N
It was a bright and beautiful mo_rning, but Judge Milton c.
Hardcastle had riot the time nor the-inclination to notice- it: -
He-had charged out of the courtroom after the arraig!}.In p_i, angry at the world in gerieral and furious at Judg-e-Watkins in particular, who he felt had found Mark guilty before he had everi- en i [ed:
"Where the hell am I gonna come up with a hundred thousand cash on such short notice?" he muttered to the pickup-:-He -cou1d still see McCormick's face when Watkins announced bail. It had
contained a rook of quiet desperation which Hardcastle tried to
dispel by nodding his head vigorously, attempting to let McCormick know that the bail was no problem.
They wouldn't let him talk to Mark then, but Hardcastle knew what the young-man was thinking. He was well aware that the Judge had -amassed a sizeable fortune, but • McCormick also l that most was tied up in the estate andin securities that could not be turned into immediate cash.
Hardcastle stared through· the windshield, lost in thought, then reaching over, he switched on the ignition. "Tough times call for tough measures," he growled. "Time to go pull a coupla strings."
. It was late afternoon before he was able to get·the neces sary cash, but still a lot sooner than he had feared. Handing the suitcase over to a young sergeant, he grumbled, "Take care of that. It's a helluva lot of money."
He waited impatiently for the sergeant to count it, a re ceipt _to he .made out, and the necessary papers_s,ig;ieq.;or cC9rmick's re ease. }\t last the young man was br9ught in, a'nd_ ·
broke into a wide grin. "How's it gain', kid?"
"All right," McCormick answered low. He didn't spealuntil they were in the truck, then turning in his seat, he
demanded, "Okay, Judge, where'd you get a hundred thousand ds, ?"
Hardcastle started the engine and pulled into the traffic before tlirowing McCormick a grin. "Pulled a coupla • strings. '-
I haven't been a judge all these years not to•have s·orne connections o 11
"A hundred thousand dollars is a hell of a connection," McCormick shot back. "You mortgaged Gulls Way, didn't you?" When · didn 't answer, he groaned, 1·1 Aw, Judge, how could you? That place means everything to you. You could lose it!"
o, we couldn't," Hardcastle retorted. "The only way I could lose-EEa'E-bail money is if you skip out on me, and youI re not planning to do that, are you?"
"Never," McCormick answered immediately.
"Then the money's the least of our worries," Hardcastle assured him and deftly changed the subject. "I had Nat bring your car down from the cabin this morning. Figured you might want it. Since you'vF already been arrested for those robberies, there's no reason to hide it out anymore."
McCormick's eyes grew wide with horror. "Judge, tell me you didn't have him tow it all that way! The Coyote's a delicate machine. He could've torn out the rear end!"
"McCormick, I'm not stupid!" Hardcastle fired back. "I
had Nat load it on a platform."
Sinking into his seat, McCormick sighed, "Thank Gdd!"
"You and that damned car!·" Hardcastle complained. "If you owned something decent like this pickup, you wouldn't be in so trouble right now."
"Oecent?" McCormick ·echoed. "You call this decent? I
wouldn't be caught dead driving this-this thing!"
"Oh yeah?" Hardcastle yelled back. "Well, it's a helluva lot better than that squashed bug on four wheels that you call a car, kiddo!"
"Squashed bug?!"
The argument continued the res of the way home, putting both of them in a better mood than they had been in f r days.
The mood gradually frustration, however, as the·y spent the remainder of the afternoon arid e erting makin phone calls and searching through stacks and stacks of files.
Leaning back in his chair at last, McCormick·massaged his aching neck and groaned,."It.'s useless, Judge. We're never gonna find anything ;,
"Yeah, we are," Hardcastle promised. "Your trial's not until next month, so we've got plenty of time to turn up something."
McCormick threw a file on the floor and jumped to his
feet. "Judge, you've already made those same phone calls and went through these same files while I was up at the cabin. You didn't find anything then and we're not going to now because• there's, nothing here to find."
"Like hell there isn't!" Hardcastle roared. "The answer's in those files! W just have to look harder. Now, sit down and. get busy!"
McCormick stood silent a moment, then dropping into his chair, he reached down and picked up another file.
Hardcastle threw him a worried look, his own fears mounting with each passing hour. The telephone rang and he reached for it quickly, a surge of hope racing through him.
The news was obviously bad, however, as McCormi9k could 1:-e11 by the look on Judge'·•s face, and standiD,g lowly, he moved beside the_._des.k, _ l:lis heart pounding_ as Hardcastle enaed
-ilie conversatio_n. - - -
you
"Thanks a lot, Frank. I know what it ost you c: do_th_is.
We both owe a b,icfj5rie. "
McCormick waited as the Judge cradle, but remained bowed, he aEdced impatiently, "Well?
. - - . •.
returned the receiver to its sitting there witn head
nls
Why do we-owe Frank-- E t _one?"
. Lo9 t- _g up, _H;ardcastle inhal'ed deeply. "Because he, just broke all ·the rules by teliing me something we aren1t·supposed to know-yet. II- - Rising slowly to his feet, he' circled ' _qesk
and-stopping in front of McCormick, he reached out and laid·a hand on-nrs-shoulder. -11Kid-;-the-guard who was shot- In that l st hold:- up... hecli ·a-··few );i!i_!_ute§, go. II •
:J-lcCormick eves widened in horror.
Thi!t-That 's a·_murder charge." -· • • ··- - -· -
"Aw no ... aw no .,
.r1:1:e1gE=.
Hardcastle nodded. "As soon as they can get hold of the judge in .the morning to sign. the necessary papers, they're-re voking ygur bail," he related gruffly .
."Oh_ God. 11 Mark's eyes darted a-round the room as if he were suddenly··lost, then stumbling to :a s;:haj t: , _he f:eil .in it
with ,a gro :11.'.' _ "That's it, Judge. It's all over."
"No, it's notover," Hardcastle contradicted and moving quickly to 's side, he grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "C'fuon, we got work to do."
"Like what?" McCormick demanded' hoarsely.
"Damn it, Mark, why do you think Frank called?" Hardcastle retorted. "Hewasgiving us a warning. Now, we'Ve got time ' enough to_ get the hell outta here."
"And go where?n McCormick asked in a choked voice.
