Stargazer's Woman

“That John guy, the one who was driving that same van earlier today,” he said, pointing. “He’s the one who sent me here. Bet he’s a cop. Am I right?”

Kris reappeared at the side door near the office, and one of the mechanics spotted her immediately. She held up a half-eaten candy bar, smiled at him, then held it out to him. “Wanna bite?”

When the guy grabbed her by the arm instead, and pulled her close, she backhanded him with the knuckles of her free hand. Then, in a fluid follow-up, she reached down and pinched the nerve in his free hand, forcing him to his knees. Squealing with pain, he let go of her arm.

“They’re the cops, boss,” the man yelled, stepping back and giving her plenty of room. “See those moves?”

“Ex-marine, butthead,” Kris shot back. “Every lowlife who tries to paw me gets the same treatment.”

Jerry blindsided Max with a jab to his ribs, nearly knocking him down. “They’re just screw-ups, not cops,” he answered, then stared hard at Max. “I don’t know any Harris, and that van’s a repo. You trying to jerk me around?”

Max stepped back and pulled out his pistol. “Back off!” he ordered, waving it around so everyone could see.

“Okay. You’re cops,” Jerry spat out.

“Wrong, Jerry,” Max answered. “Which means you’ve really got a problem now. You shouldn’t have ticked me off.” He motioned for Kris to join him, then handed her his gun. He then grabbed Jerry, spun him around, and took the small pistol and holster he’d seen earlier at the small of the man’s back.

“Keep everyone here, honey,” he called out to Kris.

“I’m going to see if they’ve got some cash we can take along—payment for our time.”