She hit the gym hard, not properly stretching because she didn’t have the patience for it. She started with the weights, heavier, more reps, pushing her body more and when she couldn’t do that she turned to cardio. She punched the bag hard, kicked, her rage was pumping in her like blood through her veins.

It wasn’t just the failure of the operation, it wasn’t just those people who had gone in there, who were more than likely dead or at least severely injured because that was bad enough but it was that photo. That snapshot. That someone had been there, watching her, recording that moment like a fucking keepsake. She slammed her fist into the bag again half snarling as she did it.

“Wanna talk about it?” Cole said behind her and she turned so quickly he thought she might actually punch him then.

“What do you want?” She said. He looked at her, her chest was heaving, her face was flushed from more than just the physical exercise. She was full animal now, he could see it, fully wild, fully dangerous. He looked her up and down again as if assessing her and she narrowed her eyes.

What was he after she thought? Was he after sex? Right now? Was that it? Did her anger, did her reaction turn him on? She shook her head slightly, half wanting to lash out at him, to tell him, to show him that she was more than just his god damn plaything.

“You said they wanted you to know Maddie. What is it? What is it they want you to know?” He asked.

She gritted her teeth and turned punching the bag again.

“It’s not relevant to this case.” She said after landing the punch.

Cole grabbed her then, wrenching her round and she half swung at him but he blocked it.

“It is fucking relevant and you know it.” He snapped as she tried to get free.

“Fuck off Cole.” She snapped.

“Not until you tell me.” He stated.

She shook her head. People were watching them she realised, half the gym was watching.

“Whatever it is, this is exactly why they picked you, why you’re involved.” He said.

“There’s nothing there.” She replied but even she could hear the lie in her voice.

He sighed letting her go and stepping back.

“Brandon’s called a post op briefing.” Becky said appearing between them and they both looked at her and then back at each other.

Maddie nodded and moved to follow her but Cole grabbed her arm again.

“Whatever it is you can trust me.” He said quietly and she wrenched her arm free.

“It’s nothing.” She stated and then she walked out.