The Cop on the Corner Read Free

loosened up a few of his front teeth and now he was out to do damage.

         But he tripped again as he neared the bed. He went down on his knees and, before he could straighten, Gladys' fist swung around in a flat arc and landed on the side of his jaw. He twisted over and fell on his back. Gladys jumped off the bed and picked up the empty gin bottle and hit him over the head. He tried to get up, tried to bring an arm up to protect his head.

         Gladys was too fast. Again she banged him with the gin bottle. Elrick fell flat on the floor. His eyes were closed. He was unconscious. . . .

         Somebody was saying:

         “You didn't have to do that.”

         “I couldn't help it. I lost my head.”

         “I always told you not to get excited.”

         “Don't bawl me out, Vince. Please don't bawl me out.”

         Elrick opened his eyes. Gladys was leaning weakly against a wall and facing her was a short heavy-set guy who wore a super-draped pin-striped suit. His hair was curly and light brown, and his eyes were a shade lighter. He had a wide, flattened nose and twisted lips.

         Gladys was sobbing. She started to lean her head against the short guy's shoulder but he pushed her away. She sobbed louder.

         THEN Elrick raised himself from the floor, pulling at his holster. The pistol came out into his hand.

         “Hello, Vince,” he said, and got up.

         Vince Mazzione seemed very much astonished. He rubbed his tongue across his lips a few times, then pointed to the pistol.

         “You don't need that,” he said.

         “Thanks, but I don't think I'm gonna take any chances. You remember me, don't you, Vince?”

         Gladys cut into her own sobbing.

         “Sure, Vince, you remember him,” she said. “He's an old friend. The original Mr. Auld Lang Syne.”

         Vince glanced at Gladys and said, “Shut up.” He looked at the pistol.

         “I'm sorry about this, officer,” he said. He looked up and then he seemed to recognize Elrick, and something close to a smile arrived on his lips. “Sure, I remember you.”

         “That's good, Vince. That's swell. It's going to make things easier.”

         “What things?” Vince said, a worried frown on his brow.

         “A lot of things,” Elrick said. He held the pistol stiffly and with his other hand he rubbed the back of his head. He moved to one side and leaned against the dresser. He looked at Gladys. She was sitting on the bed, sobbing. Then he looked at Vince. The short, heavyset Vince was shaking his head and Elrick attributed this to a certain amount of despair.

         “Come on, Vince,” the cop said, “let's save ourselves a lot of trouble. Let's get the whole thing settled now.”

         Vince nudged Gladys' shoulder and pointed to Elrick.

         “What's he talking about?” Vince asked.

         “Aw, come on!” Elrick said. “The longer we play around, the worse it's gonna be. You talk straight to me, Vince, and I'll do what I can for you. After all, it's not as bad as it seems. You might even be able to plead self-defense.”

         “You're crazy!” Vince screeched. “You got the wrong number somewhere! I don't have any idea what you're talking about!”

         “Sit down, Vince,” the cop said. “Sit down on the bed and don't get yourself all worked up. If you don't know what's taking place, it's only fair that I should lendja a helping hand.”

         Elrick waited while Vince sat down beside Gladys. He looked at the blond girl and the short, heavy-set man and they were quiet now and they were worried and somewhat meek.

         “Now it's nice and quiet here and we won't be bothered by anyone,” the cop said. “We'll just take our time and go through this and come to an agreement so that we'll all be happy. Now ain't that reasonable?”

         “I could stand