Joel didn't dare breathe. The ex-surgeon was so close that he could see his lips drawn back from his teeth, his blind staring eyes trying to probe the blackness. It took an effort of will to realize that it was too dark for Eriss to see anything.
Another step.
Joel set himself.
Eriss' foot glided forward. He was within reach.
Joel's balled fist came up like a sledge-hammer, cracked solidly against the point of Eriss' chin. There was a distinct "pop!" as the ex-surgeon's jawbone broke. His head snapped back, his knees buckled....
Joel's balled fist came up like a sledge-hammer.
Joel stepped forward, caught him beneath the arms. Walt Eriss was out cold.