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“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 . . .