Several things happened simultaneously. Matt smashed into the guy’s legs and an explosion of melting glass and damp fire erupted four feet away. The hooded figure fell close to his right side and Matt felt a unique sensation along his other side—a torturous burn ignited under a canopy of rain. The half-spent drops of acid had bounced from the mirror and raped his flesh. He did not know how badly he had been hurt; he would have to worry about it later. His position was awkward—it was difficult to turn over and rise. Already the guy was back on his feet. From his position on the floor, Matt was trying to estimate the guy’s height when he caught the tip of a boot on his jaw. A friendly kick in the face. Matt saw red; blood swelled over his chin. The guy tried to kick him again.

Matt grabbed the guy’s boot and twisted. His assailant screamed and staggered to the side. Matt jumped up quick. Off to his left the mirror melted into a puddle of soggy ash. Smoke rose from the ruined wood. The stink was oppressive, possibly fatal. Matt feared to breathe, but the guy had regained his balance and needed attention. Matt kicked him hard in the balls. The guy grabbed his jewels, but did not double up as much as Matt would have preferred. It was only then Matt realized the guy had on gloves. No doubt special gloves that could weather corrosion. The guy reached over and grabbed the contaminated chest of drawers and toppled it toward the floor. Matt had no choice but to leap back. The room was not large. He ended up tripping onto the bed, on top of Amy.

The stumble was enough. The guy ran out of the room.

Matt stood to go after him. Then Jimmy cried and he changed his mind.

The following minutes were almost as crazy as the previous ones. Using his Swiss Army knife, he cut Amy’s binds and tore the tape off her mouth. He tried to hug her to reassure her but she pushed him away and grabbed Jimmy. She huddled in the corner of their son’s bed. When he tried to touch her, she recoiled. Her eyes were swollen; her breath came in hysterical gasps. With the fumes from the acid, he wanted to get her and Jimmy out of the room. He tried telling her of the danger but she stared at him like he was Jack the Ripper. In the end, the best he could do was ventilate the room by opening all the windows and turning on the fan. He tried to prop open the door and she shrieked. It broke his heart to see her trembling like that.