All Things Work Together For Good f231l

All Things Work Together for Good

A NOVEL BY Robert J. Colpitts

Copyright © 2013 by Robert J. Colpitts.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013903840 ISBN: Hardcover Softcover Ebook

978-1-4836-0346-9 978-1-4836-0345-2 978-1-4836-0347-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 02/27/2013

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

For Our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ

Chapter 1

R ANDY’S TRUCK STOP was busy most of the time. Twenty years of diesel smoke had changed the red brick into a dark grey mass, the white cement that held the brick together could not be distinguished from the brick. The rain that was falling did not affect the color of the brick as it did the steamy windows, streaks of cleanliness pushed the grime aside. John parked his Kenworth near the showers so that he could clean before he ate. As hungry as he was he felt he owed it to the other patrons to clean up a bit. He would save the shave for his morning shower so he would look his best. He went to Randy’s and sat at a table. He had not sat at a table since the day of the fight. That was so long ago, that he thought it silly to let it bother him so much. It was like when he used salt and pepper he always put the salt on first, although he never associated salt and pepper with jail. John scanned the room and nodded to a trucker he had met last year in Dallas. His name was Jake and John noticed the cut he had gotten over his right eye had left a small scar. He could not what the fight was about, but he was glad that Jake was on his side he was a tough guy and could really knock heads. John was almost arrested which could have become a problem if his parole officer found out. I one month he will be finished with his parole. Sally was still here, he thought as he looked at the red haired woman sitting at counter. She was talking to a fat man who John thought looked funny. The smoke from his filtered cigarette climbed up and around the front of his cowboy hat, and the black glasses he was wearing reminded John of two black eyes. John felt sad as he thought of how Sally looked ten years ago. She could have been Susan’s sister except for the red hair and freckles over her nose. He wondered if Susan would age like her; not that that would be bad Sally still looked good. John smiled as he watched the cowboy who was sitting with Sally, his buns seemed to swallow the stool. John supposed that if the fat man made cigarette commercials they would go out of business. He was glad that he gave up smoking. Sally winked at John as a waitress walked over to his table. Sally was a waitress before she started turning tricks. He wondered why she never married. He

ired the legs of the waitress who was standing near his table. Susan’s legs were just as slender but tanner than those of the waitress. “Can I help you sa?” the waitress asked. “You sure can.” He said as she tried handing him a menu. “I won’t need that,” he said stopping her with his hand up. “I’ll have some of that great meat loaf. You have it?” “Sha do.” John thought that her accent seemed out of place at Randy’s. “Mississippi right?” “How’d you do that?” She asked while blushing. He wondered if she had reached twenty-one. That was how old Sally was when she decided she could do better with johns than tips. “I have been to every state, and more than once, I guess I developed an ear for it. How about some apple pie and coffee too?” “Want ya coffee now?” “Sure,” he said as he thought of the chilly rain outside. “Sha is a neat trick,” she flirted as she turned and walked away. Her tight uniform reminded him of Susan. He thought about seducing her but he knew better. He missed Susan so much for he hasn’t seen her for three weeks. “You know you once looked at me like that.” Sally said as she sat across from him. He had not seen her cross the room as he put on his smile. A little to much makeup he thought. “How have you been Sally? When are you going to get hitched?” “Whenever you ask me, honey.” I wonder if she’s kidding, John thought as he tried to read her blue eyes. She

looked serious which made John feel sad; he had always liked her. He had been with her years ago and she would not take money from him, he thought that she was just being nice. A chill went down his spine as the thought that she loved him ed through his mind. She was the only one to visit him except for him mother. How could he be so stupid. If Susan didn’t exist he could love Sally. “I’m not sure the Marlboro Man would like that.” John laughed as the fat man was watching.

Sally laughed too but suddenly stopped. “Business has been tough since they opened that new truck stop in Pike. Younger girls,” that brought a tear to her eye. “Come on Sally, your not old.” “Maybe not for trucking but for fuc-,” she stopped short as the waitress brought the coffee over. “Thanks Mississippi.” John said She giggle ignoring Sally’s presence. This time John did not watch her gait as she walked away. “I’m sorry for the language John, I heard you’re a Jesus freak now.” John chuckled, “Kind of, I’m a Christian.” You one of those born agains?” “Yes I am, want to know about it?” She thought for a moment. “Na. I heard you’re selling the truck and getting married.” The sarcasm could not be missed. John was sure now. He wished he had known sooner, but then there would be no Susan. “Yes Sally, the Kenworth is sold. Susan and I are going to buy some land in upstate New York. We want to eventually build a big house and adopt a bunch of

kids. Well maybe adopt some kids anyway.” He did not want to tell her that Susan’s two months pregnant. “You must really love her to give up your truck.” “I’ve been driving for ten year, off and on, I’m just getting tired of it.” “I thought you would drive forever.” “I’m getting older.” “You’re two years younger than me, you liar. It’s her.” “I guess your right Sally.” He knew she was. “I wish you the best John.” She started to cry as she put her hand on top on his. “It’s still on the house for you.” She slowly pulled her hand off of his and took a napkin from the holder, it was the last one. She got up from the booth and stood by John. “I can’t Sally.” “I know.” She said as she bent over and kissed his forehead. He noticed she still wore no bra, but he resisted giving her a hug. “Take care of yourself.” She said as she regained her strength. When she did she turned and walked to the end of the counter and disappeared into the ladies room. Randy’s meat loaf was always good and John was not disappointed this night. The gravy flooded his plate covering his meat loaf. The peas and carrots looked dry John thought as he mixed them into the mashed potatoes. “How you doin old buddy?” John hadn’t noticed Jake move over to his table. His mind was on the phone call he had with Susan a week ago. He would call her early tomorrow, he could call later tonight as she would be getting in from the convention, but he didn’t want to chance waking her, she would be tired from the trip. Besides, he would be in

her arms tomorrow evening and that was better than a phone call. “How have you been Jake?” John said as he stood up and grabbed Jake’s hand. John’s hand ached a bit as he surmised that Jake could still knock heads. “Sit down and eat boy, you gotta grow.” Jake laughed as he sat on the bench across from John. At six-three Jake was three inches taller than John and he weighed two hundred twenty-five which was thirty-five pounds than John. “Will I get big like you?” “Only if you eat it all up.” They both laughed vociferously, a few heads turned their way causing them to laugh even louder. “You boys behave yourselves.” Sally waved as she left the restaurant with the fat man. They both waved to her as threw a kiss and they each threw a kiss back, but John knew to whom her kiss was directed. “Sure was a fox in day, huh John?” “Yep sure was. So what’s new with you Jake?” John was trying to avoid any further talk about Sally. “I got locked up in Toledo for drunken disorderly, it could have been worse but the boss pulled some strings. How was I to know that when I cold-cocked that punk that he would turn out to be the police chief’s son? Talk about tough luck.” “What did you clock him for?” “He said that the Bengel’s were the best team. You know I like the Dolphin’s.” “Me too.” John lied. “Yea, so one thing lead to another and I nailed him.” “That was good of your boss to help you out.” “Ya know if you had worked for someone instead of being an owner operator you might have fared better when you iced that guy. How much time did you do?”

John thought he told Jake last year. “I did six in and I’m finishing my fourth on the street. Next month I’m finished.” When John finished his meal he showed a picture of Susan to Jake. “Real pretty.” “Her name is Susan, were getting married next week.” “Congratulations.” Jake said as he shook John’s hand again. John waited for the pain but it didn’t come. “I only have eight hundred miles to go and I’m finished. I can’t believe it.” “I heard that John. I still can’t see you hangin up the truck.” Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out some yellow pills. “Here, take some of these tomorrow so you can do the eight hundred miles without nodding out.” “No thanks Jake I haven’t used them for almost a year. After we were in that fight last year I went on a two week binge, ending up in the detox ward.” “No shit.” Jake seemed interested. John wasn’t going to tell him that it was a psychiatric hospital. “Yes, the name of the place is North Pines.” “The one on Long Island, New York?” Yep that’s the one.” So much for secrets John thought. “My uncle dried out there, he worked for the phone company.” “How is he doing?” “Not to good. His wife left him when he sobered and he went back on the bottle.” “Gee that’s too bad.” John was glad he was not married when he sobered up. North Pines was where he found Susan. She was doing graduate work as a group therapy leader.

John finished his coffee. “Jake I have to get up early.” John rose up from the table. He shook Jake’s hand and then he took two dollars and placed it on the table. “Ya sure ya don’t want some of those things.” Asked Jake. “Yes, take it easy.”

The yellow vinyl tape with the words: POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS reminded officer Billy Blake of his days when he boxed. He ed the burns he would get when he spent too much time on the ropes. He had not boxed since he ed the force, but he still kept in shape. They wanted him to box on the police team, his wife on the other didn’t want him to. “Get a shot of this.” Det. Winston said as he motioned the photographer over to a shotgun shell lying on the ground next to the plastic #2 sign. Billy was standing on the far end of the perimeter. He thought that his 110 could take as good of pictures as the expensive police camera. The black camera hid half officer Tallot’s body from Blake as popped the flash revealing the black faces peering over the police line. Lt. Sterling ed Det. Winston and the photographer near the clue marked #2. Two police cars on the north end and one on the south blocked the traffic. The flashing red and blue lights gave a festive glow to the run down houses. It was dark now but it was light when the shots were fired. “Winston, what do we have here?” Lt. Sterling asked. “Guy named Flake,” Winston replied pointing over to the chalk outline, “must be his street name – took two blasts. The first one nicked him, and second caved in his chest.” “Any Witnesses?” Asked Sterling “None, at least we can’t come up with any. You know how they work lieutenant.” Sterling was glad they weren’t near any civilians. Winston was a good detective but he was prejudice, probably not the only cop, just the most outspoken. Officer Billy Blake heard the remark and shook his head. He knew police were trying to make inroads into having more minorities presented. He looked around at all the white cops, not a single black one, they have their work cut out for them.

Billy was the closest cop in the vicinity when the call came in and was the first to arrive. There was a small gathering around the body when he arrived. Seeing no sign of a perpetrator he grabbed the first aid kit and ran over to the victim. He had seen shotgun victims before but he was never the first one on the scene. The ambulance would be there in minutes, but when Billy saw the hole in his chest he knew the first aid kit was useless. He said a prayer as he watched the man’s eyes roll into his head. The light gurgle told Billy that it was the end. A woman screamed, “He’s dead! He’s dead! Do something for him please!” Billy thought it might be a relative. A second police car pulled up. “Blake, any witnesses?” Asked Lt. Sterling. He moved over to where Billy was standing. The question brought Billy back to the present. “No sir.”

Evonne Watson ed what her fourth grade Sunday school teacher told her about respecting those in authority. It was in the Bible. So why did mama tell her not to tell the police what she saw?

John pulled himself up by the silver handle. The cool of the evening made it feel cold to the touch. He ired the black paint on the hood, the light near the showers revealed the beaded raindrops, he was glad he had waxed it the week before. He had put it off for more than a month as he was busy trying to sell her. The buyer in New York had bought it for more than John thought he could get. He undressed and stepped into the bunk. The down quilt Susan had given him last Christmas kept him warm throughout most of the year. Only in the most severe weather did he have to put the heater on. He put all that he had been wearing into a blue laundry bag he picked up in Buffalo. Now, that was a cold city. The satin sheets Susan bought for his foam mattress felt good on his naked body, he would not need the quilt tonight. The window was open a crack on the driver’s side and the fresh air smelled good. John was wishing Susan had been with him as he fell into a deep sleep and dreamt. The first three days at North Pines was pure hell for him, he couldn’t eat and shook most of the time. The pills he was told to take were tranquilizers and would keep him from convulsing. On the fourth day he did better as he kept his food down and the shakes were mostly gone. John lit up an unfiltered cigarette, took a deep drag and blow it into the air. He was alone in the dormitory as he glanced around the room. The far wall where the door was had glass half the way up. Fucking peeping toms he thought. Everything was grey paint even the steel bed frames. The beds were all made except for his. Most of the four days were spent on or near his bed. Initially, more out of necessity then choice, he did not feel good about it. He did not coming in but they showed him his signature and they said he had to stay at least three days. He had been told they treat alcoholism at North Pines so when he saw the sign “NORTH PINES PSTCHIATRIC HOSPITAL” he panicked. I’m not crazy I just drank a little more than I should have. He was going to leave but a counselor talked him into staying at least a week more. A voice shouted into the room, “Hey, a meeting is starting you have to go to the ones they have at night.”

“Oh, okay.” John said He walked down to the dining room to his first A.A. meeting. He looked for an empty table but there weren’t any. The room looked different then it had earlier – oh yes, John thought, the tablecloths were gone. He spied the coffee pot across the room and walked over to the end of the line. He put his Styrofoam cup under the spout and pulled the lever and filled it up to the top. He walked carefully over to a corner table as not to spill any coffee. The man who called him to the meeting was sitting there. After the first week and more meetings John was ready to leave again. He packed his suitcase and was ready to leave, when the counselor that had spoken to him earlier had come into the room. “Hey John, where are you going?” “I’m sober now and I appreciate you guys helping me out, but I have to go out into the real world now and make a living.” “How are you going to stay sober?” “Go to meetings, right.” “I don’t know. Are you happy John?” “Sure, I guess so.” “You don’t look happy to me. You’ve spent six years in the can and the last three years drinking.” “So what!” “Maybe you need a little more help. How about giving it another week in rehabilitation? It can’t hurt.” John thought of his truck parked at his aunt’s house. “Okay, one more week.”

Pastor Milinson closed his Bible and leaned back on his chair, put his glasses down, and rubbed his eyes. The sermon he was writing would have to wait until tomorrow; right now he had some prying to do. The killing wasn’t the only thing on the pastor’s mind. Several families from his congregation lived over in Grassmere Park, but as far as he knew none were related to the shooting victim. He was more worried about the racial balance of the community than the shooting however. It was an integrated neighborhood and was fairly stable up until about two years ago. That’s when the “white fight” began. He rose up from his chair and glanced at the extensive library he had in the church study, but only one book could give him the answer he sought. He knew the Bible was not specific on every subject, but it gave you principles to base your decisions on, and this was a tough one. He thought of his earlier meeting. He had just finished the lunch dishes when the doorbell rang. William Blake had come to see Pastor Milinson at the parsonage earlier today. It was usually about this time he put on his stereo – he loved classical music. Since his wife May died two years ago, the kids were all married, and he was all alone he found himself listening to the radio more often. He thought that the average person would probably want some more company, and he missed his family, but solitude had something to offer at times. A pastor, not unlike a therapist, hears a good amount of peoples problems and his time alone gave him time to reflect. He was glad he had a solid recourse to rely on. William Blake was not in uniform as Pastor opened the door. “I guess I’m not under arrest.” Pastor laughed. “Not today Pastor.” Billy returned levity. “Come on in Billy, I was just going to listen to some music. I will keep it low. That is if you don’t mind?” “No, not at all.” Billy followed the Pastor into the living room.

The colonial motif was similar to the Pastor’s study, Billy thought. He wondered if the bedroom was the same. Pastor led him to a plaid easy chair and had him sit. “I will be just one minute Billy.” Pastor reached up and took a compact disc from the bookshelf. Billy was pleased to see him use the gift he and Carol gave to him for his last birthday. “Do you like classical music Billy?” “I never get the chance to listen to it.” That was the best he could say without telling a lie. “Thanks again for the great gift.” Pastor said as he put on Handles Music for the Royal Fireworks. “You are quite welcome, glad to see you use it.” Billy would get one when more contemporary Christian music was available. “How about some coffee or tea?” “No thanks.” “So what brings you my way Billy?” Since May died less people came to call socially – at least it seemed that way to the Pastor. Billy put his hands together and looked across the room. Pastor sensing that he was not at ease waited for Billy. “Pastor I have always considered myself a liberal. I have worked with black kids through PAL, and I’m even a Big Brother for a black kid.” Billy stood up and walked over to the bay window, his back turned to the Pastor. “You have always been a blessing to those around you Billy, especially to less privileged.” “Then why am I such a hypocrite!” Billy shouted as he turned toward the Pastor.

“Why do you say that?” Pastor’s training in psychology prior to seminary came in handy at times. He had noticed the signs of depression the last few times he talked to Billy, and now he would keep him talking. “I have always been critical of others bigotry, so why am I selling my house to move to a whiter neighborhood? Some liberal I turned out to be.” “How does Carol feel about it?” “She thinks we should sell too.” “What made you guys come to this decision?” As if the Pastor didn’t already know. It was the same reason over and over, though he noted that for Christians it was a harder decision. “Well the schools for one, so many drugs.” “It is bad.” “The Christian school is such a long ride for the kids.” “It is far.” “I just want to give Jeremiah a better chance.” “I don’t blame you Billy. Education is an important aspect of human development.” “And the violence – just last week I watched a guy in Grassmere Park die from a shotgun blast. Maybe you read about it in the papers?” “I read it; you were the first officer there.” “That’s right; what a mess. I prayed for the guy, although I don’t know if it did any good.” “We will know when we get to heaven.” Billy didn’t hear what the Pastor had said, “and last month that girl was raped and murdered. We still have not solved that one.”

“You guys will get him.” “Sure; Pastor I only live a mile from the park.” Billy raised his hands in anguish then slapped his thighs. He walked back over to the chair and sat down. He was really talking now and Pastor knew that was a healthy sign. “I all the stuff I learned in sociology, intellectually I can understand that my work on the force is draining me emotionally. “It is not easy to be a cop, and you are a very good one.” “I thought I could make a difference. We busted this guy for selling weed to school kids, and the same night he was out and at it again. There’s so much violence and waste.” Billy put his face in his hands and fought back the tears. Pastor ed one of his sermons. “Billy two weeks ago I gave a sermon on the five obligations a Christian has. Do you it?” “I was on duty that Sunday.” “The first one you are obligated to is God.” “That one is easy.” Billy said as he picked up his head. “The second is your spouse.” “Oh.” Billy said surprised. “The third is your children, fourth is your church, and the fifth is your ministry.” “At least I knew the first one.” Billy chuckled. “I thought the church would be second.” “Most people do. The Bible is implicit that the care of the spouse is of utmost importance, then the children.” “So, maybe I am doing the right thing?” “I think you are officer.” Pastor saluted and they both laughed. The time ed quickly and the Pastor prayed with him before he left.

A knock on the door brought John out of his sleep. He rubbed his eyes and was about to open the curtain when he realized that he was naked. He grabbed his jeans and as he slid them on his penis pinched on the zipper. He carefully pulled up the zipper wishing he had put on his underpants. The knock came again, John could not tell on which side of the cab the knock came from. Annoyed he yelled “I’ll be right there.” “John it’s me Sally.” The voice came from the enger side. He reached over pulled the lock and opened the door. It was raining again and Sally was all wet, her curly red hair was straight now. “Get in here girl before you catch pneumonia.” Sally reached for the pull bar and nearly fell down, her second attempt was more successful. John grabbed her other hand and pulled her into the truck. He reached across her body and closed the door, and she smelled of beer. If it wasn’t for the sobs you would not know that she was crying, her tears were camouflaged due to the rain wetting her face. Then he saw the blood under her nose. “He hit me John, that son of a bitch.” “Here wipe your nose.” John handed her a tissue. She wiped her nose and then her eyes. “I’m sorry John.” She sniffled. “I drank too much.” John noticed her blouse as he asked the question. “What happened?” The wet material clung to her breasts. “The fat pig tried to get kinky – I told him to get lost and then he hit me.” “What a bastard. Would you like me to get you a cab?” “I don’t want to go home tonight John. I’m so cold.” Sally crossed her arms over

her chest. John could see goose bumps on her slim arms. “Where do you want me to take you?” John looked at his watch. “It’s one in the morning.” “A long time ago I slept with a young truck driver and we slept in a place like this.” She was pointing to the curtain. “I can’t Sally, not that I’m not tempted, but I love Susan too much.” Sally started to cry again, John took out another tissue, this time he wiped her eyes and bent down over to kiss her on the forehead. “I’ll tell you what Sally, you go behind the curtain and take off your wet clothes, them up front, and I will hang them across the dashboard to dry. There is a short robe hanging on a hook and it will be long on you.” John didn’t know why he kept the robe in the truck since he never used it. It was a gift from Susan though, she had given it to him the night they first made love. John continued, “you sleep in the bunk and I will sleep up front.” “I can’t let you do that John.” Her eyes were a little glassy. “Nonsense, now go on.” Sally agreed and crawled into the bunk and closed the curtain. “Nice sheets.” John heard a small burp and smiled. “Excuse me.” Sally apologized. “Sally, why don’t you stop what you are doing?” “I would like to, I really would.” She answered and then yawned. An arm came through the curtain and the wet blouse was handed to John as he tried to control his thoughts. The soft hand drew back and followed by a softer yawn. “I really want you and Susan to be happy.” It was quiet for a few minutes. “Sally, Sally.” Nothing. What to do next? Even though John had slept with Sally many years ago he felt awkward. He pulled the curtain and peeked in. Sally had

fallen asleep in the middle of undressing. She was lying on her back, John saw her small breasts, and thought that they looked the same as they had ten years ago. He was going to let her be, but he saw that her wet sneakers were dripping on the sheets, so he decided to take them off. He took off her sneakers, then her socks, and hung the socks from two knobs on the dash. He noticed that she had started to take her pants off, the zipper was open. He wondered how she was planning to get those off when her sneakers were still on. He felt the bottom of the jeans and then were wet so he pulled them down, ever so slowly, so not to disturb her pink panties. When the pants were off he hung them over the back of the back of the enger seat. When he looked back at her she had turned her back to him, and he ired her fine line as he pulled the sheets around her. He closed the curtain and tried to get comfortable in the driver’s seat. He couldn’t sleep though so he tried to analyze his feelings. Seeing Sally’s half naked body didn’t rise any great ion in him. Since he met Susan he had been faithful to her, they were not married yet, but that would soon change. He gave it an hour and decided it was no use. If he was going to get some sleep for the long trip tomorrow he would have to try and sleep in the bunk. He slowly opened the curtain. Sally was still on her side facing away from him so John gently pushed her small body closer to the wall, laid down next to her on his side and put his arm around her. Falling asleep he thought of his Susan.

John went to C building on Friday for his so called rehabilitation to begin, and he shared a room with two others. One guy Stan, a college professor, was ten years older than John and his budding grey hair gave him an air of distinction. Peter was John’s age and was a bar tender. John thought that this was ironic, since he was in here because of the stuff the guy made his living on. They told the guy though that he would have to find another job and John was glad he drove truck. The weekends were dull, all they had were meetings at night and the rest was free time. All he would do during that time was play cards and smoke three packs a day, if this kept up he would leave soon. Monday morning after breakfast he went on his first group therapy session, the other two men were there along with two other men. John had not talked to anybody in group therapy. Frankly, he felt he was wasting his time, he wondered what the therapist would have to say to him, and he envisioned a small man with glasses. When Susan walked into the room John realized his mistake and he was not disappointed. “Hi, my name is Susan Bates.” She reached out her hand to John. “You must be John Blockman.” John shook her hand and it was soft yet firm. “Yes that’s right.” “It is nice to have you with us. We just use first names here so you can call me Susan and if it is okay with you I will call you John.” “That is fine with me.” She spoke about how group therapy worked and how it could help a person. A week of sessions had been a complete zero for John; in fact if it weren’t for Susan he probably would have left already. He didn’t participate and always ed when it was his turn to share. Two more weeks and nothing, after the fourth week on a Wednesday, the group had been meeting for about an hour when Susan caught John staring at her as she had before. “Okay John, it’s your turn to share.” Hearing his name mentioned brought him out of his day dreaming.

“I will today Susan.” He smiled. “Bullshit!” John was shocked he never heard Susan talk like that. It was more the way she said it that made him sweat. “What do you mean?” They were all staring at him. “You sat here for four fucking weeks and have not contributed a damn thing.” “I don’t have to take this shit from you. Who the hell do you think you are?” “You spent six years in the slammer and don’t have anything to say? What, did you get it in the ass?” John heard one of the men laugh. What a whore he thought, his neck was red. “Fuck you! I never got it in the ass, but a lot of guys did. It was tough to see a guy getting raped and you can’t do anything about it?” Everyone was motionless as John stood up. “I was so scared but you can’t ever let them know that. I had never been to jail before, but I looked and acted tough to survive even though I was terrified.” He started to cry and felt ashamed. Susan walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “You’re doing good John, you’re feeling.” He sat down again and composed himself, chuckled, and said, “Thanks.” He really meant it too, and even though he didn’t know how he felt good. When he felt his eyes were dry he looked at Susan, she was smiling at him and he smiled back. After the session Susan caught up with him in the hallway. “How about a cup of coffee trucker?” “Sure, cafeteria?” “Sounds good.” John hardly tasted the coffee. “That was a mean trick Susan.” “Sorry, but sometimes I have to use drastic measures.”

“I’ll say, I don’t speaking to any woman like I spoke to you.” “Do you feel any better?” “Yes I do, thanks again.” They made small talk for a while. John ired her long blonde hair, noticed that her blue eyes suited her clear complexion, and guessed her age was about twenty-five, maybe twenty-eight. “John I noticed that you stare at me quite a bit, is there something peculiar about me?” Is she serious? John thought and he laughed out loud. “What is so funny?” “Yes there is something peculiar about you. I think that you are beautiful.” His voice became serious. Susan searched his eyes and saw that he meant it, and she liked him too. John had never seen her blush before and he thought that it was charming. “That is flattering John, but keep in mind that your counselor.” “Not ethical, huh?” “Yeah, not practical either.” “It could mess up your therapy.” The hour ed quickly. “Can we do this again sometime? I really enjoyed myself.” John said “We will see. I enjoyed myself too.” The therapy went well for John the rest of his stay, he openly shared in on group, and grew stronger every day. On departure day he had to speak in front of the whole hospital. He gave credit to all the staff especially his group therapist. He called his aunt and asked if he could stay with her for a few weeks until he regained his psychological strength. She understood and told him that that would be alright, and that the truck was in good shape. He felt awkward about Susan having to pick him up in her Camaro, but he only

had the truck and they figured it might be hard to park when they went out to dinner. The idea of taking the truck to a place where they had valet parking made him laugh. He had gone out and bought a pair of slacks and a sports jacket for the fancy place they decided to go to in the city. When Susan arrived at seventhirty John’s aunt opened the door and invited her in as John walked into the room. She had always wore Jeans at the hospital so the black evening dress she was wearing set John back, it was low cut and he could see she has a full figure. “You look beautiful Susan.” “You really think so?” She spun around. “I will leave you kids alone. John’s aunt said. “It was nice to meet you Susan.” “It was nice to meet you too, I ire you helping John out.” “He’s a nice boy.” She said as she left the room. “Goodnight aunty.” Susan looked at John’s new clothes. “You look mighty good for a drunk.” They laughed “That is a beautiful truck out there.” “Thanks.” He wondered if she really meant it as they walked out the door. Just about every night for the next couple of weeks they went out either to the movies, dinner, or just to talk. The time went so fast and John always hated when it was time to go back home. He found out she was a born again Christian who was saving herself for marriage and that was fine with John until the day before he had to leave. “I’m sorry John. I love you too, but I told you of my convictions.” “I know but I will not see you for a while and I’m going to miss you so much. I’m sorry.” He said as he left her car. He wasn’t angry as he started to walk into his aunt’s house. “John.” She had gotten out of the car and ran over to him throwing herself into

his arms, and they kissed for three minutes without stopping. “I will miss you so much, call me.” “Every day.” He said as they parted.

Officer William Blake had just finished laps and was toweling himself off. The baby was sleeping and Carol was making lunch. He sat on a white patio chair and looked at the pool they had put in last year. “What are you looking at honey?” Carol came out onto the patio carrying a try with sandwiches and cake on it and set it down on the table near Billy. She turned to walk back and slide the patio door closed. Billy’s attention turned toward his wife as he started wondering again what she would look like in a bikini. He asked her about it before but she always said that she was too big for one. She turned and saw him staring at her. “I was just iring you.” He said ing her question. “You would look good in a bikini.” “I bet you say that to all your ladies.” She kidded. “Besides you were looking out at the pool when I asked you what you were looking at. You looked like you were deep in thought.” Billy grabbed half of his ham sandwich and took a bite. He liked a lot of mustard and he felt the heat so he took a swig of ice tea to cool him off. “I was just thinking if we hadn’t made the decision last year we wouldn’t have ever bought the pool.” “How could you know that? We use it often.” “That is true. I wonder if your grandmother would approve of how we spent some of the inheritance.” “Are you kidding, she would be right in there swimming too.” “You know your right, she was a feisty lady. I miss her.” Carol’s parents were killed when she was three years old. Her grandparents raised her and when her grandfather died he left his business that he had built into a small empire. She quickly sold it for five million dollars. The five grandchildren each received twenty percent of the estate. Carol and Billy gave an anonymous gift to the church in the sum of fifty thousand dollars.

