I Love Dialogue from Under the Western Sky by Dellani

"Oh, Bobby," Grace Marshall said suddenly. "I saw something at J.C. Penny's you might like to see."

"Oh? What's that?"

"In the music section. There's a new album out by Carlos Santana. It's called Amigos."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's on promotional sale. I can get a discount on it for you too."

One of Grace's part time jobs was stocking the records at J.C. Penny's department store. She always kept her eye out for things the kids would like.

"How much? Ramon is supposed to pay me tomorrow."

"It will be a little over five dollars once I get my discount."

"Cool! I can get you the cash tomorrow."

"How about I buy it, and you pay me back?" She produced a bag from under the table.

"You didn't! For real? Thanks, Grace!" He kissed her cheek, giving her a hug. "This is too cool! I love this guy."

"We know that, silly," Maria said with a laugh. "You tell us often enough."

"You wait," he said with confidence. "Some of these other groups will be long gone, but Santana, he's going to last."

"You just like him cause he's Mexican," Rico said in a superior tone.

"I like him because he's the most talented guitarist around," Bobby countered.

"Jimmy Page is better."

"No, but he's as good." He ruffled Rico's hair. "One day you'll look back on this conversation and say, 'You know, my crazy cousin Bobby said Santana was here to stay.'"

"No, I'll look back on this day and think, 'My cousin Bobby is crazy'. That's all I'll think."

"We should take it to Toni's and listen to it later. She's got the best stereo system," Libby suggested.

"Good idea."

Grace and Consuela Menendez exchanged a curious look.

"Is there something going on here we don't know about?"

"Like what?" Bobby tried to look innocent, but the smile kept breaking through.

"You two aren't dating, are you?" Grace asked, looking at them both. "Are you? Oh, Connie!" She clapped happily, jumping up and down like a teenager. "I'm so happy!"

"Yeah, Mom. Is it such a big deal?" Libby was puzzled by her mom's behavior.

"But it's marvelous! We were hoping, weren't we, Connie? We saw it a long time ago, but we wondered when you would realize it yourselves."

"It's wonderful, Grace. So, when is the wedding? I want lots of grandchildren."

"Whoa," Bobby held up his hands like a traffic cop. "Who said wedding? We're dating and I'm taking her to prom. This doesn't mean we're choosing China patterns and stupid shit like that."

"Roberto," his mother chided.

"Sorry, Mom. 'Stuff' like that. I just asked her to go steady."

"Are you two being careful?" Grace gave them a penetrating look, then her eyes lingered on Bobby making him want to shrink into the ground.

"Mother! Oh, my God!" Libby turned six shades of red.

"It's not like that, I swear!" Bobby looked flustered. "I just asked her to go steady. Why do you assume? Can I die now?" He asked Libby, taking her hand to comfort her. "Is it okay if we both just like melt away? When did we become the center of attention?"

"About five seconds ago," Maria chided him. "So that's why Sister cornered you? She has a sixth sense for when kids are being bad. I swear she can smell it."

"We're not being that kind of bad. We kissed, that's it!" Bobby wanted it clear he was behaving himself.

"Not entirely true. You were playing a game of tonsil hockey on the porch last night."

"Mia, I don't tell your secrets."

"You don't know my secrets."

"Steve Gutierrez after the football game, under the bleachers."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Steve Gutierrez? Oh, he's cute," Libby added. "Isn't he dating Bonnie What's-Her-Name?"

"No, he's with Suzie Thingummy," Bobby countered.

"Oh, her." Libby made a nasty face. "Slut." She coughed.

Bobby patted her on the back and the two of them left quickly while the attention was on Maria instead. As they were leaving, they heard Grace say, "So, what's this about Steve Gutierrez?"

"What about Steve Gutierrez?" Libby asked him as they walked to Toni's.

"You remember what we were doing on the porch last night?"

She remembered, blushing vermilion. "Yeah. So?"

"So, that, only under the shirt."

"Ooh. Um.... Not my business."

"And what we were doing wasn't Maria's either."

"Maybe not, but we should be more careful. If she could see, what about Bitch Lady?"

"So, next time, invite me in." He laughed, putting his arm around her waist as he gave her a playful kiss.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes 

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I Love Dialogue from Under the Western Sky by Dellani

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky.

Once they had their tickets and popcorn, they went into the theater and found a good spot. The boys liked to sit in the back because there was more leg room, but the girls liked the middle. To compromise, they sat somewhere between the two and let Danny have the aisle seat since his legs were the longest. Toni snuggled next to him as he put his arm around her shoulders. Libby sat next to her, not really looking at Bobby, although they shared the popcorn.

