Page 123 of Nearly Roadkill

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Winc:::rubbing a hand over my stubble, fixing my tie:: Hey, buddy, watch who you’re callin’ a dame!

Confused, Budge simply doesn’t answer.

Winc:::smiling gently::

Weakly, Budge types:

Ms. Budge:Okay, you’re pretty good at that.

Winc:::purring:: The best you’ll ever meet.

Ms. Budge:I guess that’s why you’re so good at phone sex, right?

There is a long pause from the other end.

Ms. Budge:You’re awfully quiet now…

Winc:When did you talk with Scratch, asshole?

Ms. Budge:Oh, the lady has a mouth. Recently.

There is another long pause. Budge worries he’s driven him/her away.

Winc:Well, good for you. Did you get hir autograph? Or a blow job?

There’s that word again, “hir.” Maybe Winc doesn’t even know what sex Scratch is? He makes a note on his dog-eared manual.

Ms. Budge:What’s the matter, have a fight?

Winc:Fuck you.

Ms. Budge:Look, let’s try another tack.

Winc has left the room.

Ms. Budge:Damn!

He remembers the Private Messages.

Private Message to Winc

Ms. Budge:Winc, please come back, I want to talk with you. I’m sorry.

Winc:Hold on… I’m checking something.

Winc has entered the room.

Winc:No tracer, huh? Good cop.

Ms. Budge:Of course not. Can we start again?

Winc:::sitting down across from you, blouse still open to reveal just a soft curve, leaning forward::

Ms. Budge:You can check a trace that quickly, eh?

Winc:::softly:: I can do lots of things, darling. What do you want?

Ms. Budge:Are you aware there is a warrant for your arrest?

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