Post on 11-Sep-2021
DavidMorrell-Rambo1-FirstBlood
Introduction
Inthesummerof1968,Iwas25,agraduatestudentatPennStateUniversity.SpecializinginAmericanliterature,I'dfinishedmyM.A.thesisonErnestHemingwayandwasstartingmydoctoraldissertationonJohnEarth.Butinmyheart,whatIwantedtobewasanovelist.
Iknewthatfewnovelistsmadealivingatit,soI'ddecidedtobecomealiteratureprofessor,anoccupationinwhichI'dbesurroundedbybooksandallowedtimetowrite.APennStatefacultymember,PhilipKlass,whosescience-fictionpseudonymisWilliamTenn,hadgivenmegenerousinstructioninthetechniquesoffictionwriting.Still,asKlasshadpointedout,'Icanteachyouhowtowritebutnotwhattowriteabout.'
WhatwouldIwriteabout?
Bychance,Iwatchedatelevisionprogramthatchangedmylife.TheprogramwasTheCBSEveningNews,andonthatsultryAugustevening,WalterCronkitecontrastedtwostorieswhosefrictionflashedlikelightningthroughmymind.
ThefirststoryshowedafirefightinVietnam.SweatyAmericansoldierscrouchedinthejungle,shootingburstsfromM-16storepelanenemyattack.Incomingbulletskickedupdirtandshreddedleaves.Medicsscrambledtoassistthewounded.Anofficerbarkedcoordinatesintoatwo-wayradio,demandingairsupport.Thefatigue,determination,andfearonthefacesofthesoldiersweredismayinglyvivid.
Thesecondstoryshowedadifferentsortofbattle.Thatsteamysummer,theinnercitiesofAmericahaderuptedintoviolence.Innightmarishimages,NationalGuardsmenclutchedM-16sandstalkedalongtherubbleofburningstreets,dodgingrocks,waryofsnipersamongdevastatedvehiclesandguttedbuildings.
Eachnewsstory,distressingenoughonitsown,becamedoublysowhenpairedwiththeother.Itoccurredtomethat,ifI'dturneddownthesound,ifIhadn'theardeachstory'sreporterexplainwhatIwaswatching,Imighthavethought
thatbothfilmclipsweretwoaspectsofonehorror.AfirefightoutsideSaigon,ariotwithinit.AriotwithinanAmericancity,afirefightoutsideit.VietnamandAmerica.
Whatif?Ithought.Thosemagicwordsaretheseedofallfiction.WhatifIwroteabookinwhichtheVietnamwarliterallycamehometoAmerica?Therehadn'tbeenawaronAmericansoilsincetheendoftheCivilWarin1865.WithAmericasplittingapartbecauseofVietnam,maybeitwastimetowriteanovelthatdramatizedthephilosophicaldivisioninoursociety,thatshovedthebrutalityofwarrightunderournoses.
IdecidedmycatalyticcharacterwouldbeaVietnamveteran,aGreenBeretwho,aftermanyharrowingmissions,hadbeencapturedbytheenemy,escaped,andreturnedhometobegivenAmerica'shighestdistinction,theCongressionalMedalofHonor.ButhewouldbringsomethingbackwithhimfromSoutheastAsia,whatwenowcallposttraumastresssyndrome.Hauntedbynightmaresaboutwhathehaddoneinthewar,embitteredbycivilianindifferenceandsometimeshostilitytowardthesacrificehehadmadeforhiscountry,hewoulddropoutofsocietytowanderthebackroadsofthenationheloved.Hewouldlethishairgrowlong,stopshaving,carryhisfewpossessionsinarolled-upsleepingbagslungoverhisshoulder,andlooklikewhatwethencalledahippie.InwhatIlooselythoughtofasanallegory,hewouldrepresentthedisaffected.
Hisnamewouldbe.Iamaskedabouthisnamemorethananythingelse.OneofmygraduateschoollanguageswasFrench,andonanautumnafternoon,asIreadacourseassignment,IwasstruckbythedifferencebetweenthelookandthepronunciationofthenameoftheauthorIwasreading,Rimbaud.Anhourlater,mywifecamehomefrombuyinggroceries.Shementionedthatshe'dboughtsomeapplesofatypeshe'dneverheardaboutbefore.Rambo.AFrenchauthor'snameandthenameofanapplecollided,andIrecognizedthesoundofforce.
WhileRamborepresentedthedisaffected,Ineededsomeonetoembodytheestablishment.Anothernewsreport,thistimeinprint,arousedmyindignation.InaSouthwesternAmericantown,agroupofhitchhikinghippieshadbeenpickedupbythelocalpolice,stripped,hosed,andshaved-notjusttheirbeardsbuttheirhair.Thehippieshadthenbeengivenbacktheirclothesanddriventoadesertroad,wheretheywereabandonedtowalktothenexttown,thirtymilesaway.Irememberedtheharassmentthatmyownrecentlygrownmustacheand
longhairhadcausedme.'Whydon'tyougetahaircut?Whatthehellareyou,amanorawoman?'IwonderedwhatRambo'sreactionwouldbeifheweresubjectedtotheinsultsthosehippieshadreceived.
Inmynovel,theestablishment'srepresentativebecameapolicechief,WilfredTeasle.Waryofstereotypes,Iwantedhimascomplexastheactionwouldallow.ImadeTeasleoldenoughtobeRambo'sfather.Thatcreatedagenerationgap,withtheaddeddimensionthatTeaslewisheshehadason.Next,IdecidedthatTeaslewouldbeaKoreanWarhero,hisDistinguishedServiceCrosssecondonlytoRambo'sCongressionalMedalofHonor.Thereweremanyotherfacetstohischaracter,andineachcase,theintentionwastomakehimasmotivatedandsympatheticasRambo,becausetheviewpointsthatdividedAmericacamefromdeep,well-meantconvictions.
Toempathizetheirpolarity,IstructuredthenovelsothatascenefromRambo'sperspectivewouldbefollowedbyonefromTeasle's,thesubsequentscenefromRambo's,thenextsceneagainfromTeasle's.Thattactic,Ihoped,wouldmakethereaderidentifywitheachcharacterandatthesametimefeelambivalentaboutthem.Whowasthehero,whothevillain,orwerebothmenheroes,bothmenvillains?ThefinalconfrontationbetweenRamboandTeaslewouldshowthatinthismicrocosmicversionoftheVietnamwarandAmericanattitudesaboutit,escalatingforceresultsindisaster.Nobodywins.
Duetotherigorsofgraduateschool,Ididn'tcompleteFirstBlooduntilafterI'dgraduatedfromPennStatein1970andtaughtattheUniversityofIowaforayear.Followingthenovel'spublicationin1972,itwastranslatedintoeighteenlanguagesandeventuallybecamethebasisforawell-known1982film.Ifyou'refamiliaronlywiththemovie,you'llfindastartlingsurpriseattheendofthenovel,butthefilmcompanychangedthatconclusionand,asaconsequence,wasabletoproducetwoRambosequels.Iwasn'tinvolvedwiththosefilms.However,Ididwriteanovelizationforeachoftheminanefforttosupplythecharacterizationthatthelattermoviesomitted.NotthatIobjecttothemovies.They'respectacularintermsoftheiraction.Atthesametime,I'mawareofthecontroversytheycausedandthinkit'sironicthatanovelaboutpoliticalpolarizationinAmerica(forandagainsttheVietnamwar)resultedinfilmsthatgeneratedsimilarpolarization(forandagainstRonaldReagan)adecadeafterthenovelwaswritten.
SometimesIcomparetheRambobooksandmoviestotrainsthataresimilarbut
headedindifferentdirections.SometimesIthinkofRamboasasonwhogrewupandoutofhisfather'scontrol.SometimesIreadorhearRambo'snameinanewspaper,amagazine,ontheradio,ontelevision-inreferencetopoliticians,financiers,athletes,whomever-usedasanoun,anadjective,oraverb,whatever-andittakesmeamomentbeforeIremindmyselfthatifnotfortheCBSEveningNews,ifnotforRimbaud,mywife,andthenameofanapple,ifnotforPhilipKlassandmydeterminationtobeafictionwriter,theneweditionoftheOxfordEnglishDictionarywouldn'thavecitedthisnovelasthesourceforthecreationofaword.
Rambo.Complicated,troubled,indeedhaunted,toooftenmisunderstood.Ifyou'veheardabouthimbuthaven'tmethimbefore,he'sabouttosurpriseyou.
DavidMorrell
PARTONE
1
HisnamewasRambo,andhewasjustsomenothingkidforallanybodyknew,standingbythepumpofagasstationattheoutskirtsofMadison,Kentucky.Hehadalongheavybeard,andhishairwashangingdownoverhisearstohisneck,andhehadhishandouttryingtothumbaridefromacarthatwasstoppedatthepump.Toseehimthere,leaningononehip,aCokebottleinhishandandarolled-upsleepingbagnearhisbootsonthetarpavement,youcouldneverhaveguessedthatonTuesday,adaylater,mostofthepoliceinBasaltCountywouldbehuntinghimdown.CertainlyyoucouldnothaveguessedthatbyThursdayhewouldberunningfromtheKentuckyNationalGuardandthepoliceofsixcountiesandagoodmanyprivatecitizenswholikedtoshoot.Butthenfromjustseeinghimthereraggedanddustybythepumpofthegasstation,youcouldneverhavefiguredthekindofkidRambowas,orwhatwasabouttomakeitallbegin.
Ramboknewtherewasgoingtobetrouble,though.Bigtrouble,ifsomebodydidn'twatchout.Thecarhewastryingtothumbaridewithnearlyranhimoverwhenitleftthepump.ThestationattendantcrammedachargeslipandabookoftradestampsintohispocketandgrinnedatthetiremarksonthehottarclosetoRambo'sfeet.Thenthepolicecarpulledoutoftraffictowardhimandherecognizedthestartofthepatternagainandstiffened.'No,byGod.Notthis
time.ThistimeIwon'tbepushed.'
ThecruiserwasmarkedCHIEFOFPOLICE,MADISON.ItstoppednexttoRambo,itsradioantennaswaying,andthepolicemaninsideleanedacrossthefrontseat,openingthepassengerdoor.Hestaredatthemud-crustedboots,therumpledjeansrippedatthecuffsandpatchedononethigh,thebluesweatshirtspeckledwithwhatlookedlikedryblood,thebuckskinjacket.Helingeredoverthebeardandthelonghair.No,that'snotwhatwasbotheringhim.Itwassomethingelse,andhecouldn'tquiteputhisfingeronit.'Wellthen,hopin,'hesaid.
ButRambodidnotmove.
'Isaidhopin,'themanrepeated.'Mustbeawfulhotoutthereinthatjacket.'
ButRambojustsippedhisCoke,glancedupanddownthestreetatthecarspassing,lookeddownatthepolicemaninthecruiser,andstayedwherehewas.
'Somethingwrongwithyourhearing?'thepolicemansaid.'Getinherebeforeyoumakemesore.'
Rambostudiedhimjustashehimselfhadbeenstudied:shortandchunkybehindthewheel,wrinklesaroundhiseyesandshallowpockmarksinhischeeksthatgavethemagrainlikeweatheredboard.
'Don'tstareatme,'thepolicemansaid.
ButRambokeptonstudyinghim:thegrayuniform,topbuttonofhisshirtopen,tieloose,thefrontofhisshirtsoakeddarkwithsweat.Rambolookedbutcouldnotseewhatkindhishandgunwas.Thepolicemanhaditholsteredtotheleftawayfromthepassengerside.
'I'mtellingyou,'thepolicemansaid.'Idon'tlikebeingstaredat.'
'Whodoes?'
Ramboglancedaroundoncemore,thenpickeduphissleepingbag.Ashegotintothecruiser,hesetthebagbetweenhimselfandthepoliceman.
'Beenwaitinglong?'thepolicemanasked.
'Anhour.SinceIcame.'
'Youcouldhavewaitedalotlongerthanthat.Peoplearoundheredon'tgenerallystopforahitchhiker.Especiallyifhelookslikeyou.It'sagainstthelaw.'
'Lookinglikeme?'
'Don'tbesmart.Imeanhitchhiking'sagainstthelaw.Toomanypeoplestopforakidontheroad,andnextthingthey'rerobbedormaybedead.Closeyourdoor.'
RambotookaslowsipofCokebeforehedidwhathewastold.Helookedoveratthegasstationattendantwhowasstillatthepumpgrinningasthepolicemanpulledthecruiserintotrafficandheadeddowntown.
'Noneedtoworry,'Rambotoldthepoliceman.'Iwon'ttrytorobyou.'
'That'sveryfunny.Incaseyoumissedthesignonthedoor,I'mtheChiefofPolice.Teasle.WilfredTeasle.ButthenIdon'tguessthere'smuchpointintellingyoumyname.'
Hedroveonthroughamainintersectionwherethelightwasturningorange.Fardownbothsidesofthestreetwerestoressqueezedtogether-adrugstore,apoolhall,agunandtackleshop,dozensmore.Overthetopofthem,farbackonthehorizon,mountainsroseup,tallandgreen,touchedhereandtherewithredandyellowwheretheleaveshadbeguntodie.
Rambowatchedacloudshadowslipacrossthemountains.
'Whereyouheaded?'heheardTeasleask.
'Doesitmatter?'
'No.Cometothinkofit,Idon'tguessthere'smuchpointinknowingthateither.Justthesame-whereyouheaded?'
'MaybeLouisville.'
'Andmaybenot.'
'That'sright.'
'Wheredidyousleep?Inthewoods?'
'That'sright.'
'It'ssafeenoughnow,Isuppose.Thenightsaregettingcolder,andthesnakesliketoholeupinsteadofgoingouttohunt.Still,oneofthesetimesyoumightfindyourselfwithabedpartnerwho'sjustcrazyaboutyourbodyheat.'
Theypassedacarwash,anA&P,ahamburgerdrive-inwithabigDr.Peppersigninthewindow.'Justlookatthateyesoredrive-in,'Teaslesaid.'Theyputthatthinghereonthemainstreet,andeversince,allwe'vehadiskidsparked,beepingtheirhorns,throwingcraponthesidewalk.'
RambosippedhisCoke.
'Somebodyfromtowngiveyouaridein?'Teasleasked.
'Iwalked.I'vebeenwalkingsinceafterdawn.'
'Sureamsorrytohearthat.Leastthisridewillhelpsome,won'tit?'
Rambodidnotanswer.Heknewwhatwascoming.Theydroveoverabridgeandastreamintothetownsquare,anoldstonecourthouseattherightend,moreshopssqueezedtogetherdownbothsides.
'Yeah,thepolicestationisrightuptherebythecourthouse,'Teaslesaid.Buthedroverightonthroughthesquareanddownthestreetuntiltherewereonlyhouses,firstneatandprosperous,thengraycrackedwoodenshackswithchildrenplayinginthedirtinfront.Hewentupariseintheroadbetweentwocliffstoalevelwheretherewerenohousesatall,onlyfieldsofstuntedcornturningbrowninthesun.AndjustafterasignthatreadYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISON.DRIVESAFELY,hepulledoffthepavementontothegravelshoulder.
'Takecare,'hesaid.
'Andkeepoutoftrouble,'Ramboanswered.'Isn'tthathowitgoes?'
'That'sgood.You'vebeenthisroutebefore.NowIdon'tneedtowastetimeexplaininghowguyswholooklikeyouhavethishabitofbeingadisturbance.'HeliftedthesleepingbagfromwhereRambohadputitbetweenthem,setitonRambo'slap,andleanedacrossRambotoopenthepassengerdoor.'Takegoodcarenow.'
Rambogotslowlyoutofthecar.'I'llbeseeingyou,'hesaidandflippedthedoorshut.
'No,'Teasleansweredthroughtheopenpassengerwindow.'Iguessyouwon't.'
Hedrovethecruiseruptheroad,madeaUturn,andheadedbacktowardtown,soundinghiscarhornashepassed.
Rambowatchedthecruiserdisappeardowntheroadbetweenthetwocliffs.HesippedthelastofhisCoke,tossedthebottleinaditch,andwithhissleepingbagslungbyitsropearoundhisshoulder,hestartedbacktotown.
2
Theairwasstickywithfryinggrease.Rambowatchedtheoldladybehindthecounterpeeroutthebottomofherbifocalglassesathisclothesandhairandbeard.
'TwohamburgersandaCoke,'hetoldher.
'Makethattogo,'heheardfrombehind.
HelookedatthereflectioninthemirrorbehindthecounterandsawTeaslebracedinthefrontdoorway,holdingthescreendooropen,lettingitslamshutwithawhack.'Andmakethatarushjob,willyou,Merle?'Teaslesaid.'Thiskid'sinapowerfulhurry.'
Onlyafewcustomerswereintheplace,sittingatthecounterandinsomeofthebooths.Rambowatchedtheirreflectioninthemirrorastheyquitchewingandlookedoverathim.ButthenTeasleleanedagainstthejukeboxbythedoor,and
itseemedlikenothingseriouswasgoingtohappen,sotheywentbacktoworkontheirfood.
Theoldladybehindthecounterhadherwhiteheadcockedtooneside,puzzled.
'Ohyeah,Merle,andwhileyou'refixingthatstuff,howaboutafastcoffee,'Teaslesaid.
'Whateveryoulike,Wilfred,'shesaid,stillpuzzled,andwenttopourthecoffee.
ThatleftRambolookingatthemirroratTeaslelookingathim.TeaslehadanAmericanLegionpinoppositethebadgeonhisshirt.Iwonderwhichwar,Rambothought.You'rejustabityoungforthesecondone.
Heswungroundonhisstoolandfacedhim.'Korea?'hesaid,pointingatthepin.
'That'sright,'Teaslesaidflatly.
Andtheywentonwatchingeachother.
RamboshiftedhiseyesdowntoTeasle'sleftsideandthehandgunhewore.Itwasasurprise,notthestandardpolicerevolverbutasemi-automaticpistol,andfromthebighandleRambodecideditwasaBrowning9millimeter.HehadusedaBrowningoncehimself.Thehandlewasbigbecauseitheldaclipofthirteenbulletsinsteadofthesevenoreightthatmostpistolsheld.Youcouldn'tslamamanflatonhisbackwithoneshotfromit,butyoucouldsurehurthimbad,andtwomorewouldfinishhim,andyoustillhadtenmoreshotsforanybodyelsearound.RambohadtoadmitthatTeaslecarrieditawfullywell,too.Teaslewasfivefootsix,maybeseven,andforasmallishmanthatbigpistoloughttohavehungawkward,butitdidn't.Youhavetobeprettylargetogetagriponthatbighandlethough,Rambothought.AndthenhelookedatTeasle'shands,amazedatthesizeofthem.
'Iwarnedyouaboutthatstaring,'Teaslesaid.Leaningagainstthejukebox,heunstuckhiswetshirtfromhischest.Left-handed,hetookacigarettefromapackinhisshirtpocket,litit,snappingthewoodmatchhehadusedinhalf,thensnickered,shakinghisheadinamusementashewalkedovertothecounterandsmiledstrangelydownatRamboonthestool.'Well,yousureputoneoveronme,didn'tyou?'hesaid.
'Iwasn'ttryingto.'
'Ofcoursenot.Ofcourseyouweren't.Butyousureputoneoveronmejustthesame,didn'tyou?'
TheoldladysetTeasle'scoffeedownandfacedRambo.'Howdoyouwantyourburgers?Plainordraggedthroughthegarden?'
'What?'
'Plainorwithfixings?'
'Withlotsofonion.'
'Whateveryoulike.'Shewentofftofrythehamburgers.
'Yeah,youreallydid,'Teaslesaidtohimandsmiledstrangelyagain.'Youreallyputoneover.'HefrownedatthedirtycottonbulgingfromaripinthestoolnexttoRamboandsatreluctantly.'Imean,youactlikeyou'resmart.Andyoutalklikeyou'resmart,soInaturallyassumedyougottheidea.Butthenyoucomedraggingbackhereandfoolme,andthat'senoughtomakeamanwonderifmaybeyou'renotsmartatall.Istheresomethingwrongwithyou?Isthatwhatitis?'
'I'mhungry.'
'Well,thatjustdoesn'tinterestmeatall,'Teaslesaid,drawingonhiscigarette.Ithadnofilterandafterheexhaled,hepickedoffbitsoftobaccothatwerestucktohislipsandtongue.'Afellowlikeyou,heoughttohavebrainstocarryalunchwithhim.Youknow,forwhenhehassomeemergency,likeyouhavenow.'
Heliftedthecreampitchertopourintohiscoffee,butthenhenoticedthebottomofthepitcher,andhismouthwentsourattheyellowcurdsthatwereclingingthere.'Youneedajob?'heaskedquietly.
'No.'
Thenyoualreadygotajob.'
'No,Idon'thaveajobeither.Idon'twantajob.'
'That'scalledbeingavagrant.'
'Callitwhateverthehellyouwant.'
Teasle'shandslammedlikeashotonthecounter.'Youwatchyourmouth!'
EveryoneintheplacejerkedhisheadtowardTeasle.Helookedaroundatthem,andsmiledasifhehadsaidsomethingfunny,andleanedclosetothecountertosiphiscoffee.'That'llgivethemsomethingtotalkabout.'Hesmiledandtookanotherdrawonhiscigarette,pickingmorespecksoftobaccooffhistongue.Thejokewasover.'Listen,Idon'tgetit.Thatrigofyours,theclothesandhairandall.Didn'tyouknowwhenyoucamebackdownthemainstreetoutthereyou'dstandoutlikesomeblackman?Mycrewradioedinaboutyoufiveminutesafteryougotback.'
'Whattookthemsolong?'
'Themouth,'Teaslesaid.'Iwarnedyou.'
Helookedlikehewasreadytosaymore,butthentheoldladybroughtRamboahalf-fullpaperbagandsaid,'Buckthirty-one.'
'Forwhat?Forthatlittlebit?'
'Yousaidyouwantedthefixings.'
'Justpayher,'Teaslesaid.
SheheldontothebaguntilRambogaveherthemoney.
'O.K.,let'sgo,'Teaslesaid.
'Where?'
'WhereItakeyou.'Heemptiedhiscupinfourquickswallowsandputdownaquarter.Thanks,Merle.'Everybodylookedatthetwoofthemastheywalkedto
thedoor.
'Almostforgot,'Teaslesaid.'Hey,Merle,onemorething.Howaboutcleaningthebottomonthatcreampitcher.'
3
Thecruiserwasdirectlyoutside.'Getin,'Teaslesaid,tuggingathissweatyshirt.'Damn,forthefirstofOctoberitsureishot.Idon'tknowhowyoutoleratewearingthathotjacket.'
'Idon'tsweat.'
Teaslelookedathim.'Sureyoudon't.'Hedroppedhiscigarettedownamanholegratebythecurb,andtheygotintothecruiser.Rambowatchedthetrafficandthepeoplegoingpast.Inthebrightsunafterthedarklunchcounter,hiseyeshurt.OnemanwalkingbythecruiserwavedtoTeasle,andTeaslewavedback,thenpulledawayfromthecurbintoabreakintraffic.Hewasdrivingfastthistime.
Theywentdownpastahardwarestoreandausedcarlotandoldmensmokingcigarsonbenchesandwomenpushingchildreninstrollers.
'Lookatthosewomen,'Teaslesaid.'Ahotdaylikethisandtheydon'thavethesensetokeeptheirkidsindoors.'
Rambodidnotbotherlooking.Hejustclosedhiseyesandleanedback.Whenheopenedthem,thecruiserwasspeedinguptheroadbetweenthetwocliffs,upontothelevelwherethestuntedcorndroopedinthefields,pasttheYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISONsign.Teaslestoppedthecarabruptlyonthegravelshoulderandturnedtohim.
'Nowgetitclear,'hesaid.'Idon'twantakidwholookslikeyouanddoesn'thaveajobinmytown.FirstthingIknow,abunchofyourfriendswillshowup,moochingfood,maybestealing,maybepushingdrugs.Asitis,I'vehalfanotiontolockyouupfortheinconvenienceyou'vecausedme.ButthewayIseeit,akidlikeyou,he'sentitledtoamistake.It'slikeyourjudgment'snotasdevelopedasanolderman'sandIhavetomakeallowances.ButyoucomebackagainandI'llfixyousoyouwon'tknowwhetheryourasshole'sbored,bunched,orpecked
outbycrows.Isthatplainenoughforyoutounderstand?Isthatclear?'
Rambograbbedholdofthelunchsackandhissleepingbagandgotoutofthecar.
'Iaskedyouaquestion,'Teaslesaidouttheopenpassengerdoor.'Iwanttoknowifyouheardmetellyounottocomeback.'
'Iheardyou,'Rambosaid,flippingthedoorshut.
'Thendammit,dowhatyouhearyou'retold!'
Teaslestompedonthegaspedalandthecruiserlurchedofftheroadshoulder,gravelflying,ontothesmoothhotpavement.HemadeasevereU-turn,tiressquealing,andspedbacktowardtown.Thistimehedidnotsoundhiscarhorngoingpast.
Rambowatchedthecruisergetsmalleranddisappeardownthehillbetweenthetwocliffs,andwhenhecouldnolongerseeit,heglancedaroundatthefieldsofcornandthemountainsinthedistanceandthewhitesunin
[?missingpage15?]
andthenhewasdecided.Hegrabbedtheropeonhissleepingbag,slungitaroundhisshoulderandstartedhikingintoMadisonagain.
Atthebottomofthehillintotown,treeslinedtheroad,half-green,half-red,theredleavesalwaysonthebranchesthathungovertheroad.Fromexhaustfumes,hethought.Exhaustfumeskillthemearly.
Deadanimalslayhereandtherealongtheroadside,likelyhitbycars,bloatedandspeckledwithfliesinthesun.Firstacat,tiger-striped-lookedlikeithadbeenanicecattoo-nextacockerspaniel,thenarabbit,thenasquirrel.Thatwasanotherthingthewarhadgivenhim.Henoticeddeadthingsmore.Notinhorror.Justincuriosityofhowtheyhadcometoend.
Hewalkedpastthemdowntherightsideoftheroad,thumboutforaride.Hisclotheswerefilmedyellowwithdust,hislonghairandbeardwerematteddirty,andallthepeopledrivingbytookalookathim,andnobodystopped.Sowhy
don'tyoucleanupyouract?hethought.Shaveandgetahaircut.Fixupyourclothes.You'llgetyourridesthatway.Because.Arazor'sjustonemorethingtoslowyoudown,andhaircutswastemoneyyoucanspendonfood,andwherewouldyoushaveanyhow;youcan'tsleepinthewoodsandcomeoutlookinglikesomekindofprince.Thenwhywalkaroundlikethis,sleepinginthewoods?Andwiththat,hismindmovedinacircleandhewasbacktothewar.Thinkaboutsomethingelse,hetoldhimself.Whynotturnaroundandgo?Whycomebacktothistown?It'snothingspecial.Because,IhavearighttodecideformyselfwhetherI'llstayinitornot.Iwon'thavesomebodydecidethatforme.
Butthiscopisfriendlierthantherestwere.Morereasonable.Whybughim?Dowhathesays.
Justbecausesomebodysmileswhenhehandsmeabagofshit,thatdoesn'tmeanIhavetotakeit.Idon'tgiveadamnhowfriendlyheis.It'swhathedoesthatmatters.
Butyoudolookalittlerough,asifyoumightcausetrouble.Hehasapoint.
SodoI.Infifteengoddamntownsthishashappenedtome.Thisisthelast.Iwon'tbefuckingshovedanymore.
Whynotexplainthattohim,cleanyourselfupabit?Ordoyouwantthistroublethat'scoming?You'rehungryforsomeaction,isthatit?Soyoucanshowhimyourstuff?
Idon'thavetoexplainmyselftohimoranybodyelse.AfterwhatI'vebeenthrough,Ihavearightwithoutexplanation.
Atleasttellhimaboutyourmedal,whatitcostyou.
Toolatetostophismindfromcompletingthecircle.Onceagainhereturnedtothewar.
4
Teaslewaswaitingforhim.Assoonashedrovepastthekid,hehadglancedupathisrearviewmirror,andtherethekidhadbeen,reflectedsmallandclear.Butthekidwasnotmoving.Hewasjuststandingthereatthesideoftheroadwhere
hehadlastbeen,watchingthecruiser,juststandingthere,gettingsmaller,watchingthecruiser.
Well,what'stheholdup,kid?Teaslehadthought.Goon,clearout.
Butthekidhadnot.Hehadjustkeptstandingthere,gettingsmallerinthemirror,lookingtowardthecruiser.Andthentheroadintotownhadslopedsharplydownbetweenthecliffs,andTeaslecouldnotseehimreflectedanymore.
MyGod,you'replanningtocomebackagain,hehadsuddenlyrealized,shakinghisheadandlaughingonce.You'rehonestlyplanningtocomeback.
Heturnedrightontoasidestreetanddroveaquarterwayuparowofgrayclapboardhouses.Heswungintoagraveldrivewayandbackedoutandparkedsothecruiserwasaimedtowardthemainroadhehadjustleft.Thenheslumpedbehindthesteeringwheel,lightingacigarette.
Thelookonthekid'sface.Hewashonest-to-Godplanningtocomeback.Teaslecouldnotgetoverit.
Fromwherehewasparked,hecouldseeeverythingthatpassedonthemainroad.Thetrafficwasn'tmuch,itneverwasonMondayafternoons:thekidcouldn'twalkalongthefarsidewalkandbehiddenbythepassingcars.
SoTeaslewatched.ThestreethewasonmetthemainroadinaT.Therewerecarsandtrucksgoingbothwaysonthemainroad,asidewalkonthefarside,beyondthatthestreamwhichranalongtheroadandbeyondthattheoldMadisonDancePalace.Ithadbeencondemnedlastmonth.TeaslerememberedwhenhewasinhighschoolhowhehadworkedthereFridayandSaturdaynightsparkingcars.HoagyCarmichaelhadalmostplayedthereonce,buttheownershadn'tbeenabletopromisehimenoughmoney.
Where'sthekid?
Maybeheisn'tcoming.Maybehereallyleft.
Isawthatlookonhisface.He'scomingallright.
Teasletookadeepdragonhiscigaretteandglancedupatthegreen-brownmountainslumpedcloseonthehorizon.Therewasasuddencoolwindthatsmelledofcrispleavesandthenitwasgone.
'Teasletostation,'hesaidintothemicrophoneofhiscarradio.'Hasthemailcomeinyet?'
Asalways,Shingleton,thedayradioman,wasquicktoanswer,hisvoicecracklingfromstatic.'Surehas,Chief.Ialreadycheckeditforyou.Nothingfromyourwife,I'mafraid.'
'Whataboutfromalawyer?OrmaybesomethingfromCaliforniathatshedidn'tputhernameontheoutside.'
'Ialreadycheckedthattoo,Chief.Sorry.Nothing.'
'AnythingimportantIoughttoknowabout?'
'Justasetoftrafficlightsthatshortedout,butIgottheworksdepartmentovertherefixingit.'
'Ifthat'sallthen,I'llbeafewminutesyetcomingback.'
Thiskidwasanuisance,waitingforhim.Hewantedtogetbacktothestationandphoneher.Shewasgonethreeweeksnowandshehadpromisedtowriteatthemostbytodayandhereshehadnot.Hedidnotcareanymoreaboutkeepinghisownpromisetohernottocall,hewasgoingtophoneanyway.Maybeshehadthoughtitoverandchangedhermind.
Buthedoubtedthat.
Helitanothercigaretteandglancedtotheside.Therewereneighborwomenoutonporcheslookingtoseewhathewasupto.Thatwastheend,hedecided.Heflippedthecigaretteoutthecruiserwindow,switchedtheignitionanddrovedowntothemainroadtofindoutwherethehellthekidwas.
Nowhereinsight.
Sure.He'sgoneandleftandthatlookwasjusttomakemethinkbewascoming
back.
Soheheadedtowardthestationtophone,andthreeblockslaterwhenallatoncehesawthekidupontheleftsidewalk,leaningagainstawirefenceoverthestream,heslammedonhisbrakessohardinsurprisethatthecarfollowingcrashedintotherearendofthecruiser.
Theguywhohadhithimwassittingshockedbehindthewheel,hishandoverhismouth.Teasleopenedthecruiserdoorandstaredattheguyasecondbeforehewalkedovertowherethekidwasleaningagainstthewirefence.
'Howdidyougetintotownwithoutmeseeingyou?'
'Magic.'
'Getinthecar.'
'Idon'tthinkso.'
'Youthinkalittlemore.'
Therewerecarslinedupbehindthecarthathadstruckthecruiser.Thedriverwasnowstandinginthemiddleoftheroad,peeringatthesmashedtaillight,shakinghishead.Teasle'sopendoorangledintotheoppositelane,slowingtraffic.Driversblaredtheirhorns;customersandclerkscamestickingtheirheadsoutofshopsacrossthestreet.
'Youlisten,'Teaslesaid.'I'mgoingtoclearthatmessoftraffic.'ThetimeI'mthrough,youbeinthatcruiser.'
Theyeyedeachother.Thenextthing,Teaslewasovertotheguywhohadhitthecruiser.Theguywasstillshakinghisheadatthedamage.
'Driver'slicense,insurancecard,ownershippapers,'Teasletoldhim.'Please.'Hewentandshutthecruiserdoor.
'ButIdidn'thaveachancetostop.'
'Youwerefollowingtooclose.'
'Butyouslammedonyourbrakestoofast.'
'Itdoesn'tmatter.Thelawsaysthecarinbackisalwayswrong.Youwerefollowingtoocloseforanemergency.'
'But-'
'I'mnotabouttoarguewithyou,'Teasletoldhim,'Pleasegivemeyourdriver'slicense,insurancecardandownershippapers.'Helookedoveratthekid,andofcoursethekidwasgone.
5
Rambostayedoutwalkingintheopentomakeitclearthathewasnottryingtohide.Teaslecouldgiveupthegameatthispointandleavehimalone;ifhedidnot,wellthenitwasTeaslewhowantedthetrouble,nothimself.
Hewalkedalongtheleft-handsidewalk,lookingdownatthestreamwideandfastinthesun.Acrossthestreamwasthebrightyellow,freshlysandblastedwallofabuildingwithbalconiesoverthewaterandasignhighontopMADISONHISTORICHOTEL.Rambotriedtofigurewhatwashistoricaboutabuildingthatlookedasifithadjustbeenputuplastyear.
Inthecenteroftown,heturnedleftontoabigorangebridge,slidingahandalongthesmoothwarmpaintonthemetalrailuntilhewashalfacross.Hestoppedtopeerdownatthewater.Theafternoonwasglaringhot,thewaterfastandcool-looking.
Nexttohim,weldedtotherail,wasamachinewithaglasstopfullofgumballs.Hetookapennyfromhisjeansandreachedtoputitintheslotandhelditbackintime.Hehadbeenwrong.Themachinewasnotfullofgumballs.Itwasfullofgrainyballsoffishfood.Therewasasmallmetalplatestampedontothemachine.FEEDTHEFISH,itread.10CENTS.PROCEEDSBENEFITBASALTCOUNTYYOUTHCORPS.BUSYYOUTHMAKEHAPPYYOUTH.
Suretheydo,Rambothought.Andtheearlybirdgetstheshaft.
Hepeereddownatthewateragain.Itwasnotlongbeforeheheardsomebodywalkupbehindhim.Hedidnotbothertoseewhoitwas.
'Getinthecar.'
Ramboconcentratedonthewater.'Willyoulookatallthefishdownthere,'hesaid.'Mustbeacoupleofthousand.What'sthenameofthatbiggoldone?Itcan'tbearealgoldfish.Notthatbig.'
'Palominotrout,'heheardbehindhim.'Getinthecar.'
Rambopeeredfurtherdownatthewater.'Mustbeanewstrain.Ineverheardofit.'
'Hey,boy,I'mtalkingtoyou.Lookatme.'
ButRambodidnot.'Iusedtogofishingquiteabit,'hesaid,peeringdown.'WhenIwasyoung.Butnowmoststreamsarefishedoutorpolluted.Doesthetownstockthisone?Isthatwhythere'ssomanyfishdownthere?'
Thatwaswhyallright.ThetownhadstockedthestreamforaslongasTeaslecouldremember.Hisfatheroftenusedtobringhimdownandwatchtheworkmenfromthestatefishhatcherystockit.Theworkmenwouldcarrypailsfromatruckdowntheslopetothestream,settheminthewaterandtheeasethepailsovertoletthefishslideout,thelengthofaman'shandandsleekandsometimesrainbowcolored.'Jesus,lookatme!'Teaslesaid.
Rambofeltahandgrabonhissleeve.Hetuggedloose.'Handsoff,'hesaid,peeringdownatthewater.Thenhefeltthehandgrabbingathimagainandthistimeheswungaround.'I'mtellingyou,'hesaid.'Handsoff!'
Teasleshrugged.'Allright,playittoughifyouwant.Thatdoesn'tbothermenone.'Heunhookedthehand-cuffsfromhisgunbelt.'Let'shaveyourwrists.'
Rambokeptthemathissides.'Imeanit.Letmebe.'
Teaslelaughed.'Youmeanit?'hesaidandlaughed.'Youmeanit?Youdon'tseemtounderstandImeanittoo.Soonerorlateryou'regettinginthatcruiser.Onlyquestionis,howmuchforceIhavetousebeforeyoudoit.'Herestedhis
lefthandonhispistolandsmiled.'It'ssuchalittlething,gettinginthecruiseris.Whatdoyousaywedon'tloseourperspective?'
Peoplewalkingbylookedcuriouslyatthem.
'Youwoulddrawthatthing,'Rambosaid,watchingTeasle'shandonthepistol.'AtfirstIthoughtyouweredifferent.ButnowIseeI'vemetcrazyoneslikeyoubefore.'
'Thenyou'reoneuponme,'Teaslesaid.'BecauseI'venevermetanythingquitelikeyoubefore.'Hestoppedsmilingandclosedhisbighandaroundthegripofhisgun.'Move.'
Andthatwasit,Rambodecided.Oneofthemwasgoingtohavetobackdown,orelseTeaslewasgoingtogethurt.Bad.HewatchedTeasle'shandonthebolsteredpistol,andhethought,Youbloodystupidcop,beforeyoupullthatgun,Icouldsnapoffbothyourarmsandlegsatthejoints.IcouldsmashyourAdam'sappletosauceandheaveyouovertherail.Thenthefishwouldreallyhavesomethingtofeedon.
Butnotforthis,hesuddenlytoldhimself,notforthis.JustthinkingaboutwhathecoulddotoTeaslehemanagedtosatisfyhisangerandcontrolhimself.Itwasacontrolhehadnotbeencapableofbefore,andthinkingabouthiscontrolmadehimfeelbettertoo.Sixmonthsagowhenhefinishedconvalescinginthehospital,hehadbeenunabletokeepholdofhimself.InabarinPhiladelphiasomeguyhadkeptpushingaheadofhimtoseethego-gogirltakeoffherpants,andhehadbrokentheguy'snoseforhim.Amonthlater,inPittsburgh,hehadslitthethroatofabigNegrowhopulledaknifeonhimwhenhewassleepingonenightbyalakeinapark.TheNegrohadbroughtafriendwhotriedtorun,andRambohadhuntedhimallthroughtheparkuntilhefinallycaughthimtryingtostarthisconvertible.
No,notforthis,hetoldhimself.You'reallrightnow.
Itwashisturntosmile.'O.K.,let'shaveanotherride,'hesaidtoTeasle.'ButIdon'tknowwhatthepointis.I'monlygoingtowalkbackintotownagain.'
6
Thepolicestationwasinanoldschoolhouse.Andredyet,RambothoughtasTeasledroveintotheparkinglotattheside.HealmostaskedTeasleifpaintingtheschoolhouseredwassomebody'sideaofajoke,butheknewthatnoneofthiswasajoke,andhewonderedifheshouldtrytalkinghimselfoutofitall.
Youdon'tevenlikethisplace.Itdoesn'teveninterestyou.IfTeaslehadn'tpickedyouup,youwouldhavegonestraightthroughonyourown.
Thatdoesn'tmakeadifference.
Thecementstepsleadinguptothefrontdoorofthestationlookednewtohim,theshinyaluminumdoorwascertainlynew,andinsidetherewasabrightwhiteroomthattookupthewidthofthebuildingandhalfthelengthandsmelledofturpentine.Theroomwascheckeredwithdesks,onlytwoofwhichhadanybodyatthem,apolicemantyping,andanotherpolicemantalkingintothetwo-wayradiothatwasalongtherightbackwall.Theybothstoppedwhentheysawhim,andhewaitedforittocome.
'Nowthat'sasorrysight,'themanbythetypewritersaid.
Itneverfailedtocome.'Sure,'Rambotoldhim.'Andnowyou'resupposedtosay,WhatamI,agirloraboy.Andafterthatyou'resupposedtosay,IfI'mtoopoortogetabathandahaircut,you'lltakeupacollectionforme.'
'It'snothislooksImind,'Teaslesaid.'It'shismouth.Shingleton,haveyouanythingnewIoughttoknowabout?'heaskedthemanbytheradio.
Themansattallandsolid.Hehadanalmostperfectlyrectangularface,neatsideburnsdowntoslightlybelowhisears.'Stolencar,'hesaid.
'Who'shandlingit?'
'Ward.'
'That'llbefine,'TeaslesaidandturnedtoRambo.'Comeonthen.Let'sgetthisover.'
Theywentacrosstheroomanddownacorridortotherearofthebuilding.Footstepsandvoiceswerecomingoutopendoorsonbothsides,officeworkers
inmostoftherooms,policemenintherest.Thecorridorwasglossywhite,andtheturpentinesmelledworse,anddownattheendtherewasascaffoldunderadirtygreenpartoftheceilingthathadbeenleftunpainted.Ramboreadthesignthatwastapedtothescaffold:OUTOFWHITEPAINTBUTWEGOTMORECOMINGINTOMORROWANDWEGOTTHEBLUEPAINTYOUWANTTOCOVERTHEREDOUTSIDE.
ThenTeasleopenedthedoorintoanofficeattheveryendofthehall,andRamboheldbackamoment.
Areyouabsolutelysureyouwanttogothroughwiththis?heaskedhimself.It'sstillnottoolatetotryandtalkyourwayout.
Outofwhat?Ihaven'tdoneanythingwrong.
'Well,comeon,getinthere,'Teaslesaid.'Thisiswhatyou'vebeenworkingfor.'
Ithadbeenamistakenottogointhererightaway.Holdingbackatthedoorlookedlikehewasafraid,andhedidnotwantthat.ButnowifhewentinsideafterTeaslehadorderedhim,itwouldlooklikehewasobeying,andhedidnotwantthateither.HewentinbeforeTeaslehadanotherchancetoorderhim.
Theofficeceilingcamedownclosetohishead,andhefeltsoclosedinthathewantedtostoop,buthedidnotallowhimself.Thefloorhadarugthatwasgreenandworn,likegrassthathadbeentrimmedtooclosetotheearth.Ontheleftbehindadesk,therewasacaseofhandguns.Hecenteredona.44magnumandremembereditfromSpecialForcestrainingcamp:themostpowerfulhandgunmade,abletoshootthroughfiveinchesofsteelorbringdownanelephant,butwithakicksogreatthathehimselfhadalwaysdislikedusingit.
'Sitdownonthebench,boy,'Teaslesaid.'Let'shaveyourname.'
'Justcallmeboy,'Rambosaid.Thebenchwasalongtherightwall.Heleanedhissleepingbagagainstitandsatdownextremelystraightandrigid.
'It'snoneofitfunnyanymore,kid.Let'shaveyourname.'
'I'mknownaskidtoo.Youcancallmethattooifyouwant.'
'You'rerightIwill,'Teaslesaid.'I'matthepointwhereI'mreadytocallyouanydamnthingIfeellike.'
7
Thekidwasmoredamnnuisancethanhecouldtolerate.Allhewantedwastohavehimoutoftheofficesohecouldphone.Itwasfour-thirtynow,andfiguringthetimeshift,itwas,what,three-thirty,two-thirty,one-thirtyinCalifornia.Maybeshewouldnotbeinathersister'snow.Maybeshewasouthavinglunchwithsomebody.Who,hewondered.Where.Thatwaswhyhewasspendingsomuchtimewiththekid-becausehewasimpatienttocall.Youdidnotletyourtroublesinterferewithyourjob.Youkeptyourlifeathomewhereitbelonged.Ifyourproblemsmadeyoustarttorushthroughsomething,thenyouforcedyourselftoslowanddoitextrawell.
Inthiscase,maybetherulewaspayingoff.Thekiddidnotwanttogivehisnameandtheonlyreasonpeopledidnotgiveanamewasthattheyhadsomethingtohideandwereafraidofbeingcheckedoutinthefugitivefiles.Maybethiswasmorethanjustakidwhowouldnotlisten.
Well,hewouldtakeitslowandfindout.Hesatonthecornerofhisdeskoppositethekidonthebench,andcalmlylitacigarette.'Wouldyoulikeasmoke?'heaskedthekid.
'Idon'tsmoke.'
Teaslenoddedandleisurelydrewonthecigarette.'Howbewetrythisagain.What'syourname?'
'Noneofyourbusiness.'
DearGod,Teaslethought.Inspiteofhimselfhepushedawayfromthedeskandtookafewstepstowardthekid.Slowlythough,hetoldhimself.Makeitcalm.'Youdidn'tsaythat.Ican'tbelieveIactuallyheardthat.'
'Youheardmeallright.Mynameismybusiness.Youhaven'tgivenmeareasontomakeityours.'
'I'mtheChiefofPoliceyou'retalkingto.'
'That'snotagoodenoughreason.'
'It'sthebestdamnreasonintheworld,'hesaid,thenwaitedfortheheattodrainfromhisface.Quietly,'Letmehaveyourwallet.'
'Idon'tcarryone.'
'LetmehaveyourI.D.cards.'
'Idon'tcarrythemeither.'
'Nodriver'slicense,nosocialsecuritycard,nodraftcard,nobirthcertificate,no-'
'That'sright,'thekidcuthimoff.
'Don'tpullthatwithme.GetoutyourI.D.cards.'
Nowthekidwasnotevenbotheringtolookathim.Hewasturnedtowardtheguncase,pointingatthemedalabovethelineofshootingtrophies.'TheDistinguishedServiceCross.ReallygavethemhellinKorea,didyou?'
'O.K.'Teaslesaid.'Onyourfeet.'
Itwasthesecondhighestmedalhecouldget,rankingabovethebronzestar,silverstar,PurpleHeart,DistinguishedFlyingMedal,andDistinguishedServiceMedal.OnlytheCongressionalMedalofHonorrankedaboveit.ToMarineCorpsMasterSergeantWilfredLogonTeasle.Forconspicuousandvaliantleadershipinthefaceofoverwhelmingenemyfire,hiscitationread.TheChoisinReservoirCampaign,December6,1950.Thatwaswhenhewastwenty,andhewasnotabouttoletanykidwhodidn'tlookmucholdermockit.
'Getonyourfeet.I'msickoftellingyoueverythingtwice.Getonyourfeetandpulloutyourpockets.'
Thekidshruggedandtookhistimestanding.Hewentfromonepocketofhisjeanstotheother,pullingthemout,andtherewasnothing.
'Youdidn'tpulloutthepocketsinyourjacket,'Teaslesaid.
'ByGodyou'reright.'Whenhepulledthem,hecameoutwithtwodollarsandtwenty-threecentsplusabookofmatches.
'Whythematches?'Teaslesaid.'Youtoldmeyoudon'tsmoke.'
'Ineedtostartfirestocookon.'
'Butyoudon'thaveanyjobormoney.Wheredoyougetthefoodtocook?'
'Whatdoyouexpectmetosay?ThatIstealit?'
Teaslelookedatthekid'ssleepingbagagainstthesideofthebench,guessingwheretheI.D.cardswere.Heuntieditandthrewitoutunrolledonthefloor.Therewasacleanshirtandatoothbrush.Whenhestartedfeelingthroughtheshirt,thekidsaid,'Hey,Ispentalotoftimeironingthatshirt.Becarefulnottowrinkleit.'AndTeaslewassuddenlyverytiredofhim.
Hepressedtheintercomonhisdesk.'Shingleton,youhadalookatthiskidwhenhecamethrough.Iwantyoutoradiohisdescriptiontothestatepolice.SayI'dlikehimidentifiedthequickesttheycan.Whileyou'reatit,checkifhematchesanydescriptionwehaveinthefiles.Hehasnojobandnomoney,buthesurelookswellfed.Iwanttoknowwhy.'
'Soyou'redeterminedtopushthisthing,'thekidsaid.
'That'swrong.I'mnottheonewho'spushing.'
8
TheJusticeofthePeacehadanairconditioner.IthummedabitandrattledeverysooftenandmadetheofficesocoldthatRambohadtoshiver.Themanbehindthedeskwasbundledinanoversizedbluesweater.HisnamewasDobzyn,thesignonthedoorsaid.Hewaschewingtobacco,andassoonashetookalookatRambocomingin,hestoppedchewing.
'Well,I'llbe,'hesaidandrolledhisswivelchairsqueakingbackfromthedesk.'Whenyouphoned,Will,youshouldhavetoldmethatthecircuswasintown.'
Alwaysitcame,someremark.Always.Thiswholebusinesswasgettingoutofhand,andheknewthathehadbettergiveinsoon,thattheycouldmakealotoftroubleforhimifhedidnot.Butherethecrapwascominghiswayagain,theywouldnotletup,andJesus,hewasjustnotgoingtotakeit.
'Listen,son,'Dobzynwassaying.'Ireallyhavetoaskyouaquestion.'Hisfacewasveryround.Whenhespoke,heslippedhischewingtobaccoagainstonecheek,andthatsideofhisfacebulgedout.'IseekidsontheTVdemonstratingandriotingandall,and-'
'I'mnodemonstrator.'
'WhatIhavetoknow,doesn'tthathairgetitchydownthebackofyourneck?'
Alwaystheyaskedthesame.'Itdidatfirst.'
Dobzynscratchedhiseyebrowandthoughtaboutthatanswer.'Yeah,Isupposeyoucangetusedtojustaboutanythingifyouputyourmindtoit.Butwhataboutthebeard?Doesn'tthatgetitchyinthisheat?'
'Sometimes.'
'Thenwhatpossessedyoutoletitgrow?'
'IhavearashonmyfaceandI'mnotsupposedtoshave.'
'LikeIhaveapaininmyrear-endandI'mnotsupposedtowipeit,'Teaslesaidbythedoor.
'Nowwaitasecond,Will.Itmaybehe'stellingthetruth.'
Rambocouldnotresist.'I'mnot.'
'Thenwhatdidyousayallthatfor?'
'IgettiredofpeopleaskingmewhyIgrewthebeard.'
'Whydidyougrowthebeard?'
'IhavearashonmyfaceandI'mnotsupposedtoshave.'
Dobzynlookedlikehehadbeenslappedintheface.Theairconditionerwhirredandrattled.'Well,well,'hesaidquietly,extendingthewords.'IguessIwalkedintothatone.Didn'tI,Will?Thelaugh'sonme.'Hetriedabriefchuckle.'Iwalkedrightintoit.Isurelydid.My,yes.'Hechewedonhistobacco.'Justwhat'sthecharge,Will?'
'There'stwoofthem.Vagrancyandresistingarrest.ButthosearejusttoholdhimwhileIfindoutifhe'swantedanywhere.Myguessistheftsomeplace.'
'We'lltakeupthevagrancyfirst.Youguilty,son?'
Rambosaidhewasn't.
'Doyouhaveajob?Doyouhavemorethantendollars?'
Rambosaidhedidn't.
'Thenthere'snowayaroundit,son.You'reavagrant.That'llcostyoufivedaysinjailorfiftydollarsfine.Whichwillitbe?'
'IjusttoldyouIdon'thaveten,sowherethehellwouldIgetfifty?'
'Thisisacourtoflaw,'Dobzynsaid,leaningsuddenlyforwardinhischair.'Iwillnottolerateabusivelanguageinmycourt.OnemoreoutburstandI'llchargeyouwithcontempt.'Hewasamomentbeforehesettledbackinhischairandstartedtochewagain,thinking.'Evenasitis,Idon'tseehowIcankeepyourattitudeoutofmindwhenI'msentencingyou.Likethismatterofresistingarrest.'
'Notguilty.'
'Ihaven'taskedyouyet.WaituntilIaskyou.What'sthestoryonthisresistingarrest,Will?'
'Ipickedhimupforhitchhikinganddidhimafavorandgavehimalifttooutsidetown.Figureditwouldbebestforeverybodyifhekeptrightonmoving.'
Teasleleanedonehiponthecreakyrailthatseparatedtheofficefromthewaiting-spacenearthedoor.'Buthecameback.'
'Ihadaright.'
'SoIdrovehimoutoftownagainandhecamebackagainandwhenItoldhimtogetinthecruiser,herefused.Ifinallyhadtothreatenforcebeforehe'dlisten.'
'YouthinkIgotinthecarbecauseIwasafraidofyou?'
'Hewon'ttellmehisname.'
'WhyshouldI?'
'ClaimshehasnoI.D.cards.'
'WhythehelldoIneedany?'
'ListenIcan'tsithereallnightwhileyoutwohaveitoutwitheachother,'Dobzynsaid.'Mywifeissick,andIwassupposedtobehometocookdinnerforthekidsatfive.I'mlatealready.Thirtydaysinjailortwohundreddollarsfine.What'llitbe,son?'
'Twohundred?ChristIjusttoldyouIdon'thavemorethanten.'
'Thenit'sthirty-fivedaysinjail,'Dobzynsaidandroseoutofhischair,unbuttoninghissweater.'Iwasabouttocancelthefivedaysforvagrancy,butyourattitudeisintolerable.Ihavetogo.I'mlate.'
Theairconditionerbegantorattlemorethanitwashumming,andRambocouldnottellifhewasshiveringfromcoldorrage.'Hey,Dobzyn,'hesaid,catchinghimashewentby.'I'mstillwaitingforyoutoaskmeifI'mguiltyofresistingarrest.'
9
Thedoorsonbothsidesofthecorridorwereclosednow.Hepassedthepainters'scaffoldneartheendofthehall,headingforTeasle'soffice.
'No,thistimeyougothisway,'Teaslesaid.Hepointedtothelastdoorontheright,adoorwithbarsinalittlewindowatthetop,andreachedwithakeytounlockitbeforehesawthatthedoorwasalreadyopenaquarter-inch.Shakinghisheaddisgustedlyatthat,hepushedthedoortherestofthewayopenandmotionedRambothroughtoastairwellwithanironbanisterandcementstepsgoingdownandfluorescentlightsintheceiling.AssoonasRambowasin,Teaslecamethroughbehindhim,lockingthedoor,andtheywalkeddown,theirfootstepsscrapingonthecementstairs,echoing.
Ramboheardthespraybeforehereachedthebasement.Thecementfloorwaswetandreflectedthefluorescentlights,anddownatthefarendathinpolicemanwashosingthefloorofacell,waterrunningoutbetweenthebarsanddownadrain.WhenhesawTeasleandRambo,hescrewedthenozzletight;thewaterflaredoutinawidearcandabruptlystopped.
Teasle'svoiceechoed.'Galt.Whyisthatupstairsdoorunlockedagain?'
'DidI.?Wedon'thaveanymoreprisoners.Thelastonejustwokeup,andIlethimgo.'
'Itdoesn'tmatterifwehaveprisonersornot.Ifyougetinthehabitofleavingitopenwhenwe'reempty,thenyoumightstartforgettingtolockitwhenthere'ssomebodydownhere.SoIwantthedoorlockedregardless.Idon'tliketosaythis-itmaybetoughgettingusedtoanewjobandanewroutine,butifyoudon'tlearntobecareful,Imighthavetolookforsomebodyelse.'
RambowasascoldashehadbeeninDobzyn'soffice,shivering.Thelightsintheceilingweretooclosetohishead;evenso,theplaceseemeddark.Ironandcement.Christ,heshouldneverhaveletTeaslebringhimdown.Walkingacrossfromthecourthouse,heshouldhavebrokenTeasleandescaped.Anything,evenbeingontherun,wasbetterthanthirty-fivedaysdownhere.
Whatthehellelsedidyouexpect?hetoldhimself.Youaskedforthis,didn'tyou?Youwouldn'tbackoff.
DamnrightIwouldn't.AndIstillwon't.JustbecauseI'llbelockedup,doesn'tmeanI'mfinished.I'llfightthisasfarasitgoes.Bythetimehe'sreadytoletmeout,he'llbefuckinggladtoberidofme.
Sureyou'llfight.Sure.Whatalaugh.Takealookatyourself.Alreadyyou'reshaking.Alreadyyouknowwhatthisplaceremindsyouof.Twodaysinthatcrampedcellandyou'llbepissingdownyourpantlegs.
'You'vegottounderstandIcan'tstayinthere.'Hecouldnotstophimself.Thewet.Ican'tstandbeingclosedinwhereit'swet.'Thehole,hewasthinking,hisscalpalive.Thebamboograteoverthetop.Waterseepingthroughthedirt,thewallscrumbling,theinchesofslimymuckhehadtotrysleepingon.
Tellhim,forGod'ssake.
Screw,youmeanbeghim.
