I've been turning down jobs for ten years.

Fuck the money, fuck the endless dirty little wars, and fuck the clients whose business is to darkle and tinct.

I had what I thought was the way out, the way forward, a stone staircase built up the side of the hole that I could climb out, however laboriously, whenever I fell back in.

The way forward was a detour through a blind alley. The way up was a burning rope ladder, flames and smoke obscured by the clouds and fog over the peak.

Six months ago an old friend asked if I was looking for work. I told him it would cost more than I was worth, and we laughed together.

A month ago he told me they were willing to pay, and the job is righteous.

So fuck it, let's roll.