“It is just that it seems like such a shame to have put so much money into the house just before selling it. By the way Pastor said he thought we were doing the right thing.” “I kinda figured he would. As far as the house is concerned we will get back some of our investment when we sell the house.” She rose up from her chair and picked up his plate. He quickly reached out and grabbed her wrist, reaching his other arm around her waist pulling her into his lap. “Is this how you make an arrest?” “You have the right to love me, you have the right to go to bed with me…” “I know my rights.” She interrupted and giggled as he put his hand on her thigh and started to nibble at her shoulder. “What if the baby wakes up?” “Just wait right here.” He stood up and walked around to the side of the house near the baby’s room. The metal shed they bought from Sears for the pool equipment was over there. When he ed from sight she ran into the house and found the bikini she had bought last week to put it on. She looked into the mirror, the pink suit looked like something out of Fredrick’s in Hollywood, she thought. Only one more pound since the baby. As she stepped out Billy grabbed her from behind and started to carry her off but then set her down. “Wow!” Billy said starting to breath heavy. Carol blushed as he picked her up again and carried her around to the side of the house, where he had stretched a tarp from under the aluminum siding to the shed. The double air mattress they had for camping was lying on the ground under it half blown up. “I ran out of breath.” He explained as he set her down on the mattress. “What are you doing Billy? The neighbors.” “They can’t see us besides, you’re under arrest ?” He took her in his

arms.

Pastor Milinson was in the pizza restaurant eating a calzone when Evonne Watson and her mother came in. Her mother was a heavy woman and Evonne looked tiny standing next to her and they didn’t notice him sitting there. He had only met her mom twice when he came to pick up Evonne for Sunday school and he only did that when the regular driver was away. She walked over to the counter and ordered a large pie and the Pastor smiled a bit wondering if she would give any to the little girl. Just then a cop walked in and ordered a hero and a soda, the pastor didn’t recognize him and he wondering if he knew Billy when Evonne’s mother spotted him. “Hey Pastor, could you tell this little girl that she’s supposed to respect her mama, she never listens.” “Hi.” He couldn’t her name. “You have such a lovely daughter, er, Mrs. Watson. How have you been?” “Just fine, cept for this one.” “A problem?” “She’s don’t respect her mama.” “Yes I do mama.” The little girl with the two long braids said. “Don’t sass your mama girl, I told ya.” The policeman took the white bag and paid for his meal and he watched all the commotion as he left the restaurant. “Mrs. Watson, can you come to the Sunday school picnic in a couple of weeks? We would pick you and Evonne up.” “I’ll think about it. Don’t the bible say to honor your mother and father?” “Yes.” The man behind the counter yelled, “Your pizza is ready lady!”

“See ya pastor.” God bless you.” Pastor finished his meal and went out into the night air. It was less humid now he thought. As he started for his car he noticed that a young black man was standing near it and for a second he thought of going back into the restaurant, but if it was a robbery the man would overtake him from behind. Plus, he had read somewhere that a mugger might not attack if no fear is shown. He soon realized his mistake as he reached for his keys and the man started to come around to his side of the car. God, if I am coming home please make if quick, he thought to himself. The man’s quickened pace halted suddenly and a knife dropped from his hand and he kicked it into the sewer. “Any trouble?” The cop in a squad car asked. “No man.” The black guy said. “I was just going to the pizza store.” He started walking towards the restaurant. “You okay sir?” “Yes officer.” “Was that a knife he had?” “I’m not sure – he dropped it so fast. I think he kicked it into the sewer?” “I could arrest him but without a stronger testimony he would probably just walk.” “Thanks for the hand officer.” Pastor started his car and locked the doors. He was grateful for the police officer coming just in the nick of time. He watched as the squad car pull up to the dumpster near the side of the supermarket, tossed his garbage out, and drive off. The pastor said a prayer for the mugger and then drove off himself.

Kim-su took down the sign and opened the door and reaching her arm in she turned on the light, being careful of the stack of mail she had in her arms. Her husband Greg followed her into the office and kicked a telegram under the rug. When she got to the desk she set the mail down and walked to where Greg was, put her arms around him and they kissed. “Enough.” He pulled free. “You trying to kill me girl? We both have work to do.” He pointed over to the pile of mail. “Okay baby, let’s get to work.” She smiled at him, grabbed the letters and sat at his desk. He went over to the small couch and his wiry frame took up the entire six foot length of the convertible as he laid down. He bought the couch to sleep on for the nights he worked late. He looked at Kim-su sorting the mail and thought about the week and how tired he was. “This one is from Mrs. Gleason.” “Must be the last payment for finding out who her husband was cheating with.” She put the letter down on the desk and looked at another. “Lighting company.” “Bill.” That one started a different pile. “Sam Glad, attorney at law. Do we owe him money?” “Na, he owed me some money for some snooping I did for him.” “Here’s another bill, this one’s from the phone company.” She put it with the other bill. Greg didn’t mind the bills as much as he used to, at least he could afford to pay them now. He wasn’t rich, but he was a lot better off now that he was getting white clients. “Hey, here’s one from Eddie.”

“Yea? Let me see that!” He said getting up. She tried to throw it like a Frisbee and it landed at his feet. When he bent over to pick it up he noticed that it had been post marked eight days earlier. He opened it up and read it out loud.

“Dear Greg and Kim-su,

Just a few lines to let you know what’s happening. I got the money you sent and enrolled in school. I received a grant too so I’m using the dough from you for books and some new threads. I hope you don’t mind. I’m still clean and living at a halfway house. I hope to be able to see you soon. Love, Eddie

“Nice letter Greg.” “Yea, you think he’s straight?” “He said so.” “I know. It’s ironic he came back from Nam with a habit and I came back with you.” His eyes were watering. She walked over to the door and put the ‘ON VACATION’ sign back on the outside of it and locked it. She slowly walked over to him unbuttoning her blouse. “What does ironic mean?” He rose up and took the couch bed out and she walked into his arms. “I’ll tell you later.” He whispered and they fell onto the couch together.

John was still thinking about when he and Susan first met when he woke up. His arm was still around Sally taking his arm off of her and sitting he ed about last night. “Good morning John.” Sally said as she turned to lay on her back and the sheet was pulled up to her neck as she laid there looking at John. “Good morning. How do you feel?” “Not too bad. Thanks for letting me stay last night.” She saw her clothes hanging in several places around the truck. “Are they dry?” He felt them. “They’re still a little damp.” He thought of how they had come to be where they were. “I don’t undressing; I must have been pretty drunk. I that bum hitting me though. Thanks again for letting me stay.” “I’m glad you did.” “You mean that?” “Yes, and I don’t want to be rude but I have a long ride ahead of me and I’d like to get an early start.” “Well how can a girl get dressed with you sitting there?” He started to get down when she touched his shoulder, the sheet still covering her as she sat up. “Thank you for not taking me.” She lightly kissed his lip. “Now git.” She gave him a little shove and closed the curtain. “Now hand me my clothes.” He ed them around the curtain to her while looking out the windshield. “Sally, why did you come visit me when I was in the can?” “Wouldn’t you have done the same for me?” “I guess so.” She couldn’t tell him the truth and he couldn’t tell her that he knew

it. She pulled the curtain apart. “Walla presto chango!” Sally knew that she would soon lose control. “I have to run.” She crawled down off the bunk and sat in the enger seat and touched his hand. “Good luck John.” She said as the tears came. Before John could say anything she was out the door, and even though he wanted to go after her he grabbed his towel and shaving gear instead. The water was warm as he showered and shaved. He decided it would be best to eat later on down the Pike and went back to his truck. When he opened the driver door saw a letter sitting on the seat. He grabbed it and jumped in the truck before opening it. ‘I’m quitting the John business for good. I have a sister in Chicago that will take me in for a while. I’ll wait on tables again, maybe even take a steno course or something. Your friend, Sally’ John turned the key and his baby roared to life. It could really move with even a load on the back but without a load it could fly, and he could feel the power in his hands as he pulled onto the highway. As he glanced at Randy’s he could see Sally looking out the window.

Pastor Milinson was sitting in his study and he felt just as good as he always did after a wedding ceremony. His thoughts ran to Susan and her fiancé John. He checked his calendar and Susan’s wedding was only one week away. It would be nice to get the two of them married. The rumors had disturbed him greatly. If she were pregnant they would soon be married in any case. So when he first heard of these rumors he prepared a sermon on the vindictiveness of rumors, and it must have worked because the rumors died out after that. The phone rang bringing him out of his thoughts. “Hello Pastor Milinson here.” It was Mary Bickers calling with an update on the surgery her son had this morning and everything went well, but he would have to stay for about a week. “I’ll be up to see him, God bless.” He hung up the phone and his thoughts fell back on to Susan. He had watched her grow up from a little girl to the woman she is now. She had some trouble for a while, but when she redirected her life to the Lord she blossomed. School dictated her life for a time but she seemed to flourish. He was pleased that she had majored in the same field as he had. She was concerned that psychology would interfere with her spiritual life and he had had similar thought many years ago himself. So he told her of the many methods used in psychology that could be used by a Christian as long as the person understood that the basic premise might be in error. He knew that every Christian would not agree with him and that would be the first time that they wouldn’t. She had done well in the field and just recently received her Master’s. The only concern that the Pastor had for her had been what seemed to be a lack of a social life. She didn’t come to many of the church socials. So when he heard of her plans to marry John he was very happy for her. She seemed so much happier than she had the year before. He felt like calling her but he ed that she was away for that convention. Besides, he would

see her soon enough although he couldn’t exactly what day she had said she would be back.

Billy was off duty when he ordered the pizza as Carol and the baby were seated in the rear of the restaurant. He liked this place because it had a high chair for Jeremiah, and also because he would meet Pastor here occasionally for lunch. He walked back to the table that Carol and the baby were sitting at with Jeremiah sucking on a bottle. The room was fairly crowded for four o’clock Billy thought as he waved to a man he knew from church. There were two ladies sitting at the table next to them and a young man with long blonde hair sat at the table at the far end of the room. He had a gold earring in his right ear and a man in a business suit sat across from him. Billy thought perhaps they were father and son. By the look on their faces and the movement of their heads suggested that they were arguing. This made Billy start to wonder what kind of father he would be. “Da da.” Jeremiah said pointing to Billy. Billy stuck his tongue out and made a face to make him laugh. “That look suits you dear.” Billy made a face at Carol and said, “Speaking of suits; when are you going to wear that bikini again?” Carol blushed as the two ladies halted their conversation so they could hear Billy and Carol. “Billy.” Carol whispered through gritted teeth and rolling her eyes towards the ladies’ table. Billy looked over at the ladies and they realized that they were caught. “Did you see Marge’s new dress?” One lady hurriedly restarted the conversation Billy and Carol started to laugh, Jeremiah seeing his parents cracking up ed them, and when the ladies saw the baby laughing they ed in as well. After they were eating their pizza Billy watched the young man with the earring and could not place his face. The meal was finished he waited for the check, after ten minutes he called the waiter over. “I need the check.” “It’s on the house Officer Blake.”

Almost every time he came in they tried to give him a free meal and he hated it, but this was the first time with his wife present. “Here take this.” He gave him a twenty and when the change came he left without leaving a tip.

John finished his meal quickly, he checked his watch, and it was 9:30. It would take him ten hours to get to the George Washington Bridge and then another forty minutes to get to Great Neck. He couldn’t feeling so good, it reminded him of how he felt at Christmas when he was a boy. Being with Susan and never having to leave was better than any toy he had ever received, except maybe the train set. He laughed out loud. The cashier looked at him “It must have been funny.” “Yes it was.” John agreed as he paid the bill. One hour outside of New York and John was floating on air. In only two more hours he would be in Susan’s arms. On Thursday he would meet in an attorney’s office and would sell his truck for eighty-five thousand dollars. He was glad he took care of her, even though she will be missed; sometimes you have to give up something good to get something better. The traffic was fairly light on route 80 as John ed a stalled car on the right, and there was a backup of traffic as he approached toll booths on the Washington Bridge. He thought of the night he proposed. He had been seeing Susan at least two or three weekends a month for eight months. They had gone to her apartment a few times but never stayed too long for fear that they might go to far. He never understood until later why she wanted to save herself for marriage, it seemed old fashioned in this day in age, but he loved her too much to push the subject. When he called her the day before coming into town he suggested that they celebrate their eight month anniversary. She then suggested that they get all dressed up like they did on their first date, she would make dinner, and afterward they could go out. When Susan answered the door John said “Hi”, took the roses from behind his back and gave them to her. “There lovely,” she said as she took them from him. She had on the same black

dress she had on the night they first went on a date and John thought she looked just as stunning. She gave him a kiss and invited him in. He also had on the same clothes he wore on their first date and when they both realized they laughed. The meal was delicious as usual and John wondered how she learned to cook so well. “That was great Susan.” “Thank you. Want to see what we are having for dessert?” She asked as she walked towards the kitchen to get it. John watched her figure as she walked to the kitchen all the time he felt the sweat on his palms and thought about leaving. She brought in a Boston cream pie and it was his favorite. When they finished John said, “You know I have not had a drop to drink since you helped me.” “I didn’t do it, he did.” She pointed up in the air. Susan had shared her faith with John on several occasions. He had always considered himself a Christian but after reading the Bible with her he realized that he wasn’t. “I know Susan, but he used you.” “I will bring the coffee over to the couch. You go sit and relax.” “I want to help with the dishes.” “Later, now go sit down.” The couch was white with large cushions and he sunk into it. She brought the coffee and put it down on the glass coffee table and thought he had better act fast. He pulled the small box out of his pocket. She was stirring the coffee and didn’t see him. “Will you marry me Susan?” She dropped the spoon and looked into his eyes. “I would love to but…” “But the Bible says you can’t be yoked to unbelievers.” She tried to read his eyes to see if he was angry.

“Susan I want to be a Christian.” They bowed their heads and she led him in the sinner’s prayer and he asked Christ into his life. When they finished she put her finger on his chin and gently lifted his head. She looked into his eyes and whispered, “Yes Billy, I will marry you.” She went into his arms and they just hugged each other, he could feel her heartbeat through the thin gown. They kissed each other eagerly as John gently pushed her on her back. “No John.” She said as she pushed him off and was crying and she ran into the bedroom. John’s first reaction was to leave and call her in the morning but the idea of leaving when she was so upset kept him there. He walked over to the bedroom door and knocked. “Susan I’m sorry.” He called out. No answer. “I promise I will not touch you again until we are married.” Still no answer. “We are still getting married aren’t we?” The words scared him. He looked at his jacket hanging on the back of the chair, he was about to walk over and put it on when he heard the doorknob move. Susan stood at the door in a short negligee and John couldn’t believe his eyes. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He could see the full rounded breasts through the veiled material. His eyes went down to her flat belly and continued on to her white panties and finally to her legs. “I better leave.” He could hardly talk. “No, you asked me to marry you and I said yes, in God’s eyes we have already made the commitment. We just have to finalize it with a church ceremony.” “Are you sure Susan?” She pulled him into the room and closed the door. She undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt pushed it over his shoulder onto the floor.

“Can we turn off the lights John?” “Sure honey.” John tried to sound composed and he walked over to the light switch and turned off the lights. She could vaguely see his figure as he undid his pants and stepped out of them. He walked over to her and took her into his arms. He untied the small bow on her negligee and it floated to the floor as he carried her to the bed. They made love three times that night; he hadn’t done that since he was seventeen. He gave the man at the toll booth a ten dollar bill. “Good evening.” “Thanks.” John was glad he was in a truck and not in a car. He imagined the toll booth attendant wouldn’t want to see his erection. He counted his change and then pulled away seeing the New York City skyline loomed on his right. He had seen if before, but it never looked as pretty as it did this night.

“No, you asked me to marry you and I said yes, in God’s eyes we have already made the commitment. We just have to finalize it with a church ceremony.” “Are you sure Susan?” She pulled him into the room and closed the door. She undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt pushed it over his shoulder onto the floor. “Can we turn the lights off John?” “Sure honey.” He tried to sound composed. He walked over to the light switch and turned off the lights. She could vaguely see his figure. He undid his pants and stepped out of them. He walked over to her and took her into his arms. He untied the small bow on her negligee and it floated to the floor. He carried her to the bed. They made love three times that night. John had not done that since he was seventeen. He gave the man at the toll booth a ten dollar bill. “Good evening.” “Nice rig buddy.” “Thanks.” John was glad he was in a truck and not a car. He imagined the toll booth attendant seeing his erection. He counted his change and then pulled away. The New York City skyline loomed on his right. He had seen it before but it never looked as pretty as it did tonight.

Sally looked at her watch, Chicago was still an hour away. She had tried to sleep but found it to be difficult. Her sister Mary had said it would be alright if she stayed for awhile. Since Mary’s divorce had left her an empty house. She hadn’t seen Mary for a year and a half so it will be nice to see her again. Sally had gone to her room right after she watched John’s truck pull away. She packed her suitcases and kissed Randy’s goodbye. She thought it was funny that everything she owned could fit into only two suitcases. She hadn’t turned that many tricks though, considering she had been at it for ten years, mostly just when she needed some extra money. The last five years she rarely had a John, too bad she’d had one the night she saw John. He probably thinks I’m the busiest hooker in the world. She felt a chill and put a sweater on. She looked down at her faded jeans and wondered why she never got married. A couple of guys had asked but she’d always said no. She knew why of course, they weren’t him. She knew now that she could never have him after waiting all those years hoping she could. When he first slept with her he said he wasn’t ready for to give up his truck for marriage. When he married he wouldn’t want to be on the road; How could you love someone when you’re on the road all the time? She had visited him every six months for the first four years he was in prison, and when his mother died she started going every two months. It wasn’t easy mind you, she had to take two buses across two states and then take a cab to the prison. It cost about twentyfive dollars, not to mention six hours each way. Not that he wasn’t appreciative, he even tried to discourage her; the fool; why couldn’t he see? She had to forget about him now and start a new a life. She was in pretty good shape and shouldn’t have a problem attracting a husband. Her financial condition wasn’t that bad either, she was always good with money, so she could buy a new dress or two. The noise from the bus finally put her to sleep.

John left the Kenworth at his aunt’s house and called a cab. He was tempted to call Susan but he wanted to surprise her. Susan’s Camaro was parked in its spot which meant she was home. It was eleven-thirty: and he wondered if she would still be up. He had a key for the lobby door as well as one for the apartment; this worked out well so he wouldn’t have to buzz her to let him into the building. As he approached the door marked 2A he took off his shoes. He put his ear to the door, heard nothing. A small click was the only sound he made as the lock opened, he tip-toed in. The hum of the air conditioner set to high was the only noise he heard. She must have been tired, he thought as he walked down the hall to the bedroom. The bathroom light was on and it shone into the bedroom as the doors were both open. “Susan.” He whispered, he didn’t was to give her too much of a scare. He looked into the bathroom-not in there. He looked into the bedroom. There was just enough light to see her figure lying on the bed; fast asleep. She was lying on her side with her back to him. She was wearing her pink pajamas and the room was cold. John walked over to turn off the air conditioner; he was looking at her as he crossed the room. John abruptly stopped as a glint of glass caught his eye. One pajama sleeve was raised higher than the other, and had what looked like a black snake wrapped around her arm. He went closer. “Oh God No!” He fell on his knees and pulled the needle out of her arm; he ripped the belt from her. “No Susan no!” He cried. “Please God no.” Her skin felt cold as he picked up her head putting his face down to hers. His tears fell on her face giving the appearance that they were hers. He stayed that way for over an hour crying all the while. Finally he put her head down and kissed her goodbye. As he was dialing the police he decided he hated God.

Chapter 2

O FFICER BILLY BLAKE heard the call come in over the radio. At first he didn’t pay any attention since it wasn’t in his vector; but then he realized it was Susan’s address. He and Carol had eaten there when she first moved into the apartment. He put on his light and siren. When he got there he saw two squad cars and an ambulance parked in front. He ed Susan’s was 2A. He parked the police car and ran into the building. A cop at the bottom of the stairs said “What’s your hurry Blake?” “Is it 2A?” “I think so.” Billy ran past him and up the stairs. The door to the apartment was opened; he went in. A man with short brown hair, maybe thirty-five or so, was sitting on the couch, and his eyes were red. “Charlie, what happened?” Asked Billy The cop that was talking to John looked at Billy. “Lady O.D.’d”, he looked back at John. Billy forced himself to go into the bedroom; he had to be sure. The body was covered with a sheet; an attendant was getting a body bag ready. “You better wait for the detectives before you disturb the body.” Billy said as he pulled back the sheet. She looked peaceful. He walked into the bathroom and became sick. He went back into the bedroom to take a look around. He saw the cooker and the needle on the floor. He knew he could not touch anything but at least he could get a closer look. As he bent down he saw a box of matches just under the bed. On the front was a coat of arms; it was a lion’s head with a beer mug over its head. His eyes focused on the cooker; part of the cigarette filter was still in the blackened soda cap that was used to cook the heroin. Why did she do it? Billy walked back into the living room. He realized that the guy on the couch was probably Susan’s fiancé; he ed his name. “I’m sorry John.”

John ignored him and stared down the hallway.

Pastor Milinson was shocked when he heard the news. He could not believe she had killed herself, she had no reason to. Her life as a teenager was rough. He ed that she spent some time in a Christian home for drug abuse, but that was so long ago and she was so successful now. She seemed so excited about her marriage plans. No, it just didn’t make sense. He never understood tragedy. Though he had seen a lot in his ministry, children dying, disease and such, also as a police chaplain he had seen some gruesome stuff. He never doubted God’s love, he only wished he could understand better. When he made it to heaven he was sure things would be clearer. Her fiancé John seemed like a nice man. He surprised Pastor as he was more refined than Pastor had thought a truck driver might be. John told him that he went to college while he was in prison. When he found out that John had accepted Jesus is made him so happy. The funeral arrangements were handled by pastor as he had not heard from John. Billy Blake said he would underwrite the cost of the burial. The funeral had been put off until Wednesday because of the autopsy. Billy had told him how bad John looked. John sat in a bar with a shot glass sitting in front of him. He had not shaved for a few days. He didn’t know what day it was nor did he care. “Another Dewars.” The bartender walked over to him and poured the scotch. “This one’s on the house.” “Thanks.” John had been in the bar from opening to closing for the past two days. He walked to no one and rejected any social ; he just wanted to drink. Those fucking bastards, he thought. They said she had been shooting up for a while and that she had a history of drug abuse. The detectives said she had a slip, it happened all the time. When they said she had been sexually active prior to her

death John wanted to kill the cop who said it. She couldn’t have been or else their love was a big lie. He downed the shot. “One more.”

“Are we still going away?” “I think so Carol. We have to try and think about something else besides Susan’s death.” Carol was cooking bacon and eggs – it was Billy’s favorite breakfast. Jeremiah was still sleeping. “Billy, do you think Susan really killed herself?” “I don’t know. The boys at the station think so. She had track marks that were a week old and she was having sex, and there was no sign of a break-in or a rape. I find it hard to believe but the facts are the facts.” “I can’t believe it either.” Carol served breakfast. They ate it without saying anything. Billy wiped his face with a napkin. “What about her fiancé?” Carol finally asked. “They had him at the station today-he looked terrible-reeked of booze.” “I can’t say that I blame him much. Pastor said when he talked to them about the wedding they seemed so much in love.” “I felt sorry for him.” Billy said. “Detectives can be such insensitive sons’-ofbitches.” Carol gave him that look she gives whenever she thought he said something he shouldn’t have. “Well it’s true.” “When do you have to speak to Chief Speigel?” “Today.” Carol rose from the table to get some more coffee.

“What do you think it’s about?” “Probably arguing with Winston.” He answered as he watched her pour the coffe. “Is he the one in narcotics?” “Yeah.” “What was it about?” “Oh nothing – it is just that he is so small minded.” The baby woke up and Billy went to go get him. When he returned to the kitchen Carol asked, “Would like some more coffee?” He had the baby in his arms. “I would love some.” As Carol was pouring the coffee she asked, “When is the funeral?” “Wednesday.” He said as he put the baby in the high chair.

Kim-su sat at her desk trying to type but tears kept coming to her eyes. She knew how horrible the news was going to be to him. Greg had found her in a bar in Saigon, she sold cigarettes and whatever else she could to make more. He was an M.P. and the first time they met he was breaking up a fight between some soldiers. It was the first time she heard the word nigger, and when she found out what it meant she became angry every time she heard it. At nineteen, Kim-su was ten years younger when they met. He said he would bring her back to the states. She had heard that before, so when the ticket came she couldn’t believe it. He met her at the airport and they kissed for a long time. She wondered why so many people stared at them; as she learned the language and the culture she understood. They had struggled at first, but now there was plenty of business. Greg was too understanding sometimes and would let some people go without paying their bills. Some were too poor; but others just said they were. She was crying because of the telegram; she wished she’d never learned to read English. She met Eddie “Flake” Brown twice. Once when he was straight and the other time he was stoned. She knew about drugs in Vietnam, and Greg would get so upset whenever Eddie had a slip.

Officer Billy Blake was standing in Chief Speigel’s office. He had been here once before, but at that time the Chief wanted to congratulate him on an arrest he had made. Det. Winston and Lt. Sterling were already seated. “I believe you know everyone here, Blake. I want to be frank. We had a spot check of our drug inventory: we came up short.” Billy gripped his chair a little tighter. “I can assure – ”, he was cut off. “You’re not suspected Blake,” Winston said. “That’s correct,” the chief said – he lit a cigarette. “We just wantyou to keep an eye out.” “How so?” Billy asked. Lt. Sterling said, “If you hear or see anything, report it to Det. Winston or myself.” “I don’t want to be a snitch sir.” “Damn it man! This is drugs not some fucking charge about gratuities!” The chief banged his hand on his desk. “Yes sir,” Billy responded. “That’s it gentlemen, except for you Sterling.” Winston and Blake left the room. “If it’s Blake I think he will scare and tip his hand,” said the Chief. “That makes sense. The boys down at internal affairs say he spent a lot of dough last year.” “I know but he does have an excellent record and those jerks down at affairs would love to catch you using company toilet paper at home.” “They would even save the used stuff for evidence,” Sterling added and they

both laughed.

Pastor rearranged his schedule so he could be at the funeral parlor every night. Just about everyone from the church had dropped by at one time or another. Where was John? Pastor worried about the young man. Susan was in heaven but John still had to live his life here. It was not too long ago that he had gotten out of the hospital and Pastor didn’t want him to end up there again. A Bible verse came to Pastor. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord.” That would be a good verse for John if he would only show up. John said he was a Christian – if that were true then John would be taken care of. Death was a funny thing, you never know when it might come. Pastor thought about the bag lady they found with her throat cut. The paper said that her body was found near a dumpster in the shopping center. It seemed like it was getting worse and the tide could not be stopped. Billy was making the right choice for his family. Would he have done the same? He wasn’t sure.

The telegram said to Det. Glass. Greg dialed the number slowly as if that would somehow make a difference. Glass told him about the shooting; no suspects; no leads. They had to bury him in Potter’s Field as no one claimed the body. The detective said that he was sorry that things got screwed up. At first he couldn’t believe that he was dead. He thought Eddie was going to make it. Every time he got straight Greg would think that he finally made it, but it seemed that every time he went back to the neighborhood he would get strung out again. This last time he was straight for over a year; a record for Eddie since he was sixteen. He had attributed it to his new lady counselor. After talking to Glass Greg became sullen, it lasted for an hour and then he became angry. He believed in God but where was He? All the violence and death, where was He? Why didn’t he protect Eddie? Was it because Greg had stopped going to church? Greg picked up a vase and threw it at the was smashing the vase into small pieces. Kim-su walked over to him and tried to console him. He smacked her in the face and told her to get away. He apologized immediately. She said she understood and walked over to him. “I love you Greg.” They hugged each other. He closed the office and they went home. Kim-su fixed two vodka martinis. While Greg called his lawyer to find out what rights he had as to getting his brother’s body exhumed. The lawyer gave Greg the number of an attorney in New York and wished him luck. After Greg hung up the phone he turned to Kinsu. “I have to go to New York, baby.” Kim-su knew that he couldn’t rest until he found what happened to his brother; one way or another. She was aware that he sometimes did things that weren’t by the letter of the law, but that’s what she believed made him such a good private investigator. “I want to go with you.”

