Free Paradise Fought: Abel by L. B. Dunbar Page B

purposely avoiding eye contact with me.
    “What about that Thor guy?” I added. I was convinced I’d seen Elma outside the apartment entrance with him. She refused to answer me when I called her name. My blood was slowly starting to cool in all things Elma related. I’d made a mistake in my judgment of her. I cursed myself as I’d obviously built a fantasy of who she was, or what I wanted, and Elma wasn’t either.
    “Thor Thurston? He has good moves but he seems lazy to me. He tires easily. He’s also a bit egotistical for my taste, but I know others like him. In and out of the ring.”
    Creed had raised an eyebrow in surprise at Lindee’s assessment of Thor’s skills in the cage.
    “He definitely has his favorites, out of the ring,” I huffed sarcastically then winked. Lindee was staring at me.
    “Does he have a girlfriend?” It was a strange question to ask, but her inquiry seemed more concern than personal interest.
    “Not that I know of. He’s more of a one-time customer,” I replied. How ironic, he was just like Cain.
    “Oh.” Her tone was definitely concerned.
    “Why?” I asked, curious at the expression on her face.
    “Well. My friend is sort of interested in him, and she left with him a few minutes ago. Now, I’m a little anxious she might be over her head if he’s that kind of guy.”
    “You probably don’t have much to worry about,” Creed said, then raised his pinky in the air before letting it fall limp. Lindee giggled.
    “Gosh, I hope she doesn’t get that close.” Her smile brightened her whole face and made her almond colored eyes sparkle. My friend hadn’t taken his gaze from her.
    “Who’s your friend?” Creed asked.
    “Elma Montgomery.”
     
     
    I sprinted across the complex after Lindee told me she lived in building six of the campus apartments. I could only hope her place was where Elma disappeared with Thor. It was Elma outside the building with that asshole, I was certain, and other than taking her to his car, or dragging her to the woods behind the buildings, I assumed Elma led Thor to her friend’s apartment. To say I was disheartened was an understatement. She had a strange obsession with him, but I didn’t think he was safe. Lindee seemed convinced that the apartment was Elma’s destination. When I reached B6, I banged on the door.
    “Elma,” I called out, as the door rattled under my pounding. It wasn’t a solid thing and it shook from the hammering of my palm. I thought I heard a muffled noise from within, and I braced my shoulder against the wood. Pushing with all my might, the door sprang open. It wasn’t dead-bolted and the unlatched chain swung against the door. Thor blanketed Elma on the couch. Her clothes were askew, but thankfully intact. Her hair was a mess. The position of his lower body was between her thighs.
    “Abel,” she squeaked.
    Thor twisted only slightly to look at me over his shoulder but it was enough. I stepped close enough to pummel him in the face as my right fist lashed forward. He fell off of Elma onto the rug. She screamed, but Thor jumped up with his catlike reflexes. He lunged for me over the couch with no regard for Elma on it. I was too quick. My body did slam into a desk behind me in my haste, however, and Thor pinned me to it. I looked up in time to see Thor’s fist coming for me, but I ducked. Not fast enough, his other fist connected with my sore abs. Pushing past the pain, I shoved him away from me. He collided with the couch, jostling it enough that Elma almost fell off it. She screamed again.
    “Elma,” I called out in fear that Thor would inadvertently hurt her. His fist connected with my face in my distraction. I fell back against the wall.
    “Thor,” she sobbed. “Stop it. You’ll hurt him.”
    Similar words flooded my mind from a distant past and a weaker female voice. I shook my head to concentrate. Thor froze at Elma’s concerned cry. I remained against the wall, clenching fists and breathing heavily. I