gone from him, replaced by a sudden, terrifying realization
of his own helplessness. He tapped the mat furiously with
his free hand.
hree minutes is up!" Rusty yelled, breaking the
spell over the room.
Big Eli instantly released the pressure and stood up,
retreating to his corner with the same slow, shuffling gait
he'd arrived with. Trent stayed on the floor for a long
moment, massaging his shoulder, his ego bruised far worse
than his physical body.
Big Eli walked over to the edge of the ring and slipped his
thick wool socks and heavy work boots back on. He didn't
gloat. He didn't look at Trent. The crowd parted for him in
absolute silence.
BRusty walked over, wordlessly pressing five crisp hundred-
dollar bills into Big Eli's massive, grease-stained hand.
"You're a crazy old bastard, Eli," Rusty murmured, a grin
playing on his lips.
"Thanks, Rusty," Eli rasped, tucking the bills into his chest
pocket.
ig Eli walked out of the pole barn, the heavy doors