“One more for the road?”
I hold up a hand.
“I’m done for now. I have to walk a straight line if I’m getting home.”
“Then let’s get you started.”
We take our time walking back to the sushi bar.
Bill frowns at it.
“I don’t think I want anything to do with fish for a good long while.”
“Do I really smell?”
“I’m afraid so.”
I take off
my coat. Hang it on a loose nail outside the restaurant. Maybe it won’t stink when it dries and some wandering soul can use it.
The na’at I put in my back waistband where I usually keep the Colt. The black blade I slip into my boot.
I turn to Bill.
“You sure you’re going to be okay on your own?”
“I’ve been in Perdition a good while, son. I know how to take care of myself. And thanks to you, I have plenty of firepower if anyone gets ideas.”
“Okay, then.”
I hold out my hand.
Bill grabs me in a brief bear hug. Nods as he steps back.
“Safe travels. Be sure to give Candy my regards.”
“I will. Bye, Bill.”
He holds up a hand.
I go into the restaurant. Keep going until the light changes.
And walk right into a wall of cornstalks.
Great. The maze. I’m halfway home.
Now I just have to figure out the other half.
A HALF HOUR in here and I’m sweating. My right arm has gone from numb to throbbing.
Wait. Has it been a half hour?
I get out my phone.
The battery is dead. No chargers in Hell. Got to remember that the next time I go down.
The next time . . .