Thirteen

Jimmy’s dreams were filled with graphic images of Norman being ripped apart by countless roosters.

When Jimmy awoke, he was left with a pit in his stomach. The violence on Norman was disgusting, he was more disgusted with himself. In the dream, Jimmy was being showered with money and he liked it.

Jimmy left Norman to sleep on his bed and entered the kitchen to prepare a breakfast for himself and his mother.

“Oh, this smells like the nicest breakfast you’ve ever made for me.” Jimmy turned and watched as his mother toddled into the kitchen. “Is that mushrooms I smell?”

“Yea ma.”

“How did you get all of this?” she asked. She walked along the kitchen table and took it all in.

“I got a little bit of extra money yesterday, and so I decided to spoil us a little.”

“Did the eggs go well?” His mother took a mug of tea and sat back at the table.

“Uh no. I took on a few extra jobs yesterday. That’s why I was late. You’ll notice the roof is fixed too.”

“Oh wow. Thankyou. Are you excited for tonight with Niamh?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Where are you taking her?”

“I haven’t worked that out yet. I can’t remember the last time I’ve gone on a date. I wouldn’t even know what to do, or where to go.”

“You better get your act together young man. You’ll want to make sure it’s a good one, so you can have a follow up.”

“Hold your horses on that one ma,” Jimmy chuckled. “I may not want another one. What if she turns out to be a horrible person?”

“Oh, tosh. Niamh is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Possibly nicer than you,” laughed his mother.

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“Hey ma, I’m gonna duck into town again today, I won’t be long. I just wanna scope out what I’m gonna do with Niamh.”

“Not a problem. I didn’t hear Norman this morning, did you?”

“No.” A spike of worry rose through his body. “I’ll check on him.”

“Good, I think you should.”

Jimmy made his rounds outside with his chickens and then ducked into his room to check on Norman.

The rooster looked to him with indifference. Jimmy inspected his wounds and felt the guilt drill through him. He gave a light pet and Norman rubbed his head into Jimmy’s hand.

“I’m sorry for last night mate. But we need the money, and I think you’re our best way of doing it. You did so well against Pecker. I’ll give you some rest before your next one, but there will be another one. And another. If you can keep winning, I’ll make sure we get the money fast and get you out of there.”

Jimmy lifted Norman from the foot of his bed and carried him outside. He made sure his mother didn’t see them.

“Just, go and relax.” He watched with bubbling sadness as his rooster limped inside.

Jimmy took himself back to town to visit Scott.

Before exiting the car, Jimmy scanned the area. He couldn’t see Thomerson anywhere, and so made his way to the shop.

“Hey Scott.”

“Oi, there he is. A winner. How you going?” Scott lurched around the scattered stock and shelves and clapped Jimmy’s hand and gave a harsh shake.

“Yeah, I’m good. Oh yeah, I didn’t see Thomerson. Maybe he’s giving you a break?”

“Nah, dad said he came in yesterday looking for me. Dad said I’d gone home early. He’s working on something. Where are you taking Niamh on your date tonight?”

“I was thinking of taking her to The Fishtrap. Their chowder is great, and they have darts there too.”

“Sounds good. Hope you have a great time. What time do you have to give the money to Walsh’s boys?”

“I’m gonna go see them now. Get it out of the way.”

“Just out of curiosity, Jimmy. How much do you owe Walsh?”

“Six and a half thousand now, because I owe extra on top.”

“Ouch.” Scott winced.

“Hey, can you set me up another fight for Norman, maybe Monday or Tuesday? He should’ve had enough rest by then.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Jimmy said bye to Scott’s dad before leaving, and made his way to where he could hand over the money.

“Did you happen to acquire the money, Jimmy?” Jimmy’s head had been such a violent vortex of thoughts and emotions, he failed to notice the men approach him from the front.

“Yes, yes, I did. Here, all three hundred. Plus, another fifteen, because I’m thankful for Mr. Walsh giving me another chance.”

“Would you look at that. The little blighter has gone and done it, and given some extra. Mr. Walsh will be pleased. As long as people pay him the money they owe, Mr. Walsh is a very happy man indeed. We’ll hopefully see you here again next Friday. Same time do you Jimmy?”

“Of course.”

“Goody.” The two men walked away as quickly as they had come, and Jimmy let out a deep sigh of relief. He was good for now.