Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

I staggered to bed around 5 am and didn't hear Sweet Thang when she joined me. I got up around noon and hit the shower. The hot water helped to clear my throbbing head. I climbed down the inside steps to the store room and made my way behind the bar. The hole in the ceiling behind the bar reminded me of the previous nights event. Geez ! Dang I was hoping it had been a nightmare. The hot cup of go juice helped to cover over the stale taste of my over indulgence. At 1 pm sharp, I raised the bambo shade and flipped the closed sign to open. A couple of the regular bar flies buzzed in and it was business as usual. Betty showed up at 4 pm, as schedule, so I trotted up stairs and sat down to a home cooked meal.

Sweet Thang had to ask, " What made that hole in the floor ? "

I lied, " One of regulars got a shotgun for Christmas and was showing it off. That idiot's lucky that he didn't shoot himself. "

Sweet Thang bought it, " Oh ! I had a good one last night. One of the guys who comes in the store a lot pulled a prank on me. He stays in that trailer park and usual buys cigarettes. Well, last night he came in and had this ski mask pulled over his face. He thought he'd scare me, but I knew who he was. I just laughed at him, so he took it off and we..."

I was all ears, " What was he driving ? "

Sweet Thang took a pull off of her orange crush, " He drives an old wreck and told me it was broke down. That's why he was walking last night. I feel sorry for him. You know. He told me a few weeks ago that he's on parole and doesn't have any family to speak of. He's lucky the cops didn't see him pull that joke. They'd of..."

I looked worried, " Are you sure he was joking ? I mean, if he's an excon ! Oh, how do you know he stays at the trailer park ? "

Sweet Thang sealed his fate, " He told me that a while back. Why ? "

I stood and stretched, " Oh nothing, I was just wondering. Say ! I need to borrow your pickup and go buy a battery for Elmer's old clunker. That thang is deader than hell. "

Sweet Thang perked up, " I'll go with you. I'm off tonight and maybe we can do something together. "

I gave her an excuse, " No ! I've got to stop off at the Hide Away and see Elmer. It won't take me long and it's Saturday night. I need be here in case Betty needs any help. "

Sweet Thang handed me her keys, " Don't be gone all night ! We never have anytime to ourselves. I wish that...."

I exited, " Okay ! I'll bees rights backs ! "

I drove into the trailer park and circled. Nope, no old Pontiac here. Well, not the one that I was looking for. What a rat hole ! Bunch of real losers ! Bet there all wanted for something. Yep, dope heads, burgulars, and thieves. Wait a minute ! Right there ! Yep ! Backed in next to number 12 ! Look ! If that doesn't beat all. Black garbage bags taped over the rear window. Man how dumb can you get ? " I'll just set up here and wait. This reminds me of those old stake outs back when.

I hear something clattering, let's break and see if this post. Okay ! But you better come back and finish this. We have Snazzers on the edge of thier seats. I know, I know, as Life Goes On. Your Snazzy1.

 

My wait wasn't a long one, as ole Ski mask exited the trailer and got into a late model white Comaro. It was parked in front of, what appeared to be an empity trailer, a couple of doors down. Ski Mask was wearing his face and sure enough his curly red hair stuck out. He was carrying a large brown grocery bag that he placed in the front passenger seat. I followed at a distance, as we headed North on the lake road, and then turned East onto the State 4 lane. It had turned dark and the roads were still a bit slick, but the Saturday traffic had turned the ice to mush. We hit the Loop and went South for a few miles, before exiting. I kept at a safe following distance to make sure that he didn't spot me. We pulled into a shopping mall and he parked in front of some pay phones. He wasn't on the phone long and then parked near the exit. About 20 minutes later his contact parked next to him and they did thier deal. I couldn't see who sold what, to whom, but I knew a dope deal when I saw one. So, we lit out again and ended up in the South side of Fort Worth. He parked in front of a shack that had 20 crack heads out front. I parked around the corner and could see ole Red from under the glow of a street lamp. He placed his long gun purchase in the backseat, as we went moble again.

