The Green Miles - Ngàn Dặm Xanh - Stephen King

6/30/2017 DmXanh
vietmessenger.com
http://vietmessenger.com/books/?action=print&title=damxanh&page=all&prev=1 1/196
6/30/2017 DmXanh
StephenKing
DmXanh
GiiThiu
DmXanh(TheGreenMile)ltcphmcnhgilxutscnhtcaStephenKing,mtnhvnnitingvinhngcuchuynhnhs,kinhd
ngi c bo ch v c gi mnh danh l "ng vua kinh d" (King of Horror). Tc phm ny c gii thng Bram Stoker nm 1997 cho th loi tiu
thuytxutscnht.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
DmXanh(TheGreenMile)gmsuphncniktvinhauqualitngthutcavinqungiotrngtrittkhigi.Cuchuynxoayquanh
cctnhnangchngylnghinvccqungiocnhimvcanhgihtrongnhngngycuii.TrongsccttcJohnCoffey,mtngida
entolncnnglcsiunhin.AnhbktnthnhvtibtccvsthihaibgisinhicangbDetterrick.iutrtrulJohnCoffeykhng
philthphm.Anhbbtkhiangcgngcusnghaiatrvbktnthnhvticdokkhcgyra...
Xenlntrongcuchuyndditrittlnhngmiquanhynhnbngiangivngi.Ccqungio,dbittnhncamnhphm
phinhngtictytrivspphitrgichoticy,nhnghvncgngtrnanhtrongnhngngycuicngcacuci.
CthniDmXanh(TheGreenMile)lmttrongnhngtiuthuytgytingvanglncaStephenKing,khngchbicttruynykchtnhmcn
biphongcchhnhvncbitcang:licun,nginvsusc.CuntiuthuytcpnnhngvnnhcnhitrongxhiMhinnay:skth
chngtc,nhngtnhnbktnthnhoan.cngliunhcnhcnhboivilngtricamiconngi.
Dm Xanh (The Green Mile) cng c chuyn th v dng thnh phim vi nam din vin Tom Hanks ng vai vin qun gio trng tri t t Paul
Edgecombe.PhimcVitNamvita"Qungiovtt".
Chng1
Svicxyravonm1932,khitrigiamtiubangvncnColdMountain.Dnhinchicghincngy.
Bntnhnbychuyngiuctvchicgh,theocchngitavngiuctvnhngchuynlmhshinhngkhngbquac.HginlGi
Sparky,hocJuicyB.Htnphtvcngsut,vbngcchnoGimthMooresslmbatinhndpLTnmathunm,trongkhibMelindav
ngy,qubnhhon,khngnunngc.
Nhngivinhngkthcsphingivochicghinthcuchuynhihcmauchngttlm.Tichtrhnbymitmvxttrong
sutthigiancngtcColdMountain,mtconsmtikhngbaoginhmlnngayclchphitrngingbnh,tivnsnhnn,vtingh
rng,ivihuhtnhngconngi,sthtcaiuspxyrachoh,rtcucseonghsutconngvnh,khimtcchnbkhachtvo
nhngcichnbnggsichcnchcaGiSparky.Lcyhnhnraichncachnhhktthcsnghipcachng.Muvncnchy,ccbptht
vncnmnh,nhngchngtiuvong,chngcgkhcchngskhngbaogiithmmtdmngquhng,hockhiuvvimtcgitrongdp
nmngxykhothcna.KhchhngcaGiSparkyhiurngcichtcahdnglntmtcchn.Mtcitimuenbnglacchpvousau
khihnixongnhnglicuicng,vnhuynthin,vphnlnlrirc.Citicxemldnhchoh,nhngtilunnghnthtslchochng
ti,chngtikhngthyctrngthilcthnngstrongmthkhihnhnraspphicht.
KhngcdyxlimttiColdMountain,chduynhtKhuE,tchxabnkhukhcvrngbngkhongmtphnt,bnggchthayvg,vimtci
mighrnbngkimloitrntri,chichangdinhmttrimah.Bntronglsuxlimhaibnmtliirng,mixlimrnggpiccxlim
trongbnkhukia.Lilphngmtngina.Tinnghintuytviivimtnht,nhngtnhnysnlngnhivibtcxlimnokhc
trongbnkhukia.Tintii,hschunhi.
TrongnhngnmtilmitrngKhu,chakhinocsuxlimchaytnhn.Bnltia,datrngdaenlnln(ColdMountain,khngc
kthchngtcgiacctti),vqulmtangcthunh.Mttrongstnhnlphn,BeverlyMcCall.Cennhthan,xuxaynhthtilim
bnkhngbaogillmgyn.Cchungnisunmbchngnhpnhngkhngchpnhnchuynanhtalngnhngmtngy.Vobui
chiukhmphrachuynngoitnhcachng,ngchanhchngxusLesterMcCall,vncbnbgilDaoCt(cldatheomitnhvnsvi
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ctnhnhn),trnucuthangdnncnphngbntrncahngcttccaanhta.chnkhichngciokhocracmtna,rixnmt
phtchocicanbibccaanhtarixungmigiyhai"tng"mu.MtlidaococaringDaoCtcdngvovic.Haimtrckhiphi
ngilnGiSparky,cgitinxlim,nirngcngbthnlinhgcPhichubomng.ngtaboctbcitncmnhthnphnn
li,richtdicitntdolMatuomi.ihibnntcamnhphictuynbbngtnBeverlyMatuomi.Tionclngbthnlinhkhng
chobith,hocchnhngckhngnhnra.Dsaothticngng.Cmtiumnhngnmthngcngtcvitcchitrnglnhgctri
giamdytilkhngbaogitchiyucucanhngtti,trkhitnhhnhbucphith.DgthtrnghpcaBeverlyMatuomicngkhngckhc
bit.Ngysau,vokhongbagichiu,NgiThngcgiinthoi,gimnthnhxungtchungthnnhtphnGrassyValleydoychngti
cniarngchtontrngphtmthiurngm.XinniviccbnltihnhnhcnhnthycpmngtrntracaBeverlynhsangtrithayv
sangphikhicntrcbntrc.
Bamilmnmsauhochnnatibtgpcitntrntrangcophcamttbo,bndibcnhmtqubdaenmtgy,cmitc
trngvcpknhgnkimcnggitrngng.CsngnhmtphntdotrongminmcuiivnccuvtthvintnhlRainesFall.
CcngdylpGiolChnhtvcyumnbitbaocivngholnhnhb.Tabibovit"Qunththvinchtvautim"di,bng
khchnhhn,gnnhmtlicnhtnh:"thihnhnhnhaithpninvgitngi".Chcimt,tovrcsngsaucpknh,lvnnhtrc.
Chnglcpmtcamtnginb,mtconngimthmchtuibymibtkno,vnskhngdodrtmtlicoantonrakhicil
ngchtkhmi,nusthithccvgyscp.Ccbnthabitbnchtbngitngi,dchngctrthnhqubqunththvinticcthtrn
ngingchngna.tnhtbncngsbit,khibqunhiuthigianlutmnbngitngi,nhtilm.Chduynhtmtlntitcuhivbn
chtcngviccamnh.Tichoylldokhintivittptruynny.
SnhnhlangrngdnlntrungtmKhuEcltbngvisnmuvixanhck,vthcicgilDmngCuiCngnhngtrigiamkhc
thColdMountainny,ncgilDmngXanh.Tionlndibngsumibcchn,ithngNamlnBc,tylnnh.yl
phnggiam.nhlgiaolhnhchT.Rsangtrilssngnubngiiuxyratrongcisntpthdcnngnungngilssngnhiungi
sngnhthbaonmthng,khngchthhn.Trmcp,tnh,vtiphmtnhdc,ttcuninng,ingvgtgmnhautheokiucachng.
Nhngmicrphiylchuynkhc.Trchtbnbcvovnphngcati(nictrithmcngmuxanh,mtthmticnhthayi
nhngkhnglmc),vntrcbnlmviccati,bntribntreocM,bnphilctiubang.phaxalhaicnhca.Mtcadnvocn
phngvsinhnhmtivccnhnvinbovKhuE(ikhiccGimthMoores)sdngcakiamvomtthnhkho.ylnibnktthckhi
bctrnDmngXanh.
lmtcnhcanh,tiphiciumikhiiqua,cnJohnCoffeythphingixungrilchvo.Bnsbcramtchnghp,ritheobabc
ximngbcxungmtsnnhrng.Nlmtcnphngkhnkh,khngclsimibngkimloi,gingnhmitrnkhunhtipgipvin.Trong
phnglnhnhnthyhithcabnvomang,mahthngtngtkhth.TronglnthihnhntElmerManfredcchnnhnchngbngt.
Bntrikhunhkholicssng.Ccdngc(ttcuckhachtsaunhngbkhungchngchtdyxch,nhthchnglsngcarbinech
khngphimaivcucchim),hngvi,ccbaohtginggieotrngtrongvntrigiamvomaxun,hpgiyvsinh,cctmpalletchngcho
nhngtmvndngchoxngvncatri...thmchcnhngtichavikngbinsnchibngchyvbngbudctnhnchibngtrong
cicgilBiC,vnhngbuichiumathurtcmongiColdMountain.
Bnphilcicht.chthnGiSparkychmchtrnmtsnbngvngcngNamcanhkho,chnghbnggsicngcp,taydarngri
bnggsivnhpthudngmhikinhhongcabitbaongitrongnhnggiyphtcuii,vcinnkimloithngongatrnlnggh,ging
loinnstukiurobotcatremtrongtruyntranh.Mtdycpvttnnraxuynqualhngcvngmtrnbctnggchngsaugh.Tch
sangmtbnlmtcixbngthitm.Nunhnvobntrong,bnsthymtvngmbngchtxp,ccttavakhtcinnkimloi.Trckhi
hnhhnh,civngcnhngvoncmuitngscdndngintrctipchyquadycp,qualpxp,xuynvoctti.
Chng2
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Nm1932lnmcaJohnCoffey.Ccchititsctronghs,vncnchobtcaiquantmtmhiumtaicnghlcnhiuhnlogi
khmanggtxnonktcaimnhtrongnhdngloGeorgia.Lcylmtmathunngbc,tinhrquththtscnng.Thngmim
gnnhthngtm,vMelinda,vcavinGimth,vonhthngIndianavmtcnbnh.ylmathumtibnhimtrngngtiunngnht
trongi,dkhngnmcphinhpvin,nhnggnnhtittimunchtchornhnmikhiitiu.ylmathucaDelacroix,gngiPhp
nhb,hinau,viconchut,knvomahvgitrmamnhscsovicingch.Tuynhin,hunhylmathumJohnCoffeyn
KhuE,bktnthnhvticnghipvgitchtchemsongsinhnhDetterick.
MicatrcKhucbnhocnmlnhgc,nhngnhiungitrongslmvictheothiv.DeanStanton,HarryTerwiliger,vBrutusHowell(tnhn
gianhtalBrutalHungc,nhngchlgia,vngaynmtconruianhtacngkhngngntrkhibtbuc,dthxctoln),ttcucht
cngnhPercyWetmore,mtghungc...chaknsngun.PercychngcvicgKhuE,nimttnhkhxutravtcdng,ikhicnnguy
himna,nhnghncquanhthnggiavingiThngcnncli.
ChnhPercyWetmorelngiaCoffeynKhuEtrongtingraotruynthng:"Ttin!Ttiny!"
Thititvnnngnhangcdanglthngtm.Cavosntpthdcmra,mtlnnhsngchichangtrnvo,vmtconngisnht
titngthyngoitrvigcuthbngrtrnTVtrong"PhngGiitr"canginhdnhchonhngkcngucngcmtixem,bcvo.G
eoxingxchtrntayvvtngangbngctobnhmtcithngngnc,cmstmtcchnvkolmtsixchgia,phtratingkimloi
longxongkhichydctheohnhlangmuxanh,giahaihngxlim.PercyWetmoremtbng,HarryTerwilligernhnhngygbnkia,nhnhging
nhngatrcngivimtcongusaby.ThmchBrutusHowelcngnhmtatrkhingbncnhCoffey,trongkhianhtacaohn6feetvcngto
ngang,tnglcuthbngchiiLSUchonkhigiinghvtrvqu.
JohnCoffeyldndaen,nhhuhtnhngknlutrtiKhuEmtthigiantrckhichttronglngGiSparky,vgcaon6feet8inch.Tuy
th,gkhnglngkhngnhccchngcuthbngrtrnTVvaigrng,bngcsuchngchtbpthttaramihng.Ngitanhtgvochic
qunjeansrngnhtcthtmctinhkho,thmguqunvnkolntrnbpchncngcngyso.osmighbndingc,ngtayo
dngliutrnbptay.Bntaykhnglcagcmnn,nungtnghutrnciuhitrnxoeenmun,sgingnhloinnmconkhcataynhc
shtrongngoiphthngi,ciulmuxanhthayv.TrnggcthbttdyxchddngnhbngittdybucquGingsinh,nhngkhi
nhnvomtg,bnbitgskhnglmchuynnhth.BmtkhngtnhtmcdyliuPercyngh,khnglutrckhiPercygiglthngc
ngmlclng.Gcdodcnhnquanhnhthmunbitmnhangu.Thmchtmhiuglai.nghutincatilgtrngnhmtSamson
en...chsaukhibDelilahcounhnthnnhbntayphnbicac,vtcittcnhngnimvuicag.
Ttin!Percyoangoangrao,limnhctayocaconngitolnnhloiguny,nhthhnthtsttinlmcnuCoffeyquytnh
rnggkhngmunina.Harrykhngnignhnganhtacvbiri.Tti...
ri.Tilnting.TiangtrongcisptrthnhxlimnhtCoffey,ngitrnspngcag.Dnhintibitgspn,ticmtnv
nhntrchnhim,nhngkhngcnimgvtmvccagchonkhinhnthy.CinhncaPercydnhchotihmrngttcchngtabittil
mttnkhnkip(ngoitrghnhnmtoxc,kchbithmhipvsthinhngbgi),nhnghnkhngnig.
Bangibnhdnglibnngoicaxlimangm.TigtuviHarry,anhtani:
Anhchcmuntrongyvitnnych,sp?TitkhithyHarrytrahoangmanganhtatngstcnhbntitrongnhngcucnilonbynm
trcvchabaoginaonng,kckhilinmtstnhncsngbtulantruynnhnglnnythginganhtahoangmangthts.
Anhsgyrcrichotich,BCon?Ngitrnsptihi,vckhngravhoccgingnikhsnhticmnhn.
Coffeychmchplcumtcisangtri,mtcisangphi,ritrlichtcnggia.Khinhnthyti,gkhngrinhmtkhitina.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
HarrycmtrongtaymtcibakphscgiytcaCoffeybntrn:
achog.TiboHarry.tvotayg.
Harrylmtheo.Gkhtoxcncmlynhngibmngdu.
Bygiemliychoti,BCon.TinivCoffeylmtheolnh,ccsixchkhuarnrng.Gphicixungchuivoangc.
Tinhngtuxungchnghinhnchiucaolstht,haylonhthgic.ngltht:6feet8inch.Trnglnggcghil280pound,
nhngtinghchlclng,cthn350poundkhngchng.Bndikhongtrngdnhchoccvtsovdunhndnglmttbchekhut,c
vtmbiMagnusson,gtnhntncnlmvictiphngDanhb:Numerous.
Tinhnln.CoffeynhchsangbnmtchtnntithycHarryngbnkiahnhlang,trcmtxlimcaDelacroixgnyltnhnduynht
KhuEtrckhiCoffeyn.Dellmtgmnhkhnhhiu,cbmtlolngcamtktonvinkhibitvbinthcamnhsmmungcngsb
khmph.Conchutnuiangngitrnvaig.
PercyWetmoreangthuvongngcatrongcixlimvatrthnhniJohnCoffey.Hnlicydicuibngghorakhicibaotlm
ring,vnvolngbntaytheocchmtkthnglmkhicchivmunsdng.Vtnhintikhngchuniscmtcahn.Clvscnng
trima,clvchngnhimtrngngtiucatiangsisctrongngikhinchobltcatigyngangykhngchuni,clvbitrngchnh
phgichotimttndaennxcanhmtgnnthihnhn,vrrngPercymundnmttnhnmtcht.Dliugthtithi
khngquantmnccmiquanhchnhtrcahnna.
Percy.Tilnting.Hangdnnhkhubnhxy.
BillDodgephtrchchitit.
Tibitlcuy.Tini.Nhngngipcuyi!
ykhngphilviccati.Percytrli.Thngcthnnymilviccati.CthnltingchnhomPercydngginhngngitoln.
Hnghtnhngngitoln.HnkhnggynhHarryTerwilligernhngthpln.Mtthgtrngvnhvo,loingithchgygnhnhau,nhtlkhili
thnghingvhn.Vtcvmitccamnh.Hngnnhkhngthritaykhin.
Nuvycngviccacuxong.Tini.Hynkhubnhx.
Midicahntrra.BillDodgevngicaanhtaangdichuynnhngthnggvccchnggiy,kcgingtonbbnhxdnsangmtkhu
micnhphaTytrigiam.Khngkhnngnc,khingvcnngnhc.PercyWetmorekhnghmunthamgia.
Hcsngicnthit.Hnp.
Vycnmlmpht.Ticaogingni.TithyHarrynhnmtvlmng.NungiThngcralnhchoGimthMooresuivictiv
dmchcvokinlathHalMooresstaithayvochtiy?Percychng?Chuyna.Tithtskhngcnbitculmg,Percy,minlcura
khiymtlc.
