He roared, throwing himself into a trio of guards trying to flank José. He used the Dao Martial Technique of the Fist, his movements still lightning-fast, and with three precise, devastating blows, he shattered ribs and cracked the skull of each guard. They dropped like sacks of meat.
But without his passive protection, Ethan became a target.
"GET HIM!" shrieked an officer whose partner had just been pulverized.
A flurry of blows rained down. A heavy baton slammed into the side of Ethan's head. Pain, sharp and blindingly fierce, exploded behind his eyes. He stumbled, shaking off the daze, and punched another inmate who tried to capitalize on the moment, sending the man flying.
Then came the federal response. A guard, sighting through the tear gas, leveled his non-lethal weapon. THWACK! A rubber bullet struck Ethan squarely in the chest, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. It was followed instantly by a second, aimed directly at his forehead.
