Wood splattered the six gangsters playing poker at a scarred table. Smoke filled the room with a stinking, death-ridden odor. One of the six managed to shout, “What the hell happened?” while the others coughed up saliva and vomit. A blood curdling laugh chilled their bones and caused fear to chisel itself to their faces as they saw in the shattered doorway a menacing figure attired in black. “I heard you were looking for The Apparition.” The hooded figure’s voice was a terrifying rumble, deep and deadly. “I’m here at your request.” Five of the men’s eyes reflected terror that can be seen when death smiles at them. They huddled in the room’s dingy left corner like trapped rats. A sixth man steeled his spine and stepped forward. Anger bravely etched his face and deepened the three inch scar on his left cheek. He motioned to it. “The name’s Duke. You did this to me. Thought I was dead, didn’t you?
