Last Notch - Arnold Hano - Bog

Last Job for a Killer

The governor said, "You've come for amnesty?"
"That's right." Slattery's mouth was dry.
"How come?" the governor breathed. "You, of all men?"
Rage thickened Slattery's voice. "Why not?"
"Amnesty for Ben Slattery. You want to quit your side of the law and join ours?"
Slattery said "Ours? You don't mean ours, you mean yours, don't you Governor?"
"Ours," Fallon barked. "Mine and the rest of the law-abiding citizens of this Territory. You want to join us?"
Slattery was silent.
"Why? Why are you here? Why now?"
"Because," Slattery said slowly, "I'm sick of the whole damn' business. Because I'm tired of it all." He stood straight and he knew he was telling the truth, even though it was a lie. He wasn't seeking amnesty. He was seeking the easy way to put a bullet into Fallon's heart.