Bill glanced down at his belly, then back up. He let out a small chuckle, then aimed the gun at my chest. He pulled the trigger.

There was a soft click.

The gun misfired.

Bill’s face fell. He pulled the trigger twice more, but nothing happened. He tossed the gun to the ground and leaned down and picked up the knife.

I took two steps toward him and began to circle to my right. He held the knife at arm’s length and shoulder level. He was preparing for me to rush him, which in normal circumstances, I might have. Even with a knife, the aging, flabby CEO was no match for me. But in my current state, I couldn’t rely on my strength and quickness to wrench the knife away.

I continued to circle, slowly making my way backward as I did so.

Bill’s eyes widened as he realized my play.

The spears.

There were twenty of them sticking from the ground in the center of the village, which was now just feet behind me.

I reached back and pulled a spear from the ground. It was heavier than I expected, but that was likely a consequence of the dengue and my fatigue.

Bill glanced over his shoulder. He was considering making a run for it, but we both knew he wouldn’t get far. Still, he distanced himself, retreating several steps. He was now fifteen feet away from me.

“Juan!” he shouted. “Mico! Artibal!”

I had no idea how far away the soldiers were, but it was only a matter of time before they returned.

I pulled my arm back and threw the spear at him. Bill dodged to the left and the spear sailed seven feet to his right.

I pulled out a second spear.

Bill took a few measured steps backward, then cupped his left hand around his mouth and again screamed for the soldiers.

I flung the spear at him with a grunt. It kicked up dirt three feet in front of Bill.

The balding CEO snickered.

I attempted to pull a third spear out of the earth, but it wouldn’t budge. I was weary from exertion and mumbled, “What are you, Excalibur?”

I moved to the next spear and after two long sucking breaths, I pulled it out. I thought about chucking it at Bill, but I only had so much energy left.

I held the seven-foot spear near the butt end with both hands and took three steps toward Bill.

Again, he glanced over his shoulder, but if he turned to run, it would be suicide. Even in my weakened state, I would catch him in six strides.

I ran forward and I swung the spear like a baseball bat. It hit Bill in the left shoulder with a crack.

He let out a loud groan.