The proposed redevelopment deal was suddenly far less attractive to the mall’s owners.

Miles Trent’s promotional agency lost its contract.

Derek’s athletic organization announced that his conduct would be reviewed.

And the complete video was finally released.

This time, the world saw everything.

The shove.

The punches.

The warnings.

The controlled throws.

The old man who had tried five separate times to end the confrontation without violence.

Public opinion changed dramatically.

But Arthur refused interview requests.

He didn’t want to appear on television.

He didn’t want to sign autographs.

He didn’t want to promote his former championship titles.

He wanted to return to the mall.

There were still three hundred and twenty-seven children waiting for Christmas.

Chapter 13: The Man Who Came Back Without a Camera

Two days before Christmas, Arthur returned to Northbridge Mall.

His shoulder still hurt.

His left knee was stiff.

The mall had arranged additional security around the Christmas display, and the charity volunteers were finally allowed to retrieve their supplies.

There was a great deal of work to do.

Boxes needed sorting.

Gift labels needed checking.

Winter coats needed distributing.

Food packages needed loading.

Arthur was standing beside a large rolling cart when someone called his name.

“Mr. Bell?”

He turned.

Derek Sloan stood several feet away.

He wasn’t wearing a designer training outfit.

No flashy watch.

No championship belt.

Just jeans, work boots, and a plain gray sweatshirt.

Arthur looked behind him.

“Where are your friends?”

“Not here.”

“Your cameras?”

Derek shook his head.

“Not here either.”

Arthur waited.

Derek pointed toward the boxes.

“I heard you needed help.”

Arthur studied him.

“Moving presents?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a lot less exciting than fighting.”

Derek gave a small smile.

“I know.”

Arthur nodded toward a stack of cardboard boxes.

“Those go on the cart.”

Derek rolled up his sleeves.

And started carrying them.

For three hours, the former regional champion worked without an audience.

He moved bicycles.

Loaded boxes of winter clothing.

Carried bags of groceries.

Helped an elderly volunteer reach packages stacked above her head.

When a little boy dropped a box of crayons, Derek knelt and gathered them from the floor.