"Are you mad at me or something?" he asked her quietly, not wanting to bring their friends into it.

The others were so wrapped up in one another, they didn't hear him. Libby scooted a little closer, lowering her voice as she took a bite of popcorn.

"No, I'm not mad, Bobby. I'm just not sure I'm comfortable with this whole arrangement, that's all."

"We're a couple friends going to a movie. You got a full social calendar I don't know about?" He tried to make light of it, but his feelings were hurt.

Libby nudged him, nearly spilling the popcorn. "Don't be a goof. Of course not."

"I really like you, Libby. If you can't see that, I'm sorry."

"I thought maybe you were going out with me because of what Toni said to Danny. That she wouldn't go if I didn't have a date."

"All this time you thought that's what this was? A mercy date? Baby, I think you're the greatest!"

"You do? For real?"

"Yeah, for real. Hey, would I make comments about your ass if I didn't think you were cute?"

"I dunno, you're a guy. I mean, Danny's always drooling over my tits."

"Danny's a goober. He drools over any tits he can see. You have to admit, you're killing us both with the no bra thing."

She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "I'll remember you said that, Roberto."
"What, are you my mom? You have to scold me into behaving? I want to date you, Libby. If I wanted just to jump your bones, I'd have done that already. You know, some women actually find me very attractive."

She giggled, tossing her hair. "Yeah, I can see the appeal. You've got that whole Latin Lover thing going. The dark hair and bedroom eyes. You're cute, for sure."

"Then why won't you let me kiss you?"

She looked at the screen as the movie started. By the set of her shoulders, he could see that she didn't know how to respond. Taking a chance that he was right, he blundered on.

"Is it because all this time you thought I didn't really like you? How could I not? You're wonderful. I've had a thing for you like—forever," he whispered as the cartoon started.

Libby gave him a curious stare as the lights dimmed, her popcorn halfway to her mouth. She couldn't believe his admission was real. He didn't really want her, did he? He was taking her out so Toni would go with his best friend. That's what friends did for one another. Was he kidding? She was too inexperienced to tell.

Libby knew a lot of girls her age had already lost their virginity. She and Toni were among the few left in their graduating class who had never been with a guy. If Danny got his way, that was going to change and soon. He was so hot for Toni, he got a boner every time he talked to her. Bobby, on the other hand, couldn't possibly mean it. Or did he?

© 2016 Dellani Oakes 

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I Love Dialogue from How Far is Heaven?

Hal Garrow is a struggling musician. He meets Maeve Tierney quite by accident one day, and they hit it off. Their first date is coffee, followed by sandwiches. This is their second date, at a local restaurant where his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie, works. Stephanie is an unusual woman, very up front, boiserous and just shy of crazy.

Stephanie brought their food a few minutes later. The tray was full and she balanced it like a pro. Maeve couldn't help noticing and asked how long she'd been working as a waitress.

"Oh, I've waited tables since I was a kid," she answered blithely. "My folks have a restaurant that caters to a very trendy crowd. I used to sing and wait tables, all of us did. I have six siblings," she explained to Maeve. "Hal met my nutty family last Christmas. Crazy as loons, all of them."

"But fun," Hal added, cutting her off before she got too into her tale. "In a totally chaotic fashion."

Her family was pretty nuts and she could go on about it for a long time. He wanted time with Maeve, minus Stephanie and her lunatic parents and siblings.

"Fun and chaotic," Stephanie agreed. "And that's my cue to strut my muscular ass back to the kitchen and not bug you until you're done eating." She bent over to whisper to Maeve, giving Hal a great view of her tight ass. "One thing you can say for the man, he's subtle. See how he gave me the brush off without saying, Steph, go blow? Very classy." She leaned closer to Maeve's ear, her stage whisper gauged to carry to Hal's sharp ears. "He loves it if you lick his neck from his Adam's apple to his earlobe. He's totally delicious. Just wait and see."

"How do you know I haven't already?" Maeve asked playfully.

"Because if you had, you wouldn't be sitting on the other side of the table," Stephanie answered quickly. "You'd be sitting next to him with your hand in his lap, eating quickly so you could get back to bed. In fact, I doubt you'd be here talking to me. You'd be grinding away somewhere, moaning loudly and screaming his name over and over." She made a few moans and groans, gasping and squeaking playfully, gyrating her hips.

