Dread gathered at the base of my spine every time I thought about what just happened. What had happened? Why had those creatures been hanged in the Vicious room? What were they? And most importantly, how long could I stay alive after all my iron ran out? Long enough to find Ellison?

My mind couldn't process any of the steady stream of questions, so I allowed it to finally give up so I could concentrate on what was expected to be on the lunch gurney in one hour.

Mase ...