“Sorry baby,” He knew it could get rough. “Why don’t you let them find the killer?” “A black junkie in Grassmere Park got blown away; there’s not much reason for a white police force to look for the killer.” “Honey, please be careful.” He walked over to her. “I’m always careful baby,” he took her in his arms.

The funeral procession came to a halt near the gravesite. A light rain started to fall, and many umbrellas opened as people walked from their cars. They all gathered around the open grave. Pastor could see Carol crying, Billy was standing at her side. He looked for John but he was nowhere to be seen. The eulogy went well as the rain fell harder. Pastor spoke of the great strides she had made with her life. He told about her scholastic achievements in the face of adversity. Perhaps her greatest asset was her ability to work with troubled young people. As he was talking he kept looking for John. He knew that if a loved one dies and you do not bury them your chances for happiness are diminished. He would like to see John hospitalized considering his drinking history. Pastor saw the taxi pull up and smiled as John got out and walked over to the grave site. Pastor could see that he needed a shave, and wondered when the last time John had eaten. John had on a grey trench coat with the collar turned up. He stood at the rear of the crowd. Pastor watched as he took a drink from a brown bag. When Pastor finished the rain let up. He stood at the foor of the grave and handed each person to take a rose. “John, can I talk to you later?” Pastor could see that the whites of John’s eyes looked red streaked and glassy. He was not sure if it was from drinking, crying, or probably both. “What about? God’s love – no thanks.” John threw the rose into the grave and walked to the waiting taxi. Pastor said a prayer for him.

A squad car pulled up near the beach, the sky was still overcast. The cop walked out to the end of the dock that jutted out into the bay for fifty feet. He looked around and then threw a buck knife as far as he could. The knife sank to the bottom. The day after the funeral John sat in his lawyer’s office. He had shaved his face and he had had only two drinks that morning. “You still want to sell?” The lawyer asked. “Yes.” “I just thought because of your fiancé’s death you might want to change your mind.” “No.” The lawyer gave John the papers to sign. The money would enable him to drink himself to death; then if this heaven thing were true he would get to see his Susan again. That is if suicide was not against the rules; if it was then he would see her in the other place. “Good luck,” the lawyer gave him the check.

Sally was thinking about John – she couldn’t help it. She had to force herself to think of something else, but it will get easier over time. He would be married by now. She had taken a job at a truck stop outside Chicago. Next week she was going to start secretarial school. She wasn’t sure about being a secretary but her sister said that it was a good job. They had laughed as they talked about working in the same office, fighting over the same men. Sally had not turned one trick, nor did she have any beer.

Pastor and Billy sat in the pizza store waiting for their lunch, Pastor was treating. It was early afternoon but the lunch crowd was already gone. “Pastor, what can we do for John Blockman?” “First prayer and then action.” “What kind of action?” “Find him and get him to a detox ward.” “What if he doesn’t want to go?” “That could be a big problem. If he lost the will to live it will be difficult to get him in for treatment. He may be just drinking himself to death.” Officer Charlie Combs came into the restaurant, he was in uniform. He saw Billy and the Pastor praying at their table. “What assholes,” he muttered to himself. When they had finished praying Billy saw Combs, “Hey Charlie,” Billy waved to him. “How you doing Blake?” Combs said in an unfeeling voice, he gave Billy a quick glance and turned back towards the counter. “Not very friendly,” Pastor said in a low voice. “Oh, he’s okay.” The pizza man brought the white bag to officer Combs. Combs said, “Thank you”, and walked out the door. Pastor noticed that the cop had not given the man any money. “I know Pastor.” “What?” “I know hoe to give him something to live for.”

“Let us have it man.” “What is the worst aspect of Susan’s death?” Pastor put his hand on his chin and thought for a moment. “Suicide – it means their love was not strong enough to keep her alive; or maybe there was no love to start with.” “Right, now suppose she didn’t commit suicide.” “Yes, that would give him something to live for – I mean – to find out who killed her.” “It could get rid of the guilty; it certainly is worth a try. Where do we start?” “Well Pastor, I’m not sure I know, I guess we should find him first.” “Sounds good to me.” They left the store together, and they were walking over to their cars when Billy looked over by the dumpster where the old lady was murdered. Pastor noticed Billy staring at the dumpster. “Is that where they found the old lady?” “Yes, nice town we live in.” Pastor stopped and grabbed Billy’s arm. “Do you really think Susan was murdered?” “I don’t know.”

Greg looked at his watch, it was ten o’clock. The plane was leaving at two and he didn’t want to miss it, things had been delayed enough. He’d have to hurry a bit as he would have to mail the packages before he went to the airport. His lawyer reminded him about his gun license, it was valid in Los Angeles County but not in New York. He didn’t like breaking the rules, but sometimes it was unavoidable. Each of the two packages contained a gun. The .357 was in one box and the .38 snub nose was in the other along with the ammo. He hardly used the .357 except for the range, but shipping just one gun left too much room for error. The address read: Greg Brown, General Delivery, Mineola, N.Y. He would use express mail and pick up the package in New York tomorrow. Greg picked up the packages and walked over to the door, he put the “Will Be Back Soon” sign on the outside of it. He wanted to get to the post office and back before Kim-su came in to work. She was driving him to the airport and it would be better if he didn’t have to explain his trip to the post office.

Carol was writing a list of supplies that they would need for camping. It seems that one always forgot something, which could be a problem when you are so far from civilization. Billy used to make up the list but always got so mad at himself when he forgot something, so they decided it would be a better idea for Carol to write the list. He was easier on Carol than he was on himself. At one time they thought about buying a camper: it would be nice to have something that resembled a bathroom, but when they received the inheritance they changed their minds. It seemed less like camping when you brought a little house with you. She decided that when Jeremiah woke up she would go to the store and fill the list. He liked going out for a rides in the car. He had not been camping with them yet so this could prove to be an experience. Carol’s sister-in-law had offered to take the baby but they refused, because sooner or later Jeremiah would have to get used camping. It would help Billy to get his mind off the job and Susan’s death. He seemed a little moody lately but she just attributed it to the pressure. She felt that Billy hadn’t told her the truth about the meeting with Chief Speigel. He was always trying to protect her. Sometimes she resented it as it didn’t give her room to grow. More importantly though was the fact that he did it out of love. The search for Susan’s fiancé so far had been futile. Billy wouldn’t let Pastor go in the bars looking for him; some of the places in town are pretty rough. In the two weeks since they started looking all they could find were people who had seen him but no one knew where he was at the moment. The closest Billy got was in one place, he missed John by only fifteen minutes. Why was Billy so interested in the stranger? It seemed to her he was always helping out when someone was down and out. It could be trying at times, but his consideration for others was one of the reasons she’d married him. Yes, it would be good to go up to the mountains for a while. To get away from Long Island that was quickly becoming a metropolis. The solitude would offer them a chance to appreciate God’s handiwork free from mans. The baby awoke, so she dressed him and left for the store.

Sally was smiling again. This was her last full time day. She was starting the school on Monday and would work only part time now. She could afford to go to school and not work for a while but she didn’t want to erode savings. The truck stop was newer than Randy’s and in many ways a nicer place to work. They even had air conditioning in the bathroom. Randy had promised to put a vent in the bathroom but never got around to it. That’s what was missing from Randy’s – efficiency – and of course his famous meat loaf. It’s funny how you something’s. Her sister had introduced her to a divorcee from her office. They had gone out a couple of times and he tried to seduce her in his car and she told him to bug off. He hadn’t called since, which didn’t disturb her in the least. She liked truckers better because they were up front and open. A couple of truckers recognized her, but when she gave the thumbs down sign they knew she was out of the business. She had just picked up an order and was bringing it over to a table when she saw Jake. He saw her too and motioned for her to come over. She delivered her order then walked over to another waitress. It wasn’t her station so she had to ask Betty if she could wait on Jake’s table. She told her that Jake was an old friend and that whatever tip she got she would give it to her. Ally forgot that Jake had never seen her in a dress before. They made her wear a uniform with a short skirt. Judging by some of the reactions from male customers her legs must still look attractive. She was glad that she still had it. “How are you sweetheart?” “Just great Jake, how have you been?” “Not bad, though I haven’t had a good fight for a while.” She pulled out her order pad. “What would you like Jake?’ Jake gave her a big smile. “Only what’s on on the menu, you devil.”

“In that case I’ll have three eggs once over easy, sausage, potatoes, and a cold Bud. I’m on a diet.” He laughed. She made a face, she liked beer but it was too early for her. “I’ll be right back.” She turned and walked away. “By the way, did you hear about that guy John?” She turned and looked back, “No, what about him?” “I’ll tell you when you come back with my breakfast, I’m starving girl.” Sally put in the order and walked over to the manager. He was sitting at the end of the counter smoking a cigarette. He was doing some figuring on a napkin. “Adam, see the big guy at Betty’s table,” she was pointing, “That’s my brother Jake.” “That’s nice Sally.” “I haven’t seen him for five years. Can I take my break a little early? It’s slowed down some.” “No way, I told you before that I treat everyone the same. I just can’t have people taking breaks whenever they want to.” “Okay.” She hid her anger. “By the way, why was it so long since you saw him?” “He was in jail.” “No shit, what for?” “A restaurant manager tried to make him pay for a meal he thought tasted bad; nearly beat him to death.” Adam looked at Sally, she was not smiling. “That was a little excessive, don’t you think?”

Adam saw that Jake was looking at them. “He’s always been violent, Adam.” “You know what-it is a little slow-go ahead and take your break early. Make sure you tell your brother that the meal is on me.” “Thanks Adam.” Sally picked up Jake’s order and brought it over to him. She sat across from him. “What did you say to that guy? He keeps looking at me and smiling. Is he queer or something?” “No, but I told him that you just got out of jail for almost killing a restaurant manager.” Jake looked at Adam and then back at Sally. “You’re kidding-not you’re not.” They started to laugh. Sally stopped laughing. “You said something about John?” “Oh yea, if it wasn’t for bad luck that guy wouldn’t have any luck at all.” “What are you talking about?” Jake took a bite of eggs and a sip of beer. “Ah, that’s good.” “Well.” “I met this guy in Phoenix last week, he was driving John’s rig.” “Yes, I he was selling it.” “I started talking to this guy, you know how friendly I am.” He paused to take a bite of food. “Yes I know, go on.” He tells me that John’s fiancé committed suicide.”

Sally brought her hand to her face. “Oh no, I can’t believe it. How’s John taking it?” “He didn’t have too much to say about it, except that the lawyer thought that John had been drinking.” “Oh, Jake he must be devastated. What can we do?” “I don’t know, I’ve got to go out to the west coast. If I get a load going back east I’ll try to look him up.” Sally started to cry. “I love him Jake.” “Is anything wrong?” Adam asked, he had walked over from the counter. “Yea, me and my sister want to spend the day together but she says she has to work today.” “No problem, Sally you can have the day off.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Thanks Adam.”

Tony Bracci sat in his office at the back of his bar. He had his feet on his desk with his hands clasped behind his head, looking around the room. It was a long time coming he thought. The new office décor pleased him. O’connor was a slob who deserved to lose the bar. Tony’s proudest possession was the liquor license, he had a copy framed, and it hung on the wall behind him. He ed how difficult it was to get. The State Liquor Authority was a tough cookie, but there was always a button to push. Sometimes it was hard to find, but if you had the smarts you could find it. Things were going smooth enough. It was a shame about that old lady, but things like that happened in business. He would have to talk to that guy. He compared himself to a corporate manager. He had to handle so many different personalities and make things work, and it wasn’t easy. There was a knock on the door. “Come in.” The bartender came in. “Boss, that drunk keeps coming in.” “Does he bother anyone?” “No.” “Then leave him be, when we get busier we can be more selective.” “Okay.” The bartender left the room. Tony wondered about the bartender, his uncle sent him and said that he was a good man. He seemed stupid to Tony, but uncle was an important man so he’ll stay.

Greg unpacked his suitcase, the holsters came out first. He had to open his suitcase at the airport as the buckles on the holsters set off the metal detectors. There was no law against carrying holsters on a plane. He missed Kim-su already, she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He would have to tell her more often when he returned to California. The room cost him a $100 a week and the funeral and exhumation would cost a bundle. So he would have to find the killer fast or risk running out of money. He had been out of the red for some time now and would like to keep it that way. It was difficult trying to find a place to hide the .357. He only needed the snubnose for now but he may need the other later. He pulled out the twine he purchased at the stationary store. He pulled on it to make sure it was strong enough. He took twelve rounds of ammo out. He put six bullets in the gun and the other six in his pocket. The only other item in the small plastic bag was a screw hook. He took it out and opened the closet door. He took a chair from the corner of the room and placed it in the closet door opening. He stood on the chair and reached up and screwed the hook above the door frame inside the closet. He got down from the chair. He took the .357 and the rest of the ammo and put them in the bag. He grabbed the top of the bag and made a knot. He made a loop about three inches from the knot and hung the bag on the hook inside the closet. He thought about Vietnam as he closed the closet door. He had killed two men there – he had no problem with that – it was war. In his career as an investigator he had never killed anyone. He shot a man once, it was a client’s husband. The husband was cheating on his wife, Greg was taking a picture when they saw him. The man had a gun and fired at Greg. Greg returned fire after the man’s shot missed. Greg’s didn’t. It hit the man in the shoulder. What a mistake as it took him two months to straighten out the red tape. Juries, grand juries, license examiners, and such left him to believe that the next time he shoots it would be quieter.

Sally had just got out of the shower, her sister Mary knocked on the bathroom door again. “I’m coming, hold your horses.” She wrapped a towel around her and walked out of the bathroom. Her red hair was straight now as it dripped on the rug. “You’re getting water all over the rug!” Mary yelled. “Why are you going to New York?” “You know why Mary.” “He doesn’t like you. When is that going to sink into your fucking head?” “That may be true but I love him.” “In fact he must hate you.” The water continued to drip from her hair. “Couldn’t you dry your hair a little more before coming out of the bathroom?” “I didn’t have time because I thought you were going to break the door down. Sally undid the towel and wrapped her hair in it. “Damn you Mary.” Her nakedness shocked Mary. Sally walked over and took red bikini panties out of the drawer, and put them on. The she grabbed a red brassiere, and started to put that on next. “You think that just because you started wearing bras your wholesome, he thinks you’re a whore, and if you go to him you are one.” Sally wasn’t angry at Mary, she felt sorry for her. “Mary, I’m going to ignore that. Your divorce has upset you so much that you can’t think straight.” Sally went to the closet and grabbed a red checked blouse. After she finished buttoning she pulled her suitcases from under the bed. Mary ran over to her crying. Sally took her in her arms and patted her head. “I’m going to miss you so much Sally.” “I’m going to miss you too.” Sally started to cry.

“Call me and let me know if you find him.” “I will.” They separated and Sally started to pack again. “You wouldn’t have ever made a good secretary Sally.” “I know.” They both giggled through their tears.

Greg drove down Elm Ave, looking at the burnt out houses. It was worse now than when he was last here two years ago. Eighteen years ago when he hung out it was a pretty nice area. Everybody smoked pot then; sure there was heroin but everyone knew it was bad and stayed away from it for the most part. Eddie wasn’t so lucky. Back then you had to go to someone’s house to get the weed, because they were scared of the man then. These days they came over to your car with a lot more than weed. He parked his car at the end of the street with the lights off. It was dark now as the market opened for business. Each corner had a few people on it hawking their wares. They were talking loud and drinking beer-wine too he supposed-that was what he used to drink. He could hear the music blasting from the giant radios. A car would come down the street and the show would begin. One corner, “smoke”, another “smack”, another P.C.P, and still another “crack”; everything you could want. A fucking supermarket for drugs, Greg thought. Where the hell are the cops? Off protecting some honky’s property, or sucking down some beer at the beach. Who cares if a couple of niggers O.D. or shoot each other. Not that all whites were shit. He knew better, he ed Pastor Milinson, if it weren’t for him he probably would be strung out or dead himself. Too bad Eddie didn’t heed Pastor’s advice like he did and enter the military service. Eddie would have made a good soldier. He ed the first day he met Pastor Milinson. Greg was sitting on a railroad tie in the parking lot of the convenience store. He was drinking a bottle of wine that he had someone buy for him. The last time he had washed had been three days before, that was the last time he was home. It was summer so he didn’t have to worry about where he slept for the most part. A back yard, an abandoned car or any other place that was fairly dry. A white lady came over to him. She didn’t look like a police woman. “Are you alright son?”

“I guess so.” He took another drink of wine. It tasted better when it was cold. “Don’t you have a home to go to?” “Sure I do, it’s not that far from here. Do you know where Grassmere Park is?” She looked at the bottle. “Yes I do know where that is. Do you drink a lot?” “Just some.” Who the hell did she think she was asking questions like that? His momma didn’t even ask him that shit. “Listen, you stay here and I will send someone who can help you.” When she left he stood up to split. He didn’t have time to meet with some honky man. He almost fell, so he decided maybe he could talk this guy into giving him a ride to the park. Pastor Milinson pulled into the parking lot. He drove right up to Greg, it was the same car that the white lady had been driving before. He got out of the car. He was wearing a blue suit. “How are, young man?” Greg knew that he probably smelled-he sure looked shitty. Why were these honkys bothering him? “I’m Greg.” He shook Pastor’s hand. “Glad to meet you Greg, my name is Frank Milinson. I’m the pastor of the church down the road. My wife and I would like to invite you to dinner. We are having turkey and we have plenty of it. Greg wondered why they were having turkey and it wasn’t even Thanksgiving. “I don’t know man, I’m dirty as shit.” Pastor walked over to a grass patch near the sidewalk and bent over. He pulled up a chunk of grass-he took some of the damp soil and rubbed his hands in it, then he rubbed his hands on his face. Pastor walked back over to Greg. “Now we’re both dirty.” Pastor helped him up and into his car. Greg had left the wine bottle in the parking lot and to this day he had never drank wine again. He drank beer occasionally but that was it.

He stayed with the Milinson’s for two years. The department of Social Services got permission from his mother for him to stay with them. She knew he had a better chance there. He still visited her regularly but soon he grew to hate the park. Pastor had a long talk with him one night. He told him that considering everything the military service was a highly viable option. Pastor had tutored him so well that he advanced rapidly in the service. He never regretted the decision to go into the military until now. If he had been around when Eddie started to screw up maybe he would still be alive, maybe he would never have been strung out on dope. He was still daydreaming when he heard the screams. It was coming from a grenn house two houses down from where he was parked. It was a woman screaming, no one noticed or maybe they just chose to ignore it. “Help me!” A shrill voice screamed. “Shut up Bitch!” A man’s voice barked. Greg got out of the rented Chrysler, walked over to the front gate, and it swung freely. The yard was strewn with debris. “Give me the money or I’ll fucking kill you!” “I ain’t got any, leave me alone!” Greg heard a smack. “Ow! Please don’t hit me anymore. Please.” Maybe he should mind his own business like everyone else. It was about four feet to the door when Greg started his run, just before he reached the door he jumped and threw a snap kick. The weak lock gave and the door flew open. A young woman was lying on the floor, she looked at Greg as he stepped into the room. The pimp was straddling her and was about to come down again with a 9”

piece of rubber hose. His are halted when he heard the door break. He quickly turned his head around and stared at Greg. “What the fuck?” “Get the fuck out of here before I break your fucking head open!” Greg screamed at the pimp. The pimp dropped the hose and pulled a switchblade knife. He pushed the button and the deadly blade sprung out. “This is my bitch; no mother fucking fagot is going to tell me what to do. I’m going to cut your fucking balls off nigger.” He came at Greg. Greg had practiced drawing his gun many times. It paid off as the gun appeared quickly from its holster and pointed it at the pimp. “C’mon fucker, I’d love to waste you.” “Cool it man, I was just playing.” He backed off. He closed the knife, and put it in his pocket. The girl stood up, she had on a short black dress, with one of the straps broken. She held up the front of her dress with her hand and her large breast was fighting against the effort. She pushed the pimp, “get the fuck outta here.” “Okay baby, I’ll see you again-you too bro.” Greg’s gun followed him out the door. Greg pushed it closed, but it opened again as the lock was not operable. “Sorry about the door Mama.” He said as he put his gun back in the holster. “No problem, thanks for the help. Can you get me a glass of water?” Greg saw the cooker on the table as entered the kitchen. He thought of Eddie. He went back into the living room with the water. “How much do you use?” She dropped her head for a second and then looked up at him. Her eyes were glassy. “Five bags a day. I want to stop. Can you help me?” “I don’t know baby.” “Please, I need help.”

He had brought Eddie around a few times-that wouldn’t be a problem, but it would take a few days. Eddie’s killer would still be around in a few days. He still had to take care of the funeral, but that could wait a few days also. He couldn’t help Eddie but maybe he could help this lady. “Let’s go.” “Wait one second.” She went into the bedroom and packed a few things in a day bag. When she came out of the bedroom her strap was attached with a safety pin. She had a small pocketbook slung over her shoulder. “One minute.” He took the pocketbook off her shoulder. “Hey baby, that’s private.” She protested. He looked through the purse and pulled out a box of Marlboro. He opened them up and pulled out three small envelopes. “I need them to come down honey.” “Bullshit baby, my way or I’m out of here.” She knew he was serious. “I’m sorry, I’ll be good.” Greg walked into the bathroom and flushed the dope down the toilet. He came back in with one of her sweaters. He pulled out his gun again and laid the sweater over his arm concealing it. “Let’s go.” Greg opened the door for her and helped her into the car. He then got in and drove away not noticing the pimp writing down the license plate number.

Pastor Milinson was in his study preparing for Sunday. He was going to talk about hope Christians have of the resurrection of the body. It seemed appropriate in light of Susan’s death. Leslie Gads the third grade Sunday school teacher wanted to see him, she said she would be right over. He was tired but he said he would wait for her, as she said it was so important. A knock on the door broke his thoughts. “Come in.” “Thanks for waiting. You look a little tired-are you alright?” “Oh sure. I have just been worrying about John.” “John who?” “That’s right, you do not know him – he is Susan’s fiancé.” Pastor thought for a moment. “I should say, was her fiancé.” He hoped that came out alright. “I heard you pray for him at prayer time. Do not worry Pastor, God can handle it.” “I know, so what brings you here? I’m sorry, have a seat.” Leslie sat on the couch “Thank you, it is about a girl in my class.” “What is the problem Leslie?” “Do you the black man who got shot over in Grassmere Park?” “Yes I do.” “I think it was about a month ago.” “A shotgun as I .” “Yes I think it was.”

“Go on.” The grandfather clock started to chime. Leslie waited for it to stop. “This little girl in my class has been very quiet lately, which is out of character for her. She said she saw the killing. She was playing with her doll on the window sill when a white man fot out of a car and shot the man.” “My goodness, what a burden.” “There is more, her mother wants her to keep quiet about it.” “I have met her quite a big woman.” “I know. The problem I have is whether or not I should tell the police.” “The police have to be told.” Pastor stood and walked over near the clock. “I figured as much.” “For the time being let us keep it under our hats. I want to consult some people first.” “Yes pastor, thanks for listening. I will let you get some sleep.” She rose up and was leaving. “Good night Pastor.” “Good night and God bless.” He waved. When the door was closed he thought to himself, never a dull moment.

“Here take this.” Greg gave her two valiums. She washed it down with water from her paper cup. “It will help.” He said as he lowered her head back down to the pillow. He noticed that the pillow was wet so he took a cool washcloth and wiped her forehead. She grabbed his hand. “Please help me. Just one shot, please.” “I’m sorry baby, it’s been two days-one more day and you’ll start to feel better.” “But I’m hurting, please.” Greg ignored her and got up to get a beer. He popped the lid and lit up a cigarette. He walked over to the bed and sat down on it. Her hands were shaking too much to hold the cigarette so he put the filter to her lips and she took a drag. “The valium will help in a little while.” He had a hard time getting hold of the valium. Most of the dealers had everything but what he wanted. Finally a dealer who had some trouble in the past with the pimp helped him out. She had changed into jeans and a cotton blouse when she first came to his room. Two days sweating in the same clothes left her odor less than desirable. She would be clean enough in a day or two. He couldn’t leave her alone. She would try to run away or worse, kill herself. When the screaming got too loud he would smack her and bury her face in his chest. He had bought a cheap sleeping bag to use at night, not that he got much sleep. He was a light sleeper and would be up most of the night listening to her moaning. He had thought about trying to sleep in the double bed next to her but figured he would get even less sleep. She fell asleep as Greg stared at her. He wiped her face again with the cool cloth and thought about how beautiful she looked. He fell asleep watching her.

Tony Bracci had given the plate number over the phone. He didn’t like problems, so when he saw one rising he took care of it right away. It just made good business sense. He just had the phone installed in the Mercedes; not bad for a high school education. He knew guys who went to college for six years and didn’t make half of what he did. The pimp had been in to see him. He didn’t especially like him but he was one of their kind, so he gave him control of the girls in the park. The pimp told Tony that someone was trying to muscle in. Normally he didn’t care what they did to each other, but that was his pimp. Anything that happened to him was a reflection of Tony’s power. He had to be careful.

Billy was on patrol when he saw the man lying on his face in the middle of the street, his head was turned towards the curb. He got out of the car and walked over to the body. He saw blood on the back of the head and wondered if the guy was dead or just drunk. “Hey mister, you okay?” Billy turned him over. “Oh sweet Jesus.” It was John. Billy slapped his face several times and shook him gently. “Wake up, wake up.” “Uh.” John reached for the back of his head. “Ouch!” “You okay?” “I think so, what happened?” He kept feeling the back of his head. “I don’t know, you tell me.” Billy reached out to help him up. “I got jumped, I think.” John was on his feet now. He started to lose his balance but Billy steadied him. “At least they left you your wallet.” Billy said as he pointed to a wallet lying on the sidewalk. “That’s your wallet?” Billy shined his flashlight on it. “Yes it is.” Billy picked it up and handed it to John. “Here you go.” John ed and quickly reached for his waist. “Good, they didn’t get my money belt.” He looked through the wallet and put it in his pocket. “That belt is a good idea.” “Yea, thanks again, I need a drink.” He started to walk away. “Wait, I would like to talk to you. How about I get a bottle from the liquor store

and we go for a ride?” John thought it odd that a cop wanted to buy him a bottle. Was he going to lock him up later or maybe just kick his ass in. Who gave a shit in any case. It might be good to talk to someone, even a cop. “Just as long as we get the booze first.” “Sure.” John looked in his wallet again to make sure everything he needed was still in there. When he was sure he put it away. He took two twenty dollar bills out of his belt, he gave one to Billy and put the other in his front pocket. The squad car pulled in front of Pete’s Liquors. “Dewar’s White Label, a pint.” The man in the store gave Billy a hard look as he put the bottle in the bag and gave it to him. Billy gave the man the bill and put the bottle under his coat. “It’s not for me.” “Sure.” The man gave Billy his change. Billy parked on a dead end street and turned off the headlights. Billy had his radio on low so he could hear if a call came in for him. “You don’t me, do you?” John opened the bottle and took a swig from it. “No, should I?” “I met you the night your fiancé died. I was the cop who said he was sorry.” “Everyone said they were sorry.” John took another drink. “I was a good friend of Susan’s.” John looked at him with fierce eyes. Billy continued, “we went to the same church.”

