Chapter 18

There was a full moon over the mountains.

Terry and Flagler were in the back seat of the car; Joe Hurtze was behind the wheel. There was a cool breeze sweeping through the valley. "I wish we didn't have to go through with this," Hurtze said. "I don't like it."

"Shut up," Flagler said.

"Murder isn't my racket," Hurtze said.

"You just stand by and watch," Flagler jeered. "If you don't have the guts for it then turn your head."

"Gall will have something over us if we go through with it."

"He's in it as deep as we are," Flagler said. "Now shut up and relax."

"I don't like it," Hurtze whined.

"Crap! "Flagler turned to Terry. "Did you ever see such a sister Mary?"

"Never," Terry said.

"Afraid of his own shadow," said Flagler.

"Why don't you knock him off?" Terry suggested.

"Maybe I will."

"I'll be glad to take his place," Terry said. Flagler laughed. "I'll bet"

"I'll turn crooked if you let me go," Terry said. "You know you're going to die," Flagler said. "Yet you take it so lightly. Aren't you afraid?"

"No," Terry lied. "Are you uncomfortable?"

"Very," Terry said. "I'm sorry."

"Can't you untie my wrists?"

"I'm afraid not," Flagler said.

"It's all right," Terry said. "I'll hold the gun for you."

"You are very thoughtful," Flagler said. "But I can't oblige you. You understand, don't you?"

"No, I don't," Terry said. "Why can't you untie my wrists? Why won't you let me hold the gun for you? Don't you trust me? I'm a gentleman. I wish I could show you my old school tie."

"Are you crazy back there?" Hurtze shouted. "You're acting like we're going on a joy ride."

"Sorry, old chap," Terry said. "We didn't mean to rattle you. But, obviously, you're suffering from nerves."

"Shut up," Hurtze snarled. "Shut up or I'll plug you myself, I swear I will."

"Be careful," Flagler warned Terry. "You're bringing out the animal in him." He laughed.

"The man has no sense of humor," Terry said.

"Definitely not," Flagler said.

"I wish it was all over with," Hurtze said.

"Turn off the road," Flagler said. "Just a few yards."

Hurtze made a sharp right turn. He braked when Flagler tapped his shoulder.

"Shall we all get out and stretch our legs?" Flagler said. "It's a beautiful night and the moon is full."

They got out of the car.

"Get it over with," Hurtze said.

"Don't be impatient," Flagler said.

"There's a car coming," Terry said. He distinctly heard a car's motor.

"There it is," Hurtze said. Now what?"

It was a Bentley sedan. It stopped alongside Flagler's car and Leona got out. She had on a sleeveless bolero with very wide pockets. She had her hands in the pockets.

"It's the gay dame," Hurtze said.

Flagler took out the gun Gall had give him. "It better not be a trick or she'll get it too."

Leona approached the men. Terry stepped to one side.

"What is it?" Flagler said irritably. "It's all off," Leona said.

"Really?" Flagler pointed the gun at Leona. "I'm not a fool. Gall didn't send you."

"Gall found her in his room," Hurtze said. "She's Terry's nookie."

"I didn't come here to argue," Leona snapped. "Gall sent me. He changed his plans. Are you going to listen to me or not?"

"No, my dear," Flagler said, shaking his head.

Leona took a deep breath, then squeezed the trigger of the gun in her bolero jacket. The impact of the bullet sent Flagler reeling. The gun flew from Flagler's hand.

Hurtze stared at the gun now laying in the dirt. He looked at Leona. "You're going to kill me, too." He reached for the gun. He scooped it up, Leona shot him in the stomach.

Hurtze screamed, pitched forward.

Leona stared at the two fallen men. "I've killed them. I ... I've never done anything like this before."

"Snap out of it," Terry said sharply. "Look through their pockets for a knife and cut these ropes. Come on now."

Leona did as she was told.

Terry was rubbing his wrists trying to get the circulation going in his hands.

Leona stretched out on her back and pulled her skirt up. She wasn't wearing any pants.

"You've got to screw me, Terry," she said. "I'm suddenly so horny I can't stand it."

Terry looked at her. "It's just the excitement of the killing," he said. "Now get up off your back. We've got work to do."

She pointed the gun at him and said, "I wouldn't want to hurt you Terry, but if you don't screw me I'll shoot you."

Terry knew by the sound of her voice that she meant what she was saying. He also knew it would take less time to screw her than to talk to her.

He walked over to where she was sprawled on her back, dropped his pants and underwear and kneeled down next to her.

She took his malehood in her hand and stroked it until he was ready.

Then he placed himself between her knees, entered her and began to pump away.

From the minute he started on her she screamed. And she didn't stop screaming until the bomb went off inside her.

When they finished, Terry got to his feet and dressed himself.

"You could have taken the gun any time you wanted to," she said. "Why didn't you?"

"Because I knew you couldn't help yourself. That you had to get off the nut or die. Now let's not waste any more time ... let's move."