“Stop right here,” said Montauk. He pulled from a pouch a long thin strip of fabric. Holding it up, he pushed it toward Liam’s face. Liam pulled away. “What do you think you’re doing?” “What does it look like I’m doing?” replied Montauk. “I’m blindfolding you.” “Montauk, what’s with you? I’ve been a loyal member of the Awl since its inception. You know this. You were there.” Montauk nodded to the other men. Each grabbed one of Liam’s arms. “Yes, Liam, I know how long you’ve been around. Frankly, that’s what surprises me so much about your betrayal.” Liam struggled only slightly as the other men held him in place. “Betrayal? What betrayal?” “That’s what we’re going to find out,” replied Montauk. “Now play along, or I’ll be forced to hurt you.” He held up the blindfold again. His arms pinned to his sides, Liam let Montauk place the fabric against his skin. He felt the knot press against the back of his head, grabbing at his hair as it cinched tight.
