At his signal, a pack of faces surged in from outside, relatives, allies of Shannon’s clan. They moved with the certainty of people who’d rehearsed violence. There was no escape.
Shannon’s voice sharpened. “You nearly went blind and lost an ear then, but still didn’t learn a thing? One more minute. If you don’t pay, I’ll make you truly blind and deaf today. Then I’ll call it self-defense.”
I backed into a corner. Their shadows pressed in from both sides. The minute ran out. Shannon gave the order like a verdict. “Beat him.”
They lunged and for a heartbeat, the room exploded in motion. Then, at the sight of me, the attackers froze. Where fury had burned a moment before, terror now flickered in their eyes.
I opened my mouth and spat out a wet piece of flesh. “I’ll commit suicide,” I said, voice low and hollow. “And, I’ll drag you all into hell with me.”
I moved like a man who had nothing left to lose. Two of them hit the floor beneath my hands, helpless and groaning.
From my pocket, I produced a small mechanical key and I slammed it into Henry’s eye. He screamed; blood poured hot and bright from the wound. He staggered, faltering, life draining fast.