knifeslashed the shin ofthelegof theman.Hetumbled down,clutchinghis legs.Anothermanbehind himwasa tad fasterthan theprevious one, though.He quickly grabbed my free hand but the oneholding theknife sliced through hisbiceps,drawinglittleblood. But I didn't get one more chance at escape. Thethirdman clutched thewristofmyknife-hand in adeath-grip and twisted it sopainfullythat theweapon slipped away.Hewasted no time in kickingtheknife away across theroom andfar awayfrommy eyesight even. AndnowIwas absolutelypowerless and defenseless. "Getmy brother,now!he gritted at the man who was bleeding from his biceps. My captive's attention snapped backtome aswrithed andstruggled toget away from his clutch.It wasimpossible-likeI was trying tomove some mountain.He towered overme,glaringmewith hispiercingblue eyesasI thrashed at his armwith myfree hand.Andwhen it was established that I was nomatch to his strength,I stopped. Breathing hard,mykneesgaveawayand dizzinesskickedme down.Forget food,Icouldn'tevenrememberthelast timeIhad drankaglassof clean water.Cold and thirstparchedmymouthinside out.Whateverlittleenergy I hadsailed awaywhen the adrenalinekicked in and I lost thefight. "Dominic,what happened?”Another toweringfigure ofmuscleswalked in with ablackleatherjacketasIglanced through myeyelashes. "Wehavea tiny problemhere,Viktor,themanwhogrippedmywristinone hand and whose name was Dominic,Isupposed,said coolly. Viktor,theblackleatherjacketguystrolledalittlecloserandsparedmea look.Whatis this?"he asked in disgust,almostignoringthefactthat I was a humanbeingand notmerea bagof flesh. "Little thief,Dominicmuttered,lettinggo of mywrist.Shewasfound stealingour drugsfrom thesouthernwarehouse." Imentally snorted.Hesaid'ourdrugsasif itwassomelegitimatething.IfI was a criminal,hewas too.Except hewas a better one.