'What the hell is this?' the one holding the girl said.

'Just let her go.'

'I can't tell you what she wants, but I know what she's going to get,' the bearded man said to his friend. 'The same as this bitch. You feel like some company tonight, Grandma?'

He took a step forward and the woman shot him in the heart, firing through the rain hat, the sound muted. He was thrown against the wall, bounced off and fell on his back.

The girl was so terrified that she didn't utter a word. It was the man holding her who reacted. 'Jesus!' he moaned. 'Oh, God,' and then he took a knife from his pocket and sprang the blade. 'I'll cut her throat,' he said to the older woman, 'I swear it.'

The woman stood there, the Colt in her right hand, down against her thigh now. Her voice, when she spoke, was still calm and controlled. 'You never learn, you people, do you?'

Her hand swung up and she shot him between the eyes. He fell backwards. The girl leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, blood on her face. The woman removed her light woollen scarf and passed it across and the girl held it to her face. The woman leaned over, checked the bearded man first and then the other.

'Well, neither of these gentlemen will be bothering anyone again.'

The girl exploded. 'The bastards.' She kicked the bearded man. 'If you hadn't come along…' She shuddered. 'I hope they rot in hell.'

'It's a strong possibility,' the woman said. 'Do you live near here?'

'About twenty blocks. I was having dinner at a place around the corner, had a fight with my date and walked out hoping to find a cab.'

'You never can find one when it's raining. Let me look at your face.'

She pulled the girl to the entrance. 'I'd say you'll need two or three stitches. St Mary's Hospital is two blocks that way.' She pointed. 'Go to the emergency room. Tell them you had an accident. You slipped, cut your cheek, tore your skirt.'