We walked back to the table.
The money's yours," said Harry.
How about letting me pay for some of those bottles of whiskey?" "Forget it." "You mean it?" "Yes, of course." I picked up the money and put it in my right front pocket.
Then I looked at Stinky's drink.
No use wasting this," I said.
You mean you're going to drink that?" asked Lana.
Why not? One for the road . . ." I gulped it down.
O.K., see you guys, it's been great!" "Goodnight, Hank . . ." I walked out the back door, stepping over The Ripper's body.
I found a back alley and took a left.
I walked along and I saw a green Chevy sedan.
I staggered a bit as I approached it.
I grabbed the rear door handle to steady myself.
The god-damned door was unlocked and it swung open, knocking me sideways.
I fell hard, skinning my left elbow on the pavement.
There was a full moon.
The whiskey had hit me all at once.
I felt as if I couldn't get up.
I had to get up.
I was supposed to be a tough guy.
I rose, fell against the half-open door, grabbed at it, held it.
