There are shouts and voices and the door shudders as something is thrown against it on the other side. In a heartbeat, I scramble up and tense for whatever violence is coming my way. Right on cue, the door swings open and Big Ben comes stumbling towards me, his eyes wild with fear and rage. There is trouble written all over his face. I try to dodge him, but he is extraordinarily fast and strong. His terror and desperation propels him towards me like a tornado. With a roar that belies his fury and his fear, he lurches forward and grabs me by the throat. He drags me in front of him, using me as a human shield. I freeze, as the sharp blade of a knife presses against my neck. “Don't come any closer, or I'll slit her throat,” he bellows. There is a shadow at the door. The figure moves closer and I gasp, “Julian!” Behind him, I glimpse dark uniforms moving and guns being trained on us. Julian's eyes flick to me, and the anguish and anger immediately deepen on his face.
