Were this anyone else, that knife might've been enough to instil fear, or at least to get them to back off. But Jim wasn't anyone else, and a small blade didn't even make him flinch. In fact, despite very much worrying for Mary's safety, the only thing that knife did was fuel his anger.

And then he just had to talk again. Jim actually pulled a crooked grin, huffing a chuckle, which was probably all the warning his crew got to realize he was about to do something really stupid. Or really brave. Or both.

He reached out for the man's hand in a movement so quick that if anyone blinked they might've missed it. His aim was the wrist but if he cut himself in the process? He didn't really care. He gripped at what he could and he twisted hard, fingers digging, the man cursing just as Jim lunged his head forward and smacked his forehead right into his face. There was the sound of bone cracking, and then—

Then, his crew were on their feet already, knowing very well that this man's mates would promptly jump in and try to stop Jim.