"Dames and Bullets"
A Jack Marlowe Adventure I Started Writing Because it Was a Slow Day at Work
(working title)

Chapter 1:

Jack looked up from his newspaper when he heard the sound outside his door.  It was the unmistakable click of a woman in heels.  But, something wasn’t right, it was out of place somehow.  Then it hit him; this was the men’s room, wasn’t it?

Panic raced through him like wildfire.  Had he absentmindedly walked into the wrong restroom?  It wouldn’t be the first time.  Hell, it wouldn’t be the first time this month.  But he was almost certain he was in the right room.  Wasn’t he?
               
“Mr. Marlowe,” came a sultry voice from the outside the stall. “I have a job for you.”
               
 Jack shifted uncomfortably on the seat.  “Um… I’m a little busy.  Can’t this wait?”
               
“I’m afraid I don’t have any more time.” She responded.  “You have to meet me at the warehouse by the pier tonight at 8 o’clock.  Please don’t be late.”
               
Jack was stunned to silence.  There was a slight pause, and then the click of heels again.  The ancient restroom door squealed open and moaned as it slowly closed behind her.
               
Silence filled the room again.

“Wait!” yelled Jack from the crapper.  “Which pier?”