Page 131 of Sharp Force

“You get rid of one serial killer,” Marino singsongs, “only to have another to take his place.”

“Let’s hope he’s convicted and locked up forever,” Benton says. “He might get the death penalty, as vile as his crimes are.”

“A jury’s gonna hate him,” Marino predicts. “Just the way he treated Peanut is enough to sway them.”

“To Peanut!” Dorothy raises her glass again.

“To family. And to making things right.” It’s my turn.

“And to forgiveness.” Benton looks at me. “We all make mistakes.”

“Hell yeah we do! And I’m ready to make a few more!” Dorothy declares. “I’ll drink to that.”

“You’d drink to anything.” Marino rubs the back of her neck. “Happy New Year.” He kisses her.

“Oh, you know how much we love each other, you lunkhead.” She clings to him.

“Yeah, I know.”

“I was just giving Benton a taste of what he’s missing.” She kisses Marino hard.

“Don’t do it again. Not with him, I mean,” he tells her.

Benton and I kiss, holding each other close. Then everybody’s hugging and happy as fireworks pop and crackle in Old Town.