We drove nonstop back towards Idiot City, but exited before arriving there. I glanced at the dash radio and the digital time glowed 8:31 pm. Ole Red parked on a side street and that forced me to drive right past him. I drove a few houses down and pulled into a vacant driveway. I began to worry that maybe he had spotted his tail. Just as I was about to return to his location, he drove right by me. I waited a few seconds before backing out and putting on my headlights. Red had made a left and was headed back towards the loop. I kept my distance and it paid off. Yep, he backed right in front of a small liquor store. Before the clerk could say 'sorry I'm closed' she was looking down the barrel. I was in awe. Hell ! Who wouldn't of been. So, I had to think fast. Hmmm. I can block his get away and shoot him dead. Of course, he might kill me as well. So maybe, I should just call the cops. Yeah, let them handle it ! No ! He'll be long gone by then. So, as I was weighing my options, ole Ski Masked Red made his get away. Yep, he spun out of there and hit warp speed before I could decide on what to do. I knew that Sweet Thang's pickup was no match for that hot Comaro. So, I watched from across the street, as the clerk made her 911 call. I slowly drove away and headed towards the Hide Away. Hell ! Maybe Geno was right ! This punk is a loose cannon and needs to be stopped.

Of course who am I ? Just an excop, driver, owner-op, one truck fleet owner, and barkeeper, with mob ties, as Life Goes On.

Nighty night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I sashayed in Hide Away club a little after 10 pm and the joint was in full tilt. Elmer was sitting in the corner booth and Geno wasn't in sight. The Waitress brought my Coors in a can. Elmer pointed to the can and then thumbed his chest. Yep ! The universal sign language of ' it's on me '.

I spoke first, " Hey Elmer ! Is Geno here ? "

Elmer snickered, " He's squeezing a loaf in the boys room, hehehehha. "

I laughed at that one, " Your a Hoot Elmer ! A real hoot ! Hahahahhe. "

Elmer shook his head, " NO ! Your the Hoot ! Hehehe. Hey, did you find our boy ? Geno's been asking. "

I took a swig, " Yeah, I found him alright. He's been busy too. He just held up that liquor store off the loop and is driving some new wheels. "

Elmer looked shocked, " Man ! Barney how did you find all that out ? "

I lit up, " Elementary my dear Elmer. I followed him and he's staying in # 12 at that trailer park on the lake. "

Elmer was impressed, " Your good and Geno will be happy. I swear that's all he's talked about. Oh, here he comes. "

Geno sat next to me, " What's the word ? "

Elmer stole my thunder, " Barney said he's in # 12 at that trailer park and just pulled a job. He's driving a different car too. "

Geno eyed me, " You sure that it's him ? Certain of it ? I don't want any screw ups ! "

I wadded up my empity pack, " Yeah ! I'm sure it's him. Sweet Thang kind of knows him. She said..."

Geno blew a gasket, " You've been telling her our business ! What the hell is the matter with you ! She has a brother on the department and her dad just retired from there. See Elmer ! That's why I think Barney is a risk to us at times. He just doesn't get it ! "

Elmer defended me, " She's okay ! I know her and she's living with him.."

Geno exploded, " You let that Sweet Thang move in. Are you nuts ! She'll have us all getting poked with a needle. #### Barney ! "

I defended the one that I kind of loved, but not really all that much, " Geno she' kool. She doesn't know anything anyway. I didn't ask her anything, she just knows the idiot, and talked about him. I put two and two together. That's all, really ! "

Geno gave me the look, " We keep our business to ourselves ! You got that ! "

I got it , " Sure Geno and don't worry. She has one of mine in her oven. She's not going to spill any beans. She's not like that ! "

Geno rolled his blood shot eyes, " Elmer ! He hit your club and tried to take out your man. So, you handle it. "

Elmer looked shocked, " I thought you said he was yours ? "

Geno took a swig, " Mine ! Yours ! Ours ! Hell ! Geez, I thought you'd be happy ! So, you want me to take care of it ? It'll cost you. "

Elmer had to ask, " Cost me ? How much ? I don't want him hit in the first place. Your the one that is ordering the hit ! Why should I have to pay ? "

Geno had heard enough, " Okay ! Let's just give this thing of ours up ! We'll just hand over everything to the first punk with a gun ! Yep ! We'll have a going out of business sale ! How's that sound ! "

Elmer gave in, " I'll have Johnny The Walk take care of it ! He owes me a favor and he likes to settle scores. "

Geno agreed, " Yep ! Your right on that. If he doesn't kill something pretty soon his pecker will fall off. Just handle it and I don't mean next week ! "

Elmer ended the conversation, " It's as good as done ! "

I didn't stay late and made the excuse that Betty needed me back at the Palm Club. On my drive back my mind voices summed up the obvious. This is over my head ! Yep ! If they want to do in ole Red that's fine with me. He has it coming and sooner or later someone is going to blow his brains out. But, who am I ? Just a guy who is in over his pointy head, as Life Goes On.

