Ppfth. Ppfth, PPFTH, ppfh.
Hector slammed his fists into the punching bag. Bloodshot eyes rimmed with gray. He looked weary, like a man who needed rest and peace of mind.
Jack entered the room and watched. “You need sleep.”
“I need answers.”
“How ‘bout some competition?”
Jack grabbed a pair of sparring gloves from the rack. Tossing Hector a helmet, he donned his own and stepped into the ring.
“What kind of answers?” asked Jack.
Strapping his gloves down, Hector hopped around the ring. “What are they up to? Why are we so helpless? Why don’t you have your guard up?”
Hector darted in, throwing two jabs. Jack ducked back and away.
“A little less conversation, huh?”
Three more heavy blows came in. Jack deflected each and watched for Hector’s next move. He came in hard again, but wild. Jack dodged, waited for the barrage to stop, and then pounced. Two quick jabs landed on Hector’s torso.
Five minutes later. Both men were dripping sweat and sucking air. Hector grew more aggressive with each attack.
“Those were pretty heavy, bro,” said Jack, backing off. “Maybe we should–”
“Too much for you?” asked Hector. He charged, throwing two cheap shots before a sweeping roundhouse kick. Jack trapped the kick under his arm and pushed Hector to the mat. As Hector fell Jack landed a swift kick to his ribs.
Hector grabbed his side. Jack tore off his gloves and tossed his helmet aside.
“That’s it. I’m done. You’re all over the place! I’ve never beat you before. Not once! But now you’re outta control, you’re sloppy…what’s the deal?”
“Forget it. Just leave me alone.”
“This about that bounty hunter?”
“My sister wouldn’t work for them! They killed our parents. I need to get to her before it’s too late! Taylor doesn’t understand. She’s the key to all this!”
“Hector–”
He stormed out of the room. Jack’s eyes narrowed.
