A/N: Set during The Illustrious Client.


Choke

It was getting harder to stay conscious. Struggling was futile, and I found myself regretting that I had not taken a cab. But then, the thugs would not have hesitated to waylay me at my very doorstep. Gruner was a determined man, unscrupulous.

The rascal who pressed his stick against my windpipe did not bother to let go as the other rammed his into my stomach. I was chocking, my vision blurring. He must have realised that I was no longer able to struggle, for he let go.

I slid to the ground, the final blow plunging me into darkness.