Chapter 2 - Beth Meets Ashley
Beth left her brother's house and planned to meet her old partner and training officer, Sergeant Steve Sexton. She knew all his favorite stops, places were he got free coffee. She didn't have any real leads, but she hoped Steve could get her started with the latest word on the street. Steroid Steve, was his nickname at the 14th Precinct, and you could see why. He had the typical amateur bodybuilder's shape, wide shoulders, no neck, large chest, bulging biceps, thin waist and matchstick legs. Everyone was convinced he used Roids, but he always passed all the drug tests. Beth was hoping that Steve could point her in the right direction.
Beth waited in a booth at Joe's Diner, and right on time Sergeant Sexton walked in with a female officer. She was about 5'8" with blond hair. Beth thought she looked overweight for a cop.
"Well, I see you're out then," remarked Steve.
"Good to see you too," replied Beth.
"This is Officer Sullivan," said Steve pointing with his thumb over his shoulder. Officer Sullivan pushed passed him and held out her hand.
"Ashley, pleased to meet you." Beth took her hand and was surprised at the firm grip as they shook hands. Just at that moment the police offers' radios came to life.
"Gotta go, purse snatcher," exclaimed Steve.
They turned and ran out of the diner. Almost by instinct Beth followed. She got into her car and followed the speeding cruiser. A few blocks ahead Ashley pointed "There" A guy running holding a bag and fitting the description. On seeing the police cruiser, the guy ran down a side alley. Steve drove past the alley and let Ashley out. She started running parallel to the alley. Steve turned on the siren and proceeded after the suspect.
Beth knew what they were doing, Steve would drive the suspect towards Ashley. Beth followed Ashley in her car. "Maybe I can help," she thought to herself. Beth could now see the suspect running towards Ashley, but he was more concerned with the sound of the police siren behind him. The guy was about 6 feet and 180-190 lbs, and by the way he was running, athletic. Ashley ran straight towards him.
"What the hell is she doing," said Beth aloud.
At that moment Ashley tackled the guy like a rabid linebacker taking down a quarterback. The guy didn't know what hit him. Ashley had knocked him clean off his feet. At that moment Steve pulled up and gave Ashley a "high five." He then bent down to the crumpled heap on the sidewalk and cuffed the suspect. A small crowd had gathered taking the obligatory cell phone pictures, and burst out in spontaneous applause. "Holy shit," exclaimed Beth. That's certainly not by the book. She then decided to find out more about Ashley and Steve. Maybe here was the lead she was looking for.
Chapter 3 - Time to Work Out
Later that evening, Beth went to gym where she knew Steve worked out. It was an old school gym, both boxing and weights, but none of that fancy exercise equipment.
Beth needed cash. All of her assets were gone, and she couldn't expect her brother to keep providing for her. She approached Donny, the gym owner,
"I'm need to make some money," said Beth.
Donny laughed. "I can't employ you. Heck, the people who 'work' here tidying up and cleaning do if in exchange for free gym time and use of the equipment."
"That's not what I meant," said Beth, looking Donny right in the eye. "Fight night."
"You know about that?" said Donny with a surprised look.
"Of course I do. I was a detective remember?"
"You never said anything," replied Donny sheepishly.
"Look, I know you organize these events, I need in," said Beth.
"OK, said Donny. As a matter of fact there's one coming up in a few days, in an abandoned warehouse, by the docks."
"What's the prize money?" asked Beth.
"$1000," replied Donny.
"I was hoping for more," said Beth looking disappointed.
"Well, that's for fighting a girl. If you're prepared to fight a guy, same weight class, you'd get $5000 IF, you win and $1000 if you lose. Half the punters like to see the girl getting pummeled, the other half like to see the guy humiliated."
"OK, set it up. I'll fight a guy, just me know the place, date and time."
Beth approached Steroid Steve "I need to talk to you about HULK," said Beth. Steve look nervous and replied "Not now, but Ashley needs a sparring partner. None of the women will get into the ring with her. You used to be pretty good before your State-sponsored vacation." "OK, but we talk after?" Beth thought this would also be a good opportunity to get a workout in and boxing practice before the fight. She put on the protective headgear and gloves and got in the ring where Ashley was waiting. She wore a tank top and sweat pants. Ashley's arms looked massive.
Ashley for the most part stood in the center of the ring while Beth danced around her flicking jabs which Ashley blocked. "She hardly moves her feet," thought Beth. She certainly isn't scoring any points. Ashley kept her arms and gloves up high protecting her face. Beth's jabs didn't have any effect and bounced off Ashley's massive arms. Still Ashley had hardly landed a punch. Beth noticed that Ashley's hands were getting higher and higher, leaving her midsection exposed. Beth took advantage and delivered a powerful blow right in Ashley's stomach. Beth was shocked, it felt as if she's punched a truck tire. Beth let guard down for a split second and nearly missed the uppercut from Ashley. Beth managed to lean back and she just caught a glancing blow. Still, it nearly took her head off, and knocked her off her feet. Even with the protective headgear, Beth was dazed. "That's my girl," shouted Steve from the sidelines. Beth realized that Ashley must win all her fights by knockout. Donny stepped in the ring and said, "OK you two, times up, others are waiting." Beth picked herself up and looked around for Steve, but he was gone.