"How should I know?" Hardcastle shrugged. ey :i:ywhere. We just get the hell out of here and w_e can figure out a wayto work things ou:t• Now,
p-g_led on McCormick Is arm, " et Is.9.. _t- ome things McCormick stood his ground. "No."
"What?"
"Planes fly
get lost until c 'mon," he packed."
"I said no, Judge." McCormick gently pulled away from his
grasp. "I can't let you do it. I can't let you give up your
life here -and·· go on the run with me. It would destroy every
thing you've worked so hard for all these years." "Stop talking nonsense," Hardcastle demanded.
"It's-not nonsense l" McCormick shot back. "You've done a lot for me the past two years, I really appreCiate it, and
that's wfiy-I can't let you do this."" The tone of his voice_grew
intense - -"·Judge, it would ruin you-your career, your reputa tion, even your life. I usually can't stop you from doing something stupid, but this time I can. If you go anywhere, you're going without me."
Hardcastle studied him a moment, the stubborn look qp_._the young rfian' face-maklng it quite obvious that he meant evei:y ord he had said. ''Okay," Hardcastle finally agreed.r "then I'11 have to make another kind of sacrifice." Sucking in his breath, he ordered, " bags, take that Coyote, and get the hell outta herel"
"I can't do that, either," McCormick returned softly. "If I disappea-r-··n:ow;-n:o one's gonna believe that you didn't _lt lg_fae. You'll be arrested for aiding and abetting a murderer, and be lieve me, Judge, with the kind of enemies you've got in J;)rison, y()_u Q1!lgn t _last-a week in there."
"Look, kid,.I don't give a damn -about that right pawl" Hard- castle shot back. - -
"Wt,rll, I do!" McCormick yelled. "If you won't, _. yourself, then somebody's got to!" He sat dawn again , .. his arms. "I'm not running away, Judge, ano. that's final."
Hardcastle glared down at him, barely hiding fear with a. look: of exasperation. "What if I out _ stuff you in the truck?"
"I'll jump out at the first police station we pass," McCormick threatened .
. Hardcastle released a sigh. "Okay, kiddo, you win, but you picked a helluva time to get stubborn on me..".
Looking up, McCormick' smiled. "I guess a·little of you has rubbed off on me after all. That's what I get for hanging around hard-headed judges.''·
"Wise-guy," HardcastL snorted. ''Well, if you're not gonna leave,· then I'm going down to that courthouse .first thing tomorrow and talk to Judge Watkins. I'm gonna remind Randolph of a few things I've done for him sucb as t:he time I went easy on his kid when he got in trouble because I didn't feel like he was having a decent home life." He turned and started for the door. "I'm going to bed. You coming?"
"In a little bit," McCormick promised and walked him to the door. "I'd like to just stay here and... think for awhile."
Reaching out, Hardcastle squeezed his shoulder. "You okay, kid?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."
"You want me to stay up with you?" Hardcastle offered.
McCormick forced a smile. "No, you get your rest, so youcan go down to that courthouse tomorrow and whip that ol' judge, Judge."
"You got it," Hardcastle grinned. in there, all right?"
"You bet," McCormick assured him.
"Meanwhile, you hang
Hardcastle slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Good night, Mark."
"'Night, Judge."
He wa.:i:t d until Hardcastle had gone upstairs, then returning to the -1:ivi1rg-room,. - he sat down in the chair :a-the-Juag,e' s
desk and stared-at. the far wall. "It's. over, Milt," he mu-r-mu-r,ed
softly_ ! . "'.rh t judge is gonna sign pap _rs qd there I 5-: -·
fibth•ing ymrc n-ao to stop him. Not even you can arg:u nst a rap."
-,
Leaning over, he crossed his arms on the desk _aD.d dro ped his head on the:rii - It wasn't fair, he thought - _ c_o g to live·-wi-En Harcfca:stle, he had tried to be a mod l citizen, not because it was -something he had to do,. but rather something he suddenly discovered he wanted to do. Despite, t,hat, hewas going back to :Ertsc:m because some creep wanted to get back at the Judge by framing him.
It had never occurred to McCormick to lay the blame for his pre·s en-tfi:oub1es on Hardcastle arid he. didn It do so now rl\
stead, he indulged in a bout of self-pity for the young ex:-c9n whose world he felt wascrumbling around him.
Opening the_ bottom drawer of the desk, he took from its .. int_eriora bottle of brandy that Hardcastle kept there to .enter- tain-some of his friends. Reaching for one of the glasses, McCoiinick filled it to the brim with the alcoholic peverage, then sat there staring at it a moment. At last taking a deep,
br ath, he gulped down the entire glass of fiery liquid and _ immediately went into a coughing spasm, tears stinging his eyes so-he could barely see to fill theglass again.
E
Hardcastle fou d it impossible to get to sleep. After tossing and turning for almost ari hour, he threw the covers back, deciding to go downstairs and warm up a glass of milk.
Padding past the door of the living room, he backed up, h:i.s eyes caught by the faint light glowing from the lamp on his-_desk. "Funny, I don't remember leaving t_hat on," he muttered and started. into the room. The sight of a familiar curly head lying on his desk caused Hardcastle to draw up short, his heart suddenly
pounding furiously against his ribs. IIOh good Lord!" he whispered hoarsely. • •• •• - -
Reluctant teps carried himto McCormick's side, andwith out touching him, he looked the young man over quickly, trying. to spot any blood in the dim light. "Aw God,· kid, tell me you didn't do something· upid," he pleaded in a choked voice.
His ha:nd reached out slowly, but as it touched McCormic.k Is neck to ·'fe l fbr· a: pulse, Ifardcastle's eyes fell ori·-tne··g:J:a·s§ and a:lmost empty bottle o'f. brandy laying on the floor next to the
desk. Leanin·g down to pick up the bottle, he straighEe:ned with
·a gr'in of relie-f. 11I '11 be damned. Th;e kid got himsei:f drunk. " Grasping McCormick's shoulder, he shook him, gently' at first , then h_i J·d_e_r. •
··The curly head rose slowly·, and McCormick blink _L_l?_ _al time before mumbling thickly, ·uH '.Ila, Judge. II He staggered to
his· feet, cJrabbing Hardcastle 's ann for support. "I guess it's time t_g go tc, b§d";• isn't it? Boy, am I .. sleepy. 11
"Nowonder," Hardcastle growled· and held up the bot_ . "Just wliaf. the-helr-was this all about? You' re not a drinker.
here
And_irhat the d:evil-'s the idea·ofscaririgme to death like that? When r·walk:eff"'in: and ·saw you slumped over my desk',. _r:-•-.
thoi.i'ght-well, "I· thought you had .done ·something· stupid."