Trongmtthongtitnghnslvscrcrithts,viCoffeyngsut,nhcinghchttonhtthgii.RiPercynhtdicuitrvo
cibaomaybngtaymtvtdnghonhongkhnkipvngvngbilnhnhlang.Tikhngnhlnhgcnongibntrcngyhmymttrong
nhngngilmthiv,tionthnhnghnlPercykhngthchvmtcaanhta,bihncunhukhiingangqua."Dpcinciblokhib
mtchtgimngay,nukhngtaoschingimmy".Ctingchakhalchcch,mtlungnhnngnngbctsntpthdcavotrongthong
chc,riPercyWetmoreikhut.ConchutcaDelacroixchyquachylitvainysangvaikhccagngiPhpnhb,mysirugitgit.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ynno,ngJingles.Delacroixnivconchutdnglitrnvaitricag,tahhiuclich.Cynlngvnnthinhnh.Vigingnidu
dngcacdnvngLouisianacaDelacroix,ting"quiet"phtmnghecvhngxavllmkwaht.
Nmxung,Del.Tinicclc.Nghngii.Chuynnycngkhngphicaanh.
Glmtheoliti.Gcnghipmtbgirigitcht,bxcngsaunginhcacb,dulnrimilat,hivngbngcchgynhiu
sxacduvttic.Ngnlalansangnginh,nutchngnvthmsunginaphicht,haitrongsltrem.ylticduynhtg
phmphi,vbygigchlmtconngihanhcbmtlolng,mtcishi,tcdixxcphxungsauco.GsngivoGiSparkymtlc,
riGiSparkysktthcg...nhngciggyrachuyntnbobinmt,vbygignmtrnsp,mcchongibnnghnhnhbva
chyvakuchtchttrntay.Mtcchno,yliuthinhtGiSparkykhngbaogithiutnicibntrongibntayg,nhngliuthuc
ngitatimvochngngyhmnaykhnglmcithipng.Nbi,nhysangmtkkhc,mcchochngtathanhtonnhngcivngoivgitr,
thtrakhngcssng.
Tihngsquantmvogkhngl.
NutiHarrycixchchoanh,anhsnghongch?
Ggtu.Cnggingnhclcu:xung,ln,ritrvvtrgia.imtllngcagnhnti.Trongimtcmtvbnhan,nhngkhng
phithbnhanmtichcchntincyc.TingoctaygiHarry,anhtabcvovthoccdyxch.Anhtakhngtrasst,ngayckhiqudi
cpchntonhthncycaCoffeymkhacmchn,iunylmtinhnhmcmtcht.ChnhPercymilmchoHarrybnchn,vtitinvo
bnnngcaHarry.TitinvoccbnnngcattcnhnvinhngngycaKhuE,ngoitrPercy.
Tithngcmtdinvnngnsonsntrctnhnminkhu,nhngviCoffeytilichnch,vgcvbtthng,khngchtmvc.
KhiHarrynglira(Coffeyvnbtngtrongsutnghithcmkha,bnhthnnhmtconnganiPercheron),tingcnhngnhnngmicati,
nhpnhpngncitrntmbakphsvni:
Anhnickhng,BCon?
c,thasp,tinic.Gtrli.Ginggtrmtrmm.Nlmtinghnmtbmykomictub.Gkhngniginglnhca
dnminNamchnhgcnhngcmtlicutrccukiuminNammsaunytiminhnra.Gnnikhngravvhc,nhngcngkhngnghera
ngicgiodc.Tronglinicngnhtrongnhiuiukhc,glmtsbhim.Phnlnchnhimtgkhintibirimtthxavngyynbnh
trongchng,nhthgangbngbnhtrixa,trixai.
TnanhlJohnCoffey?
Vng,thasp,gingnhcph,chciukhngvitgingchnht.
Anhcthnhvn,phikhng?Vitvccch?
Chtntithi,thasp.Gtrli,vbnhthn.
Tithra,ricondinvnngnsonsncamnh.Tiququytgskhnggyri.Vimnythtivangvasai.
TntilPaulEdgecombe.Tini.TiltrngKhuE.Anhmungcxingpti.Nukhngctiy,hyhingikiangytnlHarry
Terwilliger.HoccthxingpngStantonhocngHowell.Anhhiukhng?
Coffeygtu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chmongnhncnhngganhmuntrkhichngtiquytnhylthanhcnvykhngphilkhchsn.Vntheokptich?
Gligtu.
ylmtniyntnh,BCon,khngnhkhucnlicatrigiam.ChcanhvDelacroixngkia.Anhskhngphilmvic,hunhchngi
sung.Choanhchisuyngmvmiiu.Qunhiuthigiansuyngm,nhngtikhngnira.Thnhthongchngtangheradio,numivicn
tha.Anhthchradiokhng?
Ggtunhngcvhnghi,nhthkhngbitchcradiolcig.Saunytiphthinraiuctht,theomtcchno.Coffeybitsvic
khigchmtrnvichnglnna,nhnggiahaisvicthglngqun.
Nunghong,anhscnnggi,skhngbaogibnhtvoxlimbitgiamudikia,hocphimcovibtcintsaulng.Anhs
crasnvobuichiutbnnsugi,ngoitrnhngngythbykhinhngtnhnkhcchibng.Anhsctipkhchvochiuthby,
nucaimunnthm.Caikhng,Coffey?
Glcu.
Khngaic,thasp.Gtrli.
A,thlutscaanhvy.
Titinlnhnthyngylncuicng.Coffeyni.ngycinchoti.Tikhngtinngycthtmranglnvngniny.
Tinhnkhn,xemthgcniakhng,nhnggkhngtvnhth.Vthtsticngkhngtrngchiugkhc.Vothibui,khngn
khngdnhchonhngknhJohnCoffeyhratachuxtx,ribthgiilngqunchonkhingitanguchngoctrnbochchobitmtgno
bingitvokhongnam.Nhngmtconngicv,conci,hocbnbmongivonhngchiuthbysdkhngchhn,nunhvic
khngchtrthnhmtvn.ythkhng,vyliutt.Vgqusctoln.
Tinhcnhchmtchttrnsp,riquytnhclbngdicatisthoimihnnungln,vtilmth.Glphplili,taychptrcmt.
BConny,cucsngcaanhycthddnghockhkhn,ttctythucvoanh.Tiynirnganhnnlmchottcchngtad
th,vcuicngchngcgkhcc.Chngtisixngvianhnuanhxngng.Ccuhinokhng?
ngcthchonsaugingkhng?Ghingay,nhthchchcdp.
Tichpmtnhng.TitngbbntminKhuEhinhiucukquinhngchabaoginhcuvari.
Coffeymmcivhilngtng,nhthbitchngtinghginnhngkhngthkhnghi.
Vtrongbngtiikhitithyss.Gthnhn.
Tinhngvcmthynglngmtcchkl.Hquclmbnnglng,bnbitybnkhngthykhihtnhtrngtitnht,tngtngra
nhngnikinhhongnhqustrclrn.
Phi,ysutmkhsngsa.Titrli.PhnnabngndctheoDmngXanhsngtchnnnmgisng.Ritinhnrag
khnghiutiangniggkhngphnbitcDmngXanhvibnlyMississippivthtichrangoihnhlang.
Ggtu,vantm.Ticngkhngchcghiuhnhlanglcig,nhnggcththyccbngncngsut200watttronglngst.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Lcytilmmtiutrckiachabaogilmivimttnhnlchatayra.Thmchnbygiticngkhnghiutisao.Clvghiv
ccbngn.HnhvcatilmchoHarryTerwilligerngcnhin.Coffeybttaytivimtvdudngkhngng,bntaytibinmttrongbntayg,vtt
cchcth.Ticthmmtconmitrongchaithucccamnh.Sphnchngticnnh.
Tibcrakhixlim.Harryngcalivkhachai.Coffeyngyntichtrongmtthong,tanhkhngbitlmg,rigngixungspng,
chpibntaykhnglgiaugi,gcuxungnhmtngiangaubunhoccunguyn.Lcygthtramtcubngmtgingkl,gnnh
gingminNam.Tinghermnmt,vmcdkhngbitnhiuviuglm:"Bnkhngcnbitiumtconngilmbnphinuinv
chichutchohn,chonngyhnphitrnhngghnn."Cunivnlmtirngmnh.
Tikhnglmgc,thasp.Gni.Ticgngrtlinhngqumun.
Chng3
SpscrcriviPercymtthi.Harrynikhichngtibcngchnhlangtrvvnphngcati.
DeanStantonangngisaubngiyvcpnhthacchs,mtcngvicmdngnhtikhngbaogilmxu.Anhtagnnhkhngngc
nhnkhichngtibcvo,chycpknhnhlnbngngntayci,rilichimivonggiyt.
Ticrcrivignhqutkhihnny.Tini,tayrnrnkoqunrakhihbvnhnmt.Cucnghehnlalikhiagthn
toxckiaxungykhng?
Khngthkhngnghe.Harryp.Ticmt,spbitm.
Titrongphngvsinhvnghertr.Deanlnting.Anhtakomttgiyvphamnh,gilnnhsngriqungtithymtvtcphcng
nhchnhmytrn,riqungvogirc."Ttin".Chchnctrongmtttpchmhnathch.
Clhnctht.PercyWetmorelcgitrungthnhcacctArgosy,StagvMensAdventure.Dngnhtrongminbnucmtcu
chuynvnht,vPercynghinngucnhngiangnghincu.Tahnhhnctmhiucchngxvnghrngtrongnhngttpchc
thngtin.HnnlmvicsaukhichngtithihnhntAnthonyRay,kgitngibngruvhnchathcsthamgiacuchnhhnhno,mcdc
chngkinmtvttrongphngcin.
Hnquenbitnhiungi.Harryni.Hncthlc.SpsphitrlivchuynuihnrakhiKhu,vsphitrlikhkhnhnvtrngi
hnlmvicthcs.
Tikhngtrngiiu.Tip,vhivngBillDodgekhngphiloingichuchokkhcngrambngquannhnng.Trcmt,ti
quantmngtoxchn.Liuchngtascrcrivigkhng?
Harrylcuvivququyt.
GcmnnnhmtconcukhirataTrapingus.Deanni.Anhtathocpknhnhkhnggngxungvbtuchinvovto.Dnhin
ngitatrngdyxchvognhiuhnScroogethytrnbngmacaMarley,nhnggcthvngcmaqunugmun.Trvtthi,contrai.
Tibit.Tini,mcdtikhngbit.TightbDeanStantonquamt.
s,phikhng?Deanhi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Quth!Ting.Tolnquid.
ClphinngcpGiSparkylnthnhSuperBakeminngchn.
nglochoGiSparky.Tilngni.Cylmchonhnggtoxcthnhbt.
Deannhohaibnmi,nicvivtgindveoknhvgtu.
.Anhtap.iuthctht,clm!
Tihi:
Haicucbitglngiutrckhin...Tefton?PhiTeftonkhng?
.Deantrli.Tefton,htTrapingus.Trckhignyvlmiulm,dngnhkhngaibit.Gchlangthangkhpni,tionth.
Anhcthtmhiuthmchtttrnbochtrongthvincatri,nuthtsquantm.Clntunsauhmidn.Anhtatotmingci.Tuynhin,
clanhphilngngheanhbnnhkucavrnrtrnlu.
Dsaoclticixemth.Tini,vvocuichiuhmytilmtht.
Thvincatrigiamphasautanhsptrthnhxngsaxetnhtltrnbnkhoch.Thmthtlnchuivotiai,liutinghn,
nhngthikikhnghongangdinranntibngtheocchlratinnknmingvPercy,nhngikhingitakhngnnc.Phnlntaiv
camtconngidominglihngyra,hnldocican.Vdsaothxngsaxekhngbaogihnhthnhmaxunnmsau,trigiamdi
chuynsumidmxungphadingiBrighton.Ticholcnhiuvthngnglnlthnna.Thmnhiuthngthtln.Chnglgviti.
Banquntrchuynsangtanhmiphangsntpbnhxangcdnithvinthmtphnvncncttrongkhovtrnghoc.Ta
nhclmtcihpbngvnnngrc,nhthlenvogiaccKhuAvB.Ccphngtmcxytrnvtonbtanhlcnocngbitrongmi
nctiuthoangthong,cllldochnhngduynhtdni.ThvinxytheohnhchL,khngtohnvnphngcati.Titmmtciqutnhng
ttcbinmt.Trongynhitthnlnc100,vticthcmnhncnhngcpnnghibngdikhingixung.Nhkiuaurng
vy.Tibitiulngngn,tnhnvngcthchngtaangniy,nhngylthduynhtticthemrasosnh.Cnautrnnthihn
nhiutrongvngaysaukhitiu,trckhibci.
Rtccthvncmtanhchngymttnhntncn,givgytrxngtnGibbons,angnggttronggcphng,vimtquyntiuthuyt
minVinTyhoangdvcinnkospxungmt.Scnngkhnglmhnphinh,kcnhngtingcunhu,thnhlnh,vikhiltingchith
vngxungtbnhxtrnlu.Ticngkhngquyryhn,nhngivngsangcnhngncahnhchL,ninhngtbo.Tinghchngbinmt
cngvinhngchicqut,btchpnhnggDeanni.TuythchngkhngbinmtvvnchemsongsinhDetterickcngdtmnltintrangnhtt
ybanchngticngsuttthngsunphinxvocuithngtmvthngchn.
Chngbaolutiqunmtcinng,nhngtingthnhthchtrnluvtingngykhkhcaGibbonsginua.nghvnhngbgichntuidnh
luncibngtiscaCoffeyqulkhchu,nhngkhngthlmng.Vitmvccg,thtddnghnhdungracnhntinutsngcccb,
gingnhtnkhngltrongchuynctch.iuglmcnibihnvqulmaymnchogkhikhngbhnhhnhtpthngaytrnbsng.Nu
c,nghalbnxemvicchibctrnDmngXanhvngivolngGiSparkylmaymn.
Chng4
Nmtrckhittcnhngsvicnyxyravskhngbaogilnngina,nhngtrongnhngnmcathpninbaminccchthisinh.
Khngcnnintrngbngvi,nhngcnmmitrangtribngvithnhvngphaNamtiubangchngti.KlausDettericklmchmttrongnhng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
trangtri.Theotiuchuncanhngnm1950,ngtachcxemltrnbnkhrchommtbc,nhngvitiuchuncathpnin1930lic
nhgilsungtc,vngtathcsthanhtonchiphiucahngbngtinmtvocuithng,vdmnhnthngvomtngchtchngnhngnutnh
chiquamtnhaungoiph.Trangtricangtaschsvthnhthang.Ngoibngvicnchaithkhc:gvmttb.ngtavbvcbacon:
Howard,mihaituicnghaicongisongsinh:CoravKathe.
Mtmmpthngsunmy,haicbgihixinvcphpngngoihinbnhngnhctmsoche,chydctheochiudinginh.y
lmtbitidnhchochng.Mchnghnchngvchcngngonlcchngi,khitiasngcuicngtttrnnntri.yllncuicngbtagpcon
trckhichngnmtrongquantivnhonsachanhnghhngtitnht.
Vonhngngy,ccgianhvngquingsmvngrtngon.ChcchnKlaus,MarjorievHowardDetterickngngonvomibgisong
sinhbbtcc.LraKlausbnhthcbiBowser,conchginicollielaitoxccagianhnunsa,nhngBowserkhngsa.mvkhngbao
ginsana.
Klausthcdycngtianngutinvtsa.Mihinbnhngnh,cchxavathcvKlauskhngnghnchuynttquachcccongi.Vic
Bowserkhngitheongtacngkhnggyxong.Conchchnnbvlgnhnhauvithikhinhmit,thngxuyntrntrongciphasauva
thckhicngvicangctinhnh,trkhibgithttchcc.
Milmphtsau,Marjoriexungdinhsaukhichngmangngtrongphnggiyvnngniravathc.Btabtuphacph,rirn
thtlnmui.CcmivkthpkoHowardtcnphnguhixungdinhngbncongihinnhthkhng.BtasaiHowarditmchngv
tronglcbptrngchovomthtlnmui.Klausmunhaiacongirangoinhttrngmimikhinsngxong.Ciusnghmytrongnh
Detterickkhngcbansng.Howardthinnhtrli,mttrngbch,cpmtvnsnghpcvbunngthgiymtraotro.
Ccemmttchri!Thngbthtln.
Marjorieirahnghin,lcuchthybctchnlhonght.Saunybtanibtaginh,nuquthtbtacginhiug,rngbncongi
quytnhidovhihoatrongnhsngsmcabnhminh.Lthhoctrdidtgcabgithi.Mtcinhn,vbtahiutisaomtHoward
trngbch.
BtahtlngiKlausvKlauschyn,igiyngbohtrngxadongvpphixsa,lngiy.Cingtathytrnhinnhslmbnrn
chntayhuhtccbcchamdngcmnht.Nhngtmchnmhaiabgischuivokhirimtndnvtrlnh,bnmvomtgc.Tmso
chebgittutkhibnltrnvtreongnghing,thrangoisn.Trnnhngtmvnnghinvbcthmbnkiatmsolnhnggitmutungte.
Marjorieninchngngitmmyacongimtmnh,ngemtheocontrainungcmthyphiuitheo,nhngchtnhivch.ngtaly
khusngsndngtrncaotrongphnggiyvachoHowardkhusnghaimihailimhdnhtngsinhnhtthngbvothngby.Thlh
lnng,khngaioihointingkukhccangiphnangmunbithslmgnuchmtrnvimtbnlangthangvgiac,hocmtm
nldaenxuthithotratnngtrangcahtLaduc.Trongchuynny,tinghnhngnginnglmng,bnbity.Muthikhngchy
nhngvncnhidnh,gnvimutihnmunusmcamukh,chngtvbtccxyrachalu.ChcchnKlaustincncchicucon
givngtanhtquytnmlychi.
