1939 - The Dead Stay Dumb by James Hadley Chase

Author:James Hadley Chase [Chase, James Hadley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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The Conoco Service station at Bonner Springs was floodlit at night. Two tired attendants relaxed in the office, their ears unconsciously cocked for the sound of a car, ready to snap to attention and come out at a run.

George, a fair-haired boy, thought of his girlfriend. When he wasn't busy his mind dwelt on her, when it wasn't dwelling on how he could make more money. George was a simple hick. He was like thousands of other guys. Two things came uppermost, his girl and money.

Hank, his fellow attendant, lolled across the table. “What's bitin' you, pal?” he asked. “You been lookin' like a bad dream for a coupla hours.”

George heaved a sigh. “Say, you know Edie . . . What you think's the matter with her?”

Hank scratched his head. “How the hell should I know what's the matter with her?” he said impatiently. “She ain't wearin' the bustle wrong?”

George shook his head. “Not a chance,” he said gloomily. “Maybe we'd get married if it was like that.”

“Then what's biting you?”

“She keeps away from me now . . . she's cooled off. Now what you think's come over her?”

Hank said with a sudden rush of inspiration, “Suppose you try this soap they're always croakin' about.”

George scowled. “Don't you start to rib me,” he said coldly. “I guess it's the dough that's the trouble. Edie was always keen to have dough. I ain't had a raise for two years now. I guess that's what's makin' her sore.”

Hank said, “It'd be nice to own a joint like this, wouldn't it?” He wandered over to the cash register and rang up “No Sale”. He peered into the drawer, poking the money round with his finger. “I figger we take five hundred bucks a day here.”

“There's more'n that in the can,” George said. “We had a few odd bills settled today.”

“You think it out. I guess a joint like this would be mighty nice to own.”

George nodded. “You're right,” he said.

Outside, a car pulled up. The two jumped to their feet and ran out. The big shabby Packard was parked near the gas pumps.

Dillon got out. “Any more of you guys inside?” he asked.

The two looked at him in surprise. “Just the two of us,” George said. “We'll take care of the bus all right.”

Dillon raised his hands a little. He was holding the two guns. “Grab some air,” he said viciously, “and get inside.”

The two attendants raised their hands. George went a little wobbly at the knees. He said, “Don't let that gun off, mister.”

“Get inside!” Dillon snapped. “Jump to it!” He backed them into the office. “Stand over there by the wall, and keep your traps shut.”

Myra came in and went over to the register. She rang it open and began scooping the money into a small bag. “Watch closely, boys,” she said. “You're seein' history bein' made.”

Dillon said, “Much there?”

Myra nodded. “It's worth while.” She went through the two drawers and then slammed them to. “Maybe they've got a can round here.

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