“They got Guido and Nunzio,” Shai-ster shouted before the heavies had come to a complete halt. “Let’s show ’em who’s running things around here. Follow me?”
Jerking the door open, he plunged into the dressing room with the pack at his heels.
I’m not sure if Shai-ster had ever actually been in a fight before, much less led a team into a fight. I am, however, sure he never tried it again.
The screams of pain and anguish that poured out of that room moved me to take action. I walked a little further down the hall and did my waiting there. It turned out my caution was needless. The wall didn’t collapse, nor did the ceiling or the building itself. Several hunks of plaster did come loose, however, and at one point someone poked a hole in the wall… with his head.
It occurred to me that if the fight fans in the arena really wanted to get their money’s worth, they should be down here. Additional thought made me decide it was just as well they didn’t. There were already more than enough beings crowded into that dressing room . . . which was as good a reason as any for my staying in the hall.
Eventually the sounds of battle died away, leaving only ominous silence. I reminded myself that I had every confidence in the outcome. As the length of silence grew, I found it necessary to remind myself several times.
Finally the door opened, and the four Tues filed out laughing and chatting together.
“Cute,” I called. “Don’t hurry or anything. I can worry out here all day.”
One of the white team ran up and gave me a hug and a kiss.