He felt them - a mild annoyance, like waves, splashing against his calves, beating at his shins - but they did nothing to stop him.

The arm over her throat tightened, the other moved; a large hand sweeping up to clamp over her mouth, her nose pinched between his fingers.

"Don't make this harder than it has to be, Barbara. It will end far more pleasantly for you, if you simply accept."