McCormick turned scarlet, andgrabbing the bottle, hid it behind hi·s··back. 11I- I I rn sorry, Judge, 11 he stammered. "I didn ' t
mean·· to scare Y?U· ·Besides, I only had ·a..,.a cotipla glasses."
":t know. That's all that wasin the bottle, II Hardcastle retdtted·. "You.'re not used to that kind of poison, though, and now yotf' re drunk. 11
"I'm not drunk, 11 McCormick denied. 11I 'm just feelin' good." He slumped in the chair and corrected with a groan, "No, I'm not.
I'm £eelin '-bad, Judge_ reJ:1.l bad. :;rt-s like the whole bo-t:torns'
droppe 91_1t of my .stomach. I'm so-so scared rny-·Tri-s-ide_s_are shals._ing. 11
He raised his head slightly, staring into the darkness outside the-
small circle of light. "J-J1:1dge, they've got a murder rap on me now. That means I'm not JUSt goin' back to prison-F·-7:'nCgonna get the gas chamber." Dropping his head on his arms, he- onlv partia1-1y - mu-fti-ed -a-groan "Oh God, I ·dori't wanna die-,-J dg !
I wanna grow old, and be like you-make something of my life and-and maybe change other people's lives for the better.''
Hardcastle squeezed his shoulder gently. "You still
wan ng Eo-reave your footprints in the sand,- huh-, kid?''-
McCormick moved his head up and down on_ hjs arms. "But damn it,' he choked on a sob, "I ainI t even gonna. m-fl!._akeitto the beach."
"Yeah, you are. I give you my word on that,'' Hardcastle
promised iii-a-soft-voice and began massaging McCormic:t-• --
vigorously. "You're gonna make it because there's too much good in you not to. Hell, kid, you've already changed a lot of people's lives for the better."
McCormick made a choked sound. in a muffled tone.
"Tell me one,"_ he g_§_IC!9-_n_ded
"Well, there's me, for instance, 11 Hardcastle answered gruffly. "Before you came along, I was jusit-a:- grouchy-ol' judge. II
' -
)
McCormick raised his head, laughing shakily. you're still a grouchy ol' judge."
"Hardcase,
"Yeah•, but :r: mean_t it then," Hardcastle shot back. His smile faded-and-he sat on the edge of the desk, TookI:ng down aY-Mccormick. "What I'm tryin' to say here, ff- you'd mind your
manners arid quit interrupting, is that you're a damned good person. You got a love for people that not enougn Of-us have anymore. -
And that's why I'm so damned sorry about all this. You don't deserve to have something like this happen to you, and it's all my fault."
McCormick's hand shot out and grabbed his arm. "No, it's not, II tie enied immediately. i•Judge, I've riever blamed-you-for c:t ny-_of this. 11
Ha_J;dCg._§_tle patted his arm. "I know-you haven't, Mark, and that_makeS--Y-OUa- damned fool because you oughtta fie madder •-ff hell
-a-t- -m- e."
"Judge, I'm not going to blame you and you can't blame yourself for some psycho you put in prison, and who's now
trying to get back at you," McCormick argued. "If you hadn't put him away in the first place, there's no telling what the nut case might've done."
"Yeah, yeah, I guess," Hardcastle replied shortly and looking away from McCormick, he sighed. At last straightening his shouiders, he slapped Mark lightly on the back. "Well, kid, what do you say we hit the beds?"
"You got it, Judge." McCormick started to stand, but Hard castle grabbed him as he stumbled, almost falling over the desk.
"I think you'd better sleep in one df the guest rooms to night," Hardcastle growled. "If I let you go out to the gate house in your condition, you'll probably tramp all over the begonias."
"Yeah, and then you'd make me replant 'em." McCormick held his head and groaned, "Judge, will you do me a favor."
"Sure, kid." Hardcastle hooked an arm under his shoulders. "What is it?"
"Next time...lock your desk."
, . ;, j I
I'
N
McCormick opened his eyes a crack, moaned in agony, and clamped them shut again. Rolling over to the edge of the bed, he ventured another look, this time at the floor, and groaned, "Oh God, it's so far away. I'll never make it."
At last summoning up the courage to make the attempt,
he sat up slowly and careful not to make any sudden moves, swung his legs to the floor and stood, swaying slightly. "So far, so good," he muttered, "but I wonder how sympathetic Hardcase• is gonna be. If he starts yelling, I swear I111...:I1ll scream. No, on second thought, I don't think I'll do that. I'll go running outta the house. Naw, don't think my legs could handle that.
Maybe I'll just clamp my hands over my ears and drown myself in my bowl of Fruity Pebbles."
Stumbling around the room, he managed to get himself dressed, then started down the stairs, grasping the bannister with both hands. 11J1:1dge?n he called out,softly. "Hey, Hardcase, where are you?"
Reaching the foot of the stairs, his eyes fell on a piece of paper laying on the hallway table and·picking it up, he read aloud, "'Gone to talk to Judge Watkins. Stay put until I get back. Coffee's on, but you'd'.bettet;'just eat fruit for breakfast. If you I re in the kind of shape I think·you're in, nothing el·se'11 stay down. That's what you get for acting like a damned fool'."
McCormick dropped the note and sighed, "I don't believe it.
He's not ·even here, and he sti;ll manages to yell at me." He headed for the kitchen, still mumbling, "Bet Hardcase stayed up
·all'night writing·and re..;.;writing·tnat riote/ just to think of some
thing onery to say."
Despite ·his complaints, he-followed Hardcastle' , deciding of cof·fee a·:rid :an: c:n:-•ange •:would his stomach stopped doing workouts wf,th Jane Fonda videotapes.
Finishing his orange, he took his coffee and wandered out front, squinting painfully as the morning sunlight bombarded him. Shading his eyes, he granced :at his watch, down the long drive, an uneasy feeling sweeping' over 'him. "Almost,nine thirty," he mumbled. "The Judge should be•getting back ·pretty soon."
