Chapter 16
Mick Hammond was lying on his cot with his eyes closed, but he looked around when he heard the cell door open and then sat up, swinging his feet to the floor. Clive came in. The door rang shut behind him and the jailer's boots went away down the corridor.
Mick said, "I knew you'd come."
"Mick... about what I told Gaines that day..."
"Jane and I figured that out, Eddie. You had to, the way things were."
Clive sighed. "That's okay, then."
"Sure. How do you feel?"
"A bit sore in the tripes - and a lot sorer in what is sometimes called the soul. I've done you a hell of a lot of good so far."
"I'm not worried." Hammond smiled faintly. His eyes were exhausted, but there was no hysteria in them.
Clive studied him. "You've grown up, Mick."
"Well, I figure it this way. If I get
