"I'm not letting you do this," Matt said firmly, wiping the blood off his nose. How many times had he and his longtime rival done this song and dance? He knew the man he was defending was a lowlife. A criminal, a pox on society. That didn't mean killing him was the answer. "People deserve a chance at redemption, and the justice system exists for a reason."

Matt knew better than anyone that the system had its limits. Still, no one had any right to act as jury, judge and executioner. The Punisher wasn't above the law, and Matt couldn't sit idly by and watch another man be murdered without a chance at a fair trial. He focused his senses, readying himself for another exchange of blows. "Let him go," he demanded. "Now."