The older man forced himself to his feet with a grunt and quickly moved toward Elijah, as though rushing to help him with whatever had gotten into his eye.But as Mr. King closed the distance, Elijah subtly pulled him closer, positioning them side by side so that Mr. King’s broad frame blocked everyone’s view of his face.Elijah spoke quickly in a hushed whisper that only Mr. King could hear. “Right now, you don’t know me. We’ve never met before. Just deal with the matter for Ms. DiLaurentis. Understand?”Before Mr. King could respond, Elijah gave him a gentle shove back, creating distance between them again.Mr. King blinked.He looked away from Elijah and toward Serena, who was staring at both of them in utter confusion. Her eyes darted from one man to the other, her mind racing.Did her insolent husband really know someone like this?The older man seemed so polite to him—almost deferential. But how? Why? Elijah was no

Slick Sal raised his foot again, preparing to deliver another vicious kick to Derek's already mangled face, but Mr. King raised his hand, stopping him mid-motion.The old man used his head to signal subtly toward the onlookers scattered throughout the bar.Slick Sal caught the gesture immediately and nodded gently. As he walked past Mr. King, the old man leaned in and whispered just loud enough for him to hear, “The Young Physician doesn't want anyone here to know about our association. Let everyone leave.”Slick Sal nodded once more, his expression hardening with understanding.He walked straight to the front of the room and signaled to the armed, masked men they had brought with them. Then he raised his voice, loud and clear, commanding the entire bar, “Everyone can leave now! This matter is hereby ours to handle!”Hearing this, Rosalie and Margaret let out long, audible sighs of relief. They had been scared down to their very toes by the appearance of these terrifying people; their

The wind itself seemed to change course, as though even nature recognized what was about to happen.He turned slowly and made his way past the wrecked Silqon Fast Mercy, stepping back into the bar without hesitation.Inside the bar, Derek knelt in a pool of his own blood. His face was swollen beyond recognition; his breathing was ragged and desperate. He looked up at Mr. King and Slick Sal with pleading eyes.“Please!” Derek begged, his voice filled with desperation. “Just tell me... who did I offend? I’ll apologize! I’ll make it right! Please!”From the entrance, a voice boomed, loud and clear. “My sole aim in coming here tonight was to end your life.”Elijah stepped fully into view, his hands tucked casually behind him as he approached.“But at this moment,” he continued quietly, almost conversational, “I realize it might be quite pointless. You’re insignificant.”Derek’s face twisted viciously. He pointed a trembling, bloodied finger at Elijah and spat, “What are you doing here? Wh