e； that maybe Percy wasn't going to show up at all。 Considering the hostile reviews he'd gotten on the way he'd handled the electrocution； that seemed at least possible。
But Percy apparently subscribed to that old axiom about how you should get right back on the horse that had thrown you； because here he came through the door at six minutes past seven； resplendent in his blue uniform； with his sidearm on one hip and his hickory stick in its ridiculous custom…made holster on the other。 He punched his time…card； then looked around at us warily （except for Dean； who hadn't e back from the infirmary yet）。 〃My starter busted；〃 he said。 〃I had to crank。…〃
〃Aw；〃 Harry said； 〃po' baby。〃
〃Should have stayed home and got the cussed thing fixed；〃 Brutal said blandly。 〃We wouldn't want you straining your arm none； would we； boys？〃
〃Yeah； you'd like that； wouldn't you？〃 Percy sneered； but I thought he seemed reassured by the relative mildness of Brutal's response。 That was good。 For the next few hours we'd have to walk a line with him … not too hostile； but not too friendly； either。 After last night； he'd find anything even approaching warmth suspect。 We weren't going to get him with his guard down； we all knew that； but I thought we could catch him with it a long piece from all the way up if we played things just right。 It was important that we move fast； but it was also important … to me； at least … that nobody be hurt。 Not even Percy Wetmore。
Dean cam