Sure,nowwhenitwastoolate,nowthekidwascomingaroundandtryingtotalkhimselfoutofthis.Teaslecouldnotgetovertheneedlessnessofitall,howthekidhadactuallytriedhisdamndesttoworkhimselfdownhere.'Justbethankfulitiswet,'hetoldthekid.'Thatwehoseeverythingdown.Wegetweekenddrunksinhere,andcomeMondayswhenwekickthemout,they'vebeensickupthewallsandallovertheplace.'
Heglancedatthecells,andthewateronthefloormadethemlookclean,sparkling.'YoumaybecarelesswiththatdoorupstairsGalt,'hetoldhim.'Butyousuredidajobonthosecells.Domeafavorwillyou,goupandgetsomebeddingandanoutfitforthiskid?You,'hetoldthekid,'Iguessthemiddlecellisfine.Goin,takeoffyourboots,yourpants,yourjacket.Leaveonyoursocks,yourunderwear,yoursweatshirt.Takeoffanyjewelry,anychainaroundyourneck,anywatch-.Galt,whatareyoulookingat?'
'Nothing.'
'WhataboutthegearIsentyoufor?'
'Iwasjustlooking.I'llgetit.'Hehurriedupthestairs.
'Aren'tyougoingtotellhimagaintolockthedoor?'thekidsaid.
'Noneed.'
Teaslelistenedtotherattleofthedoorbeingunlocked.Hewaited,thenheard
Galtlockthedoorafterhim.'Startwiththeboots,'hetoldthekid.
Sowhatelsedidheexpect?Thekidtookoffhisjacket.
'Thereyougoagain.Itoldyoustartwiththeboots.'
'Theflooriswet.'
'AndItoldyougetinthere.'
'I'mnotgoinginthereanysoonerthanIhaveto.'Hefoldedhisjacket,squintedatthewateronthefloor,andsetthejacketonthestairs.Heputhisbootsbesideit,tookoffhisjeans,foldedthemandputthemontopofthejacket.
'What'sthatbigscaraboveyourleftknee?'Teaslesaid.'Whathappened?'
Thekiddidnotanswer.
'Itlookslikeabulletscar,'Teaslesaid.'Wheredidyougetit?'
'Mysocksarewetonthisfloor.'
'Takethemoffthen.'
Teaslehadtostepbacktokeepfrombeinghitbythem.
'Nowtakeoffyoursweatshirt,'hesaid.
'Whatfor?Don'ttellmeyou'restilllookingformyI.D.cards.'
'Let'sjustsayIlikeathoroughsearch,thatIwanttoseeifyou'veanythinghiddenunderyourarms.'
'Likewhat?Dope?Grass?'
'Whoknows?It'shappened.'
'Wellnotme.Igaveupthatstuffalongtimeago.Hell,it'sagainstthelaw.'
'Veryfunny.Justtakeoffyoursweatshirt.'
Foroncethekiddidwhathewastold.Asslowashecould,ofcourse.Hisstomachmusclesshowedtight,andtherewerethreestraightscarsacrosshischest.
'Wheredidtheycomefrom?'Teaslesaidsurprised.'Knifescars.Whatthehellhaveyoubeenuptoanyway?'
Thekidsquintedatthelightanddidnotanswer.Hehadalargetriangularpatchofblackhaironhischest.Twoofthescarscutthroughit.
'Holdupyourarmsandturnaround,'Teaslesaid.
'Thatisn'tnecessary.'
'IftherewasaquickerwaytosearchyouIwouldsurehavefoundit.Turnaround.'
Thereweredozensofsmalljaggedscarsacrossthekid'sback.
'Jesus,what'sgoingonhere?'Teaslesaid.'Thosearelashmarks.Who'sbeenlashingyou?'
Thekidstilldidnotanswer.
That'sgoingtobesomeinterestingreportthestatepolicesendsbackonyou.'
Hehesitated:nowcametheparthehated.
'Allright,pulldownyourshorts.'
Thekidlookedathim.Andlookedathim.
'Don'tgivemeanybashfullooks,'hesaid,dislikingthis.'Everybodyhastogothroughthis,andeverybodyisstillavirginwhenI'mfinished.Justpulltheshortsdown.That'senough.Stoprightthereatyourknees.Idon'twanttoseeanymoreofyouthanIhaveto.Holdyourselfupdownthere.Iwanttoseeifthere'sanythinghidden.Nottwohands.One.Justyourfingertips.'
Keepingadistance,Teaslestoopedandpeeredatthekid'sgroinfromseveralangles.Thetesteswerebunchedupcloseunder.Nowcametheworstpartofall.HewouldhavetoldsomebodylikeGalttodoit,butbedidnotlikepassingondirtyjobs.'Turnaroundandbendover.'
Thekidreallylookedathim.'Getyourjolliesoffsomebodyelse.Iwon'tputupwithanymoreofthis.'
'Yesyouwill.Asidefromwhatyoumighthavehidupit,I'mnotinterestedinyourrearendwhatsoever.Justdowhatyou'retold.Nowreachbackandspreadyourcheeks.Comeon,it'snotasightIenjoy.There.Youknow,whenIworkedinLouisville,Ioncehadaprisonerwithathree-inchknifeinaleathercaseshoveduphimself.Italwaysbeatmehowhecouldsitdown.'
UpstairsGaltwasunlockingthedoorandopeningit.
'O.K.,you'reclean.'Teaslesaidtothekid.'Youcanpullupyourshorts.'
TeaslelistenedforGalttocloseandlocktheupstairsdoor,andthenGaltcamescrapinghisshoesdownthecementsteps.Hewascarryingapairoffadeddenimcoveralls,athinmattress,arubberizedsheet,agrayblanket.Helookedatthekidstandingthereinhisshorts,andhesaidtoTeasle,'Wardjustcalledinaboutthatstolencar.Hefounditinthestonequarrynorthofhere.'
'TellhimtostayputandtellShingletontocallthestatepoliceforafingerprintcrew.'
'Shingletonalreadycalledthem.'
Galtwentintothecell,andthekidstartedtofollow,hisbarefeetmakingaslappingnoiseinthewateronthefloor.
'Notyet,'Teasletoldhim.
'Wellmakeupyourmind.Firstyouwantmeinthere.Nowyoudon'twantmeinthere.Iwishyouknewwhatyouwanted.'
'WhatIwantisforyoutogodowntothatshowerattheend.AndIwantyouto
takeoffyourshortsandwashyourselfgoodbeforeyouputonthecleanuniform.Besuretowashthathairofyours.IwantitcleanbeforeIhavetotouchit.'
'Whatdoyoumeantouchit?'
'Ihavetocutit.'
'Whatareyoutalkingabout?You'renotcuttingmyhair.You'renotgoinganywherenearmyheadwithanyscissors.'
'Itoldyoueverybodyhastogothroughthis.Everybodyfromcarthievestodrunksgetssearchedlikeyou,andtakesashower,andgetsanylonghaircut.Themattresswe'regivingyouiscleanandwewantitbackcleanwithoutanyticksorfleasfromwhereyou'vebeensleepinginshedsandfieldsandGodknowswhere.'
'You'renotcuttingit.'
'WithalittleencouragementIcouldarrangeforyoutospendanotherthirty-fivedayshere.Youwantedindamnbadenough.Nowyou'regoingthroughwiththerestofit.Whydon'tyoujustgiveinandmakethingseasyforthetwoofus?Galt,whydon'tyougoupandgetthescissors,shavingcream,andrazor?'
'I'llonlyagreetotheshower,'thekidsaid.
'That'llbefinefornow.Onethingatatime.'
Asthekidwalkedslowlydowntotheshowerstall,Teaslelookedagainatthelashmarksonhisback.Itwasalmostsixo'clock.Thestatepolicewouldbereportingsoon.
Thinkingaboutthetime,hecountedbacktothreeo'clockinCalifornia,unsurenowwhethertocall.Ifshehadchangedhermind,shewouldalreadyhavebeenintouchwithhim.Soifhedidphone,hewouldonlybeputtingpressureonanddrivingherfartheraway.
Allthesamehehadtotry.Maybelaterwhenhewasdonewiththekid,hewouldcallandjusttalkwithoutmentioningthedivorce.
Whoareyoufooling?Thefirstthingyou'llaskheriswhethershe'schangedhermind.
Insidethestallthekidturnedonthespray.
10
Theholewastenfeetdeep,barelywideenoughforhimtositwithhislegsoutstretched.Intheeveningstheysometimescamewithflashlightstopeerdownathimthroughthebamboograte.Shortlyaftereachdawntheyremovedthegrateandhoistedhimuptodotheirchores.Itwasthesamejunglecamptheyhadtorturedhimin,thesamethatchedhutsandrichgreenmountains.Forareasonhedidnotatfirstunderstand,theyhadtreatedhiswoundswhilehewasunconscious:theslashesinhischestwheretheofficerhadrepeatedlypuncturedhimwithaslenderknifeanddrawnthebladeacross,gratingagainsthisribs;thelacerationsinhisbackwheretheofficerhadcreptupbehind,suddenlylashing.Lashing.Hislegwasbadlyinfected,butwhentheyhadopenedfireonhisunitandcapturedhim,nobonehadbeenhit,onlythighmuscle,andeventuallyhewasabletolimparound.
Nowtheydidnotquestionhimanymore,didnotthreatenhim,didnoteventalktohim.Theyalwaysmadegesturestoshowhimhiswork:dumpingslops,digginglatrines,buildingcook-fires.Heguessedtheirsilencetowardhimwaspunishmentforpretendingnottounderstandtheirlanguage.Still,atnightinhishole,heheardtheirconversationsdimlyandfromthescrapsofwordshewassatisfiedthatevenwhileunconscioushehadnottoldthemwhattheywantedtoknow.Aftertheambushandhiscapture,therestofhisunitmusthavegoneontoitsobjective,becausenowheheardabouttheexplodedfactoriesandhowthiscampwasoneofmanyinthemountainswatchingforotherAmericanguerrillas.
Soontheyhadhimdoingmorechores,heavierones,feedinghimless,makinghimworklonger,sleepless.Hecametounderstand.Toomuchtimehadgonebyforhimtoknowwherehisteamwouldbe.Sincehecouldnotgivetheminformation,theyhadfixedhiswoundssotheycouldplaywithhimsomemoreandfindouthowmuchworkhecouldtakebeforeitkilledhim.Well,hewouldshowthemalongwaitforthat.Therewasnotmuchtheycoulddotohimthathisinstructorshadnotalreadyputhimthrough.SpecialForcesschoolandthefivemilerunstheymadehimrunbeforebreakfast,thetenmilesofrunningafterbreakfast,heavingupthemealasheranbutcarefulnottobreakranksbecause
thepenaltywastenextramilesforanyonewhobrokerankstobesick.Climbinghightowers,shoutinghisrosternumbertothejumpmaster,leaping,legstogether,feetbraced,elbowstuckedin,yelling'Onethousand,twothousand,threethousand,fourthousand'ashedropped,stomachrisingtohisthroat,spring-harnessjerkinghimupjustbeforetheground.Thirtypushupsforeverylapseintheroutine,plusapushupshouted'FortheAirborne!'Anotherthirtypushupsiftheshoutwasweakplusanotherone'FortheAirborne!'Inthemesshall,onthetoilet,everywhere,theofficerswaited,abruptlyyelling'Hitit,'andhewouldhavetosnapdowninajumpingpose,shouting'Onethousand,twothousand,threethousand,fourthousand,'snappingtoattentiontilldismissed,thenshouting'Clear,sir,'runningoffshouting'Airborne!Airborne!Airborne!'Day-jumpsintoforests.Night-jumpsintoswampstolivethereforaweek,hisonlyequipmentaknife.Classesinweapons,explosives,surveillance,interrogation,hand-to-handcombat.Afieldofcattle,heandtheotherstudentsholdingknives.Bowelsandstomachsstrewnacrossthefield,animalsstillaliveandscreeching.Hollowedcarcassesandtheordertocrawlin,towrapthecarcassaroundhim,towashhimselfinblood.
ThatwasthepointofbecomingaGreenBeret.Hecouldtakeanything.Buteachdayinthejunglecamphegrewweaker,andatlasthewasafraidthathisbodycouldnotkeepon.Morework,moreheavywork,lessfood,lesssleep.Whathesawwentgrayandblurred;hestumbled,moaning,talkingtohimself.Afterthreedayswithoutfood,theytossedasnakefloppingintohisholetosquirminthedirt,andtheywatchedashetwistedoffitsheadandatethebodyraw.Heonlymanagedtokeepalittleofitdown.Notuntillater-afewminutes,afewdays,thetimewasallthesame-didhewonderifthesnakewaspoisonousornot.Thatandthebugshefoundinhisholeandthechunksofgarbagetheyoccasionallythrewdownathim,thatwasallthatgavehimlifethenextfewdays-orweeks,hecouldnottell.Haulingadeadtreethroughthejunglebacktocamp,hewaspermittedtopickfruitandeatit,andbynightfallhehaddysentery.Helayinastuporinhishole,miredinhisexcrement,hearingthemtalkabouthisfoolishness.
Buthehadnotbeenfoolish.Inhisdeliriumhismindseemedbetterthanithadbeensincecapture,andthedysenterywasintentional.Hehadeatenjustenoughtocatchitmildlysothenextdaywhentheyhauledhimupbecouldpretendhiscrampsweremoreseverethantheywereactually,sohecouldcollapsewhiledraggingthedeadtreesbacktocamp.Maybetheywouldnotmakehimworkforawhilethen.Maybehisguardwouldleavehiminthejungleandgoforhelpto
carryhimtocamp,andbythetimetheguardreturned,hewouldhavebeenabletoescape.
Butthenherealizedthathismindwasnotbetteratall.Hehadeatentoomuchfruit,andthecrampswereworsethanheexpected,andoncehecouldnolongerwork,theguardwouldlikelyshoothim,andevenifhedidescape,howlongcouldhelast,howfarcouldheget,starvedandhalf-deadanddiarrheic?Hecouldnotrememberifherealizedallthisbeforeorafter.Everythingbecameconfused,andsuddenlyhewasonhisown,crashingthroughthejungle,collapsingintoastream.Thenextthingheknew,hewascrawlingthroughfernsupaslope,standingatthetop,fallingontolevelgrass,standingagainandstrainingtogetacrossthelevel,thencrawlingupanotherslope,atthetopnolongerabletostand,onlytocrawl.Themountaintribes,hewasthinking.Gettoatribe,wasallhecouldthink.
Somebodywasmakinghimdrink.Thesoldiershadcaughthimhewassure,andhefoughttobreakaway,butsomebodywasholdinghimdownandmakinghimswallow.Itwasn'tsoldiers,itcouldn'tbe:theylethimbreakaway,stumblingthroughthejungle.Sometimeshethoughthewasbackinhishole,onlydreaminghewasloose.Othertimeshethoughthewasstilldroppingfromtheplanewiththerestofhisteam,hischutenotopening,
[?missingpage48]
rifleslidepulledback,makinghimrollintothebrushbeforeherecognizedthatthesnapwasonlyfromabranchthathehimselfhadsnapped.
Intwoweekstherainstarted,comingdownforever.Mud.Woodrot.Showersstreamingdownsothickthathecouldhardlybreathe.Hekepton,dazedbythepeltoftherain,infuriatedbythesuckofthemud,bythewetbushesclingingtohim.Hecouldnottellwhichwaywassouthanymore-thenightcloudswouldbreakandhewouldtakeabearingfromastar,butthenthecloudswouldcloseupandhe'dhavetotravelblind,andwhenthecloudsoncemoreopened,he'ddiscoverhehadlostdirection.Onemorninghefoundhehadwanderedinacircle,andafterthathetravelledonlyintheday.Hehadtogoslower,morecarefully,tokeepfrombeingspotted.Whencloudsobscuredthesun,heaimedtowardfar-offlandmarks,amountainpeakoratoweringtree.Andeachday,everyday,therainscame.
Hefelloutoftheforeststaggeringacrossafield,andsomebodyshotathim.Hestumbledtotheground,crawlingbacktothetrees.Anothershot.Peoplerunningthroughthegrass.'Itoldyoutoidentifyyourself,'amanwassaying.'Ifitweren'tIsawyoudidn'thaveaweapon,I'dhavekilledyou.Standthehellupandidentifyyourself.'
Americans.Hestartedlaughing.Hecouldnotstoplaughing.Theyheldhiminthehospitalforamonthbeforehishysterialefthim.HisdropintothenorthhadbeenatthestartofDecember,anditwasnowthestartofMaytheytoldhim.Howlonghehadbeenaprisonerhedidn'tknow.Howlonghehadbeenontherunhedidn'tknow.ButbetweenthenandnowhehadcoveredthedistancebetweenhisdropareaandthisAmericanbaseinthesouth,threehundredandninetymiles.AndwhathadstartedhimlaughingwasthathemusthavebeeninAmericanterritoryfordays,someofthesoldiershehadheardinthenightandhidfrommusthavebeenAmericans.
11
Heputoffgoingbackoutthereaslongashecould.HeknewhewouldnotbeabletostanditwhenTeaslecametouchingthescissorstohisheadandcutting.Thesprayofwateronhim,heglancedouttheshower,andGaltwassuddenlyatthebottomofthestairs,holdingthescissorsandacanofshavingcreamandastraightrazor.Hisstomachtightened.HewatchedfranticallyasTeaslepointedatadeskandchairbythebottomofthestairs,sayingsomethingtoGaltthatcamemuffledthroughthenoiseofthespray.Galtbroughtthechairaroundinfrontofthedesk,tooksomenewspapersfrominsidethedeskandspreadthemunderthechair.Hewasnotlongdoingitatall.DirectlyTeaslecametowardhiminthestall,closeenoughforhimtohear.
'Turnoffthewater,'Teaslesaid.
Rambopretendednottohear.
Teaslecamefartherdown.'Turnoffthewater,'herepeated.
Rambowentonwashinghisarmsandchest.Thesoapwasabigyellowcakethatsmelledstronglyofdisinfectant.Heswitchedtosoapinghislegs.Itwasthethirdtimehehadsoapedthem.Teaslenoddedandwalkedoutofsighttotheleftofthestallwheretheremusthavebeenashut-offvalvebecauseinasecondthe
waterquitspraying.Rambo'slegsandshoulderstightened,waterdrippingfromhimontothehollowmetalbottomofthestall,andthenTeaslewasinsightagain,holdingatowel.
'There'snosenseinputtingthisoff,'Teaslesaid.'You'lljustcatchcold.'
Rambohadnochoice.Hesteppedoutslowly.Heknewthatifhedidn'tTeaslewouldreachinforhim,andhedidn'twantTeasletouchinghim.Hedriedhimselfrepeatedlywiththetowel.Inthecoldthetowelmadepricklemarksonhisarms.Histesticlesfeltexposed.
'Dryyourselfanymoreandyou'llwearoutthetowel,'Teaslesaid.
Hewentondryinghimself.Teaslereachedtoguidehimtowardthechair,andRamboside-stepped,keepingTeasleandGaltinfrontofhimashebackedovertothechair.Withoutapauseeverythingbuiltupinquicksequence.
FirstTeasletouchedthescissorstothesideofhishead,snipping,andRambotried,butcouldnotstophimselffromflinching.
'Holdstill,'Teaslesaid.'You'lljerkagainstthescissorsandmaybehurtyourself.'
NextTeaslesnippedoffalargeclumpofhair,andRambo'sleftearwascoolandunprotectedinthedampbasementair.'You'vegotmoreupherethanIguessed,'Teaslesaidanddroppedtheclumpontothenewspaperspreadoutonthefloor.'Yourhead'sgoingtoweighalotlessinaminute.'Thenewspaperwasturninggray,soakingupwater.
ThenTeaslesnippedoffmore,andRambohadtoflinchagain.Teaslesteppedbackofhim,andRambotensedfromnotbeingabletoseewhatwasgoingonbehind.Heswunghisheadtosee,andTeaslepressedhimforward.Ramboslippedhisheadfromunderthehand.
ButTeaslesnippedthescissorstohisheadagainandRamboflinchedagain,andhaircaughtintheswivelofthescissors,yankingsharplyathisscalp.Hecouldnotbearitanymore.HesurgedfromthechairandspunaroundtoTeasle.
'Getaway.'
'Sitdowninthatchair.'
'You'renotcuttinganymore.Youwantmyhaircut,yougetabarberdownhere.'
'It'saftersix.Therearen'tanybarbersworkingnow.You'renotputtingonthatuniformuntilyourhairiscut.'
ThenI'llstaylikethis.'
'You'llsitonthechair.Galt,goupandbringShingleton.I'vemadeasmanyallowancesasIcan.We'llcuthishairsofastit'llbelikeweusedsheepshears.'
Galtlookedhappytogetaway.Rambolistenedtohimunlockthedooratthetopofthestairs,therattleechoingdown.Itwasallhappeningevenfasternow.Hedidnotwanttohurtanyone,butheknewthatwascoming,hecouldfeelhisangerspreadingoutofcontrol.Instantlyamanwasrushingdownthestairs,Galthalfaflightbehind.Itwasthemanwhohadbeensittingbytheradiointhefrontoffice.Shingleton.Heseemedhugenowthathewasstanding,hisheadupnearthebrightlightsintheceiling.Thebonesabovehiseyesandaroundthebottomofhisfacestuckoutintheglare.HelookedatRambo,andRambofelttwiceasnaked.
'Trouble?'ShingletonsaidtoTeasle.'Ihearyouhavetrouble.'
'No,buthedoes,'Teaslesaid.'YouandGaltsithimonthechair.'
Shingletoncamerightover.Galthesitated,thenhecameovertoo.
'Idon'tknowwhatthisisallabout,'ShingletonsaidtoRambo.'ButI'mreasonable.I'llgiveyouachoice.DoyouwalkordoIcarryyou?'
'Ithinkyou'dbetternottouchme.'Hewasdeterminedtokeepcontrol.Therewouldbejustthenextfiveminutesandthecontinualtouchofthescissors,andthenitwouldbeover,hewouldbeallright.
Hestartedtowardthechair,hisfeetslickinthewater,andbehindhimShingletonsaid,'GoodGod,wheredidyougetallthescarsonyourback?'
'Inthewar.'Thatwasaweakness.Heshouldnothaveanswered.
'Ohsure.Sureyoudid.Inwhicharmy?'
Ramboalmostkilledhimrightthen.
ButTeasletookanothersnipathishairandstartledhim.Therewereclumpsoflonghairscatteredacrossthegraywetnewspaper,someofthemtangledaroundRambo'sbarefeet.HeexpectedTeasletogoonsnippingathishead.Hebracedhimselfforit.ButthenTeaslebroughtthescissorstooclosetohisrighteye,cuttinghisbeard,andRamboinstinctivelydippedhisheadtotheleft.
'Holdstill,'Teaslesaid.'Shingleton,youandGaltholdhimsteady.'
Shingletonpulledhisheadupstraight,andRamboslammedhisarmaway.Teaslesnippedagainathisbeard,catchingitinthescissors,pinchinghischeek.
'Christ.'Hesquirmed.Theyweretooclose.Theywerecrowdinghimsohewantedtoscream.
'Thiscouldgoonallnight,'Teaslesaid.'Galt,gogettheshavingcreamandtherazoroffthedesk.'
Rambosquirmed.'You'renotshavingme.You'renotcomingnearmewiththatrazor.'
ThenGaltwastherehandingittoTeasle,andRambowatchedthelongbladeflashinthelights,andrememberedtheenemyofficerslicinghischest,andthatwastheend.Hebroke,grabbingtherazorandstanding,pushingthemaway.Hefoughttheimpulsetoattack.Nothere.Notinthegoddamnedpolicestation.Allhewantedwastherazorawayfromthem.ButGalt,waswhite-faced,eyesontherazor,andhewasfumblingforhisgun.
'No,Galt!'Teasleshouted.'Noguns!'
ButGaltcontinuedfumblingforhisgun,andawkwardlyhehaditout.Hemustreallyhavebeennewonthejob:helookedasthoughhecouldnotbelievehewasactuallyraisingthegun,hishandshaking,squeezingonthetrigger,andRamboslashedtherazorstraightacrosshisstomach.Galtpeeredstupidlydownattheneatdeepslashacrosshisbelly,bloodsoakinghisshirtandpouringdown
hispants,organsbulgingoutlikeapumped-upinnertubethroughaslitinatire.Hetookafingerandtriedpokingtheorgansbackin,buttheykeptbulgingout,bloodsoakinghispantsandrunningouthiscuffsontothefloorashemadeafunnylittlenoiseinhisthroatandtoppledacrossthechair,upsettingit.
Rambowasalreadychargingupthestairs.HehadlookedatTeasleandShingleton,andtheonewasoverbythecells,theotherbythewall,andheknewtheyweretoofarapartforhimtoslashbothofthembeforeatleastonehadtimetopullhishandgunandfire.Evenasheroundedthelandinghalfwayupthestairs,thefirstshotcamefrombehindhim,whackingintothelanding'sconcretewall.
Thetophalfofthestairswasatananglethereverseofthelowerhalf,sohewasoutoftheirsightnow,overtheirheads,poundinguptowardthedoortothemainhall.Heheardshoutsbelowhimandthenrunningonthefirsthalfofthestairs.Thedoor.Hehadforgottenaboutthedoor.TeaslehadwarnedGaltaboutmakingsuretolockit.Herushedup,prayingthatGalthadbeenintoobigahurrywhenhecamebackwithShingleton,hearing'Stop!'downbehindhimandagunbeingcockedashewrenchedthehandleandpulledatthedoorandsweetJesus,itcameopen.Hewasjustduckingaroundthecornerwhentwoshotscrackedintothebrightwhitewallacrossfromhim.Heheavedonthepainters'scaffold,andthethingcamecrashingdowninfrontofthedoor,planksandpaintcansandsteelpolespilingtogether,barringtheway.
'What'sgoingon?'somebodysaidinthehallbehindhim,andheturnedtoapolicemanstandingsurprised,staringatRambonaked,reachingforhisgun.FourquickstepsandRambochoppedtheflatedgeofhishandacrossthebridgeoftheguy'snoseandcaughtthegundroppingfromtheguy'shandashefell.Somebodyfromdownstairswaspushingatthewreckofthescaffold.Rambofiredtwice,hearingTeaslecryout,hopingtheshotswouldholdbackTeaslelongenoughforhimtoreachthefrontdoor.
Hemadeitthere,firingonceagainatthescaffoldbeforeheburstoutsidenakedintothehotglareoftheeveningsun.Anoldwomanonthesidewalkscreamed;amanslowedhiscarandstared.Ramboleaptdownthefrontstepsontothesidewalkpasttheoldwomanscreaming,towardamaninworkclothesgoingbyonamotorcycle.Themanmadethemistakeofslowingdowntolook,becausebythetimehedecidedtospeedup,Rambohadgottohimandlungedhimoffthecycle.Themanhitthestreetheadfirst,hisyellowcrashhelmetscraping
acrossthepavement.Ramboswungontothecycle,hisbarehipsonthehotblackseat,andthecycleroaredoff,withhimfiringhislastthreebulletsatTeaslewhohadjustrushedoutthefrontdoorofthestationandthenduckedbackinwhenhesawRamboaiming.Ramboracedthecycledownpastthecourthouse,weaving,zigzaggingtothrowoffTeasle'saim.Aheadpeoplewerestandingonacorner,looking,andhehopedtheriskofhittingthemwouldkeepTeaslefromshooting.Heheardshoutsbehindhim,shoutsaheadofhimfromthepeopleonthecorner.Onemancamerunningoffthecornertostophim,butRambokickedhimawayandthenhewaswhippingleftaroundthecorner,andfornowhewassafeandhereallygotthecyclegoing.
12
Sixbullets,Teaslecounted.Thekid'sgunwasempty.Hechargedoutsidesquintinginthesunjustintimetoseethekiddisappearingroundthecorner.Shingletonhadhisgunaimed;Teasleyankeditdown.
'Christ,don'tyouseeallthosepeople?'
'Icould'vehadhim!'
'Youcould'vehadmorethanhim!'Heranbackinthestation,swingingopenthefrontdoor,threebulletholesinthealuminumscreen.'Getinhere!CheckGaltandPreston!Phoneadoctor!'Hewasrunningacrosstheroomtothetwo-wayradio,astonishedthatShingletonhadtriedfiring.Theguywassoefficientintheoffice,alwayssecond-guessing;now,withnoroutineforthiskindoftrouble,hewasstupidlyactingonimpulse.
ThescreendoorwhackedshutasShingletonrushedinanddownthehall;Teaslejabbedataswitchontheradio,talkingfastintothemicrophone.Hishandswereshaking;hisbowelsfeltfullofloosehotwaste.'Ward!Wherethehellareyou,Ward?'hecalledintotheradio,butWardwasn'tanswering,andthenatlastTeaslehadhim,tellinghimwhathappened,figuringhistactics.'HeknowsCenterRoadwilltakehimoutoftown!He'sheadedwestinthatdirection!Cuthimoff!'
Shingletoncamerushingaroundthehallcornerintothefrontroom,overtoTeasle.'Galt.He'sdead.God,hisgutsarehangingout,'heblurtedashecame.Heswallowed,tryingtocatchhisbreath.'Preston'salive.Idon'tknowforhow
long.He'sgotbloodcomingouthiseyes.'
'Snapup!Phoneanambulance!Adoctor!'Teaslejabbedanotherswitchontheradio.Hishandswouldn'tstopshaking.Hisbowelsfeltwarmer,looser.'Statepolice,'hecalledquicklyintothemicrophone.'Madisontostatepolice.Emergency.'Theydidn'tanswer.Hecalledlouder.
'I'mnotdeaf,Madison,'aman'svoicecrackled.'What'syourtrouble?'
'Jailbreak.Oneofficerdead,'hetoldhimhurriedly,hatingtowastetimerepeatingwhathadhappened.Requestingroadblocks.Thevoicewasinstantlyalert.
Shingletonputdownthephone.Teaslehadn'tevenheardhimdial.'Theambulanceisonitsway.'
'PhonemeOrvalKellerman.'Teaslejabbedanotherswitch,callinganothercruiser,orderingitafterthekid.
Shingletonhadalreadydialedagain.ThankGodhewasallrightnow.'Kellerman'soutside.I'vegothiswife.Shewon'tletmetalktohim.'
Teasletookthephone.'Mrs.Kellerman,it'sWilfred.IneedOrvalinahurry.'
'Wilfred?'Hervoicewasthinandbrittle.'Whatasurprise,Wilfred.Wehaven'theardfromyouinsolong.'Whydidn'tshespeakfaster?'WeweremeaningtocomearoundandtellyouhowsorrywewereaboutAnnaleaving.'
Hehadtocutheroff.'Mrs.Kellerman,I'vegottospeaktoOrval.It'simportant.'
'Dear,I'mawfullysorry.He'soutsideworkingwiththedogsandyouknowIcan'tdisturbhimwhenhe'sworkingwiththedogs.'
'You'vegottoaskhimtothephone.Please.Believemeit'simportant.'
Heheardherbreathing.'AllrightI'llaskhim,butIcan'tpromisehe'llcomein.Youknowhowheiswhenhe'sworkingthedogs.'
Heheardhersetthephonedown,andquicklyhelitacigarette.Fifteenyearshe
hadbeenapolicemanandhehadneverlostaprisonerandhehadneverhadapartnerkilled.Hewantedtosmashthekid'sfaceagainstcement.
'Whatdidhehavetodoitfor?'hesaidtoShingleton.'It'sfuckingcrazy.Hecomesaroundlookingfortrouble,andinoneafternoonhegoesfromvagrancytomurder.Hey,areyouallright?Sitdownandputyourheadbetweenyourknees.'
'I'veneverseenamanslashedbefore.Galt.Ihadlunchwithhimforcrissake.'
'Doesn'tmatterhowmanytimesyouseeit.ImusthavewatchedfiftyguysbayonettedinKorea,andIneverkeptfromfeelingsick.OnemanIknewinLouisville,twentyyearsontheforce.Hewenttocheckoutaknifinginabaronenight,andtherewassomuchbloodmixedinwiththebeeronthefloorhehadaheartattackanddiedtryingtomakeitbacktothecruiser.'
Heheardsomebodypickingupthephoneontheotherend.PleaseletitbeOrval.
'Sowhatisit,Will?Thisbetterbeasimportantasyousay.'
Itwashim.Orvalhadbeenhisfather'sbestfriend,andthethreeofthemusedtogoouthuntingtogethereverySaturdayoftheseason.Then,afterTeasle'sfatherhadbeenkilled,Orvalhadbecomeasecondfathertohim.Hewasretirednow,buthewasinbettershapethanmenhalfasyoung,andhehadthebesttrainedpackofhoundsinthecounty.
'Orval,wejusthadajailbreakhere.Idon'thavetimetoexplain,butit'sakidwe'reafter,andhe'skilledoneofmymen,andIdon'tthinkhe'llstayontheroadswiththestatepoliceafterhim.I'mpositivehe'llheadforthemountains,andI'mhopinglikehellthatyou'reinthemoodtogivethosedogsofyourstherunoftheirlives.'
13
RamboroaredthebikedownCenterRoad.Windwasstinginghisfaceandchest,hiseyeswerewateringinthewind,andhewasafraidhewouldhavetoslowtoseewhatwasahead.Carswerestoppingabruptly,driversstaringouttheirwindowsathimnakedonthecycle.Peopleallalongthestreetwereturningathim,pointing.Asirenstartedfarbehindhim.Herevvedthecycleuptosixty,
racingthrougharedlight,barelyabletoswerveintimetomissabigoiltrucklumberingacrosstheintersection.Anothersirenstartedfartohisleft.Therewasnowayacyclecouldoutrunpolicecars.Butacyclecouldgowherepolicecarscouldn't:themountains.
Thestreetdippedsharplyandthenroselonguphill,andRambospedupit,hearingthesirens.Theoneonhislefthadswungovertojointheonebehindhim.Hehitthetopofthehillsofastthatthecycleleftthepavement,joltingbackdown,forcinghimtoslowandcatchhisbalance.Thenhewasracingagain.
HepassedtheYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISONsign,passedtheditchwherehehadeatenhishamburgersthatafternoon.Thefieldsofbrowncornsweptoffonbothsides,andthesirenswerecloser,andthemountainswereofftotheright.Heswervedthatwayontoadirtroad,almostspillingwhenheturnedsharplytomissadairytruck.Thedriverleanedouthiswindow,shoutingathim.
Nowhewasthrowingupdustbehindhim,holdinghisspeedatfiftytokeepfromskiddingontheloosegravel.Thesirenswerebehindhimtotheright,thendirectlybehindhim.Theywerecomingtoofast.Ifhestayedonthisdirtroad,hewouldneverlosethemintimetogettothemountains;hehadtoleavethisroadforsomeplacetheycouldnotgo.Hedodgedtotheleftthroughanopengatedownanarrowwagonroad,itsrutsdeepandyellowintheground.Thecornremainedonbothsides,themountainswerestillofftotheright,andhewassearchingforawaytogetovertothem.Thesirenslouder,hereachedtheendofthecornfields,turningrightontoafieldofwiltedgrass,thecycleheavingontheunevenground,dippingandrising,whippingthroughthegrass.Butthepolicecarswouldstillbeabletochasehimthisway,andthenheheardtheirsirenslouder,yet,directlybehindhimagain.
Astoutwoodenfenceahead.Hespedcloser,franticfromthesirens,seeingcattle.Whatmusthavebeenahundred.Theywereinthisfield,buttheyweremovingoutaheadofhim,amblingthroughanopengateinthefenceandupaslopetowardtrees.Theroarofhiscyclestartedthemgallopingbeforehegottothem,Jerseybrown,bellowing,heavingthreeabreastthroughtheopengateanduptheslope,theirmilksacksswingingfull.Theyloomedlargerthecloserhecamebehindthem,scattering,hoovesthunderingashepushedthroughthegatewiththelastofthemandraceduptheslope.Itwassteep,andhehadtoleanforwardtokeepthefrontwheelfromtippingup.Pastonetree,thenanother,the
mountainsclose,andthenhewasofftheslope,speedingontolevelground.Heleaptthebikeoveranarrowstream,almostupsettingontheotherbank.Butthemountainswerewonderfullyclosenow,andhesteadiedthebikeandrevvedthethrottletoitslimit.Aheadalineoftrees,thenthickforest,rocks,underbrush.Atlasthesawwhathewaslookingfor-adrawbetweentwoslopesupintotherockyhills-andhesteeredthatwayasthesirensbegandyingclosebehindhim.
Thatmeantthecruisershadstopped.Thepolicewouldbejumpingoutnow,aimingathim.Heconcentratedonthedraw.Acrackofagun,bulletzippingpasthishead,whunkingintoatree.Heborefastintoscatteredtrees,zigzaggingtowardthedraw.Anothercrackofagun,butthebulletnowhereclose,andthenhewasintothickforest,outofsightupintothedraw.Thirtyfeetaheadatangleofrocksandupturnedtreesblockedhispath,andheslidoffthecycle,lettingitrollcrashingintotherocks.Hescrambledupthedenseslope,sharpbranchesdiggingeverywhereintohim.Therewouldbemorepoliceafterhim.Alotmore.Soon.Atleasthewouldhavealittletimetoclimbhighintothemountainsbeforetheycame.HewouldheadforMexico.HewouldholeupinMexicoinalittlecoasttownandswimeverydayinthesea.ButhehadbetternoteverseethatsonofabitchTeasleagain.Hehadpromisedhimselfthathewasthroughhurtingpeople,andnowthatsonofabitchhadmadehimkilloncemore,andifTeaslekeptpushing,RambowasdeterminedtogivebackafightTeaslewouldwishtoGodhehadneverstarted.
PARTTWO
1
Teasledidnothavemuchtime;heneededtogethismenorganizedandintothewoodsbeforethestatepolice.Heswervedthecruiseroffthewagonroadontothegrassland,racingoverthetracksthetwopolicecarsandthekid'smotorcyclehadmadeinthegrass,towardthewoodfenceattheendofthefield,towardtheopengate.Nexttohim,Shingletonhadhishandsbracedagainstthedashboard,thecruiserheavingandlurchingacrossthefield,potholessodeepthatthecar'sheavyframewascrashingdownpastitsspringsontotheaxles.
'Thegate'stoonarrow,'Shingletonwarnedhim.'You'llnevergetthrough.'
'Theothersdid.'
Hebrakedsuddenly,slowingthroughthegate,aninchtospareonhisside,thenspeedingupthesteepslopetowardthetwopolicecarsthatwereparkedaquarterwayfromthetop.Theymusthavestalledthere:whenhereachedthem,theslopeangledsohighthathismotorstartedmissing.Hewrenchedthegearshiftintofirstandflooredtheaccelerator,feelingtherearwheelsdigintothegrass,thecruiserrocketingtowardthesummit.
ThedeputyWardwasuponthelevel,waiting,tintedredfromtheswollensunthatwasalreadyglaringhalfwaydownthemountainstotheleft.Hisshouldersslopedforward,andhewalkedwithhisstomachalittleforward,hisgunbelthighonhiswaist.HewasovertothecarbeforeTeaslehaditstopped.
'Thisway,'hesaid,pointingtowardthedrawinsidethelineoftrees.'Becarefulofthestream.Lesteralreadyfellin.'
Cricketsweresoundingbythestream.Teaslewasjustoutofthecarwhenheheardamotordownnearthewagonroad.Helookedquickly,hopingitwasn'tthestatepolice.
'Orval.'
AnoldVolkswagenvan,it,too,floodedwithredfromthesun,wasrumblingacrossthegrasslandatthebottom.Itstoppedatthebase,notbuilttomaketheclimbhisowncarhad,andOrvalgotout,tallandthin,apolicemanwithhim.Teaslebecameafraidthedogswerenotinthevan;hecouldnothearthemyelping.HeknewOrvalhadthemtrainedsowellthattheyonlybarkedwhentheyweresupposedto.ButhecouldnothelpworryingthattheyweresilentnowbecauseOrvalhadnotbroughtthem.
Orvalandthepolicemanwerehurryinguptheslope.Thepolicemanwastwenty-six,theyoungestonTeasle'sstaff,hisgunbeltthereverseofWard's,slunglowlikeanold-timegunfighter's.Orvalpassedhimrunningup,hislonglegsstretching.Thetopofhisheadwasshinybald,whitehaironbothsides.Hehadonhisglassesandagreennylonjacket,greendenimpants,high-lacedfieldboots.
Thestatepolice,Teaslethoughtagainandglanceddownatthewagonroad,makingsuretheywerenotontheirway.HeglancedbackatOrval,closernow.Before,hehadonlybeenabletoseethethin,dark,weatheredface,butnowhe
sawthedeepriversandfurrowsinit,andtheflabbyskindownthefrontofhisneck,andhewasshockedbyhowmucholderthemanlookedsincehehadlastseenhimthreemonthsago.Orvalwasn'tactinganyolderthough.Hewasstillmanagingtogetupthatslope,hardlywinded,wellbeforetheyoungdeputy.
'Thedogs,'Teaslecalled.'Didyoubringthedogs?'
'Sure,butIdon'tseetheuseofsendingthatdeputytohelprushthemintothevan,'Orvalansweredatthetop,slowing.'Lookatthatsun.It'llbedarkinanhour.'
'Don'tyouthinkIknowit.'
'Ibelieveyoudo,'Orvalsaid.'Ididn'tmeantotryandtellyouanything.'
Teaslewishedhehadkeptquiet.Hecouldnotaffordtoletitstartagain.Thiswastooimportant.Orvalwasalwaystreatinghimlikehewasstillthirteen,tellinghimeverythingtodoandhowtodoit,justashehadwhenTeaslelivedwithhimasaboy.Teaslewouldbecleaningagunorpreparingaspecialcartridgeload,andrightawayOrvalwouldstepin,givinghisadvice,takingover,andTeaslehatedit,toldhimtobuttout,thathecoulddothingshimself,oftenarguedwithhim.Heunderstoodwhyhedidnotlikeadvice:therewereteachershesometimesmetwhocouldnotstoplecturingoncetheywereoutofclass,andhewasalittlelikethem,sousedtogivingordersthathecouldnotacceptsomeonetellinghimwhattodo.Hedidnotalwaysrefuseadvice.Ifitwasgood,heoftentookit.Buthecouldnotletthatbeahabit;todohisjobproperlyhehadtorelyonhimselfalone.IfOrvalhadonlyonoccasiontriedtotellhimwhattodo,hewouldnothaveminded.Butnoteverytimetheyweretogether.Andnowtheyhadalmoststartedateachotheragain,andTeaslewasgoingtohavetokeephimselfquiet.Orvalwastheonemanheneededrightnow,andOrvalwasjuststubbornenoughtotakehisdogsbackhomeiftheygotintoanotherargument.
Teasledidhisbesttosmile.'Hey,Orval,that'sjustmesoundingmiserableagain.Don'tpayattention.I'mgladtoseeyou.'Hereachedtoshakehandswithhim.IthadbeenOrvalwhotaughthimhowtoshakehandswhenhewasaboy.Longandfirm,Orvalhadsaid.Makeyourhandshakeasgoodasyourword.Longandfirm.Now,astheirhandsmet,Teaslefelthisthroatconstrict.Inspiteofeverything,helovedthisoldman,andhecouldnotadjusttothenewwrinklesin
hisface,thewhitehairatthesidesofhisheadthathadbecomethinnerandwispylikespiderstrands.
Theirhandshakewasawkward.TeaslehaddeliberatelynotseenOrvalinthreemonths,eversincehehadwalkedyellingoutofOrval'shousebecauseasimpleremarkhehadmadehadturnedintoalongargumentoverwhichwaytostraponaholster,pointedforwardorback.Soonafter,hehadbeenembarrassedaboutleavingthehouselikethat,andhewasembarrassednow,tryingtoactnaturalandlookOrvalstraightintheface,doingapoorjobofit.'Orval-aboutlasttime-I'msorry.Imeanit.ThanksforcomingsoquickwhenIneedyou.'
Orvaljustgrinned;hewasbeautiful.'Didn'tItellyounevertotalktoamanwhenyou'reshakinghandswithhim?Lookhimstraightintheeyes.Don'tjabberathim.Istillthinkaholstershouldbepointedbackward.'Hewinkedattheothermen.Hisvoicewaslowandresonant.'Whataboutthiskid?Where'shegoneto?'
'Overhere,'Wardsaid.Hedirectedthemacrosstwolooserocksinthestream,overtothelineoftreesandupintothedraw.Itwasgrayandcoolunderthetreesastheyhikeduptowherethecyclelayonitssideoverthefallenbranchesofadeadtree.Thecricketswerenotsoundinganymore.ThenTeasleandthereststoppedwalkingthroughthegrass,andthecricketsstartedagain.
Orvalnoddedattheblockadeofrocksandupturnedtreesacrossthedraw,attheunderbrushonbothsides.'Yeahyoucanseewherehescrambledupthroughthebushesontherightside.'
Asifhisvoicewereasignal,somethingbigupthererustledinthebrush,andguessingtherewasachanceitwasthekid,Teaslesteppedback,instinctivelydrawinghispistol.
'Nobodyaround,'amansaidupthere,pebblesandloosedirtsliding,anditwasLestercomingdownoffbalancethroughthebushes.Hewassoakingwetfromwhenhehadfalleninthestream.Hiseyesusuallybulgedsomewhat,andwhenhesawTeasle'sgun,theyenlargedevenmore.'Heynow,it'sonlyme.Iwasonlycheckingifthekidmightbecloseby.'
Orvalscratchedhischin.'Iwishyouhadn'tdonethat.You'vemaybeconfusedthescent.Will,doyouhavesomethingfromthekidtogivemydogsasmellof?'
'Inthetrunkofthecar.Underwear,pants,boots.'
'Allweneedthenarefoodandanight'ssleep.Wegetthisorganizedrightandwecanstartbysunup.'
'No.Tonight.'
'How'sthat?'
'We'restartingnow.'
'Didn'tyoujusthearmesayit'llbedarkinanhour?
'There'llbenomoontonight.Thisbigagang,we'llseparateandloseeachotherinthedark.'
Teaslehadbeenexpectingthis;hehadbeencertainthatOrvalwouldwanttoholdoffuntilmorning.Thatwasthepracticalway.Therewasjustonethingwrongwiththepracticalway:hecouldnotwaitthatlong.
'Moonornot,westillhavetogoafterhimnow,'hetoldOrval.'We'vechasedhimoutofourjurisdiction,andtheonlywaytokeepafterhimisifwestayinpursuit.OnceIwaittillmorningIhavetoturnthejobovertothestatepolice.'
'Thengiveittothem.It'sadirtyjobanyhow.'
'No.'
'Whatdifferencedoesitmake?Thestatepolicewillbeouthereinnotimeanyway-justassoonastheguywhoownsthislandcallsthemaboutallthesecarsdrivingacrosshisfields.You'llhavetoturnthisovertothemnomatterwhat.'
'NotifI'minthesewoodsbeforetheygethere.'
ItwouldhavebeenbetterforhimtotryconvincingOrvalwithouthismennexttohimlistening.IfhedidnotpressOrval,thenhewouldcomeofflesstohismen,butifhepressedtoomuch,Orvalwouldjustthrowuphishandsandgohome.
WhatOrvalsaidnextdidnothelpany.'No,Will,I'msorrytohavetodisappointyou.I'lldoalotofthingsforyou-butthosehillsaretoughtogetthroughevenintheday,andIwon'ttakemydogsupthereatnighttorunthemblindjustbecauseyouwantthisshowalltoyourself.'
'I'mnotaskingyoutorunthemblind.AllI'maskingisthatyoubringyourdogsinwithme,andtheminuteyouthinkit'sgonetoodark,we'llstopandcamp.That'sallittakesformetostayinpursuit.Comeon,we'vecampedoutbefore,youandI.It'llbelikewhenDadwasaround.'
Orvalletoutadeepbreathandlookedaroundattheforest.Itwasdarker,cooler.'Don'tyouseehowcrazythisis?Wedon'thaveequipmenttohunthim.Wedon'thaveriflesorfoodor-'
'Shingletoncanstaybehindtogetwhateverweneed.We'llgivehimoneofyourdogssointhemorninghecantrackustowherewecamped.IhaveenoughdeputiestokeepchargeoftownsofourofthemcancomeinwithShingletontomorrow.Ihaveafriendatthecountyairportwhosayshe'lllendhishelicopterandflyusanythingmoreweneedandflyaheadtoseeifhecanspotthekid.Theonlythingthatcanholdusupnowisyou.I'maskingyou.Willyouhelp?'
Orvalwaslookingdownathisfeet,scufflingonebootbackandforthinthedirt.
'Idon'thavemuchtime,Orval.Ifwegetupintheresoonenough,thestatepolicewillhavetoletmestayincontrol.They'llbackmeupandhavecruiserswatchingthemainroadsdownoutofthehillsandleaveustochasehimacrossthehighground.ButI'mtellingyou,Imightjustaswellforgetaboutcatchinghimifyoudon'tchipinyourdogs.'
Orvalglancedupandslowlyreachedintohisjacketforatobaccopouchandcigarettepaper.Hewasmullingitoverashecarefullyrolledacigarette,andTeasleknewnottorushhim.Finally,justbeforeOrvalstruckamatch:'Couldbe,ifIunderstood.Whatdidthiskiddotoyou,Will?'
'Heslicedonedeputynearlyinhalfandbeatanothermaybeblind.'
'YeahWill,'Orvalsaidandstruckthematch,cuppingittolighthiscigarette.'Butyoudidn'tanswerme.Whatdidthiskiddotoyou?'
2
Thecountrywashighandwild,thicklywooded,slashedbyravinesanddrawsandpockedwithhollows.JustliketheNorthCarolinahillsinwhichhehadbeentrained.Muchlikethehillshehadescapedthroughinthewar.Hiskindoflandandhiskindoffightandnobodyhadbetterpushtoocloseorhewouldpushback-hard.Fightingtobeatthefadinglight,heranasfarandasfastashecould,alwaysup.Hisnakedbodywasfilmedwithbloodfromthebranchesjabbingintohimhisbarefeetweregashedandbloodyfromthesharpstickslyingacrosshistrail,fromtherockyslopesandcliffwalls.Hecameuparisewheretheskeletonofahydropylonstraddledthetopandaswathhadbeencutdownthroughthetreestostoptheelectrictensionwiresfromtanglinginthetreetops.Theclearsectionwasgravelandbouldersandscrubbrush,andhescrambledpainfullyup,hightensionwiresoverhead.Heneededtoreachthetallestvantagepointhecouldbeforeitgotdark;heneededtoseewhatwasontheothersideoftheriseandfigurewhichwaytogo.
Atthetopbeneaththepylon,theairwasbrightandclear,andhurryingupintoithewastouchedbythelastofthesettingsunfartotheleft.Hepaused,lettingthefaintwarmlightsoakintohim,luxuriatinginthesoftfeelofthegroundherebeneathhisfeet.Thenextpeakacrossfromhimwasbrightinthesunaswell,butitsslopewasgray,andthehollowatitsbasewasalreadydark.Thatwaswhereheheaded,awayfromthesoftgroundatthetop,downmoregravelandboulders,towardthehollow.Ifhedidnotfindwhathewantedthere,hewouldhavetoangleuptothelefttowardastreamhehadsighted,andthenhewouldhavetofollowthestream.Itwouldbeeasiergoingthatwayalongthebankandwhathewaslookingforwouldalmostsurelybenearastream.Hecamechargingdownthegraveltowardthehollow,slipping,falling,sweatburningsaltyintohiscuts.Thehollowwasnogoodwhenhegotthere,aswampstraightacross,bogandmurkywater.Butatleasttheearthwassoftagain,andheroundedtheswamptotheleftuntilhereachedthestreamthatfedit,thenstartedupalongthestream,nolongerrunning,justwalkingfastnow.Hehadtravelledalmostfivemileshecouldtell,andthedistancehadtiredhim:hestillwasnotasfitashehadbeenbeforehewascapturedinthewar,hestillhadnotgotoverhisweeksinthehospital.Allthesame,herememberedeverytrickofgettingalong,andifhecouldnotrunmuchfartherwithouttrouble,hehaddonefivemilesverywell.
Thestreamtwistedandturned,andhefollowedit.Soontherewouldbedogsafterhimheknew,buthedidnotbotherwadinginthestreamtotrytothrowthemoffhisscent.Thatwouldonlyslowhimdown,andsincehewouldhavetocomeoutofthewatersometimeononebankortheother,themanworkingthedogswouldmerelysplitthepackalongbothbanksuntiltheypickedupthescentagain,andhehimselfwouldjusthavewastedtime.
Itwentdarkfasterthanheexpected.Climbinguphillhewascatchingthelastgraylight,andthentheforestandunderbrushmergedintoshadow.Soononlythebiggestoftreesandbouldersweredistinguishableinoutline,andthenitwasblack.Therewasthesoundofthestreamtricklingoverbedrocksandthesoundofcricketsandnightbirdsandanimalsathomeinthedark,andhestartedcalling.Forsurenobodyhewaslookingforwouldlethimknowtheywerearoundifallhedidwaskeepfollowingthestreamandhollerforsomebody.Hehadtomakehimselfsoundinteresting.Hehadtomakethemwanttoseejustwhothehellthiswas.HecalledoutinVietnamese,inthelittleFrenchhehadlearnedinhighschool.Hemockedasouthernaccent,awesternone,aNegroone.Hestrungoutlonglistsofthevilestobscenitieshecouldconjure.
Thestreamdippedintoabriefhollowonthesideoftheslope.Nobodythere.Thestreamclimbedanddippedintoanotherhollowandclimbedanddipped,andstillnobody,andstillhecalled.Ifhedidnotsoonfindsomeone,hewouldbesofarupthehillsidethatthestreamwouldmaybereachitssourceandhewouldhavenobearingtofollow.Whichhappened.Hissweatchillinginthenightair,hecametowherethestreamturnedintoalittlemarshandaspringthathecouldhearbubblingup.
Somuchforthat.Hecalledoncemore,lettinghisobscenewordsechoupanddownthedarkenedhill,waited,thensetoffupward.Ifhekeptgoingstraightupslopesanddown,hefiguredeventuallytoreachanotherstreamandfollowit.Hewasthirtyfeetpastthespringwhenthetwoflashlightsopenedbrightonhimfromleftandright,andhestoppedabsolutelystill.
Underanyothercircumstancehewouldhaveleaptfreefromtheglareoftheflashlightsandcrawledoffintothedarkness.Itwasworthaman'slifetowanderaroundthesehillsatnight,pokingwherehehadnobusiness-howmanymenhadbeenshotintheheadforwhathewasabout,dumpedinashallowgravetoletthenightanimalsdigthemup.
Theflashlightsblazeddirectlyonhim,oneonhisface,theotheronhisnakedbody.Hestilldidnotmove,juststoodthere,headup,staringcalmlyaheadbetweenthelightsasifhebelongedthereanddidthiseverynightofhislife.Insectswereflyingaglitterinandoutoftheflashlightbeams.Abirdtookoffflutteringoutofatree.
'Yeah,bestyoudropthatgunandrazor,'anoldmansaidontheright,histhroatraspy.
Rambobreathedeasier:theyweren'tgoingtokillhim,atleastnotrightaway,hehadmadethemcuriousenough.Justthesame,keepingthehandgunandtherazorhadbeenagamble.Oncethesepeoplehadseenthem,theymighthavefeltthreatenedandshothim.Buthecouldnotlethimselfwalkthesewoodsatnightwithoutsomethingtofightwithifhehadto.
'Yessir,'Rambosaidevenlyandletthegunandrazorplopontotheground.'Noneedtoworry.Thegun'snotloaded.'
'Courseitisn't.'
Withanoldmanontheright,theoneontheleftwouldbeyoung,Rambothought.Fatherandsonmaybe.Oruncleandnephew.Thatwashowtheseoutfitswererun,alwaysinthefamily,anoldmantogivetheordersandoneormorejuniorstodothework.Rambocouldfeelthesetwobehindtheirflashlightssizinghimup.Theoldmanwaskeepingquietnow,andRambowasnotabouttosayanythingmoreuntilhewasaskedto.Anintruder,hehadjustbetterkeephismouthshut.
'Yeah,allthatfilthandcrudyoubeenhollering,'theoldmansaid.'Youbeencallingus,orwhoyoubeencallingcocksuckers?'
'Pa,askhimwhathe'swalkingaroundbuck-nakedwithhisdoingsdanglingfor,'theoneontheleftsaid.HesoundedmuchyoungerthanRambohadexpected.
'Youshutup,'theoldmanorderedtheboy.'Itoldyounotapeepfromyou.'
Ramboheardagunbeingcockedwheretheoldmanwas.'Waitaminute,'hesaidfast.'I'malone.Ineedhelp.Don'tshoottillyouhearmeout.'
Theoldmandidnotanswer.
'Imean.I'mnotherefortrouble.Itdoesn'tmakeanydifferenceifIknowthatyou'renottwomen,thatoneofyouisjustaboy.Iwon'tbehurtinganybodyjustbecauseIknowthat.'
Itwasawildguess.Suretheoldmanmightonlyhavelosthiscuriosityanddecidedtoshoot.ButRambowasguessingthatnakedandbloody,helookeddangeroustotheoldman,thattheoldmanwasnottakinganychancesnowthatRamboknewtheywerejustonemanandaboy.
