Collins was still instead even after the command. If he waited long enough maybe Givens would do it out of frustration. He could go out in defiance instead of obeying like a good dog. It seemed reasonable to him.

The train of thought didn't hold for long against the weight of time. He wasn't suicidal no matter how much he talked about death like he was in love with the concept. His hand moved slowly at first until it hit the ropes and then automation kicked in, and he untied the knots around Givens's wrist, the other on the chair arm that was still intact.