DEVIL'S SWAMP RESORT

by

B.J. Bourg  

The Cadillac sighed when Big Wade stepped out. I sighed, too. I'd been smashed between Johnny and him in the front seat for over an hour. Wade motioned for me to follow as he moved toward the tree line. His shoulder holster slammed his side as he waddled across the clearing and started down a faint path that disappeared into the trees. Sure, I felt a little uneasy and I guess Johnny read me, because he said, "Go ahead. It's okay."  

I followed Wade for a mile and then stopped dead when I saw it. It loomed ominous amongst the trees. Its rectangular eye stared unblinking at our approach. I'd never been here, but I knew the place--Devil's Swamp Resort, the infamous retirement home for all those who wronged the Cajun Mafia.  

My armpits were like garden hoses. Somebody must've blown my cover! Johnny nudged my shoulder. I tried to think, but the freshly broken ground was more than unnerving. Sure, I had finally found the burial ground, as had been expected by my superiors...but now what? Return in my next life as a map and mail myself to FBI Headquarters?  

When we reached the door I jumped. There was a badly mutilated body already on the dirt floor. Shovels lined the wall. I swallowed hard. Big Wade dragged the Beretta 9mm from his shoulder holster and turned toward me. This was it. I sank to my knees. I would never get that house on the hill. Never have the beautiful wife. Never know what it feels like to be a dad--  

"What're you doing?" Wade's voice crashed through my thoughts like a battering ram.  

I eased my eyes open and looked up. Wade was holding the barrel of the Beretta and had the pistol grip extended toward me. I quickly stood.  

Wade kicked the mutilated body and it moaned. "Boss wants us to see you plant one before we move to the next phase."  

I laughed. "That's it?" I knew the relief was evident in my voice.  

Wade cast a hard stare my way. "What were you expecting?"  

"Uh, nothing." I snatched the pistol from Wade's hand and made my move...
 
End