Wolf’s lack of fear was the most unsettling thing for the men. The youngest of the gang muttered something in Spanish that might have translated as ‘Screw this, I’m out of here’, turned on his heels and bolted away across the patch of wasteland. Two others backed off and looked ready to do the same.

But the leader was committed, and couldn’t lose face by retreating from the crazy stranger. His grin was faltering and his confidence was already shot to pieces as he made a half-hearted jab at Wolf’s throat with the blade. Wolf had seen it coming even before the intention formed in the guy’s brain. He sidestepped the strike, moving like water past his attacker as the knife darted through empty air. Trapped the guy’s hand, folded it effortlessly back on itself and jointed the wrist with a crack of bone that was almost as loud as the guy’s scream of pain. The knife spun to the ground. Wolf swept it away with his foot while keeping hold of the guy’s broken wrist and using the leverage to bring him down to his knees. Then Wolf kicked him savagely in the face, not hard enough to cause irreversible brain damage, but the dislocated jaw would give the guy plenty to think about for a while to come, every time he tried to chew solid food.

Wolf let go of his groaning, bleeding and prostrated adversary and turned to face the rest. The one with the chain was scowling and looked as if he might want to have a go. Wolf said, ‘Come on, then.’ But then the chain guy had second thoughts, let the weapon slink to the dirt and took off at a run. The one holding the dog’s rope let it go and followed him, along with the sixth guy, who had no desire to be left there to face the enemy alone. The three-legged dog bounded away in the opposite direction. Wolf watched the men run, and shook his head in disgust. ‘Cowards.’

When they were at a safe distance, three of the gang turned and shook their fists, yelling threats. Wolf didn’t need a translator to understand that they were promising that this wasn’t over. Wolf said, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ First day in a new place, and he was already making friends.

The guy on the ground looked up at Wolf with dustcrusted features and pain blazing in his eyes. His jaw was at a distorted angle but he managed to blurt out ‘¿Quién eres tú?’ Who are you?

Wolf replied, ‘No soy nadie importante.’ I’m nobody important.