The Gentlemen's Hour

40

He’s on the mat when he comes to.

Dan looks down at him with concern.

“What happened?” Boone asks.

“Rear-naked choke,” Dan says.

Sounds ugly, Boone thinks, especially the “rear” and “naked” parts.

“Why didn’t you tap out?” asks Dan.

After a little bit of thought, Boone remembers what “tap out” means and what happened to put him in the position to do it. Or not, as the case may be. Dan and another student help him to his feet. His legs feel shaky. He looks across the ring and sees Boyd looking at him. Boone takes some small satisfaction that Boyd has an ice pack pressed against his jaw.

“Why didn’t you tap?” Boyd asks.

It seems to be the question of the day.

“Didn’t feel like it.”

Boyd laughs. “You’re no bitch, Daniels. Only a real freak would rather

black

out than

tap

out.”

“Real freak” apparently being high praise.

“Thanks.”

Boone walks toward the door on legs that are still objecting to being given so much responsibility. Then he stops, turns around, and says, “There is something you can teach me.”

“Shoot.”

The Superman Punch.