I had dropped off Edwin's thousand on Tuesday, and he chatted with me desultorily. He mentioned that Cindy had plans to go out Friday night with other teachers from the school and that he didn't think she would be coming home early that night as I had ordered her to do. I told him it wouldn't matter in the long run.

Edwin also mentioned that he had taken a physical for the school system and would be reporting back to his guidance counselor position with a few weeks. I had blown his lawsuit for him. He stressed that he didn't mind going back to work--he needed something to keep his mind off the mess he had made of his life. I left. Ed's depression was getting me down. Worse, he didn't seem to think I could get through to his wife.

On Friday night, at nine in the evening, I rang the bell. Edwin Van Horn ushered me in. He was nervous.

"What's wrong now, Ed?"

"Cindy phoned after school. She told me she was heading out to dinner and drinks with her friends..." There was more coming.

"She say anything about me, Ed?"

"Uh...um..."

"What, Ed?"

"She said...she said she's tired of your bullshit."

"She really say that, Ed?"

"Um...yes."

"What's wrong with her, Ed?"

"Honestly Damien, she has a stubborn streak a mile wide. You'll have to excuse her. She doesn't know what she's saying when she's angry. She'll probably be back soon. How about we have some beers and smoke a bowl. She'll be along soon." Ed was trying to convince himself. Afraid of what a crazy young man like me might do.

"I hope so, Ed. I hope so." I was feeling a bit angry.

"Don't worry. Sit down, make yourself comfortable." Ed was all appeasing tonight. Nervous as a cat.

We moved down into Ed's sanctuary in the basement and drank a few beers and smoked some of his most excellent reefer. His supply was rapidly dwindling and I wondered if he'd ask me for some of his stash back. Edwin glanced nervously at the clock as 10:00 p.m. came and passed. At 11:00 p.m. there was no sign of Cindy. It was time to act.

"Ed, do you know what time it is?"

"uh...it's a little after eleven. Cindy should be home any minute now."

"Ed, I have a feeling I'm going to have to go and get her."

"No, no--I'm sure she'll be home soon. You want another beer?"

"Ed. Ed. Stop this. Stop covering for your wife. I told her to be here at ten. It's after eleven. She brought it on herself, Ed. Nothing you could do. It won't be your fault."

Ed looked desperate. "Now, Damien. Please, I'm begging you. Don't do anything stupid. Don't hurt us. Don't hurt her. Please."

I smiled my evil smile. "Don't worry. I'm not going to the cops. And I'm not going to drag her out of the bar in front of her co-workers. But, she's got dues to pay, Eddie. She's got dues to pay."

Ed's face was twisted in anguish. I believe he still loved his wife after all the shit she had put him through. He seemed to come to a decision in his mind. He squared his shoulders and looked earnestly at me, a fifteen year old boy who scared him.

"Let me do it. Let me do it for you, and we'll all talk about this together some other night. Okay?"

"Do what, Ed?"

"Let me--let me do you. Get you off, and then you can go home. We'll talk to Cindy tomorrow, all right?" Ed was begging me. Nice.

"How about this, Ed. You get me off. Then you give me a ride to that bar. You leave. I settle up with our little teacher. No one finds out nothing. She gets a little punishment. That's my last, best offer Ed. I will promise you it won't be public. It'll be between me and her."......(cont)