Going Insane Read Free

for help. Funny fact: it could be his first lawful murder if he killed Ron in self-defense in the toilet.
    #
    So far so good: he emptied his bladder without an incident. And Ron did exactly what he had planned to do—put on a fresh shirt. Watching his new friend out of the corner of his eye, David let out a small puddle of soap from the dispenser on his left palm and began to turn on the water.
    “I know who you are, David,” Ron said, combing his hair and peeking at David’s reflection in the mirror.
    Without any pause, David continued turning the faucet handle until he was satisfied with the stream of water and started washing his hands.
    “What do you mean?” he asked, rubbing the lather on his palms.
    “I called my friend and asked him to check the registration plate number.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Have you ever heard of the Net Detective software? For thirty bucks you can search DMV’s databases in all states. My friend checked your car’s registration number. It’s not your car. It belongs to Kevin Conway. And he doesn’t live in Oceanside.”
    David cracked a gentle smile as he unhurriedly turned off the water.
    “Well, seems like you only know who I am not,” he said, dawdling over the paper towel dispenser. “You don’t really know who I am.”
    “I figure you not only stole that car, but also killed its owner.” Ron took a small plastic sack out of his bag.
    “Why do you think so?”
    David observed Ron open the sack and was surprised to see a fake moustache that Ron extracted out of it.
    “Because I believe you want to kill me too, okay.”
    David shook his head and asked:
    “What makes you think I want to kill you?”
    “You put something in my Pepsi while I was away. Some sleeping drug, right?” Ron spread a little glue over his upper lip and then carefully attached the moustache.
    Now David was surprised. Ron was correct: David had actually put a sedative into Ron’s bottle of Pepsi. And as a matter of fact, he was deeply puzzled at the fact that Ron had not fallen asleep yet.
    “But you’re not asleep, are you?” said David.
    “No, I’m not. When I started feeling sleepy, I took Modafinil. I use it to stay awake for several days straight. It’s a legal drug, okay. They use it in the Army, too.”
    “You’re not an angel yourself. I saw a sketch of your face on TV two hours ago.”
    “Really?” Ron frowned. “Seems like our hopes didn’t come true. That’s sad. Fortunately, I was prepared for such a twist.” He pointed at his moustache. “Now we will go out of the restroom, sit at the table, and wait for my friend Zack. Are you okay with that?”
    David cast an inquiring look at Ron and muttered:
    “Wait?”
    “Yes. And so that you won’t die of boredom I’ll tell you a riveting story about a guy who once upon a time sold auto parts in Southern California. You will like it. And we’ll also discuss how you can save yourself.” Ron zipped the bag. “Before I forgot, here’s an incentive for you to cooperate.” Ron whipped a .22 caliber revolver out of his pants pocket. “It’s small but it works fine. Please be reasonable and don’t try and pull any tricks.”
    “All right.” David marched to the door.
    They left the restroom and, after Ron phoned his friend, occupied a table in the corner furthest from the counter.
    “So what do you think about it?” asked Ron when he was done telling his riveting story. He spoke in a low voice, even though the diner was empty and there was no one to eavesdrop on them.
    “I think that guy got a raw deal,” answered David. “By the way, you said we would discuss my future.” He peered into Ron’s eyes.
    “Yeah, we need to talk about it.” Ron nodded. “All that crap about a wife and a kid and a mother-in-law—was it true?”
    David knitted his eyebrows and answered:
    “Not really. I have a girlfriend. Her name’s Jane.”
    “Where does she live?”
    “In Glendale.”
    “Do you live there too?”