Chaibconkhngaibitchtgvkthuttheodiduvtvhkhngphithsn.Mnhsnquanhnhlmtvttkhho,ynhngvtchn
chnglnnhautrongmtmrirmvngha.HiquanhvathcvgnnhtcthhiuratisaoBowser,mtgcndnhngsagiilikhngbo
ng.Conchnmnatrongnangoicicingbngnhngtmvncnthasaukhingvathc,unxonquanhcgnnhhnmtvng.Phil
ngicscmnhkhngkhipmihnimtconvtclnnhthcngtvintuynbtrchithmonxtxJohnCoffey...rinmmtcinhnlu
yhmvogbcosangngisaubnbocha,mtnhnxung,trnngimcmtbolinquncymmitoanhmuabngtincatiubang,
cvnhtilivantrongbyphcvachnhln.Bncnhconch,KlausvHowardtmthymtmuxcxchluc.Githuytmtgithuytvng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
chc,tikhngcgnghinglCoffeydconchn,sau,khiBowserbtunmuxcxchcuicng,gvntayravbcnbngmtcxoay
ctayyuylc.
PhabnkianhkholngcphabccaDetterick,hmykhngcconbnogm.Cnhngtsngsngmai,vxuynquan,ctthnhmt
ngchonhngTyBcrnhbanngy,lduchnngipthnhngmn.
Dangtrngthispphtcung,KlasDetterickdod,lcukhngmunlntheovt.Khngphivskbtcccongimnhngtassi
ngcliliccatnbtcc...sisaihngvothiimmigiyphtuqugi.
Howardgiiquyttnhtrngtinthoilngnankhinhcmtmnhvibngmuvngvngtrnbicymcngaybnkiaranhgiisn.Klauscng
cachoxemmnhvikhingighnhnchng,vngtabtukhckhinhnramnhqunngcaKathe,congimnh.Xahn20yard,lnglng
trnmtcnhbchxnhra,hthymtmnhvixanhbc,khpmuviviongmCoramckhinhnbmvchcngngon.
HaibconnhDetterickxngln,sngcharatrcmtnhbinhsvtquavngtranhchpdilnhalcmnh.Nuticngcnhintrcbtc
iugxyrangyhmy,lchuynthngbchythcmngtheobmkhngngvtrtmtvinnvolngKlausDetterick.
HmytitrangtricahdinracuctraoihnghalimtduhiuchothynhDetterickangphtt,tnhtcnglkhgitronggiaionti
tvMarjoriesdngTrungtmginhiungihngxmcabta,kchohnghevtaihattricaogingxungu,tronglngbitrngmicgi
storaslantruyn,gingnhnmnhanhnhngvinsixungmtciaotnhmch.Ribtanhcngnghelnlncui,ninhnglignnhlbiu
tngcahthnginthoiskhaithibygiminNamthnd:
Al,Trungtm,bnctrnngdykhng?
Trungtmctrnngdytht,nhngtrongmtkhonhkhckhngthtnnlicinthoivinngknhangbkchng.Saucng,cta
cngxoayxc.
Vng,thab,bDetterick,itrii,lyChalnglnh,tiangcunguynchoccconcabcbnhyn.
D,cmnc.Marjoriepli.NhngclmnningdychotilinlcvivnphngcnhsttrngTeftoncch?
CnhsttrngcahtTrapinguslmtnggimingvruwhisky,bngtobngthnggitqunovmitctrngphau,mnnmctrng
nhloixdnglautuhtthuc.TibitrngtangtatngnhiulnnColdMountainchngkincingtagil"nhngchngtraicati"khi
hnhivochnhv.Nhnchngnchngkinthihnhnngitrnloighxpmclchnhbntngngimthailng,trongccmtang
hocbantitthinnhth,hocsngbcGrange.MikhicnhsttrngHomerCribusngilnmtchicgh,tilichitinggykhkhcbo
hiussp.Cngmtlctisngyxyrachuynvamongnxyra,nhngngykhngbaogin.Khnglu,khnghnmtmahsaungy
nhngbginhDetterickbbtccngtalncnautimtivnphngcamnh,dngnhtronglcngvicgidaenmibytuitnlDaphne
Shurtleff.Cnhiulixmxvv,cngviviclcnocngkhoekhoangbvvsuthngcontraikhpnirtlliu,lthikbucylthik
nubnmunuatranhiugthccuchmngn"Hoclngingoanohoccti."Nhngconngivnathchkocgi,bnbity
ngitanhnngayramtkocgigiah,vlunluncmthyvuisngkhiaibbtqutangphmtivkhngphilmnh.
Ngoibnchtocgi,ngtacnbtti,mtloingithchchpnhchnhmnhangvvconmocamtqubkhicnginokhcpht
cnhsttrngRobMcGeechnghnthcsliumngchugyxngngnhbngcchtrolncyacmoxung.
McGeelngngheMarjorieDettericklinhitrongkhonghaipht,ringtlibtabngbnhaynmcuhingnngivcclc,gingnhmtchin
binhdydntungranhngcnhnhvomt,mtlotcmnhvrnnnimubtratrckhiau.Khicnhngcutrli,ngtabo:
TisgiBoboMarchant.Hncch.Byny,thabDetterick.Nuchngvcontraibv,hygihcngli.Dsaocngphicthi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tronglc,chngvcontraibtaitheoduchntnbtccbadmvhngTyBc,nhngkhirannhngcnhngrivotrongrngthng
thhmtdu.Nhtini,hlnngdn,khngphithsn,vnlcyhbitlangtruyuimtconcth.Trnngtruyui,hphthinloi
vivngkhpviviquncaKathe,vmtmuvingkhccaCora.Chaimuummu,vcKlauslnHowardkhngcnhngmunhlcu
namtskhngnhlnhlnghnchenvonimhivngnngbngcah,lanxungdinhkiunclnhchmxungdivnnghn.
Hhngnhmtvotrongrng,tmkimnhngduhiunhngkhngphthin,nhnvomtnithhaicngkhngcktqu,rinithba.Lnny
hkhmphvtmutungtetrnnhngchiclhnhkimcamtcythng.Hitheohngcvnhngli,rilibtuqutrnhnhnng.Lcy
lchngisng,tsaulng,hbtunghetingngilalivtingchsa.RobMcGeethnhlpmtidnquntrongkhongthigianmcnh
sttrngCribusdngktthctchcphpharumiutintrongngy,vmilmphtsauhtheokpKlausvHowardDetterick,lcyang
longchongmtcchtuytvngquanhbarng.Chngbaolumingilitinln,dnulnhngconchcaBobo.McGeechoKlausvHowardtip
tcivihhskhngquayvdanhtacralnh,btknikhipsbitbaotrcktquphthin,vMcGeehnphihiuiunhnganhta
buchthonrakhisng.Nhngngikhccnglmth,McGeeninhvyantonhn.iuanhtakhngnivihlchcgianhnhDetterick
byucugiaonpnchocnhst.Nabritrvnachmunintncngcncmngvgiiquytchoxong,hlmtheolianhtayucu.KhiRob
McGeethuytphccbconnhDetterickthobngngiaochomnh,clanhtacuJohnCoffeythotkhicucktliuaukh.
Lchsavangvalikohbngquahaidmngybithng,theomihngTyBcykhkhn.Thrihrakhirngnbnbsng
Trapigus,rngvchmchpimny,chytheohngngNamquanhngngnithpcrng,ninhnggianhhCray,RobinettevDuplisseyvn
cntlmlynmandolinvthngxuynkhcranhngcirngsutrongkhicyrungmtvngqusu,ninngckhnngkimchrncvo
sngchnhtritnhngthnhcdcvicongihtrongmchnht.TibitgianhhhuhtuthnhthongcungcpmtbanchoGiSparky.
xabnkiabsng,nhngngitrongtondnquncththymttrithngsulplnhtrnngraycatuynngxehaGreatSouthern.Khong
mtdmxuidngsngvphatayphi,lmtcycubcngang,hngvnhngbithanvngWestGreen.
Tiy,htmthymtvtcrngvbicythpbgimnt,mmunmcnhiungitrongshphinhyluivotrongrngvtgiithotkhi
bansng.HcngngthitmcphnongcnlicaCoratrongvttmmuvHoward,vnvngvngngkhenchonlcy,lili
ngvongibn,sutngtxu.
Chnhtiy,nchcaBoboMarchantccuccivutinvduynhttrongngy.Csuconttc,haiconchsnnibloodhound,haicon
bluetick,vmtschlaidngterriermdnbingiiminNamgilcoonhound.LcoonhoundmunitheohngTyBc,ngclndngTrapingus
bncnlimunitheohngngclihngngNam.Chngrivonhautrongmdydtch,vmcdbochkhngnggnchuynny,
ticthhnhdungranhnglichithghrncaBobogingxungunch,trongkhianhtasdngibntaychcchnylphncgiodc
nhtcaanhtachnhnchng.Vothicati,ticbitmtsnginuichsnvkinhnghimchotibit,tnhtheogiaicpthhquthtlcon
nhningn.
Bobothungndydtthnhmtgi,rigmanhongrchntcaCoravominch,nhthnhcnhchngviuchnganglmngoitri
vomtngymnhitsl100vobuitra,vcnbunnnlunquntrongutondnqunnhnhngmmy.Lcoonhoundngimtln
na,quytnhngn,rittcphngxuitheodngsng,savangdy.
Khngymiphtsaucbndngli,nhnthyhkhngnghecchtingchsa.ylmtmthanhgingtingtruhnltingsa,vlth
mthanhmchkhngbaogiphtra,ngayctrongccimhphi.ylmtthmthanhmchaaitrongshnghe,nhnghnhnrangay,rng
ylmtconngi.Hklinhth,vtitinh.Tinghmnhcngsnhnra.Tinghtngngheconngigolntheocchkhiitrnconng
dnnghin.Khngnhiuphn ln cm nn v yn lng i, hoc ni chuyn tu, nh th y l mt bui picnic ca lp hc nhng mt s t th c.
Thngthnglnhngktinrngangcctht,vbitrngnangchhcuiDmngXanh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Bobolithungndydtchlnna.Chngrtnggivanhtakhngcnhmtchngchotingtruinlonphaxadikia.Nhngngi
khcthnpnvngcbm.Tingtrukhinttcbnhlnhtot,mhitunradicnhtayvchyxunglngnhnc.Khingitashi
nlnhtotnhththhcnmtngichhuynuphitiptc,vphtcnhsttrngMcGeechhuyh.Anhtatinlnphatrcvmnhdn
bcnmthngcynhrakhicnhrngbntayphi,trongkhitonngicnliloslbctheosaucchkhongnmbcchn.Anhtachdngli
mtln,rahiuchongitolnnhttrongbnSamHollisignKlausDetterick.
Phabnkiatngcycthmnhiuvtttrng,tringcvorngbntayphi.Bntrilsndcdi,thoaithoicabsng.Ttcngliti
ch,chtsng.Tinghhsvtvrtnhiungthyiutrcmth,vskhngaitrongshqunnicnhtngnlmtthcmng,l
liuvmhdinhmttri,vtxanhnghnhthcbngoicacucsngttvbnhthngbantthincanhth,idotrnnhngcon
nglngqu,cngviclngthin,nhntnhitrnging.Trongmiconngicmtcis,vtinibnnghe,cmtcistrongcucicattc
mingi.Ngyhmy,hnhnthyiu,nhngconngihthycinherngikhingsaunci.
Ngitrnbsng,trongbolinqunmubc,vymulgnngtolnnhtmchaaitrongshtnggpJohnCoffey.Bnchnkhngl,
ngnciloerakhngmanggiy.Trnugqunmtcikhnbcmu,theokiuphnvngququnkhnkhivonhth.Ruinhngbayquanhg
thnhmtmmyen.Cuntrntrongmicnhtayglcixctrntricamtbgi.Mitcvngcachng,mtthixonttvnhnht,bygibt
vouvvymu.Gnngmchngangngirnglntricaonhmtconbkhdi,imnusmcagbngnhyncmt,bmtmom
trongcncothtghrnvaukh.Ghthitnghi,ngcphnglnnkhinhngdyeoymcngra,rinhslngkhngkhmnhmngbng
nhngtingtru.Ccbnthngcthytrongborng"kstnhnkhngtrahihn",nhngtrongtrnghpnythsai.JohnCoffeybxtanntviu
ggyra...nhngscnsng.Nhngbgithkhng.Chngbphanhthytheomtcchcnbnhn.
Dngnhkhngaithccmnhngnhngnngtrurngmtbaolu,cngth,quamtsngrngphnglng,nhnchicxehapha
bnkiaanglaotrnngrayhngvchiccubcquasng.Dngnhhnhntrongmtgihayvnhvin,thnhngchuynxehavnkhngtin
cxahn,cvnhchchytich,gingnhmtatrgimchnhndi,mttrikhngnpmnhsaubngmyvcnhtngkhngbchemtrc
mt.Nngaytrcmth,thtnhmtvtchcn.GdaenlcltiluiCoravKathecnglclvignhbpbtrongtaymtgkhngl.Cc
bpthtvymutrnitaytotngtrncagccovoginra,covoginra.
ChnhKlausDettericklngiphvcnhtngbtng.ngtagoln,xngthngvoconquivthmhipvgitchtcongimnh.SamHollis
bitnhimvvcgngthihnhnhngkhngc.AnhtacaohnKlaus6inchvnnghntnht70pound,nhngKlausdngnhchlcvaitutra
khivngtaymcaSam.Klausphngquavtttrnggia,vouCoffey.Chicgiyngclpsabngbnh,bcmichuavscnng,p
trngvothidngbntricaCoffeynhngdngnhgkhngccmgic.Gchngi,thanvnaion,lclvnhnquabnkiasng.
PhicnnbnngitchnginngdninlonrakhiJohnCoffey,vngtatngchoCoffeytikhngbitlbaonhiucclittrc
khihlicngtara.CvCoffeykhnghhnggtiptcnhnsangbnkiasngvthanvn.VphnDetterick,ttcchchinuttlmkhisau
cngngtabkoranhthmtdnginximkdchyquagdaenkhnglvkhistipxccaDetterickvinguninsaucngbctt
thngtarxung,nhngibvngrakhidyin.ngtadngchnqutrnbsng,taypvomt,khcncn.Howardnvibvhmnhau,
trnchmvotrn.
Haingitrngchngh,trongkhinhngngicnlilpthnhmtvngsngng,vyquanhgdaenangrnr.Dngnhgvnkhngnhn
thyttcmingi.McGeebcraphatrc,thayichntrtchnnysangchnkiamtcht,ringixmxungt.
ngi!Anhtanibngmtgingm,vCoffeynnngay.McGeenhnvoimtvnmuvkhc.Thmchngvntroncmt,nhthai
livinctrongngig.imtkhclc,thnhngvldono,chngvhn...xavngvbnhthn.Tinghchnglimtklnhtmti
tngthytrongi,vMcGeecngnghth.
Gingmtcamtconvtchabaoginhnthyloingi.AnhtanivimtphngvintnHammersmithngaytrcphinta.
ngi,ngcnghetinikhng?McGeehi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vchmchp,Coffeygtu.Gvnvngtaymnhngconbpbkhngniccag,cmcachngpvongcnnkhngthyrmt,mt
trongnhngnhutimChathythchhpbanbvohmy.
ngctnkhng?McGeehi.
JohnCoffey.Gtrlibnggingkhnc,mncmt.Coffeynhthncung,ciukhngvitging.
McGeegturilyngncichvotiongccngphngcaCoffey.ClMcGeethygingnhmtkhusngmtgtoxccCoffeykhngcn
nsnggyha,nugquytnhratay.
Cigtrong,JohnCoffey?Mtkhusnglc?
Khng,thangi.Coffeynigingkhnc,vimtklbngoimncmtvaun,bntrongxavngvbnhthnkhcthng,nhth
conngithtcaJohnCoffeyninokhc,angnhnramtquangcnhkhc,ninhngbgibsthikhngngxthitmkhngrikhimt
phtcnhsttrngMcGee.Chlmttbantracati.
,coino,mttbantra,ngkhng?McGeehivCoffeygturinivngthangiviimtchyncvncmithlbnngoi.
Nhngloinginhngyuramttbantra,JohnCoffey?Cdnlnggibnhtnh,mcdlcyanhtangicmicccb,thycl
ruinhngloanglongvthngthcnhngchttrnngichng.Saunyanhtanimitccachnglchuynthinht...chititnykhngc
ng trn bt c t bo no n c xem l qu rng rn c trong gia nh. Khng, ti bit s vic ny t tay phng vin vit li cu chuyn, ng
Hammersmith.Saunytinthmngta,bivsaunyJohnCoffeytrthnhnimnhcati.McGeekviHammersmithrngmitcvngcachng
khngcnlmuvngna.Nlmunuvng.Muttcara,chyxungmnhmtththucnhumtctit,vbnkhngcnphilbcsthy
rngxngsmnhmaicachngbpvonhaubngscmnhcahaicnhtaysy.Clchngkhc.Clgmunlmchochngnn.Nu
nhngcbnygpmaymnthchuynnyxyratrckhichngbhmhip.
Vicchngkincnhtnglmchomtconngithtkhmsuyngh,kcvingicngquytthihnhnhimvnhphtcnhsttrng
McGee.Suynghkhngngcthgyrasailm,cthgythmmu.McGeehtmthisuvttrntnh.Dsaocngphicgng.