'I'montherunfromthepolice.Theytookmyclothes.Ikilledoneofthem.I'vebeencallingtogetsomeonetohelpme.'
'Yeah,youneedhelp,'theoldmansaid.'Questionis,fromwho?'
'They'llbringdogsafterme.They'llfindthestillifwedon'tworktostopthem.'
Nowwasthetouchypart.Iftheyweregoingtokillhim,nowwasthetime.
'Still?'theoldmansaid.'Whotoldyouthere'sastilluphere?YouthinkIgotastilluphere?'
'We'repitchdarkinahollownearaspring.Whatelsewouldbringyouhere?Youmusthaveitdamnwell-covered.Evenknowingit'shere,Ican'tmakeouttheflamesfromyourfurnace.'
'YouexpectifIknewastillwasaroundI'dhewastingtimewithyouinsteadofhustlingovertoit?Hell,I'macoonhunter.'
'Withnodogs?Wedon'thavetimeforthis.Wehavetofixthingsbeforethoserealdogsgetheretomorrow.'
Theoldmanwasswearingtohimself.
'You'reinamessallright,'Rambosaid.'I'msorryaboutgettingyouintoit,butIdon'thaveanychoice.Ineedfoodandclothesandarifle,andI'mnotlettingyououtofthisuntilIgetthem.'
'Let'sjustshoothim,Pa,'theboysaidontheleft.'He'sgoingtopullsometrick.'
Theoldmandidnotanswer,andRambokeptquiettoo.Hehadtogivetheoldmantimetothink.Ifhetriedtorushthisbusinesstheoldmanmightfeelcorneredandshoot.
OnhisleftRamboheardtheboycockingagun.
'Youlowerthatshotgun,Matthew,'theoldmansaid.
'Buthe'spullingsometrick.Don'tyouseeit?Don'tyouseehe'ssomegovernmentmanlikely?'
'I'llseethatshotgunwrappedaroundyourearsifyoudon'tloweritlikeIsaid.'Theoldmanchuckledthen.
'Governmentman.Bushwah.Lookathim,wherethehellwouldhehidehisbadge?'
'Betterlistentoyourdad,'Rambosaid.'Heunderstandsthebind.Ifyoukillme,thosepolicewhofindmeinthemorningwillwanttoknowwhodidit.They'llsetthedogsonyourtrailnext.Itwon'tmatterwhereyouburymeorhowyoutrytohidethescent;they'll-'
'Quicklime,'theboysaidsmartly.
'Surequicklimewillhelptocovermyscent.Butthesmellofitwillbealloveryou,andthey'llsetthedogstrackingthat.'
Hepaused,peeringateachflashlight,givingthemtimetothink.
'Thetroubleis,ifyoudon'tgivemefoodandclothesandarifle,thenI'mnotleavinghereuntilIfindthatstillofyoursandinthemorningthepolicewillfollowmytrackthroughthere.Itwon'tmatterifyoutakethethingaparttonightandhideit.I'llcomeafteryoutowherethepartsarehid.'
'We'dwaitfordawntotakeitapart,'theoldmansaid.'Youcan'taffordtostayherethatlong.'
'WithbarefeetIcan'tgomuchfartheranyway.No.Believeme.ThewayIam,theyhaveagoodchanceofbringingmedown,andImightjustaswelltakethetwoofyoudownwithme.'
Afteramomenttheoldmanwasswearingagain.
'Butifyouhelpme,ifyougivemewhatIneed,thenI'llswingaroundawayfromhere,andthepolicewon'tcomeanywhereclosetoyourstill.'
ThatwasthesimplestRambocouldmakeit.Theideasoundedconvincingtohim.Iftheywantedtoprotecttheiroutfittheywouldhavetohelp.Ofcoursetheymightgetangryathowhewasforcingthemandtakeachanceonkillinghim.Ortheymightbeaninbredfamily,notintelligentenoughtoseethelogichewasusing.
Itwascolder,andRambocouldn'tstophimselffromshivering.Nowthateverybodywassilent,thecricketsseemedextraloud.
Finallytheoldmanspoke.'Matthew.Isupposeyoubetterrunuptothehouseandbringbackwhathesays.'Hisvoicewasnotveryhappy.
'Andbringacanofkerosene,'Rambosaid.'Sinceyou'rehelping,let'smakesureyoudon'tgethurtforit.I'lldousetheclotheswiththekeroseneandletthemdrybeforeIputthemon.Thekerosenewon'tstopthedogsfromtrailingme,butitwillkeepthemfrompickingupyourscentontheclothesandfollowingittoseewhohelpedme.'
Theboy'sflashlightbeamglaredsteadyonRambo.'I'lldowhatmypasays,notyou.'
'Goondowhathewants,'theoldmansaid.'Idon'tlikehimeither,buthesureknowswhatthehellhe'sgotusinto.'
Theboy'sflashlightbeamremainedsteadyonRamboamomentlonger,asthoughtheboyweredecidingifhewouldgo,ormaybesavingface.ThenthebeamswungoffRambointothebushesandthelightclickedoffandRamboheardhimsetoutbrushingthroughtheundergrowth.Hehadprobablycomeandgonefromhometothisspringandbackagainsomanytimesthathecoulddoitwithhiseyesshut,letalonewithoutalight.
'Thanks,'Rambotoldtheoldmanwhoselightremainedshiningonhisface.Thenthelightwentout.'Thanksforthattoo,'Rambosaid,theimageofthelightremainingonhiseyesafewseconds,slowlyfading.
'Justhelpingthebatteries.'
Ramboheardhimstarttocomeforwardthroughtheunderbrush.'Betternotcomecloser,'hesaidtotheoldman.'Wedon'twanttomixyourscentwithmine.'
'Iwasn'taboutto.There'saloghereIwantedtositonisall.'
Theoldmanlitamatchandtouchedittothebowlofapipe.Thematchdidnotstaylitverylong,butastheoldmanpuffedonhispipeandtheflamefromthematchgothighandlow,Rambosawatousledheadofhairandagristledfaceandthetophalfofared-checkeredshirtwithsuspendersovertheshoulders.
'Doyouhaveanyofyourstuffwithyou?'Ramboasked.
'Maybe.'
'It'scoldlikethis.Iwouldn'tmindaswallow.'
Theoldmanwaited,thenswitchedonhisflashlightandheavedoverajugsothatRambocouldseeinthelighttocatchit.Thejugweighedlikeabowlingball,andinhissurpriseRamboalmostdroppedit.Theoldmanchuckled.Rambopriedoutthecork,wetandsqueaking,andinspiteofthejug'sweighthedrankwithonehandthewayheknewtheoldmanwouldrespect,shovingaforefingerthroughthehookatthetop,balancingthejugonthecrookofhiselbow.Ittastedliketwohundredproof,golden-strongandburninghistongueandthroat,floodinghoteveryinchdowntohisstomach.Healmostchoked.Whenheloweredthejug,hiseyeswerewatering.
'Alittlestrong?'theoldmanasked.
'Alittle,'Rambosaid,havingtroublegettinghisvoicetowork.'Whatisit?'
'Cornmash.Butit'salittlestrongthough,ain'tit?'
'Yeah,I'dsayit'salittlestrong,'Ramborepeated,hisvoicegivinghimmoretrouble.
Theoldmanlaughed.'Yeah,it'salittlestrongallright.'
Ramboliftedthejuganddrankagain,gaggingonthehotthickliquor,andtheoldmanlaughedonemorequickburst.
3
ThefirstsongsofthemorningbirdswakenedTeasleinthedark,andhelaythereonthegroundbythefire,huddledintheblankethehadbroughtfromthecruiser,peeringupatthelatestarsbeyondthetreetops.Ithadbeenyearssincehesleptoutinthewoods.Overtwentyyearsherealized,countingbackto1950.Nottheendof1950:sleepinginfrozenfoxholesinKoreahardlyqualified.Hellno,thelasttimehehadreallycampedoutwasthatspringwhenhegothisdraftnoticeanddecidedtoenlistintheMarines,andheandOrvalhikedintothehillsforthefirstweekenditwaswarmenough.Nowhewasstifffromsleepingontheroughground,hisclothesweredampfromwherethedewhadsoakedthroughtheblanket,andevennearthefire,hewasbone-cold.Buthehadnotfeltthisaliveinyears,excitedtobeinactionagain,eagertochaseafterthekid.TherewasnopointthoughinrousingeverybodyuntilShingletoncamebackwiththesuppliesandtherestofthemen,andfornow,theonlyoneawake,helovedbeingalonethisway,sodifferentfromthenightshehadbeenspendingalonesinceAnnahadleft.Hewrappedhimselftighterintheblanket.
Thenthesmellreachedhim,andhelooked,andOrvalwassittingattheendofthefire,draggingonathinself-rolledcigarette,thesmokedriftingtowardTeasleinthecoolearlybreeze.
'Ididn'tknowyouwereawake,'Teaslewhispered,nottodisturbtheothers.'Howlong?'
'Beforeyou.'
'ButI'vebeenawakeoveranhour.'
'Iknowit.Idon'tsleepmuchanymore.NotbecauseIcan't.Ijustbegrudgethe
timespent.'
Clutchinghisblanket,TeasleshiftedclosetoOrvalandlitacigaretteofftheglowofastickfromthefire.Theflameswereflickinglow,andwhenTeaslechurnedthestickbackintothem,theyrosewarm,crackling.HehadbeenrightwhenhetoldOrvalthiswouldbelikeoldtimes,althoughhehadnotbelieveditthen,needingOrvaltocomealonganddislikinghimselfforusingthatkindofemotionalargumentontheman.Butthefeelofgatheringfirewood,tossingawaystonesandtwigstomakethegroundlessrough,spreadinghisblanket,hehadforgottenhowsolidandgoodthatallwas.
'Sosheleft,'Orvalsaid.
Teasledidnotwanttotalkaboutit.Shewastheonewhohadleft,nottheotherwayaround,andthatmadeitlookasthoughhewasinthewrong.Maybehewas.Butshewastoo.StillhecouldnotbringhimselftoputblameonherjustsoOrvalmightnotthinkpoorlyofhim.Hetriedtoexplainitneutrally.'Shemightcomeback.She'sthinkingaboutthat.Ihaven'tletonmuch,butforawhilethere,wewerearguingquiteabit.'
'You'renotaneasymantogetalongwith.'
'Well,Christ,neitherareyou.'
'ButI'velivedwiththesamewomanfortyyears,andasfarasIcanguess,Beahasn'tthoughtmuchaboutleaving.Iknowpeoplemustbeaskingyouthisalotnow,butconsideringwhatyouandIare,IbelieveIhavearight.Whatweretheargumentsabout?'
Healmostdidnotanswer.Talkingaboutverypersonalthingsalwaysembarrassedhim,especiallythiswhichhehadnotyetreasonedout-whowasright,whetherhewasjustified.'Kids,'hesaid,andthensincehehadbegun,hewenton.'Iaskedherforatleastone.Idon'tcare,boyorgirl.It'sjustthatI'dlikesomeonetobetomelikeIwastoyou.I-Idon'tknowhowtoexplainit.Ievenfeelstupidtalkingaboutit.'
'Don'tyoutellmethat'sstupid,buddy.NotwhenItriedsolongtohaveakidofmyown.'
Teaslelookedathim.
'Oh,you'relikemyown,'Orvalsaid.'Likemyown.ButIcan'thelpwonderingwhatsortofkidBeaandIwouldhavemade.Ifwehadbeenable.'
Ithurt-asifalltheseyearshehadbeennomoretoOrvalthantheonceneedychildofadeadbestfriend.Hecouldnotacceptthat;itwasmoreself-doubtfromAnnaleaving,andnowthathewastalkingabouther,hehadtogetitintheopen,finished.
'LastChristmas,'hesaid,'beforewecametodinneratyourplace,wewentovertoShingleton'sforadrink,andwatchinghistwokids,thelookontheirfaceswiththeirpresents,Ithought,maybeitwouldbegoodtohaveone.ItcertainlysurprisedmethatatmyageIwantedone,anditsureashellsurprisedher.Wetalkedaboutit,andshekeptsayingno,andafterawhileIsupposeImadetoobigathingofit.Whathappened,it'slikesheweighedmeagainstthetroubleshethoughtababywouldbe.Andleft.Thecrazythingis,asmuchasIcan'tsleepforwishinghertocomeback,inawayI'mgladshewent,I'monmyownagain,nomorearguments,freetodowhatIwantwhenIwant,comehomelatewithoutcallingtoexplainI'msorrytomissdinner,gooutifIfeellikeit,screwaround.SometimesIeventhinktheworstpartaboutherleavingishowmuchthedivorcewillcostme.AndatthesametimeIcan'ttellyouhowmuchIneedherbackwithme.'
Hisbreathcameoutinfrost.Thebirdsweregatheredloudly.HewatchedOrvaldragonthelastofhiscigaretteclosetohisfingers,theirjointsgnarledandyellowfromnicotine.
'Andwhataboutwhowe'reafter?'Orvalsaid.'Areyoutakingitalloutonhim?'
'No.'
'Yousure?'
'YouknowIam.Idon'tacttougherthanIhaveto.YouknowaswellasIdothatatownstayssafebecauseofthelittlethingskeptincontrol.Youcan'tdoanythingtopreventsomethingbiglikeaholduporamurder.Ifsomebodywantstodothembadenough,hewill.Butit'sthelittlethingsthatmakeatownwhatitis,thatyoucanwatchtomakeitsafe.IfIhadjustgrinnedandtookwhatthekid
washandingme,fairlysoonImighthavegotusedtotheideaandletotherkidshandittome,andinalittlewhileIwouldhavebeenlettingotherthingsgoby.It'smeIwasconcernedaboutasmuchasthekid.Ican'tallowmyselftoloosenup.Ican'tkeeporderonetimeandnotanother.'
'You'restillawfullyeagertochaseafterhim,eventhoughyourpartofthejobisended.Thisisstatepolicebusinessnow.'
'Butit'smymanhekilledandit'smyresponsibilitytobringhimin.IwantallmyforcetoknowI'llstopatnothingtogetatanybodywhohurtsthem.'
Orvallookedatthepinchedbuttofthecigarettehewasholdingandnodded,flickingitintothefire.
Theshadowswerelifting,treesandbushesdistinct.Itwasthefalsedawn,andbeforelongthelightwouldappeartodimagain,andthenthesunwouldshowandeverythingwouldbeclear.Theycouldhavebeenupandstartingnow,Teaslethought.WherewasShingletonwiththemenandsupplies?Heshouldhavebeenbackahalfhourago.Maybesomethinghadgonewrongintown.Maybethestatepolicewerestoppinghimfromcomingin.Teaslechurnedastickinthelowfire,raisingflames.Where_washe?
Thenheheardthefirstbarkfromthedogfaroffinthewoods,anditstirredthedogsthatwereleashedtothetreenearestOrval.Therewerefiveofthemhere,andtheyhadbeenawake,stomachsflatoutontheground,eyesintentonOrval.Nowtheywereup,excited,barkinginanswer.'Shush,'Orvalsaid,andtheylookedathimandwentquiet.Theirwithersweretrembling.
Ward,Lesterandtheyoungdeputyfidgetedintheirsleep.Theyweredownclosetotheothersideofthefire,huggingtheirblankets.'Uh,'Wardsaid.
'Inaminute,'Lestersaidasleep.
Thedogbarkedfaroffagain,thoughsoundingalittlecloser,andthedogsbyOrvalcockedtheirears,barkingexcitedlyinreturn.
'Shush,'Orvalsaidstronger.'Getdown.'
Insteadtheyjerkedtheirheadstowardanotherbarkfaroff,theirnostrils
quivering.
'Getdown,'Orvaldemanded,andslowlyonebyonetheyobeyed.
Wardsquirmedonhissideintheblanket,kneesupnearhischest.'What'swrong?What'shappening?'
'Justtimetogetup,'Teaslesaid.
'What?'Lestersaidandsquirmed.'God,it'scold.'
'Timetogetup.'
'Inaminute.'
'That'sabouthowlongthey'lltaketogethere.'
Peoplewerecrashingthroughtheunderbrushoutthere,breakingcloser.Teaslelitanothercigarette,hismouthandthroatdry,andfelttheenergybuildinginhim.Itmightbethestatepolice,heallofasuddenrealized,andstoodhurriedly,drawingonhiscigarette,strainingtoseeintotheforestinthedirectionofthecrackingunderbrush.
'God,it'scold.'Lestersaid.'IhopeShingleton'sbringinghotfood.'
TeaslehopeditwasjustShingletonandthedeputiesoutthereandnotthestatepolice.Abruptlyfivemenwereinsight,rushingbetweenthetreesandthroughthebushesinthepalecoldlight,butTeaslecouldnotmakeoutwhatcolortheiruniformswere.Theyweretalkingtoeachother,onemantrippedandswore,butTeaslecouldnotidentifythevoices.Iftheywerestatepolice,hewastryingtofiguresomewayofkeepingincharge.
Thentheywereclose,hurryingoutofthetreesupthisbriefrise,andTeaslesawShingletonstumblingafterthedogthatwasstrainingonitsleash,andhesawitwashisownmenbehind,neversogladtoseethembefore.Theywerecarryingbulged-outburlapsacks,andrifles,andrope,andShingletonhadafieldradioslungoverhisshoulder,thedoglurchinghimintocamp.
'Hotfood,'Lesterwasupaskinghim.'Didyoubringhotfood?'
Shingletonapparentlydidnothear.Hewasoutofbreath,handingthedogovertoOrval.Lesterturnedinarushtothedeputies.'Didyoubringhotfood?'
'Hamandeggsandwiches,'adeputysaid,chestheaving.'Thermosofcoffee.'
Lesterreachedforthesackthedeputycarried.
'Notinthere,'thedeputytoldhim.'Mitch.Behindme.'
Mitchwasgrinning,openinghissack,handingoutwax-paper-wrappedsandwiches,andeverybodygrabbed,eating.
'Youcoveredonehellofadistancelastnightinthedark,'ShingletontoldTeasle,catchinghisbreath,leaningagainstatree.'Ifiguredtofindyouinlessthanhalfanhour,andhereittookmetwicethat.'
'Wecouldn'tmoveasfastasthemlastnight,remember,'Mitchsaid.'Wehadmoretocarry.'
'Theycoveredonehellofadistancejustthesame.'
TeaslecouldnotdecidewhetherShingletonwasmakingexcusesforbeinglate,orwhetherhewasreallyadmiring.
Teaslebitintoasandwich,greasyandbarelywarm,butChrist,itwasgood.HetookapapercupthatMitchhadpouredfullofsteamingcoffee;heblewonitandsipped,burninghisupperlipandtheroofofhismouthandhistongue,feelingthecoldmulchoftheeggandhamhotinhismouth.'What'sgoingonbackthere?'
Shingletonlaughed.'Thestatepolicehadafitoverwhatyoupulled.'Hestoppedtochewintoasandwich.'Likeyousaid,Iwaitedinthatfieldlastnightandtheyshoweduptenminutesafteryouclimbedintothewoods.TheyweresweetJesusmadoveryoutakingadvantageofthelittledaylightyouhadleftsoyoucouldchaseafterthekidandstayinthegame.Itsurprisedmetheyfigureditoutsofastwhatyouwereupto.'
'Butwhat'shappenedbackthere?'
Shingletongrinnedproudlyandbitanothermouthfuloffthesandwich.'Ispenthalfthenightatthestationwiththem,andfinallytheyagreedtoplayalongwithyou.They'regoingtoblocktheroadsdownoutofthehillsandstayoutofhere.Ittooksomeamountofconvincingtogetthemnottocomein,I'lltellyou.'
'Thanks.'HeknewShingletonwaswaitingforthat.
Shingletonnodded,chewing.'WhatfinallyclinchedthingswasIsaidyouknewthekidbetterthantheydidandyou'dknowbestwhathemightdo.'
'Anywordfromthemwhoheisorwhatelsehemightbewantedfor?'
'They'reworkingonit.Theysaidkeepreportingonthisradio.Thefirstsignoftroubletheysaythey'recominginwitheverythingthey'vegot.'
'Therewon'tbetrouble.SomebodykickBalfordthereawake,'hesaid,pointingtotheyoungdeputysnuggledinhisblanketbythefire.'Thatguywillsleepthroughanything.'
OrvalpattedthedogShingletonhadgivenhim;hebroughtitovertolickBalford'sface,andtheyoungdeputywhippedup,angrilywipingsalivafromhismouth.'Whatthehell'sgoingon?'
Themenlaughed,andinthemiddlestoppedsurprised.Therewasthedroneofamotor.ItwastoofaroffforTeasletoguesswhatkinditwas,butitwasroaringmoredistinctallthetime,andthendeepandthunderousthehelicopterloomedintoviewoverthetreetops,circlinghuge,sunlightglinting.
'Whatthe-'Lesterstarted.
'How'ditknowwherewewere?'
Thedogsgotbarking.Abovethedinofthemotor,theladesshriekedthroughtheair.
'Somethingnewthestatepolicegaveme,'Shingletonaid,bringingoutwhatlookedlikeadullgraycigarettecase.'Itgivesoffaradiosignal.Theysaidtheywanttoknowwhereyouareatalltimesandmademecarryitandgavetheother
halftotheguyyouaskedtolendhishelicopter.'
Teaslebolteddownthelastofhissandwich.'Who'sourdeputyuptherewithhim?'
'Lang.'
'Doesyourradioconnectupthere?'
'Youbetitdoes.'
TheradiowaswhereShingletonhadsetitinthelowcrookofatree.Teasleflippedaswitchonthecontrolpanel,andpeeringupatwherethehelicoptercircledclose,sunlightglintingofftheshriekingblades,hesaidloudintothemicrophone,'Lang.Portis.Allsetupthere?'
'Wheneveryouare,Chief.'Thevoicewasflatandscratchy.Itsoundedlikeitcamefrommilesaway.
Teaslecouldbarelyhearitintheroarfromthemotor.Heglancedaroundathismen.Orvalwashurriedlygatheringthepapercupsandwaxpaperfromthesandwiches,tossingthemonthefire.Theotherswerestrappingonequipment,slingingonrifles.Thecupsandpaperinashes,Orvalwaskickingdirtontheflames.'Allrightthen,'Teaslesaid.'Let'smoveit.'
Hehadtroublehookingthemicrophonebackontotheradiohewassoexcited.
4
Allthemorningasheranandwalkedandranandwalked,heheardamotordroningmilesoffandoccasionalmuffledgunshotsandadeepmalevoicemurmuringthroughaloudspeaker.Thenthemotorwasafewpeaksoverandherecognizedthesoundofthehelicoptersinthewarandhestartedmovingfaster.
Hehadbeendressednowforalmosttwelvehours,butafterhisclimbnakedintothehillsinthecoldnightair,hewasstillenjoyingthewarmroughfeelofclothes.Heworeheavyoldshoesthatthesonhadbroughtaroundmidnighttothehollowbythespring.Atfirsttheshoeshadbeentoolarge,buthehadstuffedleavesintothetoesandthathadmadetheshoestightsohisfeetwouldnotslide
upanddowninsideandgivehimblisters.Eventhen,theleatherwassharpandstiffagainsthisbarefeet,andhewishedthesonhadrememberedtobringsocks.Maybethesonhadforgottenthemonpurpose.Thepants,though,weretootight,andguessingthesonhadbroughtthemonpurposealso,hehadtolaugh.Shoestoolarge,pantstootight,itwasagoodjokeonhim.
Theselookedliketheywereonetimedresspantsthathadbeenrippedintheseatandpatchedandnowwereworkpants,light-colored,withdarkoilandgreasestains.Theshinwaswhitecotton,frayedatthecuffsandbuttonholesandcollar,andtogoovertopandkeephimwarminthenights,theoldmanhadevenhandedoverhisthickred-squaredwoolshirt.Thathadsurprisedhim,theoldmanturningsofriendlyandgeneroustowardthelast.Maybethewhiskeyhadbeenwhatdidit.Afterheandtheoldmanhadeatenthecarrotsandcoldfriedchickenthesonhadbrought,theyhadheavedthejugofwhiskeybackandforthrepeatedly,thesonincluded,andfinallytheoldmanhadgoneasfarasgivinguphisrifleplusahandkerchieftiedfullofcartridges.
'Hadtoholeuponceinthehillsacoupledaysmyself,'theoldmanhadsaid.'Longtimeago.WhenIwasn'tmucholderthanmyboy.'Hehadnotsaidwhy,andRambohadbeencarefulnottoask.'Wasn'tevenachancetogohomeandgrabmyrifle.Surecould'veuseditonthem.Yougetoutofthis,yousendmemoneyforthatrifle.Iwantyourword.Notthatit'sthemoneyIcareabout.ThestuffImake,GodknowsIcanaffordanother.Butyougetthroughthis,I'dliketoknowhowyoumadeit,andIfigureontherifleremindingyoutoletmeknow.She'sagoodone.'Andshewas:a.30-30leveraction,thepowertowhackabulletthroughamanahalf-mileawayasifclosethroughablockofcheese.Theoldmanhadathickpadofleatherontheendofthestocktoeasetherecoil.Hehadaspeckofluminouspaintonthesightatthetipofthebarreltohelpaimingatnight.
ThenRambohaddonewhathepromised,backtrackingdownthestreamawayfromwheretheoldmanmighthavehisboilerandcoilsandjugs;soonhehadpushedwest,stillplanningeventuallytoturnsouthforMexico.Hedidnotfoolhimselfthatreachingtherewouldbeeasy.Sincehewasnotabouttoriskgivinghimselfawaybystealingacar,hewouldhavetotravelformonthsonfootthroughthebackcountry,livingofftheland.Allthesame,hecouldnotthinkofanyplacecloserwherehewouldbesafe,andfarastheborderwas,atleastforthetimebeingitgavehimsomedirection.Whenhehadgoneafewmiles,forcedtomoveslowbecauseofthedark,hesleptinatree,wakenedwiththesun
andbreakfastedonmorecarrotsandchickenthathehadsavedfromtheoldmantotakewithhim.Nowthesunhighandglaring,hewasmilesoff,rushingthroughtreesupalongwidedraw.Theshotswerelouder,thevoicefromtheloudspeakermoredefined,andheknewbeforelongthehelicopterwouldbecheckingthisdrawalongwiththerest.Hebrokefromthewoodstorunacrossanopenreachofgrassandfern,andonequarteracrossheheardtheflappingroaralmostontohimandswunginpanickedsearchofcover.Aloneinthegrass,itstrunkshatteredbywhatmusthavebeenlightning,thefallenpinetreewasalltherewas,notimetochargebacktothewoods.Herananddovebeneathitsthicksmotheringbranches,scrapinghisbackashesprawledunder,andthen,staringthroughthepineneedles,hesawthethingappeardownthedraw.Itgrewmagnified.Itslandingpropswereclosetoskimmingthetopmostbranchesoftheforest.
'Thisisthepolice,'theman'svoiceboomedfromthecopter'sloudspeaker.'Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.Showyourselves.Waveifyou'veseenoneyoungmanalone.'Thevoicestopped,thenstartedawkwardly,asifthewordswerebeingreadfromacard.Thisisthepolice.Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.'
Andonitwent,andthenitstoppedandstartedagain,andRambolaybeneaththebranchesperfectlystill,knowingthemazeofneedleshidhimfromtheland,notsurehewascoveredfromtheair,watchingthecoptersweepoverthetreestowardthegrass.Itwasnearenoughforhimtoseeupintotheglass-frontedcockpit.Thereweretwomenstaringouttheopenwindowsoneachside,acivilianpilotandapoliceman,hisuniformthegrayofTeasle'smen,andouthiswindowhewasaimingahigh-poweredriflewithatelescopicsight.Ca-rack!theshotechoed,aimedatatangleofrockandbushattheedgeoftheforestthecopterhadjustflownover.
God,Teaslereallywantedhimbad,tellinghismantoshootatlikelyhidingplaces,unafraidofhittinganyoneinnocentbecausemostpeoplewouldobeytheannouncementandcomeouttoshowthemselves.FromTeasle'spointofview,whynot?AsfarasTeaslewasconcerned,hewasacop-killerandcouldnotbeallowedtogetaway,hadtobemadeanexamplesonobodyelsewouldthinktokillacop.Evenso,Teaslewastoogoodapolicemantocondonegunninghimdownwithoutfirstgivinghimachancetogiveup.Thatwaswhytheannouncement,andtheideaofshootingatspotswherehemighthidewas
probablytoscarehimoutmorethantohithim.Buttheoddsweretoogreatthathemightbehitanyhow,soitdidnotmatteriftheshotsweretoscarehimornot.
Ca-rack!atanotherclumpofbrushattheedgeofthetrees,andnowtheywereflyingoverthegrassandtheywouldbeontopofhiminseconds,almostcertaintofire.Heaimedhisriflethroughthebranches,centeringonthegunman'sfaceasheflewnearer,readytoblasthimtohelltheinstantheloweredhiseyestothegunsight.Hedidnotwanttokillanymore,buthehadnoalternative.Worse,ifhedidshootthisman,thenthepilotwouldduckdowntothefloorofthecopteroutofhisaimandflyawaydamnfasttoradioforhelp,andeverybodywouldknowwherehewas.Unlesshestoppedthepilotbyexplodingthehelicoptergastanks,whichheknewwasfoolishtothinkabout.Forsurehecouldhitthem.Butexplodethem?Itwasonlyindreamsthatamanwithoutphosphorus-tippedammunitionevermanagedthattrick.Helayrigidwaiting,hisheartbeatsickening,asthehelicopterroaredontohim.Immediatelythegunmandippedhisfacetothetelescopeonhisrifle,andhehimselfwasjustsqueezingonthetriggerwhenhesawwhatthegunmanwasafter,andthankingChristhehadseenintime,easedoff.Fiftyyardstothelefttherewasawallofbouldersandbrushnearapoolofwater.Hehadalmosthiddentherewhenhefirstheardthecoptercomingupthedraw,butithadbeentoofartoreach.Nowthecopterwasswoopingtowardit-Ca-rack!-andhecouldnotbelieveit,hethoughthiseyeswereplayingonhim.Thebushesweremoving.Heblinked,andthebushesheaved,andthenheknewitwasnothiseyes,asthebushesburstwideapartandagreat,huge-antlered,massive-shouldereddeerstumbledupclamberingovertheboulders.Itfell,itroseup,leapingacrossthegrasslandtowardthewoodsontheotherside,thehelicopterafterit.Therewasastreamofdeeprichbloodglisteningdownthedeer'sonehip,butthatdidnotseemtomatter,notthewayitwascharginginthosemagnificentlongboundingstridestowardthetrees,thehelicopterafterit.Hisheartpoundedwildly.
Itwouldnotstoppounding.Theywouldbeback.Thedeerwasjustatoy.Assoonasitleaptintothetreesoutofsight,theywouldbeback.Sincetherehadbeensomethinghiddeninthosebushesbythepool,thentheremightbesomethingunderneaththisfallentree.Hehadtogetoutfast.
Buthehadtowaituntilthecopter'stailwaspointedtowardhim,themenwatchingstraightaheadatthedeertheywerechasing.Hestrainedwaiting,andfinallyhecouldwaitnomore,rollingoutfromunderthebranches,racingwherethegrasswasshortestandwouldnotleaveatrail.Hewasnearingthebushesand
rocks.Toosoonthenoiseofthecopterchanged,roaringhigher.Thedeerhadmadeittothewoods.Thecopterwascirclingback.Frantic,heranstoopedtowardthecoveroftheboulders,tumblingunderthebushes,bracinghimselftoshootiftheyhadseenhimmakehisrun.
Ca-rack!Ca-rack!thefirstshotasthecoptercameuponthefallenpinetree,thesecondasithoveredover,lingering,slowlypivotingtocontinueupthedraw.Leavinghim.'Thisisthepolice,'thevoicewasboomingagain.'Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.Showyourselves.Waveifyou'veseenoneyoungmanalone.'Amouthfulofundigestedcarrotsandchickenboltedsourlyupfromhisstomach,andhespatitonthegrass,thebitternesssoakingintohistongue.Thiswasthenarrowendofthedraw.Cliffsonbothsidesclosedinfartherup,andweakfromhavingvomited,bewatchedthroughthebushesasthecoptersweptoverthetreesthatwayandthenroseup,skirtedthetopofacliff,andsettledintothenextdraw,itsroarslowlydyingaway,thevoicefromtheloudspeakergoingmuffled.
Hecouldnotstand,hislegsweretremblingtoomuch.Becausehewastrembling,hetrembledevenmore:thehelicoptershouldnothavefrightenedhimso.Inthewarhehadbeenthroughactionfarworsethanthis,andhadcomeoutofitbadlyshaken,butneversoextremethathecouldnotmakehisbodywork.Hisskinwasclammy,andheneededtodrink,butthepoolamongthebusheswasgreenandstagnant,anditwouldmakehimsickerthanhewas.
You'vebeenawayfromfightingtoolong,that'sall,hetoldhimself.You'reoutofconditionisall.You'llgetusedtoitinawhile.
Sure,hethought.Thathastobetheanswer.
Grippingaboulder,heforcedhimselftostand,slowly,andheadabovethebushes,heturnedtoseeifanyonewasnear.Satisfied,heleanedagainsttheboulder,hislegsyetunsteady,andbrushedpineneedlesfromthefiringmechanismofhisrifle.Regardlessofanything,hehadtokeephisweaponinrepair.Thesmellofthekerosenehehaddousedonhisclotheswasgone,initsplacethefaintacridsmellofturpentinethatthepinetreehadleftonhim.Itmixedwiththebitternessinhismouth,andbethoughthemightbesickagain.
Atfirsthewasnotsureheheardcorrectly:awindblewupanddispersedthesound.Thentheairwasstillandhedefinitelyheardthem,thefirstdimechoesof
dogsbarkingbehindhimdownatthewideendofthedraw.Anewtremorsweptthroughhislegs.Heswungtohisrightwherethegrassslopeduptorocksandscatteredtreesandafterthatacliff,andbracinghislegmuscles,heran.
5
Thekiddidnothavemuchheadstart,Teaslewasfiguring,asheandhismenpressedforwardthroughthetreesandunderbrushafterthedogs.Thekidhadbrokenoutofjailatsix-thirty,ithadgotdarkateight-thirty,andhecouldnothavegonefarinthesehillsatnight,anhour,possiblytwoalltold.Hewouldhavestartedwiththesun,thesameasthemselves,sothatmadehimaltogetherjustfourhoursahead.Butotherthingsconsidered,hewasprobablyonlytwo,andmaybeevenless:hewasnakedandthatwouldslowhimdown;hedidn'tknowthiscountry,sohewouldnowandthenheadupsteepgulliesandintohollowsthatdidnothaveanexit,andthatwouldlosehimmoretimecomingouttofindanotherway.Plushehadnofood,andthatwouldtirehim,slowhimmore,narrowthedistance.
'Lessthantwohoursaheadofusforcertain,'Orvalsaid,running.'Hecan'tbemorethanone.Lookatthesedogs.Hisscentissofreshtheydon'tevenhavetonosetheground.'
OrvalwasinfrontofTeasleandtheothers,racingwiththedogs,hisarmtautlikeanextensionoftheirmasterleashheheld,andTeaslewasclimbing,scramblingthroughbushes,tryingtokeepupwithhim.Inaway,itwasfunny,aseventy-two-year-oldmansettingthepace,runningthemallintotheground.ButthenOrvaljoggedfivemileseachmorning,smokedonlyfourcigarettesadayandneverdrank,whilehehimselfsmokedapackandahalfofcigarettes,drankbeerbythesix-packandhadnotexercisedinyears.ItwassomethingjusttobeabletokeeppacewithOrvalasmuchashewas.Hewasbreathingsodeeplyandrapidlythathislungswereburning,hehadthestabofshinsplintsinhislegs,butatleasthewasnotrunningasawkwardlyasatthestart.HehadbeenaboxerintheMarines,andtheyhadtaughthimhowtoruntotrain.Hisbodywaslongoutofpracticethough,andhewashavingtolearnoveragainasmoothquickcomfortablestride,leaningalittleforward,lettingthepullofhisbodyforcehislegstopushhimonsohewouldnotfall.Graduallyhewasgettingit,runningfaster,easier,hispaindiminishing,apleasureofexertionswellingupinsidehim.
Hehadlastfeltlikethisfiveyearsago,whenhecamebackfromLouisvilleas
Madison'snewpolicechief.Thetownhadnotchangedmuch,yetithadalllookeddifferent.Theoldbrickhousehehadgrownupin,thetreeinhisbackyardwherehisfatherhadriggedaswing,thegravestonesofhisparents-intheyearshehadbeenaway,hismemoryofthemhadgoneflatandcolorlessasinblackandwhitephotographs.Butnowtheyhadlengthanddepth,andtheyweregreenandbrownandred,andthetombstonespurplemarble.Hehadnotbelievedseeingthegravesagainwoulddepresshisreturnthatgreatly.Thebabygirl,afetusreally,inaplasticbagbyhismother'sfeetinhercoffin.Bothbodieslongsincecorruptedintodust.AllbecauseshewasaCatholic.Thefetushadbeenpoisoningher,theChurchhadrefusedanabortion,soofcourseshehadobeyedanddiedandthebabywithher.Thathadbeenwhenhewasten,andhehadnotunderstoodwhyhisfatherhadstoppedgoingtochurchafterthat.Hisfather,tryingtobeamotheraswellthen,showinghimaboutgunsandfish,howtodarnhisownsocksandcookforhimself,howtocleanhouseandwashclothes,makinghimindependent,almostasifthemanhadforeseenhisgunshotdeathinthewoodsthreeyearslater.ThenOrvaltoraisehim,thenKorea,andLouisville,andthenatagethirty-five,hewashomeagain.
Exceptthatitwasnomorehome,justtheplacewherehehadgrownup,andthatfirstdayback,touringtheoncefamiliarplacesonlymadehimrealizethathehadalreadylivedclosetohalfhislife.Hewassorryhehadcome,almostphonedLouisvilletoseeifhecouldreturntoworkthere.Finallyjustbeforeitclosed,hewenttoarealestateoffice,andthatnightheandanagentsetouttolookatplacesforsaleorrent.Butallthehousesandapartmentshesawwerestillbeinglivedin,andhecouldnotseehimselfaloneinanyofthem.Theagentgavehimabookoflistingswithphotographstostudybeforeheslept,andflippingthroughitinhissmallhotelroom,hecameupontheplaceheneeded:asummercamphouseinthehillsneartown,withastreaminfront,awoodenbridge,andathickslopeoftreesinback.Thewindowsweresmashed;theroofsaggedandthefrontporchwascollapsed;thepaintwaschippedandpeeling;theshuttersweresplitanddangling.
Thenextmorningitwashis,andinthedaysandnightsandweekstocome,hewasneverbusier.Fromeighttofiveheorganizedhisforce,interviewingthemenalreadyonthejob,firingthosewhodidnotwanttogonightstotheshootingrangeorthestatepolicenightschool,hiringmenwhodidnotmindextraduty,throwingoutobsoleteequipmentandbuyingnew,streamliningtheclutteredoperationthathispredecessorhadleftwhenhediedonthefrontstepsofaheartattack.Thenfromfiveuntilhedroppedtosleep,heworkedonthe
house,roofingit,puttingnewglassinthewindowsandcaulkingthem,buildinganewporch,paintingitallrustcolortoblendwiththegreenofthetrees.Thebadwoodthathestrippedfromtheroofandtheporchheusedforafireintheyardeverynight,andhesatbyit,cooking,eatingchiliconcarne,steakandbakedpotatoesorhamburgers.Foodhadnevertastedbetter,norhadhesleptsounderorhisbodyfeltgreater,thecallusesonhishandsmakinghimproud,thestiffnessinhislegsandarmsturningtostrengthandsmooth-movingease.Forthreemonthshewaslikethat,andthenthejobonthehousewasdone,andforatimehefoundsmallthingstofix,butthentherewerenightswithnothingtodo,andhewentoutforabeerorelsehestayedlongerattheshootingrangeorelsehewenthometowatchtelevisionanddrinkbeer.Thenhegotmarriedandnowthatwasended,andracingthroughthetreesoutintothegrass,breathrasping,sweatstinging,hefeltsogoodthathewonderedwhyhehadeverstoppedtakingcareofhimself.
Thedogswereyelpingahead,andOrval'slonglegswerestretchingtostaywiththem.ThedeputiesweretryingtokeepupwithTeasleandhewasstrainingtokeepupwithOrval,andtherewasamomentasheracedacrossthegrass,thesunbrightandhotonhim,hisarmsandlegsinswiftsteadyrhythm,whenhefelthecouldgoonforever.AbruptlyOrvalsurgedfartherahead,andTeaslecouldnotmatchhisspeedanymore.Hislegsgrewheavy.Thegoodfeelingdrainedfromhim.
'Slowdown,Orval!'
ButOrvalstayedrightongoingwiththedogs.
6
Whenhereachedthelineoftreesandrockshehadtoslow,placinghisshoescarefullysohewouldnotslipontherocksandmaybebreakaleg.Atthebaseofthecliffhehurriedalong,seekinganeasywaytothetop,andfoundacrackinthecliffthatwentinthreefeetandrosestraighttothetop,andclimbed.Nearthetopthejuttingstonesthatheusedforhandholdswerewideapartandhehadtoclawandboosthimself,butthentheclimbinggotbetteragainuntilshortlyhewasoutofthecrackontolevelstone.
Theyappingfromthedogsechoedloudlyontop.Hecrouchedtoseeifthehelicopterwasnearby.Itwasnot-hecouldnotevenhearit-andtherewasno
signofanybodywatchinghimfromaneighboringheightorfrombelow.Heslippedintobushesandtreesnearthecliffedgeandcreptswiftlytohisrighttowardanoutcropwithalongviewofthedraw,andtherehelay,watchingthealternatestripsofgrassandwoods.Amiledownthedrawhesawthatmenwereracingfromtreesacrossawideclearspacetowardmoretrees.Inthedistancethemenweresmallandhardtodistinguish;hecountedwhathethoughtwereten.Hecouldnotmakeoutthedogsatall,buttheysoundedlikequitealot.Itwasn'ttheirnumberthatbotheredhim,though.Whatdidwasthattheyhadobviouslyfoundhisscentandweretrackinghimfast.Fifteenminutesandtheywouldbewherehewasnow.Teasleshouldnothavebeenabletocatchuptohimthisfast.Teasleshouldhavebeenhoursbehind.Therehadtobesomebody,maybeTeasle,maybeoneofhismen,whoknewthecountryandknewfromhisgeneraldirectiontheshortcutstoheadhimoff.
Heranbacktothenicheupthroughthecliff:therewasnowayTeaslewasgoingtohavetheeasyclimbhehimselfhad.Hesethisrifleonagrassymoundwherenodirtwouldgetintoit,andbeganpushingataboulderthatwasnearthecliff.Theboulderwaslargeandheavy,butoncehehaditrollingsomewhat,theshiftofitsweighthelpedhimtopush.Soonhehaditwherehewanted,completelyblockingoffthetopofthecrack,onesideextendingoverthecliffedge.Amancomingattheboulderfrombelowwouldnotbeabletogetaroundoroverit.Hewouldhavetoshoveitoutofthewaybeforehecouldgetontop,butbracedfrombelow,hewouldnothavetheleveragetomoveit.Hewouldneedseveralmenhelpinghimbutthecrackwastoonarrowforseveralmentofitatonce.Teaslewouldbeawhilefiguringouthowtocleartheboulderaway,andbythenhehimselfwouldbelonggone.
Hehoped.Glancingdownatthedraw,hewasamazedthatwhilehepositionedtheboulder,thepossehadbeentravellingsofasttheywerealreadyatthepoolandbusheswherehehadhidden.Themeninminiaturedowntherestoppedlookingatthebushestowatchthedogssniffingtheground,barkingincircles.Somethingmusthaveconfusedthescent.Thewoundeddeer,herealized.Whenhehaddoveintothebushes,someofthedeer'sbloodhadsmearedontohim,andnowthedogsweretryingtodecidewhichtracktofollow,hisorthedeer's.Theychosedamnfast.Thesecondtheysprangyelpingonhispathtowardthecliff,heturnedandgrabbedhisrifleandranthroughmorebushesandtrees,inland.Wheretheundergrowthwasverythick,heswungandpushedthroughbackward,andthenranforwardagainuntiloncemorehehadtopushthroughbackward.Hiseffortshovingtheboulderovertothenicheinthecliffhadlatheredhisface
andchestwithsweatthatstungandbit,andnowmoresweatpouredoutashestruggledthroughawallofnettles,scrapinghisknucklesraw,filmingthemwithblood.
Theninasecondhewasfree.Hecamebreakingoutofthedarkwoodintothebrightsunlightonaslopeofrockandshale,andpausedquicklytocatchhisbreath,andslidcautiouslydowntotheedge.Therewasacliffandawideforestatthebottom,leavesredandorangeandbrown.Thecliffwastoosheerforhimtoclimbdown.
Sonowtherewasacliffbeforehimandbehindhim,whichmeanthecouldgoonlytwootherroutes.Ifhewenttotheeast,hewouldbemovingbacktowardthewideendofthedraw.ButTeaslelikelyhadgroupssearchingthehighlandsonbothsidesofthedraw,incasehedoubledback.Thatgavehimjustoneothercourse,tothewest,inthedirectionthehelicopterhadtaken,andheranthatwayuntilhecameuponanotherdropandfoundthathehadtrappedhimself.
Christ.Thedogswerebarkinglouder,andheclenchedhisrifle,cursinghimselfforhavingignoredoneofthemostbasicruleshehadeverlearned.Alwayschoosearoutethatwon'ttrapyou.Neverrunwhereyoumightcutyourselfoff.Christ.Hadhismindgonesoftalongwithhisbodyfromlyinginallthosehospitalbeds?Heshouldneverhaveclimbedupthatcliffbackthere.Hedeservedtobecaught.HedeservedtheshitthatTeaslewoulddotohimifhelethimselfbecaught.
Thedogswerebarkingevencloser.Sweatsmartinghisface,hetouchedahandtoitandfeltthesharproughstubbleofhisbeard,andbroughtdownthehandstickywithbloodfromwherethebushesandnettleshadslashedandrippedhim.Thebloodmadehimfuriouswithhimself.HehadthoughtthatrunningawayfromTeaslewouldbefairlysimpleandroutine,thatafterwhathehadbeenthroughinthewar,hecouldhandleanything.Nowhewastellinghimselftothinkagain.Thewayhehadbeenshakingfromthehelicoptershouldhavewarnedhim,heknew,butstillhehadbeensoconfidenthecouldoutrunTeaslethathehadgoneandcorneredhimself,andnowhewouldbedamnluckytogetoutofthiswithjustthebloodthatwasalreadyonhim.Therewasonlyonethingyetthathecoulddo.Herushedalongthetopofthenewcliff,staringdowncheckingtheheight,stoppingwherethecliffseemedlowest.Twohundredfeet.
Allright,hetoldhimself.It'syourgoddamnmistake,youpayforit.
Let'sseejusthowtightyourass-endreallyis.
Heslippedtheriflesnuglybetweenhisbeltandhispants,shiftingitaroundsoitwentstraightdownhisside,thebuttnearhisarmpit,thebarrelbyhisknee.Certainthatitwouldnotworklooseandfalltosmashontherocksfarbelow,helayflatonhisstomach,easedhimselfovertheedge,andhungbyhishands,hisfeetdangling.Toeholds,hecouldnotfindanytoeholds.
Thedogsbeganyelpinghystericallyasiftheyhadreachedtheblocked-offnicheinthecliff.
7
Touseitspulleyandwinchforclearingtheboulder,tocheckthebluffincasehewasstillupthere,forwhateverreason,Teaslemusthaveradioedforitalmostimmediately.Rambowastenbody-lengthsdownthecliffwhenhehearditagain,droningfaroff,gatheringvolume.Hehadtakenwhathejudgedwasnearlyaminuteforeverybody-lengthdownthisfar,eachfissureandoutcrophegrabbedontohardtofind,eachtoeholdhavingtobetested,settlingdown,restinghisweightonitlittlebylittle,breathingwithreliefwhenitstayedfirm.Oftenhehaddangledashehadatthetop,shoesflailingagainsttherockface,scrabblingforsupport.Hisholdshadbeensofarapartthatclimbingbackuptoavoidbeingseenbythehelicopterwouldbeasdifficultasclimbingdownhadbeen.Eventhen,hewouldprobablynotgetupbeforethehelicopterpassedoverhim,sotherewasnopointintrying,hemightjustaswellkeepclimbingdown,hopingthecopterwouldnotspothim.
Therocksbelowdistortedhuge,attractinghim,asthoughhewereleaningcloserandcloserintotheirimageinamagnifyingglass,andhetriedtopretendthiswasmerelylikeanexerciseatjumpschool.Itwasnotthough,merelylikeanexerciseatjumpschool.Itwasnotthough,andashelistenedtothedogs,thehelicopterdroningnear,hequickenedhisdescent,hangingtothelimitofhisreach,takinglesscaretotesthisfootholds,sweatdribblingitchydownhischeeks,accumulatingtremulouslyonhislipsandchin.Before,whenhehadheardthecopterasheranacrossthefieldofgrasstowardthecoverofthefallenpinetree,thesoundofitsapproachhadbeenlikeasolidforcethatwaspushinghim.Buthere,now,restricted,slowinspiteofhishaste,hefeltitsgrowingroarasaslipperythingthatwasinchingupfromthesmallofhisback,heavierthe
higheritcame.Whenthethingleecheduptothebaseofhisskull,heglancedovertowardtheskybehindhimandclungmotionlesstothewall,thehelicopterenlargingrapidlyoverthetrees,bearingtowardthiscliff.Hisoutsidewoolshirtwasredagainstthegrayofstone;heprayedthegunmanwouldsomehowfailtoseeit.
Butheknewthatthegunmanwouldhavetoseeit.
Hisfingersweredugbleedingintoaslitinthecliff.Thetoesofhisshoeswerepressedhardontoaninch-wideledge;histhroatshudderedinvoluntarilyasoneshoeslippedofftheledge.Theclosewhackofthebulletintothecliffbyhisrightshoulderdazedhim,andsostartledthathealmostlosthisgrip,shakinghisheadtoclearit,hebegangropingfranticallydown.
Hemanagedonlythreemoretoeholdsandthentherewerenomore.Ca-rang!thesecondbulletricochetedofftherock,strikinghigher,nearertohishead,startlinghimasmuchasthefirstone,andheknewhewasasgoodasdead.Thejiggleofthecopterwasallthathadsavedhimfrombeinghitsofar:itwasthrowingoffthegunman'saim,andthepilotwasbringingonthecopterfast,whichmadethejiggleworse,butitwouldnotbelongbeforethepilotunderstoodandheldthecoptersteady.Hisarmsandlegstremblingfromthestrain,hegraspeddownforahandholdandthenanotherandthenletdownhisfeet,takingachance,danglingagain,scrapingthecliffwithhisshoesforsomething,anything,tosteponto.
Buttherewasn'tanything.Hehungbyhisbleedingfingers,andthehelicopterswoopedtowardhimlikesomegrotesquedragonfly,andsweetJesus,keepthatdamnthingmoving,don'tletithangstillsohecangetadecentshot.Ca-rang!Chipsofstoneandmoltenbulletrippedburningintothesideofhisface.Hepeeredattherocksahundredfeetbelow.Sweatstinginghiseyes,hebarelymadeoutalushfirtreethatroseuptowardhim,itstopbranchesmaybetenfeetunderhim.Orfifteen,ortwenty:hehadnochancetofigure.
Thehelicopterloominghuge,windfromtherotorsrushingoverhim,heaimedhisbodyatthetopofthetreeandletloosehispulpyfingersanddropped.Hisstomachgushedup,histhroatexpandedinthesuddenemptiness,anditwassolong,soendlessbeforeheslammedpastthefirstbranches,plummettedthroughtheclutchingboughs,crackedtoastopagainstastoutlimb.
Absolutelynumb.
Hecouldnotbreathe.Hegasped,andpainfloodedhisbody;hischestthrobbedsharply,andhisback,andhewascertainhehadbeenshot.
Buthehadn't,andthedinofthecopterabovethetreeandtheslashofabulletthroughthebranchesgothimmoving.Hewashighinthetree.Hisriflewasstillbetweenhisbeltandhispantsbuttheimpactwhenhehithadrammeditviolentlyagainsthisside,half-paralyzinghim.Inagony,forcinghisarmtobend,heclutchedthegunandtugged,butitwouldnotcome.Above,thehelicopterwascircling,returningforanothershot,andhewastuggingatthegun,wrenchingitfree,thereleasesostrongthatthebranchhewasonstartedswaying.Heslippedoffbalance,scrapinghisthighalongsharpbark,desperatelyhookinghisarmaroundthebranchabovehim.Itmadeacrack;hequitbreathing.Ifitbroke,itwouldsendhimfallingoutwardpasttheendsoftheboughsdownontotherocksdeepbelow.Thebranchmadeonemorecrackbeforeitheldfirm,andhebreathedagain.
Butthesoundfromthecopterwasdifferentnow.Constant.Steady.Thepilotwasgettingtheidea,keepingitstill.Rambodidn'tknowiftheycouldseehiminthetreeornot,butthatdidn'tmattermuch-theareaatthetopofthetreewassosmallthatifthegunmansprayeditwithbulletshewassuretobehit.Hedidn'thavetimetoswitchtoastrongerbranch;thenextbulletmightfinishhim.Hurried,desperate,hepushedawayneedlesandlightboughsandsoughtwherethehelicopterhungtherewhippingintheair.
Acrossfromhim.Ahousedistancehigh.Andcraninghisheadouttheopencockpitwindowwasthegunman.Rambosawhisround,big-nosedfacequiteclearlyasthemanpreparedtofireoncemore;aglancewasallRamboneeded.Inonesmoothinstinctivemotion,heraisedhisgunbarreltothebranchabovehim,steadieditthere,andaimedoutalongitatthecenteroftheroundface,atthetipofthebignose.
Agentlesqueezeonthetrigger.Bull's-eye.
Insidethecockpitthegunmanclutchedhissunkenface.
Hewasdeadbeforehehadachancetoopenhismouthandscream.Therewasamomentwhenthepilotwentonholdingthehelicoptersteadylikenothinghad
happened,andthenatonceRambosawthroughtheglassfrontofthecockpithowitregisteredonthemanthattherewerebitsofboneandhairandbraineverywhere,thatthetopofhispartner'sheadwasgone.Rambosawhimgapedowninhorroratthebloodthatwasspatteredacrosshisshirtandpants.Theman'seyeswentwide;hismouthconvulsed.Thenextthinghewasfumblingwithhisseatbelt,clutchinghisthrottlestickcrazilyashedovetothecockpitfloor.
Rambowastryingtogetashotathimfromthetree.Hecouldnotseethepilot,buthehadafairideawherethemanwouldbehuddledonthefloor,andhewasjustaimingatthatpartofthefloorwhenthehelicopterveeredsharplyupthecliff.Itstopsectionclearedtheridgenicely,buttheangleofthecopterwassosteepthattherearsectioncaughtontheedgeofthecliff.Intheroarofthemotor,hethoughtheheardametalliccrackwhentherearsectionstruck:hecouldnotbecertain.Thecopterseemedinterminablysuspendedthere,andthenwithanabruptflipoverbackward,itplungeddowndirectlyagainstthecliffwall,screeching,cracking,bladesbendingandbreakingastheexplosioncame,adeafeningballoffireandzingofmetalthatflasheduppastthetreeanddied.Theouterbranchesofthetreeburstintoflame.Astenchroseupofgasolineandburningflesh.
Straight-offRambowasonthemove,scramblingdownthetree.Thebranchesweretoothick.Hehadtocirclethetrunktofindwherehecouldsqueezedown.Thedogswerebarkinglouder,fiercernow,asiftheywerepastthebarricadeupontotheridge.Thatbouldershouldhavetakenlongertoclearaway;hecouldn'tunderstandhowTeasleandthepossehadclimbedupsofast.Heheldtightlytohisrifle,scrapingdownpastthebranches,throughthepointedneedlesprickingathishandsandface.Hischestwasthrobbingfromhisdropintothetree-ithurtlikesomeribswerecrackedorbroken,buthecouldn'tletthatbotherhim.Thedogswereyelpingcloser;hehadtoclimbdownfaster,twisting,sliding.Hisoutsidewoolshirtcaughtonabranchandherippeditloose.Faster.Thosesonofabitchdogs.Hehadtogofaster.
Nearthebottomhereachedthickblacksmokethatchokedhislungs,andsawindistinctlythroughitthetwistedwreckofthehelicopterburningandcrackling.Twentyfeetfromthebottomhecouldnotclimbdownanyfarther:therewerenomorebranches.Hecouldn'tspreadhisarmsaroundthetrunkandshinnydown:itwastoowide.Jump.Nootherway.Thedogsyelpingupontop,hecheckedtherocksandbouldersunderneathhimandchoseaspotwheredirtandsiltanddry
brownneedlesweregatheredinapocketbetweentherocks,andwithoutrealizing,smiled-thissortofthingwaswhathehadbeentrainedtodo-theweeksofleapingfromtowersatparachuteschool.Holdinghisrifle,hegrabbedthelastboughwithhisfreehandandeaseddownhanginganddropped.Andstruckthegroundperfectly.Hiskneesbuckledjustrightandheslumpedandrolledjustrightandcametohisfeetasproperlyashehaddoneathousandtimesbefore.Itwasn'tuntilheleftthechokingsmokearoundtheshelterofthetreeandscurriedovertherocksthatthepaininhischestgotworse.Muchworse.Andthesmiledisappeared.Christ,I'mgoingtolose.
