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For an instant her face reflected confusion, then abruptly her eyes widened in recognition

"Nono, it's not possible"

It was the distraction Dorsett had prepared for In a violent twisting un barrel and knocking it aside

Pitt instinctively pulled the trigger A spray of bullets blasted into a painting of Charles Dorsett over a fireplace mantel Physically weakened and dead on his feet froer than it should have been The strain and exhaustion of the past three weeks had taken their toll He watched in what seemed slow motion as the assault rifle was torn fro through a

Dorsett was on Pitt like ato stay on his feet But the heavier e fists like pile drivers, his thu at Pitt's eyes Pitt twisted his head and kept his eyes in their sockets, but a fist caught him on the side of the head above one ear

Fireworks burst inside his brain, and he ept by a wave of dizziness Desperately, Pitt crouched and rolled to his side to escape the rain of blows

He jued at him The old diamond miner had sent many a man to the hospital with only his bare hands, backed by arh-and tu to resort to knives and guns

His bulk and poere all he required to put away anyone with the nerve to stand up to hie when ranite

Pitt shook his head to clear his sight He felt like a battered prizefighter, desperately holding on to the ropes until the bell for the end of the round, struggling to bring his mind back on track Feere the martial-arts experts who could put down Dorsett's irresistibleto think the only thing that would slow the diaun If only Giordino would charge over the hill At least he had a nine- up viablethe ones certain to end with broken bones He dodged around the desk, stalling for ti a smile that made his face ache

Pitt had learned long ago after nuhts and riots that hands and feet were no s and whatever else was handy to crack skulls He glanced around for the nearest weapon

"What now, oldteeth?"

The insult had the desired effect Dorsett roared insanely and lashed out with a foot at Pitt's groin His tirazed Pitt's hip Then he leaped across the desk

Pitt cal it with strength renewed by wrath and hatred

Dorsett tried to lift an arm to ward off the blow, but he was a fraction slow The laai

nst the shoulder and breaking the collarbone with a sharp crack He bellowed like a stricken aniain with a look of black ery He threw a vicious punch at Pitt's head