Awake Asleep Dreaming Dead (12 page)

Sam was on his belly on the ground, and could only see to the left and right. He heard footsteps coming closer. He heard crunching twigs and pebbles. The sound got louder, and was coming closer. Sam’s mind whirled.

How do I surprise him and get the gun?

The leaves and branches on the ground cracked louder until the sound echoed in Sam’s back. Holiday kicked at the ground. Dirt landed on Sam’s head. He took a deep breath, and swallowed. This is it, got to do something. Could be my last chance. Sam felt the cut of leather on his backside. Holiday had taken Sam’s belt, and was whipping him. Sam’s body curled up. He rolled on the ground, his hands moved back and forth with each lash, protecting his face and covering his crotch.

How does that feel, Mr. High and Mighty? I told you that you’d get yours. He swung the belt again lashing him again. Red welts popped up over Sam’s body. Holiday kept swinging the belt until there was a solid thud and a groan. Sam watched Holiday collapse on the ground next to him. His eyes washed and lifeless like a corpse.

What happened? Sam thought, then turned and looked up. Tom stood there, beard flowing in the breeze, grinning, the tree limb he’d used to club Holiday along side of the head in his hand.

Where the hell did you go? Sam asked. Why did you leave me here alone?

Went for a walk, that’s all.

A walk? And left me here with this maniac.

Wanted to see what this clown would do, so I went for a walk to make him think I’d left. Sorry I didn’t get back sooner. Looks like he did a job on you; your back looks pretty red.

Sam moaned from the beating as he put on his underwear, then grabbed his pants, shirt, and shoes. Get the gun, he said. Let’s get the hell out of here.

Tom grabbed the pistol, and tucked it in his belt.

While putting on his shoes Sam asked. What are we going to do with him?

I’ll take care of him, Tom said. You pack up.

Holiday woke up slowly, groaned, babbled something, then rubbed the spot on the side of his head where Tom had clubbed him. He was reeling, and not sure what had happened.

Time for you to get up sleeping beauty, Tom said, smiling and grinning. Rise and shine, sweetheart.

Tom and Sam stood over Holiday looking down at him. He opened his eyes to a blue sky and unhappy faces. Gradually he sat up, rubbed his neck, and moaned, What the hell happened?

You’re in dreamland, Tom said.

Whoa, you clocked me a good one, old timer, Holiday groaned. What are you gonna do now?

We’re going for a walk, Tom said, and kicked Holiday in the backside. Get up! Get up you useless . . . get up.

Where are we going?

That way, Tom ordered, pointed, then turned to Sam. I’ll be right back. Finish packing, and don’t leave anything lying around, take everything.

What are you going to do to me, you old coot? Holiday asked.

Put Sam’s stuff on the car. Take it all out of your pockets.

I found a nice tree over on the back side of that hill, Tom said. Head right over there. I carved your name on it. Come on I’ll show you. Keep walking straight ahead. It’s just over that way.

Why do I need to see a tree?

This one is just for you.

What happens after I see the tree?

Nothing happens, or everything happens.

You old coot, Holiday swore, I’ll find you, and cut you up into little pieces. Wherever you go, I’ll find you!

You think so, Tom said. I’m giving you to Mother Nature. Up the hill, through brush and under trees they trudged. See that tree right there, Tom pointed. Go wrap your arms around it. He gave Holiday a nudge forward. Move! Hold up your hands, Tom said, then looped the rope around Holiday’s body cinching him to the tree. Well, that should do it, he said, grinning as he checked how secure the ropes were, then pulled on them. Nice and tight.

As Tom walked away, Holiday shouted, I’ll find you wherever you go. You best be looking over your shoulder, you old coot. I’ll find you, and tear your heart out. And the boss-man will get his payback, too. I’m coming for him!

Tom took out a cigar, and thought What the hell, lit it, puffed on it, and blew a cloud of smoke into the air. Until next time, he said, and headed off over the hill.

Holiday yelled at Tom as he walked back to the camp ground. You’ll see me again! Yes you will! his voice echoed.

I know. I’m planning on it, Tom yelled back.

Sam had everything packed, and ready to go. Where’s Holiday?

He’s spending some time with nature.

When he gets free he’ll come looking for us.