Hechargedovertherocksdownaslopetowardtheforest,legspounding,chestheavingpainfully.Therewasgrassahead,andthenhewasoutoftherocksandintothegrass,racingtowardthetrees,andthenheheardthedogsinsanelyloudontopbehindhim.Theyhadtobewherehetriedclimbingdownthecliff;thepossewouldbeshootingathimanytimenow.Outintheopenlikethis,hedidn'thaveachance,heneededtogettothetrees,dodging,duckinghishead,usingeverytrickheknewtomakehimselfanawkwardtarget,tensinghimselftotakethefirstbulletthatwouldblowhisbackandchestapartasheburstthroughthebushesandscrubintothewoods,pushingfartheron,stumblingovervinesandrootsuntilhetrippedandfellandstayedflat,gaspingonthedamp,sweet-smellingforestfloor.
Theyhadn'tshot.Hecouldn'tunderstandit.Helaytheregasping,fillinghislungstocapacityandexhalingandbreathingdeeplyagain,ignoringthepaininhischesteachtimeheswelledit.Whyhadn'ttheyshot?Andthenheknew:becausetheyhadneverbeenontopofthecliffinthefirstplace.Theywerestillgettingthere.Theyhadonlysoundedliketheywereontop.Hisstomachretched,butthistimenothingcameup,andhefloppedontohisback,staringpasttheautumn-coloredleavestowardthedeepsky.Whatwasthematterwithhim?Hehadnevermisjudgedlikethatbefore.
Mexico.Theimageofawarm,wave-lappedbeachflashedinsidehismind.Getmoving.Havetostartmoving.Hestruggledtohisfeetandwasjusttrudgingfartherintotheforestwhenheheardmenshoutingbehindhim,dogsbarking,andthepossewasundoubtedlyontopofthecliffnow.Hestoppedandlistened,andstillgaspingforbreath,heturnedbackthewayhehadcome.
Nottheexactsamepath.Thegrassintotheforesthadbeenlong,andheknewhehadleftatrackthroughitthatwouldbequiteplainfromontopofthecliff;the
possewouldbestudyingthatpartoftheforestwherehehadentered,andashecameback,hemightmakesomesignthatwouldshowthemwherehewas.Soheheadedtotheleftapproachingapartoftheforest'sedgewheretheywouldhavenoreasontoexpecthim.Whenthetreesbegantothinout,hesanklowandcrawledtotheedge,andcrouchingbehindsomebrushhesawsomethingbeautiful:ahundredyardsoff,clearascouldbeontopofthecliff,werethemenandthedogs.Theywereallrunningtowardwherehehadclimbeddown,thedogsbarking,onemanbehindthedogshangingontoamasterleash,therestofthemenrushingupbehind,allstoppingnowandstaringdownatthesmokeandfireofthehelicopter.TheyweretheclosestRambohadseenthemsincethehuntbegan,thesunstarkonthem,makingthemseemveryclose,strangelymagnified.Sixdogs,hecounted,andtenmen,nineinthegraypoliceuniformofTeasle'smenandoneinagreenjacketandpants,thatoneholdingthedogs'masterleash.Thedogsweresniffingatwherehehadclimbedovertheedge,circlingtocheckifthescentwentanywhereelse,returningtotheedgeandbarkinginfrustration.Themaningreenwasolderthantherestandtaller;hewassoothingthedogs,pattingthem,talkingtothemgentlyinwordsthatcameacrosstohimmuffled.Someofthepolicemenweresitting,othersstandingtolookdownattheblazinghelicopterorelsepointtowardtheforestwherehehadentered.
Buthewasn'tinterestedinthose,onlyintheonepacingbackandforthslappinghishandagainsthisthigh.Teasle.Therewasnomissingthatshortchunkofabody,thatpuffed-outchest,thatlowheadthatdartedsidetosidelikeafightingrooster.Sure.Likeacock.That'swhatyouare,Teasle.Acock.
Thejokemadehimsmile.Itwasshadowedwherehelayunderthebush,andrestingwasluxurious.HelinedupTeasleinhisriflesightsjustasTeaslespoketothemaningreen.Wouldn'tTeaslebesurprisedtofindthatinthemiddleofawordabullethadgoneinandoutofhisthroat.Whatajokethatwouldbe.Hebecamesofascinatedhealmostpulledthetrigger.
Itwouldhavebeenamistake.Hewantedtokillhimallright;afterhisscarebeingcaughtbetweenthehelicopterandtheposse,hedidn'tcarewhathehadtodotogetaway,andnowthathethoughtaboutthetwomenhehadkilledinthehelicopter,herealizedhewasn'tbotheredashehadbeenafterhehadkilledGalt.Hewasgettingusedtodeathagain.
Buttherewasaquestionofpriorities.Thecliffwouldn'tstopTeasle;itwould
justputhimbehindanhourorso.AndkillingTeaslewouldn'tnecessarilystoptheposse;theywouldstillhavethehoundstokeepthemtrackingfast.Thehounds.Theyweren'tviciousliketheGermanShepherdshehadseeninthewar,butjustthesametheywerenaturalhunters,andiftheyevercaughthim,theymightevenattackinsteadofmerelycorneringhimashoundswereschooledtodo.Sohehadtoshootthemfirst.AfterthathewouldshootTeasle.Orthemaningreen,ifheshowedbeforeTeasle.Thewaythemanhandledthedogs,Rambowassureheknewalotabouttracking,andwithbothhimandTeasledead,theotherslikelywouldn'tknowwhattodo,they'dhavetodriftbackhome.
Forsuretheydidn'tseemtoknowmuchaboutthiskindoffighting.Theywerestandingorsittinginplainviewupthere,andhesniffedindisgust.Evidentlytheyhadnotevenconsideredthathemightstillbearound.Themaningreenwashavingtroublegettingthedogsquiet;theywerebunchedtogether,tangled,ineachother'sway.Themanseparatedthemasterleashandhandedoverthreedogstoadeputy.Rambolaybeneaththecoolunderbrushandaimedatthethreethatthemaningreenhadkeptandshottwoofthemjustlikethat.Hewouldhavehitthethirddogwithhisnextshotifthemaningreenhadnotyankeditbackfromtheedge.Thepolicemenwereshouting,jumpinglowoutofsight.Theothersetofdogswasactingwild,howling,strainingtogetawayfromthedeputywhoheldthem.Ramboquicklyshotone.Anothershiedandslippedoffthecliff,andthedeputyholdingtheleashtriedtopullitbackinsteadoflettinggo,losthisbalanceanddraggingthelastofhisdogswithhim,hewentoverthesidetoo.Hewailedoncejustbeforehethumpedontherocksfarbelow.
8
Therewasaninstantwhentheylayflatparalyzed,thesunglaringonthem,nowind,nothing.Theinstantstretchedonandon.TheninascrambleShingletonaimeddownattheforest,shootingalongitsedge.Hehadfourshotsoffwhenanothermanjoinedhim,andthenanother,andthenexceptforTeasleandOrval,everyonewaslayingdownaheavylineoffire,thegunreportsrattlingofftogether,asifabandoleerofammunitionhadbeenthrownintoafurnaceandtheheatedcartridgeswereexplodinginasteadyroll.
'That'senough,'Teasleordered.
Butnobodyobeyed.Theywerespreadflatalongtheridge,behindrocksandmoundsofearth,shootingasfastastheirrifleswouldallow.Crack,crack,crack,
theirtriggerhandsinconstantmotion,ejectingoldshells,chamberingfreshones,notreallyaimingastheyyankedofftheirbullets,therecoilsjoltingthem.Crack,crack,crack.AndTeaslewassprawledinafurrowofrock,shouting,'That'senoughItoldyou!StopIsaid!'
Buttheykeptrighton,strafingthelineoftreesandscrub,hominginwhereanother'sbullethadchurnedtheleavesandmadeitseemthatsomeonewastheremoving.
Afewwerereloadingandstartingagain.Mosthadalreadydoneso.Riflesofdifferentmake:Winchester,Springfield,Remington,Martin,Savage.Differentcalibers:.270,.300,.30-06,.30-30.Boltsandleversanddifferent-sizedmagazinesholdingsixroundsorsevenornine,emptycartridgesstrewnaroundandmorecomingallthetime.Orvalwasholdingsteadyhisonelastdog,shouting'Stopit!'AndTeaslewasrisingfromthefurrow,crouchingasiftopounce,theveinsinhisneckbulgingasheyelled,'Dammit,stopIsaid!Thenextmanpullsatriggerlosestwodays'pay!'
Thatstruckthem.Somehadnotyetreloadedthesecondtime.Therestsomehowcheckedthemselves,tense,riflesattheirshoulders,fingerspoisedovertriggers,eagertoresume.Thenacloudshutoutthesunandtheywereallright.Theysuckedinairandswallowedandloweredtheirriflessluggishly.
Abreezecameup,gentlybrushingthedryleavesintheforestupbehindthem.'Christ,'Shingletonsaid.Hischeekswerepaleandtautliketheskinonadrum.
Wardrelaxedoffhiselbowsontohisstomachandlickedatthecornersofhismouth.'Christisright,'hesaid.
'Neversoscared,'somebodywasmumblingoverandover.Teaslelookedanditwastheyoungdeputy.
'What'sthatsmell?'Lestersaid.
'Neversoscared.'
'Him.It'scomingfromhim.'
'Mypants.I-'
'Leavehimalone,'Teaslesaid.
Thecloudthathadshutoutthesunpassedsmoothlyon,andthebrightglareretouchedhim,andglancingoveratwherethesunwaslowinthevalley,Teaslewatchedanothercloudapproaching,abiggerone,andbehindit,notfaroff,theskywasrumpledwiththem,blackandpuffy.Heunstuckhissweatyshirtfromhischestandthenleavingitalonebecauseitstuckrightbacktohisskin,hehopeditmightrain.Atleastthatwouldcoolthingsoff.
NexttohimheheardLestertalkingabouttheyoungdeputy:'Iknowhecan'thelpit,butChristwhatasmell.'
'Neversoscared.'
'Leavehimalone,'Teaslesaid,lookingattheclouds.
'Anybetswehitthatkidjustnow?'Mitchsaid.
'Anybodyhurt?EverybodyO.K.?'Wardsaid.
'Yeahsure,'Lestersaid.'Everybody'sfine.'
Teaslelookedsharplyathim.'Guessagain.There'sonlynineofus.Jeremywentovertheside.'
'Andthreeofmydogswentoverwithhim.Andtwoothersareshot,'Orvalsaid.Hisvoicewasallinonetone,likefromamachine,andthestrangenessofitmadeeverybodyturntohim.'Five.Fiveofthemgone.'Hisfacewasthegrayofpowderedcement.
'Orval.I'msorry,'Teaslesaid.
'Youdamnwellshouldbe.Thiswasyourdamnfoolishideainthefirstplace.Youjustcouldn'twaitandletthestatepolicetakeover.'
Thelastdogwastremblingonitshaunches,whining.
'Therenow.Therenow,'Orvaltoldit,gentlystrokingitsbackashesquinted
throughhisglassesatthetwodeaddogsalongtheedgeofthecliff.'We'llgeteven,don'tyouworry.Ifhe'sstillalivedownthere,we'llgeteven.'HeshiftedhissquinttowardTeasle,andhisvoicewentlouder.'Youjustcouldn'twaitforthegoddamnstatepolicetotakeover,couldyou?'
ThemenlookedatTeasleforananswer.Hemovedhismouth,butnowordscameout.
'What'sthat?'Orvalsaid.'Jesus,ifyou'vegotsomethingtosay,thensayitclearlikeaman.'
'Isaidnobodyforcedyoutocome.You'vehadahellofagoodtimeshowinguswhatatougholdshityouare,runningaheadofeverybody,quickclimbingupthatbreakintheclifftomovetheboulderandprovehowsmartyouare.It'syourownfaultthedogswerehit.Youknowsomuch,youshouldhavekeptthembackfromtheedge.'
Orvalshookwithanger,andTeaslewishedhehadnotsaidthat.Hestareddownattheground.ItwasnotrightofhimtomockOrval'sneedtooutdoeveryone.HehadbeengratefulenoughwhenOrvalrealizedhowtofreetheboulder,climbinguptotieoneendofaropearoundit,tellingtheotherstohaulontheotherendoftheropewhileheusedathickboughtoleverattheboulder.Ithadcomehurtlingoverthetopinarumbleandcrashandsplinteringofrockthattheyhadalljustmanagedtostumblebackfrom.'Allright,listen,Orval,'hesaid,calmnow.'I'msorry.Theywerefinedogs.Believeme,I'msorry.'
Therewasasuddenmovementnexttohim.Shingletonwassightinghisrifle,firingdownataclumpofbrush.
'Shingleton,Itoldyoutostop!'
'Isawsomethingmove.'
'Twodays'paythatcostyou,Shingleton.Yourwife'sgoingtobemadlikehell.'
'ButIsawsomethingmoveItellyou.'
'Don'ttellmewhatyouthinkyousaw.You'reshootingexcitedlikeyouwantedtobackatthestationwhenthekidbrokeout.Justlisten.Thatgoesforallofyou.
Listen.Youhitnowhereclosetothatkid.Thetimeyoutookreturninghisfire,hecouldhavecrappedandburieditandstillgotaway.'
'Comeon,Will,twodays'pay?'Shingletonsaid.'Youcan'tmeanthat.'
'I'mnotfinished.Allofyou,lookatalltheshellsyouwasted.Halfyourammunition'sgone.'
Theyscannedtheemptycartridgeslyingallaroundtheminthedirt,lookingsurprisedathowmanytherewere.
'What'llyoudowhenyourunintohimagain?Useuptherestofyourshellsandthenthrowrocksathim?'
'Thestatepolicecanflyusmore,'Lestersaid.
'Andwon'tyoufeelgreatwhentheycomeinhere,laughingathowyouwastedallyourshells.'
Hepointedoncemoreattheemptycartridges,andforthefirsttimehenoticedthatonegroupofshellswasverydifferentfromtherest.Themenhadtolowertheireyesinembarrassmentashescoopeduptheshells.'Thesearen'tevenfired.Oneofyoudummiespumpedoutallhisbulletswithoutevenpullingthetrigger.'
Itwasobvioustohimwhathadhappened.Buckfever.Thefirstdayofhuntingseasonamancouldgetsoexcitedwhenhesawhistargetthathestupidlypumpedoutallhisshellswithoutfirstpullingthetrigger,completelymystifiedwhyhewasn'thittingwhathewasaimingat.Teaslecouldn'tletitpass,hehadtomakeanissueofit.'Comeon,whodidit?Who'sthebaby?Givemeyourgun,I'llgiveyouonethatshootscaps.'
Thenumberonthecartridgeswas.300.HewasabouttocheckwhoseriflewasthatcaliberwhenhesawOrvalpointtowardtheedgeofthecliff-andthenheheardthewhimper.Notallthedogsthekidhadshotweredead.Onehadbeenshockedunconsciousbytheforceofthebullet,wasnowcomingto,kicking,whimpering.
'Gutshot,'Orvalsaiddisgustedly.HespatandstrokedthedoghehadbeenholdingandgaveitsleashtoLesternexttohim.'Hangontight,'hesaid.'You
seehowshe'squivering.Shesmellsthatotherdog'sblood,andshe'sliabletogocrazy.'Hespatagainandstood,dustandsweatmixedonthegreenofhisclothes.
'Waitnow,'Lestersaid.'Youmeanthisonemightgetvicious?'
'Maybe.Idoubtit.Mostlikelyshe'lltrytobreakfreeandrunoff.Justholdtight.'
'Idon'tlikethisonebit.'
'Nobodyaskedyoutolikeit.'
HeleftLesterholdingtheleashandwalkedovertothewoundeddog.Itwasonitsside,kickingitslegs,tryingtorolloverandstand,alwayssinkingbackonitsside,whiningmiserably.
'Sure,'Orvalsaid.'Gutshot.Thatbastardgutshother.'
Hewipedhissleeveacrosshismouthandsquintedoveratthedogthatwasuntouched.ItwastuggingonitsleashtogetawayfromLester.
'Mindyouhangontighttothatone,'Orvaltoldhim.'Ihavesomethingtodothat'llmakeherjump.'
Hebentdowntoinspectthewoundinthedog'sstomach,cameupshakinghisheaddisgustedlyattheglisteningrollsofintestine,andwithoutapauseheshotthedogbehindtheear.'AGoddamnterribleshame,'hemuttered,watchingthebodycontortspasticallyandthensettle.Hisfacehadchangedfromgraytored,wrinkledworsethanever.'Sowhat'stowaitfor?'hesaidquietlytoTeasle.'Let'sgobutcherthatkid.'
Hetookonestepawayfromthedogandstaggeredviolentlyoffbalance,droppinghisrifle,clutchingqueerlyathisspine,thereportfromtheguninthewoodsbelowechoingashewhippedforwardandhitthegroundhardwithhisfaceandchest.Theshockoflandingsplithisglassesapartonhisnose.Andthistimenobodyreturnedfire.'Down!'Teaslewasshouting.'Everybodydown!'Theydoveflatontheground.ThelastdogbrokefreefromLesterandboundedovertowhereOrvallay,anditflippedaroundshottoo.Andpressedlowinthefurrow,fistsclenched,Teaslewasvowingtotrackthekidforever,grabhim,
mutilatehim.Hewouldneverletup.NomorebecauseofGalt,becausehecouldnotletsomebodywhohadkilledoneofhismengetaway.Personalnow.Forhimself.Father,fosterfather.Bothshot.Theinsaneangerofwhenhisrealfatherhadbeenkilled,wantingtostranglethekiduntilhisthroatwascrushed,hiseyespopping.Youbastard.Youfuckingsonofabitch.Itwasonlyashewentthroughinhismindhowtoclimboffthiscliffandgethishandsonthekidthathesuddenlyunderstoodhowbigamistakehehadmade.Hehadnotbeenchasingthekid.Itwastheotherwayaround.Hehadbeenlettingthekidleadthemintoanambush.
AndJesuswhatanambush.Withthenearesttownthirtymilesoverhardcountry,withthehelicoptercrashedandthedogsdead,thekidcouldpickeverybodyoffwheneverhefeltlikeit.Becausethelanddidn'tgostraightbackbehindthem.Becauseeightfeetbackfromtheedgeofthecliffthelandslopedup.Topullbacktheywouldhavetorunuphillinopensightwhilethekidblastedawayatthemfromthewoodsbelow,andwhereinhelldidhegethisrifleandhowinhelldidheknowenoughtoworkanambushlikethis.
Thatmoment,wherethecloudswereloomingblackinthesky,itthunderedloud.
9
Orval.Teaslecouldn'tstoplookingathim.Theoldmanwasspreadoutquietlyonhisfacebytheedgeofthecliff,andTeaslecouldhardlybreathe.Becauseofme.Justthisonceinhislifehegotcareless,andIdidn'twarnhimtostaydown.Hebegancrawlingtowardhim,tocradlehim.
'Thekid'llswingaround,'Lestersaidhoarsely.
Toohoarsely,Teaslethought.Reluctantheturned,worriedabouthismen.Theywereonlysevennow,tight-faced,fingeringtheirrifles,lookingnexttouseless.AllexceptShingleton.
'I'mtellingyouthekidwillswingaround,'Lestersaid.Thekneewasrippedoutofhispants.'He'llswinguptherebehindus.'
Themenjerkedtostareuptherisebehindthemasiftheyexpectedthekidtobetherealready.
'He'sgoingtocomeallright,'theyoungdeputysaid.Therewasabrownliquidstainseepingthroughtheseatofhisgraypants,andthemenhadshiftedawayfromhim.'DearGod,Iwantoutofhere.Getmeoutofhere.'
'Goonthen,'Teaslesaid.'Runuptheslope.Seehowfaryougetbeforeheshootsyou.'
Thedeputyswallowed.
'Whatareyouwaitingfor?'Teaslesaid.'Goon.Runuptheslope.'
'No,'thedeputysaid.'Iwon't.'
'Thenstopit.'
'Butwehavetogetupthere,'Lestersaid.'Beforehebeatsustoit.Ifwewaittoolong,he'llmakeitupthereandwe'llnevergetoffthisledge.'
Thedarkcloudshulkingcloserlitupwithlightning.Itthunderedagain,longandloud.
'What'sthat?Iheardsomething,'Lestersaid.Hiskneewasscrapedredwhereitshowedthroughtheripinhispants.
'Thethunder,'Shingletonsaid.'It'splayingtricks.'
'No.Iheardittoo,'Mitchsaid.
'Listen.'
'Thekid.'
Itwaslikeweakvomiting,likeamanchoking.Orval.Hewasstartingtomove,hunchedup,kneesandheadkeepinghisstomachoffthegroundwhileheclutchedhischest,holdinghimselftogether.Helookedlikeacaterpillarraisingitsbackfortractiontoinchforward.Buthewasn'tgoinganywhere.Backarchedhigh,hestiffenedandcollapsed.Therewasblooddrippingfromhisarmsandhewasdrooling,coughingblood.
Teaslewasstoppedindisbelief.HehadbeensureOrvalwasdead.'Orval,'hesaid.Andthenhewashurryingbeforeheknewit.'Staydown,'hehadtoremindhimself,pressinglowtotherocks,tryingnottomakehimselfthetargetOrvalhad.ButOrvalwastooclosetotheedge,Teaslewassurehewouldbeseenfromthewoodsbelow.HetookholdofOrval'sshoulderandstruggledtodraghimbacktothefurrow.ButOrvalwastooheavy,itwastakingtoolong,anysecondthekidmightshoot.HetuggedatOrvalandpulledanddragged,andslowlyOrvalmoved.Butnotquickenough.Thestonesweretoojagged.Orval'sclotheswerecatchingonthesharprocksneartheedgeofthecliff.
'Helpme,'Teasleshoutedtothemenbehindhim.
Orvalcoughedmoreblood.
'Somebodyhelpme!Givemeahand!'
Andtheninarushsomebodywasbesidehim,helpinghim,bothdraggingOrvalbackfromtheedge,andallatoncetheyweresafe.Teasleletouthisbreathinagasp.Hewipedsweatfromhiseyesanddidn'tneedtolooktoseewho'dhelpedhim:Shingleton.
AndShingletonwasgrinning,laughing,notloud,nothilarious,butlaughingjustthesame.Itwasmostlyallinsidehim.Hischestwasheavingandhewaslaughing.'Wemadeit.Hedidn'tshoot,wemadeit.'
Andsureitwasfunny,andTeaslestartedlaughingtoo.ThenOrvalcoughedmorebloodandTeaslesawthepainonOrval'sfaceandnothingseemedfunnyafterthat.
HereachedtounbuttonOrval'sbloodyshirt.
'Takeiteasy,Orval.We'llhavealookandfixyouup.'
Hetriedtoopentheshirtgentlybutthebloodhadstucktheclothtotheflesh,andfinallyhehadtotugattheshirttofreeitandOrvalgroaned.
ThewoundwasnotsomethingTeaslewantedtolookatverylong.Therewasarankgascomingouttheopenchest.
'How.bad?'Orvalsaid,wincing.
'Don'tyouworryaboutit,'Teaslesaid.'We'llfixyouup.'Hewasunbuttoninghisownshirtashespoke,slippingitoffhisshoulders.
'Iaskedyou.howbad.'Eachwordwasadistinctpainedwhisper.
'You'veseenenoughthingswounded,Orval.YouknowhowbaditisasmuchasIdo.'Hewasrollinghissweatyshirtintoaball,settingitontheholeinOrval'schest.Immediatelytheshirtwassoakingblood.
'Iwanttohearyoutellme.Iaskedyou-'
'Allright,Orval,saveyourstrength.Don'ttalk.'HishandswerestickywithbloodashebuttonedOrval'sshirtoverthebundlehehadputonthewound.'Iwon'tlietoyouandIknowyoudon'twantmetolie.There'salotofbloodandhardtoseeforsurebutit'smyguesshehitalung.'
'OhmyJesus.'
'NowIwantyoutostoptalkingandsaveyourstrength.'
'Please.Youcan'tleaveme.Don'tleaveme.'
'That'sthelastthingyouhavetoworryabout.We'retakingyouback,andwe'regoingtodoeverythingwecanforyou.Butyouhavetodosomethingformetoo.Youhear?Youhavetoconcentrateonholdingyourchest.IhavemyshirtinsideyoursandIwantyoutoholditclosetowhereyou'rehit.Wehavetostopthebleeding.Canyouhearme?Doyouunderstand?'
Orvallickedhislipsandnoddedweakly,andTeasle'smouthtastedfullofdrydust.Therewasn'tahopethatarolled-upshirtwouldstopthebleedingfromawoundthatsize.Hismouthstayeddustyandhefeltstreaksofsweattrickledownhisbareback.Thesunwaslonggonebehindtheclouds,buttheheatwascontinuingtopressonhim,andhethoughtofwater,realizinghowthirstyOrvalmustbe.
Heknewheshouldn'tgivehimany.HeknewthatfromKorea.Amanshotinthe
chestorstomachwouldvomitwaterhedrank,andthewoundwouldriplarger,andthepainwouldgetworse.ButOrvalwaslickingathislips,lickingathislips,andTeaslecouldn'tbeartowatchhispain.I'llgivehimalittle.Alittlewon'thurt.
TherewasacanteensnappedtoOrval'sbelt.Heworkeditloose,thecanvascoverrough,andunscrewedthecap,pouringa.littleintoOrval'smouth.Orvalcoughed,andthewaterbubbledoutmixedwithblood.
'DearGod,'Teaslesaid.Foramomenthismindwasblank:hedidn'tknowwhattodonext.Thenhethoughtoftheradioandswungovertoit.'Teaslecallingstatepolice.Statepolice.Emergency.'Heraisedhisvoice.'Emergency.'
Theradiocrackledwithstaticfromtheclouds.
'Teaslecallingstatepolice.Emergency!'
Hehadbeendeterminednottoradioforhelpnomatterwhathappened.Evenwhenhesawthecrashedandburninghelicopter,hehadnotcalled.ButOrval.Orvalwasgoingtodie.
'Statepolicecomein.'
Theradioshriekedwithlightning,andintheebbavoicecamethrough,indistinctandraspy.'State.here.ble.'
Teaslecouldn'twastetimeaskinghimtosayitagain.'Ican'thearyou,'hesaidhurriedly.'Ourhelicopterhascrashed.Ihaveawoundedmanhere.Ineedanotherhelicopterforhim.'
'.done.'
'Ican'thearyou.Ineedanotherhelicopter.'
'.impossible.Anelectricstormmovingin.Every.grounded.'
'Butdammithe'sgoingtodie!'
Thevoiceansweredsomething,butTeaslecouldn'tmakeitout,andthenthe
voicedissolvedinstaticandwhenitcamebackitwasinthemiddleofasentence.
'Ican'thearyou!'Teasleshouted.
'.surepicked.guytotryandhunt.GreenBeret.MedalofHonor.'
'What?Saythatagain.'
'GreenBeret?'Lestersaid.
Thevoicewasstartingtorepeat,brokeup,nevercamebackagain.Itstartedtorain,lightdropsspecklingthedustanddirt,spottingTeasle'spantsandsoakingin,peltingcoolonhisbareback.Theblackcloudsshadowedover.Lightningcrackledandlituptheclifflikeaspotlight,andasfastasthespotlightcameon,itwentoffandtheshadowsreturned,bringingwiththemshockwavesofexplodingthunder.
'MedalofHonor?'LestersaidtoTeasle.'Isthatwhatyoubroughtusafter?Awarhero?AfuckingGreenBeret?'
'Hedidn'tshoot!'Mitchsaid.
Teaslelookedsharplyathim,afraidhewasoutofcontrol.ButMitchwasn't.Hewasexcited,tryingtotellthemsomething,andTeasleknewwhatitwas:hehadalreadythoughtofitanddecideditwasnogood.
'WhenyoudraggedOrvalback,'Mitchwassaying,'hedidn'tshoot.Heisn'tdownthereanymore.He'sswingingaroundbehindusandnow'sourchancetomove!'
'No,'Teasletoldhim,rainpeltinghisface.
'Butwe'vegotachanceto.'
'No.Hemightbeswingingaround,butwhatifheisn't.Whatifhedoesn'twantjustonetarget,andhe'swaitingdownthereforthewholelotofustogetcarelessandshowourselves.'
Theirfaceswentashen.Thecloudsunloadedandtheraincamedownforreal.
10
Itcameanditcame.Lashingatthemsolidly.Teaslehadneverbeeninanythinglikeit.Thewindwaswhippingtherainathiseyes,drivingitintohismouth.
'Storm,myass.It'sagoddamncloudburst.'
Hewaslyinginthewater.Hedidn'tthinkitcouldgetworse,andthentherainincreased,andhewasalmostburiedinthewater.Lightningcrackedbrightlikethesun,darknessinstantlywaseverywhere,darknessthatgotblackerandblackeruntilitwaslikenight,onlythetimewaslateafternoon,andrainlashingblindathiseyes,Teaslecouldn'tevenseetotheedgeofthecliff.Thundershookhim.'Whatisthis?'
Heshieldedhiseyes.Orvalwaslyingfaceup,mouthopenintherain.He'lldrown,Teaslethought.Hismouth'llfillupwithwaterandhe'llbreatheitinanddrown.
Hesquintedathismenstretchedoutinthewaterontheledge,andrealizedthatOrvalwasn'ttheonlyonewhomightdrown.Wheretheyalllaywasnowthebedofaragingstream.Therewasswiftwaterrushingdowntherisebehindthem,surgingoverthem,sweepingtowardtheedgeofthecliff,andthoughhecouldn'tseetheledge,heknewwhatitlookedlike.Itwasthetopofawaterfall:ifthestormgotanyworse,they'dallbewashedovertheside.
AndOrvalwouldbethefirsttogo.
HegrabbedOrval'slegs.'Shingleton!Helpme!'hecalled,raindrivingintohismouth.
Throughhiswordsitthunderedloud.
'Grabhisarms,Shingleton!We'reclearingout!'Thetemperaturehadgonedownrapidly.Therainwasnowshockingcoldonhisbarebackasherememberedstoriesaboutmencaughtinflashfloodsinthemountains,aboutmenwasheddowndrawsandthrownovercliffsandcrushedandbrokenontherocksbelow.'Wehavetoclearout!'
'Butthekid!'somebodyyelled.
'Hecan'tseeusnow!Hecan'tseeanything!'
'Butthekidmightbewaitingforusupthere!'
'Wedon'thavetimetoworryabouthim!Wehavetogetoffthisledgebeforethestormgetsworse!It'llsweepusover!'
Lightningflashedbrilliantly.Heshookhisheadatwhathesaw.Themen.Theirfaces.Inthelightningandrain,theirfaceschangedtowhiteskulls.Assuddenlyastheycame,theskullsweregone,andhewasblinkingindarknessandthethunderhithimlikeastringofmortarexplosions.
'I'mhere!'Shingletonyelled,grabbingOrval'sarms.'I'vegothim.Let'sgo!'
Theyheavedhimoutofthewater,bearingtowardtherise.Theraindoubled,heavier,faster.Itwasstreakingatthemalmostsideways,drenchingthem,pouringofftheminaconstantrush.Teasleslipped.HefellhardonhisshoulderanddroppedOrvalintotheswirlingcurrent.HestruggledsplashingtograbOrval,tokeepOrval'sheadabovewater,thenslippedagainsohisownheadwentunderwaterandhebreathed.
Hebreathed.Thewaterhesuckeduphisnosechokedhisnasalpassagesandspewedoutthetwosmallholesatthebackoftheroofofhismouth,wrenchingthemwide.Hewaswild,frantic,coughing,nowupoutofthewater.Somebodyhadhim.Shingletonwaspullinghim.
'No!Orval!GrabOrval!'
Theycouldn'tfindhim.
'He'llgoovertheside!'
'Here!'somebodyyelled.Teasleblinkedrainoutofhiseyes,tryingtoseewhoitwasyelling.'Orval!I'vegothim!'
ThewaterrosetoTeasle'sknees.Hewaded,legschurningtowherethemanheld
Orval'sheadoutofthewater.'Thecurrenthadhim!'themansaid.ItwasWard,andhewastuggingatOrval,workingtodraghimtowardtherise.'Hewasdriftingtowardthecliff!Hebumpedmegoingpast!'
ThenShingletonwasthere,andtheyallliftedOrvalfromthewaterandstaggeredwithhimtowardtheslope.Whentheyreachedit,Teasleunderstoodwhythewaterwasrisingsofast.Therewasatroughinthehillside,andthestreamsontopweredrainingintoit,floodingdownuponthem.
'Wehavetomovefartheralong!'Teaslesaid.'Wehavetofindaneasierwayup!'
Thewindshiftedandtherainlancedattheirfacesfromtheleft.Asone,theystumbledtowardtheright,thewindhelpingthemalong.Butwhereweretherestofthemen,
Teaslewantedtoknow.Weretheyalreadyclimbingtheslope?Weretheystillontheledge?Whyinhellweren'ttheypitchingintomoveOrval?
Thewaterroseabovehisknees.HehoistedOrvalhigherandtheystaggeredon,andthenthewindshiftedagain:itwasnolongerpushingthemthewaytheywantedtogo,itwasshovingthembackthewaytheyhadcome,andtheywerestrainingintothefullforceofthewindandtherain.ShingletonhadhisarmsaroundOrval'sshoulders,Teaslehadthelegs,Wardwascradlingthebackandtheyslippedandstumbledthroughtherainuntiltheycameatlasttowheretheriseseemedeasiest.Therewasafloodgushingdownthispartoftheslopetoo,butnotasstrongasbackatthetrough,andtherewerebigrocksjuttingupforhandholds.Ifonlyhecouldseetothetop,Teaslethought.Ifonlyhecouldbesuretherockswerelikethatrightuptothetop.
Theystartedclimbing.Shingletonwasfirst;hewentupbackward,stoopingtoholdOrvalupbytheshoulders.Hewedgedafootbehindarockandbackedupontoit,andthensquintedtoseeanotherrockbehindhimandwedgedafootbehindthatoneandbackedupontoitaswell.TeasleandWardfollowed,bentovertakingmostofOrval'sweight,lettingShingletonworryaboutwheretoputhisfeetsohecouldbackuphigher.Thestreamrushedharderdowntheslope,swashingagainsttheirlegs.
Butwhereweretheothers,Teaslewantedtoknow.WhyinChristweren'ttheyhelping?Therainwasbitingcoldonhisback.HewasliftingOrvalblindly,and
hefeltShingletonahead,backinguptheslope,pullingOrvalwithhim,andTeasle'sarmswereachingintheirsockets,musclestwistingwithOrval'sweight.Itwastakingtoolong.Theywouldn'tbeabletokeepcarryinghimmuchlongerheknew.Theyhadtogettothetop.AndthenWardslippedandfellandTeaslealmostlosthisgriponOrval.TheytumbledflatontheslopeandsliddownafewfeetsuckedbythecurrentastheyallscrambledtohangontoOrval.
Theyhadhim.Theystartedworkingfartheruptheslope.
Andthatwasasfarastheygotwithhim.ShingletonallatonceyelledandcamefallingpastOrval,slammingintoTeasle'schest.Theyreeledbackward,falling,andTeaslelostholdofOrval,andthenextthingheknewhewasflatonhisbackatthebottomoftheslope,waterswellingoverhim,rockstumblingpainfullyagainsthim.
'Icouldn'thelpit!'Shingletoncried.'Therockslippedoutfromunderme!'
'Orval!Thecurrent'sgothim!'
Teaslesplashedtowardthecliffedge.Hewipedhisarmacrosshiseyes,blinkingtoseeintherain.Hecouldn'tlethimselfgotooneartheedge-thecurrentwastoostrongthere.ButGod,hehadtostopOrval.
Heslowed,gropingcloser,wipinghiseyes.Lightningflashed.Andthere,distinct,bright,wasOrval'sbodyflippingovertheside.Thenitwasblackagain,andTeasle'sstomachheaved.Hottearsmixedwiththecoldrainonhisface,andhescreameduntilhisthroatseizedshut,'Goddamnthosebastards,I'llkillthemfornothelping!'
Shingletonloomedbesidehim.'Orval!Canyouseehim?'
Teasleshoulderedpast.Hemadeittotherise.'I'llkillthem!'
Hegrabbedforarockanddrewhimselfupandthrustafootagainstarockandshovedhimselfupandclawedanddugforhandholdsthroughthewatersuckingpasthim.Allatoncehereachedthetop,boltingintotheforest.Thedinuptherewasdeafening.Windwasbendingtrees,andrainwasshriekingthroughbranchesandclosebylightningcrackedbrightthroughatrunkwiththesharpsoundofanaxsplittingasolidpieceoftimber.
Thetreecrasheddowninfrontofhim.Hevaultedoverit.
'Chief!'somebodycalled.'Overhere,Chief!'
Hecouldn'tseetheface.Heonlysawthebodyhuddledbyatree.
'Overhere,Chief!'Themanwaswavinghisarminwidegestures.Teaslechargedovertohim,grabbinghisshirtfront.ItwasMitch.
'Whatareyoudoing?'Mitchsaid.'What'sthematterwithyou?'
'Hewentovertheside!'Teaslesaid.Drawingbackhisfist,hepunchedMitchhardintheteeth,joltinghimagainstatreeandintothemud.
'Christ,'Mitchsaid.Heshookhishead,shookitagain.Hemoanedandheldhisbloodymouth.'Christ,what'sthematterwithyou?'hewascrying.'Lesterandtheothersran!Istayedbehindtostickwithyou!'
11
Teaslemusthavemadeitintotheforestbynow.Rambowascertainofit.Thestormhadbeengoingontoolongandheavy-Teasleandhismencouldnothaveheldoutonthatopenledge.Withtheraingivingthemcoversohecouldnotseetoshoot,theymusthavetakentheirchancetogetupthatslopeandintothetrees.Thatwasallright.Theywouldnotbefar.Hehaddonealotofthiskindofworkintherainandheknewexactlyhowtohuntmendowninit.
Hecameoutofthebushesandtrees,bearingthroughtheraintowardthebaseofthecliff.Intheconfusionofthestorm,heknewhecouldescapetheotherway,deepintotheforestifhewanted.Judgingfromthewidedensecloudcover,hecouldbehoursandmilesawaybeforethestormclearedenoughforTeasletotrackhim-sofarawaythatTeaslewouldneverbeabletocatchuptohimagain.ItwaspossiblethataftertheambushandtherainTeaslemightnotevenhavethehearttochaseafterhim,butthatdidnotmatter:forthemomenthewasdeterminednottorunanymore,whetherhewasbeingchasedornot.Hehadbeenlyingshelteredunderthebushes,watchingthetopofthecliffforanothertarget,thinkingabouthowTeaslehadmadehimintoakilleroncemoreandhadgothimwantedformurder;growingangrierashethoughtaboutallthemonths,
twomonthsatleast,thathewouldhavetorunandhiderunandhidebeforehereachedMexico;andfornow,byGod,hewasgoingtoturnthegameandmakeTeaslerunfromhim,showhimwhatthehellitfeltlike.Thatbastardwasgoingtopayforthis.
Butyouaskedforsomeofityourself.Itwasn'tonlyTeasle.Youcouldhavebackedoff.
Forthesixteenthtimeforcrissake?Noway.
Evenifitwasforthehundredthtime,sowhat?Backingoffwouldhavebeenbetterthanthis.Leaveitalone.Endit.Getaway.
Andlethimdothistosomebodyelse?Screw.Hehastobestopped.
What?That'snotwhyyou'redoingthis?Admityouwantedallthistohappen.Youaskedforit-soyoucouldshowhimwhatyouknew,surprisehimwhenhefoundyouwerethewrongguytotryandhandle.Youlikethis.
Ididn'taskforanything.ButdamnrightIlikeit.Thatbastardisgoingtopay.
Thelandwasdark;hisclothesclungicytohisskin.Ahead,longslickgrasswasbentoverinthedrivingrain,andhewadedthrough,thegrassslipperyonhissmoothwetpants.Hecametothestonesandrocksthatleduptowardthebaseofthecliff,andhesteppedcautiouslyontothem.Therewerestreamsofwaterswirlingbetweenthemandoverthem,andinthewinditwouldbeeasytoslipandfallandhurthisribssomemore.Theywerethrobbingfromwhenhehadleaptoffthecliffandcrashedagainstthetreelimb,andeachtimehebreathedhefeltsomethingpressingsharplyinsidehisrightchest.Itwaslikeabigfishhookinthere,orajaggedchunkofbrokenbottle.Hewouldhavetofixit.Soon.
Verysoon.
Therewasaroar.Hehadhearditbackinthetreesandhadguesseditwasfromthesoundofthewindandrain.Butnowitwasgettinglouderasheclimbedupovertherockstowardthecliff,andheknewitwasn'ttherain.Thecliffcameintograyviewandhesaw.Acataract.Thecliffhadbecomeawaterfall,andafloodwascascadingdown,roaringontotherocks,sprayingmisthighupintotherain.Itwasn'tsafetogoanycloser;hebeganworkingtotheright.Abouta
hundredyardsalongheknewwouldbethetreehehadleaptinto.Andverynearwouldbethebodyofthepolicemanwhohadfallenoffthecliffwithhisdogs.
Hedidn'tfindthebodyanywherearoundthetree.Hewasabouttolookinthewreckageofthehelicopterwhenherealizedthatthewaterfallwouldhavesweptthebodydownovertherockstothelonggrass.Hewentdownandtheguywasrightattheborder,facedowninthewater.Thetopofhisheadwasstruckflatandhisarmsandlegswerestickingoffatqueerangles.Rambowonderedaboutthedogs,buthecouldn'tfindthem.Thecarcassesmusthavebeenwashedfartherintothelonggrass.Hekneltquicklytosearchthebody.
Theguy'sequipmentbelt-heneededit.Heheldhisriflesoitwouldn'tdropinthewater,andwithonehandhepulledthebodyover.Thefacewasn'ttoobad,hehadseenworseinthewar.Hestoppedlookingatitandconcentratedonunbucklingthebeltandyankingitfree.
Theeffortsethimwincing-hisribscutinsidehischest.Finallyhehadthebeltloose,andhecheckedwhatwasonit.
Acanteenthatwasdentedbutnotsplitopen.Heunscrewedthecapanddrankandthecanteensloshedhalf-full.Thewaterfromithadastalemetallictaste.
Arevolversnuginaholster.Therewasaleatherflapsnappedoverthehandle:notmuchwaterwouldhavegotin.Heunholsteredthegun,impressedbyhowwellTeasleequippedhismen.ItwasaColtPython:athickfour-inchbarrelwithabigsightingpinattheend.Theplastichandleitwasalwayssoldwithhadbeenreplacedbyastoutwoodengripdesignednottobeslipperyifitgotwet.Thesightsnearthehammerhadalsobeenchanged.Usuallytheywerestationary,butthesehadbeenmadeadjustableforlongdistanceshooting.
Hehadnothopedforthisfineagun.Itwaschamberedfora.357magnumcartridge,thesecondmostpowerfulhandgunload.Amancouldkilladeerwithit.Amancouldshootcleanthroughadeerwithit.Hepushedtheleveratthesideandswungoutthebulletcylinder.Therewerefiveshellsinit;thechamberunderneaththefiringpinwasempty.Quicklyheslippedthegunbackintotheholsteroutoftherainandcheckedthecartridgepouchandcountedfifteenmoreshells.Thenhebuckledthegunbeltaroundhiswaistandstooped,hisribsbiting,tosearchtheguy'spockets.Buttherewasn'tanythingtotake.Especiallynofood.Hehadthoughttheguyatleastmighthavesomechocolate.
Stooped,hischestwashurtingworsethanever.Hehadtofixit.Now.Heunbuckledtheguy'strouserbeltandstraightenedpainfullywithit,unbuttoninghisouterwoolshirtandthewhitecottonshirtunderthat.Therainslappedathischest.Hewoundthebeltaroundhisribsandcincheditlikearollofstrongtapeholdinghimtight.Andthepainstoppedcutting.Itswitchedtoaswelling,achingpressureagainstthebelt.Hardtobreathe.Tight.
Butatleastthepainhadstoppedcutting.
Hebuttonedupandfeltthecottonshirtsoggycoldagainsthim.Teasle.Timetogoafterhim.Forasecondhehesitatedandalmostwentawayintheforest:chasingTeaslewouldcosthimtimegettingaway,andiftherewasanotherposseinthesehills,hemightrunintothem.Buttwohourswasn'tmuch.Thatwasonlyaslongashewouldtaketocatchhim,andafterthat,undercoverofthenight,hewouldstillhavetimetogetaway.Itwasworthtwohourstoteachthatbastard.
Allrightthen,whichwayafterhim?Thenicheinthecliff,hedecided.IfTeaslewantedtogetdownoffthebluffinahurry,hewouldlikelygobackthere.WithanyluckhewouldbeabletoheadTeasleoffandmeethimashecamedown.Hehurriedtotheright,followingtheborderofgrass.Verysoonhestumbledacrossthesecondbody.
Itwastheoldmaningreen.Buthowhadhetumbledoffthecliffsothatheendedupallthewayoverhere?Hisequipmentbeltdidn'thaveahandgun.Itdidhaveahuntingknife,andithadapouch,andinsideRambotouchedsomething-food.Sticksofmeat.Ahandful.Hebit,barelychewing,swallowing,bitingoffmore.Sausage,sticksofsmokedsausage,wetandcrushedalittlefromtheoldmanslammingontotherocks,butitwasfood,andhewasbitingintoit,chewing,swallowingquickly,forcinghimselftoslowandmulchitaroundtoallpartsofhismouth;thenitwasalmostgoneandhewastuckingthelastbitsintohismouthandsuckinghisfingers;andthenallthatwasleftwasthesmoketasteandhistongueslightlyburningfromthehotpeppersthathadbeeninwiththemeat.
Suddenlightningandthenthunderasiftheearthhadshuddered.Hehadbetterwatchhimself;hewasgettingtoolucky.Firstthegun,thebullets,thecanteen,andnowtheknifeandthesausage.Theyhadbeensoeasytogetthathebetterwatchhimself.Heknewhowthesethingsworkedandhowtheyevenedout.One
minuteyougotluckyandthenext-well,hewouldmakedamnsurehewatchedhimselfsoalltheluckstayedwithhim.
12
Teaslekneadedhisfist,opening,closingit.TheknuckleshadgashedonMitch'steeth,swellingnow,butMitch'slipswereswellingtwiceasbad.InthethunderMitchtriedtostand;onekneegaveoutandhefellweepingagainstatree.
'Youshouldn'thavehithimsohard,'Shingletonsaid.
'Don'tIknowit,'Teaslesaid.
'You'reatrainedboxer.Youdidn'tneedtohithimsohard.'
'IsaidIknowit.Ishouldn'thavehithimatall.Let'sleaveit.'
'Butlookathim.Hecan'tevenstand.How'shegoingtotravel?'
'Nevermindthat,'Wardsaid.'We'vegotworsetroubles.Therifles,theradio,they'vewashedoverthecliff.'
'We'vestillgotourhandguns.'
'Buttheydon'thaveanyrange,'Teaslesaid.'Notagainstarifle.Assoonasit'slight,thekidcanpickusoffamileaway.'
'Unlesshetakesadvantageofthestormtoclearout,'Wardsaid.
'No.Wehavetoassumehe'llcomeforus.We'vebeentoocarelessalready,andwehavetostartactingasiftheworstwillhappen.Evenifhedoesn'tcome,we'restillfinished.Nofoodorequipment.Noorganization.Deadtired.We'llbeluckyifwecancrawlbythetimewegetbacktotown.'
HelookedatwhereMitchwassittingintherainandmud,holdinghismouth,groaning.'Helpmewithhim,'hesaid,liftingMitchtohisfeet.
Mitchshovedhimaway.'I'mallright,'hemurmuredthroughhismissingteeth.'You'vedoneenough.Don'tcomenearme.'
'Letmetry,'Wardsaid.
ButMitchpushedhimawaytoo.'I'mallright,Itellyou.'Hislipswereswollenpurple.Hisheaddroopedandhecoveredhisfacewithhishands.'Dammit,I'mallright.'
'Sureyouare,'Wardsaidandcaughthimashesaggedtohisknees.
'I-Jesus,myteeth.'
'Iknow,'Teaslesaid,andtogether,heandWardbracedMitchup.
ShingletonlookedatTeasle,shakinghishead.'Whatamess.Lookathowdullhiseyesare.Andlookatyou.Howareyougoingtomakeitthroughthenightwithoutashirt?You'llfreeze.'
'Don'tworryaboutit.JustwatchoutforLesterandthem.'
'Bynowthey'relonggone.'
'Notinthisstorm.Theywon'tbeabletoseetowalkinastraightline.They'llbewanderingaroundthisbluffsomewhere,andifwestumbleintothem,lookout.Lesterandthatyoungdeputyaresoscaredaboutthekidcoming,they'reliabletothinkwe'rehimandstartshooting.I'veseenithappenlikethatbefore.'
SnowstormsinKoreawhereasentryshothisownmanbymistake,hewasthinking,notimetoexplain.RainynightsinLouisvillewheretwopolicemengotconfusedandshoteachother.Hisfather.Somethinglikethathadhappenedtohisfathertoo-buthecouldnotlethimselfthinkaboutit,rememberit.
'Let'sgo,'hesaidabruptly.'We'vegotalotofmilestocoverandwe'renotgettinganystronger.'
Therainpushingattheirbacks,theyguidedMitchthroughthetrees.Atfirsthislegsdraggedinthemud;thenclumsily,sluggishly,hemanagedwalking.
Awarhero,Teaslethought,hisbacknumbfromthecoldrainstreamingdownit.Thekidhadsaidhewasinthewar,butwhowouldhavethoughttobelievehim?
Whyhadn'tthekidexplainedmore?
Wouldthathavemadeadifference?Wouldyouhavehandledhimdifferentfromanybodyelse?
No.Icouldn't.
Fine,thenyoujustworryaboutwhatheknowstodotoyouwhenhecomes.
Ifhecomes.Maybeyou'rewrong.Maybehewon'tcome.
Hecamebacktotownallthosetimes,didn'the?Andhe'llcomethistimetoo.Oh,he'llcomeallright.
'Hey,you'retrembling,'Shingletonsaid.
'JustlookoutforLesterandthem.'
Hecouldnotkeepfromthinkingaboutit.Legsstiffandhardtomove,holdingMitchupasheandtheotherstrudgedwearilythroughthetreesintherain,hecouldnothelprememberingwhathadhappenedtohisfather,thatSaturday,thesixothermenwhohadgoneonthedeerhunt.Hisfatherhadwantedhimalong,butthreehadsaidhewastooyoung,andhisfatherhadnotlikedthewaytheysaidit,butgavein:thatSaturdaywasthefirstdayoftheseason,anargumentwouldspoilit.
Sothestoryhadcomeback.Howtheytookuppositionsalongadried-upstreambedthatwasmarkedwithfreshdeertracksanddroppings.Howhisfatherswungaroundtothetopwherehemadearackettofrightenadeerdownthestreambedwherethemenwouldseeitgoingbyandshoot.Therule:everybodywastostayinpositionsothatnobodywouldbeconfusedaboutwhereanybodyelsewas.Butoneofthem,onhisfirsthunt,tiredofwaitingalldayforadeertogoby,wanderedofftoseewhathecouldfindonhisown,heardanoise,sawmovementinthebrush,fired,andsplitTeasle'sfather'sheadverynearlyinhalf.Thebodyalmostdidn'tlieinopenstate:theheadwasevenmoreshatteredthanitfirstseemed.Buttheundertakerusedawigandeveryonesaidthebodylookedperfectlyalive.OrvalhadbeenonthathuntandnowOrvalwasshottoo,andasTeasleguidedMitchthroughthestormacrossthebluff,hewasmoreandmoreafraidthathehimselfwasgoingtodieaswell.HestrainedtoseeifLesterand
theotherswereinthedarktreesahead.Iftheydidlosedirectionandshootscared,heknewitwouldbenobody'sfaultbuthisown.Whatwerehismenanyhow?Fifty-seven-hundred-dollar-a-yeartrafficpolice,small-towndeputiestrainedtohandlesmall-towncrime,alwayshopingnothingseriouswouldhappen,alwaysnearhelpiftheyneededit;andheretheywereinthewildestmountainsinKentuckywithnohelparound,upagainstanexperiencedkiller,andGodonlyknewhowtheyhadmanagedtobearupthislong.Heshouldneverhavebroughttheminhere,herealized.Heshouldhavewaitedforthestatepolice.ForfiveyearshehadjustbeenfoolinghimselfthathisdepartmentwasastoughanddisciplinedasLouisville's,understandingnowthatoverthoseyears,littlebylittle,hismenhadgotusedtotheirroutineandhadlosttheiredge.Andsohadhe.ThinkingabouthowhehadarguedwithOrvalinsteadofconcentratingonthekid,abouthowhehadgotthemallambushed,andhowtheirequipmentwaslostandhowthepossewassplitupgonetohellandOrvaldead,hewascomingtorealize-theideacroppingupandhimpushingitawayanditcroppingupagainstronger-howreallysoftandcarelesshehadturned.
LikepunchingMitch.
LikenotwarningOrvaltostaylow.
Thefirstnoiseconfusedwiththethunder,andhecouldnotbecertainthathehadactuallyheardit.Hestoppedandlookedattheothers.'Didyouhear?'
'Idon'tknowexactly,'Shingletonsaid.'Upahead,Ithink.Offtotheright.'
Thenthreemorecame,andtheywereunmistakableshotsfromarifle.
'It'sLester,'Wardsaid.'Buthe'snotshootingthisway.'
'Idon'tthinkhesavedhisrifleanymorethanwedid,'Teaslesaid.'That'sthekidshooting.'
Therewasonemoreshot,stillfromarifle,andhelistenedforyetanother,butitnevercame.
'Heranaroundandcaughtthematthebreakinthecliff,'Teaslesaid.'Fourshots.Fourmen.Thefifthwastofinishsomebody.Nowhe'llbeafterus.'HehurriedtoleadMitchintheoppositedirectionfromtheshots.
Wardbalked.'Holdit.Aren'twegoingtotryandhelp?Wecan'tjustleavethem.'
'Dependonit.They'redead.'
'Andnowhe'llbecomingforus,'Shingletonsaid.
'Youbetonit,'Teaslesaid.
Wardlookedanxiouslytowardthedirectionoftheshots.Heclosedhiseyes,sickened.'Thosepoordumbbastards.'ReluctantlyhebolsteredMitch,andtheymovedofftotheleft,gainingspeed.Theraineasedoff,thengotheavier.
'Thekidwillprobablywaitforusatthecliffincasewedidn'thear,'Teaslesaid.'Thatwillgiveusalead.Assoonashe'ssurewe'renotcoming,he'llsetoffacrosstheblufftofindourtrail,butthisrainwillwipeitoutandhewon'tfindanything.'
'We'reintheclearthen,'Wardsaid.
'Clearthen,'Mitchrepeatedstupidly.
'No.Whenhedoesn'tfindourtrail,whathe'lldoisruntowardthefarendofthebluffandtrytogetaheadofus.He'llfindaspotwherehethinkswe'remostlikelytoclimbdown,andhe'llliewaitingforus.'
'Wellthen,'Wardsaid,'we'lljusthavetogettherefirst,won'twe?'
'First,won'twe,'Mitchrepeated,staggering;andWardmadeitsoundsoeasy,Mitch'sechosoundedsofunny,thatTeaslelaughed,nervously.'Hellyes,we'lljusthavetogettherefirst,'hesaid,lookingatShingletonandWard,impressedbytheircontrol,andhesuddenlythoughtthatthingsmightworkoutafterall.
13
Atsixtherainchangedtobigcrackingchunksofhail,andShingletonwashitsohardinthefacebysomethattheyhadtogropecloseundertheshelterofatree.Theleaveshadalreadyfallenfromthetree,buttherewereenoughbarebranchesformostofthehailtoglanceoffof,andtherestofitcamedownstrikingsharply
againstTeasle'sbarebackandchestandthearmshehadraisedprotectivelyoverhishead.Hewasdesperatetostartmovingagain,butheknewitwouldbecrazytotry:afewwallopsfromchunksofhailthissizecouldlayamanflat.Butthelongerhestayedhuddledbythistree,themoretimethekidhadtocatchup,andhisonlyhopewasthatthehailhadforcedthekidtostopandtakecoveralso.
Hewaited,glancingaround,bracedforanattack,andthenatlastthehailstoppedandnomoreraincame,andwiththelightclearingandthewinddying,theyworkedfastacrossthebluff.Butwithoutthedistractionofthewindandrain,thenoisestheymadehurryingthroughtheunderbrushwereloud,asignaltothekid.Theytriedgoingslower,butthenoiseswerealmostasloud,sotheyhurriedonagain,crashing.
