The Perdition Score (Sandman Slim 8)

She looks at me for a long time, like she’s trying to dig her way into my skull.

“Then, if I do this, you’re not going to break up with me and throw me out?”

“Only if after all this you still suck at guitar. Then all bets are off.”

She puts her arms around me. Puts her head into my neck. I think she might be crying a little.

“Thank you for not hating me for asking.”

“You can tell me anything.”

“And I’m not going anywhere, you know.”

“Me neither.”

She moves her head around and kisses me.

“And thank you for trusting me,” she says.

“Thanks for being up front with me.”

She sits back against the couch. My arm is around her and she holds my hand.

“I’d kill anyone who hurt you, you know,” says Candy.

“I know.”

“That’s why I never want to do it. I’d have to kick my own ass.”

“That would be something to see.”

“Wouldn’t it, though?”

She takes my hand and pulls me into the bedroom.

In the morning, I carry down bits and pieces of the broken side tables and bed frame to the Dumpster. They’re going to cost money, but I think the mattress is still salvageable.

I DON’T KNOW what to think about anything as I have coffee and get dressed. The one thing I’m sure of is that I’m a lot more pissed about Abbot than upset about Candy. She’s still someone I can trust. Abbot is someone I can’t. He’s played me for a fool and it’s time to do something about that. I get out my phone and text him.

I’m coming over. Be there or I’m burning your boat.

I grab the Hellion hog and hit the freeway as fast as I can, lane-splitting at eighty all the way to Marina del Rey.

When I get to the boatyard, I park the bike facing the street, in case things go weird and I have to get out of there fast. I head through the security gate and down the pier. Lucky me. Willem and a couple of Abbot’s security guys are waiting for me at the boat. I brace for trouble, but Willem steps back and ushers me onto the deck.

“Good to see you, Mr. Stark. Right this way.”

I stop on the boat’s gangway.

“What’s that mean?”

“The augur is waiting for you.”

“He better be.”

I start onto the boat when Willem calls.

“Audsley Ishii sends his regards. He says he’s sorry about your friend’s car. He’ll be more careful next time.”