And I backed up against the wall, his hands shaking, as he held them to his mouth to shop his whimpering. The figure was at the door, pounding as it's timber frame threatened to break under the repeated, forceful banging.

The door flew open, as the man in the hoodie entered the room, wielding a knife.  He ran at me, blade raised at a 45 degree angle, it's metallic edge shimmering in the warm, artificial light.  I knew what was happening now, I was preparing for the inevitable. 

An eye for an eye, a life for a life, that's how it goes isn't it?  I swore, bringing up the filthiest words I could muster, as if cursing at my assassin would lead him to an early grave. 

They ignored me.  Instead they held the knife higher, as one of their gloved hands held me down, their fingers grasped round my neck.  My life flashed before my eyes.  An old cliche.  That's what summed up my life. 

I thought of the Toyota, slamming on the brakes, tyres squealing, a thud of skull against metal, and suddenly I stopped fearing the cruel knife, I encouraged it. 

If I die, I will die with dignity.  Knowing I was wrong and how I deserved to suffer.  Accepting my punishment.  There were no complaints here.  I stood still now, my hands raised in the air, in silent acceptance.  I had never thought of myself as a religious person.  And I certainly didn't now. 

I would end it knowing that I was a good person.  If I survived to heaven, I would not rid the chains of guilt, with its barbs and poisonous spikes.  This was the only way to break these chains.  I did not fear death, I wouldn't give him that satisfaction, I was merely accepting him.  Brother to brother, man to man. 

The knife moved forwards, the light bouncing off its face as it cut through the air. The hooded figure stabbed forwards, and the blade entered my body.  I closed my eyes.  I felt a liquid over my hands and chest.  I felt a throbbing, but it was far away.  I was far away. 

I was sleeping but still conscious of my surroundings.  As I drifted away, I clung to only one thought, I'm so sorry for that kid....

Jackson fell, hitting the floor.  Blood leaked out of his pierced chest.  And then.  He died.