My arm sprang alive. The wrench thudded against his skull. A half cry spilled from his lips. Then his head fell forward on his chest.

"Hit him again," Diane urged.

"But—"

"Do as I say."

I hit him again, hard.

It was done. I settled back. The wrench was still in my hand. I looked at it, then let it fall.

"Are you all right?" Diane asked.

"Yes," I said. "Why shouldn't I be?"

"You're not going to be sick, are you?"

"No! You think I'm a kid?"