Alex's muttering was stopped cold by a vicious slap across her face. Her head flew back, and she nearly cried out when her teeth met the edge of her lip. Alex tasted blood in her mouth. "Shut up!" the white one hissed.
"Vincent," the black one motioned him over and whispered something in his ear.
God, please protect me. Don't let me die.
The one called Vincent bent down before her and glared at her. Alex stared right back, holding his gaze. Show him you're not afraid.
The other one moved around behind her and untied her. He roughly pulled her to her feet and held her in front of him.
"Where is Andreas?" Vincent asked as he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.
Alex shook her head, still in a fog from the slap. "I don't know," she mumbled.
Vincent shook his head and gave a mirthless smile. The smile disappeared as he pulled his fist back and brought it forward with all his strength.
Alex screamed as it connected with her stomach. She felt one of her ribs break, and she slumped forward in the black man's arms. He hauled her to her feet.
"Now, where is Andreas?"
Alex whimpered and tried to focus through the pain. The room swam before her eyes. "I don't know," she whispered.
Vincent nodded to the black man, and he released her. Alex sank to the floor, clutching her broken ribs. Oh, man. Her breath came in ragged gasps.
The two men bent over her. The black man reeled back and punched her in the chest. Alex screamed again.
Vincent cuffed her in the face. Alex sobbed, tears mingling with her blood. He battered her over and over in the face, chest, and stomach.
The Lord is my shepherd. Vincent's fist connected with her stomach.
I shall not be in want. The other one's connected with her broken ribs.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. Vincent's fist struck her face again. Alex felt some of her teeth go.
He leads me beside quiet waters. The other one hit her mouth. Alex attempted to spit out some of the blood.
He restores my soul; he guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Vincent hit her in the kidneys. Alex tried to curl into the fetal position, but Vincent grabbed her feet and the other one sat on her legs.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Vincent's fist battered her broken ribs again. Alex gasped in pain.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Vincent's fist connected with her face again, and Alex sank into blissful unconsciousness.