Page 71 of Burning Secrets

The dogs had alerted, barking. Sarge nipped at Jer. He kicked at the dog, who landed on his snout, and Sarge yelped, then rounded, snarling.

Jer got up, and Sarge nipped at him again. “Stupid dog.” He swung at the dog, missed him. Landed on his knees.

And Crew should have kept his eye on Viper. He knew better, really—the punch hit him so hard it spun him around and landed him on the ground, hands and knees.

He rolled before Viper could land his kick, sprang to his feet.

His head swam, blood dripped from his mouth. But he found his stance.

Remember, balance is key. Hands up, protect that chin.

He held up his fists, eyes on Viper.

The man danced back, almost grinning. Crew spotted a few of the other SORs leaving the fire, gathering in.

“C’mon, Viper, you can do better than that!”

Viper smiled, advanced.

Throw a jab, then bob. Throw a cross, then weave. Make it smooth. Don’t telegraph your punches.

Viper sent out a fist, and Crew ducked, then landed a jab on his chin.

The man was steel. He barely moved, shook it off. Got a fist into Crew’s ribs.

Crew rolled away, blew it off, and rounded, ducking the cross. Found purchase in the belly of the bear.

A small umph.

Remember, it’s as much about when you hit as it is about how hard you hit.

Oops, he’d gotten in too close. Viper grabbed his shirt and sent his knee into his chin.

Crew jerked back, fell onto his backside, blinking away darkness. But he kept moving, rolling, finding his feet.

Every good defense sets up your offense. You have to think like a chess player—always two steps ahead.

Yeah, well, from his recollection, he’d never beaten the old man at chess.

Viper stood, spat, not even bloodied. “This is going to be fun, kid. Real fun.”

Crew dripped blood from his mouth, his entire body on fire.

His only move was buying time.

Because no way, no how, was he going to come out of this alive.

Hurry, Tristan.

TWELVE

Sparks had landedon the roof. Some of them even caught fire, and JoJo had debated swatting them out, but that would only attract attention.

So maybe she hadn’t heard God correctly about climbing onto the roof.

But that was before Crew walked back into the yard.

JoJo lay, unable to move, a scream blocking her breathing as she watched Crew stand back up.

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