"Thomas F. Monteleone - Tales of Terror and Madness" - читать интересную книгу автора (Monteleone Thomas F)

"Why don't you take her in there and tell the person at the front desk
what they make you do? They

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can put her someplace safe and you'll never have to hurt her again."

He dragged an arm across his teary eyes, then inhaled thickly. "Really?"

"I'm almost certain, yes."

He looked toward City Hall and took something from his pocket; a small,
cheap, plastic toy modeled after a Saturday morning cartoon character.
"I got this for her to say I'm sorry. I always get her something
after... after, and she always ... thanks me. Do you think she'll like it?"

"I'm sure she'll love it."

"They sell these over at the drug store. I could-hey, I could maybe tell
them I'm taking her out to buy another one, then we could go over there."

"That sounds good. Make sure you use the dark brown metal door on the
5th Street side." That would take them down a short set of stairs into
the police station.

"I'll remember. You bet I will." And he walked away, gripping the toy as
if it were a holy talisman. "Swear to God I never meant to hurt her.
They made me. They always make me. Oh, God..."

I watched until he disappeared around the corner. I bent down to collect
my spilled change and my car's horn sounded from behind. After I'd
managed to squeeze back into my skin, I turned, still shaking, to see
Listen sitting in the passenger seat. He grinned at me and waved.

"I'd forgotten they were out of the coconut cream pie," he said, leaning
out the open window. "I took care of the bill. Let's go for a ride."

I gathered up what change I could find and climbed in but didn't start
the car.

"Another story, I take it?"
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I exhaled. "Jesus, that guy was... was-"

"-at the end of his rope, just so you know. I'd share the specifics of
his home situation, but it would only make you sad and sick."

"Do you know what's going to happen?"