The adolescent voice interrupted her enjoyment. She glanced up at the speaker and recognized him as one of Donnie's acquaintances.

"So, Charity… you split from school and went truant…?"

She answered too quickly, "I-It's the first time… really… I just couldn't s-stand to go to school, today…"

"That's all right. I'm not a hookey fuzz!" he grinned. "I was just kidding…"

"You're a friend of Donnie's, aren't you?" Charity asked, regaining her confidence, somewhat.

"Yeah…" He sat down beside her, lounging easily.

"Have you seen him, today?"

"No!" he lied.

She heaved a deep sigh. "I wish I could see him…" Then, she went on, "What did you say your name was…?"

"I didn't… but it's Ray… Ray Donahue!"

He leaned back watching her, narrowly, a half-grin still plastered on his face. It was going to be something else, he told himself, when he laid it on her. Christ! I'll bet she can't get into the sack fast enough when I'm through with her!

"I'm glad to know you, Ray," Charity said, turning back to watch the water. "I just love to watch…"

Ray cut in, fast, "You're going to get to know me real well!"

Turning to face him, quizzically, puzzled at his statement, she said, "Oh… how come…?" She was completely innocent of his intentions.

He lowered his voice but said with firm steeliness, "You and I are going to have a little party!"

"Wh-What do you mean…?"

"A little sex party… you're going to crawl into the sack with me… for some fucking!"

Charity jumped to her feet, instantly, ready for flight. "You're d-disgusting!" she spat. "I'll do n-no such thing!"

Desperately, she looked around, trying to decide which way to go, run, if necessary, to escape his blatantly open proposition. Oh, dear God… he's revolting! If I have to I'll run to the nearest store… and call for the police!