Thangi,tikhngnhchnhxc,nutinisaithtilch.Coffeynibnggingnghnngovncmt.Nhnglmttbantra,
phi,sandwichvtinghcmngimngt.
Cltiphichnhmtnhnthy,vianhthcngththi.McGeeni.Liuhnchcng,JohnCoffey.nglmth,tri,bivcsngang
nhmvoanhlmchoanhbinmttthtlngtrln,chcnanhnhcnhchmtngntaythi.
Coffeynhnsangbnkiasngvkhngcng,trongkhiMcGeenhnhngthctayvotiongctrnymvlirathgcgibnggiybo
vctbngmtsidycacahngtht.McGeethodyvmgigiyra,mcdanhtabitchcnglthCoffeynimttbantra.Cmt
bnhsandwichthtlnmuicchuavmtgithch.Ccmnngmdm,gibngchnhtrangbochmJohnCoffeykhngbaogickhnnggii
p.Khngcxcxch.BowserxihtsxcxchtrongbantraticaJohnCoffey.
McGeeagithcntraquavaichomttrongnhngngikia,mtkhngriJohnCoffey.Ngixmxungnhth,anhtaqugnchophp
txaolng,dchmtgiy.Bantracgilnnavctlichoanton,saucngntayBoboMarchant,anhnybnvobal,nianhtathcn
chonch.Githcnkhngcaralmvtchngtiphintacngltiphntnycathgiivnnhanhnhy,nhngkhngnhanhnhy
bngbnhsandwichthtlnmuicchuabinchtmcdccnhchpcctrngra.
Chuyngxyray,JohnCoffey?McGeethpginghi,vnghimchnhnht.Anhmunktinghekhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
VCoffeykchoMcGeevnhngngikiagnnhchnhxciugkchotinghechngcnglnhnglicuicngcngtvintuynbvihi
thmtiphinxnJohnCoffey.
Tikhngthlmg.JohnCoffeyni,mnhngcbbgit,bcnghiptrntritrongtay.Ncmtlibtutroxungmg.Ticgngrt
li,nhngqumun.
Ny,mybbtvtigitngi.McGeetuynb,rianhtanhncbtvomtJohnCoffey.
Hithmrangoitrongbnmilmpht.Chvathigiannmttbatracachnhh.Tithihcnlngdnomnung.
Chng5
Tinghbnbittikhngkhmphcttcnhngskinvomtbuichiunngncthngmitrongcithvintrigiamspbkhait,t
mtbbocchtngtrongcpstngcamPomana,nhngtibitkhngmhmy.Khivtithcgiclchaigisngvbtgptingi
trongnhbpangungbuttermilkvhtthucqunBugler,nnghitichuyngkhngnvtinidi,mttrongtinhnglnnidisutchng
nghnnhnludicachngti.TinivachmviPercyWetmorelnna.Ttnhinlc,nhngykhngphilldonngbtgptithc
dysm.TithngckhnngbPercylivnphng.
Thi,qunciqutothiyivquayvging.Vtini.Emccisgipanhngcvanhcthcnhngganhmun.
Emninghehpdny,nhnganhnghchngtakhngnn.Tip.Anhcchuynrcrinhvihthngncthicaanhvkhngmuntrt
sangem.
Vtinhngmtbnlngmyln.
Hthngncthih?Nngni.EmonchcanhlngnhngvigiimbnhhonkhinBatonRougelnvaqua.Tichabaogin
BatonRougevcngchabaogingnmtgiim,vchaichngtiubitnhth.
Chlcibnhnhimtrngngtiucthi.Titrli.ManhthngbocontraimcbnhvitiukhigiBcniln.
Manhcngthngngilnhsutngynublmlmui.Vtini.BcsSadler.
Khng,thangi.Tini,taygiln.ngymunanhungthucsulfa,vanhsnnmatrongkhpgcvnphng,nhngtrcmt,anhnghtt
nhtchngtatrnhxasnchi.
Nnghnlntrnngaytrnlngmybntricati,mtcchlunlunlmtinidag...vJanicebitrtriu.
Tinghipcng.CnhthgPercyWetmoretitchavy.Smvogingnh.
Tilmth,nhngtrckhilm,tibcrahinsaunhtrtrangoi."Trtbutms"ngoitrilmtcithcacucsngvngqumcc
nhthkhngbaogimiutni,nhngmhmytikhngvuithchtnodngncthotrakhingitibngrtnhmtdngduhabtchy.
Tuythtinghchngbnhnnghnvochiuhm,vbitntrnnghnthaihocbangytrc.Tihivngcthbtukhibnh.Cha
baoginimhivnglithiucnchnth.Khngaichotibitrngikhivitrngxmnhpvotrong,nivnmpvmt,licthnghngimt
hochaingytrckhimnhmtrli.Tisngcnhinkhibitiu.Tiscnngcnhinhnnakhibitrngtronghaiminmna,scthuccho
bnungqutcithnhimtrngvngrakhihthngcabntrongthigianklc...vtrongkhinhngloithuccthlmbnnnnaomtcht
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ddyhocchylngtrongrut,chnggnnhkhngbaogilmchobnnnmanhthucvinsulfacabcsSadler.Vonmbamihai,bnkhng
thlmgnhiuhnlchi,vcmlicicmgiccaiduhavocthbnridmtquedimvo.
Tiktthcmuthuclcnli,vophngtm,risaucngthipngc.Timthynhngbgicnciethnvmudnhtrntc.
Snghmsaucmtmugiyghinhmuhngtrnbngiycati,yucutighquavnphngGimthngaykhicth.Tibitlchuyngc
nhnglutchibtthnhvnnhngrtquantrng,vngyhmquaclctithichitheolutvtitrhonlunmccth.Gingnhnbc
svchuynrcrihthngncthicamnh,tilunnghrngcitr"giiquytchoxong"nybthiphngqung.
DgticngkhngvinvnphngcaGimthMoores.Thayvo,ticichicokhocngphcbnglenra,vtlnlngghvbtquttrong
gcphnglithmmtngynngbc.RitingixungvxemquabnbocotrcmcaBrutusHowell.Khngcgnglongi.Delacroixkhclc
saukhivoginghunhmnocngkhc,khcchobnthngnhiuhnchonhngngimgthiusng,tidmchcthrisaulyng
Jingles,conchut,rakhicihpxg,ninng.iukhinDelduxung,vgngngonnhembsutmcnli.DngnhngJinglesnmtrn
bngDelacroix,uicunlitrnchn,mtmtraotro.NhthChaquytnhDelacroixcncmtthinthnhmnh,nhngquynhtrongtrtuca
Ngirng,chmtconchutnhtmithchhpvimtconchutcngnhanhbngitngintLouisianacachngta.Khngphittcnhngiu
nmtrongbococaBrutus,dnhin,nhngbnthntitrcmnhiuhiucn.CmtonvnttvCoffey:"Nmthaothc,phn
nhiuimlng,clkhcmtcht.Tithgichuyn,nhngsauvitingcunhuplicaCoffey,tichothua.CthPaulhocHarrygpmayhn."
Thgichuyn.Thtsltrngtmcngviccachngti.Lcytikhngbit,nhngnhnlitimthunlicatuigiklny,tihiunl
trngtm,vtisaolcytikhnghiunqutott,ltrngtmivicngviccachngti,chngnhhtthltrngtmivissngcachng
ta.Nkhngququantrngnhngngilmvicthivphigiigichuyn,nhngiviti,Harry,BrutalvDeanlivcngthityu...vngiithch
tisaoPercyWetmorelmttaiha.Tnhnghthn,lnhgcghthn...mingighthn,clngoitrnhngmiquanhchnhtrcahn,bnthn
Percy,vcthlmhn.Hnnhmtliuthchtnrcvobnhci,vtinghmnhbithnbcmitaihangaytu.Hnlmttainnrnhrp
xyra.Vphnttcchngti,hnchngtischgiucitngchorngchngtihotngchiuqu,khngchnhngicanhgcnhngkbkt
n,nhngcnnhchuynvintmlcahngyhmnaymtphnconngitivncnmunchgiutngnhngchngtibitcchgichuyn...
vnukhngnichuyn,nhngkimtviGiSparkyscthiquenthilhain.
TighichvobndibococaBrutalnhgichuynviJohnCoffeyrichuynquamtghichcaCurtisAnderson,angchilnhDOE
spnchoEdwardDelacrois(Andersonvitsaichnht,thcstnglEduardDelacroix).DOEnghalngythihnhn,vtheothCurtisctinc
thmquynchobitgngiPhpnhbsbctrnDmngXanh,khnglutrclHalloweenanhtaonchcnhtlngyhaimibythng
mi,vnhngtinoncaCurtisAndersonthrtthngtho.Nhngtrccthchngtisnhnmtgtnhnmi,tnWilliamWharton.Glci
myanhthchgil"tremcvn".Hungbo,inrvkiungovtnhcch.Langbtkhptiubangsutnmngoi,saucnggyrachuynln.
Gitbangitrongmtvcpgit,mtlphncthai,gitngithtticngravolcnhsttiubang.Gchgithtmtntuvmtngim".
Tihibuncitrciuny."Whartonmichntui,xmhnhBillytheKidtrnbptaytri.Anhsphipvominmthayhailn,timbovi
anhiu,nhnghycnthnkhiratay.Thngnycccni."Anhtagchdicucuinyhailn,riktlun:"ngthincthlklmphthi
gi.Nangtinhnhkhngco,vthctlvthnhnin."
Mtthngnhcinr,tinhnhkhngco,ckhnngngitmtthigian.,ttcnghehaytht.tnhinngycvnngnchnbaogiht,v
tikhngthtrhonvicgpGimthMooresna.
TilmvicchobaGimthtrongnhngnmlmlnhgcColdMountainHalMooreslngisaucngvttnht.Lngthin,thngthn,thmch
thiucscsocbncaCurtisAnderson,nhngctrangbvathlcchnhtrgicchcvtrongnhngnmum...vlimchnh
khngbcmdbitrchi.Mooresskhngleocaohnna,nhngvingthdngnhthltmc.Lcyngnmmichntui,gngmty
nthnsunhmtchsnbloodhoundmclBoboMarchantsthchngay.ngcmitctrng,bntayrunryvmtchnglitno,nhngmnh
6/30/2017 DmXanh
m.Nmtrc,khimtgtnhnxngvongtrongsntpthdcvikhcgchutnhn,Mooresvngivngtth,chplyctaythngkhn,vn
mnhnnixngvnghenhtingcnhcykhnkhibttronglanng.Qunhtnhngaun,gtnhngcxungbnvbtugolngi
m.
Taokhngphiby!MooresnibnggingminNamcgiodc.Nhngnulby,taosvnvylnvtvomytcinisinhramy.
Khitibcvovnphng,ngdmngdyvtivytayrahiuchongngixung.Tilyghngiidinquabngiyvbtuhithmvv
ng...ngoitrtrongthgiicachngti,ngoiibnkhngxsnhth.
Cgixinhpcangthno?lcuhicati,nhthMelindamichnhnmibymahtriquathayvsumiba.Squantmcati
lthttnhblngiphnticthyuvkthn,nunhngicachngtigpnhaunhngticngchngngilmchongyxaolng
cngvicicht.
ngthdi.
Khngkhelm,Paul.Khngkhechtno.
Nhcuthmna?
Tunnychmtln,nhngllntitnht,byphinmgnsutngyhmkia.Vbygitnhtrngyubntayphigiatng.ngygibntay
phimunuln.Chaichngtinhnnrunrybntrnbnthmmctrongmtthng,ringlihtayxung.
Ticthnirngngyschumtbtciugkhngphikvitiiuangk,vtischumtbtciugkhngphingheiu.
NhngcnnhcucaMelindabtuvomaxun,sutmahnmybcsringcabcnichnglchng"aunauvlolngcngthng",
clvvicHalspvhugystress.Ngoitrvickhngaitrongshcthchivicngvhu,vvtiborngchngnhcnaulbnh
cagiitr,khngphibnhcangiginthiimbnhnhnbngtuiMelindaMoores,thngthnghstthnchkhngxui.Vbygin
tnhtrngbntayyu.Tinghekhnggingbnhlolngcngthngmnghenhchngtqungnguynra.
BcsHaverstrommunvtinbnhvintnIndianolaxtnghim.Mooresni.ngtalchpXquangu.Aimbitcngkhcna.B
ysmuncht.ngdngli,rinithm.Nitht,ticngs.
Phi,nhngnghylochobytinhnhi.Tipngchi.NuharathgngitanhncbngXquang,cthsharathg
ngitachac.
Phi!ngyng,ritrongthongchckhonhkhcduynhttrongcucnichuyncachngti,nhtinhlinhmtchngtigpvkha
chtvonhau.Cmtthhiubithontontrntrigiachngti,khngcnni.Phi,cthlchngtqu.Cngcthlmtkhiuphttrintrong
nobbyvnuth,cmayccbcsIndianolacthlmcgchtmongmanhnconskhng.Lcylnm1932,nnnhiu,thikm
thmchvimtthtnginginnhnhimtrngngtiuthhoclthucsulfavlithi,hocchungvchi.
Ticmnanhquantm,Paul.BygitanichuynvPercyWetmore.
Tirnlnvchemtli.
Sngnaytinhnccinthoitthphtiubang.VinGimthbnhthnni.Mtcgikhgind,mtichcanhcthhnhdungra.
PaulnyThngcruqupnmcgnnhlotakhnghinhu,nuanhhiuti.Vvlocnganhcmtcon.aconlPercyWetmore.m
quaPercygiinchob,ribPercygiinchoccaPercy.Ticcnvchraphncnlichoanhkhng?
Khng.Titrli.Percylmchlo.CnhthnghctrngomchthynbtgpJackvJillmhnnhautrongphngctochong.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Phi.Mooresng.ngltmc.
ngbitchuynxyragiaPercyvDelacroixkhiDelacroixnhptrich?Tihi.Percyvcydicuighokhnkipcahny?
Bit,nhng...
Vngbitthnhthonghnliqutcydicuidctheochnsongnhthno,chthuntyvthtnh.Hntinvngungc.Tikhngbitcnchu
nihncbaoluna.ylstht.
Chngtibitnhaucnmnm.cthlmtqungthigiandingitahahpvinhau,cbitkhicngviclnhissnglyci
cht.iutimunnilngyhiuti.Chngphitisbvic,khngthbvictrongkhicuciKhngHongangquanhqunbnngoiccbc
tng nh t nh mt con th nguy him, mt con th khng th b em nht nh trch nhim ca chng ti. Nhiu ngi gii hn ti ang vt vng ngoi
nghoclmvothcicp.Ticmaymnvbitriuconcilnlnvncmc,cikhicmthchnng200poundctrakhilng
ngctithainmnay.Nhngmtgnngphicn,vvhncngphin.ngthi,chngtiquenchocongichngtivanhconr20la
mikhicth.Anhtalmtgiovintrunghcthtnghip,vothinunhthchatiuchuntuytvngthcitchngcnnghagna.
Vythkhng,bnkhngbciviclmctrlngbngchiphiunhcati...khnglnhlngmbu.Nhngmathunmymutikhnglnh.
Nhitbnngoivl,bnhnhimtrngbquanhtrongngiticnlmtngnhitkhnna.Vkhimtconngilmvothtnhhungnhvy,i
khicmcaanhtattungratheocan.VnubnmtlnnhkcthlcnhPercyWetmore,bnnntiptcnh,bivkhngththilui.
Hykintr.Mooreslnglkhuyn.yliutigivoanhni.Tinmcnguntincthmquynthctlngigiinchotisng
naychobitPercynpnxinvictiBriar,vncahncchpthun.
Briar.Tithtln.ylBriarRidge,mttronghaibnhvincngthuctiubang.Thngnhclmgvy?Thanhtracstiubangchng?
Cngvicqunl.Lngcaohnvygiyt,thayvygingbnhdiscnngbanngy.ngytngtimtnciyvthnhkin.Paul,
anhbity,lraanhloichnnukhngnhthnvophngcinviVanHaykhiTtrngbctrnDmngXanh.
Trongmtthong,iungnicvlthngnnitikhngcmanhmihiungnhnig.Cltikhngmuncmanhmi.
Thtiscthnvou?Tihi.LyCha,hngnnhcchiuhnlmgKhu!hnthamgiavoithihnhn...Tikhngnihtcu.
Khngthnihtcu.Timnngphmsailmdngnhkhngcktthc.
Tuynhin,anhslmngnuchohnxuthinviDelacroix.Nghal,nuanhmuntrkhhn.
Tinhnngy,minghhc.Saucngtinmcmuchtcthphtbiu.
ngnig?Rnghnmunntnnicthngicmittibnngchn?
Mooresnhnvai.nhmtng,vndudngkhinivvmnh,trnnst.
CicancaDelacroixsbnngchndWetmorecthamgiaihaykhng?ngni.ngkhng?
Vng,nhnghncthlmhngchuyn.Hal,trnthctnhtnhhnslmhngchuyn.Litrcmtkhongbaminhnchngnakia...vcc
phngvintLouisianaln...
6/30/2017 DmXanh
AnhvBrutusHowellphimbokhngchohnsailm.Mooresp.Vnunhhncsailm,svicscghivohs,vsvics
cnludi,csaukhithlcchnhtrcahntiutan.Anhhiuch?
Tihiu.iulmtimunphtbnhvhongsnhngtihiu.
CthhnmunlivCoffey,nhngnuchngtagpmay,hnscnhngghncntDelacroix.Anhnhtnhspxpchohnxuthinmt
lnny.
