“Keep in mind how puny this guy was. He was tiny, like you, and Eddie’s a monster. He’s not as big as me, but big. Somehow the Chinaman chopped him down. Of course Eddie blames his loss on the booze and maybe he was right, but there was no doubt that the Chinaman hurt him.”
He paused to reflect for a moment then continued. He could see that Betty was now interested. Ultimately the Anvil did want to help her out of whatever jam she had gotten herself into.
“Maybe it's some kind of yellow fighting instinct like a cat, or something. But the Chinaman looked out classed in the beginning, and he put Eddie down in one round. I never saw anything like that before. Maybe one of those Chinamen could teach you how to fight.”
“I don't think I’d pick a fight with one of them after seeing that. Well, in the ring I would, where there are rules and everyone has to play fair, but I wouldn't take a poke at one on the street. That’s for sure. Come to think of it, Benny's never fired the Chinaman for the fight. I haven’t been there in a while but maybe he still works there.”
Anvil stopped and turned to yell at the hunchback. “Hey Earl. What time is it?”
Earl replied. “Going on 4:30.”
Anvil turned back to Betty. “Benny's is open already and it’s right around the corner. Come on, I'll take you over and we can get the Chinaman’s address.”
They quickly exited. As they strolled down the sidewalk, he continued talking about boxing, and telling tales, each one seeming more extraordinary than the last. Her mind wandered. She wondered if the man from China spoke any English. She wondered if they could even find him, how would she be able to explain to him what she wanted?
She was startled back into the Anvil's story as he invaded her personal space and grabbed her by the arms.
“No matter what you learn, the most importing thing to remember is that, fighting in the streets is different than fighting in the ring. There is no ref, and there are no rules. You gotta’ do whatever it takes, not to get hurt. And don’t let anyone hit you in the face. Always protect your head… We're here.”
He pointed up to a neon sign that blinked “Benny’s.” They entered. It was an unassuming joint, with two types of meat loaf as daily specials. The scent from the kitchen made Betty's mouth water. It had been awhile since she was in a restaurant. The last one was Razzles and she didn’t want to think about that episode again.
She took in several deep breaths, as if sucking in enough of the scent would fill her stomach. Her food trance was broken by a ruckus. As they entered the bar area, Anvil was instantly recognized by the bartender, Pete, and a line of seated patrons. They enthusiastically welcomed the Anvil. He took a seat at the bar and proudly lifted Betty without effort to the stool next to him. She was the only woman in Benny's and all eyes were on her. She knew men all too well and could see what Anvil was up to, but did nothing to dissuade him. The Anvil presented his lady guest to his fans. Even though she was dressed down for the expedition into this part of town, she would play the part of a trophy, for awhile.
“Guys, I’d like yous to meet…” His face went blank. He realized he never asked her name.
Before his pause went on too long, Betty saved him. “Lila, pleased to meet you all.
Betty could come up with an alias as easily as blinking. The men greeted her, each one trying to out charm the last. One of the men asked, “So how did you meet the old Anvil?”
The Anvil answered. “She needs some protection.”
Then he bent both of his arms up to his shoulders and began flexing his biceps. He alternated flexing between them so they looked like they were dancing. Then he synchronized his eyebrows to the movement. Betty wasn’t sure what to make of the spectacle. He looked goofy but his fans ate it up. They laughed and laughed.
One of the fans announced to the group. “You see? The Anvils still got the moves.”
Once the laughter and gasping and coughing subsided, the Anvil concluded his performance.
Another fan told Betty. “You came to the right guy for protection. Did you know that this mug KO-ed 108 bums in the ring?”
“Oh yes, I’ve heard all sorts of stories already.” She replied.
“I'll bet you did.” The fan noted.
Pete, the bartender, leaned in to the couple. “So what can I get for you?”
“Hey, do you remember the night the Chinaman KO-ed Eddie?” Anvil asked.
“Ha, ha, yeah.” Said Pete.
“Does the Chinaman still work here?” Asked Anvil.
“You mean Sam?”
“Sam? I thought his name would be something like Ping, or Sing, or Ming.”
“Ming, like in Flash Gordon? No he's one of the good ones. He's got a normal name, Sam. And yeah, he still drops off and picks up the laundry for this joint. He just comes in through the back now, you know, to avoid any problems with the customers. Did you know he delivers the loads by bicycle?” Asked Pete.
“No kiddin?” Said Anvil.
“What’s the name of the laundry where he works?” Betty interjected.