Pain throbbed through Merrick's head, calling to him. He ignored it. Another jab beckoned him from his stupor. He didn't want to come out. For in this place, there was peaceif only temporaryand he hadn't been here long enough to stifle the agony of his heart. Wood scraped against his skin, and something hit his thigh. Opening one eye, he saw an oak table swinging toward his face. Shock jolted him awake, and he reached up to grab the wooden leg before it struck him. Sounds of creaking ...