As if in answer to his..,...F.·rediction, a white sedan appeared around the curve in the drive, moving at breakneck speed until it whipped i'i1 front of the house wt(ere the driver brought it to a screeching halt, leaving a path of rubber behind him.
"HaE"dcase, what the hell-" McCormick began. "Get in!"
"What?"
"I said, get in!" Hardcastle roared.
.
Jerking the door open, McCormick jumped in beside him. "Where the he-11 you get this car?"
"The truck broke down," Hardcastle growled, "so I had to borrow this."
McCormick's eyes widened. "You stole _a_car?"
"Borrowed," Hardcastle insisted firmly. "The cop.$ are, .on th.=ir y ,_ kid, SO L'tn getting you outta here."
McCormick shook his head.
"Judge, I told you last night-"
.-'-:-
"Forget last night," Hardcastle interrupted. nr•m taking you to a place I know where I can keep you under wraps.''
11Aw no, " McCormick groaned. "Not the cabin. again.•11
"No., it's notthecabin," Hardcastle shot back. "It's a house, not far from he;re, .bt;it as long as you stay sight, no one•will ever find you."
.. McCormick leaned •back in his with Judge Watkins, huh?·"
seat with a sigh.. • "No .luok
Hardcastle threw him a sharp glance. "No, no luck at all."
. '
"Judge,. you know W"?-•Cq;n 't keep this _-up,.'' _McCormick,,.:;p_o ed
out ·sof£ly.·· "Sooner or later,.,the poLic:e ar.e ;g9nnc1i.nd: "' nd
0
·if-you•·-remixedupinthis·"they':r;egonnahaveto,arresi,;_Y.9.. ,0.I -aon'twantthathappening."•·-•-•
, kept .one .hand on the t,eering wheeL, wl/lile _he
reached over-w1th th Qt{hel:'; _g. pa,tte.d cCorn1ick' s knee- .,''Don't worry - about it, sqn. I told,· you ,I 'a. 4a e care .of you· _cin.d .:r.• .11. "
McCormick stared at him. !'Uh,- yeah ,.. . great , !' hes tarnrnered .
A few minutes·lat r,·, Hardcastle ,pulled into the·,drive".,;iy of a small, one-story -hou e -that •look ci- as if ,it should '.ve been condemned severalyear . c:tgo. • -
Jumping from the c_ar, he moi:i9n,ed McCormick to follow him.
" is.-, Ma-rk_. Not mµc:h to _look at, but it' 11 kee_p,you safe.-"
"Judge, I-I_don't think we oughtta do this, • :'mic
protested hesitantly.
"Now listen, Mark, I'm not letting them take you back to the joint 1c1.t_'s tn_?:t_.f' Hardcastle slapped him on the-i:iack. "C'mon; the-place isn't as bad as it looks. There's a telephone, running water, and even a TV."
McCormick reluctantly followed him inside the house, a feeling of uneasiness causing his stomach to churn. Deciding it was due to the lack of breakfast and his stupidity the night
before, he made the effort to look upon the entire situation with an optimistic point of view, but try as he might, he could find nothing good about the thought of going to the gas chamber on
a trumped-up murder rap, and the Judge probably going to'prisOn for trying to help him. •
Hardcastle eyed him with a worried expressi6n. "Kid, you don't look so well. Why don't you go in the bedroom there and take a nap for awhile, and when you wake up, I'll fix us some lunch."
"Uh-yeah, I think I will," McCormick nodded slowly, and threw Hardcastle a smile. "'J:'hanks, Ju ge."
"Sure thing," Hardcastle returned softly.
SOme rest I SQn II
"Just et
McCormick's smile faded. "Yeah, yeah, I'll do that."
) He was determined to stay awake and try to figure out the reason for that odd sinking sensation in his stomach, but
the bed was more comfortable than it looked and before McCormick knew it, he had dozed off.
A voice from the other room awakened him arid rafsing his arm, he glanced at his•watch. "Damn! It's after noon.,i. The voice still filtered through the door and recognizing it as that of a local news·carmentator he got up-quickly and joined Hardcastle in the living room, d cippirig t§ be id him.
The newscaster finished his report a,nd leaning. forward, McCormick groaned, . II God, Judge, he did it again, a bank. And it's riot a curly-headed gl1¥ in1 a red coyote anymo_re-
they Ive got ari APB c:n,1t on me " /
"Don It worry, it.!' Har le leaned over and
-switched off the television "I told you·you were safe. Now trust me."
"Safe!" McCormick jumped to his feet.."I don't believe this!u he yelled. "I'm already smelling gas here, and you're telling me not to worry! Judge, you're suddenly awfully calm about all this!"
) Hardcastle shrugged. "Getting upset-'.J.l just cause ulcers, Mark. I promised you I'd handle this, and I will. You're not
smelling gas, either. That's he liver and onions I got on cooking. You'll feel better after you get something in your stomachT you just wait and see."
,..,..
McCormick swallowed hard. "Uh-yeah, I guess you're right.
I-uh-I just gotta go, you know, to the john, and then I'll be in there."
Hardcastle nodded. "Hurry up before the stuff burns."
"I-I will." Hurrying into the bathroom, McCormick closed the door softly behind him and slumped against it, trying
to control his trembling legs. "What the_hell_i going.oo, here?" he muttered to his reflection in the mirror. "That guy looks
and-s·ounds like Hardcase, but he sure as hell ain: 1 t him ru-
••Moving·quickly to the small window, he·stood on_the·commod.e, and slid open the pane of glass. "Man, I gotta get out of
here and find the Judge," he mumbled. "This whole thing's getting· spookier by the minute."
Squirming t_l'l:i:-ough the small opening, _ll dropped to the g_rc;und and -started to straighten, but a voice behind him caused -mick to freeze.•
"Where the hell do you think you I re going? II
McCormick whirled around, his eyes falling first on the gun, then rising slowly to the face of the man holding_it "I
- -·-·r-ao-n.-•1:-l?eTieve·-rt,-... lie·whi"sp·e-red ;- - - -
"Lik.e what yo_u ee?"
