Patriots Betrayed by John Grit Read Free Book Online Page A

more.”
    “That’ll be fine. How much?”
    “Well, it’ll be a hundred extra. I hate to charge more but it’s a two-bedroom unit.”
    “That’s fine. How much is it?”
    The woman opened her eyes fully in surprise. “I just told you. A hundred extra.” She nodded and lifted her shaking right hand, holding it out.
    An old man got up from an easy chair and stood beside her. “Is he giving you shit about the price, Emma?”
    “No, Charley,” the woman said. “I think he’s just a little dumb and can’t understand what I’m sayin’.”
    The skinny old man put on a sour face. “Mr., you can see my wife’s got Parkinson’s. Look at her shake. We ain’t got nothin’ but our Social Security and two hundred a month I git from the VA for a bad arm from Korea, so we need that rent money. I don’t appreciate you givin’ her shit about what little we charge. If you don’t want to pay the hundred extra for a two-bedroom unit, git lost.”
    Raylan chuckled. “I tell you what; I’ll keep laying hundred-dollar bills in her hand until she says it’s enough.”
    The old man’s face grew more sour. “You some kinda smartass?”
    “Uh, no sir.” He placed five bills in her open hand as it shook, thinking that would be enough for the trailer shacks they had. Neither of the two said a word. He placed two more bills in her hand. They stood there silently. He placed two more bills in her hand. “Is that enough for a week? I mean considering that’s it’s a two-bedroom unit.”
    The old man’s eyes widened as he looked at the cash in his wife’s hand. He coughed. “Uh, yeah, if you’re out by Friday.”
    The old woman hadn’t moved her shaking hand an inch. “Have you already forgot?”
    Raylan’s eyes narrowed. “Oh! Excuse me,” He placed another bill in her hand. “I forgot about the hundred extra on account of it being a two-bedroom unit.” He added, “And cheap at half that price.”
    “Uh, you bet,” the old man said. “Hold on while I git the keys. You’re in luck,” he said as he walked away, “the unit you’re gettin’ has a little cookware and stuff left in it by the last renter.” He reappeared and handed Raylan two keys. “It’s the last trailer on the left, next to the woods.”
    Raylan stepped off the flimsy metal steps and got in the car. “We just rented a fine trailer right on the property line in the back. It cost me a grand, on account of it being a two-bedroom unit.” He looked at her solemnly. “That’s a hundred extra.”
    She stared at him. “So they robbed you.”
    “They took advantage of the fact I’m dumb and tricked me.” He gave her a glance while turning his head to back out of the rental office drive. “Nice and cozy for two love birds. Being next to the woods line means we can run for it if your husband shows up with a shotgun.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Oh hell. Is that your cover story?”
    “Of course not. I told him you’re my wife.” He gave her a faux look of concern. “I’m worried about you. Losing your sense of humor is the first sign of battle fatigue. Good thing you retired. You’re too old for this. Can’t take the pressure.”
    She looked out the window at a group of dirty children playing in front of a trailer shack. “Yeah, yeah.”
    Raylan gave her first shot at the bathroom, then got his three Ss. When he emerged, complaining that she had used up all the hot water, he found her fast asleep on the bed, wearing nothing but a sheet draped over her lower body. The operation that saved her life after she took two rounds to the abdomen left a nasty scar, much uglier than the nine-millimeter bullet holes on her shoulder and arm. She’s still beautiful. Back when he was younger…He pushed the thought aside, turned the air up and went into the living room to pass out on the worn-out easy chair.
    He woke two hours before daylight and found her still asleep. After scribbling a note about going to an all-night grocer to buy supplies, he