Excerpt: Books: Jan. 17, 1983

"Hula pointed at the gun on the desk. 'What about that?'

'That's for you.' His brother picked it up and tossed it in Hula's lap. 'Have you ever used one?'

Hula turned it over in his hand. It was heavy and cold, and the barrel was slick with moisture. 'No—well, once or twice. A long time ago.'

'It's very simple. Just point it and shoot. It's an automatic. The safety's in back there—leave it on.'

Hula eased the gun back onto the desk. 'Keep it. I don't want it.'

'No?'

'I'm too old for this stuff. Anything could happen.' ...

Cruz smiled. 'Let me tell you...

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