Callie’s Last Dance

37.

Willow & Carmine.

Present Time.

“YOU KILLED ROY? Are you crazy?”

“I killed him for you.”

“You’re definitely crazy!” Carmine says.

“Crazy about you. I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“Roy’s a made man. If anyone finds out-”

“They won’t.”

“Your fuckin’ name’s on the car!”

“My rental car was stolen, far as the police know.”

Carmine’s taking it worse than she expected. She says, “Roy told some of the girls he was going to take you down. I couldn’t sit by and let that happen. Plus, he threatened me.”

“I told you to watch your step. He ain’t right in the head.”

“I know.”

“You shot him?”

“Yeah.”

“Where’d you get the gun?”

“It was Bobby’s.”

“The boyfriend? Wait. You didn’t kill him too, did you?”

“Of course not! Jesus, Carmine!”

“Hey, I had to ask.”

“I guess.”

“And Gwennie helped you?”

“Yes.”

“But how? You only blew into town how many days ago?”

“Four.”

“And you met me three days ago.”

“So?”

“Now you’re hotwiring cars, killing made men, turning Gwennie into an accomplice. Next thing you know-”

“I hired Gwen.”

“You what?”

“Hired her. To run the girls. For the Top Six.”

“How the fuck?”

“I told you I’ve got a wonderful business sense.”

“Gwen’s going to run my girls?”

“Gwen and I are going to triple your business. If you’ll give us the chance.”

“How?”

“We’ve got plans.”

“You’re making me very nervous, young lady.”

“Can I be frank? You’re acting like an atheist at a Pentecostal convention. But think about it. Roy was your biggest threat. I got rid of him. Gwen coming back was your greatest wish. I got her for you. I was your greatest desire, and now I’m yours. Anything you want, anything you need…you get. No matter what it takes. Just let me in, sweetheart. Let me into your business.”

“You can hotwire a car?”

“Yes.”

“Will you teach me?”

“If you’re a good boy.”

He leans over, kisses her breast.

Then says, “That took balls, killing Roy.”

“You see any balls down there?”

“Not really.”

“Maybe you should take a closer look…”