In addition to being weary and hungry and afflicted with a million piddling physical difficulties, his nerves were totally shot.
It was bad enough worrying about the teenager running around. The uncertainty of never knowing when Julie or one of the others might return, bringing capricious punishment, gang-pegging or maybe even the inconceivable reliefelease of that p***s key, was almost as tormenting as his shackles and cat. Yet in spite of everything Ed felt surprisingly positive.
Once again there was that satisfying sense of having paid appropriate penance.
A challenging job had been honorably accomplished; the current ordeal was almost done. Julie must surely be returning soon and she could have no complaints about his performance. She might even express pride in him. At the very
