She said suddenly in a hoarse voice, “Stop.”
He pretended not to hear. His foot pressed down on the accelerator.
She said in his ear, “Gerry darling, I said stop. I want to talk to you.” At the same time she reached forward and turned the ignition key. The car slid to a standstill.
Hamsley stared into the night, holding the wheel tightly in his hands.
Neither of them said anything for a moment.
“Gerry darling, you’re a lovely looking boy,” Mrs. Poison said. Her hand touched his.
Hamsley moved away from her. “I’m glad you think so, Mrs. Poison,” he said. “I guess it’s pretty kind of you to think that.”
He could feel her quick breath on his face. “Yes, Gerry, you’re the handsomest boy I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what Mr. Poison would say, but I could be very kind to you.”
Hamsley shuddered again. “Why, Mrs. Poison, I guess you’re always giving me things. I guess you couldn’t do any more.”
“There’s one thing I haven’t given you, Gerry.” Out of the darkness her voice sounded horribly harsh.