“Did he have a name?”
“Jumball. It means fortress. It was fitting I thought.”
“Red Army. It was the only common ground we found. When he saw how useless I was he took me in hand. My, that man could do some tricks. There was a lull. And we practiced everyday of that break. Every hour. He crucified me. There wasn’t a muscle that didn’t hurt and a piece of my flesh that wasn’t bruised. And all he would say was. ‘Rise above.’ That was his only English taught to him by some sadistic comedian no doubt.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Maybe I wanted to surprise you. Or perhaps I wanted to see what you had to offer first.”
“Have you used it in anger?”
“I did today, didn’t I?”
“I meant someone that was capable and sober.”
“A few times, oui.”
“Did it save your neck?”
“Oui.”
“Will you teach me