“Oh,” he relaxed. “You may think it is none of my business but I think you should sober up. Susan would want you to.” “I don’t believe that, why did she kill herself? She could have confided in me, she didn’t have to take her own life.” John stared out the windshield. “Let us suppose she didn’t.” “Why did she… ,” John stopped. “Supposed she didn’t what?” “Let us suppose she didn’t kill herself.” “You mean she was killed-murdered?” He took another drink. “Maybe.” “How can you say that? At the inquest everything pointed to suicide. Mind if I smoke?” “No.” John lit a cigarette. “Everything, but Susan’s personality. She had everything to live for, but most of all she was a Christian. I believe that Christians go around killing themselves. That is a good reason for you to stop drinking.” “You make a lot of sense.” John took another drag from his cigarette and thought for a moment. “I knew it was impossible, but all those facts pointing to a suicide. How can we find out? I will kill them.” “First I am going to need some help from you.” “I will do whatever I can.” “I can only use you sober.” John took a drink. “I will do it.”

“I can take you to a detox center.” “No, not this time; I have to do it my way.” “Okay, where can we meet?” John flicked his cigarette out the window. “There is a bar on Cherry Street; near where you found me.” “O’Connor’s old place, sure I know it. Are you sure that is a good place to meet if you are trying to sober up?” “I’ll be alright.” “Here’s my number.” Billy wrote it down on a sheet of note paper. “Call me in a few days, if my wife answers it’s okay to give her a message.” “I will. Can you please drop me off near Cherry St?

Sally sat on a bench in the Port Authority Bus Terminal; how could she be so stupid? She first realized her mistake when the bus stopped in Harrisburg. She tried to call her sister from the bus depot but there was no answer. Jake had given Sally John’s phone number and address; actually they belonged to his aunt. She had put it on her dresser in Mary’s house and was sure she had packed it in her smaller suitcase. She had looked in both her suitcases but couldn’t find it. I must still be on the dresser. Sally hoped Mary would be home soon as it was getting close to eight o’clock. Several more calls yielded the same results. Where the hell was she? It was getting late. She had never been to New York before so this little change in plans might allow her to see a little bit of it, not to much, she wanted to get to John. It occurred to her if Mary didn’t get home soon she might be seeing more of New York than she wanted to. Mary would be home soon.

Mary had a pinna colada sent up to her room so it would be there when she unpacked her suitcases. She would have to buy some clothing as she had packed haphazardly. Her boss was a little upset with her for giving such a short notice. She had the two weeks coming to her so he couldn’t complain too much. She took her underwear and put it in the drawer, the paper fell to the floor. She picked it up; it read John Blockman, 123-45 Mayfair Drive, Levitton N.Y. 13654 843-6917. Such a shame, she thought. She was glad Sally took a house key with her so she could let herself back in when she came back from New York.

Pastor was in the parsonage waiting for Billy. Frank Beryl had just left; he was having marital problems. Pastor scheduled a counseling session for Frank and his wife next week. He was aware that recently there had been some lawsuits brought against clergy: if he were a younger man he might worry about it. The doorbell rang and Pastor invited Billy in. “What can I get you?” “Maybe some water.” “No problem, I have some in the refrigerator; nice and cold.” Billy watched Pastor go into the kitchen. Something was missing, it was music. Pastor came back into the living room and gave Billy the water. Billy quickly drank half the glass. “That was good, thanks.” “You’re welcome, have a seat Billy.” Billy sat down. “So what is so urgent?” Billy took another drink of water. “I found him.” “John?” “Yes, John.” “Where? How?” Billy told Pastor the story of how he came across John and what they talked about. “I think you should have tried harder to convince him to seek professional help.” “He sounded confident that he could do it himself.”

“Maybe.” “Besides, I didn’t want to alienate him.” “That was good.” Billy put the glass down on a coaster. “You should have seen the change in his face when I told him I thought Susan was killed. It was like he came back to life.” “He just may have; that sounds really encouraging. Now we have to find out why someone would kill her.” “He is willing to help. I told him we would only work with him if he got sober.” They both thought for a moment. “How are we supposed to him?” “He said he would call me, he wants to use O’Connor’s old place-the bar on Cherry St.” Pastor gave him a funny look. “I know where it is.” “I know-I know, but that is where he wanted it. I think we can rely on him, I told you how he changed when I told him.” Pastor rose up and walked over to the window, he looked out. He turned and walked near where Billy was sitting. “Is something wrong Pastor?” Pastor sat down again. “I am not sure I am supposed to be telling you this, so I can appreciate your confidence.” “You know you have it.” “A girl in our Sunday school saw the shotgun killing last month.” “The one in the Park?”

“Yes.” “I that night, I was there. They couldn’t find any witnesses.” “Well there is one.” “So you said.” Billy answered. He drank the rest of his water. The problem was obvious. “It is called suppression of evidence.” “I know, but there is also an ethical question. The girl confided in me and her teacher. I’m probably wrong for discussing this with you.” “We have to find Susan’s killer first; if one exists. Then we can worry about this other business. The detectives may even break the case by then. “Sounds good: when is your vacation starting? “Pretty soon-we can go full swing when I get back.” “Let me know the minute John s you, I would desperately to talk to him.” Billy nodded. “Okay.” “Brother, let us pray this through.”

John woke up in sweat, he had been dreaming. He put on the lamp and reached for a cigarette and lit it up. He had started smoking again when he found Susan. He would have to stop again. He thought about his dream. He thought about his dream. He was at a grave site, there was nobody but himself there. Susan’s coffin was in the open grave. He jumped into the open grave and the dirt came in around him. Suddenly a hand dug through the dirt and pulled him out. The hand belonged to Sally. He put the cigarette out and laid his head down on the pillow. He could feel the moisture. He ed the night Sally was in the truck with him. He wished she was here with him now. He went back to sleep.

Greg was in the bathroom shaving: it was a community bath and there was one on each floor of the three story rooming house. He smiled into the mirror as he ed he never even asked her what her name was. He walked back into the room. She was still sleeping – she had been asleep for twelve hours. He walked over to the dresser to put his shaving gear away. When he turned around she was looking at him. “Hi,” she said. “Good morning. How do you do? My name is Greg.” She looked perplexed until she realized he wanted her name. “Mine is Shirley.” She coughed. “We spent all this time together and don’t even know each other’s names.” They laughed. She became aware of an odor. She smelled the blouse and realized it was her. “I need a bath,” she rose up from the bed and walked over to the bag she had packed. She pulled out her dress. “Damn, all I got is this old ripped dress.” “I can wash the clothes you have on down at the Laundromat; I have some of my own things I need washed so it won’t be not bother.” “Okay. I’ve got to get clean,” she lit up a cigarette. “Do you have something I can wear while you are doing my laundry? Maybe pajamas?” “I don’t wear them.” “How about a shirt?” “In the closet.” She opened it and took out a shirt, she saw the .38 hanging in it’s holster, She closed the closet door. “I’m going to take a bath now. I’ll leave my dirty clothes outside the bathroom door so you can wash them. Thanks again for helping me.”

She went into the bathroom. She took a long bath and then got out and dried herself off. She put on the clean panties she had brought into the bathroom with her, they felt good. Her arms were still sore from detoxing and she rubbed them. She put on Greg’s shirt; it fell to the middle of her thigh. She wished she had brought her ripped dress in but that would have been suspicious. She also forgot her shoes; no matter. She had to get away. She opened the door a crack, no one was there-she tip-toed to the top of the stairs. She hoped no one would be coming up the stairs. With each creak she looked up at the top of the stairs. She was on the third step from the bottom; the door to the porch was closed. As soon as she opened it she would run until she got away. She knew where the rooming house was located and nobody would notice her running; even half naked. She got to the bottom and was looking up to the top. Greg had not heard her. She was still looking up when she opened the door. “Oh no!” She screamed. A powerful set of arms went around her and picked her up.

Chapter 3

J AKE DROPPED HIS box at a warehouse in Maspeth-he didn’t have anything to pick up for three days. He pulled up to a phone on Metropolitan Ave. He dialed the number that was given to get in touch with John. The phone recorder told him to leave a message. “Hi, this is Jake, have John call me at the Holiday Inn in Westbury. I’ll be there for three days.” He hung up the receiver. It would be great to see his old buddy. Sally must be with by now.

John woke up with a slight headache. He took two aspirins and lay back down. He didn’t have any desire to get drunki, which was a new feeling as of lately. He would have just beer or two until they found the killer and then he would quit. The phone rang and he got up to answer it; it stopped ringing just as he reached for it. It was hooked up to one of those recorders; he ed that Susan had one. She wanted to show him how it worked but he said she could show him sometime later as they had a lifetime together in front of them. A tear fell as he picked up the phone to call Billy. Carol answered the phone. “Hello.” “I am sorry, I must have a wrong number,” he forgot what Billy had said about his wife. Carol sensed something. “Is this John?” “Yes.” “I will get Billy, hold on,” she ran to the bathroom and knocked on the door. “What!” Billy yelled. “It’s John; he’s on the phone.” Billy quickly opened the door. He had a green bath towel wrapped around him and shaving cream on his face. He ran to the phone. “Hello John.” “Hi, how about tonight?: about eight.” “Okay, I’ll be off duty. Cherry Street?” “Yea.” John hung up the phone. He didn’t want to be rude but he felt awkward talking to a cop. He didn’t hate cops, it was just that he had some problems in the past

with them. He just tried to avoid them. His aunt went to visit a friend on the east end of the Island; she would be gone a week and asked John to watch after her house. As he was cooking he wondered if he would ever find Susan’s killer.

Sally was awakened by a cop. She had slept on a bench in the waiting area of the bus terminal. She felt stiff as she stood up and stretched. She apologized to the cop and he left. The night had been both fascinating and interesting. She had walked around midtown Manhattan for three hours. The lights lit up the night as she strolled casually about. Prostitutes plied their trade; walking over perspective customers and whispering to them, Somehow working in a truck stop seemed cleaner. She had called her sister many times during her excursion. She hoped everything was alright with her. She used the ladies room and then went over to the locker she had put her suitcases in. She pulled them out and headed towards the street. She didn’t want to spend another night in the bus terminal. She felt the key in her pocketbook and knew she could go back to Chicago, but thought of a bereaving John somewhere on Long Island diminished the idea. She would find him and then go back to her sister’s. She tried several hotels in midtown and still had no room. She had calculated her money and realized that at the prices she was being quoted her money would not last long. Someone suggested going down town, Village. She went to a couple of hotels that looked pretty seedy, finally she found oun that didn’t look too bad. She paid the fifteen bucks and went one flight up to her room. She noticed that paint was peeling from the walls as she opened the door and went in. The metal cut had torn spread covering a thin mattress. She could see through the hole in the spread that there were no sheets. She would sleep on top of the spread as it was warm. There was an old dresser with a cracked mirror, she brushed it off. She thought about leaving but where would she go. She went and looked out the window; there were metal bars on the window but no screen. The street looked pretty nice-kids were playing in the park across the street. The place was just a little run down. It was in the afternoon when she left the hotel. She had double-checked her door to make sure it was locked before she went downstairs. Her money was in her bra.

As she came out of the hotel she saw the phone booth across the street in the park. She called her sister, no answer. When would Mary be home? Maybe she found a man. Who knows? She walked over to a hot dog vendor and bought a frank. After she finished she got a cop a coffee and sat on a bench in the park. She watched a bunch of kids playing ball. The ball rolled over to a group of winos standing near a tree. They kicked it back to the kid that was chasing it. She decided to go to the movies. She would make believe that she was meeting John there. She walked around until she found one that wasn’t pornographic. It was with Robert Redford; she thought he looked a little like John. After the show she tried her sister again. The second show didn’t star Robert Redford. When she came out of the movies it was dark. She walked back to the hotel at a leisurely pace enjoying the clear night. It was different now, the kids were gone. It seemed to her there weren’t too many friendly faces. She quickened her pace. Some of the tough looking young men eyed her and it made her walk even faster. She got to the hotel and was going in-she ed her sister and walked over to the phone booth in the park, She was listening to Mary’s phone ringing when she heard a tap on the glass. She could see through the graffiti the several youths were outside the booth. They looked Hispanic and were dressed in some sort of army garb. “Hey red baby, how much?” “Ten pesos?” Another one asked. “I wonder if her pussy is red too, eh amigo?” Sally dropped the phone and held the door closed with both away from the door. They started to push on the door as she strained against the door. Sally started to cry, “Please leave me alone.” One of the Hispanic guys said, “les see if eet is red.” They started pushing harder on the door. She saw the knife in one of their hands; they slid it in the crack in the middle of the door. It started from the bottom and slid up towards her hand. If she didn’t mover her hand the knife would cut it.

The knife was an inch from her hands when she pulled them away. They pushed the door in and grabbed her. “Les get her man.” They suddenly released her and ran away. She turned and saw the police car. “Are you okay?” The cop asked from the patrol car. She ran in front of it towards the hotel. She slowed down to go into the hotel. She slowed down to go into the hotel. She ed a black man who was leaning on the building; he was wearing a green beret. He was smiling and she could see that he was missing teeth. It was a different clerk than the one she had given money to. This guy was about fifty wearing a white undershirt. He had yellow teeth and a beer belly. “Hey cutie, you the one in 2C?” “Fuck off!” She was crying as she ran to the stairs. There was a man sleeping at the foot of the stairs. She could smell the urine as she walked past, she ran up the stairs. She saw another man working on the lock on her door. “Hey!” He ran off. She locked her door and put her bed against it. She sat down on the floor and placed her back against the bed. She stood up after twenty minutes of quiet. She walked over to the barred window and wondered if she would jump if there were no bars. She had to go to the bathroom. She pulled back the bed and was about to open the door, when she heard footsteps on the stairs. “I hope we find dat beech, I want to fuck her red pussy.” She pushed the bed back against the door and sat with her back against it. She cried silently and prayed. She wet her pants.

She finally fell asleep on the floor. She woke up before sunrise and listened. She felt stiff. She pulled the bed away and grabbed her suitcases. She found the bathroom and locked the door, propping her suitcases against it. She quickly took off all her clothes and washed them. She put the wet clothing back on. She washed her face. She was brushing her hair when she thought about last night. A chill went down her spine. She grabbed her suitcases and went out into the empty streets.

John was sitting at a table when Billy walked in. He waved him over to the table. “How are you doing John?” “Pretty good,” he shook Billy’s hand “Have a seat, what are you drinking?” “I will have a beer, thanks.” “Two Buds!” John yelled to the bartender. The bartender acknowledged the order. “Have you been here before?” John asked. “Not for a while, when it was owned by a guy named O’Connor a lot of cops came here. He was a retired cop.” “Not a bad place, nice and quiet.” Said John. Silly saw Det. Winston sitting at the bar. He noticed Billy and nodded. “Know him.” John asked. “Yes, he’s a detective.” “Gee, if I knew so many cops came here I would have felt safer.” “That would be good, if only they had mugged you in here.” They laughed as the beer came. The bartender put two paper coasters down and placed the bottles on them. “Want glasses?” “No, we are okay,” said John “I got it,” Billy said. He threw a bill on the tray. “Keep it.” “Thanks,” said the bartender. He walked back to the bar. “Listen, the next time we meet Pastor would like to be here too.”

“How can a pastor help us?” “He loved Susan too.” “Okay, but no preaching. What do we do from here?” Billy picked up his bottle of beer-the coaster stuck to it. He watched the coaster fall from the bottle as he took a drink. The design looked familiar. He set his beer down on it again. “I went to get a look at the evidence again.” John didn’t hear Billy; his face lit up like he had just won a prize. “The belt-did they say she used a man’s belt to tie her arm?” “Yes.” “Well it didn’t belong to me.” John looked smug. Billy didn’t want to burst his bubble. The belt could belong to any man. At the inquest they said she was sexually active before her death. Just seemed to read Billy’s mind. “I forgot about the sex.” He took a sip of beer. “No one said it would be easy, John.” He could see the disappointment on John’s face. “I guess not.” They clicked their bottles together without saying a word they drank. Billy looked at the coaster again. “I have it!” “Have what?” “The coat of arms on this coaster if the same as the one on the matches I saw under Susan’s bed the night of her death.” “You think it means anything?”

“I don’t know-but we are going to find out.”

Greg threw Shirley on the bed; Greg’s shirt that she was wearing pulled up a little revealing her black panties. She pulled the shirt down. “What the hell you doing pig? I’ll have your ass locked up for rape.” Greg was laughing so hard she threw an ashtray at him. He ducked and started to laugh harder. “What the hell are you laughing at?” “I’m no cop baby.” “I saw the gun in the closet.” Greg walked over to the refrigerator. “You also saw it when I saved you from the pimp.” “I was stoned ? What are you doing with a piece?” He opened the refrigerator door, he changed hi mind and closed it. “I’m a private investigator.” “I didn’t know they had black private eyes. How did you know I was going to split?” She had her head leaninjg on her hand as she continued to lye on the bed. He walked over to the window. “My brother was an addict; I’ve dried him out many times.” “Is he clean now?” “Yea, he’s dead.” She got up and walked over to him. She put her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry baby.” He walked back to the refrigerator and took out a beer. It was nice and cold as he drank it. “His name was Eddie; everyone called him Flake.” “Oh baby, I knew him.” She walked over to the dresser and picked up a pack of

cigarettes. She lit one and took a deep breath. Greg watched her as she walked over to the window. She had her back to him smoking the cigarette and playing with the front of the shirt she was wearing. “You knew him?” “Yea, he was a nice kid, I’m really sorry.” She turned around and took another long drag on the cigarette. She bent over to pick up the ashtray; she want to put the cigarette out. Greg could see that her panties only covered part of her ass. He thought of Kimsu. She put the ashtray on the window sill. She turned around and faced Greg. The shirt was unbuttoned revealing a little flesh. As she slowly walked to him the shirt separated more and he could see her full breasts. She opened the shirt all the way and he saw her black nipples standing erect. The black hair near the top of her panties made him forgot about Kim-su. He put the beer down. Shirley kissed both his eyes. Then she took both his hands and placed them on her bottom. He pulled on the skimpy panties and they ripped. She let the shirt drop and he kissed her breasts. He carried her to bed. “Take me baby, take me.”

Jake called John’s aunt’s house again, he waited for the beep. “John, I only have two days left in New York. I would like to see you before I leave. How is Sally?” He hung up. John opened the door as fast as he could, but the phone had stopped ringing just as he picked up the receiver. She must be popular, he thought. He went to the bedroom to lie down.

Leslie Gads sat in the pizza restaurant eating pizza. She tried to the last time she had lunch with her sister. “Leslie, how do you like teaching Sunday school?” “I just love it.” “That’s great, how are the kids to teach?” “Wonderful, they are so receptive,” Leslie thought of Evonne. “What’s wrong Leslie? You looked a little disturbed.” “Nothing; eet one of my kids – ,” she stopped and took a drink from a paper cup. “What about one of your kids?” “I’m not supposed to say this.” “My lips are sealed.” “A girl in my class named Evonne Watson saw a shooting a month ago.” She stopped talking as the waiter ed. “No kidding, did she tell the police?” Leslie took a bite of pizza and washed it down. “No, that is the problem; her mother doesn’t want her to get involved.” “That’s too bad, does she know who did it?” “No, only that it was a white man.” The man with the long hair had stopped eating-he scratched his ear avoiding the gold erring. His table was next Leslie’s. When the two ladies finished they’re conversation he went back to eating.

Sally called her sister three times already to no avail. She thought about going back to Chicago to her sister’s house. John was still here so she would try for a little longer to find him, besides Mary would be home soon so she could get John’s number. She had put her suitcases back in a locker along with her pocketbook. Somehow the bus terminal felt like home; she wasn’t going back to that sleazy hotel. She would stay here for the time being; at least it had plenty of lights and cops. She had seen in the newspaper that one could purchase tickets for Broadway shows at half price. The only limitation was that you had to use them the same day. She didn’t have a problem with that: couple with the fact that she had never seen a real Broadway show she decided she would go. She took a cab to the address listed in the newspaper. She purchased a ticket for a musical. The show didn’t start until eight so she figured she would take in the town. She always liked walking even as a little girl. She was so impressed that she forgot how evil it could be. She felt a little underdressed but in any case she enjoyed the show.

Charlie Combs paid cash for the stereo. He counted out twelve hundred dollars and gave it the salesman. He liked to pay cash as a lot of times he could beat the sales tax. He couldn’t show too much bread on top. The boy helped him put the stereo in his car. Charlie gave him a twenty dollar bill for a tip. After he started the he lit up a t and ed it to the blonde girl sitting in the enger seat. “Thanks Charlie.” He had picked her up at the Lion’s Den last night. He never told her he was a cop. Charlie hid his police gear whenever he brought chicks back to apartment. He would get rid or her after he screwed her on more time. When he got to the apartment he hooked up the new stereo. He lit up another t and ed it to her. She took a drag. “Any more coke left Charlie?” “No,” he lied. He had more, but not to waste on her. He took the t away from her. Charlie was glad they had found a new way to get the dope out. When they had found the dope missing, he thought that was the end. They got caught because someone saw that the weight was off in the storage. Now that they replace the dope they take with another substance so the weight stays the same. He liked the life style he could now have. It was only nickels and dimes before but now he had plenty bread. “Ever do it to the Rolling Stones?” Charlie asked as he put the record on.

There had been some controversy in the community when the library put up the new fence. The seven foot black iron poles stood erect with their pointed tips guarding the building. They finally put it up when they were told that unless the robberies and the vandalism stopped the board would have no other choice but to move it to another area. Some one mentioned that they could hire guards but the economics expelled that idea. The librarian was driving up the street towards the library-she looked at her watch, she was on time as usual. She smiled as she felt it important to be punctual. As she approached the library she noticed that down at the far end near the large oak tree there was a rug or something lying on the fence. She was picking up her new glasses Saturday-she wished she had them now. She parked her car and decided to get a closer look. As she got closer she saw that it was no rug, it was a large rag doll or maybe a mannequin. Half of its body was on one side-half on the other; the point was sticking through its back. She walked closer. She almost tripped over Evonne’s bicycle. The scream could be heard two blocks away.

Billy wanted to see the transcripts of the coroner’s inquest again before going on vacation. He looked at the evidence sheet again noting that the matched were not on it. Did that mean they missed it? That was a possibility since they were under the bed. “Hey thinker.” “Huh, oh sorry Carol.” They were playing Yahtzee. “You are supposed to add up your points at the end of the game, ?” “I was just thinking about the case.” She thought it odd talking about Susan’s death as a case. She tried to diresct the conversation. “I know you were no math major, you lost.” “I will add it, you seem to be in an aweful hurry to find out you lose.” He counted his points. “I never lose.” She counted her points. He had 243 and she had197. “Are you sure you wanted me to add my points?” He laughed. “I won the last game,” she tossed her score pad at him-it hit off his nose. “Sore loser,” he said. They laughed. “I really think we need that vacation,” she was thinking of what he said earlier. “I know.” “We can forget about Susan’s death for a while.”

He wondered.

It was rare when chief Speigel visited a crime scene. It wasn’t his job, but sometimes it was a politically wise thing to do. He was president of the community board and opposed the fence project from the beginning. He wasn’t looking at the safety factor when he voted against it. It just cost too much money. The money could be better spent on a computer system for the kids to use. Almost every library he knew of had one. Some people complained that the police should be the ones guarding the building. He criticized the government for raising taxes to pay for the new police. He was glad he never told anyone why he voted against the fence. He saw Lt. Sterling standing near the fence. There was blood on the cement, it was dried now. Evonne’s body was on the way to the morgue. “The chief called Sterling over. “What happened?” “The librarian found the little girl. She was impaled on the fence, that’s her bike,” Sterling said pointing at the two wheeler. “Where’s the librarian?” “The ambulance guys took her to the hospital. She wouldn’t stop screaming; they were afraid of her heart.” “Anybody see anything?” A photographer walked over to where the two men were standing. When they saw him they stopped and posed. The photographer left. Sterling ed the question, “no, there were no witnesses.” “What do you think? Was she trying to break in? “I don’t think so. She must have been climbing that tree over there and fallen off.” The chief looked at the huge tree. A large limb hung over the fence.

“Damn shame,” said the chief. “Makes you opposition to the fence look pretty good.” The chief smiled. “Now I wished I had tried harder.” The crowd was dispersing. “You did the best you could Chief.” A patrolman came over and asked the lieutenant a question. He left after getting some information. “What’s new on the missing dope Sterling?” “We tailed Blake to a bar on Cherry Street.” “That’s the one that’s supposed to be owned by the mob. I used to go there as a patrolman when it was O’Connor’s.” “Right, Det. Winston observed him there talking to a man that Winston couldn’t identify.” “A buyer?” “Maybe.” “And maybe not too,” the Chief said.

When Sally came out of the theatre she was whistling the show theme song. It was the most exciting entertainment she had ever seen. The big city had a lot to offer. She bought a hot pretzel and walked along Eighth Avenue. She was dazzled by all the lights and people. She saw a man who looked a little like John from the back. She wondered if she would ever see him again. She saw a subway entrance and decided it might be fun to take a train ride back to the bus terminal. She has heard stories of how dangerous the subways could be at night. After last night she would take no chances; if she thought it looked dangerous she would come right back up and take a cab. She followed a group of people into the subway station. Once down she took comfort in all the lights and people. She walked over to a phone booth that was being used; as she waited to use it she thought of the night before. The booth was empty now but she hesitated before going in, she shook it off and went in and called her sister; no answer. After she hung up she walked over to the token booth and bought some tokens. The man gave her instructions and she boarded a train. She sat next to a black lady who judging by her white uniform might be a nurse or perhaps a waitress. Sally thought her uniform was to clean to be a waitress, unless she was just going to work. There was a teenage couple seated across from her. She ed that she wasn’t much older than them when John first made love to her. He was just another truck driver or so she thought. He was so tender and kind that she didn’t want to take his money; he insisted and she resisted. They were almost wrestling and ended up back in bed. They came to a compromise, he would take her to the movies and dinner. At dinner he told her about his growing up without a father. It made her sad to think that he had a difficult childhood. When the evening was over he dropped her off at her apartment and she invited him in. They made love several times that night and in the morning she cooked him breakfast. It was pancakes. He told hershe was too nice a girl to be in the business. If he said that he loved her or even if he just asked her to go with him she would have gone.

“Hey, are you guys really putting on a show,” said a cop who was walking by the teenagers. The kids looked around the car, everyone was looking at them. They started to laugh and everyone ed in except the wino who was sleeping on a seat at the end of the car. The cop walked over to him. Sally got off the train. She started to walk as the train pulled out of the station. She realized that she was in the wrong station. She would just go to the other side and catch a train going the other way. This station wasn’t lit up like the other one. It was deserted except for a man standing at one end of the platform near the staircase. Thankfully there was a staircase on the other end of the platform. She was just about in the middle. The man started to walk towards her, he was nicely and walked with a cane. She supposed that he must be lame and wondered what had casued it. When he was thirty feet away she could see that he was white. She was relieved. She tried to watch him out of the corner of her eye as not to make him feel selfconscious about his leg. He stopped and reached into his pocket, he pulled out some tan colored material. He put the cane between his legs and held it there with his knees. He had the material in both hands and was putting it on his head. She thought it was some sort of hat. He kept pulling on it until it covered his face, she realized it was a stocking. She turned to look at his distorted face. He turned the top of the cane and the bottom came off; attached to the handle was a knife. Sally started running for the far staircase, the man chased after her. If she could reach the stairs she could run up to the street and call for help. She tripped and felt a pain in her ankle. She turned and he was still coming, he didn’t seem to be running as fast as he had been. She got up and ignored the pain; running as fast as she could. He increased his speed and was gaining. She was only ten feet from the steps, she was going to make it-she would have to keep up her speed going up the stairs. A figure stepped out from behind the staircase. He pointed a gun at Sally’s head, “right this way lady.”

He had short black hair with a red bandana wrapped around it. He must have been eating something as a piece of food was stuck in is beard. She could feel the knife at her back as they made her walk behind the stairs. She couldn’t see the platform from where she was and knew that no one could see them. She was getting her breath back from running and could feel her heart beat. The thoughts of last night came and she started to cry. “Give us the fucking money or you die bitch,” said the man with the gun. It was pointed at her temple. He was shaking so much that she was afraid it might go off by accident. She heard the train coming. They did too. The man with the stocking put the knife to her throat, “hurry or I’ll cut your fucking throat.” The train was getting closer. She reached into her pocket and pulled out some bills. “Here, please don’t hurt me.” She tried to stop crying. The man with the gun counted the money. “It’s only three fucking dollars; we can’t even get a bag with this shit.” The tracks started to shake as the train got closer. They had to raise their voices as the noise of the train became louder. “You’re going to die whore,” the man with the gun said. He pressed the gun to her head. She had stopped crying. “Wait, I’ve got more money,” she had to yell to be heard above the increasing noise. The train would be coming through the tube at the end of the station where they were. They wouldn’t see the train until it was upon them. She reached into her bra and pulled out the money. The man with the gun counted it. “Seven hundred bucks Peter.”

