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address. But he didn't know what he would find in other places. He didn't want surprises. |
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Also, the alley seemed like a good place to leave the car. The women had been safe there, last time. |
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He stepped under O'Casey's awning and paused, glad to be out of the rain. He took deep breaths. Though he hadn't exerted himself, he felt winded. |
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Something trickled down the back of his neck. |
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A chill crawled up his spine. |
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Another droplet ran down his neck. |
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And he realized it was only sweat. He let out a quiet, shaky laugh, and hurried into the restaurant. |
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He scanned the bodies. They looked the same. He headed for the kitchen, stepping around the bodies and broken glass, being careful not to slip on the wet floor. As he walked, more sweat trickled down his neck and face. |
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He'd probably been sweating like a hog, all along, and simply hadn't paid attention to it. The hair at the back of his head was dripping. The garbage bags felt slick and greasy against his skin. Only his socks and underwear kept him from being completely encased by the slimy, clinging plastic. And they were sodden. |
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He had a sudden urge to strip free of the damned wrappings. Feel the cool air on his body. Strip down to his briefs and stay here. Have some beer. Throw together a pizza. Forget about going back out in the rain. |
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The body of the woman sprawled across the rear table put a quick end to that. |
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