Parker Frances felt the agonizing throbbing in his groin gradually recede into a dull, pulsing ache. He looked at the three local toughs flanking him—men who made their living through broken knuckles and intimidation—and a cruel, jagged smile spread across his face. He felt the familiar surge of confidence that came from having muscle at his back, a sensation he had missed for the brief few minutes he had been doubled over in pain.
"Allen Morgan," Parker spat, his eyes narrowing as he adjusted his expensive designer jacket. "I don't think you fully grasp the gravity of your situation. My associates here aren't exactly known for their restraint. If you don't do exactly what I said, the consequences won't just be 'unpleasant'—they’ll be surgical. I’ll make sure you spend the next few months