Nighty night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Sweet Thang had fallen asleep on the bed, so I went and helped Betty close. I served myself a cold one and caught up on some paperwork. Let's see, that takes care of Amelia. That'll cover Ken and Kim's salaries. Add six, plus nine, carry the four, and that's my take for the week. Oh, I need to call Galwiser and order some more draft beer. My mind voices finally finished thier chores, so I just sat there alone and was enjoying my own company.

Knock, knock, knock, " Hey Barney ! Let me in ! BARNEY ! "

I ####ed the python, " Who is it ? "

Elmer introduced himself, " It's Elmer ! Open up, it's cold out here ! "

I let him in, " Dang Elmer ! What's wrong, did your old lady kick you out ? "

Elmer sat down at the bar, " No, she knows better ! Hey look here ! I was thinking, about our situation. There's no need for me to involve Johnny. You know, I don't like having to deal with him. He does owe me a favor and I could get him to do this. But hey ! Why don't we just handle it ! I mean you know all about him. We could do it tonight ! What do you think ? "

I took a gulp, " You want me to do it ? No ! Elmer, I don't want any part of it ! Ya'll do, what whatever ya'll want to do. "

Elmer took a swig, " Hey look ! Geno has decided what needs to be done. We can do it ! We can go over there right now and take care of it. We'll just pop him and leave. That's all there is to it. How about it ? "

I shook my head, " No way ! Elmer this is why I'm getting out of this mess. Ole Geno is nuts ! I mean it ! I never wanted anything but a temporary job and he hired me. I never knew about all this ! Man ! "

Elmer looked hurt, " Your not mad at me, are you ? I thought that when you were helping me make collections. Well ! I just thought you knew about us. Geno never told me that you didn't. "

I slapped Elmer on his back. " No, I'm not mad. It's just that things have gotten to deep for me. I kind of liked playing bag man and running the book here is fine. It's just that I don't like the way things are going. Taking in a few bets and serving beer doesn't bother me. But be ######, if I'm going to commit a murder ! "

Elmer smiled, " I was hoping you'd say that. I've never done that either. Ole Sid sure has and Geno too ! Matter of fact, I bet Johnny The Walk has done more than the law allows ! "

I broke up, " Hehehehha ! That's a good one ! " So, what are you going to do Elmer ? "

Elmer shrugged, " I don't know. You know, back when I was younger and things were different, ole Sid wanted me to hit a guy. I was going to do it and probably would have ! Then it hit me. Hell ! I can't do it ! I told Sid that I'd break the guys legs or maybe blow up his car. But, I can't kill anyone. Well ! I did kill that guy in the ring back in New Orleans, but that was an accident. I was cleared and that was a fair fight ! Anyway, what do you think I should do ? "

I was honest, " Don't ask me ! I know how Geno is and he's dead serious about all of this. If I were you, I'd make something up. You know, like the guy got arrested before you could hit him, or he skipped out. "

Elmer lit up a smoke, " That's it ! Man ! Your good Barney. So, how can we pull that off ? "

I lit up, " Just call crime stoppers ! They'll handle the rest and you don't even have to give your name. Tell them that the guy hit a liquor store and is on parole. That's all they need to know. Hell ! They'll have him headed South to the big house before he can spit. Just give them his address and he's gone. Your home free and if Geno wants to hit him the joint. Well, that's Geno's problem. "

Elmer slapped me on the back, " Will you take care of it for me ? I can't talk to the cops like you can. Please Barney ! I'll owe you one. Hell, you can keep that old Chevy of mine and I'll put you in a brand new jukebox. How about it ? "

I hesitated, " Will you throw in a new battery ? "

Elmer laughed, " Sure ! But, this has to be our secret ! If Geno finds out that we're snitching to the cops. Well, you know how he is ! "

I made a toast, " To our little secret, may Geno get crabs in his nose hairs if he ever finds out. "

We got good and drunk and laughed alot that night. I liked Elmer and it kind of reminded me of days past. Yep, back when I was just a customer at the Hide Away and he was just a bar owner. Oh, I knew he owned that vending company and that some rough characters hung around. But hey ! I never knew that he was. Well, you know ! Anyway, Elmer left just as the sun was coming up and I went to bed to ride Sweet Thang. Life was interesting.

