Disquieting Metamorphosis needs a Shower

[SacTown Chronic]

"Another round, sweetheart."

"The name's Kitty. If that's too hard to remember, go outside and look at the window, my name's on it. And stop flicking your ashes on the floor."

"Bossy dame, huh? Just pour the drinks and scram."

"You guys aren't rough trade, you only think you are. If Sloan was still around, you wouldn't dare speak to me like that."

"T-Bone Sloan, the shamus?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"We hear tell he ran away to Northern California to grow grapes and lick his wounds. The no good peeper."

"He's not a peeper, smart guy. He's an investigator, licensed and everything. Hard guys like Troy Sloan don't run away. He'll be back. And he'll clean up this town yet."

"Sure sister, sure he will."

"Go on. Get out of here."

"We're leaving but before we do a word to the wise...T-Bone Sloan aint coming back. McMurtry runs this town now and we work for him. Be smart, sister, and understand that you need to go along to get along. A pretty dame like you needs a man to keep you warm and safe in this town. A man like me."

"Get out! When Sloan comes back you'll be sorry you ever spoke to me like that."

"All right, we're leaving. But you better think long and hard about what I'm telling you. Things are different 'round here now."

The men leave and Kitty stares wistfully at the swinging doors.

"He will be back. Some day."