Chapter 34

I watched Picasso's hand with the gun. He held too close to the trigger, but even though his face was hateful, he didn't seem to intend to shoot. It was just another little game of manipulation. First the seduction, as he saw that it didn't work, it was better to try the rough way.

Calmly I tried to pull his hand off my wrist, where he just squeezed harder. Smiling, I raised my free arm and hit my elbow on the inside of his, pushing the gun with the same hand. The gunshot to the ground, but while he was cursing, my elbow returned, this time aiming at his face. It was pleasurable and scary to realize that I had hit the son of a bitch in the face. But he didn't let go of the gun, and he didn't waste time recognizing any pain.

Picasso cursed and advanced towards me, taking me by both arms in a very crazy version of a bear hug, from behind. He had the advantage of being taller, but he was so dumb that I couldn't help laughing. He took me off the floor while holding me, and I