Missing

Leonor 

“ Hey Sam , how's tricks? “ I say as I leave the boxing ring all sweaty and puffed out from my sparring session . 

“ Ah, my little spit fire , just the person I am looking for “ he replies with his cigarette between his teeth as he folds the fresh towels onto the shelves .

I give Sam a look to continue while I unwrap my hands as I catch my breath . “ That snake Cyrus that arranges the fights , came  in this morning looking for you . I mean you know how much i hate the slipper fucker , anyway he wants you to headline fridays fight am not going to pretend i am happy about it “ he frowns looking concerned .

"Ok , so did he give you any more details ?” I say while shaking my head with a small smile . Sam was one of the first people I met when I arrived in the city. He introduced me to Mirrum the coffee shop owner and landlord .

“ Well I want you to understand I do not approve of this fight , and do not think you should take it . He was wanting to put you up against Nemesis,  “ he said, frowning at me while shaking his head . Nemesis was one of the biggest opponents at well over six and a half feet tall and built like a tank . He has never been beaten , word on the street is he has actually killed someone in the cage .

To be fair I have never lost a fight yet but for the first time I feel nervous . “ Did he tell you what the purse is? '' I say .

“ You cant be fucking serious Lenny , you will get hurt girl “ he practically shouts . “ Come on Sam , you know I can look after myself . '' I roll my eyes at him . I give him a small hug and a kiss on cheek as I go past him into the changing room . 

Thirty minutes later I leave the gym after another lecture from Sam . I had just taken my mobile phone out of my pocket when the heavens opened up and the rain came down , fast and heavy . I decide to wait until I am in to call Cyrus , see what the actual score is for this Friday . I had just entered the back alley behind the coffee shop when that feeling was back . 

I swear it was like I could feel someone's eyes trailing up and down my body leaving an unsettling feeling . Fear wasn't something I allowed myself to feel . I promised myself after the years of abuse at my fathers hands I would never let someone have that power over me . That's why I trained , why I would fight and make enough money so that if i needed i could up and leave at any moment , without worry . Unlike Lillith I have no interest in a mate . My crazy friend and her romantic notions are completely ridiculous to me . 

Slipping into my work from the back alley, I instantly feel better the feeling of being watched creeps me out . It's not the first time I have had unwanted attention from males who have seen me fight , But this feels different , almost sinister and dark . 

The smell of coffee swirls around me like a comfort blanket . It Made me relax my shoulders , even though I didn't realise how tense I was . “ Lenny, not like you to use back entry , come get dried “ fused Mirrum as soon as she saw me . I playfully rolled my eyes at her , that earned me a flick from her cloth she was wiping down the work surface with . 

My shift went painstakingly slow, especially when I had things to do .  I didn't need to work in the coffee shop. The money I earned from the fights was more than enough to live off with some left over . I had come a long way from my first fight 18 months ago .

I liked to keep busy , even though I kept to myself , I still liked to be among people . I guess that was due to growing up in a pack . Turning off everything I make my way up to my flat it's a wednesday so Lillith works until eight tonight . Leaving me with some time to get a bath and relax before she comes home with dinner , Pizza from our favourite take out .

I had just come out of the bathroom when my phone started ringing . “ Hello Cyrus , how can I help you ?”  I answered it with more cheer in my voice than I actually felt .

The man was a slime ball , his eyes and hands had a way of wandering . Took the threat of a broken nose for him to finally understand I wasn't his typical female . Even so I know I needed to keep him close as he was the organiser of the Friday night fight card . I know I now have a following and can negotiate my purse . A far cry from the timid girl who got five hundred for my first fight .

“ Lenny, I have been trying to get a hold of you. Anyone would think you don't want to headline this coming event “ comes his naiselly reply .

“ Calm down Cyrus , I do have other shit to do . So Sam said it's nemesis you want me to fight ?”  I say while rolling my eyes at him . “ Yes, I know he is a bit bigger and never lost . You have never lost it would be my two champions , clash of my titans `` he rushes to get it out with a hint of hope and a nervous chuckle .

“ A bit bigger , he has 200 kg on me at least Cyrus' ' i say as i rub my temple as i seem to be getting a headache , Cyrus has that effect on me . “ I know but come on Lenny you ain't scared of shit , look at it like a challenge . Plus the purse is twenty grand for the win and five to take part “ He says almost as if that would win me over . "Twenty for the win and ten to take part nonnegotiable “ I hit him back with .  “ Deal , now you're on at eight, be there for seven “ then he hangs up .

Just then I hear Lillith shouting “ honey i'm home “  before she comes in with our pizzas , she stops at the door when she sees me rubbing my temple . “ Are you ok ? your aura is a bit off, is something bothering you ?”  she asks, looking concerned . “I am fine , just hungry “ even though i know she doesn't believe me she lets it go . I love my friend , her being a witch and can sense everything means i can't hide anything from her .