Page 185 of Fractured Future

“We are too,” Warner emphasises. “But Perez wasn’t our last shot at Gael. We’re still identifying the bodies that washed up. And we have those potential locations for Gael’s estate too.”

I strap on the boxing gloves then bounce on my bare feet. To my delight, he accepts the silent invitation to join me in the ring.

The thought of sparring with Warner provides enough distraction from the disaster we just watched unfold. We haven’t fought yet. Though I’ve thought about what it would be like to face him many times.

“Fighting instead of feeling isn’t the answer,” he proclaims in a clipped tone.

“You want to talk?” I raise an eyebrow. “Let’s discuss that kiss in the hospital.”

Warner smashes his lips shut.

“Yeah… I didn’t think so.”

Advancing into his bubble, I make the first move. My gloved hand slams into his side, landing a fast blow. Warner twists hisframe to pivot, allowing him to deliver his own strike to my ribcage.

Teeth gritted, I duck his next attempt by swinging myself low then throwing a fist up to catch his jaw. Warner anticipates the move, shifting sideways to avoid my punch.

The failed strike only stokes my inner fire. Irritation spikes through the ceaseless well of rage that’s kept me going this long. I can’t hit Gael. I can’t hit Luis. But I can hit him.

“Em,” Warner pleads.

“Shut up and fight me.”

“No!”

“Fine. Then I’ll make you.”

Focusing my mind, I launch another attack. This time, the roundhouse kick I deliver to his midsection lands perfectly, allowing me to flash forward and follow up with a powerful punch to the face.

Warner skids backwards, massaging the red blotches appearing on his cheek. Perhaps I should feel guilty. He came down here with some false hope of helping, and instead, I’m going to beat his ass.

Oh well.

He seems to snap, beginning to fight back. We parry back and forth, trading light blows. While he manages to land a few shots, I can tell he’s letting me off easy.

“You’re right!” he attempts to break through to me. “As much as I hate it… We need to give serious thought to cooperating with Madden.”

“You hate Blaine.”

“More than life itself.” He ducks my next swing. “That doesn’t mean we can’t use him.”

Rolling back my shoulders, I puzzle out his weirdly expectant expression. Hyland’s reticence makes sense. No oneunderstands Axel’s brain or motivations. But I didn’t expect this from Warner.

“Why the change of heart?”

He tries to inch closer to me. “Something has to give.”

Foot connecting with his ribcage, I attempt to follow the kick with another strike, but he grabs my ankle. I’m pushed backwards, almost losing my balance.

“If working with our enemy will bring you the peace you need faster, then that’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

“And when Gael is gone?” I puff for breath. “Once Blaine’s father is apprehended? What happens to him?”

“That’s for me and the directors to discuss. Any cooperation would be legally binding.”

Body flexing, I escape the blow he attempts to deliver. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t expect Madden to help us for free; it will be a quid-pro-quo situation.”