"Where did Mickey go?" asked Pearl.
"Heaven only knows, but she must have smelled a pocketbook—anyway, she will show up in a minute—whiskey for me—what will you have, honey?"
"Whiskey."
The music started in the cabaret, the crowd shoved its way onto the dance floor, leaving the bar partly empty. Big Boy stepped through the swinging doors.
"Oh, God," whispered Pearl, "Big Boy."
There was no place to run, no time, nothing to do but wait as Big Boy drew a service automatic from his pocket, leveled it at Pearl, pulled the trigger six times. Evelyn had stepped in front of Pearl, taking the six bullets—she sank to the floor, everything was silent—Pearl dropped to her knees, lifting Evelyn's head.
"Oh, Ev, why did you do it—why did you do it?" she cried in anguish.
The crowd had fought and shoved its way back into the bar. Mickey knelt beside Pearl.
Evelyn slowly opened her eyes. "Don't cry, kid, its best this way—you still have a chance—Mickey, promise you will—" slowly her words came, then a faint shudder, and her head fell forward. Evelyn was no more. There is nothing greater than to give one's life for that of a friend. Evelyn had made the Great Gesture.
A shot was heard outside. People ran out to see what it was. Pearl and Mickey looked at each other.