"You're-you're me," McCormick stammered, feeling as if he was still looking in the bathr6om mirtor. The clothiri was
different, but the face... McCormick blinked rapidly, convinced that he was dreaming. "Man, this boggles the ol' brains. No wonder thought-..:." He stopp d, suddenlyreµ.lizing who was frqnt of him. "You! II angrily. "Yo_g_';re the on;e who's been·trying to frame me!" Ignoring the gun, he forward, but the :""".Mark ,ra1sed his weapon; br:i,.ng ng it down hard against McCormick's temple.· ' -
He dfoppei:1 !ik -9-sack of graj:n.' an! the imposter .addJ d him, reaching dowri'to_··1tft the limp body by the j:·ro:n.t . of his shirt. "You're in luck,·twin. You' re not gQnnc;i die
because we still need you. I'm going·to leave your death up t;;o tJ1.E? 9f California. 11 Raising his voiqe, he ye·lled toward the h6u e, Hey, Burgess, get your butt o t here! I just cap tured your ptiso er!"
N
"Milt, I gave you plenty of warning. Why the hell didn't you get Mark away from here?"
"Because he wouldn't go!" Harcastle roared. Dropping into the chair behind his desk, he looked up at the lieutenant and tried to control the fear that was causing his chest to ache. "The damned kid thought I'd get in trouble with the law if he suddenly disappeared," he explained with slightly less volume.
"So, why'd he change his mind?" Harper demanded-.
"He didn't," Hardcastle shot back. those treadmarks out there in the drive. in or left this place pretty damned fast.
"Frank, you saw Somebody either came
And it wasn't McCormick
because the Coyote's still in the garage.11
Harper sat on the edge of the desk, watching . closely as he asked, "Okay, Milt, what do you think happened?II
Hardcastle-drew a deep breath. 11I think McCormick's been kidnapped. ".
"By who?"
"How the hell should I know!" Hardcastle jumped to bis, feet. "If I knew that, I'd be out there getting him back!"_
"Milt, there is an answer to all this," Harper pointed out softly, "even ifneither one of us wants to believe it."
"No." It was frantic denial, but a -firm negative. "McCormick didn't commit those robberies," Hardcastle growled. "Somebody's trying to frame him because of me." • •
"Then why'd you beat him up?"" Harper asked in a low voice.
"Because I'm a damned fool, Frank," Hardcastle sighed and dropped in his chair again. "When that u · walked in here,
looking exact;J_y _lt E: .t:1cgormic_k and saying-what he did, it ...
werl, damn it, it hurt. So like an idiot, I didn't stop to think, butwe·nt up to and beat -l)_eJ._l_g_- ark. And you know what he did?'"
Frank shook his head.
. .
"He just stood there and took it," H ;dcastle recalled gruffly."Ikept yellingat him to hit me ba6k, btit hewouldn't do·•-· 'velet mekill himbefore he'dfight back. Now,-does--tha-tsound-iike--he-'sgl,!i,ty?II-
-·.
"No, it doesn't," Harper admitted with relief.
"And I'll tell you something else," Hardcastle continued. "You know McCormick-he's got brains when he wants to use 'em.
If he wanted to pull off these robberies, he sure as hell wouldn't go about it like this."
Frank nodded thoughtfully. "That's what has been bothering me since this whole thing began. It just isn't Mark's style. I don't see him robbing a place in broad open daylight, and I don't see him ever using a gun. If my sources are cor rect, he prefers the nighttime."
Hardcastle's eyes suspicion. do you mean by that?"
"And just what -
Harper broke into a grin. .''Let's just say, between you and me, I know that not all the information you get on your cases is:always acquired through legal channels." Hardcastle to protest,. but Frank up a hand.· "Fo:i;get it, Milt:. Like I said, it's between you and me. I know Mark'fi3 technically broken the law a couple of times since he was put in your cus tody, but I also know it was always for a good reason and no one has .ever .·, that is, no one except the .the two
of you have put in prison."
Hardcas_tle.\s answering .f. quickly. l' o, what're )
we gonna do about finding McCormick?" he demanded.
Harper released his breath in a long sigh. ''Frankly, Milt, I don't know. We haven't got a clue as to who kidnapped him, ,so how can we even begin to guess where they may have gone?" Rubbing hi:s thumb thoughtfully against his j_aw, Harper glanced up and asked, "Milt, did you have anything to do with putting away a guy by the name of Louie DrapieI:'?"
Hardcastle searched his memory. bells," he replied.. "Why?"
"Name doesn't ring any
"He escaped from San Quentin night before Last," Harper explained. "This morning one of the guys on a beat·was sure he spotted him close to a junkyard at Fifth and Main. Lost hi.m, though. I just thought there might be some connection."
Hardcastle shook his head "It was a good _thought,·.1-'rank, but I've never heard of the guy."
"Well," Harper rose to his fe·et, "I've got to be going, Milt. If you hear from Mark, tell him to either let you turn. him in, or get the hell outta this town for awhile."
Hardcastle studied him suspiciously. like that look on your face."
"Frank, I don't
"Believe me, I don't like what's causing it." At the door,
-63-
Frank turned, his eyes meeting Hardcastle's squarely. "Milt, you know that all the guys on the force respect you, but that guard who was killed was an ex-cop, had been one for over twenty years, and he was well-liked, too. You know how cops are when someone kills one of their own. And I really hate to admit this, Milt, but there are some police officers who even after two years,·still don't think much of your idea of re forming an ex-con. They don't know Mark like you and I do, and to them 'once a crook, always a crook'."
Hardcastle snorted. "McCormick was never really a crimi;_ nal. He was just a kid who g?t IIt:i,x d up t'here- or awhile-:-"--
Harper held up his hands. "Milt, I've been convinced alt along, es· ecially where Mark's concerned, but some· ot t e guys
-on tne-f_orce-wi.11 _argue -that an ex-con is simply someone-who .
hasn't had, the to get in trouble again. 11
11So, what a e you saying?" Hardcastle demanded.
11You've got to find Mark before we do," Harper replied , "otherwise,·some 'dedicated' cop is liable to·-shoot· first _and_ disp(;nse•wit:h-the questions altogether." -~-
Hard:lastle's features hardened in lines of cold fury.
that happens, there'll be hell to pay," he promised.
Harper nodded once. "I'11 spread the word. It just
might stay someone's trigger finger."
