Under Ground: part 87

Chapter 46

The story so far: Anton comes to, and finds himself in a particular kind of hell.

"Sure it ain't an imposition for you to walk home alone?" Paul asked. "I can be a little late with the deliveries, I can."

"Already you are late," Katka said. She kissed him happily, on his left ear. "Thanks for letting me shoot. I love pistols. They're so light, yet so powerful. Besides, the moon is so full tonight it's like daytime. I know my way back."

"All right, little tiger. Give me a real kiss. And when I'm done delivering these weapons, I'll stop back. I might throw a rock at your window, so pay attention. Remember to give both extra guns to Anton. Is your own rifle loaded? In case you come across a bear?"

"Fully. Are you sure I can't trade it in for the Colt?"

Paul was sure. They said their goodbyes and he took the heavily wooded back trail, west of the bunker. He loaded the rest of the guns into his wagon and traveled south for the Belgrade location. Leo Zalar was told to expect him one night this week. He hoped Leo would be awake and ready to distribute the weapons.

She put the lantern down and picked up her pace. Instinct told her to move quickly but quietly, and she listened to that instinct. The yelling grew louder as she approached the house from the back. The voices were obviously coming from the tavern, but she knew better than to walk around and peek in the windows. She silently let herself in the back kitchen door, leaning the two extra rifles against the pantry wall and cocking her Winchester. She walked, her back against the wall, through the dining room to the door separating the living quarters from the tavern. She stood on her tiptoes and looked through the window. Teta Lily was being held down on the table, her face bloody and bruised. She was exposed and an extremely tall man with his back to Katka was pulling off his suspenders. Men were tied up, helpless, yet shouting in protest. Two deputies, both carrying weapons, physically held Anton. One of his arms hung limply at his side. Blood poured from the wound on his head. He kicked ferociously, trying to break free. "Touch her and I kill you!" Anton hollered at Moose Jackson, who responded by smashing his fist into Lily's face a third time. Then he let his pants drop to his knees.

Katka opened the door silently but swiftly, lifted the Winchester and took aim. Don't think. Just do. She remembered Anton's voice, when he was teaching her to shoot. When your body feels right — everywhere — don't hesitate. If you do, you'll miss. Through her scope, she stared at the back of Moose Jackson's head. She aimed the gun lower. In a millisecond, she figured out the height of the table, where Teta Lily was positioned. She stood on her tiptoes so she could shoot from more of an upward angle. She fired. The bullet hit his buttocks. "Mother!" He yelled. His pants fell from his knees to the ground. "Help me!" he yelled, doubling over.

"Bullet went right through," Samo yelled. Moose Jackson tried to lift his pistol to shoot Samo, but he had no strength. He moaned. All the color was running from his face.

"Are you all right, Teta?" Katka called.