CHAPTER 17

When Francois Turmont hits Dante the first time, he’s not quick enough to avoid his fist. The bald man’s hand is covered with a knuckle-duster and hits him in the small of his back. Dante falls on his knees for the millionth time tonight and I turn my head to Carmen. She’s covering her mouth with both of her handcuffed hands and his eyes are enormous.

Everything seems to move in slow motion and without a single sound. Dante falling on his knees, squeezing his eyes shut and gritting his teeth in pain. Closing his fists uselessly, ‘cause his hands are tied and resting into his lap.

Then Turmont grabs him. He grabs his hair, forcing him to get up. Dante raises his arms abruptly, hitting him on his elbow, and Turmont lets go of him with a low moan of protest and pain. His arm vibrates in the air like he’s being electrified.

He runs his right head on his shaven head and then loads another fist. Dante is still trying to catch his breath and this fight is so unequal.

“Dante, attento!” [“Dante, look out!”], Cassandra yells to his husband and Dante’s eyes half-open in an apparently drowsy way. But he charges Turmont before he can hit him again. Dante bends down and strikes him with his shoulder, right in his stomach. Like a bull would do with his bullfighter.

For a few seconds, they collide and nobody of them moves. The French clasps his hands together and tries to hit Dante in the back, but Dante is faster, maybe even stronger, and pushes him until he falls on his back.

”I’ve been around this world, Yet I see no end.
All shall fade to black again and again.
This storm that’s broken me, my only friend.
In this river all shall fade to black
In this river ain’t no coming back
In this river all shall fade to black
Ain’t no coming back…”

“Hey, matador”, he says breathlessly and then stomps his heavy boot on Turmont’s knee. The French yells in pain and suddenly there’s the shining reflection of a blade in the pale light of the room. He has a flick knife and is about to use it on one of the best friends I’ve ever had – now I know that. A guy who’s risking his life for us all.