Let’s get in the car and drive, Sam.

Sam stepped on the gas. The car rattled over the bumpy gravel path. The road twisted, turned, and curved around the crown of Wild Cat Mountain. On the way down to the highway, Sam was quiet, staring straight ahead, but in the back of his mind he wondered about Holiday. Sam looked over to study Tom. There’s that quirky smile again. He’s hiding something, Sam thought. It was a strange smile of knowing something no one else did. It was quiet, tranquil, and as they drove, the scenery passed like a dream.

Goodbye, Holiday, Tom said.

He was cool and calm, watching the trees pass, looking up at the sky, and finally back to Wild Cat Mountain.

Open it up, Tom said.

Good idea, get out of here as fast as we can go.

Should we have called the police?

They can’t do anything. Holiday’s a good for nothing number-one-asshole. Drive on, boy, drive on.

The silence in the car seemed to last forever as they only kept an eye out, driving the speed limit, not too fast or slow. Then Tom took out a CD and put it in the player. A Spanish melody played, and above, the sky was as blue as the ocean in the Caribbean. Clouds floated off in shapes of faces, animals, and other kinds of abstract designs. It looked like Picasso had painted the sky. It began to warm up as they left the early mornings hills for flatter terrain.

Should I stop and pick her up?

Well?

Well, what?

Pick her up. Tom said.

I don’t know, maybe she’s a freak like Holiday. I don’t want to go through another episode like the last one. She’ll get a ride from someone. Another car will drive by.

Sam downshifted, the car’s engine revved. Sam looked her over as they cruised by. Her head turned, her eyes were clear, her smile like a cheerleader rooting a team on. Sam stepped on the gas, shifted into second gear, and sped up.

She’s pretty, Tom said.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, she’s pretty, Sam said. He took a deep breath, and after a long pause pulled over and stopped. Sam looked at Tom. Here we go again. Why am I doing this?

They watched in the rear view mirror as she jogged, struggling with her bag. She finally reached the car out of breath. Thank you so much. Thank you, she said gulping air. Thank you for stopping. While catching her breath she managed to introduce herself. I’m Lori.

Now, up close Sam could see her youth, freckles on her nose, and high cheeks. She had bright green eyes, short wild black hair, and a sweet smile. She looked intelligent and athletic. She’s right off the cover of Sports Illustrated, Sam thought. That’s a magazine I’d like to shoot for.

Sam dreaded another fiasco of picking up another hitch-hiker like the last one. But the glum atmosphere quickly changed to lively and bubbly. Grinning, Sam said, Hi, I’m Sam, and this distinguished guy here is Tom.

She was on Tom’s side of the car, and greeted him first. Hi, Tom, she said, and held out her hand.

Tom grabbed Lori’s hand in a firm grip. Hi, yourself young lady. Nice to meet you.

Call me Lori, she said, reaching over to shake Sam’s hand. So, where are you guys going?

Sam and Tom began to answer simultaneously, but then Sam let Tom answer. We’re headed for Ellsworth, right, Sam?

What about you? Where’s your destination? Sam asked.

Home, or a place called home.

Where’s home? Sam asked.

A small town; you wouldn’t know it.

Where is it?

In Japan, but I’m thinking about heading to Hawaii.

We don’t have much room, and the trunk is full, but the back seat’s all yours, Sam said. Jump in.

Okay, Lori said, then threw her bag in the back, and squeezed in.

Make yourself as comfortable as you can, Sam said.

I’m comfortable, Lori said. It beats walking.

That it does, Tom said. That it does. How long have you been roaming out here all by your lonesome?

Well, I met this guy, but he wasn’t very nice, and I’ve been running away from him for a while now. He follows me all over. If I can get far enough away I’ll be safe. Being out on the road is rough, and he always shows up everywhere I go.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, Sam said. We can drive you to the next town. I’m on the way to do a job. I can drop you at an airport, train, or bus station.

That’s another problem, Lori said. If I could fly or take a train, I wouldn’t be hitch-hiking. I don’t have the money for a ticket.

Maybe we can help you out with that, Tom said. Right, Sam?

Yeah, I think so. Let’s think about the best way to get you there. Are you in a hurry to get where you’re going?