Nighty night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Sanzzy,

This here story takes more turns that the Snake River.
Where will it flow next?

Later
Joel

 

Yep Joellyroll a real snake river twist, as Life Flows on, err Goes On. How's that Gal doing Joel ?

Ring, ring, ring, " Crime stoppers, Officer Spill Your Guts speaking. "

I lied, " I'm a concerned citizen and have some information. Do I have to give my name ? "

Officer Guts was all business, " No sir ! But, if you wish to claim a reward you'll have to ..."

I cut him short, " No ! Now, this is all I have. But it's good poop. There's a guy living at 2020 Lake Road, it's a trailer park, and his is in # 12. This guy is good for that liquor store robbery last weekend. The one off the loop that got hit. His M.O. is rob and go. He uses a sawed off shotgun, wears a black ski mask, black jogging suit, black tennis shoes, is red haired, thin, 6' foot, is on parole, and has an old Pontiac with the rear window broken out. "

Officer Guts was all ears, " We have a BOLO for a suspect fitting that MO. He's hit a dozen places in the last month. How did you come across your information and do you know his name ? "

I was coy, " I'd rather not say, but he is your man. I don't know his name, but he's missing his two front teeth and that's all I have ! "

I hung up the payphone and drove back to the Palm Club. It was Monday and a slow day for me. So, I opened the bar and went to work. Yep, I done ratted on ole Red, but I figured that was better than what Geno had in store for him. Betty showed up a little after 4 pm, so I went upstairs and had my evening meal with Sweet Thang. She was still a bit sore at me for not being there for her. But what the hell ! A girl gets pregnant and the world has to stop turning ? Yeah sure ! Anyway, my mind voices couldn't wait any longer, so I hopped in the old Chevy, and drove by the trialer park. Yep, I spotted two under cover cops parked and spying on # 12. What a deal ! I didn't want draw any attention to myself, so I parked down the road a piece. From there I could spy on the cops, that were spying on ole Red, who was in deep poo-poo. It was just turning dark as I heard the shots ring out. Holly cow ! Yep, a swat team had swung in and boom,boom,boom, rat-tat-tat, k-boom, blam, blam ! Out of endstink, eer instinct, I slumped lower in my seat. I could see the muzzle flashes and then the flames. Yep ! Number 12 was fully engulfed, as the shooting continued. The two plain clothes officers ran over and joined in the fun. I kept my posistion and watched, as the fire department arrived code three. I had to keep from laughing, because in any decent area all of the residence would of swarmed out. Nope ! In minds eye I could see every toilet flushing and the septic tank filling up with dime bags. What a deal !

I had to take the long way home, because the fire department had the lake road blocked. I found myself just a stones throw from the Hide Away club.

I sashayed in, " Hey Elmer, what's going on ? "

Elmer was drunk as usual, " Barney ! It's Barney ! Good ole Barney ! What do you know, you ole Hoot ! "

I filled him in, " So, that's when the fire department showed up and I left. "

Elmer laughed, " That's great ! Your a Hoot ! Now, Geno can't bust my balls anymore ! You did it ! Your a good Hoot, errr man ! "

We drank a few beers and then I headed home. I was happy that Geno hadn't been at the Hide Away. My biggest concern was Elmer. You know ! Loose lips sink ships. Ole Elmer stayed sloshed all the time and I worried that he might spill his guts. No ! Not on purpose, he was just as guilty of saving ole Red's life as I was. I mean, snitching to the cops and having them kill ole Red. Well, of course we didn't mean for that to happen. Hell ! Ya'll know what I mean, as Life Goes On !

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Snazzy,

The gal is doing a great job of keeping me distracted. She lives a good distance away (2800 miles) but will be here to escort me to my company Christmas party next week.

