Ashley lay across the bed in Room 107, staring at the TV. The local station's weather man looked if he had been through the dry cleaners along with his suit. His forecast was for rain and high winds throughout the night.
NEWS FLASH:
A hostage was reported killed today during an armed robbery at the downtown branch of Community Plaza Bank. The murder took place at approximately 9:30 this morning. Witnesses said the gunmen wore the same brightly painted ski masks and carried assault rifles similar to the ones used in a series of robberies that took place in the city yesterday. Police have initiated a citywide manhunt.
Ashley took no notice of the report. She checked her watch. 6 p.m. She stood and turned off the TV, slipped the gun into her purse, grabbed her car keys, and stepped outside.
– She paused on the sidewalk for a moment, scanning the parking lot as leaves and bits of trash bounced by on a wind gearing up for a heavy storm. Darkness was approaching and a light rain had begun to fall — and it was very cold. Ashley buttoned her light jacket, pulled up her collar, and turned to lock the door.
Suddenly a voice said, "Going somewhere?"
Ashley whirled around, expecting Death himself, but it was only the pint-sized proprietor of the Sands Motel: Doolin Mars, in his print pajamas.
" Doolin! " she cried, staggering back a step. "Damn you! Don't do that!"
She moved toward her Nova, favoring her ankle as she leaned into the wind, each step hurting. She could feel the loathsome creep following her.
"Can't talk now, Doolin," she said over her shoulder. "I'm in a hurry…"
Doolin called after her into the wind. "I was hoping you'd have dinner with me tonight, Arlene."
My God, she thought, this guy's unbelievable. "Can't tonight… I really have to go."
With a surprising burst of speed, Doolin ran around her and blocked her path. "I worked real hard preparing a special dinner for you," he said, breathless from the effort. "I expect you to show me the courtesy of — "
"Screw you, Doolin, you freaking weirdo. You're insane! Get out of my way."
Doolin stood firm, looking at Ashley with a puzzled expression on his face, as if surprised by her attitude.
Ashley shoved him aside. "I said move, you little fly!"
Doolin grabbed her arm with a grip that would leave a bruise, but Ashley twisted free. She fell back a step and pulled her gun, gripping it with both hands, aiming at Doolin's crotch.
"Keep your filthy paws off me, you slimy little bastard!" she screamed. " Or I swear — I'll blow your fucking balls off! "
Doolin stumbled backward, hands in the air. "Okay, okay," he said, "I get it. It's cool. I get it."
Ashley sighted on him as he moved away from her. "And stay away, you maggot! Leave me the fuck alone!"
She jumped in her Chevy, tossed the gun on the passenger seat, and started the engine. Then she slammed it in gear and floored it out of the parking lot — swearing never to return.