The Perdition Score (Sandman Slim 8)

He takes the shades and looks them over. Nods.

“Thanks.”

I hold up a hand and walk to the bike.

“You know you’re bleeding, right?” he shouts.

“Sometimes you deserve to. You know?”

“I know,” he says. Then, “Keep it real, man. See you soon.”

“Not likely. Enjoy the glasses.”

I cruise into the street and head home.

Well, there it is. An hour ago I was feeling superior to Vidocq and Abbot’s bullshit and then I went out and broke my promise to Candy. There’s no way I can hide these cuts and bruises from her. I’m not going to try. I deserve whatever happens. Candy was so worried about me leaving her last night. Now I’m the one worried about what she’s going to do when she sees me.

At least one thing worked out. My headache is gone.

SHE COMES HOME late. I’ve showered and the cuts are already healing, but I still look like I shaved with a wheat thresher. Candy stops in the doorway. Comes over and takes my face in her hands.

“What happened to you?”

“I’m okay.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I look down at her.

“What happened is that I have no idea what’s wrong with me. Without action I fall apart. Maybe you’re right about the PTSD thing.”

“I am and you know it.”

“I’m seeing Allegra tomorrow. I’ll talk to her about it.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

She looks at me hard.

“Is this about me and Alessa?”

“No. It’s me and my shit strictly.”

“You better tell me if it’s anything else.”

“I will.”

She lets go of me.

“I’m pretty pissed at you right now.”

“You should be.”

She crosses her arms.

“If it wasn’t about last night, what set it off?”