There were times when such a move from Mike may have diffused the situation. A simple show of subservience, anything to show he wanted to please Liam. But that's not what he was looking for right now. And he showed his displeasure at the wrong answer very firmly.

All at once, he grabbed one of Mike's wrists. Using that and the hand at his throat, he slammed the junkie hard against the back of the couch. The grip on the wrist was almost crushing, but the one at his throat wasn't enough to block his airway. It was only enough to get his attention.

"You've been away too long, Mikey," he said, his tone dark and dangerous. "You've already forgotten." Then a razor sharp edge started to creep into it, "But what else can I expect from a worthless junkie like you?"