'Doesn'tthistophaveanend?'Shingletonsaid.'We'vebeengoingformiles.'
'Formiles,'Mitchechoed.'Fourmiles.Five.Six.'Hewasdragginghisfeetagain.
Nexthesagged;Wardheavedhimup;andthenWardhimselfheavedup,careeningbackward.Thereportfromtheriflewasrollingthroughthetrees,andWardwasnowonhisback,armsandlegsstuckoutinadeathfrenzy,andfromwhereTeaslelayontheground,hesawthatWardhadtakenthebulletdirectlyinthechest.Hewassurprisedtobelyingontheground.Hedidn'trememberdivingthere.Hewassurprisedthathehadhispistolout.
Christ,Warddeadnowtoo.Hewantedtocrawltohim,butwhatwastheuse.WhataboutMitch?Nothimtoo.Hewasfallenintothemud,lyingstillasifhehadbeenshotaswell.No.Hewasallright,eyesopening,blinkingatatree.
'Didyouseethekid?'TeaslesaidfasttoShingleton.'Didyouseewhereheshotfrom?'
Noanswer.Shingletonwasflatontheground,staringblanklyahead,hisfacedrawntightaroundhismassivecheek-bones.
Teasleshookhim.'Didyousee,Iaskedyou.Snapoutofit!'
Shakinghimwaslikepressingareleasevalve.Shingletonbrokeintomotion,fistupclosetoTeasle'sface.'Keepyourfuckinghandsoffme.'
'Didyouseehim,Iaskedyou.'
'No,Isaid!'
'Youdidn'tsayanything!'
'Anything,'Mitchechoeddumbly.
Theylookedathim.'Quick,givemeahand,'Teaslesaid,andtheydraggedhimforwardintoaslighthollowringedwithbushes,arottingtreefallenacrosstheforwardrim.Thehollowwasfullofrainwater,andTeaslesankslowlyintoit,coldagainsthischestandstomach.
Hishandswereshakingashecheckedhispistoltobesurenowaterpluggedthebarrel.Heknewwhathadtobedonenowanditfrightenedhim,buthedidnotseeanyotherway,andifhethoughtaboutittoomuch,hemightnotbeabletomakehimselfgothroughwithit.'StayherewithMitch,'hesaidmouth-drytoShingleton.Histonguehadnotbeenmoistinhours.'Ifsomebodycomesbackthroughthesebushesanddoesn'tfirstsayit'sme,shoothim.'
'Whatdoyoumeanstayhere?Where-'
'Outahead.Ifwetryrunningbackthewaywecame,he'llonlyfollowus.Wemightaswellsaveourselvesthetroubleofrunningandtrytoendthisrighthere.'
'Buthe'strainedtofightlikethis.'
'AndIwastrainedfornightpatrolinKorea.Thatwastwentyyearsago,butIhaven'tforgottenallofit.Imightbeslowandoutofpractice,butIdon'thearanybetterideas.'
'Stayhereandwaitforhim.Lethimcometous.Weknowhe'llcome.We'rereadyforhim.'
'Andwhathappenswhenitgetstobenightandhesneaksrightontousbeforewehearhim?'
'We'llmoveoutwhenit'snight.'
'Sure,andmakesomuchnoisehewon'tevenneedtoseeustoshootus.He'lljusthavetoaimtowardwherehehearsus.Youjustsaidit.He'strainedtodothis,andI'mbettingthat'souredge.Withanyluckhewon'texpectmetogooutthereandplayithisway.He'llexpectmetorun,notattack.'
'ThenI'mgoingwithyou.'
'No.Mitchneedsyoutostaywithhim.Twoofuscrawlingaroundouttheremightmakeenoughnoisetowarnthekid.'
Hehadanotherreasonfordoingitalone,buthedidn'twaittoexplainanymore.Hehadwaitedtoolongasitwas.Immediatelyhecrawledupoutofthehollow,totheleftaroundthefallentree.Themudwassochillagainsthisstomachthathehadtoforcehimselfdownalongit.Hesquirmedforwardseveralfeet,andpausedtolisten,andsquirmedforwardagain,andeachtimehedughisshoesintothemudtopushahead,themudgaveasuckingnoiseandhetensed.Thesuckincreaseduntilfinallyhestoppedusinghisfeettopushandswitchedtowrigglingforwardonhiselbowsandknees,alwayscarefultokeephispistolfreeofthemud.Dropsofwaterspilledicyontohisspineashewormedunderbushes.Hestoppedandlistenedandcrawledon.
Shingletonwouldn'tunderstandhisotherreasonfordoingthisanyhow,hethought.Itwasn'tShingletonwhohadbeeninchargeandmadethemistakesthatkilledOrvalandLesterandtheyoungdeputyandWardandGaltandthetwomeninthehelicopterandalltherest.SohowcouldShingletonunderstandwhyhecouldn'tbringhimselftoletanybodyelsedieforhim?Thistimeitwouldbejusthimselfandthekidandnobodyelse,justthewaythisthingstarted,andifthereweregoingtobeanymoremistakes,thistimeitwouldbejusthimselfwhowouldpay.
Hiswatchhandshadbeenatsix-thirtywhenhesetout.Hewassobusyconcentratingonthemovementsandsoundsaroundhimthatitwassevenwhenhenextlookedathiswatch.Asquirrelscramblingupatreestartledhimintoguessingitwasthekid,andhecameclosetoshootingatit.Thelightwasdimmingagain,notfromthecloudsnow,butfromthestartofevening,andtheairwascolderandhewasshiveringashecrawled.Evenso,therewererivuletsofsweattricklingdownhisfaceandbackandunderhisarms.
Itwasfear.Thehotpressureofhisanus.Theadrenalinsquirtingintohisstomach.Hewanteddesperatelytoturnandgoback,andbecauseofthat,heurgedhimselftogofartheron.Godinheaven,ifhemissedthischanceatthekid,itwasn'tgoingtobebecausehewasafraidtodie.Jesusno.HeowedthattoOrval.Heowedittotherestofthem.
Seven-fifteen.Hehadcrawledfaroutnow,andhehadworkedbackandforthacrosstheforest,pausing,peeringdeeplyintogrovesandthicketstoseeifthekidwashidingthere.Smallnoisesmadehimjumpy,noiseshecouldnotaccountfor,thesnapofabranchthatcouldbethekidadjustinghispositiontoaim,thebrushofleavesthatcouldbethekidcirclingbehindhim.Hecrawledslowly,fightinghispanictospeedupandgetthisover,fightingtoconcentrateoneverythingaroundhim.Theslightestpieceofcoverwasallthekidneeded.Allhehimselfhadtodowasgetcarelessonceandnotcheckonebushoronestumporonedipintheground,andthatmightbetheend.Itwouldbesoabruptthathewouldneverheartheburstoftheshotthatkilledhim.
Thenitwasseven-thirtyandtheshadowshadmergeddeepenoughtotrickhim.Whatlookedlikethekidwasonlythedarktrunkofacrookedtreesetfarbackinthegloom.Afallenloginbackofabushdeceivedhimthesameway,andheknewhehaddonethebesthecould.Itwastimetoheadback.Thatwastheworstpart.Hiseyesweretiredandtheshadowsweretouchinghim,andhejustwantedtohurrybacktoShingletonandrelaxaminuteandletShingletonkeepwatchforthekid.Buthecouldnotdaregiveupsearchingtospeedupbackthere.Evenashereturned,hestillhadtotakehistimeandcheckeverybushandtreebeforehemadeamove.Hehadtolookbehind,afraidthekidwassneakingtowardhim.Hisbackfeltsonaked,sowhiteinthegloomthathekeptexpectingtoglancearoundandseethekidaimingwithasmileatthecleftbetweenhisshoulderblades.Thebulletwouldblastaparthisbackboneandrupturehisinsidesandinstantlyhewouldbedead.Inspiteofhimselfhehurriedtoreturn.
HealmostforgottoletShingletonknowitwashimselfcoming.Wouldn'tthatbealaugh.Torisksearchingforthekidandthenbeshotbyhisownman.'It'sme,'hewhispered.'It'sTeasle.'
Butnobodyanswered.
Iwhisperedtoolowandhedidn'thearme,Teaslethought.'It'sme,'herepeated,louder.'It'sTeasle.'Butagainnobodyanswered,andTeasleknewsomethinghad
tobewrong.
Hecircledthehollowandcreptupfrombehind,andsomethingwasmorethanwrong.Shingletonwasn'tthere,andMitchwasflatonhisbackinthewater,histhroatneatlyslitfromeartoear,hisbloodsteaminginthecold.Shingleton.WherewasShingleton?Worriedandtiredofwaiting,hemusthavegoneafterthekidtoo,andleftMitchandthekidcameupandslithisthroattokillhimquietly.Thekid,Teaslerealized,thekidmustbeveryclose.Hecrouchedandspun,andthesightofMitch,thefrenzyoftryingtoprotecthimselffromallanglesmadehimwanttocryout,Shingleton,getbackhere,Shingleton!Twomenfacinginoppositedirectionswouldmaybeseethekidbeforeherushedthem.Shingleton,hewantedtocall.
InsteadShingletoncalledtohimfromsomeplaceontheright.'Lookout,Will,he'sgotme!'Hiscrywaspunctuatedbyarifleshot,andthatwasallTeaslecouldstand.Hefinallyhadhisbreakdown,runningbeforeheknewit,screaming,racingaway,chargingthroughtheshadows,throughthetreesandbushes.Aaaeeiii,hewasscreaming.Thenicheinthecliff,wasallhecouldthink.Thecliffthecliff!
14
HeshotatTeasle,butthelightwasbadandthetreesweretoothick,andanyway,Shingletongrabbedtheriflesothatthebulletjerkedlow.Shingletonoughttohavebeendead.Hehadbeenshotintheskull.Heshouldnothavebeenabletogetbackoffthegroundandgrabtherifletothrowoffitsaim.Ramboreallyhadtoadmirehimasheshothimagain,throughoneeyenow,andthistimeShingletonwasdeadforsure.
WithoutapausehesetoffrunningafterTeasle.ItwasobviousthatTeasle'sdirectionwasbacktowardthenicheinthecliff,andheplannedonbeatinghimthere.HedidnotfollowexactlyonTeasle'spath-Teaslemightgetcontrolofhimselfandliesomewherewaiting-soheraninalineparalleltoTeasle,racingtobeathimtothecliff.
Hejustmissedhim.Hecamehurryingthroughthewoods,abletoseethecliffedgenowandthetopoftheniche,andhedroppedtohisknees,hidingforTeasle.Butthenheheardchipsofstonerattlingdownthecliffandthesoundofheavybreathingdownthere,andherushedoverjustintimetoseeTeaslejump
thelastfewfeetdowntheniche,duckingaroundthesideofthecliffwall.Hesawtoothebodiesofthefourdeputieswherehehadshotthematthebottomofthecliff,andhedidn'tlikethepositionhewasin.NowTeaslehadtheadvantage.Toclimbdownthenicheafterhim,hewouldbeaseasyatargetforTeasleasthefourdeputieshadbeenforhimself.
HeknewdamnwellthatTeaslewasnotgoingtostanddownthereallnightwaitingforhim.ShortlyTeaslewasgoingtotakehischanceandclearout,andhewouldbeleftupontop,suspectingthatTeaslewasgonebutnotwillingtoriskthathewasstillthere.Tobesafehehadtofindanotherwaydownoffthisbluff,andthatwayhadtobeinthedirectionTeaslewouldtakeforhome.
HeracedbacktowardwherehehadkilledShingleton,andpassedhisbody,andcontinuedracingtowardwherehehopedthebluffwouldslopedownintothedraw,anditdidslopedown,andinhalfanhourhewasintothedraw,runningthroughthewoodstowardastretchofgrasshehaddimlyspottedfromabove.Thelightwasfadingworse,andhewashurryingtogettothegrassbeforethedarkcouldblotoutTeasle'strail.Hereachedthegrassandranthroughthelineoftreesthatborderedit,notwantingtoshowhimselfasatargetwhilehesearchedfortracksthatledoutofthetreesintotheopenspace.Helookedandrantolookfartheralong,butstillnotracksinthewetearth,andhethoughtthatmaybeTeaslehadbeenslowtoleavethecliff,begantoworrythatTeaslewasbehindhim,coming,watching.Justasitstartedtorainagainandmadeeverythingevendarker,hefoundthegrasspusheddown.
There.
Buthehadtotakeahandicap,giveTeasleaheadstart.
Becauseinspiteofhistemptationtorushacrosstheopengrassafterhim,hehadtowaituntilthenightwasfullyblack:Teaslemightnotberunningaheadatall,hemighthelyinginthebushesontheotherside,aiming.Thenhesupposeditdarkenoughsohecouldrunacrosswithoutshowinghimselfasatarget,buthiscautionwasneedlessbecausewhenhegotoverthereTeaslewasnotaround.Therainwasfallinglightlythroughthetrees,itmuffledsoundsverylittle,andthere,upahead,somethingwasworkingtobreakthroughthethickunderbrush.
Hesetoutafterit,stoppedandlistened,correctedhisdirectiontowardthenoise,thensetonagain.HeexpectedthatfairlysoonTeaslewouldgiveuprunningand
trytoambushhim,butaslongashecouldhearTeaslerunning,itwassafetokeepafterhimandmakeallthenoisehehadto.Thenonetimehestoppedandlistened,andtherunningupaheadwasstoppedaswell,sohesanktothegroundandbegancrawlingquietlyforward.Inaminutetherunningupaheadcontinuedagain,andheleapttohisfeet,chargingafterit.Thatwasthepatternforanhour:running,stopping,listening,crawling,running.Therainkeptoninacoldfaintdrizzle,andthebeltthatwascinchedaroundhisribsloosened,andhehadtotightenittoeasethepain.Hewascertainnowthathisribswerebrokenandthatsharpboneswerelancinghisinsides.Hewouldhavegivenup,butheknewhewouldhaveTeaslesoon;hedoubledoverinagony,butTeaslewasstillrunningupthere,sohestraightened,pushinghimselfon.
Thechasewentupaslopeoftrees,overaspineofrockanddownapatchofshaletoastream,thenalongthebankofthestream,acrossthestreamintomorewoods,acrossaravine.Thepaininhischestcutsharplyashejumpedacross,andhealmostslippeddownintotheravine,buthepulledhimselfup,listenedforTeasle,heardhimandchasedafterhim.Eachtimehisrightfoothittheground,thejoltwentallthewayuphisrightside,gratinghisribs.Twicehewassick.
15
Upanddown,thepatternofthecountryrepeateditself.Stumblingupaslopeofrocksandbrush,Teaslefeltlikehewasbackontheledge,tryingtogetuptherisetothewoods.Inthedarkhecouldn'tseethetop;hewishedheknewhowfaritwas;hecouldn'tkeeponclimbingmuchlonger.Therainwasmakingtherocksslippery,andhewaslosinghisbalance,fallinghard.Hetooktocrawlingup,andtherockstoreathispants,cutintohisknees,whilebehindhim,downinthetreesatthebottom,heheardthekidbreakingthroughtheundergrowth.
Hescrambledfaster.Ifhecouldjustseethetopandknowhowfarhehadtogo.Thekidmustbeoutofthewoodsnowandstartinguptheslope,andTeaslethoughtofshootingblindlydowntoholdhimback.Hecouldn't:theflashesfromhispistolwouldgivethekidatarget,butChrist,hehadtodosomething.
Inonedesperatelungehereachedthetopbutdidn'tknowitwasthetopuntilhetrippedandbarelygrabbedarockintimetostopfromrollingdowntheotherside.Now.Nowhecouldshoot.Hestretchedoutandlistenedtowherethekidwasrushinguptheslope,andhefiredsixtimesinalineacrossthenoises.Thenhehuggedthegroundincasehehadmissed,andashotcamefrombelow,
zingingoverhim.Heheardthekidclimbingofftotheleft,andhefiredoncemoreatthenoisebeforehestartedracingdowntheothersideoftheslope.Againhetripped,andnowhestruckhisshouldersolidlyagainstarockandcouldn'tkeepfromrollingashegrabbedhisshoulderandtumbledtothebottom.
Helaytheredazed.Thewindwasknockedoutofhim,andhefoughttobreathebuthecouldn't.Hegaspedandpushedhisstomachmusclesin,buttheywantedtopushout,andthenhemanagedtosuckinalittleairandalittlemore,andhewasalmostbreathingnormallyagainwhenheheardthekidclamberingontherocksabove.Hegropedtohisknees,thentohisfeet-anddiscoveredthatinhisfallhehadlostholdofhispistol.Itwassomewhereupontheslope.Notimetogobackforit.Nolighttofindit.
Hestaggeredthroughwoods,circlingheguessed,goingnowhere,windingaroundandarounduntilhe'dbebroughttobay.Alreadyhiskneeswerebuckling.Hisdirectionwaswobbly.Hewasbumpingagainsttrees,acrazyvisioninhisheadofhiminhisoffice,barefeetonthedesk,headtiltedsippinghotsoup.Tomatosoup.No,beanwithbacon.Therichexpensivekindwherethelabelsaiddon'taddwater.
16
Itwasonlyminutesnowbeforehe'dhavehim.Thenoisesaheadwereslowing,moreerratic,clumsy.HecouldhearTeaslebreathinghoarsely,hewasthatclosetohim.Teaslehadgivenhimagoodrace,thatwassure.Hehadfiguredtotaghimseveralmilesago,andheretheywerestillatit.Butnotforlong.Afewminutesnow.Thatwasall.
Thepaininhisribs,hehadtoslow,butitwasstillafairpace,andsinceTeaslehadslowedtoo,hewasn'tbotheredmuch.Hishandwasoverhisribs,helpingthebelttopress.Allhisrightsidewasswollen.Intherainthebeltwasevenlooserthanbefore,andhehadtokeephishandpressing.
Thenhestumbledandfell.Hehadn'tdonethatbefore.No,hewaswrongaboutthat.Hehadstumbledattheravine.Thenhestumbledagain,andrisingtohisfeet,workingon,hedecideditmighttakeslightlymorethanafewminutesbeforehecaughtuptoTeasle.Itwouldbesoon,though.Noquestionaboutit.Justalittlemorethanafewminutes.Thatwasall.
Hadhesaidthatoutloud?
Thebramblescaughthimfullinthefaceashecameuptotheminthedark.Theywerespikeslashingintohim,andherecoiled,clutchinghisrippedcheeks.Heknewitwasn'trainwettinghischeeksandhands.Butitdidnotmatter,becauseoffinthereinthebrambleswasthesoundofTeaslecrawling.Thiswasit.Hehadhim.Heboretotheleftalongtheedgeofthebrambles,waitingforittocurvedownandleadhimtothebottomofthepatchwherehecouldrestandwaitforTeasletocrawlout.InthedarkhewouldnotbeabletoseethesurprisedlookonTeasle'sfacewhenheshothim.
Butthelongerhehurriedalongtheedgeofthebrambles,thefartheritstretchedon,andhebegantowonderifthebramblescoveredallthissectionoftheslope.Hehurriedfarther,andstillthebramblesdidnotcurvedown,andthenhewassuretheystretchedallalongthisrise.Hewantedtostopanddoubleback,buthehadthethoughtthatifhekeptonjustalittlemore,thebrambleswouldatlastcurvedown.Fiveminutesbecamewhathejudgedwasfifteen,andthentwenty,andhewaswastinghistime,heshouldhavegonerightinafterTeasle,butnowhecouldnot.InthedarkhehadnoideawhereTeaslehadentered.
Doubleback.Maybethebramblesdidnotgofaralongtheotherendofthisridge,maybetheycurveddownoverthere.Herushedback,holdinghisside,moaning.Hehurriedalongwhileuntilhenolongerbelievedtheywouldevercurvedown,andwhennexthestumbledandfell,heremainedfacedowninthemuddygrass.
He'dlosthim.Hehadgivenupsomuchtimeandstrengthtocomesocloseandlosehim.Hisfacestungfromthegashesofthebrambles.Hisribswereonfire,hishandspulpy,hisclothesripped,hisbodyslashed.Andhehadlosthim,theraincomingdowninagentlycoolingdrizzleashelaytheresplayedout,breathingdeeply.holdingit,lettingitoutslowly,breathingdeeplyagain,lettingthedeadweightofhisarmsandlegsrelaxwitheveryslowexhale-forthefirsttimehecouldremember,crying,softlycrying.
17
Anymomentthekidwouldbebreakingthroughthebramblesafterhim.Hecrawledhysterically.Thenthebramblesgotlowerandthickeruntilhehadtopresshimselfflatandwriggle.Evenso,thelowestbranchesscrapedacrosshis
backandsnaggedintheseatofhispants,andwhenhetwistedtounsnagthem,otherbranchesgougedhisarmsandshoulders.He'scoming,hethought,andsquirmeddesperatelyforward,lettingthebarbsdigintohim.Hisbeltbucklescoopedintothemud,funnelingitintohispants.
Butwherewashegoing?Howdidheknowhewasn'tcompletingacircle,returningtothekid?Hestopped,frightened.Thelandslopeddown.Hemustbeonthesideofahill.Ifhekeptwrigglingdownward,he'dbeheadedstraightaway.Orwouldhe?Hardtothink,suffocatedinthedenseblacktangleandtheconstantrain.Youbastardkid,I'mgoingtogetawayandkillyouforthis.
Killyouforthis.
Heliftedhisheadoffthemud.Andcouldn'trecallhavingmovedforawhile.Andgraduallyunderstoodhehadpassedout.Hestiffenedandglancedallaround.ThekidcouldhavecreptuptohimahisstuporandslithisthroatjustlikehedidtoMitch.Christ,hesaidoutloud,andhisvoicewasacroakthatstartledhim.Christ,hesaidagain-tofreehisvoice-butthewordbrokelikeacrustofice.
No,I'mwrong,hethought,hisbrainslowlyunclouding.Thekidwouldn'thavecreptupinmysleeptokillme.Hewouldhavewakenedmefirst.He'dwantmetoknowwhatwashappening.
Sowhereishe?Watchingclose?Findingmytrail,coming?Helistenedfornoisesinthebrushanddidn'thearanythingandhadtokeepmoving,hadtokeepdistancebetweenthem.
Butwhenhetriedcrawlingfast,heonlymanagedasluggishstraintopullforward.Hemusthavebeenunconsciousalongtimebackthere.Thelightwasn'tblacknow,itwasgray,andhecouldseethebrambleseverywhere,thickandugly,spinesaninchlong.Hefingeredhisback,andhewaslikeaporcupine,dozensofbarbshookedinhisskin.Hestaredathishandallbloodyandstruggledwormingon.Maybethekidwasveryclose,watchinghim,enjoyinghimsuffer.
Thenitallconfused,andthenthesunwasup,andthroughthetopsofthebrambles,hesawtheskybrightandstarkblue.Helaughed.Whatareyoulaughingat?
Laughingat?Idon'tevenremembertherainstopping,andnowtheskyisclearandit'sdaylightforcrissake.Helaughedagainandrealizedhewasturninggiddy.Andthatwasfunnyandhelaughedatthat.Hehadcrawledtenfeetoutofthebramblesintoanautumn-plowedfieldbeforeheunderstoodthathewasout.Itwasquiteajoke.Hesquintedandtriedtoseetheendofthefieldandcouldn't,andtriedstandingandcouldn't,andtheinsideofhisheadwasspinningsomuchthathehadtolaughagain.Thenhesuddenlyquit.Thekidwouldbearoundheresomewhereaiming.He'denjoywatchingmecomeoutslicedtopiecesbeforeheshot.ThesonofabitchI'll.
Beanwithbaconsoup.
Hisstomachheavedup.
Andthatwasajoketoo.Becausewhatonearthdidhehaveinhisstomachtoheaveup?Nothing.That'sright,nothing.Sowhatwasthisstuffonthegroundinfrontofhim?Raspberrypie,hejoked.Andthatmadehimsickagain.
Sohecrawledthroughitoveracoupleoffurrowsandcollapsed,andthenhecrawledoverafewmore.Therewasapoolofblackwaterbetweentwofurrows.Hehadbeentwistinghisfacetowardtheskyallnighttodrinktherain,buthistonguewasstillchokinghim,histhroatwasstillswollendry,andhedrankfromthemuddywater,pokinghisfacedowncloseandlappingandalmostpassingoutwithhisfaceinthewater.Therewassweetgrittydirtinhismouth.Afewmorefeet.Justtrytodoafewmorefeet.Igetaway,I'llkillthatbastardkid.tearhim.
BecauseI'ma,butthentheideafellapartonhim.
I'ma,buthecouldn'tremember,andthenhehadtostopandrest,chinonthetopofamulchyfurrow,thesunwarminghisback.Can'tstop.Passout.Die.Move.
Buthecouldn'tmove.
Hecouldn'traisehimselftocrawlonhishandsandknees.Hetriedclawingatthedirtaheadofhimtopullhimselfforward,buthecouldn'tforcehimselftomovethatwayeither.Gotto.Can'tpassout.Die.Hebracedhisshoesagainstafurrowandpushedandpushedharderandthistimehebudgedalittle.Hisheartswelling,hepushedhisshoesagainstthefurrowevenharderandinchedforward
throughthemud,andhedidn'tdarelethimselfstop:heknewhewouldneverbeabletoraisethestrengthtogoagain.Shoesagainstfurrow.Push.Worm.Thekid.That'sit.Herememberednow.Hewasgoingtofixthekid.
I'mnotasgoodafighter.
Ohyes,thekid'sabetterfighter.
Ohyes,butI'm,andthentheideafellapartagainashelapsedintothemechanicalrhythmofshoesagainstfurrow-push-onemoretime-andpush-onemoretime.Hedidn'tknowwhenhisarmshadstartedbacktowork,handsclawingthedirt,dragginghimalong.Organize.Thatwasthewordhe'dbeensearchingfor.Andthenheclawedforwardandhetouchedsomething.
Ittookawhiletoregister.
Awire.
Helookedup,andtherewereotherwires.Afence.AndsweetGod,throughthefencewassomethingsobeautifulthathedidn'tbelievehewasreallyseeingit.Aditch.Agravelroad.Hisheartwaspoundingwildlyandhewaslaughing,stickinghisheadthroughthewires,shimmyingthrough,thefencebarbedwire,rippinghisbacksomemore,buthedidn'tcare,hewaslaughing,rollingintotheditch.Itwasfullofwaterandhetumbledonhisback,thewatertricklingintohisears,andthenhewasstrugglinguptherisetowardtheroad,slidingdown,gropingup,sliding,floppinghimselfoverthetop,onearmtouchingthegraveloftheroad.Hecouldnotfeelthegravel.Hecouldseeitsure.Hewassquintingdirectlyatit.Buthecouldnotfeel.
Organize.Thatwasit.Nowberemembereditall.
Iknowhowtoorganize.
Thekid'sabetterfighter.ButIknowhow.toorganize.
ForOrval.
ForShingletonandWardandMitchandLesterandtheyoungdeputyandallofthem.
Forme.
I'llcreamthatfuckingbastard.
Helaythereatthesideoftheroad,repeatingthatoverandovertohimself,closinghiseyestotheglareofthesun,snickeringathowhispantswereinshreds,athowbloodyhewas,thebloodseepingthroughthemudonhimwhilehegrinned,repeatinghisidea,tellingittothestatetrooperwhosaid'MyGod'andgaveuptryingtolifthimintothecruiserandranforthecarradio.
PARTTHREE
1
Itwasnight,andthebackofthetrucksmelledofoilandgrease.Asheetofstiffcanvashadbeenpulledacrossthetoptoformaroof,andinunderitTeaslesatonabench,staringatthebigmapthathungononewall.Theonlylightwasfromanunshieldedbulbdanglingoverthemap.Nexttothemapwasabulkytwo-wayradioonatable.
Theradiomanworeearphones.'NationalGuardtrucktwenty-eightinposition,'hewassayingtoadeputy.'Threemilesdownfromthebendinthestream.'Thedeputynodded,shovingonemoreredpinintothemapnexttotheothersalongthesouthside.Totheeast,yellowpinsshowedthedeploymentofstatepolice.Blackpinsinthewestwerepolicefromnearbytownsandcounties;whitepinstothenorthwerepolicefromLouisville,Frankfort,Lexington,BowlingGreen,andCovington.
'You'renotgoingtostayhereallnight,areyou?'someonesaidtoTeaslefromoutsidethebackofthetruck.Teaslelooked,anditwasKernthecaptainofthestatepolice.Hewasoutfarenoughthattheglarefromthebulblitjustpartofhisface,hiseyesandforeheadinshadow.'Gohomeandgetsomesleep,whydon'tyou?'Kernsaid.'Thedoctortoldyoutorest,andnothingseriouswillhappenhereforawhile.'
'Can't.'
'Oh?'
'Reportersarelookingformeatmyplaceandtheoffice.ThebestwayIknowtorestisnotgothrougheverythingagainforthem.'
'They'llbecomingaroundherelookingforyousoonanyhow.'
'No.Itoldyourmenattheroadblocksnottoletthempass.'
Kernshruggedandsteppedtowardthetruckintothefulllight.Itwasstarkandaccentedthelinesinhisforehead,thepinchedskinaroundhiseyes,makinghimlookolderthanhewas.Itdidnotreflectoffhisredhair,makingeventhatseemlustrelessanddull.
He'sthesameageIam,Teaslethought.Ifhelookslikethat,thenaftertheselastfewdays,howmustIlook?
'Thatdoctorcameclosetomakingacareeroutofbandagingyourfaceandhands,'Kernsaid.'What'sthatdarkstainsoakingthroughyourshirt?Don'ttellmeyou'rebleedingagain.'
'Somekindofointmenthespreadontoothick.Ihavebandagesundermyclothestoo.TheonesaroundmylegsandkneesaresotightIcanhardlywalk.'Hemadehimselfsmile,asifthetightbandageswereapracticaljokefromthedoctor.HedidnotwantKerntorealizehowverybadhefelt,sick,dizzy.
'Anypain?'Kernsaid.
'Ihurtlessbeforeheputthesebandagesonsotight.Hegavemesomepillstotakeeveryhour.'
'Anyhelp?'
'Enough.'Thatsoundedright.HehadtobecarefulhowhetalkedaboutittoKern,minimizinghispain,butnotsomuchthatKernwouldstopbelievinghimandinsistthathegobacktothehospital.Before,atthehospital,Kernhadshownupdamnmadathimforrushingintotheforestafterthekidwithoutwaitingforthestatepolice.'It'smyjurisdiction,andyoutookadvantage,andnowyoucanjuststaythehelloutofthis,'Kernhadsaid.Teaslehadtakenitall,lettingKerngetridofhisanger,andthenslowlyhehaddonehisbesttoconvinceKernthat
morethanonepersonwasneededtoorganizethiswideasearch.Therewasanotherargumentthathedidnotuse,buthewassurethatKernwasthinkingit:asmanymencoulddiethistimeasatthestart,andsomebodyoughttobearoundtosharetheresponsibility.Kernwasthatsonofweakleader.Teaslehadseenhimrelyonotherstoooften.SonowTeaslewasherehelping,butnotnecessarilyforlong.DespiteKern'sfaults,hedidworryabouthismenandhowmuchworktheycouldstand,andifheoncethoughtthatTeaslewasintoogreatpain,hecouldeasilydecidetosendhimaway.
Outside,truckswererumblingbyinthenight,biglorrytrucksthatTeasleknewwouldhavesoldiersinthem.Asirenstarted,cominguptheroadfast,shriekingbytowardtown,andhewasgladtotalkaboutsomethingbesideshowhefelt.'What'stheambulancefor?'
'Anothercivilianwhojustgothimselfshot.'
Teasleshookhishead.'Howthey'redyingtohelp.'
'Dyingisaboutthewordforit.'
'Whathappened?'
'Stupidity.Abunchofthemwereupcampinginthewoods,figuringtoberightwithuswhenwestartinthemorning.Theyheardanoiseoutinthedarkandguesseditmightbethekidtryingtosneakdownandacrosstheroad,sotheygrabbedtheirriflesandwentouttosee.Firstthing,theymixedupinthedark.Oneguyheardanotherguyandthoughtitwasthekid,startedshooting,theotherguyshotback,everybodyelsestartedshooting.God'smercynobodywaskilled,justhitbad.Ineversawanythinglikeit.'
'Idid.'Foratimeearlier,whenhehadbeenstaringatthemap,hisheadhadfeltlikeitwasstuffedwithsatin,andnowwithoutwarningitwaslikethatagain.Hisearsfeltstuffedtoo,andthewords'Idid'seemedtohavecomeinanechofromoutsidehim.Offbalance,faintlynauseous,hewantedtostopandliedownonthebench,buthecouldnotletKernknowwhatwashappeningtohim.'WhenIworkedinLouisville,'hesaid,andalmostcouldnotcontinue.'Abouteightyearsago.Therewasalittletownnearuswhereasix-year-oldgirlhadbeenkidnapped.Thelocalpolicethoughtshemighthavebeenassaultedandleftsomewhere,sotheyorganizedasearch,andsomeofusoff-dutythatweekend
droveovertohelp.Troublewasthatthepeoplewhowereorganizingthesearchputoutacallforhelpovertheradiostationsandinthenewspapers,andanyguywhowantedafreemealandsomeexcitementdecidedtocome.'
Hewasdeterminednottoliedown.Butthelightwasgoinggrayonhim,thebenchhesatonseemedtobetilting.Hefinallyhadtocompromiseandleanbackagainstthewallofthetruck,hopinghelookedatease.'Fourthousand,'hesaid,concentratingtokeepthewordsstraight.'Noplaceforthemalltosleep,toeat.Nowaytocoordinatethatmany.Thetownjustgrewovernightandsplitattheseams.Mostofthemdrankhalfthetimeandthenshoweduphung-overonthebusesgoingouttothesearcharea.Oneguynearlydrownedinaswamp.Onegroupgotlost,andthesearchhadtobestoppedsoeverybodyelsecouldgofindthem.Snakebites.Brokenlegs.Sunstroke.Itfinallygotsoconfusedthatallcivilianshadtobeorderedhome,andjustthepolicekeptonthesearch.'
Helitacigaretteanddraggeddeeplyonit,tryingtonumbhisdizziness.Helookedandtheradiomanandthedeputywereturnedtohim,listening.Howlonghadhebeentalking?Tenminutesitseemed,althoughitcouldnothavebeen.Hismindwasskimmingupanddowninasmoothundulatingpattern.
'Welldon'tstop,'Kernsaid.'Whataboutthegirl?Didyoufindher?'
Teaslenoddedslowly.'Sixmonthslater.Inashallowgraveoffasideroadaboutamilefromwherethesearchoriginallyended.SomeoldguydrinkinginabarinLouisvillemadeafewjokesaboutfeelinglittlegirls,andweheardaboutit.Alongchancetherewasaconnection,butwefollowedupanyhow.SinceIhadbeenonthesearchandknewthecase,theyhadmequestionhim,andfortyminutesafterIstartedonhim,hecameoutwiththewholestory.Howhe'dbeendrivingbythisfarmandsawthislittlegirlsplashinginaplasticpoolinthefrontyard.Itwasheryellowswimsuitattractedhim,hesaid.Grabbedherrightoutofthefrontyardandintothecarwithoutanybodyseeing.Hetookusdirectlytothegrave.Itwasthesecondgrave.Thefirstgravehadbeeninthemiddleofthesearcharea,andwhilethecivilianshadbeenwanderingaroundscrewingthingsup,hehadcomebackonenightandmovedher.'Hetookanotherdeepdragonhiscigarette,feelingthesmokefillhisthroat,hisbandagedfingersthickandnumbholdingthecigarette.'Thosecivilianswillscrewthingsupheretoo.Wordaboutthisshouldneverhavebeenletout.'
'It'smyfault.There'sareporterwhocomesaroundmyofficewhoheardmymen
talkingbeforeIcouldkeepthemquiet.I'vegotsomeofthemherdingalloutsidersbacktotownrightnow.'
'Sure,andthatbunchinthewoodsmightgetjumpyagainandtakeashotatyourmen.Anyway,you'llneverroundeveryoneup.Tomorrowmorningthere'llbeciviliansallthroughthosehills.Yousawthewaythey'vetakenovertown.There'sjusttoomanyofthemtocontrol.Theworsthasn'tcomeyet.Waituntiltheprofessionalsshowup.'
'Idon'tknowwhatyoumeanprofessionals.Whoinhellarethey?'
'Amateursreally,buttheycallthemselvespros.Guyswithnothingbettertodothanchasearoundthecountrytoeveryplacethathasasearch.Imetafewofthemwhenwewerelookingforthatlittlegirl.OneguyhadjustcomefromtheEvergladeswheretheyweretrackingdownsomelostcampers.Beforethathe'dbeentoCaliforniahelpingsearchforafamilyouthikingcaughtinabrushfire.Thatwinterhe'dbeentoWyomingafterskiershitbyanavalanche.BetweentimeshewentwheretheMississippiwasfloodingorwhereminersweresealedoffbyacave-in.Thetroubleis,typeslikehimneverworkwiththepeopleincharge.Theywantthepoweroforganizingtheirowngroupsandgoingoffontheirown,andbeforelongtheyconfusethesearchpattern,interferewithofficialgroups,runaheadtoplacesthatlookexciting,likeoldfarms,leavingwholefieldsunsearched-'
Teasle'sheartsuddenlyfluttered,missedabeat,spedup,andheheldhischest,gasping.
'What'sthematter?'Kernsaid.'You're-'
'Fine.I'mfine.Ijustneedanotherpill.Thedoctorwarnedmethiswouldhappen.'Itwasn'ttrue.Thedoctorhadnotwarnedhimatall,butthiswasthesecondtimehishearthaddonethat,andthefirsttimeapillhadbroughtitbacktonormal,sonowhequicklyswallowedanother.HecertainlycouldnotletKernknowtherewasanythingthematterwithhisheart.
Kerndidnotlooksatisfiedwithhisanswer.Butthentheradiomanadjustedhisearphonesasifhewerelisteningtoareport,andtoldthedeputy'NationalGuardtruckthirty-twoinposition.'Hetracedhisfingerdownalistonapage,'That'satthestartofBranchRoad,'andthedeputyshovedonemoreredpinintothemap.
ThechalktasteofthepillremainedinTeasle'smouth.Hebreathed,andthetightnessaroundhisheartbegantorelax.'Inevercouldunderstandwhythatoldguymovedthelittlegirl'sbodytoadifferentgrave,'hesaidtoKern,hisheartrelaxingevenmore.'Irememberwhenwedugherup,andhowshelookedfromsixmonthsinthegroundandwhathehaddonetoher.Irememberthinking,God,itmusthavebeenalonelywaytodie.'
'Whatjusthappenedtoyou?'
'Nothing.Fatigue,thedoctorsaid.'
'Yourfacematchedthegrayofyourshirt.'
Moretrucksrolledbyoutside,andintheirnoiseTeasledidnothavetoanswer.ThenapatrolcarpulledupbehindKern,itsheadlightsfloodinghim,andTeasleknewhewouldnothavetoansweratall.
'IguessIhavetogo,'Kernsaidreluctantly.Thesearethewalkie-talkiestohandout.'Hesteppedtowardthecruiser,hesitated,thenturnedback.'Whydon'tyouatleastliedownonthatbenchandcatchalittlesleepwhileI'mgone.Staringatthemapwon'ttellyouwherethekidis,andyou'llwanttobefreshwhenwestarttomorrow.'
'IfIgettired.Iwanttomakedoublesurethateverybodyiswhereheshouldbe.I'minnoshapetogointothosehillswithyou,soImightaswellbegoodforsomethinghere.'
'Listen.WhatIsaidatthehospitalaboutthepoorwayyouwentafterhim.'
'It'sdone.Forgetit.'
'Butlisten.Iknowwhatyou'retrying.You'rethinkingaboutallyourmenshotandyou'restrainingyourbodytopunishyourself.Nowmaybeit'struewhatIsaid-thatOrvalmightstillbealiveifyouhadworkedwithmefromthebeginning.Butthekidistheonewhopulledthetriggeronhimandtherest.Notyou.Rememberthat.'
Teasledidnotneedtobereminded.Theradiomanwassaying'Statepoliceunit
nineteeninposition,'andTeaslewasdraggingonhiscigarette,watchingintentlyasthedeputyshovedanotheryellowpinintotheeasternsideofthemap.
2
Themaphadalmostnointeriordetails.'Nobodyeverwantedabreakdownofthesehillsbefore,'thecountysurveyorhadexplainedwhenhebroughtit.'Maybeifaroadgoesthroughtheresomeday,we'llhavetochartit.Butsurveyingcostsalotofmoney,especiallyinthatkindofroughcountry,anditjustneverseemedpracticaltouseupourbudgetonsomethingnobodywouldeverlikelyneed.'Atleastthesurroundingroadswereaccurate.Tothenorththeyformedthetoppartofasquare;buttheroadtothesouthcurvedlikethebottompartofacircle,joiningwiththeroadsthatwentstraightuponeitherside.Teasle'scommunicationtruckwasparkedonthelowestpartofthesouthroad'sarc.Thatwaswherehehadbeenfoundbythestatetrooper,andsincethekidwaslastnearthere,itwasthepointfromwhichthesearchwasbeingdirected.
TheradiomanlookedatTeasle.'Ahelicopter'scomingin.They'retalking,butit'snotclearenoughtounderstand.'
'Ourtwojustleft.Noneofthemshouldbecomingbackthissoon.'
'Motortroublemaybe.'
'Orit'snotoneofoursatall.Itmightbeanothernewscrewflyingbytakingpictures.IfitisIdon'twantthemtoland.'
Theradiomancalledit,askingforidentification.Noreply.ThenTeasleheardtheroaroftheapproachingrotorblades,andherosestifflyfromthebench,walkingwithdifficultytotheopenbackofthetruck.Nexttothetruckwastheplowedfieldthathehadcrawledacrossthatmorning.Itwasdark,andthenhesawthefurrows,aharshwhiteasthesearchlightonthebottomofthecopterswoopeddownandacrossthefield.Itwasthekindofsearchlightthecameracrewhadusedtotakepicturesearlier.
'They'rehovering,'hetoldtheradioman.'Trythemagain.Makesuretheydon'tland.'
Butalreadythecopterwassettingdown,motorquieting,bladeswhipping
throughtheairinarecurrentwhistlethatcamelessandlessoften.Therewasalightinthecockpit,andTeaslesawamanclimbout,andfromthebearingofthismanashewalkedacrossthefieldtowardthetruck,steadyandlitheandstraight,Teasleknewevenwithoutbeingabletomakeouthisclothesthatthiswasnoreporter,noranystatepolicemancomingbackwithmotortrouble.Thiswasthemanhehadsentfor.
Heclimbeddownslowlyandinpainfromthebackofthetruckandlimpedtotheedgeoftheroad.Themanhadjustreachedthebarbedwirefencewherethefieldended.
'Excuseme,I'vebeenupanddownthelinetofindsomeone,'themansaid.'Iwonderifhe'shere.Theysaidhemightbe.WilfredTeasle.'
'I'mTeasle.'
'Well,I'mSamTrautman,'hesaid.'I'vecomeaboutmyboy.'
Threemorelorrytrucksdroveby,NationalGuardsmenstandinginbackholdingrifles,facespaleundertheirhelmetsinthedark;andastheheadlightsflashed,TeaslecouldseeTrautman'suniform,hisCaptain'sinsignia,hisgreenberettuckedneatlyunderhisbelt.
'Yourboy?'
'Notexactly,Isuppose.Ididn'ttrainhimmyself.Mymendid.ButItrainedthemenwhotrainedhim,soinasensehe'smyboy.Hashedoneanythingmore?ThelastIheardhekilledthirteenmen.'Hesaiditclearly,directly,withoutemphasis,butallthesameTeaslerecognizedthethingssubduedinhisvoice;hehadlistenedtothemtoooftenbefore,toomanyfathersatnightinthestation,shocked,disappointed,embarrassedoverwhattheirchildrenhaddone.
Butthiswasnotthesame,notthatsimple.TherewassomethingelsehiddeninTrautman'svoice,somethingsounfamiliarinthiskindofsituationthatTeaslewashavingtroubleidentifyingit,andwhenhedid,hewasbewildered.
'Yousoundalmostproudofhim,'Teaslesaid.
'DoI?I'msorry.Idon'tmeanto.It'sjustthathe'sthebeststudentweeverturned
out,andthingswouldcertainlybewrongwiththeschoolifhehadn'tputupagoodfight.'
Hepointedtothebarbedwirefenceandbeganclimbingoverit,thesamesmootheconomyofmovementaswhenhehadgotoutofthehelicopterandwalkedacrossthefield.ComingdownintotheditchonTeasle'ssideofthefence,hewascloseenoughforTeasletoseehowhisuniformmoldedperfectlytohisbody,notafoldorawrinkle.Inthedarkhisskinseemedthecoloroflead.Hehadshortblackhaircombedstraightback,athinface,asharpchin.Thechinpointedforwardalittle,andTeaslewasremindedofhowOrvalsometimesusedtothinkofpeopleintermsofanimals.NotTrautman,Orvalwouldhavesaidnow.Nottrout.Butfeist.Orferret.Orweasel.Sometypeofslickfleshhunter.HerememberedcareerofficershehadcomeupagainstinKorea,professionalkillers,mentotallyathomewithdeath,andtheyalwaysmadehimwanttostandback.Idon'tknowifIreallywantyouhereafterall,hethought.
Maybeaskingyoutocomewasamistake.
ButOrvalhadtaughthimtojudgeamanbyhisgripaswell,andwhenTrautmancameinthreestepsoutoftheditch,hishandshakewasnotwhatTeasleexpected.Insteadofroughandoverbearing,itwasstrangelygentleandfirmatthesametime.Itmadehimverycomfortable.
MaybeTrautmanwouldbeallright.
'YoucamesoonerthanIexpected,'Teasletoldhim.Thankyou.Weneedallthehelpwecanget.'
BecausehehadjustbeenthinkingofOrval,hewassuddenlystruckthathehadgonethroughthisanothertime,twonightsagowhenhehadthankedOrvalforcoming,inalmostthesamewordsthathehadjustusedtothankTrautman.
ButnowOrvalwasdead.
'Youdoneedallthehelp,'Trautmansaid.'TohehonestIwasplanningtocomeevenbeforeyoucalled.He'snotintheserviceanymore,thisisstrictlyacivilianmatter,allthesameIcan'thelpfeelingpartlyresponsible.Onethingthough-I'mnotabouttoinvolvemyselfinanybutcherjob.I'llonlyhelpifIseethatthisthingisdoneproperly,tocapturehim,nottokillhimwithoutachance.He
mightgetkilledyet,butIwouldn'tliketothinkthatwasthepoint.Arewetogetheronthat?'
'Yes.'Andhewastellingthetruth.Therewasnowayhewantedthekidshottopiecesoutofhissightupinthehills.Hewantedhimbroughtback,wantedtoseeeverydamnthingthathappenedtohim.
'Allrightthen,'Trautmansaid.'AlthoughI'mnotsuremyhelpwilldoyouanygood.It'smyguessthatnoneofyourpeoplewillgetcloseenoughtoevenseehim,letalonecatchhim.He'smuchsmarterandtougherthanyoucanimagine.Howisithedidn'tkillyoutoo?Idon'tseehowyouevermanagedtogetawayfromhim.'
Thereitwasagain,thatfaintlymixedtoneofprideanddisappointment.'Nowyousoundlikeyou'resorryIdid.'
'WellinonesenseIam,butthere'snoneedtotakethatpersonally.Strictlyspeaking,heshouldn'thaveslippedup.Notwithhisskillandtraining.Ifyouhadbeenanenemyheletgetaway,itcouldhavebeenveryserious,andIwouldliketofindoutwhyithappenedincasethere'salessonIcanpassontomymen.Tellmehowyou'veplannedthissofar.HowdidyougettheNationalGuardmobilizedthisfast?'
'Theyhadwargamesscheduledfortheweekend.Theirequipmentwasready,soalltheyhadtodowasactivatetheirmenafewdaysearly.'
'Butthisisaciviliancommandpost.Whereareheadquartersforthemilitary?'
'Downtheroadinanothertruck.Buttheofficersarelettingusgivetheorders.Theywanttolearnhowtheirmendoalone,sothey'reonlymonitoring,justastheywouldhaveinthewargames.'
'Games,'Trautmansaid.'Christ,everybodylovesagame.Whatmakesyousurehe'sstillaround?'
'Becauseeveryroadaroundthesehillshasbeenwatchedsincehewentupthere.Hecan'thavegottendownwithoutbeingseen.Evenifhehad,Iwouldhavefeltit.'
'What?'
'It'snothingIcanexplain.AkindofextrasenseI'vebeenhavingafterwhatheputmethrough.Itdoesn'tmatter.He'supthereallright.AndtomorrowmorningI'llbepouringmenafterhimuntilthere'soneforeverytree.'
'Whichisn'tpossibleofcourse,sohestillhastheadvantage.He'sanexpertinguerrillafighting,heknowshowtoliveofftheland,sohedoesn'thavetheproblemthatyoudoofbringingupfoodandsuppliesforyourmen.He'slearnedpatience,sohecanhidesomewhereandwaitoutthisfightallyearifhehasto.He'sjustoneman,sohe'shardtospot.He'sonhisown,doesn'thavetofolloworders,doesn'thavetosynchronizehimselfwithotherunits,sohecanmovefast,shootandgetoutandhidesomeplaceelse,thendothesamealloveragain.Justlikemymentaughthim.'
'That'sfine,'Teaslesaid.'Nowyouteachme.'
3
Rambowokeinthedarkoncoldflatstone.Hewokebecauseofhischest.Itwasswollensopainfullythathehadtoeasethebelthehadcinchedaroundit,andeachtimehebreathed,hisribslancedhimandhehadtowince.
Hedidn'tknowwherehewas.Heguesseditmustbenight,buthecouldn'tunderstandwhythedarkwassocomplete,whytherewerenograysmixedinwiththeblack,nostarsflickering,nofaintradiancefromcloudcover.Heblinked,thedarkremainedthesame,andfearingsomedamagehadbeendonetohiseyes,hequicklyspreadhishandsoverthestonehelayon,gropedfranticallyaround,touchedwallsofdamprock.Acave,hethoughtpuzzled.I'minacave.Buthow?Andstilldazedhebegantostaggerout.
Hehadtostopandgobacktowherehehadwakenedbecausehedidn'thavehisrifleinhishand,butthenhisstuporclearedalittleandherealizedthathisriflehadbeenwithhimallalong,wedgedbetweenhisequipmentbeltandhispantssohestartedoutagain.Thefloorofthecaveslopedgraduallydownthough,andheknewthatthecavemouthwouldlikelybesomewhereup,notdown,soonceagainhehadtoturnaroundandstartout.Thedirectionofthebreezecomingdownthetunnelfromoutsideshouldhavetoldhimwhichwaytogo,buthedidn'tfigurethatuntilhehadstumbledaroundabendandreachedthemouth.
Outsideitwasacrystalnight,brilliantstars,aquartermoon,theoutlinesoftreesandrocksdistinctbelow.Hedidn'tknowhowlonghehadbeenpassedout,norhowhehadcometobeinthecave.Thelastthingsherecalledwerestrugglingupatsunrisefromwherehelayneartheridgeofbrambles,wanderingthroughtheforest,andcollapsingbyastreamtodrink.Hehaddeliberatelyrolledintothestreamheremembered,andhadletthecoolwaterflowoverhimrevivinghim,andnowhewasatthemouthofthiscaveanditwasnight,andtherewasanentiredayplusapassageofterritorythathecouldnotaccountfor.Atleastheguesseditwasonlyoneday.Hesuddenlythought,couldithavebeenlonger?
Fardownandaway,therewerelights,whatlookedlikehundredsofbrightspeckles,exceptthatthesewereoffandon,comingandgoing,yellowandredmostly,trafficonaroadhethought,ahighwaymaybe.Buttherewastoomuchofittobeordinary.Andsomethingelse:itdidnotseemtobegoinganywhere.Thelightswereslowing.Thentheystopped,asweepingstringofthemfromhislefttohisrightabouttwomilesoff.Hecouldhavebeenwrongcalculatingthedistance,buthewaspositivenowthatthelightshadtodowithcomingafterhim.Thatmuchactivitydownthere,hethought,Teaslemustwantmeworsethananythingheeverwantedbefore.
Thenightwasverycold,andtherewerenoinsectssoundingnoranyanimalsmovingaroundinthebrush,justaslightwindthatwasrustlingfallenleavesandscrapingbarebranchestogether.Hehuggedhisoutsidewoolshirtandshiveredandthenheheardthehelicopterchuggingupfromhisleft,buildingtoaroar,dimmingasitflewofffarbehindhim.Therewasanotheronebehindit,andanothertohisright,andtohisrightaswell,heheardthefaintechoesofdogsbarking.Thewindshiftedthen,comingtowardhimfromthedirectionofthelightsdownthere,bringingwithittheyelpofmoredogs,andtheaccumulatedfar-offmurmurofheavytruckengines.Sincethelightshadbeenlefton,theengineswouldneedtobekeptidling,hethought.Hetriedcountingthelightsbutinthedistancetheyconfusedhim,andhemultipliedtheircountlessnumberbytheamountofmeneachtruckcouldcarry,twenty-five,perhapsthirty.Teaslecertainlywantedhim.Andthistimehewasnottakinganychanceoffailure,hewasgoingtocomewitheveryman,everypieceofequipmenthecouldmuster.
ButRambodidnotwanttofighthimanymore.Hewassickandinpain,andsometimebetweenlosingTeasleinthebramblesandwakinginthiscave,hisangerhadgone.IthadstartedtogoevenasthechaseforTeaslehaddrawnon,
himexhausted,wantingdesperatelytocatchtheman,notanymoreforthepleasureofteachinghim,butjustsohecoulddoitandgetitoverandbefree.Andafterkillingallthosemen,aftersacrificingsomuchtimeandstrengththatheneededforescape,hehadnotevenwon.Thestupiduselesswaste,hethought.Itmadehimfeelemptyanddisgusted.Whathaditallbeenfor?Heshouldhavetakenhischanceinthestormandrunaway.
Well,thistimehewasgoing.He'dhadhisfightwithTeasle,andithadbeenfair,andTeaslehadsurvived:thatwastheendofit.
Whatkindofcrap-screenisthatyou'rethrowingupnow?hetoldhimself.Whoareyoufooling?Youwerehungrytobeinactionagain,andyouweredamnsureyoucouldbeathim,butyoulostandnowit'sduestime.Hewon'tbelookingforyoujustyet,notinthedark,butbysunrisehe'llbecomingafteryouwithasmallarmythatyoudon'thaveachanceagainst.You'renotgoingbecausehewonfairlyandit'sover.Youjustwanttogetoutwhileyoudamnwellstillcan.Evenifhe'sleadingthemall,rightattheheadinplainsight,youhadjustbetterclearoutandstayalive.
Thenheknewitwouldnotbethateasy.Becauseashestoodthereshivering,wipingthesweatfromhisforehead,hiseyebrows,therewasaflashofheatfromtherootofhisspinetothebaseofhisskull,thenasuddenchill.Thesequencerepeateditself,andheunderstoodnowthathewasnotshiveringfromthebreezeandthecold.Itwasfever.Andextremelyhightomakehimsweatthismuch.Ifhetriedmovingoff,maybetoseeifhecouldsneakthroughthatlineoflightsdownthere,hewouldendupcollapsed.Hewashavingtroublestandingasitwas.Heat-that'swhatheneeded.Andshelter,someplacetosweatoutthefeverandresthisribs.Andfood,hehadnoteatensincehehadfoundthedriedmeatonthebodyoftheoldmanwhohadbeenwashedoffthecliff,howeverlongagothatwas.
Heshookandswayedandhadtoputoutahandtosteadyhimselfagainstthecaveentrance.Thiswasitthen,thecavewouldhavetodo,hedidn'thavethestrengthtofindanyplacebetter.Hewasgoingweaksofastthathewasn'tevensurehewouldhavethestrengthtogetthecaveready.Wellthen,don'tstandheretellingyourselfhowweakyouare.Doit.
Hepickedhiswaydownastripofshaletothetreeshehadseeninoutline.Thefirsttreeshecametohadsharpbranchesfromwheretheleaveshadfallen,and
thatwasnogood,soheshuffledthroughtheleavesuntilatlasttheychangedtosoftspringyfirneedlesunderfoot,andthenhesearchedamongthesetrees,feelingforlushbranchesthatmighteasilybebrokenoff,alwayscarefultotakeonlyonefromeachtreesothatitwouldnotbeobvioushehadgonethroughheregatheringthem.
Whenhehadfive,themotionofraisinghisarmstobreakofftheboughsbecametoogreatastrainonhisribs.Hewouldhavelikedmore,butfivewouldhavetodo.Heliftedthempainfullyontotheshoulderawayfromhisdamagedribs,andworkedbacktowardthecave,theweightoftheboughsmakinghimstaggerevenworsethanhealreadyhadbeen.Theclimbuptheslopeofshalewasthereallybadtime.Hekeptteeteringofftoonesideinsteadofstraightup.Oncehelosthisfootingandslippedfaceforward,wincing.
