Grantham went white with rage. “I told you to get her,” he snarled.
“I knowI know. Don’t stand arguing. I tried. He got there first. Come on, boss.”
Grantham turned to the door. Fan got in his way and he shoved her to one side. “Get out of my way, you cow!” he shouted.
Fan seemed to go mad. She sprang at him, shrieking for the other girls to join in. Grantham flung her away, and then went down under a heap of furious harpies.
Lu hesitated, then turned and bolted for the door. Julie threw herself in his way and they went down on the floor together. Three other girls piled on top of him.
Fan was shrieking like a madwoman. “Give it to the swines! Tear ’em apart!” she yelled, making a dive at Madam, who ran screaming out of the room.
Grantham fought his way to his feet, hitting out right and left with his fists. He was badly frightened. It was only by swinging his arms violently that he kept off the claw−like fingers that quested for his face. He took a couple of steps back as the shrieking girls bore down on him, and then his heel was seized by one of the fallen ones and he went over with a thud that shook the room.
Lu was bawling for help as he twisted and squirmed under the mass of girls. Grantham had his hands too full to do anything. He beat them off a second time and got to the door.
“Don’t let him get out!” Fan screamed. “Bring the bastard down!” She rushed across the room and flung herself on Grantham, biting and tearing at him with her teeth and nails.
Grantham swung his fist and hit her in her throat, sending her reeling backwards. He pulled open the door and got out into the hall.