Syl’s Story: Unfinished Business
Author
LF Gillis
Author Bio
After an injury became unmanageable, LF Gillis lost her job. She turned to writing as a way of battling depression. Needing a hero, she developed world-class female boxer, Syl Felix. The concept of a professional fighter from the South Georgia area became an obsession.
Gillis searched for years trying to find a publisher. After one called her work, powerful but not a good fit for the company, Gillis turned to self publishing.
Trying to buy advertising space on WBAN,com, she submitted her request to real-life former professional boxer, Sue “Tiger Lilly” Fox. Miss Fox asked to see a few chapters, so Gillis sent her the entire manuscript. Fox wrote back and said she liked the novel, but declined to advertise is citing WBAN only did true stories.
Like Syl, Gillis isn’t about to give up. She spent two years doing the boxing research, and another two years developing the story line. She even lost the entire novel, after a publisher requested it, and rewrote it in three months. Sadly, the editor was retired by then.
To date, Gillis has written two novels in this series, one rural noir novella, and a collection of short comedic stories. The last one is written under the pen name Toby Nomad.
Description
“Syl’s in the house, so let the games begin!”
From abused child growing up in the low-cost housing projects of Atlanta, Georgia, to the women’s world boxing champion, Syl Felix has seen it all.
After suffering a humiliating defeat, at the hands of number one contender, German born Ivanna Franks, Syl returns to the place it all began, her Grandpa Cal’s home just outside of Valdosta, Georgia.
At a local diner, she bumps into her old love, Hank Washington. There, she realizes that all those old feelings she thought were buried are still very much alive.
After a rocky and wild start, the two become serious. Things are going well until a loving conversation reveals a secret–Syl gave birth to a baby girl, Hank’s baby, eighteen years ago and put her up for adoption without telling him. Determined that he not find out the truth behind the adoption, they get into their first serious fight. The fight is compounded by Syl being given to the opportunity to defend the belt again, as interim champion, as Ivanna’s work visa has expired.
Will the flames of despair devour Syl and Hank, or will they complete their Unfinished Business?
Book excerpt
The ring announcer tried to restore order, but it was no use. Energized by the enthusiasm coming from the audience, Syl continued strutting around the ring.
The chanting died down. Hushed murmurs rippled through the audience.
Commotion came from Syl’s corner. She turned her head.
The referee and a ring doctor were huddled around Gus. The doctor placed an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.
“No!” Tears ran down her face as she jumped out of the ring.
The ring doctor took Gus’ vitals, as two men loaded him onto a stretcher.
The referee went back to the ring.
She ran alongside the stretcher letting him clutch her glove.
He removed his oxygen mask.
“Mr. Bernaki,” the doctor tried to replace it, “you need to keep this on.”
“In a minute.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “Listen to me, girly. You get back in that ring and beat the hell out Ivanna Franks and Jerry Sims.” His face contorted in pain. “You do that for me.”
Her vision blurred from grief as she nodded.
“There ain’t no tears in boxin’.” Gus collapsed.
“Okay,” yelled the ring doc. “Time to go.”
The belt no longer mattered. Her plans didn’t matter. Gus was the important thing. He had to live!
Syl tried to follow, but the ring doctor held his hand up. “You do your job. We’ll do ours. I swear, if he gets any worse, I’ll stop the fight and take you to see him myself.”
She turned back just in time to see a commotion in the middle of the ring.
Eric and Jerry were arguing.
Jerry pointed toward the audience yelling something.
The referee sent Jerry back to Ivanna’s corner as Eric stormed out of the ring.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the referee started. “Syl’s coach, Gus Bernaki, has had what is believed to be a stroke. I regret to inform you that since she is unable to compete, Ivanna Franks wins by forfeiture.”
The audience booed and hissed. Beer cups were thrown into the ring.
“I’m here.” She ran down the aisle and slid under the ring ropes. In one fluid motion, she jumped to her feet. “Syl’s in the house, so let the games begin!”
The audience roared with excitement.
“No.” Jerry came back into the ring pounding his fist against the palm of his hand. “She has no corner man.”
“If you’re that worried about your girl.” Syl shook her head. “I don’t need one.”
Eric came back into the ring. “You’ve got one anyway.”…
…The words seemed so familiar. She vaguely remembered hearing them. Her heart was with Gus. His words resonated in her mind. “Kick her ass all the way back to Germany. You get back in that ring and beat the hell out of Ivanna Franks and Jerry Sims. You do that for me.”