Hanna heard the whoosh of the bat slicing through air this time, although it did nothing to soften the blow. With a loud, deep thud, the bat struck her square in the back, knocking her from the desk, and into a heap on the floor.

As she tried to rise, the Cat she'd trusted for information moved to her side, falling softly to her knees. Her insides turned to ice as she realized what was happening...