Hard Case VI: The Killer Inside (John Harding Book 6) Read Online Free Page A

all good. We made a hell of a statement tonight if the authorities stay the hell out of it. We couldn’t let anything happen to Jess’s Mom. That’s for sure.”
    “Agreed. I could tell Jess was really worried. He was getting ready to move back in with her until something was done about Thomas.”
    “Crue certainly did that,” I replied with a grin at my partner. “Did you see those guys’ faces when she held the spraying Jeron. It wasn’t pretty, but it was damn effective.”
    Tommy nodded. “I’ll give her that. They won’t forget her or tonight when you flattened four of their hoods… one with a knife thanks to Crue. I don’t want you to fight The Berserker.”
    “That’s what you were giving me the weird looks about? Why didn’t you say something earlier when we were going to Flo’s house?”
    “I didn’t want you distracted. You’ve come a long way, John. I think you’re one of the best mixed martial arts fighters I’ve ever seen. I think the Rattler fight was your peak. When that kid ‘Dragon Hands’ nearly kicked your head off, and then choked you out, I’ve been meaning to talk with you. We have more money than we can spend now. You earned two large in about thirty seconds tonight. I think we need to work our Oakland Investigations and Bonds business to stay busy while we help with the movie kids in LA and your CIA work. If you keep doing UFC, I think you’re going to get your brain pounded to mush within a couple years.”
    “Thanks, T. Hell of a pep talk. Dragon Hands worried you that much?”
    “Hell yeah. That kid tore you out a new one, and you know it.”
    “You do know Jess and I went to talk with him about fighting in my place because he was that good. He’s done. After the whoopin’ I gave him, Dragon Hands decided to hang up the gloves. I nearly killed him, and he knows it. If it weren’t for Jack Korlos refereeing I would have killed him. Too bad too. That kid had talent.”
    “Dragon Hands didn’t know he was fightin’ a cement headed killer. It scared him. That fight’s probably the only one he ever lost. It still doesn’t mean you should be searching for someone to pound you into mush. It’s not like the old days. You have a lot on your mind. Every time your thoughts stray in the octagon, you risk getting maimed. Hell, I know you can take punishment. Killing Marko at the warehouse while blinded by that shit he had on his gloves put you into the pain hall of fame. You can get your head punched on the street in a few quickie matches a year. Fighting UFC guys like The Berserker will just lead to brain damage.”
    “Maybe we should find an all-night women’s clothing store on the way home so I can pick out an evening gown and high heels.”
    “Asshole!”
    “I appreciate your concern, brother. Now, the fact you’re hashing this last ditch effort to retire me means Alexi must be pushing for the contract signing if I’m going to replace Berserker’s opponent in time. Do we have to fly somewhere to sign the contract?”
    “Alexi thinks you need to get out now too by the way,” Tommy said.
    “Noted. Contract? Lucas and the guys want to have a few nights in Sin City so let’s quit throwing verbal shots at each other and agree on a signing.”
    “Because you’ll take this guy on when no one wants to fill in on short notice, he wants to sign tomorrow with his manager, and he’ll be in town. Alexi picked The Warehouse of course. We’ll sign if you’re too cement-headed to stop getting your face punched in at 5 pm.”
    “We have our island now, T. If I get punched into vegetable land, just put me on the beach, and water me twice a day.”
    “Very funny, but you have others to think about.” Tommy waved me off. “I’m not raggin’ you again. That’s my last retirement speech. I’ll say one thing: you train for the fights. I’ll get Dev and Jess scouting The Berserker. I know there’s a bunch of clips on him. I saw him fight on the undercard in the last