Cuts by Richard Laymon

Author:Richard Laymon
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
ISBN: 9780843957525
Publisher: Leisure Books
Published: 1999-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-SEVEN

LESTER’S NIGHT OUT

“I feel like going to a movie,” Lester said.

“Don’t let me stop you.”

Carrying his supper plate, he followed Helen into the kitchen. “Why don’t you come along?”

“Not a chance.” She turned on the faucet and started wiping the supper dishes with a soapy sponge.

“I don’t want to stay home,” Lester said. “I mean, it’s Saturday night. People are supposed to go out and have fun on Saturday nights.”

“Go out, then. Go to a movie. Whatever you want. It’s fine with me. I’ve got tests to grade and homework for my night class.”

“Maybe I will go to a movie.”

“Go. Have fun.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Before leaving the house, he picked up Helen’s copy of the Grand Beach Unified School District Personnel Directory.

At the theater’s ticket window, Lester saw that the next show wouldn’t begin for nearly half an hour. He bought a ticket and put it into his wallet.

Two doors down from the theater was Harry’s Bar. Lester had often seen it, often glanced through its open door at the dark tables, the bar, the television, the men playing pool in smoky light. He had never gone inside. Until now.

“I’d like a margarita,” he told the bartender.

The man brought his drink. Not waiting to be asked about a tab, he placed a ten-dollar bill in front of him. Then he drank half of his margarita without setting down the glass and ordered another. When he finished the first drink, he started the second. He took his time with this one.

As he finished it, he looked at his wristwatch. Almost time to head for the movie.

To hell with the movie.

He ordered another drink. When it came, he sipped it slowly. Then he left the bar. At his car, he opened the school district directory.

Bonner, Emily Jean. 4231 37th Street.

Emily Jean Bonner’s two-story house was set far back from the road. Lights shone in several of its windows. A Volkswagen bug was parked in the driveway.

Lester tried to make a U-turn, but the road was too narrow.

Instead of backing up to complete his turn, he let his tire ride up over the curb and bounce down.

She must have company, Lester decided as he headed up the walkway.

Maybe not. Maybe that’s her VW.

No, she isn’t the VW type.

And she wouldn’t park in the driveway, would she? Wouldn’t she use her garage? She must have company.

He muttered, “Shit.”

But his disappointment seemed to be mixed with relief.

Just as well, he thought. I’ll just drop in, real casual, say I was passing by…just a friendly visit.

He climbed the porch steps and pushed the lighted doorbell button. Moments later, he heard footsteps. Then the door opened.

“Why, Mr. Bryant! What a delightful surprise! Won’t you please come in?”

She’s glad to see me!

Smiling, he said, “Hi, Emily Jean.”

She looked wonderful in green slacks and a white turtleneck sweater—better than Lester had ever seen her.

“I just thought I’d drop by and say hello,” he said.

“I’m so glad you did.” She shut the door and led him into a brightly lighted living room.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.