Holes. Holes and empty cloth. Damn the world.
Balkey bounced the thought about his head. Kids
will be dangers, Balkey thought, all hopped up early
like this. Twould be good to shake em down a smidge;
keep em honest for later. He threw a meanness into
his stride and popped across the street toward sand
wish shade with the Sammy and her goon. Box had
just stuffed a bready villain down his throat; Sammy
savored her eats.
“Spare a squarer some scratch, friends?” Balkey lilted
like a question, but they all knew that was a lie.
“You need your strength,” Sammy said, tossing coin,
“For when you verse those no-towners.” “Maybe,”