Hal popped her on the ass, jerking his head for her to go back to the kitchen. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Treat her right, baby."

"I plan to eventually, Steph. Give me time. This is only our second date."

"I regret only one thing," she said with a dramatic sigh.

"What's that?" Maeve couldn't help interrupting the exchange.

"That the chick I'm dating right now isn't built like him."

Running her hand from his shoulder to his belt, she massaged his broad chest, whimpering. With a swish of her apron, she walked back to the kitchen, strutting her stuff for the entire restaurant to appreciate.

Laughing, Maeve almost spewed her coffee as Hal blushed a deep, dark, furious red. He wanted to hide his head, try and pretend she hadn't said that, but he couldn't. There was no way to make it go away. He thought about apologizing for Stephanie, but that wasn't really necessary. She was being blunt and honest. In short, she was being herself, nearly as crazy as her family.

"I'm so sorry to laugh," Maeve gasped. "But she's completely horrified you. I can't help it. I don't mean to. . . ."

"Laugh at my pain. Gotcha. Although we get along great, she's my most embarrassing ex," he admitted. "The others are very tame in comparison."

"A lioness in heat would be tame in comparison," Maeve laughed loudly, covering her mouth with her napkin.

"Oh, God. The imagery that conjures up! But true."

"She's successfully made me very curious," Maeve said with a sly wink. "I can only imagine what I'm missing sitting here having a meal instead of being in bed with you."

"Eventually, perhaps you'll find out," he smirked as he took a sip of his drink. "I don't mind sharing the joy, that's if you don't mind that she had me first."

Maeve giggled, sobering slightly. "I don't mind. I have no claim on you, Hal. Who you used to sleep with doesn't matter."

"You can claim me if you want," he said softly. "In fact, I'd be flattered."

"I'd like that," she smiled. "I'd like that a lot. And the same applies," she murmured, dropping her head.

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Under the Western Sky - A Retro Romance by Dellani Oakes

Under the Western Sky is my new retro romance. Why retro? Because it's set in 1976 when hip hugging bell bottoms and fros were the rage. Bands like Carlos Santana, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix set the music world on fire. It was a time of endless possibilities and promises waiting to be fulfilled. Bobby Menedez and Libby Marshall are poised on the edge of something wonderful. Their senior year looms in their future and their newly found love blossoms. Unfortunately, something ugly looms over them, obscuring their happiness -- Under the Western Sky

CHAPTER ONE

Libby Marshal leaned over the pool table, slender hips twitching to KC and the Sunshine Band. She hummed distractedly as she lined up her shot.

Bobby Menendez stood behind her, enjoying the view; his hands tingling to touch her. "Touch me and die, Roberto Hermida Menendez."

"Man! How did you know?"

She made her shot, long distance across the felt top, nearly nailing him in the balls with her pool cue as her arm drew back.

"Shouldn't stand so close," Danny said, across the table from her. "Oh, man, the view!"

Bobby held his hands the width of her hips apart. He bit his lip as she faced him, a frown on her face. Her green eyes flashed at him. With a toss of her short, blonde, curly hair, she moved away from him with a glare. His dark brown eyes followed her, longing on his well-tanned face.

"View's damn good over here, and safer," Danny grinned.

He'd been looking down her top as she bent over to shoot. He loved the fact that it was 1976 and even in this small, conservative, western Nebraska town, girls were liberated, freeing them from the confines of establishment undergarments. The no-bra look was great! And Libby had such perky tits. Bobby could have his dangerous ass view, Danny went for tits every time.

"Boys, behave," Toni's father said, from his office behind them.

Funny thing how Toni's old man always had work to do when the boys came over. He would casually follow the four of them down to the pool room in the basement and sit in his workroom fiddling with some electrical components while they played pool and listened to music. He didn't mind them coming over, but they weren't going to be unchaperoned either.

"Yes, sir," they chorused.

They stepped back, snapping to attention, not quite saluting. Each with military fathers, it was hard not to when he talked in that tone. He’d been fifteen years as a Marine before a shell shattered his right leg. Everyone in town called him Captain Cristo. Only the very brave called him Grant.

"Girls, Mom's got dinner almost ready. Why don't you hustle up and help her set the table?"

"Yes, sir," Libby replied, setting down her cue.

"Sure thing, Daddy." Toni leaned hers against the wall, leaving a blue streak of chalk.

The boys hesitated, unsure how to proceed. They hadn't been included in that request. Captain Cristo solved that for them by setting aside his work. He stood stiffly, the old war wound tightening up on him. He motioned them into his workroom, closing the door behind him.

