The change in the alley when he entered was immediate. Three people registered a new presence and adjusted their attention accordingly, and Mike used the adjustment window to cross most of the distance between the entrance and the situation before anyone said anything.
"Would you look at that? Mike said. "I didn't know that Erosyne has this kind of middle-of-the-night event; it truly is interesting."
Jay turned fully. He recognized Mike immediately because his expression showed the distinct signs of recognition that occur when someone is also recalibrating their threat assessment.
"You again," he said. "Why the fuck did you have to appear like some kind of a savior for this pussy?!"
"Me," Mike agreed.
He stopped about six feet away and looked at Tyler, who was on the ground with his hands up over his face and blood on his knuckles that had come from trying to protect himself.
