Chapter Six.
“So this shit is for real?” Polyhymnia said disbelievingly. “I knew I was adopted, but this shit you’re dumping in my lap is true?”
“Yeah,” I replied. We were inside Polyhymnia’s apartment, which was cosy but spartan. Polyhymnia sat opposite us with her back to the door. I’d no doubt that it was for a quick exit if Polyhymnia thought she needed one.
“Fucking hell,” Polyhymnia said, running a hand over her face.
“Something like that,” Chance replied. “What was that shit outside?”
“Oh, those assholes? They think they own the town, and I refuse to play ball. They belong to a gang, and no matter how many times I kick their asses, they keep coming back for more,” Polyhymnia said.
“Did you have a good life?” I blurted, needing an answer. Clio’s story was too fresh in my mind for me not to ask.
“Yeah, my parents died two years back, but they saw me succeed. They were wonderful parents and were honest about my adoption from the start. Mom and Dad made sure I knew I was special because they picked me,” Polyhymnia said.
“That sounds sweet,” Clio said, leaning forward.
“So what now?” Polyhymnia asked.
“Huh?” I asked.
“Where do we go from here? There’s a lot to process. I got three sisters and a brother. What was your plan?”
“To claim our right to having siblings and share the inheritance. That rightfully belongs to the five of us, not just me,” I explained. Polyhymnia nodded.
“Thanks, but I don’t want our birth parents’ blood money, especially as I know I was rejected by them,” Polyhymnia said. I winced.
“But you’re not rejected by Clio and me, and I want to share.”
“Maybe, I’ll consider it, but don’t expect a positive reply,” Polyhymnia said.
“Polyhymnia, you warned us you’re trained in martial arts?” Kelly said, looking to break the ice. Polyhymnia was keeping her distance from us, and I couldn’t blame her. She’d just learnt her past and discovered siblings and was facing two right now.
“Yeah, Dad owned a dojo, and I’ve been training ever since I’ve been walking. I’m 3rd Dan in ju-jitsu. I hold a black belt 3rd degree in mixed martial arts and 2nd degree in kickboxing,” Polyhymnia said.
“3rd Dan and 2nd degree?” I asked.
“Yes, I hold black belts in all three. Once you reach black belt in ju-jitsu, you collect red strips that announce your Dan. It’s the next rank. Same with kickboxing and MMA,” Polyhymnia said.
“And you fight professionally?” Chance asked curiously.
“Yeah, in ju-jitsu and MMA, I hold titles. But I was planning to open my own dojo. Dad’s dojo was sold several years ago. Dad hurt his back severely, and I was competing, and the decision was made to sell,” Polyhymnia said, looking sad.
“Anythin’ keeping you here?” Bear asked, and Polyhymnia shook her head.
“Come to Spearfish. City needs a decent dojo. My brother Tiny owns a gym, but he’s got a floor he’s done nothing with. Damn sure, Tiny will be happy to rent to you,” Chance offered, and Clio looked up hopefully.
“That would be wonderful, Polyhymnia,” Clio gushed.
“Call me Polly,” Polyhymnia said and sat back. “You guys expect me to just up and leave my home and come to Spearfish?”
“No, we’d like you to, but no pressure. You want to open a dojo, and Tiny has an entire floor free,” Chance replied. Polly stared at us and began laughing.
“Do you have any idea how ridiculous this situation is?” Polyhymnia asked finally. I began smiling.
“Yeah,” I agreed.
“Where are you staying?” Polyhymnia asked.