Waist Deep

27

I kept walking at the end of the alley.My leg hurt, my knee ached and I could feel blood on my face, but I knew that it was time to leave the entire neighborhood.

The pain from my kidney throbbed, butit eased a little as I walked.I didn’t think Leon had done any permanent damage, though a guy his size could easily tear open a kidney with a kick like the one he laid into me.

Thank God for small favors.

The cold February night had me shivering less than a block away from the Hole.The thought of Grill wearing my coat sent a flare of rage through my chest, but I knew there was nothing I could do about it.Not now, anyway.

Something good might come of it, I realized.If he showed Rolo the folded up file in the sleeve that Katie had given me, it might convince him that I actually do have friends on the department.That might buy me just a little protection.

I checked my pockets as I walked.I still had my apartment key and my wallet.And Kris’s picture, still in my back pocket.

Not a total loss.Just my jacket, Katie’s file and a few dollars in cash.

Oh, yeah, I thought.And my pride.Don’t forget about that.

I kept walking, rubbing my arms.Most of my pride was gone a long time ago.