BLOOD TIES (Decklan Jennings Thriller Book 1) by Philip Duncan (book recommendations for young adults txt) 📕

“If you don’t mind me asking, what is it you are celebrating?” Decklan asked.

Vladimir let out a laugh. “Not me, Mr. Jennings. You and I.”

“I don’t follow,” Decklan replied.

“Because of you and your partner, I have been shown who is weak and unworthy in my operation. I must thank you for killing those two morons that I sent to take care of you two. Apparently, I have underestimated you both and you have shown me where I lack,” Vladimir said, sounding oddly happy.

“Actually, that’s why I’m here.” Decklan said. “I wanted to talk to you about our differences.”

“Differences?” Vladimir asked, seeming clueless, which he was clearly not.

“Well… yes. My partner and I agree not to tell the cops about what it is you do and that you have been trying to have us killed, and in exchange, you stop trying to kill us,” Decklan replied.

Vladimir took a sip of his vodka before replying. “So blackmail is your play here, Mr. Jennings? Are you sure that’s such a good idea? Has your partner not told you anything about me?”

“Yes, he’s told me enough. And I’m not blackmailing you; it’s a compromise. We will stop killing your guys so you can continue running your operation, and in return, you let us go about our business.”

“And what exactly is your business, Mr. Jennings?” Vladimir asked.

“It was just a figure of speech. We just want to be left alone is all. I don’t believe that is too much to ask for. Plus, I’m sure there comes a point where you can’t afford to keep having your guys drop like flies,” Decklan said, almost bragging.

“You have balls, Mr. Jennings. I will give you that,” Vladimir replied. “Not many men would have the intestinal fortitude to come in here and face me like a man, much less demand something from me.”

This wasn’t exactly an answer, and it left Decklan feeling uneasy. He couldn’t get a gauge on whether Vladimir was going to agree or not, so he pressed further.

“So what do you say? Do we have a deal?” Decklan asked, hoping to wrap this increasingly uncomfortable conversation up.

“I’ll tell you what, if you can beat my best guy one-on-one, I will agree to leave you and your partner alone,” Vladimir replied.

“What do you mean, like a fight?” Decklan asked.

“Correct, my friend. Right now, out back,” Vladimir said, catching Decklan completely off guard.

Decklan knew that coming in here tonight could result in several different outcomes, but he did not anticipate this. He knew he had the skills to beat most men in a one-on-one fight, but he wasn’t confident that Vladimir would make it a fair fight.

“All I have to do is beat up another one of your guys, and you will leave us alone?” Decklan asked, in a cocky tone. He knew he didn’t really have a choice, so he might as well come across as confident as possible.

“That’s right. All you must do is win a fight. That’s not so hard, is it? Seems like a fair trade to me,” Vladimir replied.

“All right, so who’s it going to be?” Decklan asked.

Vladimir smiled and pointed behind Decklan. “Him.”

Son of a bitch, not this guy.

CHAPTER 16

There he was, the same behemoth of a man that he encountered last time he was here. This guy had to be at least six foot seven and weigh no less than three hundred pounds. And not the three hundred pounds that one would be accustomed to in America. No, this guy looked like he had been training for a bodybuilding competition his whole damn life.

Decklan had fought guys bigger than him his whole life, but this was an entirely different beast. This guy looked like he could pick Decklan up with one hand and pull him apart limb from limb like a chimpanzee peeling a banana. The good news was, he would clearly have the speed advantage and the better gas tank. Guys of this size usually relied on big heavy shots and didn't have the cardiovascular capacity to throw shots in volume. The plan here was to avoid his big shot and then land as many of his own before getting back out of range to avoid the next attempt. Decklan figured if he could do this long enough, the big guy would tire himself out and then he could go in for the finishing blow.

Decklan also knew better than to let the fight go to the ground. With this guy's size and strength, anything on the ground would certainly result in Decklan getting pummeled. He remembered how easily the guy sat him back down last time, and that was only with one hand. There was no reason to try and match this guy in strength, because that would be impossible.

They all stood up, and Vladimir led the way out through the back hallway. They all ended up outside behind the building, completely out of sight from anyone. There was no way Langley could know he was back here, so Decklan knew he was on his own for this one. Decklan looked around and counted six other guys, not including the silverback gorilla standing in front of him, ready to fight.

“This doesn’t exactly look fair to me,” Decklan said. “There are eight of you and only one of me. How do I know your guys won’t jump in to help?”

“Don’t worry about it, Mr. Jennings. You have my word that no one will interfere with the fight. We will all respect whatever outcome lies ahead of us,” Vladimir responded calmly.

Decklan wasn’t inclined to believe him, but then again, he didn’t really have a choice. The only thing he could do was try to come out of this alive and hopefully get to walk out of here in one piece.

“Are there any rules?” Decklan asked.

“Only one: The loser must die,” Vladimir responded coldly.

“Great, this should be fun,” Decklan said sarcastically under his breath.

“When do we…” Decklan started to ask, but before he could finish, the big guy came at