I didn’t take my eyes off the tough-guy leader as I reached into my pocket and tossed Laura the car keys. “Laura, you and Billy wait in the car. I’ll just be a minute taking care of these bums.” The leader’s lip curled in disgust. “By ‘taking care of,’ I hope you’re referring to turning over the contents of your wallet.” Whitey stepped between Laura and the Oldsmobile. “You ain’t going nowheres, doll.” The girl ran her fingers over Billy’s hair again. He looked about as tough as a sack full of kittens. To my surprise Billy spun away from her. “That’s enough.” Angry men, even those as young as Billy, couldn’t be pushed around like frightened ones. The girl let out a quick bark of laughter. “So, you can be a tough guy. I like tough guys. Billy? Billy the Kid. How old are you?” “Nineteen.” The leader hawked a load of spit beside the girl’s shoe. “Enough, Wahini. I’m trying to conduct business.” “No one’s stopping you. He’s as cute as a bug’s ear, don’t you think?”
