Savages

106

Chon opens the cabin door.

With his left hand.

Gun in his right.

The problem is out cold.

With a woman beside him.

Very pretty. Honey hair splayed on the pillow, naked shoulders above the sheet, full, kiss-swollen lips slightly open. Chon hears her breathing.

She’s the lighter sleeper. Opens her eyes and then sits up and looks at Chon incredulously. Is he a dream? A nightmare? No, he’s real, but who is he? A burglar? On a boat?

She sees the gun, knows how the man asleep beside her has the money for the boat and her honey hair. Looks at Chon and murmurs, “No. Please. No.”

Chon shoots twice.

Into his head.

Problem solved.

Swallowing a scream, she jumps out of the bed, lunges into the head, slams and locks the door behind her.

Chon knows what he needs to do.