Page 153 of Fractured Future

“Though she’s probably dead and gone by now!”

“I’m going to kill you!” I screech back.

“Come and try, whore!”

Towering weeds and shrubbery cut me as I tear through the wilderness, keeping the warehouse on my left. The thick overgrowth thins out a little ahead, revealing what looks like an outdoor smoking area.

Hunched over as he pants for air, Diego watches me emerge into the evening din. The sounds of the fight unfolding behind us have lessened, enveloping our showdown in anticipatory silence.

The entire world is wavering now as alarm bells howl through every sense. Head-splitting pain has grown into a raging firestorm that feels strong enough to break bone.

Not now. Not now.

Diego is mere steps away from me. The man who helped to ensure my suffering is within touching distance, and I refuse to let him walk away free.

“You know, I heard rumours about what Gael turned you into.” He straightens, still smiling like a lunatic. “But I didn’t quite believe it.”

“You sold me!”

“We saved you.” He snorts.

“This isn’t what being saved looks like.”

“You think anyone else would’ve given you the chance to fight? To avoid your tight little cunt being passed around like an ashtray? You should be glad we let Gael take you.”

“Is that what happened to Gracie?” I roar back.

His laughter causes my rage to expand until I think I might burst into icy, hate-filled chunks. All I can hear, see or conceive of is his disgusting chuckling.

“You know, I don’t even remember who bought the screaming virgin.” He winks at me like this is all a big joke. “I have no idea where she is now.”

The sight of his smarmy grin is broken by flashes of light streaking across my vision. Rapidly spreading spots erupt like neon fireworks painted onto my eyeballs.

Wobbling on my feet, I quickly draw my gun while I can still use it. “I don’t believe you!”

“It’s the truth, 768. She could be anywhere. Dead. Alive. I don’t know or care.”

Terror seeps into my bones and joints, weakening my stance further. My knees are sagging, promising to take me down. Clicking off the safety, I shakily aim my pistol at him.

“Last chance. Tell me the truth.”

He doesn’t even flinch.

“She’s gone. You’ll never find her.”

“You’re lying!”

“I’m not.” He chuckles darkly. “But that doesn’t matter. We’re here for you. I’m going to enjoy the reward Gael will pay for the return of his precious champion.”

With a feral scream, I fire off a shot. The bullet soars straight past Diego without making an impact, thrown off course by the continued jerking of my failing limbs.

“I’m here, 768!” He waves his arms, taunting me.

“Goddamn you!”

Another two quick shots fail to take the son of a bitch down. I want to attempt a fourth, but somewhere internally, a plug is yanked out. All of my waning energy instantly drains away. The gun falls from my unresponsive hands.

My spasming legs quickly give out. Knees cracking against the old pavement, an anguished shriek lodges in my throat, cut short by my clenching muscles. Everything pulls taut and stiff.