Chapter 16 - The United Center Arena
On Saturday night, the United Center in downtown Chicago was an arena of roaring sound, flashing strobe lights, and intense commercial spectacle. Over twenty thousand fans packed the stadium seats, while millions tuned in globally via pay-per-view.
The Chicago Combat League Invitational was touted as the most brutal combat sports event of the decade. Huge digital screens hanging above the octagonal steel cage displayed bright red graphics showcasing the eight competing teams.
In the high-tech VIP suite overlooking the arena floor, Victor Vance Sr. sat on a plush leather sofa, sipping thirty-year-old scotch. Beside him stood his chief legal officer and two high-ranking officials from the State Athletic Commission who had been quietly added to Vanguard Apex's payroll.
"Is the referee instructed properly?" Victor asked softly, not taking his eyes off the giant screens.
"Referee Miller knows his role, Mr. Vance," the legal officer replied in a quiet tone. "He will allow Volkov and Tanaka wide latitude in the clinches. Any minor infraction by Hale or Marcus Vance will result in immediate point deductions or a fast stoppage."
Down in the locker rooms, the air was cold and smelled of rubbing alcohol and liniment oil. Thomas sat on a wooden bench, wearing black fight shorts with a discreet gold embroidery of Ethan’s initials on the left leg. Marcus stood nearby, having his hands wrapped by Viktor Rossi under the strict supervision of a commission inspector.
David Chen walked into the locker room, accompanied by Detective Ray Mendez of the Chicago Police Department—the officer who had assisted Thomas in securing the original financial ledgers from Grant Cole’s safe.
"The federal court granted our emergency motion for an injunction review, Thomas," David said, his voice brimming with intense energy. "If you win tonight and secure the thirty-million-dollar purse, I can file an immediate cash bond with the court clerk. Vanguard Apex’s foreclosure warrant will be permanently dissolved by midnight."
"And what about the homicide investigation into Ethan’s death?" Thomas asked, looking up as Viktor finished wrapping his knuckles.
Detective Mendez stepped forward, pulling a sealed manila envelope from his jacket. "We served a federal search warrant on the toxicology lab in suburban Cook County three hours ago. The lab director broke under interrogation. He gave a sworn confession admitting Victor Vance paid him two hundred thousand dollars to destroy Ethan’s blood samples three years ago. We have the wire transfer trail, Thomas. As soon as this fight ends, my officers are arresting Victor Vance for first-degree murder."
Marcus closed his eyes, taking a long, ragged breath. "He’s finally going down."
"Not yet," Thomas said quietly, standing up and testing the flexibility of his wrapped hands. "First, we have to win this ring."
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The loud speaker in the hallway buzzed violently. “TEAM HALE AND VANCE, YOU ARE ON DECK FOR THE MAIN EVENT FINAL!”
Thomas, Marcus, Viktor Rossi, and Mason Cole walked out of the locker room together, stepping into the dark tunnel that led to the roaring light of the stadium.
