Read Online Delta Factor, The by Mickey Spillane - Free Book Online

I looked at my watch. It was almost six thirty. “You packed?” I asked her.
    Puzzle lines touched her forehead. “Why?”
    â€œBecause we’re leaving on our honeymoon.”
    She seemed to stiffen and her mouth went tight. “You said ... you wanted three days.”
    â€œThen let’s just say I can’t wait any longer. If I have to do this on my own I’m going to do it my own way. Get your bags packed. I have a car waiting downstairs. You’re on orders, so don’t buck me. Like you said, stay loose and cool. The worst of it is still ahead.”
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    We were married in Georgia near the Florida line at a little place that specialized in “Marriage Certificate, Blood Test and Ceremony, One Hour.” My lack of any name but Morgan almost stopped the JP until I came up with my Army discharge papers and suggested their style of NFN-NMI, no first name-no middle initial; then he was ready for his routine.
    It wasn’t the happiest of weddings because Kim looked too nervous and I as too damn tired to react like a normal bridegroom should. When I kissed her as custom required and the JP and witnesses expected, it was more like a couple of fighters touching gloves before the first round began. But maybe it wasn’t such an abnormal reaction at that. The fee and tip were collected with a toothy smile and a hearty “good luck” while our first witness went to the phone to get the notice into the local paper.
    When we got back to the car Kim sat a little farther over than she had been and without looking at me said, “Now what?”
    â€œWe make it look real, pet. We cross the state line, register at a motel and get some sleep.”
    I knew what she was thinking, but she didn’t say it. Her nod was one of perfunctory agreement, but a little shudder seemed to run across her shoulders and took the edge off for me. It’s always good to have a broad a little scared of you. I grinned at my reflection in the windshield, turned on the ignition and got back out on the highway.
    At dusk I spotted the Flora Palm Ranch Motel and turned in the pebbled driveway. Being off season, there were only a few other cars, but two of them had “Just Married” slogans painted on their sides and were festooned with ribbons and shredded pieces of crepe paper. I said, “We’re in good company, Kim.”
    â€œPlease.”
    â€œDon’t worry; I’ll get twin beds.”
    The clerk handed me the register and took my money without a second glance and slid a key to Number 20 across the counter. I left a wake-up call for six, then pulled the car down to our room and unloaded the two bags and stuck them inside the room. I had to have at least one kick out of the deal, so as Kim walked by I scooped her up in my arms and carried her inside. She let out a sudden, sharp gasp and froze momentarily in my arms until I put her down.
    â€œIt’s an old custom, sugar. I’ve never been married before.”
    Very slowly the frost left her face and she smiled gently at me. One hand touched my cheek and she raised herself on her toes and touched her mouth against mine. It was only for a second, but the rich softness of her lips was bedded in warmth their moistness couldn’t quench.
    â€œI’m sorry, Morgan. It was sweet of you. I’ve never been married before either. Thank you.”
    â€œThe government has some screwy regulations. I hope you know all the rules.”
    â€œI do. I hope you observe them.”
    â€œDon’t trust me too far, doll,” I grinned at her. “And don’t depend on your karate training.”
    â€œNow we’re back to that again,” she laughed. “How about this?”
    In her hand she held a tiny black automatic and the snout was pointed right at my belly. But she didn’t see my hand move and suddenly the big hole in the end of the .45 in my fist was staring at a spot between her eyes. “How