TickhochyPercyvophngcinlnna,sauxungdihm,cmsngbovbngcachDelacroixraxechxcbnkiang,
idintrigiam,nhngritivtttcnhngkhochquavai,khngnhnlimtlnthhai.Tigtu.Ticthcmnhangnhbc,nhngti
cccn.loitrPercyWetmore,tisnsngvocmiqus.Hncththamgiavoithihnhn,chpcimkimloilnutti,rinhnquatm
phnstvboVanHayngcudaohncthnhngngiPhpnhbcitrntiachpmhn,PercyWetmore,thttrongchaira.Cchohn
hngcithvuirunryghtm,nuyliucnghaivihn.ChnnBriarRidge,nihnscvnphngringvmtciqutlmmt.
Vnulochbnthnggiabthtbitrongkbucsauvhnphihiuthnollaongtrongcithgiinhcnhnchynngck,nikhngphitt
cbnxuubnhtsauchnsongstvthnhthongchnhmnhbqutroivou,thmcxchn.
c.Tinivngdy.TischohnxuthinviDelacroix.Vtrcmt,tigignhabnh.
Tt.ngypvcngngdy.Nhntin,vncaanhthno?ngtnhchvohbcati.
Cvhnmtcht.
Ththtt.ngtintiraca.Nhntin,Coffeythno?Gsgyrcrikhng?
Tinghlkhng.Titrli.Chonnaygvnynlngnhmtcongcht.Grtklimtklnhngynlng.Tuynhinchngtivn
theodi.nglo!
Dnhinanhbitglmg.
Chcchn.
ngtintiranvnphngngoi,nicgigiHannahvnnhvtvicimynhchhiuUnderwoodnhthuno.Tirtmngcikhi.
Xtchocng,ticmthynhthotnnmtcchddng.Sauht,thtttpkhibitcchithotkhigPercy.
nggiMelindamtgitnhcmycati.Tini.Vcngngimuathmchomnhmtstphinhna.Clsharachnglgngoi
chngnhcnau.
Cnphini.Mooresp,vbndiimtbnhhon,mingynmtnci.Mtkthpgnnhmaquingnguynra.
Vphnmnh,titrliKhuEbtumtngymi.Cgiytcvvit,snnhlauchi,cbandnra,mtbngphncngtrc
sonchotunsau,chngtrmchititxemxt.Nhnghuhtlchiiunythtrongtrigiamlunlunthathi,nhiunnikhngbaogiht.
ChEduardDelacroixbctrnDmngXanh,chWilliamWhartonnvicimicongcnvhnhxmBillytheKid,vtrnht,chPercyWetmorect
rakhicuciti.
Chng6
ConchutcaDelacroixlmttrongnhngbmtcaCha.TichabaogithymtcontrongKhuEtrcmah,vkhngbaogithymtconsau
mathunmy,khiDelacroixraikhisbubncachngtivomtmthngminngbc,ygingtraitheomtkiucchtitnmcti
6/30/2017 DmXanh
khngsaonhlic.DelacroixxcnhnghunluynconchutvnbtucucsnggiachngtivicitnSteamboatWilly,nhngtithts
nghngcli.DeanStantoncngcmthynhth,cBrutalna.Chaicmttichkhiconchutxuthinlnu,vnhBrutalani:
Convtchunluynnavi,vthngminhgphailngCajuntrongbtctngnogc.
Deanvtiangtrongvnphng,xemxtthnghsnmtrc,chunbvitnhngthmibsungchonhnchngtrongnmvthihnhn,
vsuvkhc,ringcvnm1929.Vcnbn,chngtichmunbitmtiu:hchilngvisphcvkhng?Tibitniranghelbch,nhng
ylmttnhtonquantrng.Lnhngngiphingthu,hlkhchhngcachngti,nhnglkhchhngcbit.Mtnginnghocphn
xuthinvonamchngkinmtngiphichtlcmtldocbit,thcbchcmt,mtnhucucbit.Nuvicthihnhnlmts
trngphtthangthnhucuphicthamn.Hccmng.Mcchcasthihnhnlchohthycmngchmdt.Thmchc
lcchmihiuqu.
Ny!Brutallntinggitngoica,nicuyangtrngibngiyuhnhlang.Ny,haingi!Ray!
Deanvtitrmtnhnnhauvicngcmgicbong,nghrngchuyngxyravigdantOklahoma(gtnArlenBitterbuck,nhng
chngtigiglTtrng...hoctheoliHarryTerwilliger,lTtrngPhmaiD,vHarryboBitterbuckhimid),hocvigchngtigilTng
thng.NhngriBrutalbtuci,vchngtihptpraxemchuyngxyra.ChuyncicttrongKhuEnghengngnnhcitrongnhthvy.
TootToot,lotnhntncncnhimvyxethcnvothik,iquavicixeylinhthingymnnngonvBrutalchtmtngsau
mtmdibacibnhsanwich,hailincsibtvmtvicibnhMoonPie.KcmtdaxlchkhoaitymToothnthungtnhbptrigiam,
thccoilngoikhnngcalo.Brutalmquynnhtkcngtctrcmtanhtavmtiukdiuno,anhtachalmthglny.Tt
nhinanhtamichbtu.
G?Deanhi.Cchuyng?
Rtcucnmnaycquanlpphptiubangchcphimrnghubaothuthmlnhgc.Brutalni,vncnci.Nhnka!
Anhtachtayvchngtinhnthyconchut.Ticngbtuci.Deanphhatheoti.Thtsbnkhngthdngc,vmtlnhgcituntra
theotuamilmphtnglphongcchmconchutradng:mttnlnhgcnhxu,lngl,mbokhngchoknotmcchchytrnhoctt.
NchylontonmtonvphachngtidctheoDmngXanh,sauquayusanghaibnnhthangkimtraccxlim.Rinvtlntrcmt
onna.Vicnghecchaitnhnhinticachngtiangngythayvgotht,vtingci,cchnolmchoconchutcngkhihihn.
Nlmtconchutnuhontonbnhthng,ngoitrdngvangkimtraccxlim,nhanhnhnnhyquanhngchnsongbnditheomt
cchmtitngtngnhiutnhncachngti,tqukhnhinti,sphiganht.Dnhinngoitrvictnhnlunmunnhyrangoi.
Conchutkhngvohaixlimcngi,mchvonhngxlimtrng.Saucng,nngnchchngti.Tivnchnquayli,nhngnkhnglm
th.Nkhngtraschngtichtno.
Mtconchutxngnchcngitheokiuthtkhngbnhthng.Deanlnting,vhoangmang.Clnmcbnhdi.
i,lychati.Brutalniquamtmingybnhsandwichthtb.Chuynvinchngvchut.ngChuty.Cucthynsibtmpkhng,
ngChut?
Tikhngthymingcan.Deantrli,viulilmchochngtibuncilnna.Ticngkhngthymingcan,nhngcththy
nhngdunhmuenlcpmt,vtikhngthycvinhocbnhdigc.Cpmtnhnchmchvthngminh.Tianhiuconngivo
chchtnhngngiccholclinhhnbttnhngtrnghngungchnconchut.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
NvtchytrnDmngXanhnmtimcchbntrckhngybafeet...vndngli,cunuiquanhbnchn,ngnnhmtqu
bxpnpvy.
Tithicingaylptc,tnhincmthycilnhtdathtxuynvotnxngty.Timunnikhngbittisaoliccmgicnhthkhngai
munldinviiugslmchohcvhocninngngngnnhngdnhintibit,vnucthnistht,tinghcthnisthtvchuynny.
Trongthongchctitngtngmnhlconchut,khngphilnhgcnhngchlmtphmnhnbktntrnDmngXanh,bktnvtrng
phtnhngvncncanmnhnlnmtcibngiydngnhxaxihngdm,vnhnnhnggkhngloxanh,gingninngnngisaubn.
NhnggkhnglbnngloicanbngsngBB,pchngbngchi,hoctbybtchng,nhngcibybgylngchngtronglcthntrng
btrnch"ChinThng"nhmnhpmingphmaitrncidanhbngng.
Lcykhngcchibncnhbngiy,nhngcmtcixlaunhviminggicnnmtrongtrcvtnctilautmthmtrisnmuxanhvi
ttcsuxlimtrckhingixungsonthnghsviDean.TithyDeannhchpmingginmconchut.Tisvoctayanhtangaykhingn
tayanhtachmvocicnmngmanhbngg.
nyn.Tini.
Anhtanhnvaivrttayli.Ticcmtnganhtakhngmunpnnhiuhntimun.
Brutalxmtgcbnhsandwichthtb,charaphatrcbngiy,nhnhngxengiahaingntay.Conchutdngnhnhnlnvivthchthsinh
nghnna,nhthnbitchnhxclvtg.Clnbit,tithynhngsirugitgittrongkhiminngnguy.
ich,Brutal,ng!Deankuln,rinhnti.ngcuylmth,Paul!Nucunuiconvtkhnkipthclchngtaphitrithmnghnh
nbtcthgibnchn.
Tichmunxemnslmg.Brutalni.Gingnhvlichcakhoahcvy.Anhtanhnti.Tilsp,thmchctrongnhngtrgiitrvtnh
thny.Tinghviuvnhnvainhkhngcgngk,dcchnyhaycchkhc.Sthtl,ticngmunxemnslmg.
Phi,conchutnmingbnh.Nichocng,cuciKhngHongvncntipdin.Nhngcicchnnmilmcbntibmhoc.Ntinn
gnmubnhsandwich,ngichungquanh,ringidnglntrcmubnhnhconchlmxic,chplynvgtphnbnhmralycmingtht.
Nhnhngcchvhiubit,nhmtngichimivoathtbrnngonmingtrongnhhngathchcamnh.Tichabaogithymtconvt
nonnhth,kcmtconchnhchunluyntt.Vsuttronglcn,nkhnghrimtkhichngti.
Hocnlmtconchutthngminh,hocnangirhng.Mtgingnimictln.lBitterbuck.Gthcgicvangngsauchn
songxlim,trntri,ngoitrchicqunngnxy.Mtiuthucltqunthragiakhptngntaythhaivthbabntayphi,mitcxmca
gxatrnivaiclmtthitngsnchcnhngbygibtunhothtthnhmtcpbm.
Anhbitcungnngnocadndavchutkhng.Ttrng?Brutalhi,mtnhnconchutangn.Cbnchngtiubmhocbicch
thcconchutcmgngngmuthtbbngchntrc,thnhthongxoayhoclicmutht,tahangthnphcvthngthc.
Khng!Bitterbucktrli.Tibitmtchinbinhtngcmtthmanhtaniligngtaybngdachutnhngtikhngtin.Gci,nhthton
blchuyna,ririkhichnsong.Chngtinghetingspngctktkhignmxungli.
mthanhdngnhbohiuchoconchutbi.Nnhtvtnangcm,ngiphncnli,ringoinhnchngti,nhthmunnhkhunmt
chngtinugpli.Saunquayivchyvtrakhilinn,lnnykhngdnglikimtraccxlimna.Svivcanlmtinghn
chThTrngtrongtruynAliceXThnTin,vtimmci.Nkhngdnglicaphngklut,nhngbinmtvobndi.Phngklutcnhng
bctngmmdnhchonhngkcbnommimtcht.Chngtictnhngdngclmvsinhtrongkhikhngcnnchomcchnguyn
thy,vmtssch.Cnhngmthngthcngmngh,kcnhngcybtchmumsaunyDelacroixsdngrthiuqu.Khngphivggy
6/30/2017 DmXanh
rinnnhchuynnyxyratrc.ngthitrongphngklutcchicomkhngaimunmcmutrng,maybngthvibtmikhukp,c
nt,mcgivkharasaulng.Ttcchngtiubitcchnhtmtatrngnghchvotrongciokhngch.Chngkhngthngxuynbo
ng,nhngatrlclicachngti,nhngkhichnglncn,bnkhngchchotnhhnhtcithinc.
Brutalthtayvongnkobngiybntrncilngangugi,liramtquynschto,babcda,chngchKhchnThmngtrnmtba
trcbngvng.Bnhthngthquynschnmyntrongngnkotthngnysangthngkhc.Khitnhnckhchnthmtrkhilmtlutshoc
mtvlinhmcgsncnphngbnngoiphngntpth,vncdngchomcch.ChngtiginlTheArcade.Tikhngbittisao.
Cunghcuanglmtrkhgvy?DeanStantonhi,nhnquaphatrngngknhkhiBrutalmquynsch,lnginhngtranggiyghitnkhch
canhngnmthngquanthmnhngkbygicht.
Tunthiulutsmichn.Brutalvanivatmtranghinhnh.Anhtalybtch,limubtmtthiquenkhchumanhtakhngb
cvbtuvit.iulutsmichnquynhngin.TtckhchnthmtiKhuEphitrnhgiyphpmuvngcaPhngQunTrvphi
vos,khngcsst.
Cuymttrri.Deanboti.
Nkhngtrnhgiyphpchochngta,nhnglnnythtibqua.Brutalktlun.Anhtalimubtchlnnacumay,righihngch"chn
gibnmichnti"voctctiuGiVoKhu.
cthi,tisaokhng?Ccsplnclschochuthngngoil.Tilnting.
Dnhinhscho.Brutalng.Khngcti.Anhtaquaylinhnnghtreotngphasaubngiy,riins"10:01"voctctiuGi
RaKhiKhu.KhongtrngdihngiahaiconsnyghitiuHTnKhchThm.Saumtlcsuynghcngthngcltptrungkhnngvitchnh
tcgiihncamnhvtibitchctngnysinhtronguanhtaBrutalHowellcnthnghi"SteamboatWilly",cimphnlnmingigil
ChutMickeyvothibui.Vylphimhothautinctingni,trongconchutlolin,vangcphngvokhpminivgitsidyko
citrongkhoanglicachictuhinc.
Thy.Brutalni,gpmnhquynsch,ritrnlitrongngnko.lxongttcvcint.
Tici,nhngDean,vnkhngthmtnghimchnhvmisvicngayckhianhtabitlchuyna,angnhnmtvgindlaucpknhca
mnh.
Cusgprcrikhiaicc.Anhtadodrinithm.Knokhngngngi.Anhtadodlnna,nhnquanhvivcnth,nh
thsvchctai,trckhiktlun.KnonhPercyWetmore.
.Brutalni.NgyPercyWetmoreantavocibngiynyslngytitchc.
Cuskhngphilmth.Deanpli.Ngi ta s ui vic cu v by tr ch giu trong quyn s Khch n Thm nu Percy mch lo ng

ngi.Vhncth.Cubithncthm.
Brutalqucmcnhnnhngkhngnig.Khuyamhmy,tinghanhtastyxaiuanhtavit.Vnuanhtakhnglm,tislm.
mktip,saukhipgiiBitterbuckvgTngthngnKhuD,nichngtitmchonhmcachngtisaukhicctnhnthngbnht,Brutal
nghchngtinxemSteamboatWillyphngklutdikia.
Tinghchngtaphilmth.Titrli.Chngticithathchvconchutmhmtrc,nhngtibitrngnuBrutalvtiphthinran
phngklutcbitnuphthinnbtugmnhmthnhtrongmtbctngltmthchngtisgitchtn.Thgitgdnng,chod
6/30/2017 DmXanh
gvuinhnbitbao,cnhnphisngvibnhnhhng.V,lratikhngnichobnbit,chaichngtikhngaicunvchuynstchutmtcht.
Xtchocng,gitchutlvicmtiubangtrlngchochngtilm.
NhngmychngtikhngphthinSteamboatWillysaunycbitnnhngJingleslmtrongccbctngltm,hocngsaubt
cthtpnhamthugomnomchngtikhunrangoihnhlang.Crtnhiuthtpnham,nhiuhntitng,vchngtikhngphisdngn
phngkluttrongmtthigiandi.TnhhnhsthayikhiWilliamWhartonnhptri,nhngdnhinlcychngtikhngbit.Qulmaymncho
chngti.
Niuri?SaucngBrutalhi,laumhitrngybngmtdivimuxanh.Khnglhng,khngkhent...thy,nhng...Anhtatachvo
ngcngtrnsn.Bndivstylcng,nicthconchutchuiqua,lmtmngdythpmnnnithmchmtconruicngkhngthqualt.
Lmsaonchuivoc?Lmsaochuira?
Tikhngbit.Tini.
Nquvotrongny,phikhng?tinibachngtanhnthyn.
ng,ngaybndica.Nphipmnhmtcht,nhngquac.
Tri.Brutalthtln.Mttngnghekl,xutphttmtngivmvc.Tnhnkhngthpmnhnhnhth,yliuttp,phi
khng?
Hnri.Tip,ltnhmttrnnhngbctngltnmlncuicng,tmmtcilhng,mtkhent,btcthg.No,taithi.
Bamsau,SteamboatWillyxuthinlnnakhiHarryTerwilligerangngitrctibn.Percycngcmt,rtuiconchuttrnDmngXanh
bngchnhminggimDeannhsdng.ConvtgmnhmddngthotkhiPercy,lunquakhecaphngklut,mtkchinthnghinnhin.Ly
htsccaogingchira,Percymkhacavkhunthrcrirangoilnna.Svicvabuncivangs,Harrykli,Percythstm
cconchutkhnkipvbttciunhtbnhhon,nhngdnhinhnkhnglmc.Mhinhnhivxcxch,vtongphcsaulngthi
rangoiqun,Percytrlibntrcmtgisau,vuttcphxungmtvbochoHarry(ngibnhthnngicbosutthigiannong)rng
hnsbtkhedicnhcabngmtdicchli,cisgiiquytvnconvtvli,hntuynbnhth.
Cunghsaocngc,Percy.Harryp,lttrangbovitvvoperartinmanhtaangc.AnhtanghPercysqunchuynbtcikhedi
cnhca,vanhtang.
