I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. My back could feel the softness of a mattress, but I couldn't move my head to see. I knew my hands were no longer tied, but if I tried to move an inch, my body seethed in pain. Clearly they had beaten me. I knew I was still in the hotel. I recognized the ceiling. This was my last chanceof staying alive. I thought back and I wished I had answered the ringing phone when I knew it was Ned. I wouldn't be in this situation or he'd be on his way over. As it stood now, he probably wouldn't come back at all. I was scared.

I shut my eyes. BLACKNESS.

"He's here." I wasn't sure if I was hearing this in a dream or what.

"Who?"

"That queer detective."

I knew then it was Friday and Gannon. Gannon's voice echoed from one side of the room to the other as he panicked and paced.

"So what?"

Gannon's breath was fast and shallow. "If he sees Mike's gone, he's going to go look for him."

"Let him." Friday was confident.

"What are you nuts?"

"As a matter of fact, why don't we go find him? Get him before he gets us."

I heard the knock along with Friday and Gannon.

"Who's that?"

"Hey, chill out!" Friday sighed. "Get the door."

I leaned my head up and watched as Friday pulled his gun and stood behind my door, Gannon went to answer the door in the other room.

"Yes sir, I have your order." I recognized the voice. The bell man, Andrew.

"I didn't order anything."

"It was a woman." He looked at the ticket,"Prudence." I knew something was up.

"Come on in." Gannon ushered him in.

"GET DOWN." I saw Andrew fall to the floor. Ned jumped in with his weapon pulled, "Hold it!" I had no idea Ned had it in him. I saw Gannon hold still.

I wanted to yell,"Watch out!" But nothing came. Finally a moan released from my throat. Ned pointed Gannon to head towards the bedroom.

"Stop," I thought,"He's behind the door." But nothing came out.

I watched as Ned entered the room and Friday knocked him unconscious. Gannon ran back in the other room, slammed the door shut before Andrew could get out, and pulled him into where Friday stood above Ned's body.

Andrew was scared. "I didn't know. I was just bringing an order, see." He held up the ticket.

"I don't give a fuck." Friday looked at me and saw my eyes open. He walked over to me again raising the butt of his gun. I knew another strike...well...I wouldn't wake up again, but right before he could swing his arm down I heard a shot, close distance. Friday fell, landing across me. I still couldn't move.

"If you move Gannon, I'll shoot you, too, I swear." I couldn't see past Friday's greasy hair, but since I didn't hear another shot, I figured Gannon stood still.

But the voice I heard was clear. It was Prudence. Prudence.