I suppose that it was natural and normal, or as normal as I could ever be, to dream about death so much lately, particularly with Denny’s funeral on today. Thinking about the funeral and the possibility of setting eyes on Red Bycraft filled me with apprehension. Even if I didn’t encounter him in person, just the thought of his malevolent presence back in town agitated me. I knew I was nervous though, because today I’d strapped on my knife as well as affixing my utility belt when I dressed. The first part of the day passed peacefully enough, apart from a visit from Rick and Rosie, both of them already smelling of alcohol, despite it only being mid-morning. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Bycrafts today. “What are you doing back in town?” I demanded of Rosie. “Got bailed, didn’t I, bitch? Thought you could keep me away from my own brother’s funeral.” I shifted hostile eyes from her to Rick. “Kissed and made up have you?” “Fuck you,” said Rick. “If you’ve only come in to swear at me, then piss off,”
