Small Steps (Holes 2)

Wiley wore a Harley T-shirt and had tattoos up and down both arms.

“Go punch E-4,” Murdock told him. “See if she don’t knock your socks off.” He turned his attention back to X-Ray. “I really do appreciate you boys coming all the way down here. When it’s your own business, you got to stay on top of it twenty-four hours a day. I do it all: cook, wash dishes, you name it.”

Armpit was still waiting for either the money or Murdock to return the tickets.

Wiley fumbled with the jukebox. He was a big guy, and Armpit would not want to have to try to deal with him and Murdock.

“Can I get you something to eat?” Murdock asked. “On the house.”

“Chopped-beef sandwich,” X-Ray answered right away.

“How ’bout you, Armpit?”

He was more concerned about the money than he was about food. “The same,” he said.

“You like your sauce hot or mild?” Murdock asked.

“Mild,” said X-Ray.

“Armpit?”

“The same.”

Kaira’s voice filled the restaurant.

I’m not the kinda girl who’s apt to . . .

Settle down.

No, I’m the kinda girl who likes to . . .

Get around.

Murdock brought the sandwiches over to the cash register. He opened it, then took out two hundred and seventy dollars, which he gave to X-Ray, along with his sandwich.

Armpit felt bad about not trusting him.

I see you lookin’ at me

the way you do . . .

Just hold on!

a little longer.

Just hold on!

a little bit longer.

Hold on, baby

just a little bit longer

’Cause I’ll get around to you!

Murdock laughed. “Man, don’t you just love her?”

“She’s all right,” said Wiley.