“Just a guy paying his respects.” Mason said taking an experimental step away from them.
“You a coward too?”
He sensed the stick and ducked, but the movement sent him into Wade and the fist expertly aimed at his stomach. He swung out with his right hand to hit back, and missed, disoriented as he was spun around, and sent hurtling into one of the others.
“What are you waiting for!” Wade screamed and as Mason found his feet, he felt heat and pain exploding in his cheek as the stick landed solid and dropped him to the ground.
He pulled his pack close, determined to protect it even as he curled around it, trying to keep away from their feet and their makeshift weapons.
His fingers curled in the straps, held on even as they beat him, until he couldn"t feel his fingers any more.
Once they
