Chapter 9

“The bull whip is a harsh instrument of punishment. Ten strikes can make a man’s back bloody. Normally, a person can take only two strikes. Tonight, Brian will take four. My specialty is the bull whip. I carry one in my car. I’d rather have my bull whip than a gun. Brian, get ready.”

Brian steadied himself, getting up on his toes and then flat on his feet. He shrugged his shoulders to loosen them and smiled at Bear. “I’m ready.”

“Your safewords are?”

“China for stop, yellow for slow down, green to go.”

“Brian will count the strokes.” Bear snapped his whip several times then said, “Now.”