Dead Men's Dust

Why the hell should Telfer get any of the glory from that?

    'Don't you be getting any big ideas,' he said. 'We both know who killed those two, and before long everyone will know the truth. How anyone could even think you were responsible is beyond belief.'

    He turned from the TV to observe the trussed form lying on the recliner. Telfer hadn't the faintest idea what he was referring to. He was asleep, fatigue finally overcoming his fear and discomfort. Cain raised an eyebrow. He listened to Telfer's breathing patterns. Not feigning, then? Definitely asleep.

    Cain made a noise deep in his throat, the call of a quizzical owl. He leaned forward and switched off the TV. Then he walked over to the recliner, lifted his foot, and nudged Telfer awake. It was Telfer's turn to make owl noises, this one startled and ready to take flight.

    'Chill out,' Cain told him. 'I'm not going to harm you.'

    Stiffly, Telfer squirmed up to a sitting position. It wasn't an easy task with both hands and feet bound. 'What's going on?'

    'Almost time to go,' Cain told him.

    Telfer sucked in a couple of breaths, exhaled long and loud. Then he rocked forward so that he was on the edge of the recliner. He nodded at his bonds. 'You planning on carrying me outta here?'

    'No,' Cain said, 'I'm going to allow you to walk. But remember that I'll be holding a gun. Shout or try to run and I'll kill you. I don't care how many people are around, I'll do it. The truth—as they say— will out.'

    Telfer gave him an odd look. He had no idea what Cain was referring to. Cain smiled to himself. Let him wonder. Let him fear.

    Cain indicated Telfer's feet. 'I'll cut you loose in a moment. Your hands'll stay tied until it's time to leave.'

'Okay.'

'If you want to use the bathroom I'll let you.'

'That's good of you,' Telfer grunted.

'That's okay. Don't want you thinking I'm a total bastard.'

    'The thought never crossed my mind,' Telfer said. He watched Cain. The ghost of a smile played across Cain's lips.

    'What've you got in your fridge? Anything cold to drink?' Cain asked.

    'Nothing. Unless you like milk.'

    Cain made a face. Then, hopefully, 'Chocolate milk?'

    'Cow's milk.'

    Again the face.

    'There's always tap water,' Telfer offered.

    'I'll pass,' Cain said.

    'You know, I think I do need to go to the toilet.'

    Cain tsk-tsked. 'Better only be a number one. I refuse to wipe your ass for you.'

    'You could always loosen my hands,' Telfer suggested with a smile.

    'Your hands stay tied till I'm good and ready.'

    Telfer shrugged. 'Do you want to unzip me?'

    'Forget about it,' Cain said deep in his throat. 'You can go just before we leave.'

    Telfer gave him a wink and a jerk of his head.

    'What are you so goddamn happy about?' Cain demanded.

    'It's good to be alive,' Telfer said.

    'Yeah,' Cain said. 'Just keep that thought in mind and we'll do just fine.' He glanced at his wristwatch. 'Okay, time to cut these ropes. And no Bruce Lee stuff. You try to kick me and I'll shoot your feet off.'

    If Telfer could have raised his palms, he would have. 'I thought we'd made a deal. I'm not going to try to escape. I've promised you I'll do the deal for the litho plates. You've promised that you'll let me live. I'm happy with that.'

    'I'll only be happy when you're out of my frigging hair,' Cain grunted.

    'You could always let me go now,' Telfer offered.

    Cain snorted. There was something disarming about John Telfer that appealed to him. Something that made him smile. Maybe killing him was a little extreme? No, it was just. An eye for an eye. Telfer had stolen his Bowie knife and thrown it away. It was fitting that a knife be used to punish him in turn.

    Cain made Telfer push both feet out. Then, in a swift draw that would have shamed a gunslinger, Cain brought out the scaling knife and swiped it down in a shallow arc. The cord from the Venetian blinds that he'd used to tie Telfer's ankles gave with a twang and Telfer's legs sprang apart. Before Telfer could control his wayward feet, the knife was back in Cain's waistband.

    Cain gave him a tight smile. The quick-draw display was for more than the purpose of loosening his prisoner's legs; it was a show of his skill with a blade. Something for Telfer to dwell on while they traveled together.

    'So how're we gonna do this?' Telfer asked.

    'We're going to go out to my car. I'll have the gun. Simple as that.'