The Expendable Man Read Online Free PDF Page A

were. Both of them. Blobs. I’ll never see them again.”
    But I will, Hugh said silently. Every time I visit the Phoenix relatives. And every time I pass this station, I’ll be suspect. He didn’t say it to her. Whether she spoke it or not, her reaction would be: Who cares? She was interested only in her own affairs. He took another bun from the package and began to eat it.
    â€œFood!” she cried. “Can I have some?”
    â€œDidn’t you eat last night?”
    â€œI didn’t eat nothing this morning. I’m starved.”
    She didn’t deserve it but he handed the rest of the rolls to her. “You can have these but you can’t have my milk. I didn’t get any dinner.”
    â€œWhy not? Didn’t you have any more money?”
    â€œBy the time I’d taken care of you and found myself a room, I was too tired to do anything but fall in bed.”
    â€œAt least you got to sleep.” She munched on the bun sloppily. “Maybe I ought to sleep now but I’m not a bit sleepy.”
    â€œYou will be later. Or did you take a pep pill?”
    â€œOf course I didn’t.” she retorted indignantly. “Where would I get one of those?”
    â€œI thought maybe one of your new friends might have given you one.”
    She licked one finger. “You’re teed off at me, aren’t you?”
    â€œDon’t I have a right to be?” He drank what was left of the milk.
    â€œI don’t know why. I didn’t do nothing to you. Unless it’s the bus ticket that’s bugging you. You’ll get your money. Just relax. You’ll get it.”
    â€œI’ll get it,” he repeated firmly.
    She looked at the carton in his hand. “Is there any of that milk left?”
    â€œNone at all.” He dropped the container on the seat. “There’s some water in the Thermos. It may be a bit stale, I didn’t refill it this morning. But if you’re thirsty enough, you can drink it.”
    She scrambled to her knees, leaned over the back seat and lifted the Thermos from the floor. “You want some?”
    â€œNo, thank you. You’ll find a glass in the glove compartment.”
    She punched the compartment open, took out the glass and poured it full of water, slopping some of it on her and some on the floor mat. “It’s not very good,” she said, wiping her mouth with her hand. “I wish you had more milk.”
    â€œIf I’d known I was having a guest for breakfast, I’d have bought two bottles. When you’re through, put the jug back where you found it.”
    â€œYou’re so funny,” she said sarcastically. “Ha ha.” She finished the water, replaced the glass, banged the compartment shut, and with another scramble swung the Thermos in place. “Maybe we could stop for a Coke in Wickenberg.”
    â€œBarring car trouble—God forbid—our first stop will be the bus station at Phoenix.”
    She said cheekily, “Suppose I have to make a stop.”
    â€œI’ll pull off the road where there’s a bush,” he stated. “And no Coke machine.”
    â€œI honestly think you would.”
    â€œI would,” he confirmed.
    She believed him and settled back. “Mind if I turn on the radio?”
    â€œNo, I don’t mind.”
    She played with the finder until she had a station, there weren’t many in this neighborhood. As she had last night, she hummed with the music. When the announcer broke in with an ad spiel, she said, “I wish they’d play that new Johnny Mathis record. Do you like Johnny Mathis?”
    â€œI like him.”
    â€œI go ape over Johnny Mathis.”
    â€œPersonally I prefer Sinatra.” He wondered if that dated him, as his mother was dated with Bing Crosby.
    At least the music kept her quiet and he could enjoy the morning ride. He’d always had a quickening of the heart when he crossed into Arizona