"If
N
McCormick opened his eyes slowly and groaning at the sharp pain that shot through his temples, he started to reach up, but discovered that simple move was impossible to make._ He was in a straight chair, his hands tied behind his back in such a way that made even breathing slightly painful.
Looking up, he inhaled sharply at the sight of the two men sitting at the table across the room. "Oh my God," he breathed hoarsely. Seeing both of them together was almost more than McCorrn_ick could handle. It was a feeling of having suddenly had his identity ripped .away from him. He had become a non existent being, on the outside looking in on a·scene taking place between the Judge and this guy who used to be him.
. Ma:t:"k wet his lips and tried to swallow. Hey, McCormick, thoughts like that could land ya in the funny farm, he warned silently.
a
His imposter glanced up and seeing th-at he had regained , rose to his feet with a grin. "Hey, Burgess, my twin finally decided to rejoin us." Moving in front of Mark, the pseudo-McCormick leaned over·and grabbed the front of his shirt. "Well, twin, how's to be lookin' in mirror when there ain't even one around?"
The illusion had been broken for McCormick. Although the imposter still looked like him, he was no longer trying to mimic his speech, and this caused McCormick to retort grimly. "You're on a oead-end road, mister. You can't keep fooling people very long with this charade because there's one thing you didn't take into account-the Judge and his belief in me. You've m de one hell of a mistake here, buddy, and when Hardcastle gets through you, you're gonna wish you looked like Sylvester Stallone."
The bogus McCormick backhanded him across the face not a·particula ly _vicious blo·w,""b _still one - thaE···cauiiecr·Mar-k Is head- to spin.• He-· by kicki·ng out, one leg going between the •imposEer's-, and-with-a twist-of his owri, lie ..seiit the other
McCormick .,. to the floor with a bone-jarring crash.
"-You
Hardcastle's twin stood by, an anxious look on his face as the fake McCormick··scrambled to his feet, and grabbirig~Ma:rk again by the front of his shirt, he drew back his fist. bastard! I'm gonna fix your face so hobody'll think I look like you!"
Mark cringed iriyo_lurttarily, an tried to brace himself, for the anticipated blow. It never came.
Stepping forward quickly, Burgess grabbed the pseudo McCormidc 's-,irm; and j him around, broke his hold on Mark'-s "Leave the kid alone, Tatum,II ffe demanded. "We-·1r"e "af£eady ruining his l.:i,._fe. _Isn It that eriough? II
"Let me go!" Tatum pt1lled away from his grasp. beat the hell-o-utta h1m- if I want to!"
"I' 11
"Hit the kid again and I'll knock your lights out," Burgess thr atened grimly. "You know I can do it, too."
Tatuin glared at him a moment, then whirling around, stormed back to the table.
Burgess patted McCormick on the shoulder. "I'm sorry, son. We've gotta do what we're doing here, but at least I can stop him from hurting you anymore."
McCormick's only response was a look of astonishment as he watched Burgess return to the table and pick up his hand of poker.
Wow, this is getting too weird, McCormick thought- Hardcastle's double protecting me from my double. Trying to find •a comfortabl·e position, he leaned back and breathed softly, "Judge, if you don't find me soon, I'm gonna be tap dancing to·
) Twilight Zone music."
He watche,d as the poker game-continued on into afternoon, his stomach constantly reminding·him that all
he'd had to eat all a cup•of caf·fee and a.n : .
His arms and shoulders were also· to protest their un natural position, and he wriggled around, trying to get rid of a sharp pain in the small of, his back
Finally the poker gan;le came to an end, Tatum having ob viously lost the last hand. Throwing his cards on the table in disgust, he glanced at his watch·and rose,. . 0:"It's time, Burges,s. Meet me at the tomorrow around,noon and bring my twin qver there with you."
Hardcastle' s double stood with a frown. ·"Listen, I think we oughtta call it quits after this one."
.. "What're you talking about?" Tatum shot back already got two other places picked out to hit."·
"I 'ye
warned.
"Your luck is gonna run o'ut sooner or later," Burgess
"Hell, my luck's gettin' better," Tatum laughed harshly.
"Now that we got McCormick under wraps instead of the cops havin' him in jail, I can knock off more ·places than we had planned on. Remember, we get to keep all this money."
"I still don't think-"
"That's a good idea," Tatum interrupted. "You let me do what thinking needs to be done, and you just be sure youdo your part when the time comes."
"I'll do it," Burgess assured him grimly. too far now to back out."
"I've gone
Tatum slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it. We got a sweet deal goin' here. We've already got over sixty thousand to split, and I expect to get at least another five on this job. Two more, then I get Hardcastle, we et my twin loose, and you do your job. McCormick goes back to prison, and we're fre ."
"Yeah, yeah, I guess," Burgess sighed.
Tatum crossed the room, stoppin.g beside McCormick's chair. "Well, you're off to. hit another bank," he grinned. "How's it feel to be sitting here helpless while I tighten the noose around your neck?"
"Untie me,''; McCormick demanded, ' 11 see who•,
helple·ss afte_r L_.g.e.·L:through _b tin:g_th l'l :ta_yo _·(:Y
lousy-'' -•- ,
Grabbing a fistful of hair, t:he doubl jerked McCormick's head :back at an unnatural angle, ausing inhc:tl_ :$harR:y.
11Yoff,-re gonna die-! II' Tatum hissed "They' re gonna strap, you to
·that big chair and turn on the·gas, and you •·re gonna be try'ing to get loose and screaming·, and every breath yoµ take,-" - -·-
"Tatum!" Burgess' voice reverberated through the room'. the hell outta here-now!"
Releasing his .hold, Tatum snarled, "Just remember wha.t I
"Get
sa'.id.•I' - Turning to ' , i he·•warned,· "You just be sure :yqu.'re at th meeti•rtg place ·tomorrow with my twin. 11
''We'll be there,11 Burgess promised. don't screw up."
"You just be sure you
McCormick waited only until Tatum was out the door before demanding 1 "What's all this about? What'd }1e'd _'get Hardcastle'? -
"He's gonl' _Q_ o him_-away_'' Bur_9ess.:r;:e:t:urned flatly. "Like hell he is!" McCormick struggled witl1, his bonds.
