The company in the van remained silent as they sped towards their destination. Lucas remained curled into a ball with his back pressed against the doors. His hand had swelled up, gaining an angry red color. Any bump or sharp turn they made caused the willowy man to take in a sharp, painful breath. 

About fifteen minutes into the drive, and the van seemed to heading towards the scarier side of town. The buildings became more dilapidated and the people out and about looked far less friendly. The road was rougher. The van hit a pothole so deep that it sent everyone inside bouncing. Lucas took another sharp breath as his bony bottom and back hit against the hard interior of the van. A soft, metallic clatter caught the attention of the other men in the back. The letter opener that he had shoved into his pocket had fallen out. One man moved to grab it, and Lucas took the opportunity to rear back and kick him in the face. The hard sole of his work boots crunched against the man's nose, and blood started to stream down his face.

There was a dogpile on Lucas faster than he could blink. Loud cursing and heavy fists pummeled him. 

"You want to try that shit again?" The man with the now broken nose snarled, kicking Lucas in the gut. "I'll make that fucking ugly face of yours even uglier." In the rain of kicks and punches, along with his own struggling, Lucas's scarf had come undone. As of right now, it was the least of his concerns. 

The van slowed as it finally came to a stop outside of a scary looking warehouse. It didn't look like this place had been used for [i]legal[/i] activities in years. The driver got out and went around back to open the doors. Their captive was hauled out by his armpits. Lucas managed to get his feet under him, but every part of him hurt. He dug his heels into the gravel, but that didn't last long. He was easily out muscled here. 

"Get moving or we'll drag you," One man said in a nasty tone.