.

Security was keeping the exits clear, directing people who had wandered over there looking for their seats.

Bryce caught up with me before I reached our section.

“You good?” I asked.

“Yeah. We had a couple people trying to get into seats they ain’t pay for. Nothing serious.”