Story.Short, page 6, Lee Skidmore's SciFi Site copyright 1996: Story.Short, page 6

"Damn, damn, damn," said Johnny, as a large pulsating lump jammed hard up into his throat.

He struggled to breathe around it as his heart banged against his breast. "I don't believe this," he croaked, "the readouts register one round fired at oh three fifteen this A.M. It can't be, I've been here all night. Hell, I've been here since I got off my last shift, day before yesterday."

"If you're where I think you are, forget it. She's no alibi. Ahhh. . .The uniforms just got the trace on your log-on. You've only got about ten minutes now. Okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks, old buddy. But, don't let anyone go running her down. You hear me?" Johnny started pulling on the clothes he had dropped, forgotten, on the edge of the bed. He leaned back against softly yielding femininity. Her gentle scent rose to him. "I can't believe you're still asleep, but do me a favor, don't wake up until I get out of here. No time to explain. Okay, Babe?" whispered Johnny loving, as he gave her a light rub before re-doubling his dressing efforts. That ten minutes would probably be five or less.

"What did you just say? Shary still sacked? She never sleeps. Did you kill her too?"

"Very unfunny. You're my friend. Right partner?"

"Ex-partner. And, if I wasn't your friend, you'd be in restraints right now. If you didn't do it, you'd better find out darn quick who did. They really want your head for this one. Unofficially, it's shoot on sight."

"Right, right. What else could I expect. But, where do I start?" said Johnny. He frowned, grunted, then cursed at his clothes while he yanked at an uncooperatively twisted pants leg. Just as its seam started to rip, it slipped miraculously onto his leg.

Over the sounds of the struggle, sounding way too amused for Johnny's hyped senses, Mallory yelled into the phone, "If you can't get your clothes on, how are you going to find the perp?"

"Same to you, Mal. I'll see you later." said Johnny. He snatched up the blob, and broke the connection. As he rushed out the walkup's door, he tossed, "Bye, Babe," back through the closing crack.