Ryan tried to roll away. Lee’s free hand darted out and grabbed a fistful of loose jersey, holding it tight.

“Hold out your hand, or you will lose an eye. That is another punishment from where I come from. A punishment for those who are too blind to see a good deal.” Lee barked a laugh.

Ryan flailed his hands trying to keep the blade away but fear made him avoid the blade.

“You Americans have no honor.” Lee spat.

“If you hurt me too badly, I won’t be able to help you anymore.” Ryan croaked.

“You think we are still partners? After you lost my money? No, you are what we would call a bad investment.”

“No! This-this- is an opportunity! Winning gets me closer to the championships.” Ryan pleaded.

“You stupid boy, I never wanted you in the championships.” Lee hissed.

“What?”

“Your story was supposed to end here. It still will, the ending will just be… different.”

Lee’s knife hand flashed twice, quicker than the eye could follow. Ryan screamed in pain as red began to seep from torn flesh to torn cloth.