The roar of the approaching train was shaking the platform. Peter pulled off his mask. “Now you know my name sweetie, how nice.” He put the knife on her forearm and made a three inch gash: the blood poured out. She grabbed her arm and started crying again. He was screaming as the noise was deafening, “Now baby, how about some pussy?” “I would rather die you fuck,” she spit in his face. She knew what they were doing and she tried to run. They threw her on the tracks just as the train exploded into the station.

Chapter 4

J OHN WAS IN his living room thinking about the meeting he would have with Billy and the Pastor. He had tried to watch some television but there was nothing on that he cared for. The local news came on. They were talking about the accident that happened earlier in the day. The lady reporter was talking to a man in a police uniform. “Chief, is it true that you opposed the building of this fence?” John started to get interested in the program. He had the cigarette but no matches. “Yes I did, but I’m more interested in the little girl’s family right now.” John’s hand searched for the matches. He accidentally pushed a button on the phone recorder. He didn’t pay attention until he heard his name. He played the tape over again in its entirety. He called Jake. He gave Jake instructions on how to get to his aunt’s house. Jake said he would be right over with some beer. John wondered what he meant about Sally. He would find out soon.

Billy packed the tent and the rest of the camping equipment into the wagon. He Would pack the food just before they leave. Carol came outside. “What’s left on the list honey?” Billy asked. “Just the food.” Billy closed the back soon or the wagon. He was sweating. “I heard some weather reports for the northeast.” “And?” “Sounds good.” Jeremiah tried to say, “sou ga.” They laughed and went back into the house. “Did you pack the bikini?” “Do you think it will be a good idea? We may never get to go swimming.” “It was not made for swimming. Jeremiah looks tired, you had better put him down for a nap.”

Jake brought two beers into the living room. “I’m real sorry about your Susan.” He handed John a beer. “Thanks, it was really rough for a while, but I’m doing better.” He fought back the tears-he reached for a cigarette. “Want one?” “No thanks.” “So what is with Sally? You said something about her on the phone.” “Great girl that Sally.” “Yea I know, I almost fell in love with her.” Jake took a drink. “Tell me buddy, how does one almost fall in love?” John thought about that. He ed back to when he first met her. She was beautiful and he couldn’t believe that she was a prostitute. When he found out how much fun she was he had to convince himself that he would rather drive a truck than get married. When he did the time in jail she came up to visit him; he knew then that he had made a mistake about her. He wanted her to stop coming so she could find someone. She refused to listen. He was such a fool, but then came Susan and that was the end of Sally. Jake raised his voice, “I said, how does one almost fall in love?” “I guess your right Jake.” Jake finished his beer. “Mind if I get another?” “No, go ahead.” “Want one?” “No thanks.” Jake came back from the kitchen with a fresh beer.

“Tell me what Sally said to you.” Jake opened his second beer. “Sounds like you’re interested to me?” “I am.” “I told her about Susan, she wanted to be with you because she said you’d be hurting.” John took a sip of beer. “That’s a long trip-she has never been east as far as I know.” “That’s what she told me.” John lit a cigarette. “I hope it was just talk Jake.” “I don’t know, I spent the whole day with her and all she talked about was you.” John flicked his ash into the ashtray. “I know what you said-but still it’s such a long way.” “I showed her on the Hagstrom what part of Long Island your aunt lived in. As far as the distance is concerned, didn’t she travel a long way to see you while you were in the can?” John put the cigarette out. “I . Had she been drinking?” “No, but I was,” Jake laughed. He gulped down the second can of beer. “I gave her your aunt’s address and phone number, I didn’t think you would mind.” “Of course not, she should have been here by now.” Jake looked at the phone, “maybe she’s on the tape recorder like I was?” “No, I went through the tape when I heard your voice and she wasn’t on it.” “Oh shit, I just ed, she gave me her sister’s phone number.” Jake reached in his back pocket and pulled out his billfold which was connected to a chain; the other end was secured to his belt. He pulled out the piece of paper. “Here it is.”

John grabbed it from him and quickly dialed the number. “I’m sorry, I must have dialed the wrong number.” He hung up the phone and looked at the paper again. “Take it easy man.” John called again. “I hope she’s there.” He realized that Jake was probably right about her. “I’m afraid for her, she should have ed me a day ago. How am I going to find her?” He hung up the receiver. “Big Jake is here, or haven’t you noticed?” “I can’t ask you to help, you have to take care of your work.” “Hey, trucks break down all the time. I can pick up a load later on in the week.” John got two more beers from the kitchen. “Are you sure?” “Sure am” He took a beer from John. John paced around the room as he told Jake everything. “Wow, maybe I’ll have to take a vacation.” “You’re crazy Jake.” “You ain’t shittin, want another beer.” “Sure, I’ll get it.” He brought back another two beers. He handed one to Jake. “When do we start John?” Jake took a drink. “How about right now?” “Great, but what about the meeting with your cop friend and that pastor?” “It will have to wait. I found one dead girl; I want to find the one alive. We can use my car.”

“Billy, when are you going upstate?” Asked the pastor. “We’re all packed up and ready to go, we’ll be leaving in the morning.” Pastor looked at the clock hanging over the bar. John was over an hour late and there was no sign of him coming. They both were working on their third soda. “I don’t think he’s coming Pastor.” “I sure hope he’s alright.” Billy went over to the bar and ordered bags of pretzels. Det. Winston was sitting on a stool. The two men said hello to each other and then Billy went back to his table. Billy wondered how often Winston came to the bar. He ed that he was to give Winston any information on narcotics activity. “I wonder if he is drinking again Billy?” Pastor asked. “I guess you were right about getting him into some kind of rehab program.” Pastor asked, “do you think we will find him again?” Billy didn’t answer; he was staring at the coaster. “Oh shit – er – excuse me Pastor.” “What is Billy? “I have an idea. I went over the evidence and found out that a box of matches I saw under Susan’s bed the night of her death wasn’t on it.” “What’s the significance of that?” “At first I thought that maybe someone just missed it.” He ed Winston and lowered his voice. “What if someone had taken them away?” Pastor picked up a pretzel. “I don’t understand.”

“The matches had the same coats of arms that are on this coaster. It could mean that whoever killed Susan has been here.” “And they took the matches so no one could find out? You were there; who could have taken it?” “Well there were some attendants there and – ,” he looked over to the bar at Winston, “and the police.” “You don’t think a cop took it?” Billy took a sip of soda, it was warm. “I’m not sure; we are going to have to put this under our hats until I get back from the mountains. I will try to get back early.” “It can wait; you and Carol have a nice vacation. You owe it to yourself and her.” There was silence. “I have an idea.” Billy said. Billy motioned for Det. Winston to come over to the table. The detective finished his beer and walked over. “Winston, will you us? This is the pastor of my church.” Winston sat down. “Sure if you’re buying.” The bartender came over and Billy bought Winston a beer. Billy looked at Winston. “Were you there when a girl overdosed in her apartment over in Great Neck? Those are the new ones near the train station: apartment 2A.” “Na, I was off that night, but Fred told me about her. Pretty young thing as I . Did you know her?” “Yes we did.” Billy said. “She was a fine young woman.” The pastor added.

Billy decided that since Winston was not there that night he certainly could not have taken the matches. He probably could be trusted and it would be better to get the police involved as soon as possible. “It is imperative that you speak to Lt. Sterling as soon as you can, can I trust you?” “Sure, how about another beer?” Billy ordered another round of drinks. This time he had a beer. Billy told Winston his theory on the coaster. Winston assured him he would get the information to Sterling quickly. “Hey, you guys hear about the about that little nigger girl that got killed over by the library?” “They’re black people, not niggers.” Pastor corrected. “Whatever, anyway she ends up like a stuck pig hanging on the library fence.” Pastor ed the controversial fence, he was opposed to it. “Did she die?” Billy asked. “If you could have seen her hanging there like some old rag doll, oh yea, she was dead alright.” “What was her name?” Billy asked. “Let’s see, what the hell was it? Evelyn Watkins or something, no, Evonne was her first name.” “Evonne Watson?” Pastor asked in a shaky voice. Pastor sighed, “oh my God,” he was in tears. Billy thought that Winston was an insensitive bastard and wanted to punch him in the face. He resisted. “Get out of here; get the hell out of here!” Billy screamed at Winston.

Winston got up and left as everyone in the bar turned and looked at their table. “Let’s get out of here Pastor.” They were walking to their cars.” “Do you think it was an accident Billy?” “Sure sounds like one.” “Susan’s didn’t sound like a murder either.” They reached the Pastor’s car. “Maybe Carol and I should postpone our vacation – ,” he was cut off by pastor. “No, you and Carol need that vacation, she would be so disappointed.” Pastor was wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. “I know.” Pastor got into his car and rolled down the window, “I guess I better go visit Evonne’s mother.” He wiped his eyes again. “Be careful Pastor.” “Have a nice vacation. Pastor said as he drove off. “Be careful.”

John and Jake were headed into the city. They had just ed exit 37 on the Long Island Expressway. “How are we gonna start?” “I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions Jake?” “If I knew I wouldn’t be asking you dummy.” John noticed that there were a lot of potholes on the road. “Where would you go if you took a bus into New York?” “I guess the first place would be the bus terminal.” “That’s as good a place as any, we’ll start there.” He drove through the midtown Tunnel. John always hated tunnels, the idea of a crack somewhere would leave him in a cold sweat. He always would use a bridge if at all possible, but this was the fastest way to the Port Authority as far as he knew. “We have to find her Jake.”

Pastor drove to Grassmere Park to Mrs. Watson’s house. Pastor consoled her and told her not to worry about the funeral. Billy had told him to tell her that. Pastor left the house and quickly got into his car. He locked the door and drove away. He would have to go down Elm Street to get out of the park. The pushers would be out. May didn’t like Pastor to go into the Park. For that reason he seldom went into the Park. Billy had always volunteered to do any errands that Pastor had to do in the Park. Some things he had to do for himself. He made a right on Elm, he always exceeded the speed limit a little whenever he drove this street. The pushers knew him so they didn’t bother to come over to his car when he had to slow up for a stop sign. There were too many stop signs. “I don’t believe my eyes,” he said aloud. He rolled down the window. “Greg! Greg Brown!” Greg turned around. “Hey Pastor.” He walked over to the car. “How the hell – sorry – how are you Pastor?” “Fine. How have you been Greg?” “Not bad, thanks to you and May. How is she?” “She died some time ago.” “Oh I’m sorry.” “Do you have a couple of minutes, we can go for coffee?” “Sure.” Greg got in the car with Pastor.

In a small bar in Brooklyn two men sit at a table. There is no food on the table, just two cups of espresso. “Hello Mike.” “Hello Gino. I hope this is good.” “I wouldn’t call you if I didn’t think it was important.” Gino lifted his cup. Mike said, “I’m sorry, you’re right, how can I help you?” “My nephew.” “Sam?” “No, the one on Long Island.” “Oh, you mean Tony.” “Yea, Tony. How I wish he was smart like Sam.” “How’s Sam doing?” “Fine, I don’t hear a peep outta Sheepshead Bay.” “Good.” “But Tony ain’t so smart-he’s fucking up out there on Long Island.” “Bad people” “I gave him Joe.” “The ‘knife’?” “Yea.”

Mike took a drink. “Mean fucker, he was good, as I .” “Still is, he took care of what could have been a big problem.” “I read it in the papers. Right up his alley, I don’t know if I could do it.” “I know, but if you have to, I’m confident you would so the right thing.” “I would.” “I called you because I need a specialist and the timing is critical.” “Thank you Gino.”

When they got out of the car they hugged each other. Pastor felt the gun. “You a cop Greg?” “No, private investigator.” They went into the pizza restaurant. “Two coffees,” he looked at Greg, “are you hungry?” “I’ll have a slice.” “Make that two cups of coffee and two slices of pizza. We will be sitting up front.” “I really am sorry about May. I loved her.” “I know Greg, she loved you too.” The order came. “I when she found me. I was such a punk and as I recall I smelled pretty ripe.” “You were just a troubled kid.” Officer Charlie Combs came into the store; he ordered two slices of pie and a beer. “I that she sent you back to get me. And you put that dirt all over your face.” They laughted. Pastor watched the cop when the man gave him his order in a white bag. Combs didn’t pay for his food. He walked out the door. “I wonder why he paid last time?”

“Say what?” “Nothing, I was just thinking out loud. Do you always carry a gun Greg?” Greg took a bite. “Always.” Even when you aren’t working?” “Always.” Pastor took a bite of pizza. “You do have a gun license right?” “Oh sure,” he was lying a bit his was only good for California. “What brings you to New York, business?” “Not quite, I’m looking for the guy who shot my brother.” “You mean Eddie?” “Yea got him with a shotgun.” A lady was walking in when Pastor realized that he was talking about the killing Evonne had witnessed. “I didn’t know it was your brother.” Greg was bringing the cup up to his mouth but he stopped. “What do you mean?” “A little girl in the Sunday school saw a shooting-a guy was killed like you are saying your brother was.” “Do the cops have a good description?” “No, her mother didn’t wasn’t her to get involved.” “How did you find out?” The man behind the counter chased some kids out of the store. “She confided in her Sunday school teacher; her teacher confided in me.”

Pastor went and got two more cups of coffee. Greg was thinking about their conversation. Pastor came back. “I would like to talk to this little girl.” “You can’t, she’s dead-an accident this morning.” Pastor told Greg what Det. Winston had said to him and Billy. “An accident my foot.” “You don’t think it was an accident?” “I think she was probably murdered.” “It seems like it was, she was climbing a tree and fell on the fence.” “Bull! I’m sorry Pastor.” “Don’t worry about it.” Greg sipped his coffee. “A white guy blows away a black kid and the cops can’t find any witnesses. You find one and she ends up dead on some fence; it looks mighty suspicious to me.” Pastor thought for a moment. “Another friend from church was killed recently-that is we are trying to prove that she was murdered. The authorities say she killed herself.” “What was her name?” “Susan.” Greg scratched his face. “Susan, Susan, Eddie had a friend Susan who helped him-no not a friend-a counselor.” “Susan was a counselor.” Greg drank some more coffee. “That makes it a little interesting.” “You think there may be a connection?” Pastor asked.

“Could be, and if it’s what it looks like, we may be getting into some deepexcuse the expression-shit.” “At this point I am not worried about language. You think there could be danger?” “I’m not sure, but it sounds like there might be. I think you and your friends should go away for a while.” “Billy is on vacation up in the mountains, he is the cop-John, I do not know where he is-and I’m staying.” Greg pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “Do you mind?” “No.” “If you stick around you may end up in heaven sooner then expected.” “I will get to see May sooner.” They laughed. “Seriously Pastor, can you handle a gun?” “Even if I knew how I am not sure that I would.” A teenager came into the store as a lady and a man left. “Okay, but if for some reason you need one there’s one in my room. Its hanging inside the closet on a string tied near the ceiling. Just be careful it had a big kick.” Greg gave him the address. They had some more coffee sent over. Greg told Pastor about the army and how he met Kim-su. He told him about how he helped Shirley. “Does God forgive everything, Pastor?” “Yes, if you truly repent.” Greg knew that Pastor had read his mind. He would try, but Shirley was a beautiful woman.

Pastor asked, “Does she have any relatives?” “I don’t know, I’ll find out.” Greg thought of the scene if Kim-su was introduced to Shirley. He shuddered They were finished. “Do you have my number?” Pastor asked. “Yeah, I will call you about Eddie’s funeral.” The pizza man who gave Charlie Combs his pizza was on the phone.

“Get out of my way,” the woman wearing the white gown pushed her way to the phone booth. She had a bandage wrapped around her head and a smaller one on her forearm. “Did you think you were going to die?” “Yes.” She kept pushing through the reporters. “Leave her alone!” A doctor yelled. “She just went through a terrible ordeal.” “Were they white?” “Yes, I have to make a phone call-get out of my way!” A flashbulb popped. “This is an emergency room, get out of here!” The doctor threw down his stethoscope. The security people ushered the reporters to the waiting room. “If you’re not quiet you’re going to have to wait for a statement outside-where there’s no air conditioning,” A large guard said. “Hello Randy, this is Sally.” “How are you Sally?” “Fine, I need some money.” “You in trouble?” “Yes, I need a hundred bucks; I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.” “Okay sweety.” “Wire it to Western Union on – ,” she looked in the Yellow Pages, “Forty Fifth

Street in New York.” “No problem, I’ll send it out right away. Take care of yourself.” “Thanks Randy, good-bye.” She started to cry. She walked back into the vestibule she was being treated in. The doctor came back in, Sally went to give him the change from the ten he had given her-he said for her to keep it. She saw the cross hanging from his neck. You’ll need carfare to get to the Western Union. I don’t think you want to take the subway.” She thought about it. “You’re right, how come you’re not trying to talk me into staying like the other doctor?” “Would it do any good? He is right by the way; you really should for some more testing.” “No thanks, as soon as I get the money I’m out of this city for good.” She reached out to give back the money again. “It’s not every day I hear of a miracle; it’s worth the price.” “Do you really believe in miracles?” “Sure do.” “Are you a Christian, doctor?” “Yes I am, are you?” “No, but the man I’m looking for is.” “I see.” Sally looked at the bandage on her forearm. “Can you ask God to help me find him?” “Yes I could.”

“Will He do it?” A nurse ed by. “If it is His will.” “But I’m leaving New York.” “I know.” “Today.” “I know, God parted the Red Sea without any problem. If He wants you two people together nothing can stop it.” Sally thought about that. “Do you really believe that?” “Yes, just as I believe he spared your life.” Sally ed when they threw her onto the tracks. She instinctively rolled towards the platform. The train missed her by a second. She was walking in a daze when the police found her. “When you get to where you’re going see a doctor immediately. Promise me.” “I will.”

Carol was so excited. They had not had a vacation in a year. Billy was excited too-he needed a break from life for two weeks. He finished packing the wagon, plus his gun. Carol had seen him packing the gun. He usually did not carry it when he was off duty. But as of late he carried it all the time. “Billy, you are not taking that with us, are you?” “No,” he pulled it out of the bag, just a habit I guess.” “What were you going to shoot, a bear?” He put the gun in a drawer and locked it. “You will be sorry when a bear carries you off.” “He would be less dangerous than you,” she was holding up her bikini. “GRRRRRR.” Jeremiah was in the room. He went, “Grrrr.” Carol put it away quickly, “I will take my chances with the bear.” “Let’s go,” Billy picked up the last of the baggage. Jeremiah followed growling.

Greg walked up the stairs; he hit the top step and sensed that something was wrong. Shirley said she only listened to jazz stations. When he left she had one on, the music he was listening to was rock and roll. He took off his shoes. He pulled out the .38; it felt cool in his hand. He only wished he had the .357. The .38 would do the job, but if Eddie’s killer was in there he wanted the one that made bigger holes. He tip-toed to the door, the cocked pistol was by his right ear. He put his other ear on the door. The music was louder. A funny noise was coming from where the bed should be. “Where is he bitch?” Greg heard the smack. He waited for the scream but it never came. “We shot his fucking junkie brother, and we’re going to get him too. If you want to live you had better tell ud where the fuck he is.” Another smack, and still no scream. “Take the tape off.” “Please don’t kill me, I’ll work for you baby,” she was crying. “You should have thought about that before, you filthy whore.” The other voice said, “If you don’t tell us where he is I’m going to shoot with this big shotgun-just like I shot your faggot boyfriends brother.” “He went back to California.” “Lying bitch.” A smack-this time she screamed. “Put the fucking tape back on her mouth.”

“I don’t think he’s coming back; let me ice her, you had Flake.” A man came out of his room; he saw Greg and went back into his room. He called the police. Greg forgot he had no shoes on. When he threw a swift kick at the door it gave but he thought he broke his foot. He had to ignore the pain. The pimp was standing near Shirley and he had his knife near her face. The man with the gold earring turned around to look at Greg. He was trying raise the shotgun as Greg’s .38 smashed against his jaw, it broke. He could feel the broken teeth-he dropped the shotgun and grabbed his jaw. He was whimpering; blood was flowing from his mouth. Greg pointed his gun at the pimp. “Put the fucking knife down or else you’re one dead nigger.” “Now stand up you pig.” Shirley’s hands and legs were tied to each corner of the bed. She had tape over her mouth and she was completely naked. Blood flowed from small cuts all over her body. Nothing life threatening Greg assessed. He made both men walk over to the window; still training his gun on them he pulled the tape off Shirley’s mouth. “Oh baby, they hurt me.” She was crying “It’s alright now honey.” “They hurt me bad.” Greg covered her naked body; the white sheet broke into red splotches. “Where’s your knife scumbag?” “Over there.” The pimp said. Greg lost control. He aimed the gun at the pimp’s face. He pulled th hammer and started to pull the trigger. He was going to waste them both. When he heard the siren he unlatched the trigger on the gun. There would be no

time to get away if he dusted them. “You lucky bastards, you’re only going to jail.” Greg would let the cops cut Shirley free. He wanted them to see what kind of monsters these guys were.

Jake was in the Carvel store. “What would you like sir?” Asked the man behind the counter. “I just need some information.” “We’re busy buddy, get lost if you’re not buying any ice cream.” Jake pulled out a five dollar bill and put it on the counter. “Give me a vanilla cone and if you answer a couple of questions you can keep the change. If you don’t I’m going to come around that counter and kick your little ass.” The man took the money and went for the ice cram. When he got back Jake said, “I’m looking for a lady with red hair, five eight, one hundred ten pounds, and about thirty five.” “Got a picture?” He handed Jake the ice cream. “No, oh yea, she’s got freckles on her nose.” “Sorry I can’t help you, but thanks for the change.” “Okay.” Jake said as he walked away. John saw Jake and caught up with him. “Hey Jake.” Jake turned around, “good to see you old buddy.” “How did you make out Jake?” “Zero on Sally, but I gained ten pounds.” He patted his waist and laughed. “Me too, want a soda?”

“Sure, it’s hot as hell out here.” They went into Nathan’s and sat down at the counter, per Jake’s insistence. John agreed it would be pretty dumb to sit at a table if they were only ordering sodas. “Did you ask in here, Jake?” “No, and I’m guessing that means you didn’t either.” “Two orange sodas,” John said as the waitress walked over. She took the order and went to get the sodas. “I wished you ordered beer instead.” “They don’t sell beer here, you yoyo.” The waitress brought the sodas to them. John asked her about Sally and she said she hadn’t seen her. Jake paid and John left the tip. Just before they left a man who worked there came over to them. “Betty said you guys were looking for a broad with red hair.” “I was on duty when she came in. She was short with long red curly hair and very cute as I .” “Sounds like Sally,” John said “She had two suitcases, but I don’t know where she went.” Jake took out a twenty and was going to give it to the man. “Hey, I can’t take that, I just wish I could do more.” “You sure you don’t want the money?” “Yes.” Jake put the twenty away. He wondered if she was still in New York. “Thanks friend.”

The man left and John said, “It figures that she probably went looking for a place to sleep. How much money did she say she had?” “About nine hundred bucks.” “Say she got here with – say eight hundred bucks, she can’t get in touch with me, she can’t get in touch with her sister.” “Yea, and if she went back to her sister’s she would be answering the phone.” “Right, she’s a smart girl. She would try to make her money last.” Jake took a drink. “She could always turn tricks.” John gave Jake a cold look. “I’m sorry man; the nice hotels would burn out her money fast. So do we go uptown or downtown?” “Probably down town, because you hear more about Harlem then the East Village.” “Why not,” Jake said. “No sense in both of us going downtown, why don’t you find a phone booth and call a few hospitals maybe she’s there.” “You got it buddy.” “Let us meet back here – say in – six hours.” “See ya later.” “Good luck, Jake.”

Billy was driving on the Northern State Parking when he first spotted the black Lincoln. He first noticed it when he ed Little Neck Parkway. It stayed behind two or three cars, but it never fell any more behind. He turned the country music station on. “Trying to get in the mood for the country?” Carol asked. “You got it.” The car was gone. He thought he was getting paranoid. Susan’s death was getting to him. He started whistling to a Glen Campbell tune. “What time you think we will get up there honey?” Billy looked at his watch. “We should be there two hours before dark.” Billy paid the toll and headed for 95 north. A john Denver song came on and Billy thought of the mountains. He did not see the white van that was following him.

Pastor Milinson sat at his study. He had decided to write down everything he knew. He wasn’t sure if it would do any good-but he could do nothing else. He made a list. Sally dead-O.D. Evonne dead-witness Eddie dead-drug addict Lion’s Den Missing matches-Lion’s Den coat of arms Pizza store He wondered why he wrote the pizza store. He would leave it there for now. What was the thought he had when was with Greg. The cop did not pay for his food, nothing unusual about that. But as he ed the first time he saw that came cop he did pay for his food. It could mean that the cop was less honest now than before. Or it could mean something else. What else? Wait, he ed now. The same cop stopped the man from mugging him. Then he watched the cop drive over to dumpster and threw his garbage into it. And they found that old lady by the dumpster. He wrote dumpster on the list.

Greg heard the police car door slam. He pulled out his I.D. He heard the door open downstairs. He kept the gun pointed in the direction of the killers. “Don’t come up the stairs, I’ve got a gun!” Greg yelled out the door. The footsteps stopped on the stairs. “I’m a private investigator from L.A.,” Greg threw his I.D. down the stairs. “I got it,” The policeman said. “I don’t have a New York license for the piece I’m holding.” “No problem just put it down and put your hands up.” “I would except for these two fuckers I got up here, one of them killed my brother.” The man with the earring was still holding his jaw. “You come up the stairs slowly; my back will be to you. When you get up here and get a bead on these guys I’ll drop the gun.” “Okay, no sudden moves,” said the cop. “Don’t worry about that.” Shirley had stopped crying realizing that Greg had the situation under control. Greg heard the footsteps again. They were getting closer. “I got them now Greg,” said the cop. Greg wondered how he knew his name. He ed the ID. Greg bent at the knees and put the .38 on the floor. He knew he was going to get in trouble for the gun. He hope they would not find the .357. Greg stood and looked at the cop. The barrel of his gun was in line with Greg’s head. He felt a little uncomfortable so he took a step towards the bed.

The cop came into the room. Greg knew there was something wrong when the prisoners started smiling when they saw the cop. Greg looked at Shirley. Her face twisted in terror. Shirley screamed as the bullet came out of the front of Greg’s head. It was though someone had filled a balloon with blood and hit him in the face with it. He fell forward and his head rested on her stomach. The sheet was almost all red. Officer Charlie Combs put the tape back across Shirley’s mouth. He picked up the pimps knife and the shotgun. “Take this and get the fuck out of here, both of you. Go out the back way.” The men ran out of the room. Charlie moved quickly. He didn’t have much time. Those stupid bastards were lucky he got there first. Tony would appreciate this. He took out his new buck knife and opened it up. He straddled Greg’s body and grabbed Shirley’s hair, he pulled her head back. Shirley realized what he was going to do. She fainted. Charlie wiped the handle and put it in Greg’s hand. He bent Greg’s fingers around the knife. “Oh my God,” said the second cop on the scene. “What the hell happened Charlie?” “I got the call and came up here. The hamster was cutting her throat, if only I got here ten seconds earlier. I blew him away.” “You tried Charlie. At least this pig won’t hurt anyone else.” “Yea, I guess so.”

Chapter 5

T ONY WATCHED THEM put the finishing touches on the sidewalk extension. The huge glass structure jutted out on the sidewalk five feet. The tinted glass only allowed a little of the sun rays in. He put hanging plants all around the extension. He wanted it to look like a French sidewalk café, but with the glass the customers could enjoy it all year long. Other business owners said he would never get the building code variance. They didn’t know Tony Bracci. He knew how to push buttons. He thought about Charlie. He would have to give him a bonus.