"She may not be my daughter," he said, without preamble. "But you ogle her like that again, or put a hand on her," he looked right at Bobby, "and I'll break all three of your legs."

The boys exchanged a look. It took no explanation to know what the Captain meant. Hard as nails though he may be, the words, break your balls, would never pass his lips in his wife's house. He was very specific about language. Nothing stronger than damn passed anyone's lips under his roof in her house.

"It happens I like you boys, or you wouldn't be here." He glanced at Bobby, who shuffled his feet, but met his gaze.

"Thank you, sir," Bobby mumbled.

"I don't forget being eighteen. I venture to say, I was as horny and troublesome as you two. If the Marines hadn't grabbed me when they did, God knows where I'd have ended up."

"My dad says the same thing about himself," Danny ventured to interject quietly. "Only he was Army."

"A Ranger." Captain Cristo nodded sharply. "Damn fine heritage, boy. Your daddy too, Roberto. He was a great man. He died too soon.” He paused a moment, remembering Navarro Menendez with regret. "Just so we understand one another. Staying to dinner?"

"If Mrs. C. agrees," Danny looked hopeful.

"When doesn't she?"

"Honest, we don't plan it," Danny explained. "Just the girls call and invite us. It coincides."

"Not a problem, boys. It'll be a hard time for sure when I can't feed a couple extra mouths. Go wash up, Emma will be calling us soon."

They moved quickly to the small bathroom near the stereo and washed their hands under his supervision. They were drying their hands when his wife called from the kitchen above.

"Honey! Boys, dinner!"

"Coming, dear," Grant yelled back.

"Wash up!"

"Already done."

They walked up together, the boys slightly awkward with the Captain directly behind them. His eyes seemed to detect any inconsistencies, sifting away until he found the truth of it all.

"Let's have Bobby over here." Emma Cristo pointed to a chair next to the windows.

Libby was placing a large bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. She looked up, rather dismayed. Danny winked at her and Bobby took his place beside her. Toni and Danny sat opposite the other two teenagers.

"I swear," Emma said, after their blessing, "I may have given birth to one child, but I'm raising a dozen. Not that I mind. I love a big family. I've got seven brothers and three sisters," she told them, not for the first time.

"And I've got two of each," her husband contributed. "But what Toni lacks in siblings, she makes up for in friends." He ruffled Libby's hair.

"You might as well adopt her, Dad; she's here all the time." Toni grinned, tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder.

She and Libby were such a contrast. She was tall, solidly built, with dark hair and eyes. Her Indian blood showed in Toni’s features as well. Libby was shorter and athletically built, with short blonde curls. She was all Scots-Irish, and looked it. Bobby and Danny responded quietly as they passed the food around. When they were asked a direct question, they answered, but didn't initiate conversation themselves. They were always a little intimidated by Captain Cristo. He was pleasant and generous, but he also had a way of reminding a guy to be on his best behavior around women.

"Who wants ice cream?" Emma asked, as the teenagers cleared the table.

While the girls washed dishes and the boys dried, she pulled a half-gallon of vanilla out of the freezer, and chocolate syrup and peanuts to go on top.

"Mom, since it's Friday, can Libby spend the night?"

"I expected she would," Emma replied with a smile. "Mom working late again?"

"Yes, until closing."

Libby's mother worked serving tables at the local bar. Nearly every night was a late night for a single woman with a child. Between her wages and a small widow's pension, she barely got by.

"Thanks, Mom."

Danny cleared his throat quietly. The Captain's dark eyes drifted over to him. He turned a little red around the ears, but continued to speak. "Bobby and I were wondering if the girls could go to a movie tonight, Captain Cristo?"

"Did you ask the girls first to see if they wanted to go?"

"We thought we should ask you first, sir," he answered sheepishly.

Cristo grinned, chucking him on the shoulder. "I don't mind, if they don't. Do you need a ride?"

"My dad is letting me borrow his car."

"Are you a safe driver?" Emma eyed him suspiciously.

"Very safe, ma'am. My dad taught me himself. He wouldn't let me use his car if I wasn't."

"It's not at the drive-in." The old man wasn't asking, he was giving an order.

"Oh, no, sir! I'd never even... We wouldn't."

"What movie were you thinking of seeing?" Emma bustled around the kitchen, cleaning the bowls and spoons as the girls wiped up and dried.

"There's a new Mel Brooks," Bobby told them. "It's called Silent Movie. It looks really funny."

