[ The man snorts derisively, shaking his head. Mercy whimpers a little, and this is about the point that she can't stop herself from crying anymore. Tears spill down her cheeks and behind Alfie, Royce tenses up so tightly he almost stops breathing. ]

You think I'm gonna believe that? [ The gun man asks, yanking Mercy up to try and make it harder for either of them to shoot him without hurting her. ] I'm not fucking stupid. No, I'm leaving. I'm leaving and taking her with me - call it payment for the trauma you caused.

[ He takes a step forward, and Royce almost hisses at it, but he doesn't move. Mercy bites her bottom lip to keep quiet and then winces - Alfie and Royce are going to be able to see that said bottom lip is busted, split slightly. ]