The Word of a Liar Read Online Free

away.
    “Spider, Monk and Rocko wanted me to send replacements. What should I tell them when I get down there?”
    Ellen couldn’t believe Mason had the nerve to detain this man any longer.
    “I’ll send Diamond Back and Blade down,” he replied, continuing on his way.  “Now get out of here; before I really lose my temper.”
     
    ***
     
    Mad Dog looked up at Ellen from under the hood. Motorcycle head lights illuminated the engine. “Well, looks like Rambo was right. Your alternator belt broke. There’s no way to fix it until Monday.”
    Mad Dog dropped the hood and then wiped his hands on a small cloth.
    “Here’s what I’ll do. I know a guy with a wrecker; I’ll give him a call tomorrow, and then he can take you home and drop the car at my shop.  I’ll fix it first thing Monday morning, and you’ll be back on the road again.” He smiled.
    “How are you going to call anyone?  There’s no cell reception out here.” Ellen sighed.
    “That big farmhouse we passed, that’s Spider’s old man’s. It’s his farm we’re partying on.  He has a land line.”
    “You mean there’s a working phone here?” Relief swept over Ellen. “Just call another towing company.”
    Mason stepped out of the shadows. “He’s not calling anyone. It’s late and we can’t chance the heat showing up.” 
    Mad Dog stuffed the cloth into his back jean pocket. “Rambo’s right: we can’t call tonight.”
    “What?” Ellen’s throat tightened. “I’m not asking to call the police.”
    Mason stood at her side. “Spider’s old man won’t want any outsiders anywhere near the farm tonight. Do you have any idea how much trouble he could be in if some cops showed up and busted the rally? Not a good idea.”
    “If I could just talk to him and explain things, surely he’d allow me to use his phone. After all, his son doesn’t want me here. You heard Spider. If I go back, you risk getting him mad at you again.  Maybe Spider could convince his father it would be okay?”
    “No!” Mason shook his head.
    “No?” Ellen repeated. “But why?”
    Panic edged down her back. Sweat beaded her hairline. It occurred to her that no matter what argument she presented, they weren’t going to allow her to use the phone. It made no sense to keep her here, so what did they intend to do? Every book and movie she remembered of raped and murdered women streamed across her consciousness.   Stupid! Stupid woman! How am I going to get out of here? She had to get back into the car.  Gripping the pepper spray still hidden in her pocket, Ellen slowly backed up to the driver’s door. Consumed with fear, she struggled to keep her voice calm. “All right then, I guess I’ll stay in the car until morning.”
    Ellen rolled her shoulders back. With her free hand, she groped for the door handle. Her thumb rested on the release button. “Thanks for your help.”
    “You’re not staying out here all alone,” Mason said, coming threateningly close.
    “I’ll keep the car locked. What could happen?” She pressed her thumb down.
    “Rambo’s right, lady. You can’t stay out here all by yourself. What kind of men do you think we are?”
    A low growl rolled up from the obscure tree line. Immediately, Mason jerked Ellen behind him. The moonlight cut long shadows across the hardwoods and exposed the misty vapor of night crawling in the ravine. A mosquito landed on Ellen’s arm. Instead of flicking it off, she watched it prepare to bite her, too afraid to move. Another growl… louder… closer… Mad Dog withdrew a pistol that had been concealed inside his denim vest. With both hands, he aimed it at the trees.
    “Can you see anything?” Mason asked.
    “I think it was a coyote, but I’ll go check it out, just to be sure.” Warily, Mad Dog walked down the gully towards the perimeter of the forest.
    “Be careful. It might be a wolf,” said Mason.
    Mad Dog disappeared in the darkness.  Mason faced Ellen and said, “You’re coming back