I swung open the off door and got out. Crossing the street, I took a lock at the big gates. I told myself I wasn’t going to walk up the drive and ring on the bell, I was going to surprise that dame. Then something happened that surprised me. The electric horn on Ackie’s car gave a strangled croak, just like someone had touched it gently. I looked over at the car quickly,, my hand going to my hip pocket, where Katz’s gun was. In the darkness, I could just make out someone sitting in the car.
Pulling the gun out, and holding it by my side, I crossed the street again. I moved with stiff legs, rather expecting a sudden blast of lead. Someone called softly as I got nearer. “Nick—it’s all right—Nick— it’s me.”
It was her, too. Mardi was sitting crouched down in the car, peering at me through the open window with a white, scared face.
I stood there, holding on to the door of the car, looking at her. I just couldn’t believe my eyes. I said, “Mardi—”
“Yes—please get in. We must get away from here. Nick, get in quickly.” The urgency of her voice made me act I pulled open the car door and slid under the wheel. I put my hands on her, and I could feel her trembling.
“But, honey—what happened? What are you doing here?” I said, putting my arm round her and pulling her to me.
With violence that startled me, she pulled herself away from me. “Nick—don’t talk. Get me away from here….” she said. There was a high, note of hysteria in her voice.
I leant forward and started the engine, then rolled the car down the street. I didn’t move it fast, but kept it going. “Where do you want to go, baby?” I said. “Just take it easy, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
She said, “I’m so frightened, Nick, we must get far away. Don’t talk now, but get me away—anywhere, but get me away.”
I shoved the pedal down and the car picked up speed. It was no use asking her questions when she was like this. Something bad must have happened to have got her so scared. I headed the car out of town. I sat holding the wheel, looking at the two bright pools of light thrown by the headlights ahead of me, and wondering what it was all about. I could feel Mardi shivering against me, but I didn’t look at her. I thought the best thing was to let her calm down before I fussed her.