Chapter 9 Losing Hand

• Caspian averted his gaze, lighting up a cigarette. In the brief moment that the lighter flared to life, Wendy caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye of the red scratch marks on the back of his hand.
• Overwhelmed by guilt, Wendy could not discern whether Caspian was warning her intentionally or not. Nevertheless, she instinctively distanced herself from Finley, placing a hand over her mouth as she spoke. “I've been having backaches these past few days and haven't been able to eat much. It would be a downer if I tagged along. You guys go ahead and have fun.”
• Wendy then added, “I'll wait for you to return.” The last sentence was whispered by Wendy, even though she knew that in such a noisy environment. She reckoned Caspian wouldn't be able to hear her.