Billy watched the white van pull into the truck stop. “I have to go to the bathroom.” “Me too,” Said Carol. “I will go first and then you go when I get back.” “Okay.” Billy got out of the car-he could not see into the van. He walked to the bathroom; he hurried so he could get back fast. He bought two sodas from the machine on the way out. When he got back in the car Jeremiah was awake. “My turn,” Carol said as she left. Billy played with the baby, all the while he kept his eye on the van. Nobody went in or out. Carol came back with some candy bars, she gave one to Billy. “I thought you might be a little hungry, I am.” Billy started the car and pulled away. “Thanks,” He said while he watched the van to see if it moved; it didn’t. “I think I am going crazy.” “What do you mean Billy?” He did not want to tell her that he was getting paranoid. “I am crazy about you.” “Oh, Billy.”

Jake walked into a bank and asked for twenty dollars in quarters. He went over to a phone booth in the bank. There was no Yellow Pages. He walked over to the loan officer’s desk. The loan officer was talking to a man. “Miss, may I see your Yellow Pages?” “Can’t you see I’m talking to someone?” “I just got out of Bellevue and I’m supposed to call my doctor every six hours and I’m overdue. I lost his number,” He raised his voice. “I’m getting upset.” “Here, you can look at it.” She handed it to Jake. “I’ll be right over there.” He pointed to the phone booth. “I’m sorry Mr. Peterson.” She returned her attention back to her customer.

Sally picked up her money at the Western Union. She put it in her pocket and started walking to the bus terminal. She had tears in her eyes, she had failed in her attempt to find John. There was a lunch special in the restaurant she was ing so being hungry she decided to stop in. She had tuna on white with a glass of milk. She was still very sore from her fall. She made them take the huge bandages off her head and forearm; they put a medium sized band aid on her head to cover the stitches. A smaller one covered the one on her arm. The cut on her head was high enough to hide with her half if it left a small scar. Jake was batting zero. He left the bank and was headed to the bus terminal. He noticed the poster for the lunch special, too bad he had eaten before as it seemed like a good deal. Sally was in the restaurant eating her sandwich; she would try her sister later. Jake thought about the Dolphins. The pre-season had started and he wondered how they were doing. He stopped at a news stand. He was going to buy the sporting News when he saw the front page of the Post. “Oh shit.” He said as he picked up the paper. “Hey, you going to buy that?” Jake threw a dollar on the plate and wandered away without taking his change. “I don’t believe it.”

Pastor was thinking of the list he made up on the way over to Greg’s room. He wanted Greg’s opinion on his new thoughts about the dumpster. Something was amiss, but he could not figure it out. Pastor was two blocks from Greg’s and stopped at a light-he ed. Greg had told him about the girl he was helping. They were probably sleeping together judging by Greg’s questions. He would have to make a lot of noise going up the steps. The light turned green and he accelerated. He could hear the tick in the engine; it had been getting louder as of late. He would have to check it when this mess was over. He turned the corner and saw all the police cars and ambulances. At first he thought that there was a fire, but there was no sign of a fire or for that matter there was not ever a fire truck. He opened his window and smelled for smoke. He pulled up to the police line. Pastor was the police chaplain and had no problem getting closer to what ever happened. A reporter was talking to a cop, it was the cop Pastor had seen in the pizza restaurant. He could not hear what they were saying. He headed towards the rooming house. He climbed the steps of the front porch. “Hey, where are you going?” Said a cop that Pastor did not know. “I’m the chaplain.” “He’s alright,” said another cop. “You’re too late,” said another. Pastor ignored the remark and continued into the building. He climbed the inside stairs-the cop at the top of the landing recognized him. “Hi Pastor.”

“How you doing Fred, how is the wife and kids?” “Great, we have some mess here,” he was pointing to Greg’s room. “What happened?” “Some kinky guy was attacking a lady. Charlie Combs came this close to saving her,” he held his pointer finger and thumb an inch apart, “but at least he shot the bastard-sorry about the language.” “No problem, I have to take a look.” “It’s not pretty. They’re still taking pictures.” Pastor walked down the hallway into the room. He saw poor Greg’s body lying on the girl. “Get him out of here.” Det. Winston said.

Jake got to the terminal first. He walked back and forth, he kept looking at the picture of Sally. The bandage on her head was massive, but he would know her face anywhere. Where the hell is John? John walked into the bus terminal and saw Jake right away. He quickly walked over to Jake. His legs ached, he hoped Jake had a more productive day. “Hi John boy, how’d you do?” “Not too good. I found out where she stayed one night, but that is it. Did you find anything out?” “No, but I spent a lot of quarters.” “I’ll make it up to you.” “No way, it was worth it to see all those people stand in line to use the phone. Some of them really got pissed as I kept putting in quarters. An old lady gave me the finger.” John ed Jake in laughter. “At least you had fun.” When they stopped laughing John said, “we are no better off than when we started.” “I guess you’re right,” a pause, “cept your old buddy has a good eye.” He pulled the newspaper from behind his back. “I do not believe it, it’s Sally. Is she alright? Let me see that.” He took the paper from Jake and read the article. “Thank God she’s okay.” John said. He started to laugh. “What’s next buddy? I don’t know about you but I’m thirsty.” He was looking at the cocktail lounge. “I would not mind a beer myself.” John was staring at the lounge, “But first I have an idea, maybe we can go to some of the ticket booths and tell them to look

out for her.” Jake thought of the problems he had when they first came in to look for Sally. He didn’t want to have the same problems. “A problem?” John asked seeing Jake’s troubled expression. “Well,” his face lit up. “ when I told you about the problem I had in Pittsburgh?” “Oh yea.” “Watch this.”

Pastor went back to the car and pulled around the corner. He parked the car. He opened the glove compartment and took out his Bible, he opened it up. In Genesis was the verse he was looking for. “He who sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall shed,” he said it aloud. He knew that he should not take a verse out of its historical context, but it was comforting. He thought of another. “An eye for an eye.” He knew that Greg did not kill that girl. Either the cops were making a big mistake or there was something rotten in Denmark. He preferred to think that they were just stupid. He thought of the cop from the pizza store talking to the reporter. The girl’s throat had been cut-the bag lady’s throat had been cut. Could it be related? The knife was in Greg’s hand. But as far as he ed the news of the bag lady’s death said that there had been no knife found. Let us say it was the same killer. He left the knife in Greg’s hand. He would have to buy another especially if he is fond of knives as he would appear to be. If he dumped the knife he killed the bad lady with and left this one at Greg’s he would have to buy another, that is assuming he does not make them himself. He thought about it for some time. He nodded his head and asked God to remove the hate he was feeling.

Mike sat at the exit waiting for the car. The information he obtained from their people in the police department was coming in handy. It was good to know people. He thought about his job. It was like any other. Some times were rougher than others, but what job didn’t have its problem. It took him three years to get to the top of his profession. It was hard in the beginning, but now it was easier. This case was a tough one, but he liked using his head. He picked up the walkie-talkie and checked to see if it was in working order. “Should be soon,” he said into it. Jake bought twenty newspapers and they ripped out Sally’s picture from every one of them. They walked over to the ticket windows. Jake showed the man the detective badge and ID. It looked so real it had gotten him out of some trouble in Pittsburg. “If you see this girl you page me.” “What did she do?” Jake bent closer, “major drug trafficker, she’s extremely dangerous, so page me right away.” “No problem officer.” John was trying not to crack up. He restrained himself until Jake had talked to all the clerks. He held it in until they went into the cocktail lounge. They both roared. “I do not believe you Jake.” “It worked.” “It sure did,” John stopped laughing, “Suppose she’s not leaving the city?”

“The paper didn’t say. You can call the hospital, the doctor’s name is in the paper.” “Good idea.” John got on the phone with the hospital. He found out she had left the hospital. One of the doctors who treated her was still on duty; he would be back in an hour. John said he would call back. Pastor’s number was listed, he dialed the number. There was no answer, he hung up. He wrote the number down and put it in his pocket and walked back to Jake. “One of the doctors who saw her should be back in an hour.” “I guess we can wait here, we have a pretty good view of the terminal.” “I guess so.” The bartender brought two beers over. “I do not want to get drunk Jake.” “Don’t worry about me old buddy,” Jake said as he sipped his beer.

Sally was taking her time. She stopped at every phone she saw and tried her sister. She knew that once she got on the bus she would never see John again. Maybe it was for the best. He probably didn’t care for her. What would he do with a washed up prostitute. The thought crossed her mind that she could try to stay in New York for a day or two. She rejected that idea right away. She was crying again as she entered the bus terminal.

Pastor was in his study. He could not sit down-not even his music could settle him down. He went into the kitchen and reached into a high cabinet and pulled out the brandy. He was not a drinking man but this was an extreme circumstance. He sipped the brandy and it warmed his insides. He brought his drink back into the study. It was too much to think about. He took another drink and sat down. He picked up the list. He thought back to this afternoon. His lunch had paid off. If the killer purchased a knife recently, where would he have bought it? Pastor thought that if he was going to buy one himself he probably would go to an army-navy store. That was not the hunch, the hunch came when he picked the army-navy store that was the closest to the police station. The man ed selling a knife to a man recently. The buyer was in civilian clothes. The clerk said he was not allowed to give Pastor the name on the sales slip, besides he did not ask for a police discount. Pastor described Charlie Combs the best he could. The clerk said it sounded like the man who purchased the knife. “Thank you,” Pastor said as he walked out of the store.

Sally walked over to one of the ticket booths. A grey haired man was in line in front of her. The woman gave him a ticket. “Can I help you?” The clerk looked at the newspaper picture of the girl with the large bandage wrapped around her head. “I would like to buy a ticket to Chicago When will the next bus leave?” The clerk stared at Sally and thought there was some resemblance, but this girl wasn’t the drug smuggler. “In forty minutes.” Sally paid for and received the ticket. The lady pointed to a set of stairs next to Nathan’s. A beer would really taste good she thought as she started to walk.

Billy pulled the station wagon off the thruway. He was glad that they had met that couple last year. They owned a lot of property in the Adirondacks. He told Billy and Carol that they could camp on his property. The great part was that you only had to go about a quarter of a mile off the road to hit running water; you usually would have to hike a lot farther to find seclusion. Normally a hike of two or three miles was not a problem, but with Jeremiah and all the equipment the lesser distance was a blessing. There was no traffic on the small road that led up to the top of the mountain. They ed a telephone company van that was parked near a utility pole. Billy was thinking about what he and Pastor told Det. Winston. When Winston asked Billy what all the information he was being given meant Billy suggested that perhaps someone had disturbed the evidence. Nobody mentioned that it could have been a cop. He thought about the white van and was glad that it stayed at the truck stop. “We are going to have to hurry,” Billy said to Carol. “It is going to be dark in an hour and a half.” The baby was sleeping. Carol looked at Billy, “honey?” Billy looked at Carol and quickly returned his eyes to the road. The wagon leaned heavily on the turning road. Carol continued, “I know you wanted to work on Susan’s case, but thanks for doing this.” Billy took another quick look at Carol. “Susan’s case will be there when we get back.” “I love you Billy,” she threw him a kiss. “I love you too. Listen baby, do you think you can set up the tent by yourself if

you had to?” “Sure, I guess, why?” “Just in case we are rushed for time.”

John and Jake each had their second beer. Jake was watching a game on television, it was mounted high near the back of the bar. “Jake I’m going to call the doctor.” “Okay,” Jake watched a close call, “he’s out,” he commented. John walked over to the phone booth. The bartender saw the woman looking in the window. Sally couldn’t see into the darkened bar. She could almost taste the beer. She thought about the last time she had had a beer, she was proud of her record and decided to go to Nathan’s instead.

It took Billy three trips back to the car to get all the gear. The playpen went up on the first trip. Jeremiah was playing in it. It was starting to get dark. “We have about twenty minutes Carol. I am going over there to dig a trench. You keep putting up the tent.” “What about cooking?” “First things first.” “Since when do we dig a latrine? We used to just take the spade and dig a little hole and bury it when we were finished.” “I know, but I read it in a camping magazine.” He walked about seventy-five feet from the campfire they had started earlier. “How come so far away?” She yelled. “You want to smell it?” He yelled back. Carol was having a tough time with the tent. Jeremiah was laughing at her. “Young man, I would like to see you do a better job.” She laughed.

John had the doctor on the phone, the doctor told him that Sally said she was leaving New York today; she was going to Chicago. John was so proud of Jake and himself. She would be coming into the terminal, the ticket people would recognize her and they would page Jake. He thought of Pastor and called. “Hello. Pastor Milinson?” “Yes, this is he.” “My name is John – .” “John? Susan’s fiancé?” He cut in. “Yes, that is right.” “Are you okay?” “Yes.” John looked over at Jake. Pastor told him the whole story. “Sir, if what you say is true then you may be in danger.” “It did cross my mind.” “You can’t go to the police yet.” The operator came on and John put more money into the phone. “When Billy and I were in the bar on Cherry Street waiting for you we talked to a police detective. We did not tell him too much as we did not have too much to tell. Billy said something about disturbed evidence. Billy said that it would be okay to tell him. The other things happened after I last saw Billy.” “So Billy doesn’t know too much.”

“Only a little, he is on vacation in the Adirondacks.” “At least he is safe then.” “Thank God.” Said Pastor. John looked at Jake again. “You are going to have to stay low until I can meet you. We have to come up with some kind of plan.” There was silence for a moment. The operator asked for more money. “Maybe when Billy comes back we can devise a plan of action.” “Wait, I have a friend, he is kind of rough. I want to send him to you.” “I do not need a bodyguard, John.” “I know God is your bodyguard. So let us just say that Jake is an angel and he needs a place to stay.” “Okay, I will be at the parsonage.” He gave John the directions there. “When will I see you again.” “I have to find a friend first, but I hope it will be soon.” “God bless you.” Pastor said. “You too Pastor.”

Sally was waiting for the bus. It was due in five minutes. She had her suitcases and a full stomach. She had accepted the fact that she would never see John again. There was about twenty people waiting for the bus. It came on time and Sally got a seat near the window on the driver’s said. She looked at the other engers and wondered how many times they had suffered broken hearts. The silver bus pulled out of the station. She thought of her sister Mary dead on her living room floor. She would her.

Jake agrees to John’s request. John borrowed two hundred dollars from Jake who always brought a lot of cash whenever he came to the Big Apple. John told Jake to drive to Pastor’s house. He asked him to watch over Pastor until he and Sally could them later. He gave Jake the keys to the rented car, Sally and he would take the train back. John had enough to drink so he decided to step outside of the bar. He walked over to Nathan’s to get a hot dog. He recognized the man right away. “Hey, did you find your girlfriend?” The man asked. “No, still looking.” “You had better get your eyes checked.” John gave the man a dirty look. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “She was just here, she had a frank and a soda.” John stood up. “She was here? When?” “That’s what I’m saying, she was just here about twenty minutes ago.” “Where did she go?” The man pointed to the stairs. “She went down those stairs.” John ran down the stairs, he saw that there were no buses. The porter said he didn’t know when a bus to Chicago left. John ran up the stairs to the ticket booths. “What time did the bus to Chicago leave?” The clerk looked at his watch and then a schedule. “Sorry you missed it by twenty four minutes.” Jake had the car. It would take a while to rent one. He put his hands in his pockets abd walked back to the bar.

Billy had dug the trench quickly, he jumped in it, it came up to his chest. It was dark. Carol was cooking, Jeremiah was asleep in the tent. He made a cover for the latrine out of part of the cardboard from the new camp stove. He set up the tarp at a forty-five degree angle so that any rain would run off. Carol came over. “Pretty elaborate bathroom you have there. Do you mind if I use it?” “It’s not quite ready.” Billy handed her the hand spade. She walked into the dark away from the tarp. When she came back she hung the spade from a dead tree branch. “Why did you put it here?” It was between two small pine trees. Two fallen trees were on the other sides. “So nobody would walk into it.” “Good idea.” She pointed to the tarp, “expecting rain?” “You never know.” She looked over at the campfire. “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”

John ordered a beer-he was going to get drunk. First he lost Susan, now Sally. A cabdriver came in and asked for a beer. The name of the taxi company was printed on his cap. John took two dollars and put it on the bar, he never got his beer. He walked out of the lounge and glanced around the busy terminal. He saw a woman in a phone booth talking to someone. He walked towards her. When he got near the booth he stopped and looked around. The woman was having an argument with whoever she was talking with. John picked up her suitcase and walked towards the street. He stood outside and started to flag down a cab. He was waiting for the woman to come running after him. A cab pulled up. John ran to the enger side window; it was rolled down. “I just have the one bag,” he said pointing to the suitcase that was on the sidewalk near the back of the cab, “can I sit up front?” He said it in a feminine voice. The cab driver looked John over. “Sure, let me throw your suitcase in the trunk.” John got in the cab before the driver got out. He started to slide over as the driver got out of the cab. “Stop you thief, he stole my suitcase!” John heard just before he left skid marks. He could see her in the rearview mirror. She was kicking the cabdriver.

It was ten o’clock when they finished cleaning the dinner utensils. John sat with his arm around Carol; they were resting their backs against a large fallen tree. The fire was starting to die out. “Nice and peaceful.” “It sure is Billy.” They stared at the fire. “Are we sleeping under the tarp?” Carol asked through a yawn. “Well that is bedroom. Jeremiah has the nursery.” Carol giggled. “I have to go to the bathroom.” “Use the spade.” She rose up and left. Billy thought about the day before with the missing drugs. Who stole them? Could it be Winston or one of the other narcs? He hoped not as he had told Winston everything he knew. Had he talked about his vacation plans? Billy heard someone walking, he wished he had brought his gun. It was coming from the opposite direction than Carol had gone. He picked up a strong piece of wood. Carol walked out of the woods in her bikini. The light from the fire danced on her body. Her round breasts shook with each step. Billy stood up and dropped the stick. He was glad he left the gun at home, he probably would have shot his wife, and the way she looked right now that was the last thing he wanted to do. She walked past him walking backwards towards the tarp. She was beckoning him with her pointing finger. He started to undress as he ran to the tarp. By the time he reached the tarp he was naked. She was lying on a sleeping bag.

The bikini was still on. He laid down beside her. He untied the bikini top and it fell away. He slipped off the bikini bottoms. He kissed her whole body and they made love.

John stopped at the red light. He looked left then right, no traffic, no cops. He went through the red light. He was heading down Eighth Avenue. He swerved the cab in and out of the lanes, just missing a bus as he sped past Thirty-Eighth Street. The cab was forty feet from the intersection when it turned red. He floored it. A red mustang on Thirty-eighth sped out across Eighth Avenue. John turned to the right. The rear quarter of the cab hit the back of the mustang. Sparks from the mating metal; jumped from the cars. A few people screamed as the Mustang spun out of control and came to a stop just short of some people crossing the street. John could see that no one was hurt. He floored the accelerator and continued down Eighth Avenue. He made the turn onto Thirty-Fourth Street on two wheels. Many people watched in horror as the cab negotiated the turn. He heard the sirens. He slowed the cab down and melted into the traffic. Every light seemed like an hour. He kept blowing his horn as if it would somehow make the traffic disappear. Was he mad? What the hell was he doing? Driving like a man to God knows where. She may not even love him. Did he love her? If not; what was he doing? Yes, he was definitely out of his mind. He finally made the Lincoln Tunnel. He sped across and for the first time he did not sweat going through a tunnel. He figured the bus would have to go to 80 west. He flew up 95 North and took the exit marked 80 west. The speedometer hit eighty-he held it there. He ed two buses, neither one said Chicago. He kept it at eighty and watched for the police. The picture of the cabdriver was on the dashboard. He looked at it and thought of the lady kicking him, he laughed aloud.

He had been going west for about fifteen minutes when he saw a bus coming up. He pulled up in front of it; it said Chicago. He started to blow his horn and flashing his headlights on and off. “Pull over, pull over!” He was yelling as loud as he could. The bus ignored him and kept going. John realized the bus was not going to stop. He turned the steering wheel to the right. The right side of the cab bumper hit the wheel lug of the bus. Sparks flew into the night. “What the hell is wrong with you?” The bus driver was yelling at the cab. “Sally was looking out the window and thought, great, now we’re being high jacked. The bus pulled onto the shoulder of the road. The cab pulled in front of the bus. John got out of the cab. The bus driver opened the door of the bus and ran down the steps. He was a huge black man. “What, are you crazy? You trying to kill somebody?” “I’m sorry, I’m a doctor. You may have someone on the bus with a bad heart. I have her medication which she left in New York.” The bus driver looked at the cab and then John. “A doctor; who moonlights as a cabdriver. Sure.” He motioned for John to go on the bus. Sally listened to the commotion. She wondered which one was the sick lady. John stepped on the bus. He looked down the aisle but he didn’t see her. Then she stood up and stepped into the aisle. Their eyes met. Not a word was spoken. He looked at Sally’s face and saw that the large bandage that she had on her head in the picture in the newspaper was gone. He saw the small Band-Aid on her arm. He thought she looked like a little girl who had run away from home.

He walked down the aisle and stood right in front of her. “I am so sorry Sally. I was so afraid you were hurt and I was never going to see you again.” She started to cry. “I love you John.” John bent down and kissed her. “I love you too Sally.” She put her arms around his neck. He picked her up and carried her off the bus. “I have to bring her in for a check-up.” “Oh I see doctor.” The driver said. “Could you be kind enough to get the patients suitcases?” The bus driver gave John a hand putting the suitcases into the cab. John thanked him and they both drove off. “I trust your heart is better?” “It sure is doctor.” She said staring at John. John took his time driving back to New York. He saw a large Hilton on the way. “Would you like to go there?” “I’m not exactly dressed for it.” “Me either.” Sally and John were holding hands as they walked over to the desk. Sally was iring some of the evening gowns. “We do not take applications for employment in the evening.” The night clerk said. “That is too bad. We came all the way from Arkansas to look for a job.” A few people were watching.

“I am so sorry, come back tomorrow-but use the back entrance near the loading dock.” “We will need a place to stay for the night.” John said Sally started to feel uncomfortable. John sensing it squeezed her hand. “If you are thinking of staying here, it is quite expensive.” “What is the best room you have?” “Well, the honeymoon suite is open, but as I said it is very expensive.” He was looking at Sally’s bruises. “We will take it.” The clerk kept staring at Sally. “Haven’t you ever seen someone from Arkansas before?” She said with a phony accent. He rang for the bellboy, “take these suitcases,” he pointed to the bags, “you will have to sign here Mr. – ?” “Doctor and Mrs. Blockman.” Sally had to contain herself as John wrote down the name. Her ribs still hurt from the fall. When John held her on the bus she thought she was going to die from the pain. She would do it over again. “You get a complimentary bottle of champagne with the suite, er doctor.” “Send it right up.” John handed the bellboy three dollars. “Thank you.” He said as he closed the door. They stood and looked at each other. She looked so beat up now that he could see her in the light.

“You poor baby.” “John I don’t know if I can make love. I’m so sore from falling on the train tracks.” He walked over to her and kissed her. “John I would love to take a bath. Can you help me take off my clothes? I can barely move.” “Sure baby.” The bathroom was huge, it had a giant whirlpool bath. He saw the water jets and started to fill the bath. “Just what the doctor ordered.” He took off her clothes slowly. She jumped whenever he hit a sore spot. When he saw her nakedness he tried to control himself as he did not want to hurt her. He was glad he still had his clothes on so she did not see his erection. He walked her over to the tub and turned on the switch. She slowly slid into the churning water. “Nice.” She said as the water swirled around her. He brought the bottle of champagne into the bathroom. He had a towel on as he had undressed in the other room. He put the bottle and glasses down on the edge of the tub and quickly removed the towel an slid into the tub. They drank the whole bottle of champagne in the tub. They laughed and joked about the days that had ed. Every time he tried to caress her he hit a painful spot. “We will have to get some Ben-Gay for you.” John said as he got out of the tub and started feeling a little high. “I’m not used to champagne.” “Me either.” She said from the tub. As he dried off he asked, “Need help?” “No, go ahead. I’ll met you there.”

She was feeling pretty heady from the champagne. She washed her hair and got out. She dried off and wrapped a towel around herself. She let the towel fell to the floor just as she got into bed. The satin sheets felt good on her back. “These the ones from your truck?” He laughed. He started to reach over but he ed and pulled his hand back. “Sorry I forgot.” She reached out taking his hand and put it between her legs. “I love you so much John.” “I will be gentle.” He said while kissing her ear.

Jake sat in Pastor’s study. He didn’t have much time for church so he felt awkward talking to a preacher. If it weren’t for John he would be heading for the west coast. He didn’t mind though the was getting pretty exciting. “Jake, how is John? Is he safe? I was worried about him.” “Oh, he’s okay.” “It must be hard on him. I mean Susan’s death.” Jake didn’t tell him about Sally. He didn’t think a preacher man would understand. “Pastor Milinson, where’s that list you were talking about?” Pastor pulled out the list. He told Jake what each thing meant to him. He told him about the army-navy store. “You think that some psycho cop killed Greg and his girlfriend?” Jake asked. Pastor did not like the term girlfriend applied to Greg’s acquaintance since he was married, but what else would you call her? He had not questioned Greg about her. “And the bag lady too.” Pastor added. “Oh yea right. I don’t see the connection. I guess if he is crazy though there really is no need for a connection.” “There just might be.” Pastor told Jake about his idea. “Wow.” “I wish we could go to the police.” Said Pastor. “Me too.” “Would you like some more coffee Jake?”

“No thanks.” There was silence for a moment. “When will John be back?” Jake thought about what to say. “Pastor he went out to find a girl.” “I see.” “No you don’t,” Jake raised his voice. “He loved Susan very much.” “I know.” Pastor felt guilty. “Sally’s loved him for so long.” He went on to tell Pastor the story about Sally and John. “Poor child, I hope he finds her.” “Me too, he should be in touch in a day or two. Can I have that coffee now?” Pastor brought the coffee back. “You said that Greg had hidden a gun in his room?” Jake took a sip of coffee. “That is what he said. I imagine the police would have found it.” “Maybe, I think I have a plan.”

Jeremiah had awakened. Billy was still naked and his clothes were strewn somewhere between the tent and the tarp. It was easier for Carol to put on her bikini. He tried to grab her but she got away. She brought the baby back in his sleeping bag. He went right back to sleep. Billy wanted to make love again but Carol was too tired, and besides the baby was there. Billy could not sleep, he kept thinking about Susan’s case and the missing narcotics. He was falling asleep when a burst of machine fire broke the silence. He jumped up, he saw the flash from the gun. They were shooting up the tent. Carol woke up. “What – ,” Billy covered her mouth with his hand. “Take the baby and follow me.” She pulled Jeremiah out of his sleeping bag. Billy took the cover off the latrine. “Get in, give me the baby.” There was confusion by where the tent once was. Carol obeyed Billy without thinking. She jumped in, it was up to her neck. He handed her the baby. “Crouch down, and keep him quiet.” He put the cover on and covered it with dead leaves. He was lying on his stomach, he whispered, “Get back and talk to Lt. Sterling, not Winston.” It was totally dark in the latrine. She could feel the baby squirming. “What about you?” “I will be alright, but you have to take care of the baby.” “They’re not in here!” A man’s voice yelled from near where the tent was. “Shit, they gotta be around.” Another voice said. “I got to go baby, I love you.” He whispered.

She wanted to tell him that she loved him too but he was gone. Her heart was beating so fast that she thought it would wake Jeremiah. “Please help him God.” She cried to herself. “What’s that? Shine the light over there.” “It’s him; he ain’t got any clothes on.” She heard some feet running. “You fuck, where’s your wife and kid?” She heard a groan. “I’m by myself.” Another groan, she wanted to help but she was afraid they would hurt Jeremiah. “We heard you guys fucking earlier, she sounds good.” “If you touch her I will kill you, you fucking pig.” Billy was yelling. She heard a sound which made her feel sick. Something fell to the ground. What could she do? A new voice came, it was without emotion. “Get him in the car and find his clothes; show some decency.” Mike told Joe the Knife to stay. There was a kid involved and since Joe had no problem with the black kid he would leave him behind. “Take care of it.” “No problem, maybe I’ll check out what the cop got so excited about.” “None of that shit.” “Okay.” The footsteps became distant; Carol could hear no more noise.

