Soon, all the props were ready. Xander and the others sat on benches while Tucker procured a few bottles of red wine and some cooked beef. They all settled in the hall on the first floor of the Hive, eating and drinking as they watched Dylan perform.
Jaguar shouted to Dylan, "Dylan, do a good job. We've got wine and meat waiting for you; you'll get your share. Hurry up with your act; everyone's waiting to see it!"
Dylan and the Punishers' deputy captain, Orson, tied the unconscious Kenneth tightly to a chair. Dylan, usually grim, even gave a gentleman's salute to everyone. This seemingly out-of-place gesture drew laughter and applause from the crowd.
Dylan spoke calmly, "One of the tortures—skinning. The steps are simple. First, cut a circle around his arm. Mind the depth, just to the b
