Little Ernie licked his lips. His small monkey-like face turned a little green.
“I’m the guy you tried to rub out tonight,” Dillon said; “I guess this burg’s too small for both of us. I guess you’re comin’ for a ride. Ernie… a one-way ride.”
Ernie said, “Don’t be a fool. You an’ me can do things together in a big way.” His voice was thick, as if he’d a clot in his throat.
Dillon sneered. “Yeah?” He shook his head. “You’re too late on that stuff, Ernie…. It’s curtains for you.” While he was speaking, he shifted his gun a little, so that he held it by its barrel. Then with a quick savage swing, he struck the blonde behind her ear with the butt of the gun.
She went down like an inanimate doll. Dillon had Ernie covered in one movement.
Ernie looked down at the blonde and shook his head. “That was a lousy one to pull,” he said.
Dillon said, “Get goin’… you an’ me are goin’ for a ride.”
Ernie looked at him, hesitated, then he turned and walked into the other room. He paused then. “I guess you’ll let me dress?” he said.
Dillon said, “Get outta the window… quick.” He rammed the gun into Ernie’s back.
Ernie climbed out of the window. He started back against Dillon when he saw Roxy. Dillon shoved him forward roughly. “Get goin’,” he said.