Chng7
Cuimangnmy,saukhinhngskinchmdttlu,vomtmBrutalngptikhichcnhaichngti,KhuEtmthibtrngv
ttcnhnglnhgcutmthitiphncng.PercynBriarRidge.
Liy.Brutalnibngmtgingkl,momnmctivngquayli,nghimkhcnhnanhta.Tivamibcvotmtmmalnhlo,v
angrtuytkhivaiotrckhitreonln.
Cgkhngn?Tihi.
Khng.Anhtatrli.NhngtitmthynicangJingles.Khinxuthinlnutin,timunniltrckhiDelacroixnuin.Anhmun
xemkhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Dnhinltimun.TiitheoanhtaxungDmngXanh,nphngklut.TtcccttrongphngcbrahnhlangrrngBrutal
tndngthigianvngkhchdndp.Camvtithycixlaunhcminggibntrongphng.Snphng,cngcimuxanhbnhhonnh
chnhDmngXanh,angkhthnhnhngvtdi.nggiasnphnglmtcithang,loithngdngtrongnhkho,vncngtnhccdngnh
trmcuicngdnhchonhngkbtiubangtrngpht.Cmtciknhratmtsauthanggnnh,thmcngnhndngtbdngc,hocth
sndngtthngsn.Trncmtcinpin.Brutaltraonchoti.
Anhlntrnkiai.Anhthphnti,vthanhphiviln,nhngtisgichnanhcho.
Chntihaybnht.Tipvbtuleoln.cbitugi.
Tisluiu.
Tt.Tini.Vmtcihngbgyslcigiqucaophitrchovickhmphngungccamtconchut.
H?
Bi.Lcyutinhlnbncnhbngnbctronglngstgiatrnphng,vticmthycithangngnguydiscnngcamnh.
ngoikia,ticthnghethytinggingrnr.Nmchttiynh!
Tigicanhri,nglo!Anhtanmchtbpchnti,vtileolnmtncna.Byginhuticncchtrnnhkhngy1feet,vti
thynhngmnglimccchnhndndgingtrongnhngcichc,niccthanhruimmigpnhau.Tichiunchungquanhnhngkhng
thycgngliumngleolny.
Khngphi.Brutalni.Anhnhnquxa,Paul.Hynhnsangtri,chchaithanhruimbtcho.Anhthycha?Mtcihibcmu.
Tithy.
Hychiusngchbtcho.
Tilmtheo,vgnnhnhnthyngaycianhtamuntixem.Ccthanhruimcchtvonhaubngnatconchtvmtcilongra,li
mtcilenhnhtrn,tobngcngxu.Tinhncil,ringhingngoinhnBrutalquavai.
Conchutvnnh.Tilnting.Nhngnhncsao?Thii,tikhngnghth.
Nhnglninn.Brutaltrli.Tidmchcnhinhngct.
Tikhnghiusaoculichc.
Cignhnna,nglo,tigicanh.Ngii.
Tilmtheolianhtayucu,taytrinmvomtthanhruimvcmthyantmhn.Gingoitriliniln,khngkhthotratcilqutvomt
ti.TicthngithyhithrtbutcamtmngminNambinthy...ngthimtcigkhcna.
Mibch.
"ngxyrachuyngchongJingles",tinghecDelacroixnibnggingkhngvng.Ticthngheclini,vcmnhncscm
cangJingleskhigngiPhptraonchoti,chlmtconchut,dthngminhhnhuhtccloi,chcchnlth,nhngvnchlmtconchut,d
thnythkia."ngchokxukiagytnthngconchutcati",gni,vtiha,nhtilunlunhavogiyphtcuicng,khivicbcln
DmngXanhkhngcnlmthuynthoihocgithuytna,nhnglmtiugmhthtsphilm."Gilthnychoanhti,ngihai
6/30/2017 DmXanh
minmtikhnggp,cch?"Tiha."Hytichtdicitnthnlinhcativlochonckhclnbiam,nh?"Tiha.ylcchm
bnkhinhchuraivngoanngonchpnhn,cchmbntinhvochicghngicuiDmngXanhtrongtrngthitnhto.Dnhintikhng
thgittcnhngliha,nhngtigilihaviDelacroix.VphnbnthngngiPhpphitrgithi.KxugytnthngchoDelacroix,
gytnthngrtnhiuchog.Tibitgphmtig,ngthi,nhngkhngaixngngviiuxyrachoEduardDelacroixkhihnngvovngtay
mdmancaGiSparky.
Mtmibch.Vmtthgkhc.Mtthgkhcbntrongcil.
Tirtcybtttiorabngtayphi,khngcnlongivvicBrutaltnhclmugitibnht.Tivnnpbtbngmttay,richcungibt
votrong,khuracthg.lmtmugvnnhxu,tngnhumscvngti,vtilinghethygingDelacroix,lnnyrrngnhthhnma
cagangnnutrongcnphngcngchngticnphngniWilliamWhartontriquartnhiuthigiancag.
"ny!Myanh!"lnnygingnilntingcigingtici,yngcnhincamtconngiqunmtnihnangviugangchhn,
tnhtltrongkhonhkhc."nxemngJingleslmcnhngtrgno!"
Chai!Tithmth.Ticmthynhlngibnhbtrakhingiti.
Anhtmcmtcina,phikhng?Brutalhi.Titmcbahocbn.
Tileoxungvchiunhnpinvobntaytocharacaanhta.Nhiumugvnrirctrn,gingnhnhngcygychichongiln.Hai
mumuvng,gingnhmutitmthy.Mtmumuxanhvmtmu.Chngkhngphicsnmtmubngbtchsp.
itri!Tithtlnbngmtgingthp,runryylnhngmnhvnngch,phikhng?Nhngtisao?Tisaolntntrnkia?
Khicnlthngnhc,tikhngtoxcnhbygi.Brutalni.Hunhtiphttrintrongkhongmilmvmibytui.Trctichlcon
tp.Khintrnglnu,ticmthymnhnhbnh...mtconchuttinghanhsnith.Tismuncht.Vyanhbittilmgkhng?
Tilcu.Bnngoigiliniln.Trongnhnggcruim,mngnhnrunlntronglngimngmanhnhlprenbhng.Chabaogitiltvo
mtninoccmgicmnhtrntrinhth,vnglc,trongkhichngtingnhnxungnhngmnhvcacingchgyranhiurcri,
utibtunhnraiumtritimtihiutkhiJohnCoffeybctrnDmngXanh:tikhngthtiptccngvicnyna.Khnghonghay
khngKhnghong,tikhngthchngkinthmconngibcquavnphngcatingpcichtna.Dchthmmtcnglqunhiu.
Tihixinmtimtchickhntay.Brutalni.khicmthymunkhc,ticthlynra,ngiminchoacabvskhngcnthybun
ti.
Cunghcig?ConchutcnvcingchtmunhnDelacroixsao?
Anhtanhnln.Trongthongchctitngtrongmtanhtacncmt,nhngtinghclmnhlm.
Paul,tikhngnigc.Nhngtitmthychngtrnkia,vngithymibch,cngnhanhanhbitlanhngithy.Vtikhngthlmvic
nyna.Tiskhnglmvicnyna.Chngkinthmmtnginatrnchicghkiaslmtichtmt.TisxinthuynchuynsangtriCihun
ThanhThiuninvothhai.Nucchpthuntrccuchnhhnhspnthtt.Nukhngc,tistchc,vqucyrung.
Cucyrungg,ngoisi?
Khngthnhvn.
Tibitth.Tini.Tinghtingtnhvianh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhtachmchnhnbitchctikhngnibibivianhta,rigtunhthvncgiiquyt.Giliniln,lnnymnhlay
ccthanhruimkurngrcriduxung,vchaichngtibnchnnhnquanhccbctngltnm.Tinghtrongmtthongchngtinghec
WilliamWhartonkhngphiBillytheKid,khngphig,gl"WildBill"ivichngtitngyunKhulahtvcict,lnnchngtithchth
khitrkhg,edachngtiskhngbaogiquncg.Vnhngimthgning.
ViumBrutalvtingvocimtrongphngklut,svicdinrangnhvy.Gnnhchngticlithtrangtrngtrnnhngmu
gctmu.Chaichngtikhngbaogithamgiavovichnhhnhna.JohnCoffeylvcuicng.
Nhdnglo,nitianggchngangmtnhmch"t"vchmlnumtmlnxnnhngch"i"cuicng,cgilGeorgiaPines.Ncch
Atlantakhongsumidmvcchxacucikhonghaitrmnmnhsngnhhuhtmingi,ccholnhngngiditmmituitriqua
cucsng.Bnnoangctptruynnyhnmuncnthnbitchckhngcmtnichnnhthchimnhtrongtnglai.Nkhngphilmtni
chncc,phnlnthkhngctruynhnhcp,thcnngon,nhngtheocchcan,cngcbngmtchaithuccKhuEtiColdMountaindo
no.
ycmtkgitinhlimtchtvPercyWetmore,kcviclmtrnDmngXanhnhchhngviThngctiubang.Tinghing
victaynychhngvinhnvtquantrngno,mcdhnlmravnhth.BradDolanltnhn.Hnlunchiu,gingnhPercy,vlunlun
nhtthgctrongtiqunsau.ViPercylnhngtpchnhArgosyvMensAdventureviBradthnhngquynschbtirtingil"Nhng
CuChuynTuThTcvBnhHon".HnlunlunhimingivsaogngiPhpbngquanghoccnbaonhiungiBaLangnmtci
bngn,hoctrongmtmtangkhuHarlemcbaonhiuot.GingnhPercy,Bradlmtgnnvnnghrngkhngcgvuinhn,trkhinl
iutmthng.
NgyhmkiaBradnigigyntngchotiviuthtsthngminh,nhngtikhngnhgihncao.Tcngccu:"Thmchmtci
nghchtcngnggihailntrongngy"."MaymnchongkhngmcchngbnhAlzheimer,Paulie"liuhnni.TighthngitilPaulie
nhnghncgitichuthuakhngihnthii.CnhngcunikhckhnghnltcngpdngcchoDolan:"Cthdnmtconngan
dngncnhngkhngthbucnung"lmt"Cthchichutchonnhngkhngthanratrnhdin"lcukhc.Trongtnhcchnnthhn
cngnhPercy.
KhibnhphmvchngbnhAlzheimerthhnanglausnphngtmnng,nitiangxemquanhngtrangvit.Crtnhiutrangvtinghc
khnngthmmtslnglnnatrckhitivitxong.
CibnhAlzheimer,ngbitnthtslgkhng?
Khng.Titrli.Nhngtichcanhcthnichotinghe,Brad.
LbnhAIDScangigi.Hnpriphraci,nhhnhaylmvinhngcuchuyntungungccahn.
Tuynhintikhngciviuhnnichmnmtsithnkinhu.KhngphivtimcbnhAlzheimermcdGeorgiaPinesxinhpny
crtnhiu,bnthntichgpnhngkhkhnthngthngvtrnhcatuigi.Nhngvndngnhlinquannthiimnhiuhnvs
kin.Nhnlinhnggtivitchonnay,tinhnthymnhnhttcmiskinxyravonm1932chnhthtthigiancachngmithnh
thonggynhmlntrongu.Thnhng,nucnthn,tinghcthgichoiukhngphttc.Dthaynhiu.
JohnCoffeynKhuEvDmngXanhvothngminm,bktngitchthaibgisongsinhchntuinhDetterick.ylimmcchnh
cati,vnugiiutrongtmnhn,tisvittt.William"WildBill"WhartonnsauCoffey,Delacroixntrc.Conchutcngth,conchutmBrutus
HowellvibnblBrutalgilSteamboatWillyvDelacroixktthcbngtngingJingles.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Dbngilgthconchutvnntrc,thmchtrccDelkhinxuthinvncnlmah,vchngtichaitnhnkhctrnDmng
Xanh:TtrngArlenBitterbuckvTngthng,ArthurFlanders.
Conchut.Conchuttrinh.Delacroixyun,nhngPercyWetmorechcchnlkhng.
Percythghtnngaytlcu.
Chng8
ConchuttrlingbangysaukhiPercyrtuintrnDmngXanhlnutin.DeanStantonvBillDodgeangnichuynchnhtr...
Percyngbccavnphng,thctprtnhanhcydicuihnrtathch,trongkhilngnghecuchuyn.Hnrtcydicuirakhicibaolbchlm
bngtaymuacuvxoaytrn,rinhtlivotrongbao.mytivngmtnhngcbnbocoycaDeanvochiuhmsau.
ConchutilnDmngXanhnhnlmlntrc,nhylcdctheoconng,ridnglivravkimtraccxlimtrng.Saukhilmth
mtcht,ntiptcnhylc,khngnglngnhthbittngylmtcuctmkimludi,vnsnsngchovic.
LnnythgTngthngthcgic,ngticaxlim.Gnylmttcphmmthut,cgngtvmdngngayctrongbqunot.Qua
dngvcag,chngtibitgkhngdnhchoGiSparky,vchngtionng.ChaymttunsaukhiPercysnuiconchutlnthhai,bn
ndnhchoTngthngcgimthnhntchungthnvggianhpvoingdnctngqut.
Ny!Gkuln.Trongycmtconchut!Ccanhangiuhnhloinhtnoth?Cvgangci,nhngDeanbonghecngcv
gind,nhthngaycmtbnngitngichanhbthiKiwanisrakhilinhhncagvy.Hntnglthlnhaphngcamttchcgi
lHiBtngsnTrungNam,vtngthomnhthngminhcththottivihnhviyngbbchnglosuyrangoicastngbav
clnhgpitinbithngbohimtrni.Vchuynthgsailm,nhngclivinhiungithkhng.
Cmhng,ngu.Percyni,nhngylmtphnngkhmymc.Hnangmtnconchut.Hntradicuilivotrongbaovrtra
mttrongnhngttpchcahn,nhngbygihnqungttpchlnbntrcvrtdicuiramtlnna.Hnbtunhpdicuimtcchbtthng
lncckhptngntaytri.
ch.BillDodgethtln.Tichabaogithychuty.
y,nkhxinhxn.Deanni.Vkhngngschtno.
Lmsaoanhbit?
Nvoymhmkia.Percycngthy.BrutalginlSteamboatWilly.
Percycvkhinhmitiu,nhnglcyhnkhngnig.Hnangnhpdicitrnmubntaynhanhhnna.
Xemny.Deanlnting.Nithngntrcbngiy.Timunxemnclmlilnnakhng.
Conchutlmth,nhmtvngrngtrnhTngthngtrnngi,nhthkhngthchmihicakgitcha.Nkimtrahaitrongsxlimtrng,
thmchtrolnmttrongnhngtmcttrngkhngcnmngi,ritrliDmngXanh.VPercyngsutti,khngnichuynthayi
khngkh,munlmchoconchutphihiticvtrli.Hnmundychonmtbihc.
MaymcccukhngphichonlnSparky.Billni,vquantmngoimun.Cccusrtvtvkhigikhavinnstchon.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Percyvnkhngnig,nhnghnrtttnnmchtcydicuigiahaingntay,theocchngitacmmtiuxgngon.
Conchutdnglinindnglntrc,cchbngiykhngybafeet,ngcnhnDeannhmttnhnngtrcvnhmngnga.NlicBill
mtthong,richuynschsangDean.Percythdngnhnkhng.
Mtthngconhoangnhbgand,tiphikhenn.Billni.Anhtacaoginglnmtcht.!SteamboatWilly!
Conchuthidodvvevyitai,nhngnkhngbchy,kctraduhiumunbchy.
Bygixemny,Deanni,nhlicchBrutalchonnmttbnhsandwichthtb.Tikhngbitlnslmlilnnakhng,nhng...
Anhtabmtmubnhvbnxungtrcmtconchut.Nchnhnmubnhmucambngcpmtenscbntrongmtthong,nhngsidy
mnhcogittrongkhingi.Rinthchnra,nhtlymubnh,ngidngln,btun.
ich,toimngtiri!Billlaln.ngnghnhmtvquanta.
Tiththygingnhmtthngmienndahu.Percynhnxt,nhngkhngainhn.Conchutnxongmubnhnhngtiptcngi,
dngnhlythngbngtrnciuicuntrnykholo,ngcnhnccvthnkhnglmcoxanh.
tith.Billni.Anhtabthmmtmubnh,cingitrnmtbngiy,ricnthnbxung.Conchutnginhngkhngngn.
H.Billthtln.Chcnori.
Khngu.Deanni.Nbitculngilmvicthiv,ththi.
Tilmthiv?Tithchcu!TiylubngHarryTerwilliger!Cthhnna.
Bnhtnh,lolng,bnhtnhno.Deannivtoetotci.Cnhnivxemticsaikhngnh.Anhtanmmtmubnhkhcquabnkia.
antm,conchutnhtmubnhnylnvbtunlnna,vnhontonlmngphnnggpcaBill.Nhngtrckhiconchutkpnhmnhpmt,
haimingutin,Percynmcydicuicahnvonnhphngmtligio.
Conchutlmtmctiunhb,vcngbngmniylmtcnmchnhxcvcthchmbayuWillynunhphnxcankhngsc
bn.Conchutcixungtrnhphi,mtconngislmthvbungrimubnh.Cydicuighonngnvtquauvsnglngn,st
nnilngconchutxong,riptrngtmvisnltsnvnyln,vvochnsongmtxlimtrng.Conchutkhngnnnchxemycphil
mtsailmkhngnquayivchyvtnhanhnhchpxungphadihnhlang,hngvphngklut.
