Fifteen
Jimmy attended the underground with Scott almost every day leading up to his and Norman’s next big fight.
He needed to make money, fast. Scott explained if Norman proved to be popular, less and less people would bet against him. Sure, that’s where the finite bets could take place. Like if a rooster would lose an eye, or be killed, but Jimmy was planning on the win or loss.
Despite his initial bad luck before Norman, Jimmy had a few wins and broke ahead. Scott even participated in an event, and Jimmy won big.
For Norman’s second fight, Jimmy had made a thousand pounds on bets, and another eighty pounds from the eggs. He hadn’t yet repaid Aisling, but she was okay with that. She encouraged him to get out from under Walsh first.
Jimmy’s mother had noticed the pep in her son’s step, and put it down to Niamh. She wore a goofy smile almost every time Jimmy walked past, and show him the latest baby clothes she had knitted up. Jimmy would just chuckle and roll his eyes.
In whatever down time Jimmy had, he spent the time outside with Norman. He wanted to build a stronger bond with his rooster. To treat him more than just a potential moneymaker, but a friend. Jimmy had this idea that if he built some kind of trust and respect with Norman, Norman would perform better in his fights.
The moment of the next fight was upon them. Jimmy stood on one side of the pen and held Norman. Norman was a little twitchy in his arms, but otherwise seemed normal.
Across from them stood a lady of high class. Her hair was long and layered, it reminded Jimmy of all the movie stars rocking Hollywood right now. She wore an elegant yellow dress covered with a large, brown-fur jacket. She wore white gloves and an intricate golden necklace.
Her name was Joan Nolan. Her rooster’s name was Big Q, and to top it all off, he wore a fine gold chain.
“I should have this one in the bag. Her rooster looks as though he’s never even seen dirt. At least Pecker looked like a fighter.”
“Looks can be deceiving honey. That rooster there is bred from a fine family. Joan’s daddy was known for raising fighting roosters, and Big Q over there, he comes from the best. It’s a whole world and a fine science out there when it comes to rooster fighting.” Aisling gave Norman a pat.
“Oh, well, that’s great. So, we’re still rookies, and we’re going against champions.”
“Pretty much.”
“Get ready!” screamed the announcer.
“Before we start, I would like to make a bet with the fine gentleman who will be our opponent.”
“Okay, sure. Be warned though, I’ve only got just over a thousand pounds. I can’t bet big.”
“Oh, that’s quite alright. It’ll be a different kind of bet. We’ll bet with all of the cash we have on us this moment. So, you’ve got just over a thousand, and I have.” She paused to count, and Jimmy could feel the nerves run down his arms. “I’ve got four thousand.” Roars of excitement rumbled through the crowd.
“Are you serious? That doesn’t seem fair for you, if we win.”
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“Are you an idiot? Take the bet. You’re gonna bet your whole amount anyways. You’d be stupid not to,” Scott hissed.
“Of course I’m serious. I have that much confidence in my beautiful Big Q, I just know we’re not going to lose.” She hugged her rooster and gave him a big kiss on the neck.
“Alright, fine. I’ll take your bet.”
“That’s so unfair. Why doesn’t anyone ever offer me a bet like that?” cried someone from the crowd.
“They would if you said it first.”
“I bet three hundred that Big Q will win in under a minute.”
“I bet one hundred that Norman will lose an eye.”
“I bet sixty that Jimmy will stop the match.”
“I bet thirty that Norman will land the first hit.”
“Get ready.”
Jimmy drowned out all the voices around him and whispered words of encouragement into Norman's ear. They were about to win an insane amount of money. They’d be free from Walsh a lot faster than he thought.
“Go!” The owners threw their roosters into the pen and the match began.
Big Q flustered his wings and made a beeline for Norman, and Norman, having seemingly learned from his previous fight, flapped his wings to take a few steps back.
Big Q went in and bit into Norman’s flesh. Norman let out a short cry and pulled himself from Big Q. Blood dripped to the ground.
“And Big Q has drawn first blood.” Cheers and boos rang through the crowd as people already exchanged money.
Big Q went in for the same spot, and even though Norman tried to dodge, Big Q’s beak hit his target. He pulled flesh and feathers from Norman, and Norman let out a shriek.
As Big Q went in for the attack yet again, Norman thrust his sharp beak down and grabbed onto the high red comb on top of Big Q’s head. He ripped at it and spat out a chunk of flesh.
Within moments, the two roosters were locked into a violent frenzy that was much bloodier than Norman’s previous fight.
Jimmy’s heart sank when he watched as Big Q drove his razor-sharp beak into Norman’s eye. He knew they were done for.
Jimmy was about to call it quits, when Aisling stopped him.
“Hey, what gives? I don’t want him to die out there.”
“Look.”
Jimmy looked to see that Norman had Big Q’s neck pinned to the ground. Norman repeatedly pecked at his victim and Jimmy watched in horror as he saw just how violent rooster fights could get.
“Stop the fight!” Joan cried. Tears ran down her cheeks. She jumped the fence and made to grab Big Q, but Norman pecked at her fingers.
Jimmy then jumped in and grabbed Norman.
“Control your pet,” Joan’s words were laced with venom.
“You wanted the fight, and you were so confident you’d win.”
“I won’t pay. That bet wasn’t official.”
“Uh-uh. You don’t get to back out of the bet Miss Nolan. We all heard the bet, and you must honour it,” called the ref.
“No way. It wasn’t an equal bet.”
“You’re the one that made the bet,” argued the ref. Jimmy watched as two towering muscles of men made their way over to the pen.
“Alright, fine. Take the stupid money.” Joan handed him the cash and stormed off.
“No way. You just made a killing.” Scott slapped Jimmy on the back as he walked out of the pen.
“Yeah.”
“If you bet with that much next time, you’d be able to pay Walsh off. You may not be able to bet it all in one big go though. You may have to get us to help you make smaller bets. Start betting on specifics or something.”
“I know, its pretty awesome. Norman did amazing.” Jimmy finally took a moment to assess his rooster and was shocked to see how injured he was. “I gotta go and get him patched up. Can you set up another fight for next week?”
“Sure.”
As Jimmy walked toward his car, his heart sank when he saw Officer Thomerson was walking in the opposite direction.
“Hello the-Oh shit what happened to your rooster?” Thomerson narrowed his eyes and inspected Norman,
“Oh, he got attacked by my two older roosters. Jealous of the new kid on the block.”
“Hmm. You’re not near any vets.”
“I just,” Jimmy felt his mouth go dry. His throat tightened and Norman suddenly felt as though he weighed a tonne.
“I sure hope you’re not up to any funny business, Jimmy. I know you’re best friends with Scott O’Malley, and he’s not exactly the best kind of person to be friends with.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing anything stupid, officer. This is my prized rooster and I’m hoping he brings new life into the farm.” Jimmy looked dead straight at Thomerson. The officer met his gaze for a few moments before tipping his hat and continuing to walk.
On his way to the vet, Jimmy couldn’t stop thinking about the money. It was exhilarating.