Tom Kelley's Ghost and Other Stories — Steven Popkes

Tom nodded. Dan was sitting close to his right. Tom reached for his glass as if he'd forgotten he'd finished it, made a fist and backhanded Dan with all his strength. Dan fell back off his chair. Tom followed up the blow with a vicious kick to Dan's groin. Dan doubled up and the breath came out of him in a faint shriek. Tom pulled open Dan's coat and found the pistol he knew was there and a small glittering knife he didn't.Kids. Tom put the barrel of the pistol against Dan's throat. Where do you think Derek is?Trolley, Dan croaked. A street entrance to the underground.Thank you.Tell me, said Dan as soon as he was able to breathe. Do you know she's not your daughter?Yes. Tom hid the pistol in his jacket pocket and left the tavern.—From Tom Kelley's Ghost