Kent raised the lighter to his face, and lit up a cigarette.  He held the little flame, grinning while the red bud of his cigarette contrasted against the brilliant blue of Tann Rinn's eyes.  "Run like hell."  Kent said, in answer to Nerina's question.  The lighter dropped towards the ground, while Kent began to dash off, heading down into the darkness of the alley, jumping up to a nearby fire escape and pulling the ladder down as he scambled up.  For a moment, time seemed to freeze, and the gasoline quivered in anticipation of the flame about to complete its purpose.  The gasoline lapped up around the crippled thug in a shallow pool, leaving little certain escape except upwards.