"You're not going to arrest me, then?"

Sunset shook her head.

"What are you gonna do?" Marilyn said, and she had to strain to hear Sunset over the buzz of the great saw that had started up again.

"I'm gonna pick up Karen, say good-bye to Clyde, go get Daddy, then-I don't know. Maybe just keep going."

"Do you believe me, Sunset?"

"I don't know. Don't know it matters anymore. Not enough, anyway. But I got some doubt, and that much is too much. Important thing is, I got my center."

"Do what?"

"So long, Marilyn."

Sunset got in her car and drove away and Marilyn stood on the front porch and watched until she was out of sight and all that was left to see was the road and the dust from the passing of the car.

JOE R. LANSDALE.

Sunset and Sawdust

Joe R. Lansdale has written more than a dozen novels in the suspense, horror, and Western genres. He has also edited several anthologies. He has received the British Fantasy Award, the American Mystery Award, six Bram Stoker Awards, and the 2001 Edgar Award for best novel from the Mystery Writers of America. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas, with his family.

ALSO BY JOE R. LANSDALE.

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Freezer Burn

Rumble Tumble

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Mucho Mojo