The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-12-04
5 Would Kill
CHAPTER II
BY TOM HORNER
covyrirht. 1889. SEA Service, Inc.


Huddled against the gatepost,
Flynn had not missed
the silver Of light that filtered
the rain as Arnold Ben
thorne peered out into the storm.
For hours he had watched that
window. steadily. throughout the
night. He knew Arnold Ben
thorne was in that room-waiting.
Poor fool" Flynn said to him.
self. Him and all his money-and
afraid that someone's going to get
him. Sitting up there waiting.
Cold and wet as they are. I'd
rather be in Dan Flynn's shoes to-
night than Arnold Benthorne's.'
He jumped, inyoluntarily. at the
sudden flash of lightning and the
clap of thunder that followed. He
hunched his shoulders deeper into
his raincoat. resumed his pacing
back and forth before the gate.
A taxicab slid TO a stop at the
curb. The door opened and a
young mans head emerged. Off
cerl Oh, officer" the young man
called.
Flynn turned. what do you
want, at this time of the night?
II your drunk, you're disorderly
and I'll"
IT'S not drunk I am. officer.
We're looking for a minister. We
want to get married"
What ?"
That's right, officer" the taxi
driver put in. There used to be
a minister lived around here some-
place. These kids"
"These idiotsi" Officer Flynn re-
torted. Here, let's have a look
at you" His flashlight sent a
beam through the darkness to
show the laughing face of youth
peering out the cab door. Rain
drops flecked the young mans red
hair.
You've an honest face" Officer
Flynn conceded grudgingly. And
that wild look in your eyes ex-
plains why you'd be getting your
self married on a night like this.
But where's the girl that'd be
marrying the likes of you?" His
flashlight swept the interior of the
cab.
Huddled in the corner was the
girl. She was small, dark of hair,
dark of complexion. 1t was her
eyes that Officer Flynn remem-
bered best, later in the night.
Smokey, they were, sir he re-
ported, lust like little live Goals
with a wisp of smoke coming from
them"
Cant you wait to be married
in the morning, like decent folks ?"
Flynn growled at her, but his tone
pened his anger.
It's his idea, not NINE" the
girl answered from her corner.
Flynn turned back to the young
man. ITS a surly wife you're
picking, if I may say so, lad. But
then my own is no angel. Now
what are your names?"
do you have to know that,
officer ?" the youth asked. After
all, we've committed no crime,
just asking your help in finding
minister"
Anyone that stops in front Of
Arnold Benthorne's house tonight
has to give his name. Captains
orders. Come on, now tell me
who you are"
IF you're going to write down
our names, you'd better step into
the cab. SIR" the youth suggested.
Here, climb in. I'll stand out
on the curb. I'll turn on the light
for you"
Flynn pulled his notebook out
OF a raincoat pocket, leaned, wet
and dripping, into the cab. In the
light the girl was even prettier.
She pulled her slicker closer about
her, turned her face to the dark
ness. Now your name, SON."
John Douglas came the voice
behind him.
And yours" Flynn nodded
toward the girl. Her answer was
softly spoken, so softly Flynn
hardly heard.
Ara Johnson"
"And let's see your license" to
the cab driver. The driver fum-
bled in his pocket for a moment,
finally withdrew a greasy card.
Mick Smith" Flynn spelled
out slowly. We'll, looks all right.
Now you get going, you'll find a
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