The telephone van pulled to a stop. Mike and two other men got out. “Let’s take him up there.” “Fuck you, he’s too heavy.” The third man whispered something into the second man’s ear. “No problem Mike.” They pulled Billy out of the van. He had his pants and shirt on. They struggled with Billy’s limp body. When they reached the top they were sweating profusely. “Over there.” Mike said pointing to some rocks thirty feet away. They dragged Billy to within five feet of the edge. Mike looked down into the small ravine; he estimated about forty to fifty feet. It was a steep climb on all sides. It would be a tough climb for even a strong man. “Wake him up.” Mike said. The second man slapped Billy’s face a couple of times. “Wake up you ass, wake up.” Billy’s body jumped. He felt throbbing in his head. At least he was alive. “Where is she? Where is Carol and the baby.” “Stand up.” Mike said. His suit looks out of place here, Billy thought. “Is she okay?” Billy started to get up; he was holding the back of his head. He almost slipped but he regained his balance. “She did not do anything. Why would we hurt them?” “You will let them go?” “You tell us what you know and we’ll let them go.”

Billy told him everything he knew. “Who else knows what you just told me?” “No one.” Mike raised his pistol. The other men started to back away. “You know I have to kill you.” “You said you wouldn’t hurt my wife and baby.” The gun was pointed at Billy’s face. “I always keep my word. We left them back at your camp.” Billy closed his eyes and was praying. A scream and a blast from Mike’s gun echoes through the mountain. Billy’s body fell back and down into the ravine. Mike flashed the light down into the ravine. Billy’s body was in a hideous position. Mike could see the red blood on Billy’s head. “Even if I missed the fall would kill him.”

Carol wished that she had let Billy bring his gun. He may not have been able to use it but at least he would have had a chance. Wives can be so stupid sometimes. She had not heard any noise for a while. Maybe he went away. No the leader had told him to finish the job. Carol only had the bikini on. She felt damp earth on her skin. How many bugs were in here? She could feel them. Jeremiah was stirring. “Shh, baby.” She tried to rock him. She had to act. She slowly lifted the top of the latrine. After the complete darkness of the latrine the glow of the ashes seemed bright. She stood and put Jeremiah on the floor of the latrine. She crawled out and placed the top of the latrine over the hole. She would sneak to camp and find the hand axe. She was crawling on her hands and knees slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible. She could hear her heart beating and wondered if he could hear it too. Jeremiah started to cry. “Mommy, mommy.” “Oh sweet Jesus.” Carol said to herself. She stopped; she was about twenty feet from camp. Where was the axe? She heard footsteps in the leaves. They were headed to Jeremiah. She saw the flashlight. It was near the tarp. The man rushed over and pulled the top of the latrine off. She could see his gun. She did not have time to look for the axe. She started heading back. “Hi little fella. I’m looking for your mommy too.” “Mommy, mommy.” He was louder. The man crouched and pointed the gun at Jeremiah. “First you and then your mommy.”

“Hey big boy.” Carol said in her most seductive voice. “You want some of this?” The man smiled and stood up, as he turned around Carol hit him in the face with the spade as hard as she could. He screamed and dropped the gun, it fell into the leaves near Carol’s feet. He was holding his face. He took his hand off his face, blood was flowing from a cut over his right eye. “You bitch!” He shone the light back and forth searching for the gun. He was looking at Carol. “That’s all right, I don’t need the gun to break his little fucking neck.” He turned around and bent over to grab Jeremiah. “I’ll get you later.” “Hey look at this.” The man turned around and looked at Carol. She had taken off her bikini; she was lying on the ground with her legs open. Her hands searched the leaves for the gun. “I like that.” He said as he faced her. He reached for his buckle. “You’ll like this better than your husband.” Was the last words he ever said. One bullet went through his heart and the second ledged in his head. Carol dropped the gun and ran over to Jeremiah who was crying. She pick him up and held him to her chest. “I’s alright baby.” She was on her knees rocking back and forth. “It’s alright.” She thought of Billy.

The man looked at his watch. He had heard the two shots a while ago. Joe was good with a gun but slow with directions. Mike had told him to wait for Joe so he wouldn’t get lost going home. Carol got to the street. She had put her clothes on. Jeremiah was still awake. She had carried him all the way, her arms were so tired that she knew she would not last in a confrontation. She wished she had taken the gun with her. She no longer felt fear for herself, only for the baby. She was going to protect her baby and find her husband. She just hoped he was still alive. One car was parked only ten feet away, the other about twenty-five. She had only one chance, if the keys weren’t in it they were dead. “Be quiet Jeremiah.” He was smiling. “Daddy.” “Shhh.” The man looked at his watch. He walked over to the side of the road to urinate. Carol realized the opportunity. She slowly opened the car door. She placed Jeremiah on the enger side. She would not close the door until they moved as she did not want to alarm the man. She felt the key and turned it. The engine started right up, she up it in drive and floored it. The sedan’s wheels spun for a second, then they grabbed the road and the car thrust forward. Jeremiah was laughing as his mother looked over at him. The man was still going as the car ed. He tried to get his gun out and keep himself dry, he failed as he shot once. He ran toward the car. Carol ed how windy the road was coming up. There were street lights to light the road. On the way up they were on the mountain side, going down they were on the other side. She was driving in the wrong lane with no lights. She kept it at thirty. It was so dark she kept hitting the mountain with the side of the car.

The other car came around the corner. It was going very fast and had a tough time with the turn. The driver never saw Carol’s car. As he made a right curve the rear of his car swerved. There was a small straightway then a left curve. He accelerated and then hit the brake for the curve. He could feel the bump and then his car started to speed up. In the wirror he could see the other car pushing his car. He stepped hard on the brake and turned the wheel. The car hit the guard rail and flipped over. Carol saw the car disappear. Just as she put the headlights on she heard the explosion.

John woke up before Sally. He looked at her; his sweet angel. He would never let anyone hurt her again. How fortunate that he could have two beautiful woman fall in love with him. No wonder he fell in love with Susan, she reminded him of Sally. He saw a black and blue mark on her arm and kissed it. She opened her eyes and smiled. It wasn’t a dream. It she had to go in front of a train again if that was the only way she could have him. She touched his hand. “How are you? Still sore I bet.” “I don’t know. I slept like a baby.” She stretched her arms and legs. “Ouch!” “I’m sorry that you still hurt.” “I’m not. As long as you are here I will never be sorry.” “Listen, I have to call someone.” He picked up the phone that was near the bed and called the Pastor. Pastor told John about the plan he and Jake had. John wanted Pastor to wait for him before doing anything. Pastor said that he would try but they may not be able to. John told Pastor about his aunt’s house and gave him the address, it would be safe there. It would be okay to bring a gun if they got it. John hung up. “What would you like to do Sally? It is your day.” “I don’t know, I’ll have to think about it.” “We could go to the Statue Of Liberty, to Radio City Music Hall, or any place you would like.” “Can I just buy a few clothes and then come back here?” “That is all you want to do? You have never been to New York before.” “Believe me, I have seen enough of New York, besides I like the whirlpool. Don’t you?”

“I sure did.” “And maybe we can get another bottle of champagne.” “I would like that.” He did not want to tell her that he was a little worried about his drinking. He lay down and kissed her nose. “Did I hurt you last night?” “No.” She lied. She reached for him. “You want to try again?” “I sure do.” He went under the covers and kissed her belly.

Carol was just about to her sister-in-law’s house in Westchester. The gas gauge was close to empty. She had no money for gas. Where was Billy? Was he dead? No, he can’t be. Why did someone want to kill her and Billy so bad? What kind of monster would kill a baby? They ran out of gas two miles from a gas station. She would walk with Jeremiah who was very cranky, she figured he must be hungry and thirsty. When Carol got to the station she called her sister-in-law. Billy’s brother was out of town on business so he would not be able to pick Carol and Jeremiah up, but she would as soon as she got her two children dressed. Carol had no money so when she hung up the phone she asked the attendant if she could borrow some change so she could buy Jeremiah some candy. He gave her enough change to buy a soda and a candy bar; he told her not to worry about it. She wondered if the Milky Way would rot Jeremiah’s new tooth. Her sister-in-law picked them up shortly after.

Jake took out his pocket knife and opened it. He worked it back and forth until the window latch slid. The window was stuck, he hit the frame and it opened with a noise. “Shit.” He crawled in. He could hear Pastor talking to the cop. He saw the closet just as Jake had told Pastor. He opened it and looked up, it was there. What a break. He had learned about guns from his father when he was still a little kid, so he had no fear of handling a gun. He held the plastic bag with his two hands as he pulled on it. If it fell he would be on his way to jail. It came free. It was heavier than he expected, he didn’t know about the ammo. He loaded the .357 right away and put it in his belt. He put the rest of the ammo in his pockets, he would have to hide them from Pastor. The only way Pastor agreed to go along with his plans was that Jake had told him he would not load the gun. He went back out the window and shut it.

Billy woke and thought he was dead, but he knew that he wasn’t as there would not be any pain in heaven. He was alive but by how much he did not know. He thought that every bone in his body must be broken. The pain in his chest was so severe that he believed that was where he got shot. He tried to reach his chest with his right arm; he could not move it; he tried his left arm and it worked. It was very painful but he touched his chest; it did not feel like a gunshot but it hurt. It must be broken ribs. He looked up and saw a broken tree branch above his head. “Thanks buddy.” He murmured. It was hard to open his mouth as dried blood held his lips together. He turned his head and saw the blood on the rock. He felt the caked blood on the side of his head. He tried to sit up but the pain became unbearable; he feared a broken back. “Help!” He tried to scream, but he could hardly make any noise. Where was Carol and the baby? Was she still alive? God give me strength. Judging by the sun it was about two o’clock. He was so thirsty.

Tony Bracci had put a call through to Brooklyn. His uncle wanted to know how it was going. Tony told him that everything was in hand. He had gotten rid of the pimp like it was suggested to him. The meeting was on for tomorrow night. The new veranda was completed just in time. He had the people he needed in his pocket, things were looking good. His uncle would be proud.

Carol had slept longer then she wanted. It was six in the evening when awakened. She told her sister-in-law just enough to borrow the car and borrow her as a baby sitter. Carol called Pastor. There was no answer. She was going to call Lt. Sterling, but as she dialed she decided against it and hung up the phone; it could wait. She had to find Billy. It was eight o’clock when she parked the car around the block from her house. She knocked on the door of the Nelson’s house, the door was opened. “What can I do for you Carol?” “Billy and I are playing a game. I want to cut through your yard and go over the fence and scare him.” “Okay, I don’t know about you young people.” She went in the back door. It was starting to get dark. She pulled it out and got the bullets from a shelf in the closet. She loaded the gun. She tried to call Pastor again and there was still no answer.

Officer Charlie Combs went into the pizza restaurant. “I want a meatball hero and a bottle of ginger ale to go.” Pastor was eating his second slice of pizza. “Three fifty.” The pizza man said. Combs paid the man and took the white bag with him. He got in his patrol car and drove off. Pastor drank his soda fast and was out the door. Officer Combs sat in his patrol car. He didn’t like to make the drop too early. He thought about the old bag lady. His boss said it could have been avoided, he agreed with him but he really enjoyed cutting her throat. As he took a drag on a t he sensed that something was wrong. The barrel of a gun dug into the side of his head. “You’re a dead pig if you make a move.” Jake said. “Shut off your fucking engine.” Jake pushed the gun harder. “Look straight ahead and don’t move. I’d love to waste you. Put your hands on the wheel; that’s a good cop. Now ever so slowly with your hand pull the rear view down. I’m going to walk to the other side of the car. If you or even your hand move you’re dead.” Jake walked around the back of the car to the other side. “I guess you want to live. Slowly get out your handcuffs. That’s good, now snap one cuff around your wrist. That’s good now go through the steering wheel and the snap it on to your other wrist.” Combs did as he was told. “Now put your face down on the wheel, not too hard as we don’t want to blow the horn. That’s it, you’re doing great. Maybe you should pray now.”

“Please don’t shoot me.” Jake opened the back door and grabbed the two bags. “Nice going officer. If they find a cop with a bullet in him and all this money and dope it won’t be hard to figure out.” “Take it, but please don’t kill me.” Combs sounded like he was on the verge of tears. “If you move one inch for five minutes I’m going to shoot your fucking brains all over your nice clean car.” Combs tried to break free from his handcuffs; he wanted to get to his gun. He didn’t move his head for ten minutes-he wanted to be sure.

Mike was seated in Tony’s office. “How did it go Mike?” “I put the cop away myself. They won’t find the body for a while.” “Good and what about the wife and baby?” Mike scratched his chin; he didn’t shave that morning. “I’m a little concerned, the two guys who were taking care of that haven’t come back yet.” “A problem?” “Probably not, but I’ll have someone watch her house, just in case.” Tony stood up and looked at the copy of the liquor license. “Everything looks good for the meeting tomorrow. You going to be there Mike?” “Yes, your uncle wants me there.”

Pastor and Jake were sitting in the living room of the parsonage. The money and cocaine were spread out on the coffee table. “Fifteen thousand dollars, that’s a lot of dough.” Jake stated. “Yes, and all that dope. It makes me sick to think of all the lives that are ruined because of it.” Jake thought of all the stimulants he had used in the past to make deadlines, he would have to stop as he agreed with what the Pastor had said. “Damn shame. Now what?” “We are going to have to get the police involved now, this is getting to big.” “We just got all this stuff from the police. What are we going for more?” Pastor gave him a dirty look. “Let us not get cynical, not all cops are crooked.” “I know but which ones are the good guys?” Pastor did not have an answer. “We had better wait for John, he may have an idea.”

John had tried Pastor earlier but there was no answer. He would just try again in the morning. Sally was wearing a light blue robe that John had bought her. A knock at the door meant that dinner was being brought in. John came out of the bathroom wearing a brown karate robe that Sally had picked out for him. He watched the waiter set the table and tipped him before he left. Sally smelled John’s after shave. “That cologne smells so nice John.” “Thanks, your hair looks pretty.” When John rented a car the first place they went was to a unisex hair stylist. They had been next to each other as they were getting their hair washed. They started splashing each other and one of the male stylists said in an effeminate voice. “Now stop that kids.” They had laughed for a full five minutes. “Your hair looks nice too.” They each had lobster and when they had finished they sat on the couch. They talked about the events that had shaped their lives in the past month. “John I’m sorry about Susan. Do we have to go back to Long Island?” John started to become angry but then he ed her ordeal. “You know I have to Sally.” She brushed his hair with her hand. “It’s too bad you had to rent that second car.” He put his hand on her leg. “I had to give Jake the other one, besides after the police towed the cab away I had no choice, unless you wanted to walk?” She took his hand and raised it higher. “What if he decides to drive to Texas or something?” “That’s okay, I’ll just give the rental company his truck, he left the keys with me to move it if I had too. It’s parked at my aunt’s house.”

“Good thing,” she knew he was kidding about the rental company, “I’m not that sore tonight.” She leaned in and kissed him. He in return picked her up and carried her to bed.

It was night in the mountains. Billy had slept a good part of the day, he had prayed for it to rain. When it came it rained for two hours. Billy had wished he could get to some kind of shelter. At times he thought he might drown. All he could do was put his hand over his face. It stopped raining about an hour before dark. Two benefits became obvious-one he quenched his thirst-second it washed the blood away; he was afraid an animal would smell the blood and might attack him. Now that the sun was going down it started to get chilly. The wet clothes only made it feel colder. He blew on his hand to try and keep warm. He wondered if he could get the clothes off, but he quickly decided against it. He started to think about what he would do if a bear came by him. He decided he would stay awake as long as he could, he would make as loud a noise he could, he read that bears were frightened of loud noises. He wondered what it would be like in heaven. It did not scare him as he knew he would meet Carol and Jeremiah there if they had been killed, if not, he would watch over them until they could be together again.

Carol sat by the phone in her living room. She had the phone on the audible mode, so she could screen the calls coming in. She did not want the wrong prople to know that she was home. Who would call? Pastor was supposed to, or was he, she could not . It was hard to think straight. She knew part of the problem was hunger, she had not eaten since lunch. What was there to eat? All the leftovers she had gotten rid of in preparation for the trip. She did not want to put the light on in the kitchen, so it would be difficult to cook anything elaborate. It was dark throughout the house, but she had no problem finding the kitchen. She opened the freezer and took out a frozen dinner. She put it in the oven and set the timer. She looked at her watch, she wanted to get back before the buzzer went off. That was silly, why put the timer on at all if your timing the cooking by your watch? It might burn she concluded and left it on. She walked around the house checking doors and windows. It was hot but she did not want to put on the air conditioning. She would live. “Maybe.” She chuckled out loud. She went into the bedroom to change clothes, but she didn’t want to put on pajamas in case she had to leave quickly. She put on a pair of designer jeans. She must have lost a few pounds the last few days as they went on very easy. She put on a striped cotton blouse. She had just finished buttoning it when the phone rang. By the time she got back to the living room she could hear the voice through the machine. “This is Pastor Milinson, please – ,” She picked up the phone. “It’s me Pastor.” “Carol, how are you? What are you doing home? I figured I would leave a message on your recorder. Billy will be glad to find out what we’ve learned.” “Oh Pastor,” she cried. “Billy is dead or at least I think he is.”

Carol tried not to get hysterical as she revealed the events that had preceded. It was difficult but she got through it. “Carol do not give up. I know that might sound casual but I do not mean it that way.” “I know, but they beat him so badly before they took him away, and I couldn’t help him.” She started to cry more. “Now you stop that,” she was getting hysterical, “you saved that baby’s life, and you don’t know that Billy is dead.” “I know, I know.” Pastor comforted her some more and she calmed down. He told her about the dope theft. “We were going to wait for John but since we have not heard from him we are just going to go to the police station tomorrow.” She took a deep breath. “Wow, how deep does this get? How can your bring that stuff to the precinct if you don’t know who can be trusted?” “If we walk into the precinct with the drugs and money we figure there would have to be at least some cops who are honest.” “You wanna bet?” Carol heard a voice in the background on Pastor’s phone. “Who is that?” She said as she sniffled. “Jake, a friend sent to help us.” “Sent from where? Heaven?” She chuckled and then sobbed. “Not quite, from John with love.” It was good to hear her laugh. “You will have to meet him. How about tonight? You can come over here; I have two empty rooms.” Carol thought for moment. “I think not Pastor just in case Billy calls.” He realized that she was right. “I do not think you should be alone. Jake-no

better me – I will come over and stay by you.” “Thanks Pastor, but I want to be alone. I have Billy’s gun.” “We want to be at the station at eight, the shift changes then.” “And more police will be there, I get the picture, I will be there. Please pray for Billy.” “You too dear; your prayers are just as important.” “I will see you tomorrow Pastor.” “Carol, Roman’s 8:28. Good night and call me if you need me.” When Carol hung up the phone she went and found her Bible in the bedroom. She shone the flashlight on the pages, when she found the verse and she read if aloud. “And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” She had learned it many years ago. It disturbed her that she had forgot it, she would have to improve on her Bible study. “Oh God, please save Billy,” she cried out.

Charlie Combs had to think of a good story to tell whoever found him. He had a microphone off it’s hook, he operated it with his foot to call for help. The story he gave to the cops sounded plausible, they believed him. Tony would get the real story, he just hoped that Tony would believe that he was robbed. His opportunity had come as he walked into the Lion’s Den. He waved to some of the people he knew and walked to the back. He knocked at the door. “Come in.” Combs walked in and closed the door. It was rare to talk to Tony face to face, in fact he had seen him only once before. His instructions came from a less threatening source. “Hi Charlie, you’re not supposed to be here tonight.” “I know, and if it wasn’t important I would have handled it the usual way.” “I see, everything went alright with the buy though, right?” Charlie said nothing for a moment. “Right?” “Please you have to believe me, I didn’t steal the dope. I got held up.” Tony laughed. “A cop got held up, you had better be kidding.” He saw that he wasn’t. Tony rose from the chair and walked around his desk, he stood in front of Combs. “You had better be fucking kidding.” He opened the office door, “Michael! Michael! Get in here.” He shouted into the bar. Mike was sitting at the bar talking to a young brunette. He looked annoyed, but Tony called him Michael instead of Mike so he knew there was a problem. He got up and went to the office. “What’s up Tony?” He noticed Combs was now standing in the corner. “This is officer Combs; he ripped off our fucking dope.” “No shit. Why did he do that?”

“I don’t know. Why did you do it Charlie?” Tony walked over to him and slapped him in the face. Mike pulled out his gun. “Where’s your piece Charlie?” “Right here.” He reached for his gun. “Nice and slow please.” Mike said. Charlie put his gun on Tony’s desk. “Charlie go out and have a drink.” Mike ordered. Charlie left the room and went over to the bar and ordered a double. “I think he’s fucking lying Mike.” “Why would he come here then? Would you have?” Tony walked back behind his desk. He reached for a cigar and lit it up. “I don’t know, all I know is that everything is getting fucked up just in time for tomorrow’s meeting. My uncle is going to think that I can’t handle business.” “Don’t worry, I have someone going over to the girl’s house to watch.” “What girl?” “The cop’s wife-we talked about it earlier.” “Oh yea, that got fucked up too.” “Not to worry. It’s going to work out; trust mikey.” “What about this shit? What are we going to do with that pig we have outside?” “I don’t think he ripped us off: look at his past work with us making good money. He had more to lose than what was taken. Let’s get him back in here.” Combs came back into the room. He had a glow from the liquor. “Take your gun and relax, let’s figure out who ripped you off,” Mike said, “Sit

down.” Tony sat behind his desk with his cigar in his mouth. He wished he could be so confident.” Mike asked, “What happened tonight? Tell me from the very beginning.” Combs told the whole story and then he did it again at Mike’s request. “Did you ever hear that voice before?” He was referring to the robber. Combs looked at Tony. “No, never.” “Who was in the restaurant besides our people?” “I don’t , I was making the deal.” The booze was making him feel brave. “Anybody you knew?” “No,” his face brightened, “wait, that guy was there. The guy I’ve seen with Billy Blake.” “Do you know him?” “I’m not sure, I don’t think so. He was praying with Blake one of the times I was in there.” “Praying?” Mike asked. “Well Blake’s praying days are over.” A smiling Tony said. Mike gave Tony a cold look. “Blake was a religious man?” “Yea, hey that’s it. The guy was introduced to me as the police chaplain.” “Probably Blake’s minister,” Mike said. “Yea, and he was there tonight. But the voice didn’t sound like a minister’s voice.”

“Oh, you know his voice?” “Well, no.” “What church did Blake go to?” Tony was watching and felt like he was in Mike’s office. “He told me once. I think it was the Baptist Church on North Road. Yea, that’s it.” Mike looked at Tony. “It will be easy enough to find out who the police chaplain is,” he looked at Combs, “okay, you go home and sit on your phone. We may use you later.” “I appreciate your confidence Mike.” Mike pointed to the door, “stay by the phone.”

Billy was sleeping. He had stayed up as long as he could, but he fell asleep at about one in the morning. He thought he was dreaming about a rabid dog he shot three months ago. His body felt numb-he only felt pain when he moved. He tried to turn over like he did when he was in his bed at home. The pain woke him up. He saw the wolf standing ten feet to his right; growling. In the dark it looked like the rabid dog, he wished he had his gun. If only his wife had let him bring it. Where is she? The wolf came closer, Billy could see his face. Billy searched for a stick with his good hand. He knew it was useless as he had looked earlier for something to ward off animals. He liked animals maybe this one could be his friend. The wolf attacked. He leaped the last four feet and went for Billy’s face. Billy punched the wolf as hard as he could. His fist landed near the wolf’s neck. The wolf fell back with a yelp. The pain in Billy’s back was unbearable. The wolf was snarling and came again. This time he bit into Billy’s broken leg. “Ah!” Billy cried out. He kicked out with his good leg. The pain intensified, he was going to out. He kicked again and hit the wolf in the nose. The wolf yelped louder than before and then stopped. He stepped back and looked into Billy’s eyes. His teeth were fully bared; the animal started to circle Billy: growling and drooling. Billy knew that his leg was bleeding. He could not worry about that now. He would rather bleed to death later than let this mongrel kill him. The wolf still circled. Whenever he was directly above Billy’s head he was out of view. Billy wondered why wolves were on the ark. Billy could not see the wolf but he knew that he was coming. The snarl had turned ferocious. The wolf’s mouth was wide open coming down on Billy’s neck. “God help me!” He screamed as he delivered the blow. It landed on the wolf’s jaw. He ran away.

Billy reached down and touched his leg, it was still bleeding. The pain made him cry out right before he ed out.

Carol woke up early. She slept in the living room on the couch with the gun on the table next to her. She thought of keeping it in her hand as she slept but did not want to risk shooting herself. She went into the bathroom and washed up. As she brushed her hair the image that she saw looked tired: at least she did not see any new grey hairs. In the kitchen she made coffee and drank it. The cookie she dipped into it was good too. She was about to leave after she was done to go over to the parsonage when she decided to take a peek through the front curtains. The grey sedan did not belong there. No one was allowed to park on the street overnight. She saw the man in the car, he looked like he was sleeping. Who was he? She had to find out. She put the pistol in her pocketbook. “Put your hands behind your head, or I’ll blow your fucking head off.” She had not said that word since she was a teenager. She did not like the word but this was an extraordinary situation. The man saw the gun out of the corner of his eye. “You’re too sweet to shoot.” “Two of your fucking buddies are dead up in the mountains asshole, you want to them?” He knew what two guys she meant. Mike had figured maybe they went in for some local fun. He put his hands behind his head. She opened the door one hand. She stepped back five feet. She put her second hand on her wrist for a steadier aim. “Get out of the car. Keep those hands on your head.” He got out facing Carol. “Turn around and stand with your two hands on top of the car and spread your legs as far as you can.” He did it. “I’m going to search you, if I hear one smart remark you’re dead.” She found a gun on his belt. Nothing else. “We are going to go to that house across the street. If you turn around or if I think you are, you’re going to your friends in hell.”

“Lady, you won’t shoot me; it’ll be murder.” “You should not have tried to rape me.” His hands were still on the car. “You bitch.” Carol took one step forward and kicked him between the legs. He fell down holding his crotch. “Get up and start moving you pig!” She shouted. She did not see anybody on the street.

Pastor had made breakfast for Jake. He had always believed that breakfast was the most important meal. “Hey we’re going to be heroes huh Pastor?” “I do not know. I guess so.” “Well don’t you sound thrilled.” Pastor poured two more cups of coffee. “It is just that so manyu lives have been wasted and I am worried about Carol’s husband.” “Yea, I heard you praying for him.” Pastor gave a cup to Jake. “Which car should we take Pastor?” “How about mine: John rented the other one and I would hate for anything to happen to it.” “I’ll drive if you don’t mind Pastor. Nothing personal, I just feel better if I’m at the wheel.” “Me too,” Pastor agreed. “When Carol gets here we will leave.”

The sun broke through the pine trees bathing the small ravine in an aura of light. A chipmunk ran across the still face of Billy Blake. He did not wake up.