Percygmlnvthtvnghnbitmnhsutthnhcngvuitheoconchutlnna.BillDodgechptayhn,dngnhvbnnngthunty,
nhngPercygingrakhitayanhta.TuynhinDeank,clcchpcumngSteamboatWilly,vsutnaylmttaiha.Percykhngchmun
gitconchutmcngimntn,vthhnnhynhngbcdinhmtconnai,gimchnxungsnviigiybohnngn.Conchuttrnhstsao
haicnhycuicngcaPercy,utinngotsangbnnyringotsanghngkia.Nchuixungdicavimtcgitciuidimuhng,ribin
mt.
Mkip!Percyravqutlngbntayvocnhca.Rihnbtulatrongchmchakha,nhcvotrongphngkluttiptccucsn
ui.
Deanixungphacuihnhlangtheosahn,cbcchmrikimchcmxc.PhnthanhtamuncinhoPercy,anhtakvitith,
nhngphnlimuntmlyhn,xoayli,vocaphngklutvpchohnmttrntitmmtmi.Phnlncmxc,dnhin,chlbhonght,
nhimvcachngtiKhuElkimchnongmctithiu,mnonglithcsltngiacaPercyWetmore.Lmvicvihngingnhtho
6/30/2017 DmXanh
gbomtronglccngingsaulngbnvthnhthonglidpmtcpchingvonhau.Ninmnalrilon.Deanboanhtanhnthysrilon
trongmtcaArlenBitterbuck...thmchcTngthng,mcdgqutcvnlnhnhtnhdaleomui.
Vcnmtiukhcna.phnnotrongtmtr,Deanbtuchpnhnconchut,cthkhngnhmtngibn,nhngnhmtphnca
cucsngtrongKhu.iukhinchohnhviPercylmvangclmtrthnhsaitri.VsthtvicPercykhngbaogihiutisaohnhvicahn
lisaitri,qulmtthdhonhovnguynnhntisaohnmimisailmtrongcngvicmhntnghnanglm.
KhiDeanncuihnhlang,anhtattrntnhli,vbitmnhmunlmggiiquytvn.iuPercytuytikhngchungniltvng
ngn,vttcchngtibitiu.
Dnhinlithuari!Anhtani,cici,truPercy.
Percynmchoanhtamtcinhncmtc,gttcrakhilngmy.
Coichngciminganh,"bnmt".Tiangquuy.nglmtnhhnhxui.
Vylilngydnnhna,phikhng?Deanhi,khngcinhiu...nhngcibngmt.Sao,lnnynucudnttcrangoi,phinculau
snnhnh?
Percynhncnhca.Nhnchakhacahn.Nghvmtchuynlcsotludi,nngnc,vchtrongcnphngctngmm,trongkhiclng
quanhnhnhn...CgTtrngvTngthngna.
Quthamabtinutihiucchuyngthvy.Hnni.Chngtakhngcnchuttrongkhuxlimcbnsubyrikhng
cnthmchut.
Cunisaocngc,Percy.Deangitaylnpli.clc,anhtanivitivomsau,anhtanghPercysxngvonhmnh.
BillDodgenhnnhbcnvdnha.
Tinghcunhriciny.Anhtalnting,acydicuichoPercy.Thphnmtinchnathcupgysnglngthngconhoangnht
ri.
NgcPercyphngphaolntrclikhenngi.
,cnmcngkhngti.Hnni,cnthnnhtcydicuivotrongcibaongngn.TitnglcuthnmbnghiTrunghc.nmhaic
ntrng.
ngthkhng?Billpbnggingnnang,honttvicthogtnhhnhcngthng.
ng!Percytrli.nmmtquKnoxville.Bnthanhninthnhphkhngbitbcigptrng.Lmthmquthhai.Lracmttrnthi
uhonhonulotrngtikhngngungc.
LraDeanlcycthngngli,nhnganhtalntuihnPercy,mcngviccangilntuihnlgiohun,vvolcytrcmtCoffey,trc
mtDelacroixanhtavnnghrngcthgiohuncPercy.Vth,anhtaatayrachplyctaygnngtrhn.
Cuhysuynghviucuanglm.Deanni.nhcaanhtalnisaonghechonghimnghnhngkhngchbai.Dgthcngkhngquch
bai.
CiuviPercy,cchkhnghiuqu.Cthhnkhnghcc...nhngsauchngtislmc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
,"Bnmt",tibittianglmg,tmcchtiuditconchut!Anhsaoth,mh?
CucnglmchoBills,tisvhna.Deanni,taychvhngBitterbuckvFlanders.
Thsao?Percyhi,nngiln.Chngkhngphinhtr,niphngngatrnghpanhkhngbit.Mcdphnnathigianmyngi
nungchiuchngnth.
Ny,tikhngthchbhda.Billgmln.Vtilmvictiy,Wetmore,niphngngatrnghpcukhngbit.Tikhngphithngcng
cacu.
Percynmchoanhtamtcinhnkhngrrng.
Vchngtakhnghdahnhiuhnmccnthit,bivhchurtnhiucngthng.Deanvnnibnggingthp.Ngibplccng
thngcthphtin.Tgytnthng.Lmtnthngngikhc.ikhicnglikonhngnginhchngtamuvorcri.
MingPercycogitkhinghecuni."muvorcri"lmttngcscmnhivihn.Gyrcrithc.muvothkhng.
Cngviccachngtalnichkhngphilaht.Deanginggii.Ngilahttnhnlngimttch.
Percybitaivitcutrchdn.Ti,ngsp.KhngctnhcmgiaPercyWetmorevPaulEdgecombe,vnnnhbygivncnlmah
cclhicnlumibtu.
Cuslmtthn.Deanni.Nucuxemninylkhusnsccbittrongbnhvin.Imlngliuttnht.
Tinghylmtcibnctiutrnnclchut.Percypcht.vththi.Bygihytii.
HngingtayDeanra,bcvogiahnvBill,liidctheohnhlang,ucixung.HnihiqugnTngthnggngFlanderscth
thtayrangoi,vlyhn,vcthbpubngchnhcydicuighonggi,nuFlanderslloinginhvy.Gkhngphiloingi,d
nhin,nhngTtrngthkhc.GTtrng,nucchi,chcspmttrnratrdychoPercymtbihc.iuDeannivitivngskhi
ktinghecuchuynvomhmsaueouitiktlcy,bivharantrthnhmtlitintri.
Wetmorekhnghiurnghnkhngcquynlcgvihc.Deanbo.Rnghnkhngthgyraiugtithnchoh,rnghchcthbx
tbngghinmtlnmthi.Trkhiciucahnhiuc,bngkhnghnsgynguyhimchochnhhnvchottcmingidiy.
Percybcvovnphngtivngsmcnhcasaulnghn.
No,no.BillDodgethtln.Hnnglcihnd...bsngphvnhimtrngnng.
Cukhngbitmtnasvu.Deanni.
,hylcquanch.Billp.Anhtalunkhuynminginnlcquannhmnnibnmunmvmianhtamikhicuniltrakhica
ming.tnhtthconchutlmtrcacuthotnn.
,nhngchngtaskhngcnthynna.Deanni.TinghlnnyPercyWetmorelmnshivnhvin.
Cunihplnhngsailm.Conchuttrlingaytihmsau,tnhclilngyutintronghaimnghcaPercyWetmoretrckhihnvoca
trcm.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
SteamboatWillyxuthinvokhongbygi.Ticmtchngkinstixutcan,kcDean.HarryTerwilligercngvy.Harryngibntrc.V
mtkthuttilmcangy,nhngnnlibngTtrngthmmtgi,kmngygintiangngn.NgoimtthBitterbucklnhlngtheo
truynthngcablc,nhngticththynisngyktthccuciangbngntronghnnhahoac.Vthchngtinichuyn.Bncth
nichuynvitnhnvobanngynhngiukhnghay,vnhngtinglahtvnichuynphtratsnthdc,tingthnhthchcamydptrong
xnglmvn,tinghtcalnhgcralnhaibcucchimxunghaynhtthungln.Saubngithhnmtcht,vsausugicntthnna.
Suntmgilkhongthigiantiu.Saukhongthigian,bncthnhnthynhngtngdihibtutichimtmtrhbncthnhn
thyiutrongmth,nhnhngbngchiuvttnhtnndngli.Hvnnghebnni,nhngkhngcnnghavihna.Qutmgihbtu
chunbchonhngcagcmvtngtngcmgiccinnstnhthnokhinchplnuh,vkhngkhbntrongcitimuentrmlnkhun
mtmmhicahscmivg.
NhngtilmchoTtrngcvuiv.Gktinghevbvutin,vhcngnhaudngmtcichigMontananhthno.yl
nhngngyhnhphcnhtcucig.Gnilnnctinhkhitvlnhnnimingcabncmthynhbdaoctmikhiungvo.
Ny,ngEdgecombe.Gni.ngnghnumtngithnhththihnviusaitrigyra,anhtacthtrlithigianhnhphcnhtcho
mnhvsngmimikhng?Liuthinngcgingnhvykhng?
Titiniu.Titrli,mtcutrliditrnhngkhngmymaynhn.Tihcnhngvnvnhhngtrcugixinhpcamti,v
iutitinliuThnhKinhnivnhngkstnhn:khngccucsngvnhhngtrongh.Tinghhsxungangc,yhsbtratnnlc
cuicng,khiChagturahiuchoGabrieldngtingknbongytnth.Khi,hsnhymt...vclhsvuimngrai.Nhngtikhngbaogi
hmvnhngctinnhthviBitterbuck,hocvibtcaitrongsh.Tinghtrongtmhnhbitiu.
Ttrngcncikhitirav,clangnghvcichigcagMontanavngivngctrn,nmdinhsnglsi.Gssmbc
trongmtlsinnghn,khngcnnghinggna.
Titrliphatrnhnhlang,vDeannitinghevchuynxchmchgiaanhtavPercymhmtrc.Tinghanhtachtikl,vti
chmchlngnghe.TilunlunchmchnghekhitilPercy,bivtingviDeanmttrmphntrmtinghPercylloingicthgynhiu
rirm,chottcchngticngnhchochnhhn.
TrongkhiDeanangktthc,loTootTootiquavicixeytaymuchthcn,bnchochngtimttbnhsandwichvbprang.Deanang
lclitmtinltrongtiovnirngchngtiskhnggpliSteamboatWillyna,rnggPercyWetmoretrinhlmnsstbimimi,thlo
TootTootni:
Thcigkia?
Chngtinhn,vkaconchutangn,chthln,nhylcccgiaDmngXanh.Nimtonngn,dngli,nhnquanhbngcpmt
sngsaritiptcdichuyn.
,chut!Ttrngku.Conchutdnglivnhng,nhngsirugitgit,ynhconvtbitngitaginvy.Myhngdntmlinhch?
Bitterbuckqungchoconchutmtmuphmaitrchtbaticahn.Muphmaipxungngaytrcmtconchut,nhngSteamboatWillythmch
khnglicnhn,chtiptcconngcantrnuDmngXanh,nhnvoccxlimtrng.
SpEdgecombe!GTngthnggi.AnhnghthngnhiranhconhoangbitWetmorekhngcmtch?Tinghnbit,lyCha!
Ticngcmthyth...nhngtikhngnhoangoangniranhvy.
Harrybcrahnhlang,koqunlncaotheocchanhtavnlmsaukhigiitaviphttrongnhvsinhvng,mtmto.TootTootcngtr
mtnhn,ncimmmmtothnhmthnhnhxuxchonadikhunmtnhonhot,snrng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Conchutdnglitiaimangtrthnhchquenthuccan,cunciuiquanhbnchn,nhnchngti.Mtlnnatilinhnhnhnh
quantaphnquytbnnchocctnhnkhngmay...Tuynhin,baogicmttnhnnhnhnvkhngsstnhgnycha?Khngphivnl
tnhnthcth,dnhin,ncthnvity.Thnhngtngvnkhngribtmtrti,vmtlnnatichtngh,phnlnchngtascmthy
nhbnhvykhitinngnghphnxtcaCha,saukhissngcachngtaktthc,nhngscrttngitrongchngtacthtrakhngs
hi.
A,tithy.LoTootTootthtln.Nngikia,tonhBillyBeFrigged.
Lochathygu,Toot.Harryni.Xemny.Anhthtayvotiongc,rtramtkhoanhtoqubctronggiysp.Anhtabuvnm
xungsn.Khoanhtokhvcngkhintitngnsnyquakhiconchut,nhngconchutthmtbnchnra,thnhmtngiangprui
gitthgi,pnbpg.Ttcchngtiucitnthngvngcnhin,mtsbngnmthanhcthtngconchuttrti,nhngnkhnghnhc
nhch.Nnhtmutokhbngbnchn,limvici,ribxungvnhnchngtinhthnirng,"Khngt,ccanhcgkhckhng?"
TootTootmnpxeycalo,lyramtcibnhsandwich,ltgiygi,vxmtmuxcxchBologna.
ngbntm.Deanni.
anhnisao?TootToothi.ChngconchutsngnochxcxchBolognakhicth.Anhlthngin!
NhngtibitDeanning,vquantmtHarrytithylanhtacngbit.Cnhngnhnvinthivvcnhngnhnvinchnhquy.Bngcch
no,conchutdngnhbitskhcbit.Chuyninnhngctht.
LoTootTootnmmuBolognaxungvrrngconchutcviclmvimuxcxch,nngimtlnrililimtbc.
Tichtmt,chkhnkip!LoTootTootkuln,ngheravbxcphm.
Tichatayra.
achoti.
Saocngth?
Cngth.Tistrtin.
TootToottraobnhqua.Tinhckhoanhbnhmtrn,xmtmuthtkhcvbxungtrcbntrc.Conchuttinngaylnphatrc,nhtnbng
bnchnvbtun.MuBolognamtdngtrckhibnkphbin.
Tichtmt!TootToothtln.aciy!
Logitphtcibnhsandwich,xmtmuthttohnlnnykhngcnlmumhnhoimtkhoanhvbxungstconchutnmcSteamboat
Willysutinthnhnn.Nlilirasau,ngi,ringcnhnchngti.
Tiptc,ni!TootTootni,ngheravbxcphmhnbaogiht.Mylmsaoth?
Deanlycibnhsandwichvbmtmuthtxungnlcygingnhmtbuilcngngklno.Conchutnhtngaymuthtlnvnut
chng.Saunquaylivitrxungphadihnhlangnphngklut,dnglitrnnginhnvohaixlimtrngvlmmtvngkimtrax
limthba.Mtlnna,tngnangtmnginolinyraviti,vlnnytigtbtngchmhn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tiskhngnivchuynny.Harrythtra.Anhtaninaa,natht.Trcnht,khngaithmquantm.Thnh,ngitaskhngtintid
hcquantm.
Nchncaccanhbn.TootTootktlun.Lolcutrongningvc,ricnccixung,nhtthconchutkhngthmnln,tttvoci
mingsnrngcachnhlo,nilobtucngvicnhaibnglichonkhimuthtchuthua.Tisaoconchutlmth?
Ticcuhihayhn.Harryni.LmsaonbitPercyvngmt?
Nkhngbit.Titrli.Chlstrnghpngunhinkhiconchutnvomnay.
NgoitrcnglccngkhtinhnvingythngtriquavconchutchxuthinkhiPercyngh,trccakhc,hoccmtkhuvckhccatri
giam.ChngtiHarry,Dean,BrutalvtiquytnhrnghnnnhnragingcaPercy,hocmicahn.Chngtithntrngtrnhtholunqunhiu
vbnchtconchutbnthncuta.iu,cvchngtiquytnhmkhngnithnhli,cthvludislmhngmtiucbit...vp
,vvklvtinhtcan.Willychnchngti,xtchocng,theomtcchnomtikhnghiu,ngaycbygi.ClHarryhiugnngnht
khianhtanirngkhngclinukchongikhcnghe,khngchvhkhngtinnhngvhskhngthmquantm.
Chng9
ThrigihnhhnhArlenBitterbuckn,ktrongthctchngphiTtrnggcnhnglicacablctikhubotnWashita,ngthil
thnhvincaHingCherokee.Ggitmtngisay,tronglcchaiusayru.Ttrngnghinntunnnhnbngmtkhiximng.H
tranhcinhauvmting.Vth,ngymibythngbymahmadmdnmy,hingcchuynhtrngcatiquytnhktthcig.
GithmvingchocctnhnColdMountainvncngnhcnhctthp,nhngkhngpdngchoccchngtraicachngtiKhuE.Vth,vo
ngymisu,BitterbuckcphpncnphngdikbnquncphTheArcade.Cnphngcchiaingaygiaphngbnglistanvidy
kmgai.Ti,Ttrngsgpngivthhaivnhngaconcntntrngg.ngivnhbit.
GcBillDodgevhailnhgcthivpgiinni.Nhngngicnlichngticvicphilmmtgithanhtontnhthaicucdintp.
Nuxoayscthba.
PercykhngphnignhiuvbavophngcinviJackVanHaytrongvhnhhnhBitterbuck,hncnqunonntbitmnhcphn
cngvovtrtthayxu.iuhnbitlhncmtcaslisthnhchnhtnhnqua,vmcdclkhngmunnhncilngghinthayv
trcmt,hnvngnthytialaintungte.
Ngaybnngoicaslmtbinthoitreotngmuen,khngctayquayhocmts.Ciinthoichcthgin,vchtmta
im:vnphngThngc.Tixemrtnhiubphimvnht,trongciinthoichnhthcvanglnnglcngitasnsngngcudao
xtmtgngngnvtino,nhnginthoicachngtichabaogivanglnsutthigiantiKhuEchamtln.Trongphim,scurirtr
tin.Svticngth.Bntrmtnghaimilmxu,vnhncnhnggtngxngvihaimilmxu.Ssngthtstgihn,vhuht
nhngcutrliukhcnhau.
