"It was the dame," the thug said breathlessly. "When I turned to lock up the storeroom, she let out a yip and took off. I had to chase her all over the joint before I caught her." At his side, Toffee shook her head to get the hair out of her eyes. "I just wanted a little exercise to get up the circulation," she said. "We certainly circulated," the thug agreed sourly. "All over the place." "You didn't leave the storeroom open?" the congressman asked. "I went back and locked it." "I see you got Pillsworth in the car." "Yeah," the thug said. "But he handled awful funny, like he was all strung together with invisible wire. I had a job spreadin' him out in the seat." The congressman looked at him sharply. "You've probably been drinking that dummy whiskey again," he said. "Anyway, let's get going. The girl will have to drive." "I don't know how to drive," Toffee said. "Besides, I haven't got a license." "Never mind, sister," the thug said, "that's even better." He nudged her toward the door of the car, as the congressman moved off into the night. Toffee gazed inward at the dismembered George sprawled across the seat. "Do I have to get in there with him?" she asked. "The boss doesn't want you to be lonesome," the thug said. "I'd rather be lonesome," Toffee said, but she got into the car anyway. The thug closed the door after her and leaned through the window. "Just so you'll know," he said, "I'd better explain. This car hasn't any brakes, and the steering is fixed. It's okay now, but after a few minutes it will break and the car will be out of control. We have it timed out with the curve at the end of the speedway, the one called Dead Man's Curve. By the time you reach that the wheel will be just about as much good to you as a set of knitting needles. In other words, you're going to drive due south with your foot to the floor and crack up on the curve. No one's missed that curve yet and lived." "There's always a first time," Toffee said brightly. "Don't count on it, sugar. And just to make sure you do what you're told, the congressman and me will be alongside in the congressman's car. I personally will be holding a rod aimed at your head, so don't get notions. Also, we want to be around to report the accident." Toffee nodded approvingly. "It only seems the sort of thing any good citizen would do," she said. The gunman stared at her. "Too bad a good looking dame like you has to be so wacky." "We all have our little flaws," Toffee said chattily. "That's life." "Aren't you even worried?" Toffee shook her head. "I've always wanted to learn to drive," she said, smiling. "Oh, my God!" the thug moaned. "Maybe, it's best; you're sure to kill yourself sooner or later anyway." "Of course," Toffee said, patting his hand. "I don't want you to blame yourself. Just consider you're doing a public service." * * * * *