"I've been wanting to see that," Libby answered, giving him a big smile. "It looks so cute. I love Mel Brooks."

"I loved Blazing Saddles," Toni said. "I never laughed so hard in all my life."

"Well, it's settled then," Emma said, putting the last bowl in the cupboard.

"What time will you need to leave?"

"The movie starts at eight, so I need to head home now and get the car," Danny replied.

"We'll be ready," Toni told him. "See you in a few."

"Okay. Thanks for dinner, Mrs. C. Delicious as always. I wish my mom could cook like you."

"I wish my mom could cook," Bobby chuckled. He was teasing; his mother was an amazing cook.

The boys rode their bikes back to Danny's house about three blocks away. Bobby hopped off his, leaning it against the wall of Danny's garage.

"I don't think Captain Cristo likes me much," he grumbled. "I shouldn't ever have made that comment about Libby. But, God, Danno, she's killing me! She won't even let me kiss her."

"Maybe tonight, buddy. You never know. Dark theater, up in the balcony..."

"Can't do the balcony, they smoke up there. Libby would never go for that. She hates cigarettes. So, are you and Toni past first base yet?"

Danny shrugged, hands in his pockets, as they walked up the steps to his second story bedroom.

"Not exactly. I mean, a little feel once in awhile, over the shirt, but that's it. Why did we have to get interested in a couple of girls who refuse to put out?"

"Maybe because they are both pretty, and funny, and like to play pool? I don't think Libby likes me for more than a friend. I get this feeling like she's going out with me because you're dating Toni. She doesn't want to be left out."

"Sorry, man. Toni won't go out if Libby hasn't got a date. That girl is like, unapproachable. At least she hasn't kneed your balls or anything. I think she's just real shy. Some chicks are like that."

"Every time I get near her, she gives me the same line. 'Touch me and you die, Roberto Menendez.' What kind of thing is that to say to your boyfriend?"

"Are you her boyfriend?"

"Apparently not. That's what I get wanting to date a girl I've known since I was five. She's more like my sister."

"Only you don't want to fuck your sister."

Bobby punched him. "Be polite, hermano. Do I talk like that with you?"

"I don't have a sister. You do. She's hot and spicy."

"Be nice, or I'll kick your skinny, white ass down the stairs."

Danny grabbed up the keys and told his mother where they were going.

"Did you eat, boys?"

"Mrs. Cristo fed us, Mom. Tell Dad I said, thanks again. I'll be careful. We'll be by back eleven, if that's cool?"

"That's cool, but not a second after. If you are, he'll ground you for a month."

He kissed his mother's cheek and they went out to the garage. His father's white 1974 Buick Riviera glistened in the shadows, the evening sun lancing through the window, limning the car with gold. To Danny, the car was magical. To have a car of his own was his wildest dream. He should have one by the time the end of the summer, opening a whole avenue of possibilities.

Danny started the car, pulled his father's Van Morrison tape out of the tape deck, and put in his KISS tape instead.

"I don't know how you can listen to that crap," Bobby turned the music down. "Zeppelin is so much better."

"You're so full of shit, Roberto. These guys kick ass."

"Twenty years from now, practically no one will remember them. In thirty, people will still listen to Zeppelin."

"Wanna bet?"

"I guarantee," Bobby nodded. "You watch."

Danny didn't argue. There were other things Bobby had been right about over the years. It was like he almost had a sixth sense for some things. Popular music was one of them. He could listen to a new song and tell you if the band would have any more hits, or if they were a one-hit wonder. He'd been right so often, Danny didn't question it anymore.

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Excerpt from "Under the Western Sky"

This is from my retro novel, Under the Western Sky. Set in western Nebraska in 1976, the novel follows Libby Marshall, her boyfriend Bobby Menendez and their friends during a troubled time. There are organizations who don't think that the races should mix. They hide in shadows on the fringes of society, they are still very influential.

Libby and Bobby get dragged into a crisis not of their making, when Bobby's best friend, a white boy named Danny Emerson, is forced to attack Bobby to pave his way into a group he doesn't want to join. Threats of violence against his family coerce him into making a decision he could regret the rest of his life. This scene is where Danny confronts Bobby on the street between Libby and Bobby's houses. Unbeknownst to Danny, there are several federal agents camping out at Bobby's in order to protect his family after another group boys from the same organization, brutally beat Bobby's cousin.

Strolling across the street, Bobby was thinking about Libby and how much he loved her, when someone got out of a car just down from his mother's house.

