Ace choked again, spitting out a raisin, spilling milk in his lap. The officer lost his authoritative attitude, backing away from Diamond with uncertain, frightened body language. Cornered prey. Diamond pursued him with a few switches and blown kisses, and he turned around quickly, walked away, shouting, “Going back!” in a screechy tone.
Smiling with satisfaction, Diamond watched the retreating man and dusted his hands. “Straights are easy to run off. We won't have to worry about him snooping around here again.”
“That was awesome. You're my hero,” Ace jested.
Diamond flipped imaginary hair off his forehead. “You can only dream of being this pretty,” he lisped.
“Right on.”
The zone cleared out and was once again quiet as the remaining men slept or silently ate or sipped coffee. A radio
