Pipe Hit

One of the blows got through and slammed against Jake’s side. Pain exploded through him. He didn’t think it broke a rib, but it hurt like hell, that was for sure, and made him stumble. Both attackers surged forward to seize this momentary advantage.

Jake’s back bumped against something, stopping him. One of the trees in Nafziger Plaza, he realized. In a way, he was grateful for that. It protected his back, so one of the hooded men couldn’t circle and try to come at him from that direction.

And it meant that this was where he would make his stand. His lips drew back from his teeth in a grimace.

“Come on, you sons of bitches,” he said.

- Chapter 6