Evenwhenhemadeittothetop,settingtheboughsatthecaveentrance,hestillhadtogobackdowntheslope,thistimegatheringdeadleavesandbitsofwoodthatwerescatteredontheground.Hestuffedwhathecouldinsidehiswoolshirtandfilledhisarmswithlargedeadbranchesandcarriedthembacktothecavewherehemadetwotripsinside,firstwiththedeadbrancheshealreadyhadinhisarms,thenwiththefirboughs.Hewasthinkingbetter,doingwhatheshouldhavedonewhenhehadfirstmovedaroundinthecave.Assoonashewasdeepin,pastwherehehadwakened,hetestedtheflooraheadwithhisfeettobecarefulofsuddendrops.Thefartherinhewent,thelowertheroofcame,andwhenhehadtocrouch,bunchinghisribs,hequit.Thepainwastoomuch.
Thispartofthecavewasclammy,andhehurriedtopilethedeadleavesonthefloorandspreadchipsofwoodonthemandlittheleaveswiththematchestheoldmanwiththestillhadgivenhimnightsbefore.Thematcheshadbeensoakedintherainandthestream,buttherehadbeentimeenoughforthemtodry,andwhilethefirsttwowouldn'tstrike,thethirddid,goingout,andthefourthstayedlit,settingflametotheleaves.Theflamespread,andhepatientlyaddedmoreleaves,morechipsofwood,nursingeachlickoffireuntiltheyallcametogetherinablazethatwasbigenoughtoaddlargerchunksofwoodandthenthedeadbranches.
Thewoodwassooldthatitdidnotsmokemuch,andthelittlesmokethatdidcomeoffwastuggedatbythebreezefromtheentranceandwafteddownthetunnel.Hestaredatthefire,handsout,warmingthem,shivering,anddirectlyhelookedaroundattheshadowsonthecavewalls.Hehadbeenwrong.Itwasn'ta
cave,hesawnow.Yearsagosomebodyhadworkedthisplaceasamine.Thatmuchwasobviousfromthesymmetryofthewallsandtheroofandtheflatnessofthefloor.Therewerenotoolsleftaround,norustywheelbarrowsorbrokenpicksorrottingbuckets-whoevergaveupthisplacehadrespecteditallright,andleftitneat.Heshouldhaveclosedtheentrance,though.Thatwasstrangelycarelessofhim.Bynowthetimberpilingsandsupportbeamswereoldandsagging,andifchildrenevercameintoexplore,theymightknockagainstabeamormaketoomuchnoiseandbringdownapartoftheroofonthem.Butwhatwouldchildrenbedoingouthereanyhow?Thiswasmilesfromwhereanybodylived.Still,hehadfoundit;otherscouldtoo.Sureandtheywouldfindittomorrow,sohehadbetterwatchhistimeandleavebeforethen.Thequartermoonoutsidehadbeenuptowhatheimaginedwaseleveno'clock.Afewhoursofrest.Thatwasallheneeded,hetoldhimself.Sure.Thenhecouldbegone.
Thefirewaswarmandsoothing.Hebroughtthefirboughsnexttoitandspreadthemontopofeachotherinimitationofamattress,stretchingoutonthem,hisbadsidetowardsthefire.Hereandtherethepointsoftheneedlesstuckthroughhisclothesandprickedhim,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutthat:heneededtheboughstokeephimoffthedampnessofthefloor.Inhisexhaustiontheboughsbecamesoftandrestfulbeneathhim,andheclosedhiseyesandlistenedtothelowcrackleoftheburningwood.Downthetunnel,waterwasdripping,echoing.
Onfirstsightoftheminewallshehadalmostexpectedtoseedrawings,paintings,animalswithhorns,menclutchingspears,stalkingthem.Hehadseenphotographsofsomethinglikethat,buthecouldnotrememberwhen.Inhighschoolmaybe.Picturesofhuntinghadalwaysfascinatedhim.WhenhewasayoungboyathomeinColorado,hehadoftengonehikingbyhimselfintothemountains,andoncewhenhehadsteppedcautiouslyintoacave,roundingacorner,flashinghislight,therehadbeenadrawingofabuffalo,justone,inyellow,perfectlycenteredonthewall.Ithadlookedsoreal,asifitwouldboltatthesightofhimandrun,andhehadwatcheditallafternoonuntilhisflashlightdimmed.Hehadgonebacktothatcaveatleastonceaweekafterthat,tositthere,andwatch.Hissecret.Hisfatherhadonenightbeatenhimrepeatedlyinthefacefornotsayingwherehehadbeen.Remembering,Rambonoddedhisheadatnothavingtold.Itwasalongtimenowsincehehadbeeninthatcave,andthisplacemadehimfeelsecretlikeintheother.Onebuffalo,high-humped,squat-horned,staringathim.Sohighupinthemountains,awayfromitsnativeplains,andhowlonghaditbeenthereandwhohaddrawnit?Andwhohad
workedthismineandhowlongagowasthat?Thecavehadalwaysremindedhimofachurch,andthisplacedidtoo,butnowtheassociationembarrassedhim.Well,hehadnotbeenembarrassedwhenhewasachild.FirstCommunion.Confession.Herememberedwhatithadbeenliketopushawaytheheavyblackclothandslipintothedarkconfessional,hiskneesonthepaddedboard,thevoiceofthepriest,muffled,givingabsolutiontothepenitentintheothersideofthebox.Thenthewoodslidesnickingbackandhimconfessing.Confessingwhat?Themenhehadjustkilled.Itwasinself-defense,Father.
Butdidyouenjoyit,myson?Wasitanoccasionofsin?
Thatembarrassedhimmore.Hedidnotbelieveinsin,andhedidnotliketoentertainideasaboutit.Butthequestionrepeateditself:wasitanoccasionofsin?Andhisminddrowsingwithcomfortfromthefire,hewonderedwhathewouldhavesaidasachild.Probablyyes.Thesequenceofkillingswasverycomplicated.Hecouldjustifytothepriestthatitwasself-defensetokillthedogsandtheoldmaningreen.Butafterthat,whenhehadhisopportunitytoescape,wheninsteadhewentafterTeasleandshothisdeputieswhiletheywereinrout,thatwassin.AndnowTeaslewouldbecomingforgood,hethoughtashehadbefore,andnowitwastimeforhispenance.Downthetunnelthewaterwasdrippinghollowly.
Downthetunnel.Heshouldhavecheckeditatthefirst.Aminewasanaturalplaceforabear.Orsnakes.Whatwasthematterthathehadnotcheckeditalready?Hetookaflamingbrandfromthefireanduseditforatorchdownthetunnel.Theroofcamelowerandlower,andhehatedstooping,torturinghisside,butthisneededtobedone.Hecamearoundacurvewherethewaterhehadheardwasdrippingfromtheroof,gatheringinapoolanddrainingthroughacrackinthefloor,andthatwastheend.Historchsputteringtogoout,hecametoafinalwall,atwofootgapinitthatangleddown,andhedecidedhewassafe.Bythetimehistorchdidgoout,hewaswellonhiswaybacktothefire,sonearhecouldseetheshimmeringreflectionoftheflames.
Butnowherememberedtherewereotherthingstodo.Checkoutsidetobecertainthelightfromthefirecouldnotbeseen.Getfood.Whatelse?Restinginthisminehadseemedsosimpleanideaatthestart,butitwasgettingmorebothersomeashewentalong,andhewastemptedtoforgetthewholethingandmakeatryatsneakingthroughthatlineoflightsdownthere.Hemanagedasfarastheentrancebeforeheswayedsodizzilythathehadtositdown.Thishadto
beit.Hedidn'thaveachoice.Hewasgoingtohavetostayforawhile.
Justforawhile.
Thefirstrifleshotechoedupfromsomewheredownonhisright.Threemorecameimmediatelyafter.Itwastoodarkandtheyweretoofaroffforhimtobethetarget.Anotherthreeshotsechoedupandthenthefaintwailofasiren.Whatthehell?Whatwasgoingon?
Food.That'sallyouneedtoworryabout.Food.Andheknewexactlywhatkind:abigowlhehadseentakeofffromatreedowntherewhenhehadcomeoutofthecavethefirsttime.Ithadswungoff,andinacoupleofminuteshaddriftedback.Hehadseenthathappeninsilhouettetwicenow.Thebirdwasalreadygoneagainandhewaswaitingforittocompleteitsround.
Therewasmoreshootingfarofftotheright.Butwhatfor?Hestoodandshiveredandwaited,puzzling.Atleasthisshotwouldonlyblendwithalltheothershotsdownthere;itwouldnottellhisposition.Aimingatnightwasalwaysdifficult,butwiththeluminouspainttheoldmanwiththestillhadputonthesightsofthisrifle,hehadachance.Hewaited,andwaited,andjustasthesweatonhisface,thechillinhisspinebecametoomuch,heheardthesingleflapofwingsandlookedtoseethequicksilhouetteswoopandsettleinthetree.One,two,andhehadtherifleuptohisshoulder,aimingattheblackspotoftheowl.Three,four,andhewasshivering,clenchinghismusclestocontrolthem.Ca-rack!therecoiljarredhisribsandhestaggeredinpainagainstthecaveentrance.Hewasthinkingthathemighthavemissed,fearingthattheowlmighttakeoffandnotflyback,whenhesawitmove,justalittle.Andthenitplummettedgracefullyfromthetree,hitabranch,toppledoff,disappearedinthedark.Hehearditstrikerustlingintofallenleaves,andheslippedhurriedlydowntheshaletowardthetree,notdaringtotakehiseyesoffwherehethoughtthebirdhadlanded.Helosthisbearings,couldn'tfindthebird;onlyafteralongsearchdidhehappenuponit.
Atlastreturnedtohisfireinthecave,hecollapsedheadspinningontotheboughs,shiveringviolently.Hestruggledtoignorehispainbyconcentratingontheclosedtalonsoftheowl,bysmoothingitsruffledfeathers.Itwasanoldowl,hedecided,andheratherlikedthewizenedfaceofit,buthecouldnotkeephishandssteadyenoughtosmoothitsfeatherswell.
Hestillcouldnotunderstandwhatalltheshootingoutsidewasfor,either.
4
Theambulancewailedpastthecommunicationstruck,speedingbacktowardtown,threelorriesrumblingupbehindit,loadedwithcivilians,somecomplainingloudly,shoutingindistinctlyattheNationalGuardsmenalongtheroad.Directlyafterthelorriestwostatecruiserssweptby,keepingwatchonthemall.Teaslestoodatthesideoftheroad,theheadlightsflashingbyhiminthedark,shookhisheadandwalkedslowlyovertothetruck.
'Nowordyethowmanymorewereshot?'heaskedtheradiomanintheback.
Theradiomanwashaloedbytheglareofthelightbulbdanglingfartherinside.'Justnow,I'mafraid,'hesaid,slowly,quietly.'Oneofthem.Oneofus.Thecivilianwashitinthekneecap,butourmangotitinthehead.'
'Oh.'Heclosedhiseyesamoment.
'Theambulanceattendantsayshemightnotlivetoreachthehospital.'
Might,nothing,hethought.Thewaythingshavebeengoingthelastthreedays,hewon'tmakeit.There'snodoubt.Hejustwon'tmakeit.
'DoIknowwhohewas?No.Wait.You'dbetternottellme.IalreadyhaveenoughmendeadthatIknew.
Arethosedrunksatleastallgatheredupnowsotheycan'tshootanybodyelse?Wasthatthelastoftheminthelorries?'
'Kernsayshethinkssobuthecan'tbepositive.'
'Whichmeanstherecouldstillbeasmuchasanotherhundredcampedupthere.'
Christ,don'tyouwishtherewasanotherwaytodothis,thatitwasjustyouandthekidagain.Howmanyothersaregoingtodiebeforethisisover?
Hehadbeenwalkingaroundtoomuch.Hewasgoingdizzyoncemore,leaningagainstthebackofthetrucktoholdhimselfup,legsbecominglimp.Hiseyes
feltliketheywouldrollupintotheirsockets.Likedoll'seyes,hethought.
'Maybeyououghttoclimbbackinsideandrest,'theradiomansaid.'Evenwhenyou'realmostoutofthelight,Icanseeyousweating,yourface,throughthebandages.'
Henoddedweakly.'Justdon'tsaythatwhenKern'shere.Handmeyourcoffee,willyou?'
Hishandswereshakingashetookthecoffeeandswalloweditwithtwomorepills,histongueandthroatbalkingfromthebittertaste,andjustthenTrautmanreturnedfromwherehehadbeenspeakingwiththeshadowedformsofNationalGuardsmendowntheroad.HetookonelookatTeasleandtoldhim,'Yououghttobeinbed.'
'Notuntilthisisover.'
'Well,that'slikelygoingtotakeawhilelongerthanyouexpect.Thisisn'tKoreaandtheChoisinReservoiralloveragain.Amass-trooptacticwouldbefineprovidedyouhadtwogroupsagainsteachother:ifoneflankgotconfused,yourenemywouldbesolargethatyoucouldseeitcomingintimetoreinforcethatflank.Butyoucan'tdothathere,notagainstoneman,especiallyhim.Theslightestbitofconfusionalongonelineandhe'ssohardtospothecanslipthroughyourmenwithoutasignal.'
'You'vepointedoutenoughfaults.Can'tyouoffersomethingpositive?'
Hesaiditstrongerthanheintended,sothatwhenTrautmananswered'Yes,'therewassomethingnew,resentment,hiddeninthatevenvoice:'Ihaveafewdetailstosettleonyet.Idon'tknowhowyourunyourpolicedepartment,butIliketobesurebeforeIgoaheadonsomething.'
Teasleneededhisco-operationandimmediatelytriedtoeaseoff.'Sorry.Iguessit'smewhosoundswrongnow.Don'tpayattention.I'mjustnothappyunlessIgetmiserableeveryonceinawhile.'
Againitcame,thatstrangeintensedoublingofpastandpresent:twonightsagowhenOrvalhadsaid'It'llbedarkinanhour,'andhehimselfhadsnapped'Don'tyouthinkIknowit'andthenhadapologizedtoOrvalinalmostthesamewords
hehadjustsaidtoTrautman.
Maybeitwasthepills.Hedidn'tknowwhatwasinthem,buttheycertainlyworked,hisdizzinessleavingnow,hisbrainslowlyrevolvingtoastop.Itbotheredhimthattheperiodsofdizzinesswerecomingmoreandmoreoftenandlastinglonger,though.Atleasthisheartwasnotspeedingandmissinganymore.
Hegrippedthebackofthetrucktoclimbup,buthedidnothavethestrengthtoraisehimself.
'Here.Takemyhand,'theradiomansaid.
Withhelpthen,hemanagedtogetup,buttoofast,andhehadtowaitamomentbeforehewassteadyenoughtogoandsitonthebench,shouldersatlastrelaxingagainstthewallofthetruck.There.Done.Nothingtodobutsit,rest.Thepleasureoffatigueandreliefhesometimeshadaftervomiting.
Trautmanclimbedupwithapparentlyunconsciouseaseandstoodattheback,watchinghim,andtherewassomethingthatTrautmanhadsaidawhileagothatpuzzledTeasle.Hecouldnotdecidewhatitwas.Somethingabout-
Thenhehadit.
'HowdidyouknowIwasattheChoisinReservoir?'
Trautmanlookedinquestion.
'Justnow,'Teaslesaid.'Youmentioned-'
'Yes.BeforeIleftFortBraggIcalledWashingtonandhadyourfilereadtome.'
Teasledidnotlikethat.Atall.
'Ihadto,'Trautmansaid.'There'snoneedtotakethatpersonallyeither,asifIwasinterferinginyourprivacy.Ihadtounderstandwhatkindofmanyouwere,incasethistroublewithRambowasyourfault,incaseyouwereafterbloodnow,soIcouldanticipateanytroubleyoumightgiveme.Thatwasoneofyourmistakeswithhim.Youwentafteramanyoudidn'tknowanythingabout,notevenhisname.There'saruleweteach-neverengagewithanenemyuntilyou
knowhimaswellasyourself.'
'Allright.WhatdoestheChoisinReservoirtellyouaboutme?'
'Foronething,nowthatyou'vetoldmealittleofwhathappenedupthere,itexplainspartofwhyyoumanagedtogetawayfromhim.'
'There'snomystery.Iranfaster.'Thememoryofhowhehadboltedinpanic,leavingShingleton,madehimdisgusted,bitter.
'That'sthepoint,'Trautmansaid.'Youshouldn'thavebeenabletorunfaster.He'syoungerthanyou,inbettercondition,bettertrained.'
Theradiomanhadbeensittingbythetablelisteningtothem.Nowheturnedfromonetotheotherandsaid,'IwishIknewwhatyouguysweretalkingabout.What'sthisreservoir?'
'Youweren'tintheservice?'Trautmansaid.
'SureIwas.Inthenavy.Twoyears.'
'That'swhyyouneverheardofit.Ifyouhadbeenamarine,you'dknowthedetailsbyheartandyou'dbragaboutthem.TheChoisinReservoirisoneofthemostfamousmarinebattlesoftheKoreanwar.Itwasactuallyaretreat,butitwasasfierceasanyattack,anditcosttheenemythirty-seventhousandmen.Teaslewasrightinthecenterofit.EnoughtoearnaDistinguishedServiceCross.'
ThewayTrautmanreferredtohimbynamemadeTeaslefeelstrange,asifhewerenotinthesameplacewiththem,asifhewereoutsidethetrucklistening,whileTrautman,unawarehewasbeingoverheard,talkedabouthim.
'WhatIwanttoknow,'TrautmanaskedTeasle,'wasRamboawarethatyouwereinthatretreat?'
Heshrugged.'Thecitationandthemedalareonmyofficewall.Hesawit.Ifitmeantanythingtohim.'
'Oh,itmeantsomethingtohim,allright.That'swhatsavedyourlife.'
'Idon'tseehow.IjustlostmyheadwhenShingletonwasshot,andranlikeagoddamnscaredrat.'Sayingitmadehimfeelbetter,publiclyconfessingit,outintheopen,nobodycriticizinghimforitwhenhewasn'tnear.
'Ofcourseyoulostyourheadandran,'Trautmansaid.'You'vebeenoutofthatkindofactionforyears.Inyourplacewhowouldn'thaverun?Butyousee,hedidn'texpectyouto.He'saprofessionalandhenaturallywouldthinkthatsomebodywiththatmedalisaprofessionaltoo-oh,alittleoutofpracticeandcertainlynotasgoodashim,butstillhewouldthinkofyouasaprofessional-andit'smyguesshewentafteryouonthatbasis.Didyoueverwatchachessmatchbetweenanamateurandapro?Theamateurwinsmorepieces.Becausetheproisusedtoplayingwithpeoplewhohaveareasonandpatternforeverymove,andheretheamateurisshiftingpiecesallovertheboard,notreallyknowingwhathe'supto,justtryingtodothebesthecanwiththelittleheunderstands.Well,theprofessionalbecomessoconfusedtryingtoseeanonexistentpatternandallowforit,thatinnotimehe'sbehind.Inyourcase,youwereinblindflight,andRambowasbehindyoutryingtoanticipatewhatsomebodylikehimselfwoulddoforprotection.Hewouldhaveexpectedyoutolieinwaitforhim,totrytoambushhim,andthatwouldhaveslowedhimdownuntilheunderstood,butthenitwouldhavebeentoolate.'
Theradiomanhadjustslippedonhisearphonestolistentoareportthatwascomingthrough.NowTeaslesawhimstaringblanklyatthefloor.
'What'swrong?What'shappened?'Teaslesaid.
'Ourmanwhowasshotinthehead.Hejustdied.'
Sure,Teaslethought.Dammit,sure.
Sowhatareyoulettingitbotheryoufor,likeitwassomethingyoudidn'texpect?Youwerealreadycertainhewasgoingtodie.
That'sthetrouble.Iwascertain.Himandhowmanyothersbeforethisisthrough.
'Godhelphim,'Teaslesaid.'Ican'tthinkofanotherwaytogoafterthatkidexceptwithallthesemen,butifIcouldhaveanythingintheworld,I'dwantitto
bejustmeandhimagain.'
Theradiomantookoffhisearphonesandstoodsoberlyfromthetable.'Wewereondifferentshifts,butIsometimesusedtotalktotheguy.Ifyoudon'tmind,I'dliketogowalkaroundforawhile.'Heclimbeddistracteddowntheopenendofthetrucktotheroad,andpausedamomentbeforehespokeagain.'Maybethatsupplyvanisstillparkeddowntheroad.MaybeI'llgetsomedoughnutsandmorecoffee.Orsomething.'Hepausedamomentlonger,thenwalkedoff,disappearingintothedarkness.
'Ifitwasjustyouandthekidagain,'Trautmansaid,'he'dknowhowtocomeafteryouthistime.Onastraightrun.He'dkillyouforsure.'
'No.BecauseIwouldn'trunnow.UpthereIwasafraidofhim.I'mnotanymore.'
'Youshouldbe.'
'No,becauseI'mlearningfromyou.Don'tgoafteramanuntilyouunderstandhim.That'swhatyousaid.Well,IknowenoughabouthimnowthatIcouldtakehim.'
'That'sjuststupid.Ihardlytoldyouanythingabouthim.Maybesomeparty-gamepsychiatristcouldbuildupatheoryabouthismotherdyingofcancerwhenhewasyoung,hisfatherbeinganalcoholic,aboutwhenhisfathertriedtokillhimwithaknife,andhowheranfromthehousethatnightwithabowandarrowthatheshotattheoldman,nearlykillinghim.Sometheoryaboutfrustrationandrepressionandallthat.Howtherewasn'tenoughmoneytoeatandhehadtoquithighschooltoworkinagarage.Itwouldsoundlogical,butitwouldn'tmeananything.Becausewedon'tacceptcrazies.Weputhimthroughtests,andhe'saswell-balancedasyouorI.'
'Idon'tkillforaliving.'
'Ofcoursenot.Youtolerateasystemthatletsothersdoitforyou.Andwhentheycomebackfromthewar,youcan'tstandthesmellofdeathonthem.'
'AtthestartIdidn'tknowhewasinthewar.'
'Butyousawhewasn'tactingnormally,andyoudidn'ttryveryhardtofindout
why.Hewasavagrant,yousaid.Whatthehellelsecouldhehavebeen?Hegaveupthreeyearstoenlistinawarthatwassupposedtohelphiscountry,andtheonlytradehecameoutwithishowtokill.Wherewashesupposedtogetajobthatneededexperiencelikethat?'
'Hedidn'tneedtoenlist,andhecouldhavegonebacktoworkinthegarage.'
'Heenlistedbecausehefiguredhewasgoingtobedraftedanyhow,andhenewthebesttrainedcadresthatgaveamanthebestchancetostayalivedidn'ttakedraftees,onlyenlistedmen.Yousayhecouldhavegonebacktothegarage.That'ssomecoldcomfort,isn'tit?Threeyears,andhegetsaMedalofHonor,anervousbreakdown,andajobgreasingcars.Nowyoutalkaboutfightinghimone-to-one,yetyouimplythere'ssomethingdiseasedaboutamanwhokillsforaliving.Christ,youhaven'tfooledme,you'reasmilitaryasheis,andthat'showthismessgotstarted.Ihopeyoudogetaone-to-onefightwithhim.It'llbethelastsurpriseofyourlife.Becausehe'ssomethingspecialthesedays.He'sanexpertathisbusiness.Weforcedhimintoitoverthere,andnowhe'sbringingitallbackhome.Tosecond-guesshimevenonce,you'dhavetostudyhimforyears.You'dhavetogothrougheverycoursehetook,everyfighthewasin.'
'Foracaptain,thewayyou'retalking,youdon'tseemtolikethemilitaryverymuch.'
'OfcourseIdon't.Whoinhisrightmindwould?'
'Thenwhatareyoustayinginitfor,especiallydoingthatjobofyours,teachingmentokill?'
'Idon't.Iteachthemtostayalive.Aslongaswesendmenanywheretofight,themostimportantthingIcandoismakedamnsureatleastsomeofthemcomeback.Mybusinessissavinglives,nottakingthem.'
'YousayIhaven'tfooledyou,thatI'masmilitaryasheis.Ithinkyou'rewrong.IdomyjobasfairasIknowhow.Butlet'sleavethatforasecond.Becauseyouhaven'tfooledme,either.Youtalkaboutcomingheretohelp,butsofarthat'sallyou'vedone-talkaboutit.Youclaimyou'reouttosavelives,butyouhaven'tdoneonethingyettohelppreventhimfromkillingmorepeople.'
'Supposesomething,'Trautmansaid.Heslowlylitacigarettefromapackage
thatwasontheradiotable.'You'reright.Ihavebeenholdingback.ButsupposeIdidhelp.Nowthinkaboutthis.Wouldyoureallywantmetohelp?He'sthebeststudentmyschooleverturnedout.Fightingagainsthimwouldbelikefightingagainstmyself,becauseIsuspecthewaspushedintothis-'
'Nobodypushedhimintokillingapolicemanwitharazor.Let'sgetthatstraight.'
'I'llputitdifferently:Ihaveaconflictofinterestshere.'
'Youhavewhat?Dammithe's-'
'Letmefinish.RamboisalotlikemyselfandIwouldn'tbehonestifIdidn'tadmitthatIsympathizewiththepositionhe'sin,enoughsothatI'dliketoseehimgetaway.Ontheotherhand,Christ,he'sgonewild.Hedidn'thavetochaseafteryouonceyouwereinretreat.Mostofthosemendidn'thavetodie,notwhenhehadachancetoescape.Thatwasinexcusable.ButnomatterhowIfeelaboutthat,Istillsympathize.Whatif,withoutknowingit,Iworkoutaplanagainsthimthatallowshimtoescape?'
'Youwon't.Evenifheescapeshere,westillhavetokeephuntinghim,andsomeoneelseisboundtobeshot.You'vealreadyagreedthat'syourresponsibilityasmuchasmine.Soifhe'syourbest,thendammitproveit.Puteveryobstacleagainsthimthatyoucandreamof.Thenifhestillbreaksfree,you'llhavedoneeverythingyoucouldandyou'llhavedoublereasontobeproudofhim.Inacoupleofwaysyoucan'taffordnottohelp.'
Trautmanlookedathiscigarette,drewdeeplyonit,thenflippeditoutofthetruck,sparksshoweringinthedark.'Idon'tseewhyIlitthatinthefirstplace.Igaveupsmokingthreemonthsago.'
'Don'tavoidthequestion,'Teaslesaid.'Areyougoingtohelpnoworaren'tyou?'
Trautmanlookedatthemap.'IsupposenoneofwhatI'msayingmatters.Inafewyearsasearchlikethiswon'tevenbenecessary.Wehaveinstrumentsnowthatcanbemountedontheundersideofanairplane.Tofindamanallyouhavetodoisflyoverthespotwhereyouthinkheis,andthemachinewillregisterhisbodyheat.Rightnowtherearen'tenoughofthosemachinestogoaround.Mostofthemareinthewar.Butwhenwecomehomefromthere,well,amanontherunwon'thaveahope.Andamanlikeme,hewon'tbeneeded.Thisisthelastof
something.It'stoobad.AsmuchasIhatewar,Ifearthedaywhenmachinestaketheplaceofmen.Atleastnowamancanstillgetalongonhistalents.'
'Butyou'reavoidingthequestion.'
'Yes,I'mgoingtohelp.Hedoeshavetobestopped,andI'dratherthepersonwhomanagesitbesomeonelikemyselfwhounderstandshimandgoesthroughhispainwithhim.'
5
Ramboheldtheowl'ssoftpliantback,clutchedafistfuloffeathersonthebelly,andpulled.Theymadeadulltearingsoundastheycameaway.Helikedthefeelofthefeathersinhishand.Hepluckedthecarcassbare,cutofftheheadandthewingsandtheclawsthenpressedthepointofhisknifeinatthebottomoftheribcage,drawingthesharpedgeofthebladedowntobetweenitslegs.Hespreadtheflapsofthecarcass,reachedinsideforthewarmwetoffal,andsmoothlysteadilydrewitout,gettingmostoftheentrailsinabunchonhisfirsttry,andscrapingtheinsidewithhisknifetogettherest.Hewouldhavegonetorinsethecarcasswherethewaterwasdrippingfromtheroofofthemine,buthecouldnottellifthewaterhadpoisonsinit,andanyway,rinsingthebirdwouldjustbeanothercomplicationwhenallhewantedwastogetthisover,eatandgetout.Hehadalreadywastedtoomuchenergyasitwas.Hetookalongbranchthatwasnotinthefire,sharpeneditandspittedthepointintotheowl,extendingitoverthefire.Thebitsoffeathersandhairthatwerestillonitsparkedintheflames.Saltandpepper,hethought.Sincetheowlwasold,itwouldbesolidandtough.Thesmellofitsbloodburningwasacrid,andthemeatwouldprobablytastelikethat,andhewishedheatleasthadsaltandpepper.
Sothisiswhathehadfuckingcometo,hethought.Fromcampinginhissleepingbagintheforest,andeatinghamburgerswashedwithCokeinthedustygrassatthesideofaroad,tothis,abedoffirboughsinamineandthecarcassofanowlandnotevengoddamnsaltandpepper.Notallthatdifferentfromcampingintheforest,butlivingthenonaminimumhadbeenakindofluxury,becausehewantedtodoit.Now,though,hemightbeforcedtolivelikethisforalongwhile,anditreallydidseemlikeaminimum.Soonhemightnotevenhavethismuch,andhewouldlookbackonthisgoodnightwhenhesleptforafewhoursinamineandcookedthistougholdowl.Mexicowasnotevenonhismindanymore.Onlyhisnextmealandwhattreehewouldsleepin.Adayata
time.Anightatatime.
Chestthrobbing,heraisedhistwoshirtsandlookedathisribs,fascinatedbyhowswollenandinflamedtheywere.Itwaslikehehadatumorinthereorsomethinggrowinginhim,hethought.Afewmorehourssleepweren'tgoingtocurethat.Atleasthewasn'tdizzyanymore.Timetomove.Hebuiltupthefiretomakethebirdcookfaster.Theheatfromthefiretouchedhisforeheadandthestretchofhisnose.Ormaybeitwasthefever,hethought.Helaybackflatonthefirboughs,faceturnedsweatingtowardthefire.Themucusinhismouthwasdryandsticky,andhewantedtodrinkfromhiscanteen,buthehadalreadydranktoomuchfromit,heneededtosavesomeforlater.Butwheneverhepartedhislips,athinwebofstickymucusclungbetweenthem.Finallyhesippedandswirledthewarmmetallicwateraroundinhismouth,collectingthemucus,debatingwhetherhecouldaffordthewasteofspittingitout,decidingnotandswallowingthickly.
Thevoicestartledhim.Itechoedindistinctlydownthetunnel,soundingasifamanwereoutsidewithaloudspeakertalkingtohim.Howcouldtheyhaveknownwherehewas?Hehurriedlycheckedthathispistolandknifeandcanteenwereattachedtohisequipmentbelt,grabbedhisrifleandthestickintheowl,andrushedtowardthemouth.Thebreezecomingdowntheshaftwasfreshandcool.Justbeforetheopening,heslowed,takingcarethatmenwerenotoutthereinthenightwaitingforhim.Buthecouldnotseeanyone,andthenheheardthevoiceagain.Itwasdefinitelyfromaloudspeaker.Fromahelicopter.Inthedarkthemotorwasroaringovertherise,andthroughoutaman'svoicewasbooming'Groupstwelvetothirty-one.Assembletowardtheeasternslope.Groupsthirty-twocompletetoforty.Spreadoutnorth.'Fardownandaway,thelineoflightswasstillthere,waiting.
Teaslewantedhimallright.Hemusthaveasmallarmydownthere.Butwhatwastheloudspeakerfor?Weren'tthereenoughfieldradiostocoordinatethegroups?Oristhisjustnoisetogetonmynerves?hethought.Ortoscareme,toletmeknowhowmanyarecomingforme.Maybeit'satrickandhedoesn'thaveanymenatallnorthandeast.Maybehejusthasenoughforsouthandwest.RambohadheardaloudspeakerusedlikethisbySpecialForcesinthewar.Itgenerallyconfusedtheenemyandtemptedthemtosecond-guesswhatSpecialForceswasabouttodo.Therewasacounter-rule:whensomebodywantsyoutosecond-guessthem,that'swhenyoudon'ttry.Thebestreactionistogoonasifyouneverheardit.
Nowthevoicewasrepeatingitself,dimmingwiththehelicopterovertherise.ButRambodidn'tcareaboutanythingitsaid.Forallhecared,Teaslecouldbringmenintothesehillsfromeveryside.Itwouldn'tmatter.Wherehewasgoing,theywouldpassrightbyhim.
Heglancedeast.Theskywasgraynowoverthere.Sunupinawhile.Heeaseddownonthecoldrocksattheentrancetothemineandtestedthebirdwithhisfingerincaseitwastoohottoeat.Thenhecarvedoffastripandchewed,anditwasjustawful.Worsethanhehadexpected.Stiffanddryandsour.Hehadtoforcehimselftobiteintoanotherpiece,andhehadtochewandchewbeforehecouldswallow.
6
Teasledidnotsleepatall.Anhourbeforedawn,Trautmanlaydownonthefloorandclosedhiseyes,butTeaslekeptsittingonthebench,hisbackagainstthewall,toldtheradiomantoswitchthesoundfromtheearphonestothespeakers,thenlistenedtothepositionreportscomingin,hiseyesseldomleavingthemap.Thereportssooncameinlessfrequently,andtheradiomanleanedforwardontothetable,headonhisarms,andTeaslewasaloneagain.
Everyunitwaswhereitshouldbe.InhismindhesawpolicemenandNationalGuardsmenstrungalongtheedgesoffieldsandwoodlots,stampingoutcigarettes,loadingtheirrifles.Theywereinsectionsoffifty,andeachsectionhadamanwithafieldradioandatsixo'clocktheorderwouldgodownthelineovertheradiostomoveout.Stillspreadinawideline,theywouldsweepacrossfieldsandthroughwoods,movinginfromthemainpointsofthecompass.Itwouldtakedaystocoverthismuchterritoryandconvergeinthemiddle,buteventuallytheywouldhavehim.Ifonegroupcameintotangledcountrythatslowedthem,itsmanwiththefieldradiowouldbroadcasttotheothergroupstoeasetheirpaceandwait.Thatwouldpreventonegroupfromslowingsomuchthatitfellbehindthemainline,imperceptivelyshiftingitsdirectionuntilitwasfartooneside,searchinganareathathadalreadybeencoveredbytheothers.Therecouldbenogapsinthelineexceptthosewhichhadbeenplannedastraps,abandofmenlyingtocatchthekidincasehetriedtotakeadvantageofthatopenspace.Thekid.EvennowthatTeasleknewhisname,hecouldn'tgetusedtocallinghimbyit.
Theairseemedtodampentowardsunup,andhepulledanarmyblanketoverTrautmanonthefloor,thenwrappedonearoundhimself.Therewasalwayssomethinglefttodo,someflawinanyplan:herememberedthatfromhistraininginKorea,andTrautmanhadsaidittoo,andhewasgoingoverthesearchfromeveryangleforsomethinghemighthaveforgotten.Trautmanhadwantedhelicopterstodroppatrolsonthehighestpeaks,fromwheretheycouldspotthekidifheranaheadofthesearchline.Ithadbeendangerousloweringthepatrolsonpulleysinthedark,buttheyhadbeenluckyandtherehadbeennoaccidents.Trautmanhadwantedthehelicopterstoflybackandforthouttherebroadcastingfakedirectionstoconfusethekid,andthatwasbeingtakencareof.Trautmanhadsuspectedthekidwouldmakeabreaksouth:thatwasthedirectionhehadusedescapinginthewar,andtherewasagoodchancehewouldtrythatwayagain,sothesouthernlinewasreinforcedexceptfortheintentionalweakspotsthatweretraps.Teasle'seyeswereburningfromlackofsleep,buthecouldn'tsleep,andthenwhenhecouldnotfindanypartoftheplanthathehadforgottentocheck,hebegantothinkaboutotherthingsthathedidwanttoforget.Hehadbeenputtingthemoutofhismind,butnow,hisheadstartingtoache,theghostscameoftheirownaccord.
OrvalandShingleton.TheFridaydinnersweekafterweekatOrval'splace.'Agoodwaytostarttheweekend,'Mrs.Kellermansaid,alwaysphoninghimatthepolicestationonThursdaytofindoutwhathewantedtoeatthenextday.Intheolddaysshewouldhavebeenphoningtoday,andtomorrowtheywouldhavebeeneating-eatingwhat?-no,theideaoffoodfillinghismouthwasintolerable.NeverBeatrice.AlwaysMrs.Kellerman.Thatwaswhattheyhaddecidedwhenhisfatherhadbeenkilledandhehadgonetolivewiththem.Hecouldn'tbringhimselftocallher'Mother,'and'AuntBeatrice'neversoundedright,soitwasalwaysMrs.Kellerman,andOrvallikedthat,havingbeenraisedtocallhisownparents'Sir'and'Ma'am.'WithOrval'snameitwasdifferent.Orvalhadbeenaroundhisfather'shousesooftenthatTeaslehadgottocallinghimOrval,andthehabitwashardtobreak.Fridaydinners.She'dbecooking,andheandOrvalwouldbeoutsidewiththedogsandthenthey'dcomeinforadrinkbeforedinner,butOrvalhadgivenupdrinkingbythen,soitwouldbejustMrs.Kellermanandhimself,andOrvalwouldhavetomatojuicewithsaltandtabascosauce.Thinkingaboutitnow,Teasle'smouthsalivatedbitterly,andhetriednottothinkoffood,thoughtinsteadofhowtheargumentshadstartedandhowtheFridaydinnershadthenstopped.Whyhadn'thegivenintoOrval?Wasitreallysoimportantwhichwaytoholsteragunortrainadogthattheyhadtoargueaboutit?WasitthatOrvalwasafraidofgettingoldandhadtoshowthat
hewasstillasableasever?Maybetheywerejustsoclosethateverydisagree-mentwasabetrayalandtheyhadtoargue.OrmaybeIwassoproudthatIhadtoshowhimIwasn'takidanymore,Teaslethought,andOrvalcouldn'tbearastepsontalkingtohimthewayhehimselfhadneverdaredtalktohisownfather.Mrs.Kellermanwassixty-eight.ShehadbeenmarriedtoOrvalforfortyyears.Whatwasshesupposedtodonowwithouthim?Allherlifewaslinkedwithhis.Whowouldshecookfornow?Whowouldshehavetocleanforandwashclothesfornow?
Me,Iguess,Teaslethought.
AndwhataboutShingletonandtheshootingtournamentstheyhadbeenintogether,representingthedepartment?Shingletonhadawifetoo,andthreeyoungchildren,andwhatwasshesupposedtodo?Getajob,sellthehouse,payforbabysitterswhilesheworked?AndhowamIsupposedtoexplaintobothofthemaboutthewaytheirhusbandsdied?hethought.Heshouldhavephonedthemhoursago,buthecouldn'tbringhimselftodoit.
Hispapercuphadsoggycigarettebuttsinthecoffee.Helithislastone,crumplingthepackage,throatdry,thinkingabouthispaniconthebluff,Shingletoncrying,'LookoutWill!He'sgotme!'Andthentheshotandthenhisbolting.Maybeifhehadstayed,hemighthavebeenabletogetashotatthekid,maybeifhehadsomehowreachedShingleton,hemighthavefoundhimstillaliveandbeenabletosavehim.Relivinghishystericalracefromthebluff,heshookwithdisgust.You'resometoughguy,hetoldhimself.Ohyes,alotofmouth.Andifyouhadittodoover,you'ddothesame.
No,hethought.No,I'ddiebeforeIranagain.
Thebodiesuponthebluff.Thestatepolicehadtriedgoingafterthemwithahelicopter,butfromtheairallthebluffslookedalikeandthepolicehadnotfoundtherightone,andfinallytheyhadbeencalledbacktohelpwiththesearch.Hadtherainhalf-coveredthebodieswithdirtandleaves?Werethereanimalsnosingaroundthem,insectscrawlingacrosstheircheeks?WhatwouldOrvalbelikeafterhisdropfromthecliff?Galt'sfuneralhadbeenyesterdaymorning,whilehehimselfhadbeenstrugglingacrossthefield.Hewasgladthathehadnotbeentoit.Hewishedthathewouldnothavetogotothefuneralforalltheotherswhenatlasttheywerefoundandbroughtback,whatwasleftofthemafterseveraldaysintheforest.Amassfuneral.Allthecoffinsinarow
beforethealtar,lidsclosed,thewholetowntherelookingathimandthenatthecoffinsandthenathimoncemore.Howwashesupposedtoexplaintothosepeoplewhyithadtohappen,whyhehadthoughtitbesttokeepthekidmovingawayfromtown,andwhythekidinhisbitternesshadneededtodefyhim,bothofthemunabletostoppushingateachotheroncethethinghadstarted?
HelookedatTrautmanasleepunderthearmyblanketonthefloor,andrealizedthathewascomingtoseethekidfromTrautman'sview.Nottotally,butenoughtounderstandwhythekidhaddoneitall,andeventosympathizealittle.
Sure,butyoudidn'tkillanyonewhenyoucamebackfromKorea,andyouhadbeenthroughalmostasmuchashim.
ButthinkingthatthekidshouldhavebeenabletocontrolhimselfwasnotgoingtoreviveOrvalandShingletonandtherest,andhisangeratthekidforshootingOrvalwastoogreattosustain.Forthelasthourshisfatiguehadbeenoverpoweringit.Henolongerhadthestrengthofemotiontorousegreatbrutalimagesofwhathewouldenjoydoingtothekid.
Hethoughtaboutit,andinhisdazefromlackofsleep,itseemedtohiminacrazywaythateverythinghadbeenoutofcontrolevenbeforeheandthekidhadmet,himselfandAnna,thekidandthewar.Anna.Hewassurprisedthathehadnotrememberedherintwodays,notsincethekillinghadstarted.NowsheseemedfartheroffinhismindthanCalifornia,andthepainoflosingherwasdwarfedbyallthathadhappenedsinceMonday.Still,thoughsmall,itwaspain,andhedidnotwantanymore.
Hisstomachcramped.Hehadtoswallowtwomorepills,thebitterchalktasteworsenowbecausehewasanticipatingit.Throughtheopenbackofthetruckhesawthesunbarelyabovethehorizon,paleandcold,troopsreadyalongtheroad,frostcomingfromtheirmouths.Theradiomanwascallingeachgrouptobecertaintheywereprepared.
TeasleleanedoverandnudgedTrautmanonthefloortowakehim.'It'sstarting.'
ButTrautmanwasalreadyawake.'Iknow.'
Kerndroveupandclimbedhurriedlyintothebackofthetruck.'I'vebeencheckingupanddownthelines.Everythinglooksgood.WhataboutNational
Guardheadquarters?'
'They'reallsettomonitor.Wheneverwe'reready,'theradiomansaid.
'That'sitthen.'
'Whyareyoulookingatme?'Teaslesaid.
'Sinceyoustartedthings,Ithoughtyoumightwanttogivetheordertogo.'
7
Sprawledonthespineofahighridge,Rambolookeddownandsawthemcoming,firstsmallbandsroamingthroughthewoodsfaroff,thenawell-organizedmethodicalsweepofthelandbymorementhanhecouldcount.Theywereaboutamileandahalffromhim,tinypointsthatweregrowingfast.Therewerehelicoptersflyingover,broadcastingorderswhichhedismissed,unabletodecideiftheywererealorfake.
HeguessedthatTeasleexpectedhimtoretreatfromthelineofmenandpullbackfartherinland.Insteadhescurrieddowntheridgetowardthemen,stayinglow,usingeveryclumpofcover.Atthebottomheracedtowardtheleft,onehandholdinghisside.Hewouldbeabletostoprunningsoon.Hecouldn'tlethispainslowhim.Themenwereonlyfiftyminutesoff,maybeless,butifhecouldgettowherehewasgoingbeforetheydid,thenhewouldhaveallthechanceheneededtorelax.Helaboredupawoodedrise,slowinginspiteofhimself,gasping,reachedthetop,andthereitwas,thestream.Hehadbeensearchingforitsinceheleftthemine.ThestreamwherehehadlainafterTeasleescapedintothebrambles.Hehadjudgedthatitwouldbeclosetothemine,andassoonashehadsetout,hehadclimbedtothehighestplaceneartotryandseeit.Noluck.Thestreamhadbeentoolowandtooshelteredbytreesforhimtomakeoutaglintofwaterorazigzagdepressionintheland.Hehadalmostgivenupwhenherealizedthatthesignhewaslookingforhadbeenthereallalong.Mist.Earlymorningfogoffwater.Sohehadhurriedforit,andnowinpainhewasstumblingdownthroughtreestowardit.
Hereacheditwherethewaterwasatrickleoverstones,agentlebankofgrassoneitherside.Hehuntedalongit,comingtoadeeppool,andhereatlastthebanksweresteep,buttheywerestitchedwithgrassliketheonesbefore.He
movedfartheronuntiltherewasanotherpoolandsteepbanks,theseofmud.Atreeonhissideofthepoolhadbareroots,theirsoilerodedbythewater'sflow.Hecouldnotstepinthemudwithoutleavingtracks.Hehadtogropelong-leggedfromthegrassandleavesonthetopofthebanktotherootsofthetree,andthenheloweredhimselfcautiouslyintothestream,notdaringtodislodgesiltfromthebottomthatmightlingerinthepoolandgivehimaway.Heslippedbetweenthetreerootsandthebank,inwheretherewasahollowofsoddenearthabovehim,andthenslowly,meticulously,hecommencedburyinghimself,spreadingmudoverhisfeetandlegs,scoopingmudoverhischest,drawingthetreerootsclosertohim,squirming,burrowingdeepintothemucklikeacrab,wipinghisfaceinit,pullingitontohimuntilhefeltthecoldwetheavyweightofitallover,breathingwithdifficulty,justatwigspacetotakeairfrom.Itwasthebestthathecoulddo.Nothingmoretotry.Anoldexpressioncametohimasajoke-youmadeyourbed,nowlieinit.Sohedid,andwaited.
Theywerealongwhilecoming.Asmuchashecouldtell,theyhadbeentworisesawaywhenhereachedthestream,andheestimatedtheywouldbefifteenminutes,perhapsalittlelonger,beforetheycametohim.Butfifteenminutesseemedtogo,andtherewasnosoundofthem.Hedecidedthathissenseoftimewasoff,thatlyingburiedinthemud,nothingtodobutwait,hewasfooledintothinkingafewminuteswereagreatdealmorethanthat.Oppressedbythemud,hehadmuchtroublebreathingnow.Hisairspacewasn'tenough,buthecouldn'taffordtomakeitwider:someoneoutsidemightseetheholeandbecurious.Moisturewasbeginningtocondenseinhisnose,stuffingitlikephlegm.Hiseyeswereclosed,themudsettlingfirmlyontohislids.
Stillnosoundofthesearchers.Heneededsomethingtodo,somethingtohelphimkeepquietandstill,thepressureofthemudunnervinghim,sohestartedcountingofftheseconds,attheendofeachminuteexpectingtohearthemen,slidingintoanotherroundofsixtywhennosoundcame,expectingattheendofthisminutetohearthem,butstillnosound.Whenhehadgonethroughtosixtyforthefifteenthtimehewaspositivethatthingshadgonewrong.Themud.Maybethatwasit,maybethemudcutoffthesoundofpeoplegoingbyandthehunthadgonepasthimlongago.
Sureandmaybenot.Ifhehadnotheardthem,theymightstillbecoming.Hecouldn'ttakethechanceofdiggingouttolook;theymightbejustnowapproachingthestream,heldupbeforethisbythickunderbrushononeoftherises.Hewaited,moisturefillinghisnoseasiftodrownhim,frantictobreathe.
Themudwaspressingharderonhisfaceandchest,andhewanteddesperatelytopushoutofit.Herememberedplayingbyasandcliffwhenhewasaboy,diggingintothesandtobuildacave,crawlinginside,thenhavingthesuddenurgetocrawloutjustasthewholecliffplungeddownonhimburyinghishead,himcrazywithfear,clawingfrenziedatthesand,wormingoutfromunderjustasmoresandspilleddownonhim.Hehadbarelycomeoutsoonenough,andthatnightashetriedtosleep,hehadbeencertainthatinthesandcaveapremonitionofdeathoccurredtohim,thatthepremonitionhadbeenwhatspurredhimtocrawloutintime.Now,buriedintheoozeandmud,hewasthinkingthatifsomeonewalkedoverandstoodonthegroundabovehim,apartofthebankmightbedislodged,ploppingdownandcuttingoffhisairspace.Hehadthesameinstantpremonitionasinthesandcave:hewasgoingtobeburiedalive,dieinhere.Alreadythemoistureinhisnosewascompletelyclogginghisbreath.Hehadtogetout,dearGod,couldn'tbearthesuffocation,pushedatthemud.
Andpetrified,hearingthem.Thefaintdullplodoffootsteps.Alotofthem.Alltogetherontop.Andmuffledvoices,splashingsinthestream,peoplewalkingupthestream.Thefootstepscamecloser,onesetofthemstopping,thenthunderingclose,directlyontop,weighingonthemud,onhischest,hisbrokenribs,thepain.Hecouldn'tmove,hadn'tbeenbreathing.Howlongwithoutair.Threeminutes.Ifhehadseveraldeepbreathsfirst.Twominutesthen.Tryholdingtwominutes.Buttimeforhimwassodistorted,andoneminuteseemedliketwo,andhemightneedtobreathesomuchthathewouldsquirmandshoveandpushoutbeforehehadto.Fourfivesixseven,hewascounting.Totwenty,toforty,andasthesequencedrewon,thenumbersinhisheadlinkedupwithhisheartbeatsthatwerecominglouderandfaster,andhischestwascontracting,crushing.There.Themudabovehimbudged,thepressureeased,themanontopofhimmoved.Buthurry,notfastenough.Thevoices,thechurninginthestreammercifullydiminished.Buttooslow,hecouldn'tdigoutyet.Theremightbestragglers.Theremightbesomeonewhobychanceglancedbackthisway.OhChrist,hurry.Midwaythroughthesecondminute,thirty-five,thirty-six,thirty-seven,throatcontorting,forty-eight,forty-nine.Henevergottosixty,couldn'tendureitanymore,suddenlythoughthewassoweak-headedfromthelackofairthathedidn'thavethestrengthtodigout.Push.Push,dammit.Butthemudwouldnotpart,andhestruggledtoraisehimself,toheaveawaythemud,andtheninagatheringrush,sweetJesus,coolairwasuponhimandlightandhewasgasping,halfinthestream.Grayturnedtowhiteinhishead;hischestballoonedinanecstasyofbreath,thenbitsharplyinhisribs,drawinginhugegaspsof
breath,expellingthem,suckingtheminviolently.Toomuchnoise.They'llhear.Hequicklylookedtoseethem.
Nonearound.Voicesandrustlingintheunderbrush.Buttheywereoutofsightnow,gonenow,atlasthewasintheclear,onlyonemorehardparttogo,crossingthenearbyroads.Heslumpedagainstthebank.Onhisown.Free.
Notyetyou'renot.There'sahellofalotmoretodobeforeyougonearthoseroads.
Dammit,youthinkIdon'tknowthat?hetoldhimself.There'salwayssomethingmoretodo.Always.Itneverfuckingends.
Thengetbusy.
Inasecond.
No.Now.You'llhaveallthetimetorestiftheycatchyou.
Hebreathedandnoddedandgrudginglyproppedhimselfupfromthesideofthestream,wadingthroughthewatertotheexposedtreeroots.Heslippedmudintotheholewherehehadbeenbehindtheroots,arrangingitsoifanothergroupcamethroughheretheycouldnottellthatthefirstgrouphadmissedhishidingplace.Theyhadtothinkthathewasdeepinthehills,notclosetotheroad.
Next,hisrifleontopofthebank,heeasedintothedeepestsectionofthepoolandrinsedthemudoffhim.Itdidnotmatternowthathewasstirringupsiltanddirtfromthebottomthatmightlinger;themenwhohadjustgonethroughherehadcompletelycloudedthewater,andiftheycamebackorifanothergroupcame,theywouldhavenoreasontothinkofhim.Hedunkedhisheadtocleanawaythedirtinhishairandwashhisface,takingascummymouthfulandspittingitoutwiththegritthatwasinhismouth,blowinghisnoseunderwatertogetridofthemudhehadsuckedupit.Justbecausehewaslivinglikeananimal,hethought,didn'tmeanhehadtofeellikeone.Thatwasfromtrainingschool.Becleanwheneveryoucan.Itmakesyougolongerandfightbetter.
Heclimbeddrippingoutofthestream,choseathinbranchoffthegroundandusedittocleanthemudfrominsidethebarrelofhisrifle,topickdirtfromthefiringmechanism.Thenheworkedtheleverontherifleseveraltimestoinsure
thatitwassmooth,reloadtheshellshehadejected,andhewasfinallyoff,movingcautiouslythroughthebushesandtreestowardthedirectionoftheroad.Hewasgladthathehadwashedthemudoffinthestream;hefeltbetter,moreenergetic,abletoescape.
Thefeelingdisappearedwhenheheardthedogs,twopacksofthem,onebayingstraightahead,cominghisway,theothertohisleft,movingfast.ThoseforwardhadtobetrailingthescentfromwherehehadlostTeasleontheslopeofbrambles,wanderedtothisstreamandheadedsemi-consciousintothehighlands,eventuallyendingatthemine.ThosetotheleftthenwerefollowingtheroutehehadtakenwhenhechasedTeasleintothebrambles.Thatchasewasoveradayold,andunlessoneofthemenwiththedogswasanexperttracker,theywouldhavenoideawhichscentwashimrunningtowardthebramblesandwhichscentwashimwanderingaway.Sotheyweren'ttakinganychances;theyweresettingdogsonbothtrails.
Figuringthatoutdidn'thelphimmuch.Hestillhadtogetawayfromthispackofdogsrushingtowardthestream,andhecertainlycouldn'toutrunthem,notwithhissideburstingwithpain.HecouldambushthemandshootthemallashehaddonewithTeasle'sgroup,butthesoundofgunfirewouldrevealhisposition,andwiththismanysearchersinthewoodstheywouldhavenotroublecuttinghimoff.
So.Heneededatricktofoolthedogsoffhistrail.Atleasthehadsometimetodoit.Theywouldnotbecomingdirectlytothispartofthestream.Firsttheywouldfollowhisscentawayfromthewater,upthehillstothemine,onlythendownhere.Hecouldtrygoingfortheroad,butthedogswouldeventuallyleadinthatdirection,andthemenwouldradioaheadtosetatrapforhim.
Hehadoneidea.Itwasn'tverygood,butitwasthebestthathecouldcomeupwith.Inarushhebacktrackedthroughthetreestowherehehadburiedhimselfatthesideofthestream;hequicklyslidintothewater,wadingwaist-highdownstreamtowardtheroad,imaginingwhatthedogswoulddo.Theywouldtrailhimdownfromthemine,findthepathhehadtakenawayfromhishidingplaceintothewoods,followitandsniffinconfusionwhenhisscentstoppedabruptlyintheundergrowth.Itwouldtakeeverybodyalongwhiletoguessthathehaddoubled-backalonghistrail,returnedtothestreamandwadedintoit;andwhenatlasttheydidguesswhathehaddone,hewouldbefaroff.Maybedrivingacarortruckthathewouldmanagetosteal.
Butthepolicewouldradiotheircruiserstolookoutforastolencar.
Thenhewoulddumpitafterhehadgoneafewmiles.
Whatthen?Stealanothercaranddumpthatone?Leaveitandrunintothecountryonlytohavedogsstarttrailinghimagain?
Ashewadeddownthestream,thinkingdesperatelyhowtoescape,hegraduallycametounderstandhowdifficultitwasgoingtobe,almostimpossible.Teaslewouldkeepafterhim.Teaslewouldneverallowhimtogetfree,neverallowhimeventorest.
Worriedaboutthedogsbayingnearby,headdownlookingtoavoidstonesandlogssubmergedinthewaterthathemightstumbleover,clutchinghisribs,hedidnotseethemanuntilhewasdirectlyuponhim.Hecamearoundabendinthestream,andtherethemanwas,shoesandsocksoff,sittingonthebank,feetinthewater.Themanhadblueeyes.Heheldhisrifle,lookingsuspicious.HemusthaveheardRambocomingandreadiedhimselfjustincase,butheevidentlyhadnotbelievedthiswouldactuallybeRambobecausewhenitregisteredonthemanwhoRambowas,hismouthopenedandhesatthereparalyzedasRambolungedforhim.Nonoise.Therecan'tbeanynoise.Noshooting.Rambohadhisknifeout,wrenchingtheman'srifleaway,themanscramblingtogetupoffthebank,Rambostabbinghimhardinthestomach,tuggingthebladeuptotheribcage.
'Jesus,'themansaidinsurprise,thelastsyllableglidingintoahighwhine,andhewasdead.
'What?'somebodyasked.
Rambojerkedinvoluntarily.Hehadnochancetohide.
