The scream hit an octave usually reserved for calling dogs, but it was satisfying nonetheless. Music to my ears, and I wasn't even an opera critic. The only hitch in the minor victory was a nasty gob of saliva in my eye. Wiping it away with the back of my left hand, I dug my thumb in deeper.

"Watch it, buddy," I snarled, "Or I'll give you another hole to breathe through."

An empty threat compared to what I had in mind.

Clambering over Clarence and forcing his head down, my fingers wrapped around his pipes, I abandoned his shoulder in favor of a blade - a little shiv heavy with memories. He knew what it was.

He was the one who gave it to me.