part0025

Lynette snapped her chewing gum. “Said he had to go out and take care of some things.”

Lynette snapped her gum again. One of the 1001 habits she had that made Bud’s skin crawl. He wanted to take that gum and wrap it around her neck a few hundred times. “I don’t like this sneaking behind our backs shit.”

Lynette cackled. “Afraid he’s going to run off and leave you stuck with me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Bud said. “I just think we should know everything that’s going on, is all. Like, when are we going to set up the drop? I want this over so I can get the hell out of here.”

“Why, got a hot date with your right hand? Or is it your left?” Lynette twirled the wad of gum around her finger, then jammed it back into her mouth. “Relax. It’ll all be over soon. You’ll get your money, we’ll get rid of the kid, and you and me won’t have to live under the same roof no more.”

“What do you mean, get rid of the kid?”

“I meant let him go.”

“You said get rid of him.”

“Chance said nobody was going to get hurt.”

Lynette swung her garish hair from side to side. “All of a sudden we’ve grown a conscience?” She smirked. Another of those 1001 habits.

“Listen, you bitch!” The smirk folded up into the ugly crater. The bird cringed. “Kidnapping is one thing. But I’m not going to have any part in hurting a kid. You got that?” Bud moved closer with each word.

Lynette giggled. “Cool your jets. Nobody’s going to get hurt. I’m just messing with you. Why don’t you sit down in that chair and let ol’ Lynette give you a backrub?” She slinked toward him.

Bud pushed her away and yanked open the door to the fridge. “Great, no beer. Just my luck.” He reached for his jacket.

“You know the rules,” Lynette said. “Chance says nobody goes anywhere without his say-so.”

“Well, I want beer.” Bud headed for the door. Lynette came at him, nails at the ready.

“Chance says NO ONE LEAVES THIS HOUSE!” She clawed at Bud’s face.

Bud had been taught to never hit a woman. But since when had he followed the rules? He backhanded her.

The bird held a shaky hand to her face, redness already taking shape on her sallow cheek. Her eyes alternated between anger and disbelief. “When Chance hears about this, he’s…”

Bud turned toward the silhouette framed by the doorjamb.

“If we’re going to kill each other, how are we going to get this deal done?” Chance said.

Bud’s brain couldn’t believe what his eyes were processing. “What the…?”