Tm going to turn you loose, but take my tip… get out of town.” He walked over to Mardi. “I’m sorry you got smart, baby,” he said. “You did some good work for me.”
Mardi turned her face away and he shrugged. Then he walked to the door and went out.
Mardi came over to me unsteadily.
“Get me free, honey,” I said urgently. “I don’t like the sound of this.”
She got the knot undone after a struggle and I stood up, rubbing my wrists.
The fat guy came in, holding his gun. He jerked his head. “You can beat it,” he said curtly. “Come on, get out of here.”
We went down the dark stairs, and he followed us closely. Gus was standing holding the front door open. I had my muscles tense, ready to start something if those two wanted trouble, but they just saw us to the door.
We stepped into the dark, cold street and the door slammed behind us.
J turned and looked at Mardi. “Well, for Pete’s sake,” I said, “What do you make of that?”
Mardi put her hands to her face and I heard a little choking sob jerk in her throat. I put my arms round her and pulled her to me. She came to me with her head on my chest.