Acting like he didn't notice, he walked slightly faster to his front porch. If he made enough noise, Jim would hear him and come out. He wasn't scared, not yet. The other person came forward until he stood under the streetlight. It was Danny. His face was bland, expressionless, which was more frightening than seeing anger. If he'd been mad, it would mean he still cared.

Bobby faced his former best friend, checking the car and shadows to see if the bigger boy was alone. Bobby didn't see anyone else, but that didn't mean they weren't there.

"Roberto, you and I need to talk."

Bobby held his arms out from his body, shrugging. "I'm here, amigo. Talk." He said loudly, hoping someone would hear.

Danny didn't move, his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He spoke quietly, calmly. "You know I didn't beat Ramon, right?"

"I know you were there. I can't believe you'd hit him with a fucking bat. That's not your style."

Danny's mouth quirked and he dropped his head. "What is my style?"

"Take a swing, kick his ass, but a bat's bad form. You weren't ever a cheat, Dan."

"Really?" The reply was dry, sarcastic, not Danny's usual style either.

Something was wrong. It was a warm night. Why was Danny wearing a jacket? Why were his hands in his pockets? Bobby knew he was in trouble. It was late, his friends and family were going to bed, and, despite Toby's warnings, he was alone.

"You know, Danny," he said rather too loudly. "That was a cheap shot you did to his balls. Were you trying to emasculate him or just mess him up so he couldn't take your woman?"

"I didn't do that, Bobby. You have to believe me. That wasn't my idea."

"I hope not because I'd hate to be the man who did that to Ramon. Whoever did better hope he recovers full use, or he's gonna wish he'd killed my cousin. Because Ramon will come after whoever it was. And that man will die badly. Make no mistake."

"Nobody needs to die here, Bobby." Danny was getting nervous.

"What's in your pocket, Daniel?" Bobby took a step toward his friend.

"Don't come near me," Danny cautioned, holding out his left hand like a stop sign. His right hand stayed in his pocket.

"Lemme see," Bobby took another step. "We never used to have secrets. We're brothers, remember? When we were ten, we cut our hands and did blood brothers."

"Bobby, I mean it. Don't come any closer." His voice shook, his left hand trembling.

"Gonna shoot me, Danny? Is that the plan? You gonna come and kill your best friend? Is that what it takes to be part of the clan? Sever your ties, kill the Mexican vermin. Jesus, Danny, did our friendship mean so little?"

"Don't, Bobby. Stop. I mean it!" Danny yelled, yanking the gun out of his pocket.

The streetlight glittered on the barrel of a snub nosed .38 revolver. Danny's hand shook, but he kept the gun trained on Bobby.

"Drop the gun, Danny. Fight me like a man. You never needed a weapon against me. Don't you think you can take me? I'm half your size."

He was willing his friend to come closer, begging him in his mind to drop the weapon and let down his guard, but it wasn't happening—yet. He kept talking, taking little steps closer. The gun didn't drop. Danny's hand shook uncontrollably. The closer Bobby got, the more danger he was in that the gun would go off by mistake.

Bobby reminded Danny of every time they had been there for one another, all the pranks they had played, how their mothers called them the Dastardly Duo. Each statement started as an "I remember when," cataloging the last ten years of their lives. Tears formed in Danny's eyes but he blinked them away. When he was close enough, Bobby stopped moving.

Danny's arm was within reach, the gun leveled at Bobby's forehead. Steadier now, it didn't waver. He shifted his grip on the gun and Bobby moved. Lunging at his friend, he grabbed the barrel of the gun, pulling Danny toward him, catching him off balance.

With an easy shift of his hands, he put pressure on Danny's wrist, forcing him to drop the gun. Bobby kicked it away, slamming his elbow into Danny's chin. The other boy should have dropped, but Bobby hadn't hit him hard enough. A vestige of their friendship remained, tattered and shredded as it was.

Danny tried to head butt Bobby, but the young Mexican man dodged, pulling Danny further off balance by a shift of his weight. Knocking his friend down, Bobby flipped Danny on his face, holding his arm up behind him as his foot pressed into the white boy's shoulder. Hand at an awkward and painful angle, Danny screamed as he felt his shoulder pop out of the socket.

People poured out of the houses, rushing toward them. Dark figures fled from the bushes, running in four different directions. Danny's backup had finally decided that hanging around was dumb. Toby ran after one, bringing him down with an amazing flying tackle. Jim got another and Evanston took down a third. The fourth ran away, but police sirens were coming from that direction and the guy was running in the middle of the street. He wouldn't get far.

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