Chapter 227: Hunters, Part 10, Seven Years Ago

As the bell rings it is clear right from the start that Josh is the better fighter. His opponent is more heavily built, but bulky and slow moving with it. For every blow he lands on Josh, he receives three or four back, all well placed and scoring points. Unlike Jenny’s match, it runs the full distance, four rounds being a boy’s bout, but Josh wins it easily.

Jenny finds herself studying the match with a kind of professional interest, scrutinising the moves between the opponents, squirrelling away manoeuvres and techniques to try herself. Chad watches with a kind of fascination, all the while his gaze on Josh.

And as he is announced the winner, Josh grins down at them, pumping his fist in the air.

*****

As the event breaks up and the competitors, showered and changed, make their way out to cars and buses, Mrs Collier brushes imaginary lint from her jacket.