the top layer of skin was pink , but it was curling and peeling back to reveal an even darker layer underneath . `` keep it up , smarty-pants and you will feel that crop tonight . '' he stared down at his hand . `` looks like that 's going to be my job . first five thousand dollars and now his hi-fi and records . as she climbed into the van , the warm air hit grace like a punch . either one of them could have sprinkled his food with something . 