'Didn'tItellyouquitcomplainingaboutyourfeet?'thevoicewassaying.No.No.'Comeon,getyourshoesonbeforewe-'Itwasamancomingupfromahollow,bucklinghispants,andwhenhesaw,hewasquickerthanhisfriend.Heleaptforariflethatwasleaningagainstatree,andRambotriedtoracetherefirst,buttheguymanagedtoreachthegunandnono,hishandwasonthetrigger,pullingit,crackingoffawildshotthatendedRambo'shopes.Theguy
wasfingeringthetriggerforanothershotasRamboblewhisheadin.Youhadtoshootandwarnthem,didn'tyou,youbastard?Youhadtofixme.
DearGod,whatamIgoingtodo?
Menwerecallingtoeachotheroffintheforestnow.Theunderbrushwasalivewiththesoundofbranchessnapping,menrushing.Thepackofdogsthatwasnearbeganbarkingtowardhim.Therewasnowheretogo,nothingtodo.Themenwouldbeeverywhere.I'mthrough.
Hewasalmostgratefulthathehadlost.Nomorerunning,nomorepaininhischest,theywouldtakehimtoadoctor,feedhim,givehimabed.Cleanclothes.Sleep.
Iftheydidn'tshoothimhere,thinkinghestillwantedtofight.
Thenhewouldthrowdownhisrifleandholduphishandsandyellthathewassurrendering.
Theidearevoltedhim.Hecouldn'tlethimselfmerelystandandwaitforthem.He'dneverdoneitbefore.Itwasdisgusting.Therehadtobesomethingmoretodo,andthenhethoughtagainofthemineandthefinalrule:ifhewasgoingtolose,iftheyweregoingtocapturehim,atleasthecouldpicktheplacewhereitwouldhappen,andtheplacethatgavehimthebestadvantagewasthemine.Whoknewwhatmightchange?Maybeashewenttothemine,hewouldseeanotherwaytoescape.
Themenwerecrashingcloserthroughtheunderbrush.Notinsightyet.Verysoon.Allright,theminethen.Notimetothinkaboutitanymore,andsuddenlythethrillofgoingintoactionflashedthroughhisbodyandhewasnolongertiredandhetookoffawayfromthestreamdeepintothewoods.Ahead,heheardthemchargingthroughthethickbushes.Hedartedtotheleft,stayinglow.Fartohisright,hesawthemnow,runningloudlytowardthestream.NationalGuardsmenhesaw.Uniformed.Helmeted.Inthenight,watchingthechainoflightsmilesoff,hehadjokedbadlyaboutTeaslehavingasmallarmyafterhim,butJesusChrist,thisreallywasthearmy.
8
TheGuardsmenhadbeenreportingdescriptionsofthecountryastheymovedinland,cliffsandswampsandhollowsthatthedeputysketchedontothebarrenmap,andnowTeaslesanktiredandemptyontothebench,watchinghimmarkanXwherethebodiesofthetwocivilianshadbeenfoundbythestream.Hefeltasifhewerewatchingfromfaraway,atlastnumbedbyallthepillshehadbeenswallowing.HehadnotletontoTrautmanorKern,butshortlyafterthereportcameinaboutthebodiesstabbedandshot,hehadexperiencedasharpconstrictionnearhisheartsoseverethatithadscaredhim.Twomorekilled.Howmanydidthatmakenow?Fifteen?Eighteen?Hejumbledthenumbersinhismind,wantingtoavoidanewtotal.
'Hemusthavebeenheadingfortheroadwhenhewasdiscoveredbythosetwocivilians,'Trautmansaid.'Heknowsthatweexpecthimneartheroad,sohe'llhavetoturnaroundandgobackintothehills.Whenhethinksit'ssafehe'lltryadifferentroutetoanotherpartoftheroad.Maybeeastthistime.'
'Thenthat'sit,'Kernsaid.'Wehavehimtrapped.Thelineisbetweenhimandthehighground,sohecan'tgothatway.Theonlydirectionopentohimistowardtheroad,andwehaveanotherlinetherewaitingforhim.'
Teaslehadcontinuedlookingatthemap.Nowheturned.'No.Didn'tyoulisten?'hesaidtoKern.Thekidisprobablyinthehighgroundalready.Thewholestoryisrightthereonthemap.'
'Butthatdoesn'tmakesensetome.Howishegoingtomakeitupthroughtheline?'
'Easily,'Trautmansaid.'WhenthoseGuardsmenheardtheshotsbehindthem,agroupbrokefromthemainlinetogobackandinvestigate.Whentheydid,theyleftaholemorethanbigenoughforhimtoslipthroughandupintothehills.Likeyou,theyallexpecthimtokeepmovingawayfromthelineanyhow,sotheywouldn'thavebeenalerttosighthimwhenhecamenearandslippedthrough.Youhadbettertellthemtocontinueintothehillsbeforehegainsmoredistance.'
TeaslehadbeenalongwhileexpectingthisfromKern.Nowitcame.'Idon'tknow,'Kernsaid.'It'sgettingtoocomplicated.Idon'tknowwhatIhadbetterdo.Supposehedidn'tthinklikethat.Supposehedidn'trealizetherewasabreakinthelineandjuststayedwherehewasbetweenthelineandtheroad.ThenifI
orderthosemenfartherinland,I'llruinthetrap.'
Trautmanliftedhishands.'Supposewhateverthehellyouwant.It'snomattertome.Idon'tlikehelpinginthefirstplace.AllthesameIam.Butthatdoesn'tmeanIhavetoexplainoverandoverwhatIthinkshouldbedoneandthengoddamnbegyoutodoit.'
'Wait,don'tmisunderstand.I'mnotquestioningyourjudgment.It'sonlythatinhispositionhemightnotdowhat'slogical.Hemightfeelclosedinandruninacirclethewayaflushedrabbitdoes.'
ForthefirsttimetheprideinTrautman'svoicewascompletelyopen.'Hewon't.'
'Butifhedoes,ifhejustpossiblydoes,you'renottheonewhoanswersforsendingthemeninthewrongdirection.Ido.Ihavetolookatthisthingfromeveryangle.Afterallwe'rejusttalkingtheoryhere.Wehavenoevidencetogoon.'
'Thenletmegivetheorder,'Teaslesaid,andthetruckseemedtodropthreefeet,jolting,asanewmoreseriousconstrictionseizedhischest.Hestruggledtogoontalking,bracedhisbody.'Iftheorder'swrong,I'llgladlyanswerforit.'Hestiffened,holdinghisbreath.
'Christ,areyouallright?'Trautmansaid.'You'dbetterliedownquick.'
HegesturedtokeepTrautmanaway.Abruptlytheradiomansaid,'Areportiscomingthrough,'andTeaslefoughttoignoretherackingmisbeatsofhisheartandlisten.
'Liedown,'Trautmantoldhim.'OrI'llhavetomakeyou.'
'Leavemealone!Listen!'
'ThisisNationalGuardleaderthirty-five.Idon'tfigurethis.Theremustbesomanyofusthatthedogshavelosttheirsenseofsmell.Theywantustogoupintothehillsinsteadoftowardtheroad.'
'No,theyhaven'tlosttheirsenseofsmell,'Teaslesaid,clutchinghimself,voicestrungoutwithpain,toKern.'Butwe'velostahellofalotofdistanceonhim
whileyoutriedtomakeupyourmind.Doyouthinknowyoucanbringyourselftogivethatorder?'
9
AsRambostarteduptheslopeofshaletowardthemine,abulletwhackedintotherocksafewyardstohisleft,theriflereportechoingthroughtheforestbackthere.Staringatthemineentrance,hehurriedstumblinguptheslopeintothetunnel,shieldinghisfacefromchipsofstonethattwomorebulletsblastedofftherightsideoftheopening.Fardownthetunnel,outofreachofmorebullets,hestoppedexhausted,slumpingagainstawall,gasping.Hehadnotbeenabletomaintainhisdistancefromthem.Hisribs.NowtheGuardsmenwerebarelyahalfmilebehindhim,comingfast,sotakenupinthehuntthattheywereshootingbeforetheyhadacleartarget.Weekendsoldiers.Trainedforthisbutnotexperienced,sotheydidnothavethedisciplineandintheexcitementmightdoanything.Rushinstupidly.Spraybulletsdowntheshaft.Hewasrighttohavecomehere.Ifhehadtriedgivingupatthestream,theywouldhavebeentooquick,wouldhaveshothim.Heneededabufferbetweenhimselfandthemsotheywouldnotshootbeforeheexplained.
Hereturnedupthedarktunneltowardthelightatthemouth,studyingtheroof.Whenhefoundwhereitwasdangerouslycracked,hepushedawaythesupportbeams,lurchingbackbeforetheceilingcouldcaveinonhim.Hewasnotworriedbytherisk.Ifthecollapsewassogreatthatitburiedtheentranceandblockedoffhisair,heknewthattheywoulddighimoutbeforehedied.Butwhenhepushedawaythebeams,nothinghappened,andhehadtotrythenextbeamstenfeetfartherdown,andthistimewhenhepushed,theroofdidcollapse,barelymissinghimwithacrashandrumbleoffallingrockthatmadehisearsring.Thepassagewasfilledwithdustandhewaschoking,standingbackcoughing,waitingforthedusttosettlesohecouldseehowmuchrockhadfallen.Afaintbeamoflightwasradiatingthroughthedust,andthenthedustwascloudingtothefloor,andtherewasafootofspacebetweenthebarrierofrocksandthenearlydemolishedroof.Morerocksdislodged,andthespacedwindledtosixinches.Thereducedbreezethatwascomingthroughwaftedsomeofthedustdownthetunnel.Itbecamecolder.Hesliddownthewalltothedampfloor,listeningtotheroofcrackandsettle,andverysoonheheardthedimvoicesoutthere.
'Doyouthinkitkilledhim?'
'Howwouldyouliketocrawlinandfindout?'
'Me?'
Someofthemlaughedthen,andRambosmiled.
'Acaveoramine,'anothermansaid.Hisvoicewasloudanddeliberate,andRamboguessedthathewastalkingintoafieldradio.'Wesawhimruninside,andthentheplacedumpedinonhim.Youshouldhaveseenthedust.Wehavehimforsure.Waitaminute,holditasecond.'Andthenasiftosomeoneoutside,'Getyourdumbassawayfromtheentrance.Ifhe'sstillalive,hemightbeabletoseetoshootatyou.'
Ramboincheduptherockfall,hiskneespressinghardontheblunttipsofstone,topeerthroughthespaceatthetop.Therewerethesidesoftheentrancewhichframedtheshaleslopeandthebaretreesandtheskyoutside,andthenasoldierranintoviewfromthelefttotheright,hiscanteenthumpingonandoffhishipasheran.
'Hey,didn'tyoujusthearmesaytokeepclearoftheentrance?'theonemansaid,out-of-viewontheright.
'OverthereIcan'thearwhatyou'resayingontheradio.'
'WellChrist.'
Hemightaswellgetthisfinished.'IwantTeasle,'hecalledthroughthesmallopening.'Iwanttogivemyselfup.'
'What?'
'Didyouguyshearthat?'
'BringTeasle.Iwanttogivemyselfup.'Hiswordsrumbledinthetunnel.Helistenedcarefullytotheceilingincaseitmightcrackanddropontohim.
'Inthere.It'shim.'
'Holdon,he'saliveinthere,'themansaidintotheradio.'He'stalkingtous.'Therewasapauseandthenthemanspokemuchclosertotheentrance,thoughstilloutofsight.'Whatdoyouwantinthere?'
'I'mtiredofsayingit.IwantTeasleouthereandIwanttogivemyselfup.'
Theywerewhisperingnow,thenthemanwastalkingintotheradio,repeatingthemessage,andRambowishedtheywouldhurryandgetthisover.Hehadnotbelievedthatsurrenderingwouldmakehimfeelthisempty.Nowthatthefightwasover,hewaspositivethathehadexaggeratedhisfatigueandthepaininhisribs.Surelyhecouldhavegoneonlonger.Hehadinthewar.Thenheshiftedpositionandhisribsbitandhehadnotexaggerated.
'Hey,inthere,'themancalled,out-of-sight.'Canyouhearme?Teaslesayshecan'tcomeup.'
'Dammit,thisiswhathe'sbeenwaitingfor,isn'tit?Youtellhimtogetthehelluphere.'
'Idon'tknowanythingaboutit.Alltheysaidwashecan'tcome.'
'YoujusttoldmeitwasTeasle.Nowit'sthey.HaveyoubeentalkingwithTeasleorhaven'tyou?Iwanthimuphere.Iwanthisguaranteethatnobodyshootsmebymistake.'
'Don'tyouworry.Ifoneofusshootsyou,itwon'tbebymistake.Youcomeoutoftherecarefulandwewon'thaveanymistakes.'
Hethoughtaboutit.'Allright,butIneedhelppushingawaytheserocks.Ican'tdothatallbymyself.'
Heheardthemwhisperingagain,andthenthemansaid,'Yourrifleandknife.Throwthemout.'
'I'lleventhrowoutmyhandgun.Ihavearevolverthatyoudon'tknowabout.NowI'mbeinghonestwithyou.I'mnotstupidenoughtotryfightingmywaypastallofyou,sotellyourmentokeeptheirhandsfreeoftheirtriggers.'
'WhenIhearyouthrowthatstuffout.'
'Coming.'
Hehatedtoshovethemthrough.Hehatedthefeelingofhelplessnesshewouldhavewithoutthem.Peeringthroughthespaceatthetopoftherockfall,lookingatthebareforestandskyoutthere,helikedthecoolbreezeonhisfaceasitcameinanddownthetunnel.
'Idon'thearthatstuffyet,'themansaidoutofview.'Wehaveteargas.'
So.Andthatsonofabitchwouldn'tbotherhimselftocomeup.
Hewaspushingtheriflethrough.Hewasjustreadytoletgoofitwhenheunderstood.Thebreeze.Thebreezedownthetunnel.Thisstrongithadtobegoingsomewhere.Itwasblowingdowntothefissureattheend,andfromthereitwasbeingsuckedaway,suckedoutanotherpassageinthehill.Anotherwayout,thatwastheonlyexplanation.Otherwisethebreezecouldn'tmoveandcirculate.Adrenalinscaldedintohisstomach.Hehadnotlostyet.
'Where'stheguns,Isaid,'themanoutsidetoldhim.
Upyourass,Rambothought.Heslippedtheriflebackinandheartpoundingexcitedly,hehurrieddownthedarknessofthetunnel.Thecoalsofhisfireweredead,andshortlyhehadtogropetofindwherehehadcamped.Hegrabbedthefirboughsandtheunburnedsticksofwoodandcarriedthemdowntheremainderofthetunneluntil,headstoopedagainstthelowceiling,heheardthewaterdrippingandbumpedintothefinalwall.Anewfiretoguidehimasfarasitcould.Smokefromthefirboughstohelphimspotthedirectionofthebreezeafterthat.Christ,maybe.
10
Thepaincameagain,andTeaslebentforwardonthebench,squintingatadarkoilstaininthewoodfloor.Heknewhecouldnotkeepgoingmuchlonger.Heneededsleep.Ohhowheneededit.Somethingfromadoctor.Therewasnotellinghowmuchhehadstrainedanddamagedhimself.ThankGodthiswasalmostover.
Alittlewhile,hetoldhimself.That'sall.Justholdonalittlewhilemoreandhe'll
becaught.
HewaiteduntilTrautmanandKernwerelookingsomewhereelseandthenfumbledtoswallowtwomorepills.
'Thatboxofthemwasfulllastnight,'Trautmansaidandsurprisedhim.'Youshouldn'tbetakingsomany.'
'No.Iupsetitandlostsome.'
'Whenwasthat?Ididn'tsee.'
'Whenyouwereasleep.Beforedawn.'
'Youcouldn'thavelostthatmany.Youshouldn'tbetakingthemsomuch.Notwithallthecoffee.'
'I'mfine.It'sacramp.'
'Willyougotoadoctor?'
'No.Notyet.'
'ThenI'mcallingadoctorouthere.'
'Notuntilhe'scaught.'
NowKernwaswalkingover.Whywouldn'ttheyleavehimbe?'Butheiscaught,'Kernsaid.
'No.He'sjustcornered.It'snotthesame.'
'Hemightaswellbecaught.It'saquestionoftimeisall.What'ssodamnimportantaboutsittingthereinneedlesspainuntiltheyactuallyputtheirhandsonhim?'
'Ican'tsayitright.Youwouldn'tunderstand.'
'Thencalladoctor,'Trautmantoldtheradioman.'Getacartotakehimbackto
town.'
'Iwon'tgo,Isaid.Ipromised.'
'Who?Whatdoyoumean?'
'IpromisedI'dseethistothelast.'
'Who?'
'Them.'
'Youmeanyourposse?ThismanOrvalandtherestwhodied?'
Hedidn'twanttotalkaboutit.'Yes.'
TrautmanlookedatKernandshookhishead.
'Itoldyouthatyouwouldn'tunderstand,'Teaslesaid.
Heturnedtotheopenbackofthetruck,andthesuncominginwassharponhiseyes.Thenhewasafraidanditwasdarkandhewasflatonhisbackonthefloor.Herememberedtheboardsrumblingwhenhehit.
'I'mwarningyou,don'tcalladoctor,'hesaidslowly,unabletomove.'I'mjustdownhereresting.'
11
Theblazelitthefissure,smokewaftingdownitfromthebreeze.ForamomentRambohesitated,thenslidhisriflebetweenhisbeltandhispants,handledatorchandsqueezedbetweenthetwowalls,thestripofrockunderhisshoeswetandslippery,tiltingdown.Hepressedhisbackagainstonewallsothathisribswouldnotscrapemuchagainsttheotherwall,andthefartherinanddownhewent,thelowerthetopofthefissurecame,andthentheorangereflectionofhistorchglisteningonthewetrockshowedhimwheretheroofandthewallstaperedintoaholedirectlydown.Heheldhistorchoverthehole,buttheflamesradiatedonlypartoftheway,andallhecouldseewasawideningfunneldownintherock.Hetookoutariflecartridgeanddroppedit,countingtothreebefore
itstruckbottom,theechoofafaintmetallicring.Threesecondswasn'tdeep,soheeasedonelegintotheholeandthentheotherlegandslowlysquirmedhimselfdown.Whenhewasinasfarashischest,hisribswedgedandhecouldnotgodownmorewithoutgreatpain.Hestaredatthefireupattheentrancetothefissure,smokeenshroudingit,irritatinghisnostrils,andtherewerenoisesoffinthemine.Anotherrockfall,hethought.No.Voices,shoutsthatmergedandrumbleddowntohim.Alreadytheywerecoming.Hedrewinhischest,sweating,forcinghisribsintothehole,closedhiseyes,pushed,andthenhewasthrough.
Thespasminhischestnearlymadehimdrop.Hecouldnotlethimself.Hehadnoideawhatwasbelowhim.Hisheadstillabovethehole,hepersistedinsupportinghimselfbyhisarmsandelbowsontherimwhileheshiftedhisfeetdowntheretofindaledgeoracrack.Thefunnelwasslipperyandsmooth,andhelethimselfdownalittlemore,butstilltherewasnoplacetoresthisfeet.Theweightofhisbodystretchedhischest,ribscutting.Heheardthemenshoutingindistinctlyinthemine,andeyeswateringfromthesmokeofhisfire,hewasabouttoreleasehisgripanddroptherestofthewayanyhow,hopingtherewerenorocksdowntheretobreakhim,whenhisfeettouchedsomethingslenderandroundthatfeltlikewood.
Theupperrungofaladder.Fromthemine,hethought.Itmustbe.Theguywhoworkedtheminemusthaveexploredhere.Heloweredhimselfgingerlyontotherung.Itbentbutheld;hesteppedgentlyontothesecondrung,itsplitandhesnappedthroughtwomorerungsbeforehestopped.Thesoundofhisfalldrummedthroughthechamber,startlinghim.Whenitfaded,helistenedfortheshoutsofthemenbuthecouldnothearthemnow,hisheadbelowtherimofthehole.Thenasherelaxed,therungthatheldhimbent,andfearingthathewouldcrashthroughtothebottom,hequicklywavedhistorchtoseewhatwasbelow.Fourotherrungsandthenaroundedfloor.Whenitrains,hethought,waterfromoutsidemustdraindownhere.That'swhythesmoothwornrock.
Hetouchedbottom,trembling.Looked.Followedtheoneexit,awiderfissurethatslopeddownaswell.Anoldpickwasleaningagainstonewall,itsironrusty,itswooddirtyandwarpedfromthedamp.Intheflickeringtorchlight,thehandleofthepickcastashadowontothewall.Hecouldnotunderstandwhytheminerhadlefttoolsherebutnotintheuppertunnel.Hecamearoundacurve,waterplunkingsomewhere,andfoundhim.Whatwasleftofhim.Intheshimmeroftheorangelight,theskeletonwasasrepulsiveasthefirstmutilated
soldierhehadeverseen.Hismouthtastedofcoppercoinsashestoodawayfromtheskeletonforamomentandthentookafewstepstowardit.Thebonesweretintedorangebyhislight,buthewascertainthattheirrealcolorwasgraylikethesiltthathadgatheredaroundthem,andtheywereperfectlyarranged.Notabonewasoutofplaceorbroken.Nosignatallofwhyhehaddied.Itwasasifhehadlaindowntosleepandneverwakened.Perhapsaheartattack.
Orpoisongas.Rambosniffedapprehensively,buthesmellednothingexceptdankwater.Hisheadwasnotoffbalanceorhisstomachqueasyoranyoftheothersymptomsofgaspoisoning.
Sowhatinhellcouldhavekilledthisman?
Heshiveredagainandhatedthesightofthisperfectsetofbonesandhurriedlysteppedoverthem,eagertogetaway.Hewentfartherdown,andthefissurebecametwo.Whichdirection?Thesmokehadbeenabadidea.Bynowithaddispersedsohecouldnotseewhichwayitwasdrifting,andithaddulledhissenseofsmellsohecouldnotevendetectitspathwiththat.Historchwasburninglowinthedampair,flickeringsporadicallyinnoparticulardirection.Whatwaslefttohimwasakid'sgame,moisteninghisfingerinhismouth,holdingitatoneopening,thentheother.Hefeltthebreezeslightlycoolonthewetofhisfingergoingtotheright,anduncertainlyhefolloweddown,sometimesforcedtosqueezethrough,occasionallystooping.Historchwasburninglowerinthedampairallthetime.Hecametoanothersetofopeningsandwishedthathehadropeorstringtolayoutbehindhimsothatifhebecamelosthewouldheabletofindhisdirectionback.
Sure,andwouldn'tyoulikeaflashlighttoo?Andacompass?Whydon'tyougoonovertothehardwarestoreandbuythem?
Whydon'tyouforgetthejokes?
Thebreezeseemedtotherightagain,andashemovedalong,thepassagegrewmorecomplicated.Moretwistsandturns.Moreoffshoots.Soonhecouldnotrememberhowhehadcometowherehewas.Theskeletonseemedalongconfusingdistancebehindhim.Itwasstrangelyfunnytohimthatthemomentheconsideredturningaroundandretracinghissteps,herealizedhewaslostandcouldnotdothat.Hedidnotactuallywanttoreturnyet,hewasjustconsideringit,butallthesamehewouldhavepreferredtheoptionofbeingabletogobackif
thebreezesuddenlyended.Itwasextremelyfaintevenso,andhewonderedifhehadmissedsomecrackintherockwhereitseepedoutofthehill.God,hecouldwanderhereuntilhedied,enduplikethosebones.
Themurmursavedhimfrompanic,andhethoughtitwasthemcoming,buthowcouldtheyfindhiminthismaze,andthenherecognizedthedistantsoundofwaterrushing.Beforeheknew,hehadincreasedspeedtowardit,atlastaperceptiblegoalinmind,shoulderingagainstwalls,staringintothedarknessbeyondhislight.
Thenthesoundwasgoneandhewasaloneagain.Heslowedandstopped,leaningagainstawall,hopeless.Therehadbeennosoundofrushingwater.Hehadimaginedit.
Butithadseemedsoreal.Hecouldnotbelievethathisimaginationcouldtrickhimsocompletely.
Thenwhathadhappenedtothesound?Ifitwassoreal,wherewasit?
Ahiddenturn,herealized.Inhishastetoreachthesound,hehadfailedtocheckforotherentrancesintherock.Goback.Look.Andashedid,hehearditoncemore,andfoundtheopening,ontheblindsideofacurve,andslippedintoit,thesoundlouderashewent.
Itwasdeafeningnow.Theflamesofhistorchdiminishingtogoout,hearrivedwherethefissurecameontoaledge-andbelowhim,fardown,astreamwasswirlingthroughaholeintherock,roaringdownintoachannelandawayunderashelf.Here.Thishadtobewherethebreezewasgoing.
Butitwasn't.Thewaterfoamedupovertheshelfandtherewasnospaceforairtobesuckedthrough.Butstillhefeltthebreezestronghere;therehadtobeanotherexitcloseby.Historchhissed,andheglancedaroundfrantictomemorizetheshapeoftheledge,andthenhewasindarkness,adarknessthatwasmorecompleteandsolidthananyhehadeverstoodin,madeoverpoweringbythecascadeofwaterbelowintowhichhemighteasilyfallifhedidnotgropehiswaywithcare.Hetensed,waitingtogetusedtothedark.Heneverdidgetusedtoit.Hebegantolosehisbalance,swaying,andatlasthewentdownonhishandsandknees,crawlingtowardalowpassageattheendoftheledgethathehadseenjustbeforehislightsputteredout.Togothroughtheholehehadtoslip
flatonhisbelly.Therocktherewasjagged.Ittorehisclothesandscrapedhisskinandtwistedhisribsuntilherepeatedlygroaned.
Thenhescreamedaswell.Fromsomethingmorethanhisribs.Becauseashecameblindthroughtheholeintoachamberwherehehadroomtolifthishead,hereachedouthishandtoclawhimselfforward,andfingeredmush.Adropofwetmuckploppedontohisneck,andsomethingbithisthumb,andsomethingtinydarteduphisarm.Hewaslyinginthickscumthatwassoakingthroughhistworippedshirtsstreakinghisbelly.Heheardsqueakingabovehim,andthecardboardruffleofwings,andJesusChrist,itwasbats,hewaslyingintheirshit,andwhatwerebynowahalf-dozenticklythingsscurryingoverhishands,nibbling,theywerebeetles,thescavengersthatfeastedoffbatdungandsickbatsfallentothefloor.Theycouldstripacarcassclean,andtheywerepiercingthefleshofhisarms,ashewriggledinsanelybackwardthroughthehole,JesusChrist,swattingthemoffhishandsandarms,bumpinghishead,wrenchinghisside.Jesus,rabies,athirdofanybatcolonywasrabid.Iftheywokeandsensedhimtheymightattackandcoverhimbitingwhilehescreamed.Stopit,hetoldhimself.You'llbringthemtoyou.Stopscreaming.Alreadywingswereflapping.Christ,hecouldn'thelpit,screaming,wrigglingback,andthenhewasoutontheledge,sweepinghishandsandarms,rubbing,makingsureanddouble-suretheyallwereoff,stillfeelingtheirmany-leggedticklesonhisskin.Theymightfollow,hesuddenlythought,scurryingbackfromthelowentrancetothehole,disorientedinthedark,onelegtopplingofftheledge,dangling.Thefrightofhisnearfalljoltedhim.Helurchedintheoppositedirectionandbumpedagainstawallofrockandshook,hystericallywipingthemushydungoffhishandsontotherock,pawingattheslimeonhisshirttogetthestuffoff.Hisshirt.Somethingwasintherescratchingonhisskin.Heshovedinahand,grabbingit,snappingitsbrittlebacksohefeltitssoftwetinsidesonhisfingersashethrewitviolentlytowardthesoundofthecascade.
Bats.Apesthole.Disease.Theputridsmellofthedungstinginghisnoseandthroat.That'showtheguywhoworkedtheminehaddied.Rabies.Hehadbeenbittenunknowingly,anddayslaterthediseasecamedrivinghimoutofhismind;hewanderedcrazilythroughtheforest,intothetunnel,outofthetunnel,inoncemoreanddownintothefissure,inandarounduntilhecrumpledanddied.Thepoorbastard,hemusthavethoughtitwasthelonelinessthatwasgettingtohim.Atthestartanyhow.Andwhenhebecamedelirious,hewastoofargonetohelphimself.Ormaybetowardtheendheknewhecouldn'tbehelpedandwentdownintothefissurewherehecoulddiewithoutbeingadangertoanyone.
Maybenothing.Whatinhelldoyouknowaboutit?Ifhehadrabies,thenhewouldhavehatedwater,eventhesmellofit,theideaofit,sohewouldneverhavegonedownintothedampnessofthefissure.You'rejustimaginingthatit'llbeyouwhodiesthatway.Iftheydon'teatyoufirst.
Whatareyoutalkingabout?Thebatscan'teatyou.Notthekindaroundhere.
No,butthebeetles.
Hewasstillshaking,strugglingtocalmhimself.Thebreezehadbeenstronginthechamber.Buthecouldnotgothatway.Andhedidnotknowhowtoreturntotheuppertunnel.Hehadtofaceit.Thiswasit.Hewasstuck.
Exceptthathecouldnotlethimselfbelievethathewasstuck.Hehadtofightpanicandpretendtherewasawayout;hehadtositagainstthewallofrockandtrytorelaxandmaybeifhethoughtlongenoughhemightactuallydiscoveranescape.Buttherewasonlyoneescapeandheknewit:towardthebreezeintothebats'den.Helickedhislipsandtookasipofiron-pipetastingwaterfromhiscanteen.Youknowyouhavetogointherewiththebatsdon'tyou,hetoldhimself.It'seitherthatorsithereandstarveandgetsickfromthedampanddie.
Orkillyourself.Youweretrainedtodothattoo.Ifthingsbecametoomuch.
Butyouknowyouwon't.Evenifyou'repassingoutandyou'repositiveyou'regoingtodie,there'salwaysthechancethey'llsearchthesefissuresuntiltheystumbleintohereandfindyouunconscious.
Buttheywon't.Youknowyouhavetofollowthebreezeintotherewiththebats.Don'tyou.Youknowthat.
12
Thengoon,getstarted,getitoverwith,hetoldhimself.
Butinsteadhesatinthedarkontheledge,listeningtotheroarofthewaterbelowhim.Heknewwhatthesoundwasdoingtohim,itsmonotonousrushdullinghisears,littlebylittlepressinghimtosleep.Heshookhisheadtokeepawakeanddecidedtogoinwiththebatswhilehestillhadtheenergy,buthe
couldnotmove;thewaterrushedon,dinning;andwhenhewoke,hewasbythesideoftheledgeagain,onearmdangling.Buthewasgroggyfromthesleep,andthistimethedangeroffallingoffdidnotdisturbhimasmuch.Hewastootiredtocare.Itwassoluxuriousrestingstretchedout,armovertheedgeemptily.Lulledbythesleep,hisbodyhadnosensation,hisribsdidnotevenbotherhimanymore,numb.
You'lldiehere,hethought.Ifyoudon'tsoonmove,thedarknessandthenoisewillleaveyoutooweakandstupidforanything.
Ican'tmove.I'vecometoofar.Ineedtorest.
Youwentfartherlongerinthewar.
Yes.Andthat'swhatfinishedmeforthis.
Allright,thendie.
Idon'twanttodie.Ijustdon'thavethestrength.
'Goddamnit,goon,'hesaidoutloud,andinthewater'sroar,hiswordswereflatandecholess.'Doitquick.Justgetintherequickandchargerightthroughwheretheyareandtheworstwillbedone.'
'Goddamnright,'hesaid,waited,thenrepeatedhimself.Butifthere'sanythingworsebeyondthis,Iwon'tbeabletostandit,hethought.
No.Thisistheworst.Therecan'tbeanythingbeyondthis.
Ibelieveit.
Slowly,reluctantly,hecrawledintheblacktowardtheentrancetothechamber.Hepaused,gatheredstrength,andsqueezedhisbodyin.Pretendit'stapiocapuddingthatyou'lltouch,hetoldhimself,musteringasmileatthejoke.Butwhenhishandreachedoutandgraspedthemuck,graspedsomethingscabbyinthemuck,thehandshotbackreflexively.Hebreathedinthesulfurousstenchofdunganddecay.Thegaswouldbepoisonous;oncehewasfullyin,hewouldhavetohurry.Well,here'sbatshitinyoureye,hetoldhimself,pretendinganotherjoke,hungbackamoment,thenchargedintotheslime,scramblingto
hisfeet.Alreadyhewasdizzyandnauseousfromthegas.Themuckroseuptohisknees,andthingsrattledagainsthispantlegsashewallowedthrough.Thebreezewentstraightahead.
No.Hewaswrongagain.Thebreezecamefromstraightahead.Thiswasadifferentaircurrent.Theonehehadbeenfollowingmusthaveblownoutadifferentway.
Hewaswrongaboutsomethingelsetoo.Nomatterhowmuchhewantedtohurry,herememberedthatheshouldnot.Theremightbedropsinthefloor.Hehadtotesteachpartoftheflooraheadofhimwithhisfeet,andwitheachshuffleforward,heexpectednottotouchmoremuckandcrud,butopenspace.
Thesoundinthechamberwaschanged:beforetherehadbeensqueaksandtheruffleofwings,butnowheheardnothingexcepttheliquidslushofhislegsthroughthedeepmireandthedimcascadeofwaterdroningontheothersideoftheentrance.Thebatsmusthavegone.Hemusthavesleptlongerthanheknew,untilitwasnightandthebatshadgonetohuntandfeed.Hesloggedforwardtowardthebreeze,sickfromthestench,butatleasttheyweregoneandherelaxedalittle.Adropofrottengoopeltedhisnose.
Hewhippeditoffandthehaironhisneckprickledasthecavernexplodedinathousandburstsofwindandwings.Frombeingontheledgesolong,theroarofwatermusthavepartiallydeafenedhim.Thebatswerehereallthetime,squeakingandsettlingasbefore;buthisearshadbeentoodulledtohearthem,andnowthebatswereeverywhere,swishingpasthim,hishandscoveringhisheadwhileheshrieked.
Theybumpedagainsthim,leatherywingsflappingonhisface,theirhigh-pitchedscreechesathisears.Hehitthemaway,flailedhisarmsintheair,thencoveredhishead,thenflailedagain.Hewallowedforward,desperatetogetout,stumbled,slidtohisknees,coldslimeuptohishipsnow,soakingontohisgenitals.Thebatscameandcame,anendlessswarmofthem,tumbling,churning.Hereeledtohisfeet,handsupswattingsightless.Theairwasinfestedwiththem.Hecouldnotbreathe.Hehitout,crouched,shieldinghimself.Theywereswirlingathimfromtheright,tappinghim,flippingthroughhishair.Heturnedhisback,crouchedlower,hisskincreeping.'Jesus!Jesus!'Heshiftedtotheleft,slippedagainandfellcheek-bonecrackingagainstawall.Hismindwaswhiteinsidefromthepainofstriking,andhebarelyhadthewilltostraighten,
swayed,clutchedhisswollencheekasthebatscontinuedswarmingathim,pasthim,forcinghimalongthewall.Desperate,beaten,andhalf-senseless,hefeltsomethinginsideexpandandstrainandatlastrupture,nothingtodowithhisbody,justthecenterofwhateveritwasthathadkepthimgoingthisfar,butitwaseverything.Heceasedhisfightwiththem,gavehimselfuptothem,letthempushhimalong,staggeredwiththem,armsslowlysinkingtohisside,andinthatwonderfulreleasefromfearanddesperation,utterlyhopelessandpassive,neverbeforesofreefromcaringwhathappenedtohim,hecametounderstandwhattheywereabout.Theywerenotattackinghim.Theywereflyingtogetout.Hecouldnotcontrolhislaughter,tremblingwithrelief.Ithadtobenightoutside.Theyhadsensedit,theleaderhadgivenhissignal,andasone,theyhadflushedoffthecaverooftowardtheexitwhilehewasinherewiththem,terrifiedthattheywerecomingafterhim.Youwantedastringsoyoucouldfindyourway?hetoldhimself.Youblindstupidasshole,you'vegotit.You'vebeenfightingthem,andhereeverysecondthey'vebeenshowingyoutheway.
Heclimbedsharpridgeswiththem,feltfordrops,pawedbeforehim.Soontheirsqueaksandbrushofwingsbecameexpectedandfamiliarasifheandtheyhadbeenmeanttoliveincompany,untiltheyoutdistancedhim,afewstragglersflutteringpast,andthenhewasalone,theonlysoundstheechoingscrabbleofhishandsandshoesonrock.Thesweetcoolbreezewasblowingstronglyonhisface,andleaninghisfacetowardit,thinkingofhowthebatshadhelpedhimtothisdirectionout,hebegantofeelastrangeaffectionforthem,missingthemnowthattheyweregone,asifabondhadbeenbrokenbetweenhimselfandthem.Heenjoyedbreathing,clearinghisnostrilsandthroatandlungs,erasingthetasteofdunginhismouth.Thetouchofhishandsontheroughrockwasaclearunfilteredsensation,forthefirsttimeconsciouslyreal,andhisheartbeatfastwhenheclimbedandtoucheddirt,fingeringit,wonderfullypebbledandgritty.Hewasnotoutsideyet.Thiswassiltthatrainhadwashedintoacrackinthehill,buthewasclosehesensed,andheclimbedsteadilyupward,innohurry,lovingthegrainyfeelofthesilt,crawlingupabeautifulhillsideofit.Whenhesprawledatthetop,hesmelledtheoutside,savoringit:crispleaves,windthroughlonggrass,woodsmokeintheair.Justafewmorefeet.Hereachedcarefullyforward,hishandstoppedbyabarrierofrock.Hefingeredaround,andthebarrierwasonallthreesidesbeforehim.Abasin.Howhigh?Itmightriseupforever,himsoclosetobeingfreeoutsideyettrapped.Asmuchashewaseasyandcontentwithinhimself,hedidnotthinkhehadthecorrespondingstrengthtoclimbhigh.
Thenforgetabouttheclimb,hetoldhimself.Don'tworryaboutit.Eitheryou'llmakeitoryouwon't.Nothingyoucandoifthebasinishigh.Forgetaboutit.
Allright,hethought,stayedseatedinthecomfortablesoftdirtandrested,accustominghimselftothechangeinhim.Hehadneverbeensoawareofthingsbefore,sowiththem.Itwastruethatinthepastinmomentsofactionhehadfeltalittlelikethis.Hewouldbeperformingeachgesturesmoothlyandproperly-running,pivotingtoaim,agentlesqueezeonthetrigger,therecoilfillinghisbodysolidly,hislifedependingonhisgrace-andhewouldbeabsorbedinhimself,hismindgone,justhisbodythereinthatinstant,totallyintunewithitsoperation.ThenativealliesinthewarhadcalleditthewayofZen,thejourneytoarriveatthepureandfrozenmoment,achievedonlyafterlongarduoustrainingandconcentrationanddeterminationtobeperfect.Apartofmovementwhenmovementitselfceased.TheirwordshadnoexactEnglishtranslation,andtheysaidthateveniftherewere,themomentcouldnotbeexplained.Theemotionwastimeless,couldnotbedescribedintime,couldbecomparedtoorgasmbutnotsodefinedbecauseithadnophysicalcenter,wasbodilyeverywhere.
Butthis,whathefeltnow,wasdifferent.Therewasnomovementinvolved,andtheemotionwasnotisolatedinoneeternalsecond.Itwaseverysecond;sittingthereinthesoftdirt,backconformingrestfullywiththerock,hesortedthroughwordsinhismindandfinallydecidedon'good.'Hehadneverfeltsogood.
Hewonderedifhehadgonecrazy.Thefumesmusthaveaffectedhimmorethanheknewandthiswasjustquietgiddiness.Ormaybe,havinggivenhimselfupfordead,hewasjustoverwhelminglygladtobealive.Havinggonethroughthathell,maybehehadtofindeverythingelsefullofpleasure.
Butyouwon'tfeelitmuchmoreifyouletthemcomeacrossyouhere,hetoldhimself,andhestoodinthedark,testingtheemptinessabovehimsoasnottobumphisheadagainstashelf.Eventhen,hespikedhishead,jerkeddown,andrealizedthatwhathehadstruckwastheendofabranch.Itwasabushupthere,andwhenheputouthishands,hetouchedtherimofthebasin,waisthigh.Out.Hehadbeenoutallthiswhile,thenightskyclouded,foolinghimthathewasyetunderground.
Carefulofhisribs,hedrewhimselfupunderthebushandgulpedair,tastingitsfreshness,smellingthewoodybarkofthebush.Downfromhim,quitea
distance,therewasasmallfireinthetrees.Afterthetotaldarknessofthecaves,thefirewasbrightandrichandalive.
Hetensed.Someonehadspokenmuffleddownnearthefire.Someoneelsemovedintherocksnearby,andtherewasavividscratchingsoundthathesawnowwasamatchbeingstruckonitsfolder'sabrasivepaper.Thentheflareofthematchwentoutandhesawthegentleglowofacigarette.
Sotheywereoutherewaitingforhim.Teaslehadguessedwhyhewentdownintothefissuresandcaves.Teaslehaddeployedmenaroundthehillincasehefoundanexit.Well,theycouldnotseemuchinthedark,andafterbeingunderground,hewasathomeinthedark,andassoonashehadrestedmore,hewouldslipdownpastthem.Itwouldbeeasynow.Theywouldbethinkinghewasstillinthecaves,andhewouldbemilesoffonhisroad.Noonehadbettergetinhisway.Christ,no.Hewoulddoanything.Whathehadcometofeel,hewoulddoanythingtoanyonetokeep.
13
Itwasdarkagain,andTeasledidnotunderstandhowhehadcometobeinthemurkoftheforest.Trautman,Kern,thetruck.Whereweretheyall?Whathadhappenedtotheday?Whywashestumblingsourgentlythroughthesolidshadowsofthetrees?
Heleanedbreathlessagainsttheblacktrunkofatree,thepaininhischestrousingfromitsnumbness.Hewassodisorientedthathewasafraid.Notdirectionless.Heknewhehadtokeepmovingstraightahead,hehadtogo,somewhereahead,buthedidnotunderstandwhy,how.
Trautman.HerememberedthisTrautmanhadwantedtotakehimtoadoctor.Herememberedlyingonhisbackonthewoodfloorofthetruck.Hegraspedforanexplanationofhowhehadcomefromtheretohere.HadhestruggledwithTrautmannottogotothedoctor?Maybehehadbrokenloose,hadgrappledfromthetruckacrossthefieldintothewoods.Anythingnottogiveuphisvigilbeforeitwastime.Togetclosertothekid.Helpcatchhim.
Butthatwasnotright.Heknewitwasnotright.InhisconditionhecouldnothavefoughtoffTrautman.Hecouldnotthink.Hehadtohurryforwardinspiteofhischestandtheterriblesensethatsomeonewasafterhim,orwouldsoonbe
afterhim.Thekid.Wasitthekidwhowasafterhim?
Thecloudcovermelted,thequarter-moonshonethrough,lightingthetrees,andallaroundhimwerethehulksofreliccars,piledatopeachother,stackedagainstthetrees,hundredsofthem,broken,amputatedanddecayed.Itwaslikeagraveyard,grotesque,moonlightontheovaloutlines,reflecting.
Andsoundless.Evenwhenhemoved,throughleavesandcrumpledfendersandbrokenglass,hemadenonoise.Hewasgliding.Andsomehowheknewitwasnotthekidwhowasafterhim,butsomeoneelse.Butwhywasheafraidatthesightoftheroadthroughtheghostlycarcasses?WhywasheafraidoftherowofGuardsmentrucksparkedalongtheroad?Christ,whatwashappeningtohim?Hadhelosthismind?
Nopeoplethere.Nobodynearthetrucks.Feardraining.Apolicecarempty,thelastintheline,nearesttown.Ecstaticnow,creepingfromthederelicts,doorless,seatsripped,hoodsraised,intothefield,silent,closetotheearth,towardthecar.
Asuddennoisedisturbedhim,fracturingglassthatsplitfinelyinhiseardrums,andheblinked.Hewasonhisbackoncemore.Hadsomebodyshothiminthefield?Hefelthisbodyforthewound,feltablanket,noearthbeneathhim.Softcushions.Acoffin.Hestarted,inapanic,understood.Acouch.ButChristwhere?Whatwasgoingon?Hefumbledforalight,knockedalamp,andswitchingit,blinked,discoveringhisoffice.Butwhatabouttheforest,thewrecksofcars,theroad?Christ,theyhadbeenreal,heknew.Helookedathiswatch,butitwasgone,glancedattheclockonhisdesk,quartertotwelve.DarkoutsidethroughtheVenetianblinds.Thetwelvemustbemidnight,butthelastherememberedwasnoon.Whataboutthekid?What'shappened?
Hefalteredtositup,clutchinghisheadtokeepitfromthrobbingapart,butsomethinghadraisedthefloorofhisoffice,tiltingithighawayfromhim.Hecursed,butnowordscamefromhismouth.Hewavereduphilltothedoor,grabbedtheknobwithbothhandsandswungit,butthedoorwasstuck,andhehadtotugwithallhismight,thedoorjoltingopen,almostreelinghimdownhilltothecouch.Hethrewouthisarms,steadyinghimselflikeatightropewalker,hisbarefeetoffthesoftrugofhisofficeontothecoldtileofthecorridor.Itwasingloom,butthefrontofficewaslit;halfwaytherehehadtoputahandagainstawall.
'Awake,Chief?'avoicesaiddownthecorridor.'YouO.K.?'
Itwastoocomplicatedtoanswer.Hewasstillcatchinguptohimself.Onhisbackonthebrightfloorofthetruck,blearingupatthegreasytarpaulinthatwastheroof.Thevoicefromtheradio:'MyGod,heisn'tanswering.He'srundeepintothemine.'ThefightwithTrautmantokeepfrombeingcarriedtothecruiser.Butwhatabouttheforest,thedark-
'IsaidareyouO.K.,Chief?'thevoicesaidlouder,footstepscomingdownthehall.Therewasanechoenveloping.
'Thekid,'hemanagedtosay.Thekid'sintheforest.'
'What?'Thevoicewasdirectlynexttohim,andhelooked.'Youshouldn'tbewalkingaround.Relax.Youandthekidaren'tintheforestanymore.He'snotafteryou.'
Itwasadeputy,andTeaslewassureheoughttoknowhim,buthecouldnotrecall.Hetried.Awordcametohim.'Harris?'Yes,thatwasit.Harris.'Harris,'hesaidproudly.
'You'dbettercomeupfront,sitandhavesomecoffee.Ijustwasmakingfresh.Brokeajugcarryingwaterfromthewashroom.Hopethatdidn'twakeyou.'
Thewashroom.Yes.Harriswasechoing,andtheimaginedtasteofcoffeesquirtedsourlyintoTeasle'smouth,gagginghim.Thewashroom.Hestaggeredthroughtheswingingdoor,sickintheurinal,Harrisholdinghim,tellinghim,'Sitdownhereonthefloor,'butitwasallright,theechoinghadstoppednow.
'No.Myface.Water.'Andashesplashedhischeeksandeyescoldly,theimageflashedinhimagain,nolongeradream,real.'Thekid,'hesaid.'Thekid'sintheforestbytheroad.Inthatjunkyardofcars.'
'You'dbettertakeiteasy.Tryandremember.Thekidwastrappedinamineandherandeepintoamazeoftunnels.Here.Letmehaveyourarm.'
Hewavedhimoff,armsdownsupportinghimselfonthesink,facedripping.'I'mtellingyouthekidisn'tintherenow.'
'Butyoucan'tknowthat.'
'HowdidIgethere?Where'sTrautman?'
'Backatthetruck.Hesentmenwithyoutothehospital.'
'Thatsonofabitch.Iwarnedhimnotto.HowdidIgethereinsteadofthehospital?'
'Youdon'trememberthateither?Christ,yougavethemahellofatime.Youyelledandfoughtinthecruiserandkeptgrabbingthewheeltostopthemfromturningtowardthehospital.Youwereshoutingthatiftheyweregoingtotakeyouanyplace,theyweregoingtotakeyouhere.Nobodywasgoingtostrapyouintoanybedifyoucouldhelpit.Sofinallytheygotafraidtheywouldhurtyouiftheyfoughtwithyouanymore,anddidwhatyousaid.Tellyouthetruth,Ithinktheywerejustasgladtoberidofyou,theracketyouweremakingandall.Oncewhenyougrabbedthewheel,youalmosthitatransporttruck.Theyhadyouinbedhere,andassoonastheyleft,youwentoutandgotinapatrolcartodriveyourselfback,andItriedtostopyoubutitwasnoproblem,youpassedoutbehindthewheelbeforeyoucouldfindtheignitionswitch.Youreallydon'trememberanyofit?Therewasadoctorcameoverrightaway,andhecheckedyouover,saidyouwereinhalf-decentshape,exceptyouwereexhaustedandyou'dbeentakingtoomanypills.They'resomekindofstimulantandsedativeallinone,andyou'dswallowedsomanyyouwereflying.Doctorsaidhewassurprisedyoudidn'tcrashevenharderandsoonerthanyoudid.'
Teaslehadthesinkfullofcoldwater,dunkinghisfaceinit,swabbinghimselfwithapapertowel.'Where'smyshoesandsocks?Wheredidyouputthem?'
'Whatfor?'
'Nevermindwhatfor.Justwheredidyouputthem?'
'You'renotplanningtotryandgobackthereagain,areyou?Whydon'tyousitdownandrelax?There'sallsortsofmenswarmingthroughthosecaves.Nothingmoreyoucando.Theysaidnottoworry,they'dcallheretheminutetheyfoundasignofhim.'
'Ijusttoldyouhe'snot-.Wherethehellaremyshoesandsocks,Iaskedyou.'
Faroffinthefrontroomthephonestartedringingfaintly.Harrislookedrelievedtogetawayandanswerit.Heswungoutthroughthedoorofthewashroom,andthephonerangagain,thenagain,thenabruptlystopped.Teaslerinsedhismouthwithcoldwaterandspatitoutmilky.Hedidnotdareswallowitincaseitwouldmakehimsickagain.Hepeeredatthedirtycheckeredtilesonthewashroomfloor,thoughtincongruouslythatthejanitorsweren'tdoingtheirjob,andswungthroughthedooroutintothecorridor.Harriswasstandingupattheendofthehall,hisbodyblockingoffpartofthelight,uncomfortableaboutspeaking.
'Well?'Teaslesaid.
'Idon'tknowifIshouldtellyouthis.It'sforyou.'
'Aboutthekid?'Teaslesaidandbrightened.'Aboutthatjunkyardofcars?'
'No.'
'Wellwhatisitthen?What'sthematter?'
'It'slongdistance-yourwife.'
Hedidnotknowifitwasfatigueorshock,buthehadtoleanagainstthewall.Likehearingfromsomebodyburied.Witheverythingthathadhappenedbecauseofthekid,hehadgraduallysomanagedtokeepheroutofhismindthatnowhecouldnotrememberherface.Hetriedbuthecouldnot.DearGod,whydidhewanttoremember?Didhestillwantthepain?
'Ifshe'sgoingtoupsetyoumore,'Harrissaid,'maybeyoushouldn'ttalktoher.Icansayyou'renotaround.'
Anna.
'No.Plugitthroughtomyofficephone.'
'You'resurenow?Icaneasilytellherthatyou'reout.'
'Goon,plugitthrough.'
14
Hesatintheswivelchairbehindhisdeskandlitacigarette.Eitherthecigarettewouldclearhisheadorelseitwouldcloudhisheadandspinhim,butitwasworthatrybecausehecouldnottalktoherasunsteadyashewas.Hewaitedandfeltbetterandpickedupthephone.
'Hello,'hesaidquietly.'Anna.'
'Will?'
'Yes.'
Hervoicewasthickerthanherecalled,throaty,alittlebrokeninsomeofthewords.'Will,areyouhurt?I'vebeenworried.'
'No.'
'It'strue.Believeitornot,Ihavebeenworried.'
Hedrewslowlyonhiscigarette.Theretheywentagain,misunderstanding.'WhatImeantisno,I'mnothurt.'
'ThankGod.'Shepaused,thenexhaledsteadilyasifshehadacigarettetoo.'Ihaven'tbeenwatchingTVorreadingnewspapersoranything,andthensuddenlytonightIlearnedwhatwashappeningtoyouandIgotscared.Areyousureyou'reallright?'
'Yes.'Hethoughtaboutdescribingitall,butitwouldonlysoundlikehewantedsympathy.
'Honestly,IwouldhavecalledearlierifI'donlyfoundout.Ididn'twantyoutothinkIdon'tcarewhathappenstoyou.'
'Iknow.'Helookedattherumpledblanketonthecouch.Thereweresomanyimportantthingstosay,buthecouldnotbringhimselftodoit.Theydidnotmattertohimanymore.Thepausewastoolong.Hehadtosaysomething.'Doyouhaveacold?Yousoundlikeyouhaveacold.'
'I'mgettingoverone.'
'Orval'sdead.'
Heheardherstopbreathing.'Oh.Ilikedhim.'
'Iknow.ItturnsoutIlikedhimevenmorethanIknew.AndShingleton'sdeadandsoisthatnewmanGaltand-'
'Please.Don'ttellmeanymore.Ican'tletmyselfknowanymore.'
Hethoughtaboutitlonger,andtherereallywasnotmuchtosayafterall.Thequalityofhervoicedidnotmakehimlongforherthewayhefeareditmighthave,andatlasthefeltfree,attheendofit.'AreyoustillinCalifornia?'
Shedidnotanswer.
'Iguessthat'snoneofmybusiness,'hesaid.
'It'sO.K.Idon'tmind.Yes,I'mstillinCalifornia.'
'Anytroubles?Doyouneedanymoney?'
'Will?'
'What?'
'Don't.Ididn'tcallforthat.'
'Yes,butdoyouneedanymoney?'
'Ican'ttakeyourmoney.'
'Youdon'tunderstand.I-Ithinkit'sgoingtobeallrightnow.Imean,Ifeelalotbetterabouteverythingnow.'
'I'mglad.I'vebeenworryingaboutthattoo.It'snotasifIwanttohurtyou.'
'ButwhatImeanisIfeelalotbetter,andyoucantakesomemoneyifyouneed
itwithouttheideathatI'mtryingtomakeyoubeholdenandhaveyoucomeback.'
'No.'
'Wellatleastletmepayforthiscall.Letmeacceptthecharges.'
'Ican't.'
'Thenletmeputitontheofficebill.Itwon'tbemepaying,it'llbethetown.ForChristsake,letmedosomethingforyou.'
'Ican't.Pleasestopit.Don'tmakemeregretcalling.IwasafraidthiswouldhappenandIalmostdidn't.'
Hefeltthetelephonesweatyinhispalm.'You'renotcomingback,areyou?'
'Thisisallwrong.Ididn'twanttogointothis.It'snotwhyIcalled.'
'Butyouwon'tbecomingback.'
'Yes.I'mnotcomingback.I'msorry.'
Allhewantedwastoholdher,notdoanythingbutholdher.Slowlyhecrushedouthiscigarette,litanotherone.'Whattimeisitthere?'
'Nine.I'mstillconfusedaboutthetimezoneshift.IsleptfourteenhourswhenIgothere,gettingusedtothedifferenttime.Forthemitwaseleveno'clock,andformeitwasalreadytwohoursaftermidnight.Whatisit,midnightnow,whereyouare?'
'Yes.'
'Ihavetogo,Will.'
'Sosoon?Why?'Thenhecaughthimself.'No.Nevermind.That'snoneofmybusinesseither.'
'Areyoupositiveyou'renothurt?'
'They'vebandagedmeup,butit'smostlyscratches.Areyoustilllivingwithyoursister?Canyouatleasttellmethatmuch?'
'Imovedoutintoanapartment.'
'Why?'
'Ireallyhavetogo.I'msorry.'
'Keepmeintouchwithwhatyou'redoing?'
'Ifit'llhelpyou.Ididn'tknowitwouldbethishard.Idon'tknowhowtosaythis.'Shesoundedlikeshewassobbing.'Good-bye.'
'Good-bye.'
Hewaited,tryingtobewithheraslongaspossible.Thenshebroketheconnectionandthedialtonewasbuzzingandhesatthere.Theyhadslepttogetherfouryears.Howcouldshemakeherselfastranger?Noteasily.Hersobbing.Shewasright,thiswashardforhertoo,andhewassorry.
15
It'sover.Dosomething.Move.Getyourmindonthekidwhereitbelongs.Thekid.Behindthewheelofacar.Drivingfast.
Hesawhisshoesandsocksbythefilecabinetandhurriedlyputthemon.HetookaBrowningpistolfromhisguncase,slippedafullbulletclipintothehandleandstrappedonaholster,slantingitbackwardhenoticed,thewayOrvalalwayshadtoldhimto.Ashecamedownthehall,throughthefrontroomtowardthedoor,Harrislookedathim.
'Don'tsayit,'hetoldHarris.'Don'tsayIshouldn'tgobackoutthere.'
'Fine,thenIwon't.'
Outsidethestreetlightswereon,andhebreathedthefreshnightair.Acruiserwasparkedattheside.Hewasjustgettinginwhenheglancedtotheleftand
sawthesideoftownlightup,flamesreflectinginwavesacrossthenightclouds.
