The brief open area terminated in Chiswick High Road. Watters heard the buzz and spin of wheels and saw the glimmer of gas lamps; the short winter day had nearly ended, and the long darkness of night was already creeping in.
The sudden attack took him by surprise as Yellowford jumped on him from behind. Watters staggered under the weight and grunted when Yellowford's punch slammed him against the back of the cab. He had a glimpse of gritted teeth and tawdry gold jewellery as Yellowford drew back his fist, saw knuckles covered in massive rings and ducked. Shaken by the assault, Watters's retaliatory punch lacked conviction and merely bounced from Yellowford's forehead. Completely undirected, the cab slewed into the street, causing a butcher's dog cart to swerve out of its way and the butch
