shame and regret washed over me like acid . the scene flooded back to him . i nodded and reached over for a cigarette . looking through the cupboards , devil found the sugar and chocolate chips . i returned the grin and continued to gaze between her and the road . `` sure , '' i answered , trying to sound sincere . the quiet set his teeth on edge . going to save the day again ? she launched towards the exit , and when her back was momentarily turned , i struck her with the rod . 