rack suddenly

ore collapsing onto the deck. A dark blo

ho's t

angled in their throats. Panic rippled through

eek, luxurious vessel slid into place, cutting a

fumbling with belts and weapons

the crest emblazoned across the opposing vessel's hull.

lood from hardened killers. In Anbugow, the Wil

head, was a leg

a storm of blood, leaving Anbugow trembling in the aft

ess. He was a madman. An inhuman

g under strain. "Put the guns away! Follow me!

figure emerged onto the d

ly on the woman on the de

ing himself into a servile bow. "Mr. Willis-didn't see you there.

ong his temple; his leg

a long way." Dylan's voice was

-fingered hand, the same gun that

ned; he swallowed hard

o something careful. "We've got a fine catch tonight,

nt metronome. When he spoke, his words were quiet and absolute-"If

hen. He knew Dylan

ray one of the captives w

e corner, like a rag doll

ld swam in a crimson haze as bloo

from below deck as the men

on swelled

em all with surgi

ked, tone flat. The leader's legs fol

lis-please-" he begg

ngle, cold command-"Th

t reserves of composure shattered, desperat

know what?

he drew a pistol from

ment-the leader lunging, gun in hand. Her heart stopped. Sh

sprawled on the deck was not Dylan.

n wide, fixed on her with a lifel

ved, not a hai

A scream ripped from her thro

his head at last. His eyes, dar

ft. A lamb who slippe

h an almost curious tilt of the he

body tr

clearly now, and recognition stabbed th

nto fists. "Yes, I want to live. Sir... co

ople." Dylan's voice was ice. "What do

opened, but n

in place. "Besides... do you rea

face. The last glimmer of

, a faint sound in the quiet. "I need

do everything. Anything I don't know, I'll

the offer lik

e take back her future. Only b

d torn, somethin

ality the other captives

Then he turned his chair slightly, his voice