Not really, Lori said. Just want to get there. Doesn’t matter how or when.

Would the bus be okay? I think there are more places where you can catch one, probably in the next town, Tom said. I’ll spring for the flight if you like.

I don’t mind taking a bus, Lori said, but I haven’t got enough money for the ticket.

No problem, we’ll take care of the ticket, Tom said. Hell, I’ll pay for the ticket myself. Don’t worry about a thing, he looked at Sam, and asked. Where’s the nearest airport?

I don’t know, maybe the bus is a better idea. There are more bus stations. Might be easier finding one of those.

You guys sure are great, thanks for the help, Lori said. I don’t know what to say.

You don’t have to say anything, Sam said. We’ll help you as much we can.

Just ask, Tom said, and we’ll do our best, our very best, to help you out.

We camped out last night, and feel a little grubby, so we’re going to a hotel tonight. We’ll get you a room, Sam said.

A hot shower sounds great.

What kind of music do you like? Sam asked. I’ve got a collection of CDs. Have a look and pick out something.

Tom took the CD case, and handed it to Lori. Okay back there?

Fine, just fine. You’ve got some nice music here.

Choose one, and there’s some beer in the cooler.

Here’s one I like, Lori said, and handed it to Tom.

Jimi Hendrix, Sam said, surprised.

I play a little guitar, Lori said. He’s still the guy all the players listen to.

Yes, he’s still the man all right.

No one’s close.

Red House started playing, and everyone sat back to enjoy the noise.

What do you do, Sam? Lori asked.

I’m a photographer. Got a job at Alan Rogers’ Architectural School, then heading down to Chicago to shoot some of his buildings there. The pictures are for a magazine that’s doing a story on him. I just lucked out getting the job. The editor saw my pictures when he drove by my studio. He liked them, and hired me.

Come on, Sam. You’re a great photographer, Tom said.

Get paid a lot for something like that? Lori asked.

Sam turned, and smiled at Lori. I bid the job, so that’s all I get.

Is it a lot?

Well, I don’t know if it’s what you’d call a lot, Sam said. I calculated all of my expenses and time. Be out a couple of weeks, with food, gas, and miscellaneous expenses, I told them I’d do the job for five thousand dollars.

That’s pretty good for a few week’s work, Lori said.

You’re welcome to tag along, see the school before you catch the bus home. It’s a nice place, and well worth a look, I think.

Okay, but I don’t want to get in the way.

It’ll be fun to have you along.

Have you guys known each other a long time?

Sam and Tom were silent, waiting for the other to say something, until Sam said, This guy’s an old friend, and used to cut my hair when I was a kid. He came along for the ride, and to keep me company.

How far is it to this place where you have to take the pictures? Lori asked.

Not far, we’ll be there today. The town’s called Ellsworth. Tomorrow I’ll shoot all day, after that head to Chicago to take more pictures of his architecture. I wanted to go to Florida to see Earnest Hemmingway’s house in Key West, and take some pictures there, but there’s no time. We’ll get a couple of rooms in Ellsworth, hit the sack early tonight, then head for the architectural school. Maybe I can use you guys in some of the shots.

There’s a hotel up ahead, Tom said.

Sam pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine. Here we are, Roadside Inn, he said as he looked up at the sign. They watched the red neon light race around in circles.

It was a long one-story white building with a gravel parking lot. The rooms all had numbers on the doors, and a window to one side. There was a pick-up truck with an empty cattle wagon in the parking lot, and a few more cars in front of the office.

I’ll take care of getting the rooms. You guys staying here, or coming in?

I’ll wait here, Tom said. Going with Sam, Lori?

I’ll stay too, but get out, and stretch a bit.

Be right back, you guys hang tight.

The hotel had a small swimming pool outside near the parking lot, and some vending machines near the office with some green plants in the window.

Sam walked into the office to register, and nodded at the guy sitting behind the counter. Hi, I’d like a single room, and a double room, for tonight and tomorrow.

Can you fill out this card?

Okay. Do you know how far Alan Rogers’ place is from here?

The architect’s place? Take the highway south out of town and follow the signs. It’s a popular place. Just keep up with the crowd, and you’ll find it. Here are the room keys. If you need anything, just ask. You’re all set. Have a good night.