Carver lifts his head slowly. Trying to think, to plan something. What would cost them the least?

"Go on," the leader murmurs, his hand still on Carver's back. "I know we were rough on you, kid, but you took it like a champ. Now go show your boss how thankful you are for him, hmm?"

Carver's jaw works. He doesn't look at the other man. But he sits up slowly, gingerly, and meets Pope's eyes. There's really no point in stalling, is there? He takes a slow breath, and then he reaches for Pope's belt.