Good youre awake

Was I sleeping? Where am I?

Joseph Sigalov. Why does that name sound familiar?

Images drifted before my eyes, as if a blur. Then the screaming, who is screaming? Me? The light drifted away again as the dreams overtake me.

***The Past: Still One Month Ago***

Dont worry this one is on me.

That voice behind her stopped MJ cold. Her drink forgotten, MJ turned around. And there she was, everything that MJ had hoped for and had only allowed herself to dream of. Alyona?

Im glad that you still remember my name.

Aly, Iuh, I cant believe that you are here. I have wanted to call you so many times.

Let me guess, you chicken out? Aly couldnt hide the bitterness from her voice.

Its not like that, well sorta, but Of all time why do I have to be drunk?

Hey dont sweat it. Aly shrugged nonchalantly.

As if on cue, Hey are you ready to go? Aly turned to the girl with her arm grabbed around her narrow waist, Yeah lets get outta here.

MJ watched, stunned as the love of her life walked away from her in the arms of another woman. Hurt beyond belief, she down her drink and was about to order another.

Are you okay?

Dazed, MJ looked up and tried to focus on Shane. Yeah, Im fine.

Sure, you are. Shane took hold of MJ by the arm and led her out of the club, nodding to Lindsay on the way.

Out in the night, Im going to take you home.

No, MJ protested. I dont want to be alone tonight. Stay with me Shane?

She looked deep into Shanes eyes and leaned in.

***The Present Revisited***

Good you are awake. Im anxious to get this over with. Put her on the chair.

I tried to fight them off but it was hopeless.

Two hands anchored me down. You stole from me you *****. See this hammer here, every time that you do not tell me what I want, I will smash one of your toe. So lets start. Where is my money?

I have no idea what the ***** you are talking about, I tried to convince him. I need to buy more time. However as I looked over toward the bleeding form on the floor half in shadows, I knew that time was a luxury that I did not have. The question was whether I care enough.

He just shook his head. Thats a mistake. I will teach you to mess with Joseph Sigalov. He nodded his head and one of his goons stepped forward with the hammer.

I used what was left of my energy to shrug off the deathly grip on my shoulder. But I could only watch as the hammer descended in one smooth motion. The mind-numbing pain paralyzed my entire body as I heard my own scream ricocheted around my head.