Chapter 39

HOPE

The man on the table began sobbing.  His arms were so spread out and held taunt that he couldn’t draw a full breath, so his sobs were mewing noises.  I focused on my breathing, keeping a close eye on Vinnie and his knife.

Nicco resumed the conversation. 

“So, George, at this point we generally cut off a finger.  I’ve found that to be the most effective.  You lose a finger, but you can still work and do what you need to do to make the money that you pay me.  You may need a few modifications, of course, and typing the A on a keyboard just got harder, but, generally, it just serves as a reminder.  A painful one, but a reminder.”

The mewing noises didn’t stop.  The man wasn’t able to control his terror.  I watched a pool of urine begin to spread and drip off the table.

Nicco continued.  “Back in my grandfather&rs