He looked around. The walls were brick, high, and had no windows, meaning no

witnesses. The alley was dark. There was no one else around. He had noted all

this while he was walking. “Did you hear me?” said the young man as he towered

over Rogers.

 

Rogers nodded, for he had indeed heard the man. “Well then, give me the cash and

the other stuff. You simple or what?” Rogers shook his head. For he was not

simple. And he was also not going to give up anything. “Suit yourself,” barked

the man. He lunged at Rogers and slashed with the blade.

 

Rogers partially blocked the thrust of the knife, but the blade still bit into

his arm. This slowed him down not even a little because he felt nothing. As the

blood soaked into his clothing he gripped the hand holding the knife and

squeezed.

 

The man dropped the knife. “Shit, shit!” he screamed. “Let go, let the fuck go!”

Rogers did not let go. The man fell to his knees, futilely trying to pry

Rogers’s fingers off him.

 

The woman watched all of this in stunned disbelief.

 

With his free hand Rogers slowly reached down, gripped the handle of the broken

bat, and held it up.