"Just take it easy, son," Burgess . "It's gonn..a happen and there's not a damned thing you can dq about it .,11
"It's not going to happen!" McCormick yelled. "And stop calling me 'son'! There's only one man who has the right to do that!"
"Your father?"
"No!" McCormick shot back. time ago!"
"He gave up that righ_t _a :mg
1:1rgess dropped _to :t_h,e sofa, his eyes meeting McC:oI:'rnick's. "This Jud i-Hardcastle, he means a lot to you, doesn't he?"
"He's my est friend," McCormick replied angrily.
"Well, I'm sorry, s-Mark, but we're getting paid to do a job here, and we've gone too far in this tlring for me to back out now."
"Who's paying you?" McCormick demanded.
Burgess shrugged slightly. "I guess it doesn't make any difference now if you know. He's a lawyer by the name of Malcolm Hagers. He's just the middle-man, though, not the guy who wants you back in the joint'.".
McCormick's .eyes widemed. "What're you talking a;}Jout;,? Somebody hired you and that look,-alike creep of frame me in order to get back at the Judge."
Burgess shoo -his,head. "Hardcastle doesn't have anything to do with this. Somebody you and l both know wants you back
in prison so he can g. J. his hand$ on you.n
"Who?" McCormick askeo in shock.
"No idea," Burgess replied, "and I'm not one to a$k qµes, tions. We was hired by Hagers to do a job and he made it plain the less Tatuin and-I now, the healthier we.'.ll;i be.••,·
..
McCormick, ,·t,o make some out, of,this new no. disturbing information. "Wha-What do you mean this guy's some body we both 'know?''
:Surgessssmiled slightly. am, do you, Skid?"
"You don't k,now who I really
asked.
McCormick shook his head slowly.
"Does the name Hank Burgess 1nean anything to you?" he
McCormick frowned in thought. "Yeah, he was transferred
to San Quentin from another prison about three months pefore I got out."
Burgess leaned back on the sofa, his smile growing wider. "I'm him."
"You're kidding!" McCormick exclaimed.
"Plastic surgeon did a hell of a job, didn't he?"
McCormick stared at him, trying to see some resemblance. "You were in for-for robbing an auto store and beating a guard almost to death.11
11Yeah, well, that was a mistake," Burgess sighed. "I didn't mean to hurt that guard, but he attacked me, and I guess_ I lost my temper. Served my time, though, and got out just a coupla months ago."
"And what about this Tatum character?" McCormick asked
"Rance Tatum," Burgess•filled in the name. "Apparently whoever told Hagers to hire me had him hired, too."
"How ciiid Hagers know to ,contact you?I'
Burgess leaned forward. "Like I told you, Skid·, somebody we both knew in prison wants this job done. He obviously knew me and knew'I was the ·same si'ze and all as·y0ur Judge, so he had
Hagers contact me. I guess he served time with Tatum in·some other prison, probably."
"Who do you think this guy is?II McCormick pressed.
Burgess shook his head firmly. "Ha-v:en't thought about it and I don't want to, because I can tell you one thing. The guy's got money, and to be able to do what he's doing•from in side the joint, he's got a lot more power than I ever want to experience·."
McCormick dropped his head, trying-desperately to re-call all the men he had known in prison. "It doesn't make any sense,"
he mumbled. "Why would anyone·want'n.t...e,..., back in· there?"
"I'd say for information, 11 Burgess suggested..
McCormi·-ck looked up quickly. mation anybody would want."
"I' don't have any -
"Somebody seems to think you do "·
A frown marred McCormick1·s fe:atures. didn't have anything to do with the Judge. why is Tatum going to kill him?" •
"'You'·said this If that's so, then
"That's where I come in," Burgess explained. "Tatum is
insi.s_ti _g up_on pulling gf_f two more jobs. When that's done we
give the police- an anonymous t_ _p on -where to'-find yoff: Once
you're in jail, Tatum blows Hardcastle away, and I take his place,
', then when your trial comes_up_I_ testify agaii.:ist youL :telling-
how you robbed me and told me about the other robberies-you-com niitted. -The-kind of reputation-Hardcast1-e- ha-s-,-f-he-says-y6u're
a crooR-tlie jury's gonna belie_ve him, t.I;i, estimony alone'11
co!lvict5gul_a_p0,we will have-done-what we got J?ald for-:n-
McCormick stared at him in horror. The thought of going back toprison or even dying 't upset ·him as much as the idea of Hardcastle getting blown away. Burgess obviousl hadn't eveI'l._thought about it yet, but with the Judge out of-·the way
and him_taking his pl.§ce,he coul_d a j..ly move_i!).to_the_ house and a q ire all of H rgcastle's as ts in reality, become Hardcastle permanently and no one would ever know the difference. They certainly wouldn't believe him, a con who the Judge had just sent back to prison. Burgess hadn't thought that far_ ahead, but McCormick felt sure that Tatum would hit upon the idea sooner or later, if he hadn't already.
Burgess studied him a moment, then asked, "I've been wondering something, Skid-how did you know I wasn It H_ardcastle? You obviously thought so at·first or you wouldn't have gotten in the car with me."
McCormick made a face Judge knows that."
''I hate liver ana onions r and the
Burgess laughed heartily.. "So that was my mistake. I knew it had to be something." He rosetohis feet. "Well, tell me what you do like, and I'll fix us something for supper."
Closing his eyes, McCormick groaned. too much pain to eat."
"Nothing. I'm in
Burgess' eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, you're in pain? Tatum didn't hit you that hard."
"In case you didn't notice, I've been beat up before," McCormick shot back. "When Tatum robbed Hardcastle, at first he thought it was me, and he came up to that cabin and beat the hell outta me. Ended up breaking four of my ribs," he lied, "and being tied up like this sure doesn't help any."
Burgess frowned. "I'm sorry, Skid, but I can't untie you."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." McCormick tried to find comfortable position. "Go ahead and fix some food, I don't care what. I haven't had anything to eat all day, so I guess I'd better try to down something."
Burgess nodded and headed for the kitchen. Several min utes later, he returned, carrying a couple of sandwiches in his hand. "How about-11 He stopped, his eyes widening. McCormick
was sagged farward, his chin resting- on his cn s_t_,.Skig., aki up,"
Burgess demanded, and bending down, he lookeq at_McC9:r._mic GlO$ely. Laying the sandwiches on a table, he shook his shoulder, but there was no response, and grabbing·a handful of hair; ne··pu1-red McC6r mick's head back, but when he let go, it fell limply to i$ g_ st.
