Page 228 of Irreversible

His chuckle is flat. Humorless. “No matter, I still have something you want.” He changes his hold on Everly, entwining his hand roughly in her hair while driving her to her knees. “Andyoudon’t have a weapon.” Depravity sparks in his malicious glare. He grins wide, showing perfect white teeth. “Do you, Mr. Porter?”

From her knees on the deck, Everly begins to laugh. It’s a maniacal, “I’m about to die and don’t give a fuck anymore”kind of laugh.

Vincent looks down at her, almost like he’s seeing her for the first time.

“Like you said…” Everly leans into the umbrella, ignoring the blood sliding down her neck. Fast as lightning, she reaches around his waist and yanks. “Anything can be a weapon if you’re creative.”

Her arm swings like a pitcher on the most important throw of the game, and I don’t know what’s flying at me until I’ve caught it.

And when I see what’s glinting in my hand…

His prized possession. A show of power.

You brilliant woman.

She took a chance, and I won’t let her down.

I won’t let Sara down, either.

Not this time.

“Oh, look.” I raise the hourglass in the air. The sand pools at the bottom, completely drained. The smile I give him is vicious. “Your time is up.”

A gust of wind hits the boat. Waves splash.

We rock.

A feral sound comes from Vincent’s chest. His head lowers, eyes narrowing into a death glare.

Like the day he shattered the hourglass in my cell, I watch his temper rise to the surface until it snaps.

He shoves Everly roughly. She falls over onto the deck.

Come at me, motherfucker.

I have a promise to keep.

A roar leaves him as fury wins over logic, and he charges me like a bull, holding the umbrella like a rapier in front of him.

“DIE,” he screams, completely unhinged.

Adrenaline hits; everything slows. My view zooms out, catching every detail.

Everly on her hands and knees, determined tears mixing with rain.

Leonard Vincent’s twisted expression, his face crimson with rage.

Rainwater splashes under his shoes as he runs at me.

So close.

Madness swirls with the evil in his mismatched eyes.

NOW.

A heartbeat before he connects, I bring my arm straight down, smashing the hourglass against the railing, then swing upward in a single move.

Vincent’s body slams into mine.

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