Gerty… (12)

Gerty was satisfied the home was abandoned. She put her hand on the door knob but couldn’t think of any reason to go inside what was probably a musty old house. Gerty turned and walked back to the garage where Johnny was transferring their belongings from the truck to the Camaro. Gerty was happy to just sit on the hood of the car and watch Johnny do all the work.
Melvin breathed a sigh of relief as the woman chose not to come inside the house. He was happy to have the couple go on their way and leave them to their free house and shelter. Stu was back at the window watching the girl as she walked away.
"You know Marv that those two might have money or something we could use. Why just let them leave? Waive a gun at them and I am sure they will be happy to pay up and be on their way. No way those two want anything to do the the cops."
Marvin took a long look of disbelief at Stu and said,
"Are you out of your fucking mind? Why look for the trouble? It’s the girl ain’t it? Well fuck that and the horse she rode in on."
"You ain’t my boss Marvin and nothing wrong with a talk with little missy out there."
Marvin did not like where this line of thought was going as the boyfriend out there would be all out of sorts and that meant problems which may not be easily solved.
Stu was not to be dissuaded.
Gerty had picked some pebbles and she was bouncing them off Johnny as he walked back and forth between the vehicles. Eventually Johnny hopped in the truck and prepared to back it into the garage. Only Gerty’s backpack and the shotgun from the farmer remained in the truck as they would be riding up front with Gerty. The fit was tight but Johnny neatly put the truck in place and was ready to be on their way. Johnny had to hold shotgun and backpack high over his head to have room to get around the truck as he parked close to the side wall of the garage. As he came around the truck he realized they were no longer alone. Two shoddily dressed men walked up to Gerty, one clearly armed with a handgun.
Stu offered a greeting,
"Evenin’ folks! Welcome to our humble home."
Johnny was shocked by the appearance of the men and realized he certainly could not intimidate anyone with the shotgun as it was in no position to aim at anyone let alone get a shot off. The hand gun the man held on the other hand was aimed right in their direction.
Gerty had not moved or even turned her head but she could see the worry on Johnny’s face. Johnny also could see her expression and it was grave. Gerty seemed almost to be squinting and her mouth had become small and pinched. Johnny couldn’t be sure if she had any weapon as they always seem to come out of nowhere. Johnny was certain she did not have a firearm.
"Well, there sweetie pie, aren’t you a little looker."
Stu’s efforts at romance did not get any response from Gerty. She seemed suspended in time with no movement and not even a blink.
Marvin decided to take over the conversation and said,
"Suppose you folks don’t mind paying a little rent money for that parking spot now do ya? Maybe let us have a little peek in that pack of yours. I sure would like having that shotgun too"
Stu was not to be deterred and continued with his plans with Gerty.
"Little lady, you’ll be coming with me a bit so lets get us back to the house where we can have a little fun. You play yer cards right and you’ll be out of here in no time."
Johnny started to protest but before he could barely make a sound Gerty gave him a glance and waved him off with a quick gesture and a shake of her head. Still not a word from her mouth. Gerty turned for a moment with an empty glance at Johnny and started to walk ahead to the house.
Marvin remained behind to collect anything of value and Stu followed behind Gerty with the handgun remaining with Marvin.
Johnny had learned to keep his cool over the last few days being with Gerty. He knew this was far from a done deal with these two bums. Johnny closed the gap between him and Marvin as he handed the shotgun directly to him instead of dropping it on the ground. Johnny knew that a moment of distraction was coming and it was all about the timing if he wanted to get the better of the man.
Johnny offered the backpack and Marvin was juggling three things but still had the gun pointed too accurately for Johnny to make his move. Marvin’s greed got the best of him as he tried to open the pack. Johnny bided his time knowing that the backpack was the answer. Marvin finally got it open a bit and exclaimed,
"Holy fucking shit!
Johnny launched himself at the man with all of his weight behind him. Marvin had taken his eyes off Johnny as soon as he saw all the cash in the bottom of the bag. Marvin went sprawling the the younger man was on him ruthlessly punching him in the face. Marvin quickly was disoriented. Johnny soon had the gun and Marvin pinned under his weight.
"Not a word asshole. Warn your friend and I will put a bullet in you."
Marvin wanted nothing to with any warning and just wanted to get out of this alive. Stu was on his own.
"Any weapons in there that I need to know about friend?"
"No sir" Marvin replied.
With those words Johnny slammed the side of the handgun across Marvin’s temple to minimize any more trouble from the man. Johnny looked up at the house and thought how to best get Gerty out of there without making matters worse.