"Damn! He Is passed oui: _9_n me.11 Burge_ss _studieq _j;he_mo- tionless rorm·a-moment; then nodding his head once, he reached behind McCormick and began untying the ropes. "I'll ju;:;t take you in the other room and tie you to the bed," he talked softly. "It's gotta be petter on you than this." -
The ropes fell to the floor, and returning .. front of the ·chair·;· :SUrgess grabbed, cCormick's arms and bending down, ducked his head in order to lift the limp body over his hould r.
McCormick sent up a qu;ick prayer that he coulq gethis stiff muscles to respqnd to his commands, for his .atjq _t:he_. :-e-'s future depended on his success. Kicking out hard, his_feet slammed into Burgess' kneecaps. Crying out in pain, Burgess re leased his hold, his legs giving way beneath him.
Unable to indulge in the gentlemanly q£ not hitting a -;·"McCoptti"ck grabbed for Burgess I gun an.!i brought i
down hard on the back of his head. The doubl Qlla,p eg_j_rj a
rnotloniess.h ap, and"grabbing up the ope·s, ,bpund him hand and foot, then straightened and released a lon,g, d:r-awn out sigh. Staring down at the unconscious form, he shook his head in wonder. "Boy, Jucige, wait until you get a,load of this." Grinning in anticipation; he head 9 phone.
N
Hardcastle answered McCormick's greeting with a list of angry questions. "Are you all right, kid? Where the hell've youbeen? What's the idea of calling and making me come over here? Why didn't youcome on home?" He paused and reaching up, grasped McCorrniGk' s chJ_n, turning his head slighti_y so he could see the angry bruiseon his temple. "And who-the hell 13ea-e:-you--up thi time?" he demanded gru,ffly.
"I did," McCormick grinned and grabbed his arm. "Forget about that, Judge. C'inon, you gotta see this! You're never gonna believe it! C 'men·, c 1mon! 11• he urged excitedly.
"See what? McCormick, what the hell's wrong with you?"
"This is one of those 'see·ing is be·lieving' things r Judge," McCormick insisted, and pulled Hardcastle towards _the kitchen where he had propped the double in· a chair. Burgess had regained consciousness by now r and he -raised his head- as Mark and the Judge entered. - - ,
Hardcastle stared, his mouth falling open in surprise-
"Aw wow! This makes the last fewdays worth it!" McCormick was almost dancing with glee. "Judge, you oughtta see your
face] I mean, your other one! Damn, I wish I had a camera!'."
Hardcastle glared at him. "All right, wise guy, now that you've had your little fun, would you mind tellin' me what the hell's going on here?"
'McCormick's grin grew wider. "Sur1=. Judge Milton c.
Hardcastle, meet Judge Milton C. Hardcastle."
"Will you stop that! 11 Hardcastle roared. -"If you . don '-'t
- ell me what the hell this is all about, I'm gonna stuff yq
in the ta:£1:pipe- of-my- truck!·"
. - -
"G _e, Judge," McCormick complained, "I think I J,i this Hardca tle better."
Despite the trouble he was in, Burgess bro_l,e into _? grin.
"NcLwon2!_er you~-knew I - wasn: 't him, Skid. I- :r1 _t_ni an:.J: n9_u:g]:·l 11'
")!'o_u_ shut up!" Hardcastle yelled. 11And you, 11 _h,e_g.r, .
McCormick •s arm, "get your ass in that other- room, ang.,sts3-..E._t talking Eo ine-f ast ! "
"Yes, Judge," McCormick returned meekly and .following Hardcastle into the living room, he begari filling himin on what he had learned.
The most important piece of the puzzle was still missing, and leaning back on the sofa, Hardcastle rubbed his chin, frowning thoughtfully. "Kid, you know a guy by the name of Louie Drapier?"
McCormick's eyes widened. "Yeah, in prison. He-uh-he's one of those guys I told you about who's the sadistic type-the original Mr. Hyde. He was in there for burglary and four counts of first degree murder. Spent half his time in solitary be- cause he kept beating up on the other prisoners."
Hardcastle nodded. "You ever get on the guy's bad side?" McCormick looked away and he urged, "C'mon, talk to me."
"Yeah, I-uh-I got in a with him once,11 McCormick admitted, inhaling deeply. "The creep was always provoking everyone; got his jollies punching in faces. He started .on me one day and I guess it was just a time when I had let things pile up inside and they needed to get out."
He paused and Hardcastle asked softly, "What'd you do?"
"I-I went a little crazy and before I knew it, I was all over Drapier, a good thing,.I guess, because if I hadn't gone wild with anger and surprised him, he probably would've ki,lled me. The guards broke it up pretty quick, but I did have the satisfaction of busting his nose."
"Did you get punished for starting a fight?"
McCormick shook his hea_d. "The guards. knew Dra,pier was. a trouble-maker, thank God, because I only had eight days left on my sentence. They put him in solitary and I never saw him again." McCormick stopped, his eyes widening as he Stared at the Judge. "Why the hell're you asking about Drapier, anyway?''
Hardcastle slapped him o.n the back and stood. 11C'mon, kid, let's call the police attorney,. Hagers, picked up. That guy always has been a pain in the butt an·d I've been trying to get something-on him for years."
McCormick stared after him as Hardcastle started for the phone. "Judge, you didn't answer my question," he protested.
"No time," Hardcastle shot back. "When the polic
see another Hardcastle, you can bet there• a good chance th y'll believe our another McCormick, too. At least it should create enough doubt to keep you . Now, c'men, move it! You wanna have a cloud of guilt hangin' over your
head forever?"
Past experience had taught McCormick that Hardcastle wasn't going to talk about what was on his mind until he was good and ready. Sighing, he rose to his feet and retorted, "Okay, get
the cops over here and make it fast. I wanna go home. I'm tired, and I hurt, and I'm starving. I haven't had anything to
eat all day except an orange because some stupid judge wouldn't let me eat breakfast."
Hardcastle threw up his hands. ''How was I to know you'd be a damned fool and go wandering off with some stranger! Hell, McCormick, I took one look at the guy and knew he wasn't me!"