Rachel took a few faltering steps back. The men strode in, one of them shutting the door. I heard the click of the lock being turned.

"Hello, Rachel," the first man said. His voice was high-pitched, and it fairly quavered when he spoke. From excitement, it seemed. "Miss me?"

He had to be Yuri. He fit Rachel's description perfectly—average height and unimposing build, pale complexion, forgettable features, short black hair receding at the temples. The only thing threatening about him was his grin. Wide, almost manic with excitement. That grin made me even angrier than I had been since Rachel Weiss first told me about him. He wore blue jeans and a white shirt with its three top buttons undone. His chest was pale and hairless. His armpits were stained with sweat.

If Yuri had come alone, I would have had no problem. At six foot three, I was taller than he was by about six inches. I also outweighed him by a good margin. And I had arranged things so I would have the element of surprise on my side. Yuri's companion was a different matter.

Stocky and powerfully built, he walked bowlegged with a swaying gait. His arms and hands were short and hairy and powerful. His gray shirt stretched tautly across his torso. I couldn't tell whether his belly was more muscle or fat, but I had no doubt he packed a punch. His crude features, jutting brow, and small dark eyes gave him the appearance of a stupid man. But intellect was not what was going to win the day here. Brute strength, applied correctly, would.

"I decided to bring a friend along tonight," Yuri said, still grinning. "Rachel, meet Max. Say hello to each other."

Max grunted something. It might have been a hello, but I couldn't be sure. Rachel said nothing. She kept stepping backward, and I could read the naked fear in her rigid back.

Good girl, Rachel. Keep coming. Bring them to me.

My mind began racing. I had ten seconds at most. Then I would have to act. Two men. I would have to incapacitate one of them in the first second or two to be able to deal with the other on equal terms. I did not wish to kill, but I needed to take one of them out of the fight. But who? The answer came fast on the heels of the question. The stronger of the two. Max.

Rachel was six steps from the edge of the bar, where I had told her to draw Yuri to. Five, four, three.

"I don't think she likes you much, Max." Yuri laughed. "I think you're scaring her. Are you scared, Rachel?"

Two, one. Yuri quickened his step, stretching a hungry hand for Rachel. She retreated, nearly tripped, cried out, and her head turned to where I stood. Her eyes were huge. I sprang forward to attack, but it was already too late.