Chapter 13: Unexpected Encounters

Darius "The Titan" Novak had barely stepped out of the motel when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen.

"Jack Hayes," it read.

His curiosity piqued, Darius tapped the screen to answer.

"Hey, Darius," came Jack's familiar voice, smooth but tinged with exhaustion. "I heard you've been making headlines. Keeping busy, huh?"

Darius smiled, recognizing the familiar banter. "You could say that. I had a… little situation to handle. What about you? Still wrecking people in the ring?"

Jack chuckled. "Yeah, something like that. It's all going according to plan. But listen, I heard you're in town. You busy tonight?"

"Not really," Darius said. "Why, what's up?"

"I'm hanging out with Ruby. Thought you might want to join us. She mentioned you were in the area."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "Ruby, huh? I remember her. She's that… energetic one, right?"