THREE DAYS to DIE by John Avery Read Free Book Online Page A

Leafing through those memories was difficult for him – talking about it only served to make it real again. But it was he who had brought up the subject and he felt obliged to follow through.
          "My wife and only son were killed in an auto accident," he said. The horrible memory flooded his senses.
          "Oh, wow ..." Aaron said, unprepared for such a dismal reply. But he was able to relate – at least to some degree. "I'm so sorry."
          "Thank you," Michael said. He hadn't spoken to anyone about it in years, and he felt the need to elaborate. "I wasn't with them that night. The other driver was drunk – he crossed over the center divide. Little Tyler was three; he was killed instantly. Jennie lived for 4 days." He paused for a moment to let his breath catch up. "It's been five-and-a-half years, now."
          Aaron couldn't say anything, so he didn't try.
    ---
          The Aston purred to a stop in front of Aaron's apartment. Aaron and Michael got out and walked up the front steps.
          Michael removed a pad and pen from the inside pocket of his jacket, then scribbled something and tore out the page. "Here's my cell number," he said. "Call me tomorrow and let me know you're all right, okay?"
          "Okay," Aaron said as he took the slip of paper.
          Michael jotted down Aaron's number as well then raised a high-five. "You cool?" he asked.
          Aaron fived him back. "Yeah, I'm cool. Thanks for the brownies."
          He removed a key from under the welcome mat, unlocked the door, and replaced the key, then stepped inside and closed the heavy door behind him.
          Michael laid his hand on the door and felt the grain of the wood.
          "Good night, Aaron," he said.
    ---
          As Michael drove away, he passed the white van, parked across the street from Aaron's apartment.
          Johnny Souther was six blocks away, cruising the streets in a black van. He picked up Needles's call and listened for a moment.
          "Hold your position," he said. "I'm on my way."

Chapter 14
    Batting Practice
          Aaron undressed, throwing his tattered clothes in the bottom of his hamper and covering them, making a mental note to trash them in the morning. He reached for his pajamas, but thinking again he decided to remain dressed. He put on a fresh pair of jeans, a T-shirt, a clean hooded sweatshirt, socks and sneakers.
          He thought of waking his mother, but he couldn't face the prospect of waking Tom. So he crawled under the covers to wait for morning.
    ---
          The black van pulled up to the apartment and parked behind the white van. Johnny Souther got out and walked over to meet with his thugs. Needles filled him in then told him about the hidden key.
          "Guard the exits," Souther said as he reloaded his .45. "I'll take care of the kid. Stay outside even if shots are fired, understand? No one gets in or out alive." He pulled out a large knife and checked the edge with his thumb.
          The thugs nodded, and Souther motioned for them to move out. He used the hidden key to unlock the front door, then drew his gun and quietly entered the apartment.
    ---
          Aaron was wide awake when his bedroom door slowly opened and the silhouette of a large man loomed in the doorway. He shuddered then watched in horror as the man picked up his little-league bat and slapped it repeatedly into his palm. Smack ... Smack ... Smack ...     
          "Out for a joy ride tonight, Aaron?" the man said.
          Aaron was only partially relieved to recognize Tom's voice.
          Suddenly Tom stopped, interrupted by a sound that came from downstairs. "Stay here," he said, motioning with his hand.
          Tom stepped out into the hall and moved quietly toward the stairs to investigate. It occurred to him to get the .22 caliber pistol he kept loaded and ready in his sock drawer, but the apartment was old, and at night, when