Harriswasshoutingonthefrontsteps.'Thekid!Hegotoutofthecaves!Theyjustcalledthathestoleapolicecar!'
'Iknowthat.'
'Buthow?'
Theforceoftheexplosionsrattledthewindowsinthepolicestation.WHUMP,WHUMP,WHUMP!Astringofthemfromthedirectionofthemainroadintotown.WHUMP,WHUMP!
'Christalmighty,what'sthat?'Harrissaid.
ButTeaslealreadyknewandhewasrammingthecarintogear,racingitoutoftheparkinglottogetthereintime.
16
Roaringdeeperintotown,swervingtopassamotorcyclistwhowasstoppedlookingbackastonished,Rambosawinhisrearviewmirrorthestreetbehindhimfloodedwithfireleapinghighintothetreesthatborderedit.Thefierceredflamesradiatedintothecruiser.Hepressedtheacceleratortothefloor,whippingdownthemainstreet,explosionsflaringinthenightbehindhim,burstingthepatternofthefire.Nowtheywouldhavetowastetimegoingaround.Justincase,heneededtodoitagain.Themorediversions,themoretheywouldbeconfused.Theywouldhavetoputoffchasinghimandstoptocontrolthefire.
Oneofthestreetlightsaheadwasburnedout.Underitthebrakelightsofacarflashedon,itsdriveropeninghisdoortostarebackattheflames.Rambo,sheeredintotheleftlane,bearingdownfastonthelowheadlightsofasportscar.Itswungintotherightlanetoavoidhimjustasheswungintohisownlanetoo,andhecontinuedsweepingtowardituntilitleaptupontothesidewalk,snappedoffaparkingmeterandcrashedthroughthefrontdisplaywindowofafurniturestore.Sofasandchairs,Rambothought.Here'stoasoftlanding.
Footsolidlyonthethrottle,hewassurprisedtherewerenotmorecarsonthestreet.Whatkindoftownwasthisanyhow?Afewminutesaftermidnightand
everybodywasasleep.Storelightsoff.Nobodycomingoutofbarssinging.Well,therewasalittlelifeintownnow.Theresureashellwas.Therushofthecruiser,theheftysurgeoftheengine,hewasremindedofSaturdaynightsyearsagoracingstockcars,andheloveditallagain.Himselfandthecarandtheroad.Everythingwasgoingtobefine.Hewasgoingtomakeit.Workingunnoticeddownthroughthehillstothehighwayhadbeeneasy.Creepingthroughtheforestofjunkedcarsintothefieldanduptothecruiserhadbeeneasy.Thepolicemenfromthecarmusthavebeeninthehillswiththerest,orelsedowntheroadtoseethedriversofthelorrytrucks.Therehadbeennokeyintheswitch,buttrippingtheignitionwireshadbeennoproblem,andnowstreakingthroughtheredlightofanintersection,thepowerofthemotorseemingtoriseupthroughtheaccelerator,floodinghisbody,heknewitwouldbeonlyamatterofhoursbeforehewasfree.Hefelttoogoodnottomakeit.Thepolicewouldradioaheadtotryandstophim,ofcourse,butmostoftheirunitswereprobablybehindhimwiththesearchers,sotherecouldnotbemuchresistanceahead.Hewouldmakeitthroughtownandtaketothesideroadsandhidethecar.Thenrunoverland.Maybehitchontoafreighttrain.Maybesneakintoatransport.Maybeevenstealaplane.Christ,therewereanynumberofpossibilities.
'Rambo.'
Thevoicestartledhim,comingfromtheradio.
'Rambo.Listentome.Iknowyoucanhearme.'
Thevoicewasfamiliar,yearsoff.Hecouldnotplaceit.
'Listentome.'Eachwordsmooth,sonorous.'MynameisSamTrautman.Iwasdirectoroftheschoolthattrainedyou.'
Yes.Ofcourse.Neverinsight.Thepersistentvoiceoverthecamp'sloudspeaker.Anyhour.Dayafterday.Morerunning,fewermeals,lesssleep.Thevoicethatneverfailedtosignalhardship.Sothatwasit.TeaslehadbroughtinTrautmantohelp.Thatexplainedsomeofthetacticsthesearchershadbeenusing.Thebastard.Turningonhisownkind.
'Rambo,Iwantyoutostopandsurrenderbeforetheykillyou.'
Sure,youbastard.
'Listentome.Iknowthisishardtounderstand,butI'mhelpingthembecauseIdon'twantyoukilled.They'vealreadybeguntomobilizeanotherforceaheadofyou,andthere'llbeanotherforceafterthat,andthey'llwearyoudownuntilthere'snothingleftofyou.IfIthoughttherewastheslightestchanceofyourbeatingthem,I'dgladlytellyoutokeeponthemove.ButIknowyoucan'tgetaway.Believeme.Iknowit.Please.Whileyoustillcan,giveupandgetoutofthisalive.There'snothingyoucando.'
Watchme.
Anotherchainofexplosionsrumblingbehindhim,heveeredthecruiser,tire,squealing,intotheemptylotofagasstation,lightsoffforthenight.Heranfromthecar,kickedthroughtheglassofthestation'sdoor,steppedinsideandswitchedontheelectricityforthepumps.Thenhegrabbedacrowbarandhurriedoutsidetowrenchthelocksoffthepumps.Therewerefour,twohosesoneach,andhesqueezedthemon,spewinggasolineintothestreet,settingtheirlatchesinplacesotheywouldnotshutoffwhenheletgo.Bythetimehedrovethecarupthestreetandstopped,thepavementbacktherewasflowingwithgasoline.Astruckmatchandwhoosh,thenightflaredintoday,ahugelakeoffirefromsidewalktosidewalk,twentyfeethigh,storefrontscrackling,windowsshattering,heatstreakingoverhim,singeing.Heracedthecruiseraway,theblazeofgasolinespreadingbehindhim,streamingtoparkedcars.WHUMP,WHUMP,theyexploded,rocketing.WHUMP.Theirownfault.Thesignonthelightpolehadsaidnoparkingaftermidnight.Hethoughtaboutwhatwouldhappenwhenthepressureintheundergroundgasolinetankswentlow.Thefirewouldbackupintothehosesanddownintothetanksandhalftheblockwouldexplode.Thatwouldholdthemfromfollowing.Itcertainlywould.
'Rambo,'Trautmansaidfromtheradio.'Please.I'maskingyoutostop.It'snouse.There'snosensetoit.'
Watchme,hethoughtagainandshutofftheradio.Hewasalmostthroughtheheartoftown.Afewminutesandhewouldbeouttheotherside.
17
Teaslewaited.Hehadthepatrolcarblockedacrossthemainroadthroughthetownsquare,andhewasleaningoverthefrontfenderontothehood,pistolin
hand.Therewerespecksofheadlightscomingfromtheflamesandtheexplosions.Thekidmighthavebeenquickerthanhimself,mightalreadyhavespedpastandoutoftown,buthedidnotbelieveit.Hesawasiffromtwoanglesatonce-throughthekid'seyesasthefrontofthestolencarhurtledtowardthetownsquare-fromhisownpointofviewastheheadlightsloomedintobrightdiscs,thedomeontheroofofthecardistinctnow.Asirendome,apolicecar,andhepulledbacktheinjectionslideontopofhisgun,releasingit,aimingsteadily.Hehadtodothisjustright.Therewouldbenootherchance.Hehadtomakeabsolutelycertainthiswasthekidandnotastraypatrolman.Theenginewasrevvinglouder.Theheadlightswereglaringontohim.Hesquintedattheoutlineofthedriver.Ithadbeenthreedayssincehehadseenthekid,buttherewasnomisjudgingtheshapeofhishead,haircutshortinclumps.Itwashim.Nowatlast,oneagainstone,notintheforest,butintownwhereheknewbest,andonhisterms.
Theheadlightsblindinghim,heshotoneout,thentheother,self-ejectedcartridgesclingingacrossthepavement.Howdoyoulikeitnow?Heaimed,andasthekiddovebelowthedashboard,hefiredandshatteredthewindshieldandimmediatelyshotoutthefronttires,thetriplejoltfromhispistoldrumminghishandonthehood.Thecruisercamerushingoutofcontrol,spinning,Teaslejumpingoutofthewayasthecarhithisinacrashofmetalandglassthatflunghiscarinacircleandreboundedthekid'stowardthefarsidewalk.Ahubcaprattleddownthestreet,asprayofgasolinespatteredthepavement,andTeaslewascrouchedrunningtowardthekid'scar,firingrepeatedlyatthedoor,uptoit,leaninginsideshootingbelowthedashboard.Butthekidwasnotthere,justthefrontseatdarkwithblood,andTeasledovetotheroad,elbowsscraping,glancingfurtivelyaround,seeingunderneaththecarthekid'sshoesrunningacrossthesidewalkintoanalley.
Hestartedafterhim,reachedthebrickwallnexttothealley,andbracedhimselftogoinfiring.Hedidnotunderstandthespotsofbloodacrosstheconcrete.Hedidnotthinkanyofhisbulletshadconnected.Maybethekidhadbeenhurtinthecrash.Itwasalotofblood.Good.Slowhimdown.Frominthealleyheheardsomethingheavysmashingagainstwoodasifthekidwerebreakinginadoor.Howmanyshotsleft?Twoattheheadlights,oneatthewindshield,twoatthetires,fiveatthedoor.Thatleftthree.Notenough.
Hurriedlyheslippedouttheclipfromthehandle,snappedinafullone,heldhisbreath,trembling,andtheninarushwentdownthealley,firingonetwothree,
emptyshellswingingthroughtheairashesprawledbehindarowofgarbagecansandsawthedoortoOgden'sHardwareopen.Thegarbagecansweretoothintoprotecthimfromabullet,butatleasttheyhidhimwhilehedecidedifthekidwasactuallyinthestore,oriftheopendoorwasatrickandthekidwasinambushfartherdownthealley.Hescannedthealleyanddidnotseethekid.Hewasheadingforthedoorwhenthethingcameflippingoutinsparkles.Whatthe-?Dynamite,thefusetooshortforhimtosnubitoutintime,tooshortforhimtograbthestickandthrowitfarenoughintime.Likerecoilingfromasnake,hewasbackoutofthealley,huggedagainstthebrickwall,handsoverears,theexplosionstunninghim,stripsofwoodandmetalandfierycardboardburstingoutofthealleyontothestreet.Hestoppedhimselffromrunningagaintothebrokendoor.Thinkitthrough.Thinkitthrough.Thekidhastorunbeforeotherpeoplegethere.Hecan'tstayandfight.Thedynamiteisjusttoholdyouback.Forgetthealley.Checkthefrontdoor.
Hedartedaroundthecornerofthestreet,andthekidwaslongoutofthestore,welluptheblock,chargingacrosstheroadintotheshadowsofthecourthouse.Therangewasdifficulttoaimwithapistol.Hetrieditanyhow,droppingtoonekneeasifingenuflection,leavingtheotherkneeraised,supportinganelbowonit,steadyingthegunwithbothhandswhilehesightedandfired.Andmissed.Hisbulletsmackedloudlyintothestonewallofthecourthouse.Therewasapinpointflash,thecrackofariflebythecourthouse,andabulletrangthroughamailboxnexttoTeasle.Hethoughthesawthedarkformofthekidduckingaroundtothebackofthecourthouse,andhewasrunningafterhimwhenthreeexplosionsinarowlitthecourthouseintoflames,debrisslashingoutthewindowsbrilliantly.Christ,he'sgoneoutofhismind,Teaslethought,runningfaster.Thisisn'tjusttotryholdingmeback.Hewantstoblowupthewholetown.
Thewoodinsidethecourthousewasoldanddry.Theblazeateintotheupperrooms.Running,Teaslegrabbedatamusclecrampinhisside,determinednottoletitslowhim,pressingtogoasfarashecouldbeforethelittleenergyhehadmusteredgaveoutandcollapsedhisbody.Thefireinthecourthousewasbreaking,snapping,itssmokefillingthestreetuptheresothathecouldnotseewherethekidwas.Totheright,acrossthestreetfromthecourthouse,therewassomebodymovingonthefrontstepsofthepolicestation,andheguesseditwasthekid,butitwasHarris,outlookingatthefire.
'Harris!'heshouted,urgenttogetitalloutatonce.'Thekid!Getback!Get
away!'
Buthiswordswereswallowedinthethunderofthebiggestexplosionyetthatheavedthestationanddisintegrateditoutward,obliteratingHarrisinasweepofflameandrubble.TheshockwaveoftheblaststruckTeaslemotionless.Harris.Thestation.Itwasallhehadleftandnowitwasgone,theoffice,hisguns,thetrophies,theDistinguishedServiceCross;andthenhethoughtofHarrisagainandcursedthekidandscreamed,hisnewangersuddenlycharginghimfartherupthesidewalktowardtheflames.Yousonofabitch,hewasthinking.Youdidn'thaveto,youdidn'thaveto.
Ahead,totherightofthesidewalk,thereweretwomorestorefrontsandthenthelawnofthepolicestation,litteredwithburningwood.Asheranupcursing,ashotcrackedintotheconcretebyhisfeetandricochetedoff.Hesprawledintothegutter.Thestreetwasbright,buttherearofthestationwasstillinshadow,andhereturnedthekid'sshot,aimingatwherehehadseentheflashoftheriflebackthere.Heshottwicemoreandnow,whenherose,hiskneegaveoutandhetoppledacrossthesidewalk.Hisstrengthwasfinallygone.Thebeatinghehadtakeninthelastfewdayshadfinallycaughtuptohim.
Helayonthesidewalkandthoughtofthekid.Thekidwasbleedingandhe'dbeweaktoo.Thatwasn'tstoppingthekidany,though.Ifthekidcouldkeepon,thensocouldhe.
Butsotired,sohardtomove.
Thenallthataboutfightingthekidone-toone,nobodyelseinthewaytogethurt,thatwasallalie,wasit?AndOrvalandShingletonandtherest,thepromiseyoumade,thatwasallalietoo,wasit?
Youcan'tpromisedeadmen.Apromiselikethatdoesn'tcount.
No,butyoupromisedyourself,andthatdoescount.Ifyoudon'tmoveyourass,youwon'tbeworthapoorgoddamntoyourselforanyoneelse.You'renottired.You'reafraid.
Hesobbed,crawled,staggeredup.Thekidwastotherightbehindthestation.Buthecouldnotescapethatwaybecausethebackyardofthestationendedwithahighbarbed-wirefence,andontheothersideofthefencewasalongsheer
droptothefoundationofthenewsupermarket.Thekidwouldnothavethetimeorstrengthtoclimbsafelyoveranddown.Hewouldrunfartherupthestreet,andthatwaythereweretwohouses,thenaplayground,thenafieldthetownownedthatwasthickwithtallgrassandwildraspberrybushesandalistingshedsomechildrenhadbuilt.
Hestalkedforward,usingtheslopeoflawninfrontofthepolicestationforcover,peeringthroughthesmoketocatchsightofthekid,notwantingasecondglanceatwhatwasleftofHarrisspreadapartonthestreet.Nowhewasbetweenthecourthouseandthestation,theirflameslightinghim,smokeburninghiseyes,heatstinginghisfaceandskin.Hestoopedclosertotheslopeoflawntohidehimselfinthelight.Thesmokeclearedamoment,andhesawthatpeoplewholivedinthetwohousesupfromthestationwereoutontheirporches,talking,pointing.Christ,thekidmightblowuptheirhousestoo.KillthemjustlikeHarris.
Hestruggledtohurrytowardthem,watchingforthekid.'Getthehellaway!'heshouted.'Getback!'
'What?'someoneuptherecalled.
'He'snearyou!Run!Getaway!'
'What?Ican'thearyouright!'
18
HehuddlednexttotheporchonthefarsideofthelasthouseandaimedatTeasle.ThemanandthetwowomenontheporchweresodistractedcallingtoTeaslethattheydidnotseehewashidingdownnexttothem.Butwhenhepulledbackthehammeronhisrifle,theymusthaveheardtheclickbecausetherewasanabruptsoundofmovementonthewoodupthere,andawomanleanedovertherailathim,saying'MyGod.JesusGod.'
Thatwasenoughwarning;Teaslescurriedoffthesidewalk,upthelawntothefirsthouseandtheshelterofitsporch.Rambofiredanyhow,notcountingonahit,butsureatleastoffrighteninghim.Thewomanuptherescreamed.Heleveredouthisemptycartridgeandaimedatthecorneroftheporchdownthere.Teasle'sshoewasstickingout,litbytheflames.Hepulledthetrigger,but
nothinghappened.Hisrifleempty,notimetoreload,hedroppeditanddrewthepolicerevolver,butTeasle'sshoewasgonenow.Thewomanwasstillscreaming.
'Oh,forcrissakeshutup,lady,'hetoldher,andrantotherearcornerofthehouse,studyingtheshadowsofthebackyard.Teaslewouldnotriskcomingaroundthefrontwheretheflamesmadehimabrighteasytarget.Hewouldslipintothedarkatthebackofthefirsthouse,andthenworkhiswaytothebackofthishouse.Rambodrewclosetothecorner,staringpastabicycleandatoolshed,waiting.HisforeheadwascrackedopenfromwhenhiscarhadstruckTeasle's,slamminghisfaceagainstthepoliceradio,andhissleevewasstickyfromwipingawaythebloodthatstreameddownintohiseyes.Thecollisionhadalsowakenedthepaininhisribssothathedidnotknowwhichhurthimworse.
Hewaitedlonger,wentdrowsybriefly,thenalertedhimself.Therewasnosound,butablackfigureseemedtobeglidingalongtherearfenceinamongevergreenshrubs.Hewipedbloodfromhiseyes,aimed,butcouldnotlethimselffire.NotuntilhewascertainitwasTeasle.Iftheglidingfigurewasjustatrickoftheeyes,thenshootingatitwouldrevealhisplace.Itwouldalsobewastingabullet:heonlyhadfiveinhishandgun,thechamberbeneaththefiringpinwasbare.Teasle'sBrowningheldthirteen.Lethimwasteshots.Hecouldaffordto.
Therewasanotherreasonhedidnotfireimmediatelyatthefigure:whenlasthehadwipedbloodfromhiseyes,theyhadnotfocusedproperly,seeingdouble,asifthebloodremained.Hecouldnotdistinguishnowbetweenthedarkshapeandtheshapeoftheevergreens,allblurredtogether,andhewasenduringaheadachesosharpthatitseemedreadytosplithisskull.
Whywasn'ttheshadowmoving?Orwasitmovingandhecouldnotseeit?Teasleoughttohavemadesomesound,though.Comeon,makeasound,whydidn'the?Itwasgettingtoolate.Alreadysirenswerewailingclose.Firesirensmaybe.Butmaybepolice.Comeon,Teasle.
Heheardthepeoplefromtheporchinthehousenow,talkingfrightened.Hesensedsomething,andlookedbehindtoseeifanyonewasstillontheporchwithagunorsomethingthatmighthurthim,andChrist,therewasTeaslecomingupthefrontlawn.InhissurpriseRambofiredbeforeheknewit,Teaslecryingout,careeningbackwarddownthelawninanarcthatlandedhimonthesidewalk,
butRambocouldnotpuzzleoutwhatwashappeningtohimself,thewayhewasjerkingbackweightless,whippingtooneside,strikingfacedowninthegrass.Hishandswerewarmandwetonhischest,thendirectlysticky.OhJesushewashit.Teaslehadmanagedashotandhithim.Hischestwasstunned,nervesparalyzed.Gottomove.Havetogetaway.Sirens.
Hecouldnotstand.Hesquirmed.Awirefencetothesideofthehouse.Beyonditvaguehulkingobjectsinthenight.Theflamesfromthestationandthecourthousesurgedhigh,illuminatingthemorange,butstillhecouldnotseethemdistinctly.Hestrainedhiseyes.Hisvisionclearedandhesaw.Seesaws,thewordahollowjingleinhishead.Swings.Slides.Aplayground.Heinchedtowardthemonhisbelly,thesoundoftheflamesdownbehindhimliketheroarofawindstormsnappingthroughtrees.
'I'llgetmygun!Where'smygun?'themanshoutedinsidethehouse..
'No.Please,'awomansaid.'Don'tgooutthere.Stayoutofit.'
'Where'smygun?Wheredidyouputmygun?Itoldyoutoquitmovingit.'
Hedughiselbowsintothelawn,squirmingfaster,reachedthefence,agate,openedit,kneedhimselfthrough.Behindhimtherewerehollowfootstepsonthewoodofthebackstairs.
'Whereishe?'themanwassaying,hisvoiceclearoutside.'Where'dhego?'
'There!'thesecondwomansaidhysterically,thevoiceoftheonewhohadseenhimfromthefrontporch.'Overthere!Thegate!'
Wellyoubastards,Rambothoughtandlooked.Theblazeswereflaringhigh,andthemanwasstandingbythetoolshed,aimingarifle.Themanwastooawkwardaiming,buthewentinstantlygracefulwhenRamboshothim,smoothlyclutchinghisrightshoulder,spinningeasily,topplingperfectlyoverthebicyclenexttothetoolshed,andthenhewasawkwardagainasthebicyclegavewayunderhimandthetwojumbledtothegroundinatinnyjangleofchainandspokes.
'Christ,I'mhit,'themanwasgroaning.'Hehitme.I'mhit.'
Butthemandidnotknowhowluckyhewas.Rambohadaimedathischest,nothisshoulder.Nolongerabletoseetoshootstraight,nolongerabletoholdhisgunsteady,hischestrapidlydrainingblood,hehadnohopeofgettingaway,nomeansofefficientlyprotectinghimself,nothing.Exceptperhapsthestickofdynamitestillinhispocket.Thedynamite,hethought.Screwthedynamite.Withthelittlestrengthremaininginhim,hewouldnotbeabletolobthestickfivefeet.
'Hehitme,'themanwasgroaning.'Hehitme.I'mhit.'
Well,soamI,buddy,butyoudon'thearmewhiningaboutit,hethoughtandsincehecouldnotacceptmerelywaitingforthemeninthesirencarstocomeforhim,hebegancrawlingagain.Intoadrywadingpoolatthecenteroftheplayground.Intothecenterofthewadingpool.Andtherehisnervestingled,stretchedtolife,andgraduallyregisteredhispain.Teasle'sbullethadtornthroughhiscrackedribs,anditwaslikelancingagiantfester,poisonspewingforth.Thepaingrewtooverwhelmhim.Hewasscratchingathischest,clawing,ripping.Heshookhishead,clenchedhisbody,soconvulsedwithpainthatheragedtohisfeetupoutofthewadingpool,headstooped,shouldershunched,totteringtowardthefenceattheedgeoftheplayground.Itwaslow,andheleanedoveritgasping,kickedhisfeetintheair;inagrotesquesomersaultcamedownontheotherside,expectinghisbacktohitground;insteadsnaggedthornsandleaflessbranches.Afieldofbrambles.Wildraspberries.Hehadbeenherebefore.Hedidnotrememberwhen,buthehadbeenherebefore.No.No,hewaswrong.ItwasTeaslewhohadbeenherebefore,upinthemountains,whenhehadescapedintothatwholeslopeofbrambles.Yes,thatwasit.Teaslehadgonein.Nowitwastheotherwayaround.Nowitwashisownturn.Thebarbsdughim.Theyfeltsogood,helpinghimtoripathispain.Teaslehadescapedthisway,throughbrambleslikethese.Whycouldn'the?
19
Teaslelayonhisbackontheconcreteofthesidewalk,ignoringtheflames,staringupfascinatedatayellowstreetlight.Ifthisweresummer,hethought,therewouldbemothsandmosquitoesflyingaroundthebulb.Thenhewonderedwhyhehadthoughtthat.Hewaslosinghisstare,blinkingnow,holdingbothhandsovertheholeinhisstomach.Itamazedhimthatexceptforacompulsiveitchinhisintestines,hehadnosensation.Therewasalsoabigholeinhisback,heknew,butthattoowasjustanitch.Somuchdamageandsolittlepain,he
thought.Almostasifhisbodynolongerbelongedtohim.
Hewaslisteningtothesirens,firstafew,thenaclusterofthem,wailingsomewherebeyondthefire.Sometimestheysoundedfaroff,sometimesjustdownthestreet.'Justdownthestreet,'hesaidtohearhimself,andhisvoicewassodistantthathismindhadtobeseparatefromhisbody.Hemovedoneleg,thentheother,raisedhishead,archedhisback.Wellthen,atleastwhenthebullethadgonethrough,ithadnotshatteredhisspinetobreakhisback.Thethingisthough,hetoldhimself,you'redying.Thatbigaholeandthislittlepain,you'redyingallright,andthattooamazedhim-thathecouldthinkaboutitsocalmly.
Heglancedawayfromthestreetlighttowardtheburningcourthouse,evenitsroofonfire,towardthepolicestation,flamesseethingouteverywindow.AndIjusthadthoseinsidewallspainted,hethought.
Someonewasbesidehim.Kneeling.Awoman.Anoldwoman.'IsthereanythingIcando?'shegentlyasked.
You'resomeoldwoman,hethought.Allthisbloodandstillyoumadeyourselfcometome.'No.No,thankyou,'hesaid,hisvoiceverydistant.'Idon'tbelievethere'sanythingyoucando.Unless.DidIhithim,doyouknow?Ishedead?'
'HefellIthink,'shesaid.'I'mfromthenexthousedown.Bythestation.I'mnotsureexactlyaboutitall.'
'Well,'hesaid.
'Myhouseiscatchingfire.Thepeopleinthishouse,someonewasshotIthink.CanIgetyouablanket?Somewater?Yourlipsaredry.'
'Arethey?No.No,thankyou.'
Itwascertainlyfascinating,hisvoicefaroff,buthersclose,unfilteredagainsthiseardrum,andthesirens,ohthesirens,wailinglouderdeepinsidehishead.Itwasallreversed,himoutsideofhimself,buteverythingouttherewithinhim.Fascinating.Hehadtotellheraboutit.Shedeservedtoknow.Butwhenhelookedshewasgone,anditwaslikeaghosthadbeenwithhim.Whatkindofsignwasitthathedidn'tknowwhenshehadgone?Thesirens.Tooloud.
Shriekinglikeknivesthroughhisbrain.Heraisedhisheadandlookedbetweenthefiresdowntowardthebottomofthetownsquare,policecarsveeringaroundthecornerdownthere,speedingthiswayupthestreet,flasherswhipping.Six,hecounted.Hehadneverseenanythingwithsuchdistinctclarity,eachdetailinpurefocus,especiallyeachcolorofthelight,flashersquickintermittentred,frontbeamsconstantglaringyellow,menbehindthewindshieldsorangeintheshimmeringradianceoftheflames.Thevisionwastoopowerful.Itsetthestreetspinning,andhehadtoclosehiseyesorbesick.Thatwouldbeallheneeded.Toretchandtearhisstomachmore,andmaybedierighttherebeforehecoulddiscoverhowthiswouldend.Itwasagracethathehadnotalreadybeensick.Hewaslongoverdue.Holdtogether.Thatwasallhecoulddo.Ifhewasgoingtodie,andhewassurethathewas,hecouldnotletitcomeoverhimjustyet.Notuntiltheend.
Heheardtheirtiressquealing,andwhenhelookedagain,theywerebrakingwithalurchbelowthestation,policemenjumpingoutbeforethecarswereatfullstop,sirensebbing.Onepolicemanpointedupthestreettowardhim,andtheyallcamerunningbetweenthefires,shieldingtheirfacesfromtheheat,shoesscufflingonthepavement,andinamongthemhesawTrautman.Theyhadtheirgunsdrawn.Trautmanhadapumpshotgunthathemusthavetakenfromoneofthecruisers.
NowhesawKernamongthemtoo.Kernwastellingaman,runningashespoke,'Gobacktothecar!Radioforanambulance!'Kernwaspointingupanddownthestreet,tellingothers,'Getthesepeopleoutofhere!Pushthemback!'
Whatpeople?Hedidnotunderstand.Helooked,anddozensofpeoplehadmaterialized.Theirabruptappear-ancestartledhim.Theywerewatchingthefires.Somethingabouttheirfaces.Theywerecrowdingtowardhim,eyesaglow,bodiesstiff,andheraisedhishandstokeepthemaway,irrationallyafraid,abouttocry,'Notyet!'asthepolicemenreachedhim,blockingthemoff,encirclinghim.
'Thekid,'hesaid.
'Don'ttalk,'Kerntoldhim.
'IthinkIhithim.'Hesaiditcalmly.Heconcentrated,tryingtoimaginehewasthekid.'Yes.Ihithim.'
'Youneedyourstrength.Don'ttalk.Adoctor'scoming.Wewouldhavebeenheresooner,buthadtogoaroundthefiresonthe-'
'Listen.'
'Relax.You'vedoneeverythingyoucould.Letushandleitnow.'
'ButI'vegottotellyouwhereheis.'
'Here!'awomanscreamedfromthefrontlawnofthehouse.'Backhere!Getadoctor!'
'Youeightcomewithme,'Kernsaid.'Spreadout.Halfonthatsideofthehouse,halfonthisside.Becareful.Therestofyouhelpscatterthiscrowd.'
'Buthe'snotbackthere.'Toolate.Kernandhismenweregone.
'Notbackthere,'herepeatedtohimself.'Kern.What'sthematterwithhimthathecan'tlisten?'ItwasjustaswellhehadnotwaitedforKerntohelpthateveningatthestartofthechase,hedecided.WithKernalong,thepossewouldhavebeentwiceasconfused,andthemenKernbroughtwouldhavediedwiththeothers.
Trautmanhadnotyetspoken.Thefewpolicemenwhoremainedweretryingtoavoidthesightofalltheblood.Nothim,though.
'No,notyou,Trautman.Youdon'tmindthebloodatall.You'reusedtoit.'
Trautmandidnotanswer,justkeptstaring.
Onepolicemansaid,'MaybeKernisright.Maybeyoushouldtrynottotalk.'
'Sure,andthat'swhatItoldOrvalwhenhewasshot.Buthedidn'twanttodiequietanymorethanIdo.Hey,Trautman,Ididit.IsaidIwould,didn'tI?AndIdid.'
'What'shetalkingabout?'theonepolicemansaid.'Idon'tgetit.'
'Lookathim.Hiseyes,'anothersaid.'He'sgonecrazy.'
Stillstaring,Trautmangesturedforthemtobequiet.
'ItoldyouI'doutguesshim,didn'tI?'Hisvoicewasavictoriouschild's.Hedidnotlikethesoundofit,buthecouldnotstophimself.Somethinginsidehimwasrushingiton,gettingitallout,thesecret.'Hewasuptherebythesideofthatporch,andIwasthenexthousedownbesidethatporch,andIcouldfeelhewaswaitingformetocome.Yourschooltrainedhimwell,Trautman.Hedidexactlywhathewastrainedtodo,andthat'showIoutguessedhim.'Hiswoundwasitchy,hescratchedit,hisbloodpoolingout,anditwasmorefascinatingtohimwitheverymomenthowhecouldgoontalkingthisway.Heshouldhegasping,squeezingouteachword,heknew,andheretheywerecomingonandoninafluentrushlikeanunspoolingribbon.'IpretendedIwashim.Doyousee?I'vebeenthinkingabouthimsomuchit'slikeIknowwhathe'sdoing.Andjustthen,thetwoofusbesidetheporches,IwasimaginingwhathewoulddoandsuddenlyIcouldtellwhathewasfiguring-thatIwouldn'tcomeforhimonthestreetsidewheretherewaslightfromthefires,thatI'dcomearoundthebackthroughtheyardandthetrees.Throughthetrees,Trautman.Doyouseeit?Yourschooltrainedhimforguerrillafightinginthehills,soheinstinctivelyturnedtothetrees,andthelawn,andthebushesbackthere.Andme,afterwhathedidtomeinthehills,IwasGoddamnedifI'deverfighthimagainonhisownterms.Onmyterms.Rememberthat'swhatItoldyou?Mytown.AndifIwasgoingtogetit,Iwasgoingtobeonmystreetnearmyhouseswiththelightfrommyofficeburning.AndIdidit.Ioutguessedhim,Trautman.Hetookmybulletinthechest.'
StillTrautmandidnotspeak.Helookedsolongatitbeforehepointedtothegoreofthestomachwound.
'This?Youmeanthis,you'repointingat?Itoldyou.Yourschooltrainedhimwell.MyChrist,whatreflexes.'
Offinthenight,beyondtheroarofthefires,therewasafullroaringca-whumpthatilluminatedallthatpartofthesky.Theechofromitrumbledinreturnoverthetown.
'Toosoon.Itwenttoosoon,'theonedeputysaidindisgust.
'Toosoonforwhat?'
Kernwascomingfrombehindthehouse,scramblingdowntheslopeoflawntothesidewalk.'Heisn'tbackthere.'
'Iknow.Itriedtotellyou.'
'Heshotsomeguyintheshoulder.That'swhatthewomanwasyellingabout.Mymenarelookingforatraceofhim.There'sbloodthey'refollowing.'Hewasdistracted,glancingatthewavesoflightintheskyatthesideoftown.
'Whatisit?Whatwasthatexplosion?'Teaslesaid.
'God,Idoubttheyhadenoughtime.'
'Timeforwhat?'
'Thegasstations.Hesettwoofthemburning.Weheardontheradioaboutthefiredepartmentoverthere.Thepumpsandmainbuildingsaresodeepintheflamesthattheycouldn'tgetintoshutoffthegasoline.Theyweregoingtodisconnecttheelectricitytothatwholepartoftownwhentheyrealized-iftheystoppedthepumps,thepressurewouldreversethefiredownintothemaintanksandtheentireblockwouldgoup.Icalledasquadofmymenovertohelpevacuate.Oneofthefireswasinasectionofhouses.God,Ihopetheywereintimebeforeitwent,andthere'sanotheroneyettogo,andhowmanywillbedeadwhenthisisover.'
Ashoutfromthesideofthehouse:'Hewentacrossaplaygroundoverhere!'
'Well,don'tyellsoloudthatheknowswe'reontohim!'
'Don'tworry,'Teaslesaid.'He'snotintheplayground.'
'Youcan'tbesureofthat.You'vebeenlyingheretoolong.Hemighthavegoneanywhere.'
'No,youhavetobeinhisplace.Youhavetopretendthatyou'rehim.Hecrawledthroughtheplaygroundandpushedhimselfoverthefencethereandhe'sinthewildraspberries,thebrambles.Igotawayfromhimthroughbrushlike
that,andnowhe'stryingit,buthe'swoundedtoobad.Youcan'tbelievethepaininhischest.There'sashedtheresomechildrenbuiltandhe'scrawlingtowardit.'
KernfrownedinquestionatTrautmanandthetwopolicemen.'What'sbeengoingonwithhimwhileIwasbackthere?What'shappened?'
Theonepolicemanshookhisheadqueerly.'Hethinkshe'sthekid.'
'What?'
'He'sgonecrazy,'theothersaid.
'Youtwowatchhim.Iwanthimquiet,'Kernsaid.Hekneltbesidehim.'Hangonforthedoctor.Hewon'tbelong.Ipromiseyou.'
'Itdoesn'tmatter.'
'Try.Please.'
Therewerebellsclangingandmoresirensastwobigfireengineslumberedupthesquare,slowingheavilytoastopbesidethepolicecars.Firemenwerejumpingoff,rubber-coated,runningfortoolstoopenthewaterhydrants,reelingouthoses.
Anothershoutfromthesideofthehouse:'Hewentcleanthroughtheplayground!There'sbloodallthroughit!There'ssomekindoffieldandbushes!'
'Don'tshout,Itoldyou!'Then,downtohimonthesidewalk.'O.K.,let'sfindoutforyou.Let'sseeifyou'rerightaboutwhereheis.'
'Wait.'
'He'llgetaway.Ihavetogo.'
'No.Wait.Youhavetopromiseme.'
'Idid.Thedoctoriscoming.Ipromiseit.'
'No.Somethingelse.Youhavetopromiseme.Whenyoufindhim,youhaveto
letmebetherefortheend.Ihavearight.I'vebeenthroughtoomuchnottoseetheend.'
'Youhatehimthatmuch?'
'Idon'thatehim.Youdon'tunderstand.Hewantsit.Hewantsmetobethere.'
'Jesus.'KernlookedastoundedatTrautmanandtheothers.'Jesus.'
'IshothimandallatonceIdidn'thatehimanymore.Ijustwassorry.'
'Wellofcourse.'
'No,notbecauseheshotme,too.Itwouldn'thavemadeadifferenceifheshotmeornot.Istillwouldhavebeensorry.Youhavetopromisetoletmebethereattheend.Ioweittohim.Ihavetobewithhimattheend.'
'Jesus.'
'Promiseme.'
'Allright.'
'Don'tlie.Iknowyou'rethinkingI'msobadlyhurtthatIcan'tbemoveduptothatfield.'
'I'mnotlying,'Kernsaid.'Ihavetogo.'Hestood,motionedtohismenatthesideofthehouse,andtheyjoinedhim,spreadout,startingnervouslyupthestreettowardtheplaygroundandthefieldbeyond.
ExceptforTrautman.
'No,notyou,Trautman,'Teaslesaid.'Youwanttostayoutofityet,don'tyou?Butdon'tyouthinkyououghttosee?Don'tyouthinkyououghttobethereandseehowhefinallymaneuvershimself?'
WhenTrautmannowspokeatlast,hisvoicewasasdryasthewoodinthecourthousemusthavebeenwhenitcaught,tinderforthefire.'Howbadareyou?'
'Idon'tfeelathing.No.I'mwrongagain.Theconcreteisverysoft.'
'Oh.'Anotherfullbillowingca-whumplituptheskyoverthere.Trautmanwatcheditblankly.Thesecondgasstation.
'Scoreanotherpointforyourboy,'Teaslesaid.'Myyes,yourschoolreallytrainedhimwell.There'snoquestion.'
Trautmanlookedatthefiremenhosingtheflamesofthecourthouseandthepolicestation,atthejaggedholeinTeasle'sstomach,andhiseyesflickered.Hepumpedhisshotgun,injectingashellintothefiringchamberbeforehestartedupthelawntowardthebackofthehouse.
'Whatdidyoudothatfor?'Teaslesaid.Buthealreadyknew.'Wait.'
Noanswer.Trautman'sbackwasrecedingthroughthereflectionoftheflamestowardthefewshadowsthatwereleftatthesideofthehouse.
'Wait,'Teaslesaid,panicinhisvoice.'Youcan'tdothat!'heshouted.'That'snotyourstodo!'
LikeKernbeforehim,Trautmanwasgone.
'Dammitwait!'Teasleshouted.Herolledonhisstomach,pawingthesidewalk.'Ihavetobethere!Ithastobeme!'
Hegropedtohishandsandknees,coughing,blooddrippingfromhisstomachontothesidewalk.Thetwopolicemengrabbedhim,pushinghimdown.
'You'vegottorest,'theonesaid.'Takeiteasy.'
'Leavemealone!Imeanit!'
Theywerestrugglingtocontrolhim.Hewasthrashing.
'Ihavearight!Istartedthis!'
'Betterlethimgo.Ifhetriesfightingusanymorehe'llriphimselfwideopen.'
'Lookathisbloodonme.Howmuchmorecanhehaveinsidehim?'
Enough,Teaslewasthinking.Enough.Hegropedagaintohishandsandknees,drewuponeleg,thentheother,concentratingtostand.Hehadthesalttasteofbloodinhismouth.Istartedthis,Trautman,hewasthinking.He'smine.Notyours.Hewantsittobeme.
Hebracedhimself,rose,walkedastep,thenlisted,contendingforhisbalance.Ifhefell,hewascertainhewouldneverbeabletoraisehimselfagain.Hehadtoholdhimselfsteady,balancingashewoveupthelawntowardthehouse.Iknowit,Trautman,hewasthinking.Hewantsittobeme.Notyou.Me.
20
Inagony,Rambocrawledthroughthebramblestowardtheshed.Thefirelightextendedweaklyontoit,andhesawhowonewallleanedinward,theroofonanangle,buthecouldnotseeinthroughthehalf-opendoor,starkblackinthere.Hecrawled,butheseemedtobetakingaverylongwhiletogoashortspace,andthenhefoundhewasjustdoingthemotionsofacrawl,notgettinganywhere.Heworkedharder,slowlymanagingsomedistancetowardtheshed.
Butwhenhecametotheblackentrance,herefused.Inthereitwastoomuchliketheholewherehehadbeenheldprisonerinthewar,dark,compressed,constricting.ItremindedhimstrangelyoftheshowerstallTeaslehadmadehimgointo,andofthecellTeaslehadwantedtolockhimin.Theyhadbeenbrightlylit,thatwastrue,buttherepulsionhadbeenthesame.Everythinghewasrunningfrom,hethought,andhowcouldhehavebeensotiredastoconsidermakingafightfrominthere.
Afightwasoutofthequestionnowanyway.Hehadseentoomanymendiefrombulletwoundsnottoknowthathewasbleedingtodeath.Thepaincontinuedinhischest,inhishead,sharplyaccentedbyeachpumpofhisheart,buthislegswerecoldandnumbfromthelossofblood,thatwaswhyhehadtroublecrawling,andhisfingersweresenseless,hishands,nerveextremitiesgraduallyshuttingoff.Hedidnothavemuchlifetogo.Atleasthestillhadthechoiceofwhereitwouldleavehim.Notinthere,asinthecaves.Hewasdeterminednevertoexperiencethatagain.No,intheopen.Wherehecouldseetheskyunhampered,andsmellthenightair'sunrestrictedflow.
Hegropedtotherightoftheshed,burrowingawkwardlyfartherintothebrush.Thecorrectspot.Thatwasthenecessarything.Someplacecomfortableandfriendly.Propertohim.Soothing.Heneededtofinditbeforeitwastoolate.Ashallow,body-longtroughseemedpromising,butwhenhelayfaceupinit,thetroughwastoomuchlikeagrave.Plentyoftimetolieinhisgrave.Someplaceelseheneeded,justtheopposite,high,boundless,hislastmomentsforatasteofit.
Crawling,hepeeredforwardthroughthebrush,andtherewasagentleriseahead,andwhenhereachedthetopitwasamound,slopesofbrushdowneveryside,thedomeaclearingofdroopedautumngrass.Notashighashehadwanted.Stillitwasabovethefield,andstretchingbackontopofthegrasswaspleasant,asifonastraw-stuffedblanket.Hepeeredupatthegloriousorangepatternsthattheflamesprojectedontothenightclouds.Atease.Thiswastheplace.
Atanyratehismindwasatease.Buthispainquickened,rackinghim,andincontrast,thenumbnesscrepttohisknees,hiselbows.Soonitwouldcreeptohischest,cancellingthepain,andwhereafterthat?Hishead?Orwouldhebegonebeforethen?
Well.Hehadbetterthinkiftherewasanythingmoretodo,anythingimportanthehadforgotten.Hestiffenedinpain.No,theredidn'tseemanythingmoretodo.
WhataboutGod?
Theideaembarrassedhim.ItwasonlyinmomentsofabsolutefearthathehadeverthoughtaboutGodandprayedtohim,alwaysembarrassedbecausehedidnotbelieveandfeltsohypocriticalwhenheprayedoutoffear,asifinspiteofhisdisbelieftheremightbeaGodafterall,Godwhocouldbefooledbyahypocrite.Whenhewasachild,thenhebelieved.Hecertainlydidbelievewhenhewasachild.Howdiditgo,thenightlyActofContrition?Thewordscamehesitantly,unfamiliarlytohim.OhmyGod,Iamheartilysorryfor-Forwhat?
Foreverythingthathappenedthelastfewdays.Sorrythatitallhadtohappen.Butitalldidhavetohappen.Heregrettedit,butheknewifthiswereMondayagain,hewouldgothroughthenextdaysthesameashehaduptonow,justas
heknewTeaslewould.Therewasnoavoidinganyofit.Iftheirfighthadbeenforpride,ithadalsobeenforsomethingmoreimportant.
Likewhat?
Likewhatalotofhorseshit,hetoldhimself:freedomandrights.Hehadnotsetouttoproveaprinciple.Hehadsetouttoshowafighttoanyonewhopushedhimanymore,andthatwasquitedifferent-notethical,butpersonal,emotional.Hehadkilledagreatmanypeople,andhecouldpretendtheirdeathswerenecessarybecausetheywereallapartofwhatwaspushinghim,makingitimpossibleforsomeonelikehimtogetalong.Buthedidnottotallybelieveit.Hehadenjoyedthefighttoomuch,enjoyedtoomuchtheriskandtheexcitement.Perhapsthewarhadconditionedhim,hethought.Perhapshehadbecomesousedtoactionthathecouldnoteaseoff.
No,thatwasnotquitetrueeither.Ifhehadreallywantedtocontrolhimself,hecouldhave.Hesimplyhadnotwantedtocontrolhimself.Tolivehisway,hehadbeendeterminedtofightanyonewhointerfered.Soallrightthen,inawayhehadfoughtforaprinciple.Butitwasnotthatsimple,becausehehadalsobeenproudanddelightedtoshowhowgoodhewasatfighting.Hewasthewrongmantobeshoved,ohyeshewas,andnowhewasdyingandnobodywantedtodie,andallthathewasthinkingaboutprincipleswasalotofcraptojustifyit.Tothinkthathewoulddoeverythingagainthesamewasjustatricktoconvincehimselfthatwhatwashappeningrightnowcouldnothavebeenavoided.Christ,itwasrightnow,andhecouldnotdoonedamnthingaboutit,andneitherprinciplesnorpridehadanymatterinthefaceofwhatwastocome.Whatheshouldhavedonewascherishmoresmilinggirlsanddrinkmoreicywaterandtastemoresummermelons.Andthatwasalotofhorseshittoo,whatheshouldhavedone,andallthataboutGodwasmerelycomplicatingwhathehadshortlydecided:ifthenumbnesscreepinguphisthighsandforearmswasaneasywaytodie,itwasalsopoor.Andhelpless.Passivelydefeating.Theonechoicelefttohimwashowtodie,anditwasnotgoingtobelikeaholed-upwoundedanimal,aquiet,pathetic,graduallysenselessdeterioration.Atonce.Inagreatburstoffeeling.
Sincehisfirstsightoftribesmenmutilatingabodyinthejungle,hehadbeenafraidofwhatwouldhappentohisownbodywhenhedied.Asifhisbodystillwouldhavesomenerveresponses,hehadimaginedwithchillingrepulsionwhatitwouldbelikehavingtheblooddrainedfromhisveins,embalmingfluid
pumpedin,hiscentralorgansremoved,hischestcavitytreatedwithpreservatives.Hehadimaginedwhatitwouldbelikehavingtheundertakersewhislipstogetherandhiseyelidsdownandhehadbeensickened.Death-strangethatdeathshouldnotbotherhimsomuchaswhatwouldhappentohimafter.Well,theycouldnotdoallthattohimiftherewasnothingofhimtohaveitdoneto.Atleastthisway,doingittohimself,therewasthechanceofpleasure.
Hetookthefinalstickofdynamitefromhispocket,openedthesoftly-packedboxoffusesandexploders,slippedonesetofthemintothestick,thenarrangedthestickbetweenhispantsandhisstomach.Hehesitatedtolightthefuse.ThisdamnbusinessaboutGod,complicatingthings.Itwassuicidehewasabout,andthatcouldsendhimtohellforever.Ifhebelieved.Buthedidnot,andhehadlivedwiththeideaofsuicideforalongwhile,inthewarcarryingthepoisoncapsulehiscommanderhadgivenhimtopreventbeingcaptured,tortured.Thenwhenhehadbeencaptured,hehadnothadtimetoswallowit.Now,though,hewouldlightthefuse.
ButwhatiftherewasGod?Well,ifGodwas,Hecouldnotfaulthimforbeingtruetohisdisbelief.Oneintensesensationyetreservedforhim.Nopain.Tooinstantaneousforpain.Justonebrightdissolvingflash.Atleastthatwouldbesomething.Thenumbnessuptohisgroinnow,hepreparedtolightthefuse.Then,withonelastblearyglanceacrossthefieldtotheplayground,hesawinthefirelightthedouble-focusedimageofamaninaBeretuniformstalkinglowandcarefullythroughthecoveroftheswingsandslides.Hecarriedarifle.Orashotgun.Rambo'seyescouldnolongertellhimwhich.ButhecouldmakeoutitwasaBeretuniformandhenewthatitwasTrautman.Itcouldbenooneelse.AndbehindTrautman,stumblingacrosstheplayground,clutchinghisstomach,cameTeasle,ithadtobehim,lurchingagainstarectangularmazeofclimbingbars,andRambounderstoodthentherewasabetterway.
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Teasleclungtothebars,resting,thenpushedhimselfaway,staggeringtowardthefence.HehadbeenfranticthatTrautmanwouldgetintothefieldbeforehim,butnoweverythingwasgoingtobefine-Trautmanwasjustafewstepsaheadofhim,crouchedbesideabench,studyingthethickbrushofthefield.Justafewstepsaheadofhim.Hereachedoutandgrabbedthebenchtostopfromfalling,stoodagainstit,breathinghoarsely.
Withoutaglanceawayfromthefield,Trautmantoldhim,'Getdown.He'llseeyouforsure.'
'Iwould,butI'dneverstandagain.'
'Sowhatwouldbetheneed?Youcan'tdoanygoodthewayyouare.Stayoutofit.You'rekillingyourself.'
'Liedownandletyoufinishitforme?Screw.I'mdyinganyhow.'
Trautmanlookedathimthen.
Kernwasnearby,outofsight,yelling,'Christ,getthehelldown!HehasperfectcoverandI'mnotriskinganymentogoin!Isentforgasoline!Helikestoplaywithfire,we'llburnhimout!'
Yes,that'syourstyle,Kern,hethought.Hegrabbedattheitchinhisstomach,holdinghimselfwetlyin,andshuffledclumsilyforward,proppinghimselfagainstthefence.
'Getthehelldown!'Kernyelledagain.
Screw.Burnhimout,willyou,Kern?That'sthekindofideaIexpectedfromyou,hethought.Andyoucanbetthatbeforethefiregetstohim,he'llcomethroughhereshootingtotakeafewofyourmenwithhim.There'sonlyonewaytodothis,andthat'sforsomebodylikemewhodoesn'thaveahopeanyhowtogoinandtakehim.Youhaven'tlostenoughmenyet,oryou'dknowthat.
'Whatthehellwasthat?'Kernshouted,andTeaslerealizedthatwhathehadbeenthinkinghehadsaidoutloud.Thatstartledhim,andhehadtogetoverthefencewhilehestillwasable.Therewasbloodhereonthefence.Thekid's.Good.Hewouldbegoingoverwherethekidhad.Hisblooddrippingonthekid's,hegatheredhimselfandtoppledoverthefence.Heguessedthathestruckthegroundhard,buthisbraindidnotregistertheimpact.
Inaquickrush,Trautmancamefromthebench,vaultedthefenceandlandedinaneatcrouchinaclumpofbrushbesidehim.
'Stayoutofhere,'Teasletoldhim.
'No,andifyoudon'tshutup,he'llbeontoeverythingwedo.'
'He'snotanywherearoundtohear.He'swayoverinthecenterofthefield.Look,youknowhewantsittobeme.Ihavearighttobethereattheend.Youknowthat.'
'Yes.'
'Thenstayoutofwhatdoesn'tconcernyou.'
'Istartedthislongbeforeyou,andI'mgoingtohelp.
There'snodisgraceintakinghelp.Nowshutup,andlet'sgowhileyoustillcan.'
'Allright,youwanttohelp?Thenhelpmestand.Ican'tdoitonmyown,'
'Youmeanit?Whatamessthisisgoingtobe.'
'That'swhatShingletonsaid.'
'What?'
'Nothing.'
Trautmanhadhimonhisfeetnow,andthenTrautmanwascrawlingintothebrush,disappearing,andTeaslestood,hisheadabovethebrush,surveyingit,thinking.Go.Goonandcrawlasfastasyoucan.Itwon'tmakeadifferencewhatyoudo.I'llgettohimbefore.
Hecoughedandspatsomethingsaltyandshiftedforwardthroughthebrushinastraightlinetowardtheshed.Itwasclearthatthekidhadgonethisway,thebranchesbrokendowninacrudetrail.Hekepthispaceslow,notchancingthehelplessnessofafall.Evenso,hewassurprisedathowsoonhereachedtheshed.Butashepreparedtogoinside,herealizedinstinctivelythatthekidwasnotinthere.Heglancedaround,andasifdrawntowardamagnet,heshambledswayingdownanotherbrokenpathtowardalargemound.There.Thekidwasthere.Heknewit,couldfeelit.Therewasnodoubt.
Whenhehadbeenspreadoutonthesidewalk,someonehadsaidhewasdelirious.Butthathadbeenwrong.Hehadnotbeendelirious.Notthen.Now.Nowhewasdelirious,andhisbodyseemedtobemeltingfromhim,justhismindfloatingoverthebrushtowardthemound,andthenightwasbecominggloriousday,theorangereflectionoftheflamesgrowingbrighter,dancingwildly.Atthebottomofthemoundheceasedfloatingandhoveredtransfixed,thesplendoroussheenilluminatinghim.Itwascoming.Hehadnomoretime.Asifhiswillbelongedtoanother,hesawhisarmriseupbeforehim,hispistolaimingtowardthemound.
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ThenumbnesswasatRambo'sshouldersnow,athisnavel,andsteadyingthegunwaslikeaimingwithtwostumpsofwood.HesawTeasledispersingintotriplefocusdownthere,eyesbright,aiming,andheknewthereshouldbenootherway.Nopassivelapseintonothing.Nolitfuse,self-disruption.Butthisway,theonlyproperway,inthelastofthefight,tryinghisbesttokillTeasle.Eyesandhandsbetrayinghim,hedidnotthinkhecouldhitTeasle.Buthehadtotry.Thenifhemissed,Teaslewouldseetheflashofhisgun,andfireatit.AndatleastthenI'llhavediedtrying,hethought.Hestrovetosqueezehisfingeronthetrigger,directinghisaimatTeasle'scenterimage.Thebarrelwaswobbling,andhewouldneverhithim.Buthecouldnotfakeit.Hehadtotryashardashecould.Hetoldhishandtosqueezeonthetrigger,buthishandwouldnotwork,andasheconcentratedonit,clenching,thegunwentoffunintended.Socarelessandsloppy.Hecursedhimself.Nottherealfighthehadhopedfor,andnowTeasle'sbulletwouldcomewhenhedidnotdeserveit.Hewaited.Itshouldhavecomealready.Hesquintedtoclearhisvision,lookingdownthemoundwhereTeaslelayflatinthebrush.Christ,hehadhithim.God,hehadnotwantedthat,andthenumbnesswassooverwhelmingbynowthathecouldneverlightthefusebeforeitnulledhim.Sopoor.Souglyandpoor.Thendeathtookhimover,butitwasnotatallthestupefyingsleep,bottomlessandmurky,thathehadexpected.Itwasmorelikewhathehadexpectedfromthedynamite,butcomingfromhisheadinsteadofhisstomach,andhecouldnotunderstandwhyitshouldbelikethat,anditfrightenedhim.Thensinceitwasthetotalofwhatremained,heletithappen,wentwithit,eruptedfreethroughthebackofhisheadandhisskull,catapultedthroughthesky,throughmyriadspectra,onwardoutward,foreverdazzling,brilliant,andhethoughtifhekeptonlikethisforlongenoughhemightbewrongandseeGodafterall.
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Well,Teaslethought.Well.Helaybackonthebrush,marvellingatthestars,repeatingtohimselfthathedidnotknowwhathadhithim.Hereallydidnot.Hehadseentheflashofthegunandhehadfallen,buthehadbeenslowandgentletofall,andhereallydidnotknowwhathadhithim,didnotsenseit,respondtoit.HethoughtaboutAnnaandthenstoppedthat,notbecausethememorywaspainful,butbecauseaftereverythingshejustdidn'tseemimportantanymore.
Heheardsomeonestepping,cracking,throughthebrush.Thekidcoming,hethought.Butslow,veryslowtocome.Wellsure,he'shurtbad.
ButthenitwasonlyTrautmanstandingthere,headoutlinedagainstthesky,faceanduniformlustrousfromtheflames,buteyesdull.'What'sitlike?'Trautmansaid.'Isitbad?'
'No,'hesaid.'Actuallyit'skindofpleasant.IfIdon'tthinkaboutwhatit'sbringing.WhatwasthatexplosionIheard?Itsoundedlikeanothergasstation.'
'Me.Iguessitwasme.Itookthetopofhisheadoffwiththisshotgun.'
'What'sitlikeforyou?'
'BetterthanwhenIknewhewasinpain.'
'Yes.'
Trautmanpumpedtheemptyshellfromtheshotgun,andTeaslewatcheditswidearcglisteningthroughtheair.HethoughtaboutAnnaagain,andshestilldidnotinteresthim.Hethoughtabouthishousehehadfixedupinthehills,thecatsthere,andnoneofthatinterestedhimeither.Hethoughtaboutthekid,andfloodedwithloveforhim,andjustasecondbeforetheemptyshellwouldhavecompleteditsarctotheground,herelaxed,acceptedpeacefully.Andwasdead.
TheEnd