Heavy Landings

The steel staircase clanged as Ed smashed both fists against it with such ferocity that he was completely unbalanced, stumbling and crashing down to the bottom. His head slammed against the cement at the bottom, against his left temple. Blood spouted from the wound and he saw stars. He could not see properly, but there was an eerie greenish glow above him.

Su was on the landing, still holding the ends of the light stick, leaning on the staves she used to help her get around. Her grin flashed in the dark. She spoke, taking on a tone of mocking concern.

"What's the matter, Ed?" she purred. "I just wanted to celebrate the end of a long, hard chase. Good to put an end to it, don't you think?"

"I think you're a sick woman," Ed gritted, trying to right himself, still woozy and disoriented. "What in God's name do you have against me?"