I did get time to get caught up on the story though. Poor ole Red.

Looking for the next chapter.

Joel

 

Glad to hear it Joel, as Life Goes On.

A few days had past since ole Red's demise. It had been front page news for two reasons. First, he had been a busy beaver and had stuck up over a dozen or more places. Matter of fact, the local media had dubbed him the Ski Bandit. I guess that was because of that Ski Mask. Secondly, the fact he'd gone out in a blaze of glory. Yep, ole Red didn't go down without a fight. Of course the cops took all the credit and that made me happy. Yep, how can you make a hit on a dead man ? I was behind the bar waiting for Betty to relieve me. Sexy Thang had gone to her doctor's appointment and I was contemplating on what to fix myself for dinner. There were a few of the regular customers arguing over the odds and soaking up thier suds. The new juke box was singing a sad tune, as Elmer rushed in.

Elmer was in a panic, " Barney ! Step outside we need to talk ! "

I tossed down my bar rag and followed him out, " What's wrong ? "

Elmer's hands were shaking, " It's Geno ! He's dead ! "

I didn't believe him, " He can't be ! I just talked to him yesterday ! "

Elmer started to cry, " What am I going to do ? Oh, I just can't believe that he did that ! "

I had to ask, " Did what ? "

Elmer blew his nose, " That crazy Johnny did it ! The cops caught him and he's locked up. That crazy SOB ! Wait till Dixie finds out ! Ole Johnny the Walk better hope that he gets the needle ! That'd be better for him ! "

Betty walked up, " Hey guys, how are ya'll doing ? Is anything wrong ? "

I put my arm on Elmer's shoulder, " He's okay ! Betty ! Just watch the bar and we'll be upstairs, if you need me . "

I helped Elmer to the love seat, " Here, have a beer. Now, tell me from the start. What the hell happend ? "

Elmer popped the top, " Late yesterday evening John came in and was looking for Geno. I knew something was up and it had me worried. See, Geno said that Johnny was skimming off the books. Hell, we all knew that ! So, when he came in, I got behind the bar. I was afraid that something bad was going to happen. Anyway, Geno and him had some words. Then they seemed to settle down. The next thang I know thier all lovey dovey and laughing it up. Well, Johnny leaves and Geno told me that everything was fine. He stayed untill closing time and then he left. Can I have another one ? "

I fetched two more cold ones, " Here ! So, what happend ? "

Elmer thought for a second, " It was around 10 am when Big Owl called me. He said that Geno's Jaguar had been found by the cops, near Abilene in some oil field. I knew he dead ! Right then ! I knew he was dead ! "

I lit up a 100, " So, where did they find him at ? In the trunk ? "

Elmer shook his head, " No ! Some Roughneck had seen a van leaving the area. He's the one who called the cops. He thought it was some kids shooting off firecrackers. Well, that's untill he saw the blood. So, he calls the cops and they spot the van. Hell, ole John tried to out run em and wrecked out. See that all happend last night. So, John has blood all over him and a shovel in the back. The cops bring in a dog and they.. Give me a minute. "

I passed the kleenx box, " So, ole Johnny must of really screwed up ! I can't believe that a professional killer. Well, the way that ya'll talked about him, would of been so sloppy. "

Elmer shook his head, " No, it was a good plan ! See, they never would of found Geno ! He was buried where they were pouring concrete for a well head. It was just a fluke that , that Roughneck happend by. Hell, if he hadn't, well, we'd never know ! "

I nodded, " Yeah, your right ! So, what's going to happen now ? "

Ring, ring, ring, " Hello. This is he. Where ? Now ? Okay, I'll be there ! "

I headed for the door, " I've got to go ! That was the hospital and Sweet Thang ... Oh GOD ! "

I jumped in the old Chevy and raced away. What the hell else can happen as Life ......

Snazzy.

 

Uhh oh-Snazzy is missing. Where are you old buddy. Hope your not in a box for talking about the family. I bet the kick starter fell off that Cushman computer and you can't get her cranked up.

 

I think someone mentioned that the forum was down for a bit last evening, Big Duker... and it was just around the time Snazzy posts. I hope he didn't lose his next installment during a failed upload attempt.