His head swam and flashes of light and shadow played behind his eyelids when he blinked. Whatever the poison was, he knew his end would be quick, but far from painless.

Crashing over a discarded grocery cart at the end of the wide alley, he spilled into the street shocking more than a few passers-by. He tried to call for help, for somebody to call 911 or the Poison Control Board or something, but his tongue had swollen up to the point that he could no longer speak.

Shadows encroached on the edge of his vision, and he managed to pull himself to his feet. Somewhere nearby was the rev of a highly-tuned engine and the squeal of tires on pavement. Something fast and shiny appeared next to him on the street, and a door swung up and forward like the wing of a bird.

“Come with me if you want to live,” said a woman’s voice from inside the car.

Without thinking, he lunged forward and threw himself into the vehicle. The door swung shut and he was thrown back into his seat as the Bugatti sped away.