when he was about halfway up , a runner came down the road to meet him . i told myself that these were the reasons i kept coming back . and he had caused that reaction . he was sort of a con man wasnt he ; always trying to sell you something or put a deal together . i wondered if the others were still alive , but i was too chicken to find out . i had long ago decided that we 'd go to the club that night . one long , thorough swipe with the flat of his tongue . 