Carol had gotten the rope out of the garage. Billy had purchased it to make a tire swing for Jeremiah. Since they were going to move he had forgotten the idea. The high fence she had to climb over yesterday was her adversary as she struggled with the height. Today it acted as an ally, hiding her acts from unwanted eyes. She was looking at the back of the man with the gold earring. It was amazing what one can do when put in an emergency situation. The man sat on the edge of the diving board facing the length of the pool. His feet were handcuffed and they dangled two feet above the water. His hands were handcuffed behind his back. The rope from the garage was wrapped around his chest and under his arms. It was knotted near the middle of his upper back. The remaining rope ran the length of the board. Carol held the end of the rope. What was she going to ask him? She tried to put the facts together in her head. “Were you one of the bastards who were up in the mountains?” “No lady I wasn’t.” “Did you ever think about how horrible a drowning death is? You hold your breath for as long as you can. If you’re in excellent shape and don’t smoke; you may be able to hold your breath for about a minute-minute and a half – two minutes tops. If you’re not in good shape maybe… . thirty seconds, then you have to breath out and by reflex you take a deep breath in. That starts it, you can guess the rest.” “I told you I wasn’t there.” Carol walked out on the board. The man felt the movement. “Hey, what are you doing?” “I am not holding the rope, so if you go in you will have to get out by yourself. Now I’m going to ask you again, were you up there? Where is my husband?” “I told… .” Carol kicked his back and he fell on his chest into the water. The rope slid off the board and Carol could not reach it. At first the man tried to float but he kept rolling over. The wet clothes were

dragging him down. He saw the rope fall into the water out of Carol’s control. He started jerking his body in frenzy. Carol thought of his ‘Catch-22’ situation. If he said Billy was dead he still would be in the water. Too bad. She picked up the pole for the net and fished for the rope. When she had it in hand she walked out to the end of the board. She knew she could pull him through the water, not out, but just enough to keep his head above the water. She looked at her watch, she would have to hurry up. She was already five minutes late. She pulled the rope in. She stopped pulling when his head came above the water. He was gasping for air. He spit up water after each gasp. His eyes were red and tearing. “Please, no more.” “Tell me.” “I wasn’t there,” he was talking fast, “I was told about it by a who said he stepped on a porcupine and it shot it’s quills in his leg. He screamed just as your husband was shot. He saw him fall off the rock and down a cliff.” What the hell did she care about a porcupine? Billy was dead. She started to cry. She took the taut rope and tied the end to a pipe ing the diving board. The rope ran along the board to the end tied around the man. “I’m going now. If you move too much the rope is going to slip off the board. If you yell, the police will help you. See you later.” “You can’t leave me here.” Carol walked into the house and called Pastor. She would be right over. She checked the pool and left.

Pastor and Jake left the parsonage. Carol lived only five minutes away. They were half way down the walk. “Wait, we forgot the gun.” Pastor said. “You go get it and I’ll start the car.” “Okay,” Pastor handed Jake the shopping bag. They had put the money and dope in it. Jake walked to Pastor’s car and went in. Pastor grabbed the plastic bag and opened the door to go out. He looked at his car with Jake in his car behind the wheel. He was such a pussy cat under the tough veneer. Jake put the key in the ignition and pumped the gas pedal twice. He turned the key. Pastor was just starting to walk to the car when he was thrown to the ground by the exploding fire fall. Debris from the car fell near him. He felt the heat as he looked up at what was left of the car. “Dear God,” he whispered, “why, why?” Carol had just turned the corner when the explosion came. She lost control of her car and hit a parked car. She backed up and drove towards the fiery car. She got out of the car and saw Pastor lying on the ground. She ran to him. “We must wait for the police Carol.” Pastor said in a daze. “No way, let’s get out of here. What is in the bag?” “A gun.”

Chapter 6

J OHN AND SALLY were heading east on the expressway, the traffic was heavy but not as heavy as it was on the other side. “John you have spent so much money the last few days, I want to pay you back for the clothes.” “I fully expected you to, I want it immediately, but not in money, you have to love me forever.” Sally reached over and gave him a kiss, “consider it paid.” She was pleased that the soreness was easing. “Honey, if I could love you longer I would.” He looked at her and smiled. He wanted her to go back to Chicago but she would not hear of it. “Is your aunt home yet John?” “No she is still away.” “I feel like a naughty little girl who is going to someplace she is not supposed to be.” “That is alright I feel like a naughty boy.” John thought about the commitment he made to Christianity. These wee extraordinary circumstances but he still knew he should be married if he and Sally were sleeping together. He wanted to rectify the problem: he looked over at Sally and decided to wait to ask her. “Did you get ahold of your pastor friend?” “No, no answer.” The traffic started to build up and he had to slow down. “Do you think there is a problem?” John looked over at her, “you mean additional problems?” “Well, yes, I guess that’s what I mean.”

“I hope not.” He ed the meetings he and Susan had with Pastor. Pastor was such an understanding man, he did not even flinch when John told him about the manslaughter conviction. Sally watched John wipe a tear from his eye. “How much longer before we get there?” “About thirty minutes.”

Tony was out front making sure everything was being done right. The bar was being waxed along the floor. New table cloths were already in place. He had called the caterer and double checked. The grill in the kitchen was alright for franks and burgers but would not do for tonight, he needed something special. A few of the regulars came by and knocked on the door, ignoring the sign, Tony had whoever opened the door explain to them about the private party, they said that the first two tomorrow would be on the house; with that in mind the customers who were denied entrance walked away happy. The money and dope that got ripped off was a sore spot, not so much financially but certainly emotionally. Mike was taking care of all the loose strings. The new section looked great. It wasn’t much of a view, but he was trying to get the civic association to go for some trees. He walked into the new part of the building. The huge glass windows were just cleaned. He could see Central Avenue which ran into Cherry Street just twos stores down. He looked at the new shades, he had them installed as an afterthought. Uncle liked privacy. He would be impressed with Tony’s preparation.

Pastor and Carol were standing at the back of the house. They were looking around. “Are you sure this is the right address?” Carol asked. “Yes.” “What do we do now?” She did not mean to sound so abrupt. She apologized. “No problems Carol, we both are being tested. We need a place to take time to think.” They walked to the back door and opened the screen door. The white door was solid on the bottom half; the upper had twelve panes of glass. Pastor picked up a rock and broke the pane closest to the lock. He reached in and turned the lock. He pulled his arm back out and opened the door. “After you my dear.” “No Pastor I insist-after you.” They both laughed and he went in first. “Hello, is anyone here?” Pastor asked. No answer came, it was just as he expected but he had to make sure. They found the living room and sat down. Pastor started, “we do not have evidence.” “What about the stuff you said you had last night?” “It was in the car with Jake.” “Of course, I am so stupid.” “No you’re not.” They talked about what to do. “We should give John two hours to get in touch, if we do not hear from him we will have to go to the police without him.”

Carol ed what Billy had said. “Billy said to talk to Lt. Sterling.” “Sterling huh?” “Yes, and then he said not to talk to Det. Winston.” Carol broke into tears, “that man said they killed Billy.” Pastor went over and consoled her. She fell into his arms and he rocked her like a baby.

John had to park in the street as Jake’s truck was in the driveway. It was a grey Peterbilt and with all the chrome it almost looked as good as the one John had. Jake was a good friend. He told Sally to wait in the car. He walked around the enger and opened the door. “Nothing is too good for a doctor’s wife.” She let him help her out of the car. “Thank you, Doctor Frankenstein.” They laughed and then hugged. He had his arm around her waist as they walked towards the front door. “I wish you aunt were here, I feel funny.” “No you don’t,” he said as he grabbed her behind. “John.” She pushed his hands away. “You will get to meet her. She is a great lady.” John reached into his pocket to take out the key. The key for Jake’s truck fell to the ground, he picked it up. “I have to get Jake’s key back to him.” “It will be good to see him.” John gave her a stare. “Jealous are you?: She grabbed his butt as he opened the door and went in. “Hi,” a surprised John said to Carol and Pastor. Sally quickly pulled her hand back. “Hi,” she meekly said. She couldn’t see into the room. Just as well because she felt her face getting red. “Hi John,” Pastor said. He rose up to shake John’s hand. Jake stepped up to meet him. “This is Sally.” “John we are in a lot of trouble,” Pastor said ignoring the introduction.

“I know, you told me. I told you not to worry, we would handle it.” John had a puzzled expression. “Where is Jake pastor?” Carol started to cry. “He is dead.” “Oh no.” Sally said. She covered her mouth with her hand. “What are you talking about?” John was looking at Carol. “They killed him. Those fucking bastards killed Jake and my husband.” Pastor sat down next to Carol and put his arm around her. She said they killed them. “Who the hell is they? Are you sure Jake and your husband are dead?” John’s voice raised. “Yes,” Pastor said. “At least Jake. They blew him up in the car, right in front of me.” Pastor saw the look on Sally’s face. “You must be Sally-that is right – I am sorry, John introduced you when you first came in. Jake told me such nice things about you.” Sally started to cry, she walked over to John. He put his arm around her. “I cannot believe it, he just left me, when I sent him to you.” No one spoke for a while after that. “You know John, if it were not for Jake I would be dead. I owe him my life.” John thought about it. “I guess we have to look at it as God’s will.” Again silence. “I am going to make some coffee and then we are going to go over this thing from start to finish.” He thought he was ready to discuss everything, including Susan’s death. Carol looked at Sally standing by herself after John left the room. “Hi, my name is Carol, I am sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.” She stood up and walked over to Sally. She saw the Band-Aid under Sally’s hair and touched it. Pastor had told Carol what John told about him concerning Sally’s ordeals. “I am

sorry; you have been through so much also.” Carol opened her arms and Sally went to her. They cried and hugged each other. “Pastor come and give me a hand.” John yelled from the kitchen. John put the tea kettle on the stove. He hated electric stoves since he found it hard to figure out which burner was on initially. He found the right knob and turned it on high. “The cups are in that cupboard.” Pastor got the cups and saucers down. He saw a serving tray and put the cups on it. “Pastor you probably think I am some kind of monster.” Pastor stopped what he was doing. “What makes you say that?” “Well Susan and I were going to get married and now I am here with Sally.” “Just wait one minute. Your friend Jake told me about Sally and you. I think you are a lucky man to have two woman love you so dearly. There is just…” “Just what?” The kettle started to whistle. John shut sown the burner and poured the water. “Well John, Christians are supposed to be married when they-you know what I mean.” “Are you sure we-you know what?” Pastor turned red. He picked up the tray. “No.” “Well we were. I plan to take care of that soon.” “Good John.” They walked back into the living room. The two ladies were sitting on the couch. “I think there are some cookies, I will get them.” John said.

When he got back they talked about all the events that had brought them to this time. “Greg’s brother must have known about the drug transaction.” John said. “Yes, and he probably told Susan about it during one of his counseling sessions,” Pastor said, “she had no fear, she probably told them to leave the boy alone.” “Carol, I would like to talk to that guy you have dangling from your diving board.” “About Susan?” “Yes, I have to know how she died and clear her name.” “We have to call the police; Lt. Sterling was his name as I .” He looked at Carol. “Yes, that is it.” “Okay, call him.” John told her. Carol dialed the precinct and asked for Lt. Sterling. He was not there but they said he had a beeper. They gave the precinct John’s aunt’s number, they would have him beeped and he would call them back. “In the meantime I would like to talk to that creep at your house,” he was looking at Carol, “your guys wait here.” “I am going with you John.” Sally said. “No, you stay here with Pastor and Carol.” Sally looked disappointed. Pastor looked at the plastic bag he had brought into the house. “That fellow Greg, the one I told you about, his gun is in that bag.” John went and picked up the bag. He pulled out the gun. “A .357, I have not seen one of these since Dallas.”

“You had better load it.” Pastor said surprising himself. “It is loaded.” “But he told me – ” Pastor hesitated. “Never mind.” Carol said. “John it would be better if I went with you, it is my house.” “It could be very dangerous.” “I have this,” she took out Billy’s gun. “I know how to use it. I have something at stake.” John knew she meant her husband; he had no choice. “You are right. Let’s go.” Sally ran over to John and kissed him. “Baby, please be careful, I love you.” “We will be you don’t have to worry about that.”

The phone rang five minutes after John and Carol left. Pastor was sitting near the phone so he picked it up. “Yes Lt. Sterling, thank you for calling back.” Pastor told him the whole story from beginning to end. “Okay, thank you Lt. Sterling.” Pastor hung up the phone and looked at Sally. “It is going to be alright. He was going to pick us up personally to bring us to the police station. “Sounds good, are they going over to Carol’s house?” “Yes, he said he would take care of everything. It is refreshing to talk to an honest man.”

Lt. Sterling handed the phone to Tony Bracci-he hung it up. “What are you smiling at Sterling?” “We’ve got them.”

Charlie Combs received the call from Mike. He was to do exactly what he was told. All would be forgiven if he did well. Charlie put his gun in his belt and put his jacket on. He left his apartment.

John and Carol walked through the neighbor’s yard and peeked through the fence. The man with the gold earring was still there hanging in the water. “It looks good.” Carol said. John helped her over the tall fence, then he went over. “I really want to talk to that punk.” John said as he finished his climb. As they got closer John could see the man’s predicament. “Nice job Carol.” They were on the side of the pool walking towards the diving board. “Make one move and I’ll blow your fucking heads off.” They stopped. Charlie Combs was behind them pointing his gun at them. “Put your hands up in the air.” They did as they were told. Combs found the .357 on John. He told John to take a few steps towards the diving board. “Kill the fucks!” The man said from the pool. “Shut up.” Combs told him. He stared at Carol for a few seconds. “Now I’m going to search you, nice and slow.” “The gun is in my pocketbook.” She said quickly. He opened her pocketbook and took out the gun. He crouched down and patted her ankles, holding the gun at her back. “You have the gun, please leave me alone.” “You may have another.” His hand slowly felt up her right leg until it stopped at her crotch. He did the same with the other leg. Carol started to cry. “You bastard”. John said through gritted teeth. “Okay hero, pull my friend out of the pool.”

“It’s about time they sent someone to get me. I’m going to kill that bitch.” He was staring at Carol. John pulled the man out of the water. “Where’s the key?” Combs asked. “In my pocket, I will get it.” She started to pull her hands down. “Keep them there, I’ll get it.” “The right pocket.” Carol said meekly. The barrel of the gun felt hard on her back. Combs reached around her waist. He started to put his hands down the front of her pants. “Please don’t.” “Oh sorry.” He pulled out his hand and reached in her pocket. He threw the key to John. “Cut him loose.” John untied the man and opened the handcuffs. The man rubbed his wrist and ankles. He picked up one of the handcuffs and walked over to Carol. He hit her on the side of the head with them. John started to rush but stopped as combs cocked his revolver. “Don’t do it or she dies. Now let’s go inside.”

The black Continental left the house in Levittown. It headed east. Pastor sat in front with Lt. Sterling. Sally was in the back with a man who was introduced as Det. Mike. The cops assured Pastor and Sally that everything was under control. Pastor liked the comfortable ride of the big car. He did not see a police radio in the car. He figured that lieutenants must make a decent salary. When they reached town Pastor noticed that they were heading in the opposite direction of the precinct. “I thought we were going to the police precinct?” Pastor asked Lt. Sterling. “Not quite asshole.” Sterling replied. “Oh my God.” Sally said from the back seat. Pastor turned around to see the gun pointing at Sally. They drove for a few more blocks. The car pulled in front of the Lion’s Den. “Last stop ladies and gentlemen.” Mike said.

Combs had taken one of Carol’s dining room chairs and placed it in her bedroom. He handcuffed John behind his back and to one of the rungs on the back of the chair. Carol stood at the other end of the room. “Let us go, we are not going to say anything.” Combs hit her across the face with his gun. “Shut your mouth!” “Can I waste them Charlie?” “No, not yet-we’re going to give them an education. After all they went to a lot of trouble to find out .” John could feel the rung move, it might go if he pulled hard enough. He hoped he could bring his arms under his legs like he did when he was a kid. The cops always hated when he did that. If he failed at breaking the rung or getting his hands in front of his body they were dead, they were dead anyway. “Sure, they deserve to know why they’re dying.” Said the man with the gold earring. “Okay lady, take off your clothes. I do my best talking while I’m getting laid.” “Leave her alone!” John screamed. Combs put the gun to his head, “you’re dead.” “Don’t shoot-I will do as you say.” She started to open her blouse. “Wow baby,” said the man with the earring. John looked at the floor. He started to pull on the rung. She took it off and it fell to the floor. She started to cry again. “Now the pants.” Combs instructed. She took off her sneakers. She undid her zipper and pulled down her pants. She stepped out of them.

“Now the bra and panties bitch.” He instructed again. “Can I turn around?” She asked through tears. “Sure, you sweet thing.” John wiggled the slat back and forth. Combs put his gun on the dresser. “Watch him, you go next.” He took off his clothes and laid down on the bed. “Well take them off and get over here.” “Take them off baby.” The man with the earring said. Combs looked at John. “This is what we did to that whore Susan. We got her drugged up for four days and fucked the shit out of her. She was a good lay.” Carol undid her bra and it fell to the floor. Her panties came off next. The man with the earring stopped watching John to stare at Carol. Carol stopped crying. She was getting mad. “Okay, nice ass, now turn around and come over here.” She had one arm across her breasts trying to hide them. The other hand tried to hide her pelvic area. She stepped towards the bed. She saw the gun on the dresser. “Come on baby, Charlie won’t hurt you.” John pulled as hard as he could. The rung broke and John charged the man with his head down. Carol jumped across the bed and reached for the gun on the dresser. “Oh shit! Kill them!” Combs yelled grabbing Carol. A shot missed John as he kept coming. His head forced the man’s hip into the side of the dresser, he screamed in pain. John quickly sat down on the chair and stretched his arms as low as he could. He brought his knees up to his chest and brought his hands under his legs to the front. Carol missed the gun on the dresser and Combs had pulled her back.

John stood up and brought his cuffed hands across the man’s face. The force knocked him to the floor. John reached the gun on the dresser. He shot a bullet into the floor. He pointed the gun at the man’s head. “Drop it or you’re dead.” The man dropped the gun. John then pointed the gun at Combs. “Let her go.” Carol jumped up and ran to the closet and put on a robe. “Get dressed you pig.” John said to Combs. Carol walked over and picked up the other gun. She walked over to Combs who was finished putting on his pants. She hit him in the face with the gun. “You slob.” She spit on him and kicked him. Carol got dressed in the bathroom. She ed them in the living room. John called his aunt’s house, he knew there would be no answer. “Where did they take them?” The man with the earring started to talk. “Shut up! Don’t tell them anything. We’ll be on the streets in two days.” John looked at Carol and they knew what Combs had just said was true. “We’ll plead guilty to breaking and entering while you two love birds were screwing each other.” Combs laughed and so did the other guy. “Hey Carol honey?” She felt sick that he called her by her first name. “Carol honey, if you’re half the lay that sweet Susan was I’ll be seeing you again sometime.” John raised the gun and pointed it at Combs’ chest. The blast sent the bullet towards Combs’ heart-piercing it and lodging in the wall. Carol thought about the men upstate, her husband, Jake, and the attempted rape just minutes before. She knew that the man with the earring would testify against John. She pointed her weapon at the man’s head and shot him. She did not see how

terrified he looked. “Thank you Carol.” “Thank you John.” They cried in each other’s arms. John put the all four guns in the bag he had from the .357. He made sure they were all loaded. “I have to find Sally.” “I have to find Pastor.” John knew he could not stop her from coming. “Let’s go.”

Chapter 7

P ASTOR’S HANDS WERE tied up as were Sally’s. They were locked in a storeroom in the back of the Lion’s Den. Cases of beer were stacked to the ceiling. Kegs of beer were in the back of the room. There were no windows or doors other than the door which led to the kitchen. Their hands were tied to their feet making the only comfortable position sitting down on the floor. “Pastor; Do you think they went after John and Carol?” Pastor looked at Sally, she looked so sad. There would be no sense trying to spare her; she was just confirming what she thought already. “Yes I would say so. We gave them all the information on the phone when we first called for help. How could I be so dumb?” “If anyone is dumb, it’s all of us. Nobody could have figured it out.” Pastor looked at the rope. “We have to make an effort to escape. We have to free our hands.” “Then what?” “I don’t know, but if an opportunity comes for us to get out we have to be ready. We cannot give up.” They heard voices in the kitchen. “When we get the others we’ll take these two and get rid of them once and for all.” Pastor thought that it sounded like the guy who was introduced to them as Det. Mike. “Pastor, have you ever cut your finger on the top of a beer can?” She didn’t know if he drank beer. “Or a soda can?” “Yeah, they are very sharp.” “Well I’d say we have a couple thousand available to us.” She said as she looked at the stacked cases. It was difficult to get into a good position against the cases. Then he had to pick at the cardboard on the bottom case. He finally pulled a can out and after several

unsuccessful attempts to open it he finally got it. “There this should work.” He pulled off the tab and then realized the sharp end stays in the can. He tipped the can over and the beer flowed out. He stuck his finger in the sharp hole and wiggled the piece of metal back and forth until it snapped off into the empty can. Blood was coming from the cuts on his finger as he tipped the can over. It took him tens minutes to get the sharp piece of metal out of the can. He started to cut at his ropes but could hardly apply any pressure on the metal. It would take two days at this rate. He had to find a way to apply more pressure. “Sally, sit facing me.” “Sure.” He put his toes under hers and could reach her rope with the metal. The angle afforded him to be able to exert more pressure. He could feel the metal slicing his finger. “Don’t cut your fingers off Pastor.” They chuckled awkwardly together. “Pastor, there is a good chance that they’re going to kill us, but you don’t seem bothered. Aren’t you afraid?” Pastor did not say anything, he just kept cutting. “Aren’t you frightened of dying?” Pastor looked up at Sally. “Child, because of my faith I am assured of going to heaven when I die.” “I wish I lived a good life like you. Then I could be sure about going to heaven too.” Pastor looked at his work. He wondered how much blood he could lose before he would out. “If I had to be good to get to heaven I would never make it.” “I don’t understand.”

“God says that everyone is a sinner. You, me, and everyone who was ever born.” “I see. So then you became a good man?” “No, that’s not how it works. God had a problem. On one hand he loves everyone and on the other everyone has sin in their lives.” “Even Pastors?” “Yes, God’s remedy was to send His Son into the world to pay the price for our sin.” “I know, Jesus.” “That’s right. He died on the cross instead of us, so we could go to heaven.” “So we all go to heaven?” Pastor kept cutting. “If we believe that he died for us.” “That sounds easy.” “It is, Jesus did all the work.” She thought for a moment. “Is John going to heaven if he gets killed?” “If he is a Christian he will.” “I think he is. He told me about it before. How can I go to heaven too?” The rope finally broke and Sally’s hands were free. “You pray this prayer with me and ask Him to come into your life.” “Can we do it now, I mean before I cut you free?” “Yes, of course, let us pray.” When they finished Sally took the piece of metal. She no longer had any fear. “Grab it with a piece of cloth so you won’t cut yourself.” Sally had just finished cutting him free when they heard footsteps and a key was inserted in the lock.

“Pray and put your hands and feet together.” Mike looked in to make sure they were still tied. He saw them praying and thought how ridiculous some people are. He closed the door behind him. They heard the lock turn.

John left Carol in his rented car two blocks up the street from his aunt’s house. In case there was someone waiting there both of them would not be at risk. John walked quickly down the street. When he got to the house he walked up the driveway to the driver’s side of the truck. He opened the door and got in. He quickly started the engine and roared off. He waited for gun shots or a chase, neither came. He picked up Carol and drove away. “Are we going to the Lion’s Den or the pizza store?” Carol asked. It was getting dark. “I think the Lion’s Den. I can’t believe I drank there and never suspected anything.” “How could you have known?” He pulled up to a phone booth. “I want to call there first.” The man on the phone said that there was a private party tonight and would reopen for regular business hours tomorrow. He returned to the truck. “So why the Lion’s Den?” “It seems that the other place was just for pick-ups. The brains are probably over at the Lion’s Den.” John pulled the truck to a stop on Central Avenue. He knew that the Lion’s Den was three blocks down on Cherry Street. It was just left of the intersection; he made sure they could not see the truck from the bar. John put the .357 in his belt and he pulled out his shirt to cover it. “I will be right back.”

Uncle Gino, Tony, Lt. Sterling, and Mike were seated in the new section in front of the lounge. “Nice touch Tony.” Uncle Gino said. Tony told him about the trees and the shrubbery he was trying to get planted in front of the bar. John could see the white table cloth through the bottom of the curtain. He saw four men at the table. They were having coffee. There were two other men just standing by the bar. He knew the kitchen was in the back. That must be where they have Sally and Pastor. He looked down the street, it was deserted. He crawled on his knees to the place he thought the men were. “What do you mean you have them in the back? You dumb ass! This should have been taken care of before I came.” “I’m sorry uncle.” “You take care of them as soon as we finish the coffee.” John could only hear the angry voice, it was enough. He crawled until he was past the bar, then he stood up and ran to the truck. He jumped into the truck. He was out of breath. “They’re,” he gasped, “they’re in there.” He continued to suck hard. “Why were you running?” “They’re going to kill them now. You get out and wait here.” “No way.” She pulled her husband’s gun out of the bag and checked to see if it was loaded; it was.

“Mike take care of this business for Tony, now.” Uncle Gino ordered. Mike rose up from his chair and left the table. He did not mind leaving as he knew Gino could be a nasty customer when he was mad. He was in the kitchen looking for the key to the storeroom door. He thought he left it by the sink. John told Carol what they had to do; she still wanted to go with him. He started the engine and revved it up. He popped the clutch and the big truck jumped from the curb side. He accelerated as fast as he could, switching gears as fast as he could. Thirty, thirty-five, forty, with a half block to go. Carol had put on her seat belt as had John. The coffee dishes had just been cleared as they heard a noise and Uncle Gino said, “They do road work at night around here Tony?” “It sounds like a truck to me.” Lt. Sterling said. “Pretty late for a delivery.” Tony said. It got louder and louder. At fifty miles an hour John made the sharpest left he could without tipping the truck over. He had a good angle as he kept his foot to the floor. “Hold on!” He screamed. “The noise is too loud.” Tony said as he pulled the curtain apart. For one second it looked like a picture of a truck. The truck crashed through the front window. Screams accompanied the flying glass. Uncle Gino had his back to the window. The bumper shattered his spine as he was propelled across the room. The truck came to a stop halfway in and halfway out of the building. Under one of the wheels Lt. Sterling-blood oozing from his mouth-lay dead. The other wheel covered the body of Tony. Mike had just opened the storeroom door when the explosion occurred. It shook the building enough to knock him down.

“What the hell.” He said as he got up from the floor. He was going to lock the door again but he ed that they were tied up. He took out his gun and went to see what happened. John opened the truck door after some strong pushes. He drew his gun as soon as he hit the floor. Carol could not open her door so she climbed over to John’s side and got out. Both of the men near the bar were staring at the truck. “Put your hands in the air!” John yelled. Carol saw the men under the truck and felt nauseous. She pointed her gun at the men who were about ten feet apart. One of the men put his hands in the air. “Don’t shoot.” The other man quickly put his hand in his jacket and pulled out a gun. Carol and John each shot four bullets in the direction of the man. Two of them reached there mark and he fell. They told the other one to throw his gun towards them. Pastor and Sally opened the door an inch. They could see Mike on his knees crawling in the direction of the bar area with his gun out. Sally saw a shovel standing in the corner of the room. She went over and grabbed it, but Pastor took it out of her hand. Mike fried a shot at John from the doorway of the kitchen. John and Carol returned the fire but missed Mike who had ducked back into the kitchen. Mike walked into the open doorway with his gun raised, he was smiling. John and Carol fired but both their guns were empty. The other ones were still in the truck. “I can count pretty good.” Mike said. “I’m impressed; I did not think you could count to six.” John retorted back. Carol looked at the gun that was lying on the floor that the man had thrown over. “Don’t try it. You seem to have a charmed life. Too bad your husband didn’t.”

“I’ll kill you!” Carol screamed. “Not quite, you seem to have forgotten who has the advantage.” Mike looked over at the man, he still had his hands up in the air. “Take your hands down stupid, and get your gun.” Pastor swung the shovel as hard as he could. The flat part to the shovel broke Mike’s cheekbone. He screamed and the gun fired into the ceiling. He grabbed his face with his empty hand. Sally dived for his gun hand grabbing his wrist with her two hands and biting his forearm. “You fucking bitch!” Mike yelled. His empty hand came down to hit Sally. John’s flying fist landed on Mike’s right eye. He tried to raise the gun hand but Sally would not release his skin from her teeth. He drew blood. Carol had picked up the gun off the floor and pointed it at the man. He sopped immediately. “Put them up.” John’s left knee crashed into Mike’s groin knocking the gun out of his hand. The second punch to the head brought him down. “Get his gun Sally.” They could hear the sirens, they looked at each other and smiled. “Nice work my friends, nice work.”

A helicopter hovered as the searchlight followed the basket. Billy’s body was wrapped in a blanket. “Is he still alive?” The state trooper asked the medic. “Just barely, but he should make it.” “Lucky those kids backpacking didn’t know what posted land meant.”

Billy was seated in a wheel chair. His broken leg up in the air, he also had a cast on his arm. He sat in the middle aisle of the church. Carol sat in the pew next to Billy. She had hold of his hand and was crying. Pastor looked at John and Sally. “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” John picked up the white veil and kissed Sally’s lips.

The End