Dempster Road

Chapter 19

Barney watched the Doc drive back down the road, then opened the door and sat sideways on the seat as he called Stella, explaining their predicament and stressing the fact that Tony should spare no horses getting down there.

"I have to go to the bathroom." Adelaine's voice sounded close to his ear and he started. She had her face against the mesh behind his seat.

"Do you see a bathroom anywhere?" He got out of the car and slammed the door.

"Hey!" They could hear Adelaine shouting from inside the car and when Barney finally got back in and released the locks on the back doors, she switched to her little Miss Innocent mode. "I really do have to go, Sheriff. I wouldn't want to ruin your upholstery."

Barney made a sour face and swore to himself. He sure as hell didn't want this car all soaked and smelly. He took out his gun and waved her out of the car. "You're gonna have to just squat behind the car."

Adelaine stood and stretched her legs. "While you watch, eh?" Her other self had reasserted. "Bet you just love situations like this, don't you, Sheriff?"

"Just get on with it and shut up."

"I've got a witness that you made me do this in front of you." Adelaine sneered at Belinda.

"If you think I'd back anything you--"

"Stow it, Belinda. She just thinks she's gatherin' ammo for her trial." He backed away and waved her over. "You watch her; I'll be right back here."

"I can't get my pants down with these on, and my arm is really sore where you shot me." Adelaine's smile infuriated Barney, and he bit hard on the inside of his cheek. He looked pleadingly at Belinda who began shaking her head.

"I'll just go in my pants then and your car will still get soiled." She was enjoying their discomfort.

"I ain't undoin' the cuffs, Missy." He looked at Belinda and pleaded. "I'll keep her covered. Let's just get this done." He pleaded again.

"Gonna watch after all, eh?" Adelaine actually laughed as Belinda went behind her and began to slip her jeans down.

Barney turned his head and closed his eyes in exasperation.

The move was lightening quick. Adelaine threw her head back and butted Belinda knocking her to the ground and before Barney refocused, Adelaine scurried around and had the handcuffs over Belinda's head, choking her.

"Let her go!"

"Better still, Sheriff, toss your gun over here along with the keys or you'll have another corpse to carry home."

"No way. Let her go or I'll do you like the bear."

Adelaine increased her grip and Belinda's eyes widened as she began gagging. Barney took a step forward and the grip tightened further. He knew if he gave up his gun they would both be in bigger trouble, but he couldn't stand there and watch Belinda choke to death.

"Stop choking her and I'll put my gun down." Shooting a handcuffed prisoner would take more explaining than the whole damn case and he railed internally against his decision.

"No, you'll do what I tell you or she dies." That made it pretty clear, and Barney, against every instinct and years of training, tossed the gun to Adelaine.

"Keys."

He fumbled in his pocket and threw her just the cuff keys.

"You won't get away with this." Barney warned.

"Oh please. Not the cliché observation from the duped Sheriff." She laughed and unfastened the cuffs, grabbing the gun quickly and pointing it at Barney. Belinda slid to the ground clutching her throat and wheezing.