“I could send an e-mail from the library to Floyd’s boss, suggesting he ask Floyd what happened to his son’s face.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

It’s a suicidal idea. “Worth a try.”

“Do I have to spell it out? He’s edgy as a ripsaw these days.”

“And I’m the two-by-four. Nice work when you can get it.”

As she tosses her head, her crystal earrings shoot out splinters of violet and blue. “As it happens, I’m in my office this afternoon. Don’t push your luck, Brick.”

She stalks into the pantry. No cement on my feet with Opal because I don’t give a rat’s ass what she thinks of me. After all, what’s she ever done for me?

You could say that stopping your husband from beating your son to a pulp is worth noting. But it’s the first time she ever stopped him. That’s equally worth noting.

5.5 [“King of the Road”]

AT 4:35 I climb into Docker’s GM pickup. He says fitness is the first step and drives to Swamp Road, which is off #539.

I’ll spare you the details, although I will say he talks to me as if I’m worth talking to, and his instructions are clear. We walk, jog, walk, jog, until I’m soaked in sweat. Then we lift weights. Then we stretch. Then he drives me back to his place.

Total traffic, one logging truck.

At least none of the Donovans drove by.

As he pockets the keys, he says, “Every second day, repeat that routine—and if you can afford it, buy some new running shoes, ones with good support. I’ll loan you these weights until you’re ready for a bigger set. Next Thursday, we’ll go to the dojo.”

So much for learning how to break the bones in his feet.

*

FRIDAY, MONDAY, and Wednesday, when I go through my routine, I discover I sort of like doing the weights—taking my time, remembering all Docker’s instructions, gradually increasing the reps. I don’t know which part of me hates the jogging more, my legs or my lungs. But I keep at it, don’t ask me why, doing it in the morning after Floyd leaves for work and before Opal’s ready to go out.

Side benefit: exercise lowers AQ.

Since the hair incident, Floyd’s watched Ultimate Fighting every evening. What if he plans to practice on me?

*

THURSDAY, DOCKER drives Cassie and me to the dojo, which we have to ourselves. Cassie heads for the play-store; she brought Rover along so she could sell him stuff.