The Serpent's Kiss

98

Cursing his bad leg, Derek moved across the catwalk as fast as he could. On the other side of the catwalk, a vast gulf between them, he saw Jill emerge on the other side of the arena.

The two men — Kevin Matsumoto and Michael Church — were battling. Matsumoto shoved Michael. Michael bounced off the railing, lost his balance and fell to the catwalk. For a moment of horror, it looked like Michael would roll right off. His legs swung out into space.

“No!” Derek screamed, pushing himself to move faster.

Michael caught his fingers in the catwalk’s mesh and levered himself back onto the grid, rolling in a smooth, graceful motion onto his feet. With leopard-like fluidity he leapt after Matsumoto, who was rushing toward the remote control.

Derek was closing in when Matsumoto turned his back on him, facing Michael. He raised his right hand and sprayed mist directly into Michael’s face.

Derek saw Michael freeze, his hands raising in a defensive motion in front of him, gasping loudly, then clutching at his chest.

Derek was almost to the remote control. He bent to pick it up and Matsumoto whirled toward him and rushed forward, shoulder down.

Derek, off-balance, swung his crutch in a hard arc, catching Matsumoto in the leg, knocking him off balance.

Matsumoto stumbled over the remote control. It skittered away, behind Derek.

Matsumoto swung his arm wildly. “Get out of my way!”

Derek swung the crutch, again catching Matsumoto in the knee. With a howl, Matsumoto dropped to the metal walkway, clutching his leg. From his crouched position Matsumoto glared up at him. As if spring-loaded, Matsumoto launched himself toward Derek.

Derek braced himself.

But it was a feint.

Matsumoto’s right hand came up.

Derek felt a spray of liquid into his face and tried to hold his breath. He hoped the atomizer was almost empty from being used on Michael. He exhaled sharply, rubbed his face with his sleeve, anything to minimize his exposure. Too late. His vision dimmed. His lungs seized up.

He tried to reach Matsumoto, tried to get one last grip on The Serpent before he passed out… before he died…

But…

Derek slumped to the metal catwalk, struggling to breathe.