Strike (Sphere of Irony 2)

“Make sure one of the solicitors I have on retainer is there as well.”

“Solicitor?”

“Lawyer, whatever you call it,” I snap, taking out my irritation on my assistant.

“No problem. Did you want Mr. Evans present for the meeting?” Zach asks, continuing as if nothing happened. I like that about him. He doesn’t take my mood personally.

“No. Not Ross. Get it set up and text me the time and date.”

I hang up the call and tilt my head back to look at the grey English sky. Never in my life did I think I’d miss the chilly, rainy weather of London or any winter season for that matter, but after spending years in the constant L.A. sunshine, I find that I do.

I put together a plan in my head to take down Lila and her crazy train. She’s fucked with me for years, but fucking with Kate? She’ll regret she ever met me.

Smiling, I go back inside the posh country home, joining my parents and their estate agent as they take the tour. I nod when the different amenities are pointed out, but I’m not listening. I’m figuring out exactly how I’m going to ruin Lila and her quest to be the next Kim Kardashian.

By the time I get done with her, Lila Griffin is going to wish she never heard of Dax Davies. Now, to let off some of this anger.

I pick up the phone, and dial Shaun.

“Oi! Little brother, how’s it been?”

Shaun crosses the empty expanse of the huge warehouse that houses our family business.

“Fuck me! Are you bloody smiling?” My brother Shaun has smiled approximately four times since we were kids. It’s a rare occurrence to say the least.

He doesn’t even argue with me. He walks over, grabs my shoulders, and pulls me into a hug. Once he releases me, he smacks my arm gently. “Loosen up, Dax. You’re wound tighter than a spring.”

“Yeah, well, I’m under a lot of stress. So sue me.”

Shaun holds up his hands. “Oi! Don’t take it out on me unless you want to do it in there.” He nods towards the cage that sits in the center of the room.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a good brawl. It would make me feel better.

“Only if we wear padded gloves. I can’t break my hands. We’re recording when I get back to the States.”

Shaun grins. “Still a pussy I see.”

“Leave your brother alone, Shaun!”

I spin to see who has the guts to yell at Shaun and live to tell about it. A tiny girl with long, black hair bounces over to Shaun’s side. He wraps her up in his arms and drops a sweet kiss on her head.

“What? Have I landed in another dimension? Are you having a laugh?”

Shaun? With a girl? One girl?

The two of them smile, my brother looking down at her like she hung the bloody moon. She’s no better. Gazing up at Shaun as if he’s some kind of prize.

As I stare at the girl, I realize she’s familiar. “I know you.”

Her face reddens and her eyes drop to the floor. Shaun steps forward, subtly pushing her behind his body.

“Leave it be,” he warns, his tone indicating that it isn’t up for discussion.

Ah. There it is. This is the Shaun I know.

“Alright then. I’m Dax.” I wave at the girl who seems to have recovered her composure.

“Tasha, nice to see you,” she says in a lovely voice.