Ever Stood a Chance

"These visits are getting more and more frequent, Jonathan," Winston stated, looking up at John from over his glasses, his head tilted just so. "One would think you were back."

John gave a small smile. "Just looking for some information, Winston."

"About your new friend?"

"You know?"

"Not much slips through my net, Jonathan. Just as I know she asked you to help take on a small sect of Fraternity that have shown up in the city."

John nodded slowly, his eyes not moving from Winston's. "Then you know I declined."

Winston interlocked his fingers as he leaned his forearms on the table. "And yet here you are asking for information."

He had him. Winston had always been able to read him. Went with the job, John supposed, and the reason he was so high up and well respected.

"I think that even though you declined Thompkins' offer of staging warfare, some part of you had some desire to help her. I'm sure you grew fond of Mr. Gibson and don't want to see harm come to him."

"It's the Fraternity, Winston."

"And with a Fraternity trained partner at your side, I am sure you would be fine."

John nodded and stood. With a simple thanks, he made his way out of the booth.

"Oh, and Jonathan?"

"Yes?" he replied, stopping, his back still to Winston.

"I would hurry. Word is, a group of Fraternity followed Ms. Thompkins to her hotel room. They have not been seen leaving."


The punches were constant; the pain never ending. He knew they were going easy on him. They wanted him to suffer for every death he'd dealt. He knew they wanted him to suffer for every loss they'd had.

They were going to be at it for a while.

He'd killed a lot of them.

A laugh burst from swollen lips, bloody spittle flying out.

The blows paused for a moment as if trying to figure out what could possibly be funny in the situation, but then resumed.

He laughed again, looking up at his assailant with his one good eye. "You'll have to do better than this," he sputtered.

The next punch knocked him and the chair over. At least they were up for the challenge.