ChngticmthnhnmthmaydinghmlovicyxethcnvchngticloTootTootchophncnli.Nmthngtriqua,Tootbng
cchnotrthnhngingthvaitrtruynthngchonhngkbxpht,nhthsnglulnlolngtheocchcalo,gingnhconngngm
bngptrnbnnlGingsinh,chodbnthchhaykhngthch.Huhtnhngcaingcuathchlo,cmuavuibnggingningnghnhcalo
cnglgingPhp,nhngnhhngCanadanhiuhnCajun,vmmmiithnhmtmscringquanhiunmngitminNam.ThmchBrutal
6/30/2017 DmXanh
cngsaymlo.Nhngtithkhng.Tingh,theokiucalo,lochnhlmtphinbngihnvmnhthncaPercyWetmore,mtconngiquyu
uikhngdmmthtvtnulymnn,nhngcngathchmithtnng,vythi.
Ttcchngtiucmtdintp,gingnhscmttrongbuitrnhdinchnhthc.BrutusHowellc"xuthin",theocchnicachngti,
nghalanhtaschpcinnst,gimstngdyinthoicaThngc,triutpbcstchngicangtabnbctngkhicnthit,vrahiu
lnhnginkhinlc.Nusvicdintinttp,khngaickhenngi.Nukhngdintinttp,Brutalsbccnhnchngchtrchvtisb
gimthqutrch.Khngaitrongchngtithanphinchngemliiugttp.Tritvnquay,ththi.Bnvnbmvuvquayvin,hocvngln
phnkhngvbhtvngra.
Dean,HarryTerwilligervtiixungxlimcagTtrngdintplnu,chaybaphtsaukhiBillvtoncaanhtaptiBitterbuckrakhi
khunArcade.CaxlimmvloTootTootngitrnspngcaTtrng,mitctrnglaxaphpphi.
Tmtrigingyvtbyb.TootTootnhnxt.Hngcxratrckhiccanhunsin.Logikhckhchci.
Imi,TootToot.Deanlnting.Vicnyphinghimchnh.
cri.TootTootni,ngaylptcthyvmttrnhtrngmtcchno,nhngcpmtlilplnh.LoTootTootkhngbaogisngngbnglc
logicht.
Tibclnphatrc.
ArlenBitterbuck,nhndanhTavtiubang...ticlnh...scthihnhvomihaigimtngy...Anhhybctitrc.
TootTootrikhispng.
Tibctitrc,tibctitrc.Loni.
Quayli.Deanralnh.KhiTootTootquayli,Deankhmxtnhubmygucalo.TimainhucaTtrngsbco,vDeans
kimtrambokhngcnphisacha.Chntccnstscntrdnin,lmchosvictrnnkhkhnhn.Ttcnhnggchngtiang
lmhmnaylchomiviccddng.
cri,ithi!TiniviTootTootvchngtii.
Tiixungdihnhlang,tiixungdihnhlang...Tootni.Tipgiibntri,Deanbnphi,Harryngaysaulnglo.nuhnhlang,
chngtirphi,rikhissngangsngtrongsntpthdcvtinncichttrongnhkho.ChngtibcvovnphngcativTootTootqu
xungmkhngcnphiyucu.Lobitkchbn,ngvy,clcnrhnbtcnginotrongschngti.Chabitloyluhnbtc
nginotrongschngti.
Ticunguyn,ticunguyn.TootTootni,ibntayxngxugiln.Trngchnggingnhbckhchalngdanh,clbnbittimunni
bcno.Chalngichndtti...
Bitterbuckcai?Harryhi.SkhngcthymongiCherokeevoyrungcygyphp,phikhng?
Thtra...
Vncunguyn,vncunguyn,vnhiciviChaJesus.TootTootkhngmxanti.
Imi,logikhng.Deanni.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tiangcunguyn!
Vycunguynvichnhloi.
Ccculmgchmtrth?Brutuslatonglntrongnhkho.Nhkhocngcdntrngchngtisdng.Chngtilitrongvngchtchc,
phiriylmtthmbncthngithy.
Khpcimmchttitcaculi!Harryhttra.ngnnnngkhnkipnhth!
Cunguyn.Tootni,totmingncincimmsmcalo.Cunguyngilngkinnhn.
Tht ra th Bitterbuck theo o Thin Cha, ti bo h, v g hon ton hi lng vi anh chng gio phi Baptist n t Tillman Clark. ng ta tn
Schuster.Ticngthchngta.ngtanhanhnhn,vkhnglmchohcngthng.ngln,TootToot.Locunguynchomtngyri.
Bci.TootTootni.Bcilnna,bcilnna,vngthasp,bcitrnDmngXanh.
Thpnginhlomcngphicixungmtchtquaccnhcaubnkiavnphng.Bncnlichngticngphicithphnna.
ylthiimdbnguyhimvitnhntht,nnkhinhnsangbnkiancibcniGiSparkychmchvthyBrutalrtsngra,tigtuhi
lng.ngnhbibn.
TootTootbcxungccbcthangvdngli.Khongbnmichicghgxpctvoch.Bitterbucksbngquaphngnbctheogc
ckhongcchantonviccnhnchngangngi,vmtnatlnhgcscbsungmbo.BillDodgeschhuytonlnhgcny.Chngti
chabaoginhnchngbedabimttnhnbtrngpht,mcdphithnhnkhochbtrqulssi...vticngquytduytriu.
Snsngcha,cccu?TootToothikhichngtitrlitheoihnhnguynthytichncuthangdntvnphngtixung.Tigtu,v
chngtibcnbc.Tithngngh,hnhthcmchngtinhnginghnbtcthg,lmttonqunkqunemc.
Tiphilmg?Percygiratphasaulistgianhkhovphngcin.
Quanstvhchi.Tigipli.
Vngrvokhcxcxchcamy.Harrylmbm.Tuynhin,TootTootnghec,vlokhckhchci.
ChngtihtnglobclnbcvTootToottquaylinhmtchinbinhgianghnhng.
Ngixung.Loni.NgivolngGiSparky.
Tikhuuugiphixungtrcchnphicalo.Deankhuuugitrixungtrcchntricalo.Chnhlcnybnthnchngtislmvo
nguycbtncngnht,nutinhnniin...iuthnhthonghlm.Chaichngtiuquayugivotrongngimtchtbovphnhb.
Chngtigpcmxungbovchng.V,dnhin,chngtidichuynkhaantoncchnvvhiuhanguyc,cngnhanhcngtt.Ttrng
smangdpkhiidolncuicngnhngkhi"tnhhnhcthxuhn"thchuynmtngibvthanhqunschnghayhog.Hocqunquitrnsn
nh,hbsngtyln,thmvo,tronglcbnminhnchnghochnnanhiungitrongslccqungbnbochngitrnnhngchic
ghcasngbcGrangevchngkintonbhotcnh.
ChngtikpcchnTootToot.KpbnphaDeanhitohnvnstruynin.NgymaikhiBitterbuckngivogh,Deanslmnhvyvicibp
chntriconhnnhi.NgiDacrttlngtrncththeonguyntc,nhngchngtikhnglmliu.
TrongkhichngtikpcchnTootToot,Brutuskhachtctayphicalo.Harrylttitrcvkhactaytri.Khilmxong,Harrygtuvi
Brutal,vBrutalgirasauchoVanHay:
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Xoaylnmt!
TinghePercyhiJackVanHaythnghalg(khmtinnishiubitqunghonncahn,hnhchiquttrongsutthigianKhuE)vli
giithchththocaVanHay.Hmnayxoaylnmtkhngcnghagc,nhngngymai,khiBrutalni,VanHaysxoayntkhingmyphtincatri
giam,ngsauKhuB.Ccnhnchngsnghethytingmynhmtmthanhrrthp,un,vbngntrongkhptrigiamsbtsng.Tinhng
khuxlimkhc,tnhnsquanstnhngbngnsngqumcvtngrngxyra,cuchnhhnhktthc,trongkhithtranmichbtu.
BrutaliquanhchicghinTootTootcthnhnthyanhta.
ArlenBitterbuck,anhbktnthnhtrnghin,bnncthngquabimthithmongmnhngngingngvianh,vc
tuyncbimtthmphncuytncatiubang.CuChacugipngidncatiubangny.Anhciugnitrckhithihnhbnnkhng?
Cch.Tootni,mtsngln,michmlithnhmtncirngr.Timunmtbancgrnvikhoaityncst,timunvonnca
anh,vtiphicMaeWestngitrnmtti,vtilmtghosckhnkip.
Brutalcgivnghimtrangnhngkhngc.Anhtangurasauvbtuci.Deanngvtxungmpbcnhthbbn,ugcvogia
ugi,hlnnhmtconsingc,mtbntaypchtlylngmynhgichtbnocaanhtanican.Harrythdpuvotngvc
hhhnhthmcnghnthcntrongchng.ThmchcJackVanHay,nginitinglkhngcckhihi,cngangci.Ticngmunci,
dnhin,nhngtkimchbngcchno.Timaislstht,vmtconngischttiniTootTootangngi.
Imi,Brutal.Tini.Cuna,Dean.Harry.CnToot,mtlinagingnhthrakhiminglosllicuicng.TischoVanHayxoalnhai
thty.
Toottotmingcivititanhkhenngiylmtcunihay,thaspEdgecombe,mtcuniththay.Ncingpngngribinthnhmt
cinhnbirikhilothytikhngphnng.
Anhcchuyngkhngnvy?Lohi.
Khngcgvuinhn.Tini.ylchuynkhngnviti,vnukhngthngminhhiu,tthnlonncmmm.Ciucuchuynvui
tht,vtichoychnhliuthtslmtinicu.
Tinhnquanh,thyBrutaltrmtnhnmnh,vncnvcict.
Mkip.Tithtln.Tiqugiivicngvicny.
Khng.Brutalni.Anhangtuithanhxun,Paul.Nhngtikhngphith,canhtana,khngkhamniconngditrongcngvicny,v
chaiubitnhvy.Tuynhin,iuquantrnglcnbunciqua.Thltt,biiucuicngtimunlmmaicnginhlicuniluc
caloTootTootvlirraci.Bnsninhthlkhngc,mtlnhgcciscsatrongkhipgiittiingangquaccnhnchngngh
in,nhngkhiconngichuplccngthng,btciugcngcthxyra.Vimtchuynnhth,ngitasbntnvnsuthaiminmsau.
Locchuimikhng,TootToot?Tihi.
Vng.Lotrli,khunmthndicaatrginhtthgiingonhichkhc.
TigturahiuchoBrutaltiptccucdintp.Anhtalymtcitilatrnmcbngngtrnlngghxung,trmlnuToot,koxungst
dicmlo,mmtltrnnhuvingknhrngnht.SauBrutalcixung,nhtcivngtbngxprakhixnc,nhnmtngntayvon,
6/30/2017 DmXanh
rilimungntay.Xongxui,anhtalibvngvox.Ngymaianhtaskhnglmth.Ngymaianhtasnhtnvotrongcinntreotrnlnggh.
Nhnghmnaythkhng,khngcnphilmtuloToot.
Cinnlmbngthpvvinhngdyailnglnghaibn,trngnnhnnlnhbbinh.BrutalinlnuloToot,koaistxungphabntrn
lhngcacitien.
inn,inn.TootTootnivlcnygingloghevamomvanghnnght.CcdyaikphmlognnhdnhcngvtingrngBrutal
koxunghichthnmccnthitchomcchdintp.Anhtalili,imtvinhngchicghtrngvni.ArlenBitterbuck,bygidngins
chyquangianhnkhicht,cnctheolutphptiubang.CuChathngxtcholinhhnanh.
Brutalquayliphalisthnhchnht.
Xoaylnhai!
LoToot,clangcgnglylitialethintikhihilcny,btuunconglnvongatrngh,trongkhiccthnchthtscaGi
Sparkyhunhkhngbaogilmth.
Tiangbnng!Lolatongln.Nng!Nng!Tilcongtybnng!
TithyHarryvDeankhngnhncnhtng.HquaymttrnhSparkyvangnhnquanhkhotrngncnhcadntrvvnphng.
Ququi,haytht.Harryni.Nhnchngnsmtrcmtngy.
Ngitrnbccaviciuicungngngquanhbnchn,quanstskinbngcpmthtthenly,chnhlconchut.
Cuchnhhnhdinrattpnutngcmtiugil"ttp",thcuchnhhnhArlenBitterbuck,icahingCherokeebtcWashitaqul
ttp.Gthtbmsaicchtaygqurunrykhngththtchongvcongilnnhtcag,mtphnkhongbamitui,cphpthtbmtc
chopvun.Ctamungilngchimvoubmtcnhngcilngchimng,loichimbiutngcag,nhngtikhngthchophp.Chngc
thbtlavbcchy.Tikhngnictabitiu,ttnhin,chninhthlingcliquynh.Ctakhngphni,chciuvttaylnhai
bnthidngbytsthtvngvkhngtnthnh.Ctangxvidanhd,ngiphnvquacchlmthctmborngbctacngs
cngxnhth.
GTtrngrikhixlimmkhngphnkhnghoctrhonkhinlc.ikhichngtiphigngntaycatinhnrakhichnsongtilm
gymthochaingntaytrongthiklmvicvkhngbaogiqunmthanhxnggytcnghnnhngTtrngkhngphilmttrongnhngk.
GmnhdnbctrnDmngXanhnvnphngcati,ygquxungvcunguyncngShuynhSchuster,ngilichicxeckrtin
tnhthBaptistnhThingny.SchusterbanchoTtrngmtvibithnhca,vTtrngbtukhckhiSchusterninvicnmxungbn
dngncmm.Tuyvy,svickhngtit,khngccnhonglon,khngxyrachuyngnhvy.Tinghgangsuytngvdngncmm
tinhkhitvmtlnhnmcccmgicnhmingcabnbdaoctmilnungvo.
Thtratimunthyhkhcmtcht.Khihkhngkhcmillctilongi.
Nhiukkhngthnglnnukhngcgip,nhngTtrnglmctrongcnphng.Lcughilongchong,nhthbchong
vDeanatayra,nhngBitterbucktlyliccnbng,thlchngtii.
Huhtnhngchicghcngingi,hlnglthmthvinhau,nhngitavnlmkhichichnhmtmcihocmtang.yl
khonhkhcduynhtBitterbuckchnbc.Tikhngbitcaicbitlmgengi,nhngtinghecmtgingrnrkhnilntrongchngg,v
6/30/2017 DmXanh
tnhincnhtaytiangnmgicmtsctrtrmtrckhngc.Tkhemt,tithyHarryTerwilligertinlncttngluicaTtrng
nuBitterbuckthnhlnhquytnhchid.
Tisitchtkhuutaygvgvobntrongcnhtaygbngmtngntay.
Vngvngi,Ttrng.Tiniquakrng,mikhngmpmy.iuduynhtkhinminginhnanhlcchxscaanh,vyhylmcho
p,chohthydnWashitabitxsrasao.
Glicsangtivnhgtu,ricmlymtbmtcmcongitht,hnlnn.TinhnsangBrutalangngtthnghsaughin,lngly
trongbngphcxanhpnhtcaanhta,ttcntocchisngbng,nnihinngangtrnciuto.Tinhgtuvianhtavanhtanhn
trlingay,bclnphatrcgipBitterbuckleolnbcnugcncgip.Haragkhngcn.
ThigianchaymtphttlcBitterbuckngixungghnlcBrutalkhgi"Xoaylnhai!"quavairaphasau.Ccbngnmilnna,nhng
ch mt cht thi bn s khng nhn thy nu khng . iu ngha l Van Hay ng cu dao. C mt ting vo vo kh pht ra t chic nn st, v
Bitterbucknhoraphatrc,ngvonhngkhakpvaikhngchxitngangngcg.Phabnkia,davotnglvbcscatrigiamangbnh
thnquanst,mimmchtdnnkhimingngtatrngnhmtntnmutrng.KhngcchuynngphchvunganhloTootTootlmtr
khidintp,chccvtmnhratrc,nhmtngigpithnmnhtrnhnganhtatrongmngvutcacnkhoicm.ChicoxanhcaTtrngco
kochccnto,tothnhhnhnhnhngncigngpgiachng.
Vcimina.Tnthkhngt,nhngkhchukhikthp.Tichabaogixungnidihmnhchugitikhichngatiny,mcd
ylniacontrainhcachngtbchiLionel,mnsthnthitchiasvingccan.Tikhngphinhvnhngchuynxeha,vti
chcbncthoncmybinthmilthtikhngchuni.Cicchnkuvovo.Vcicch,khinngln,nbcmi.Thmchsaubaonhiu
nm,thmivngitinhvColdMountain.
VanHaydnhchogbamigiy,sauttngunin.Tchcamnh,vbcsbclnphatrcvtngnghe.Lcnyccnhnchngkhng
cnnichuynna.Bcsthngngilnvnhnqualist.
Rilon!ngtani,lmcchngoymtvngbngmtngntay.ngtanghecvitingtimpngunhintronglngngcBitterbuck,cth
vnghanhnhnghonghtcamtcongbchtu,nhngtthnngliu.Bnkhngmuntnhingngibtdytrnxeykhiicna
nghm,oangoangnirnggcmthynhangbbcchy.
VanHayxoaylnbavTtrngnhoratrclnna,onoimtchttbnnysangbnkiatrongCucxtktthc.Mtlnnachngti
thnhcngtrongvichyditcichngtikhngtorac.Mtvingitrongskhngilibtunichuynkhkhnghuhtungiyn,gcu
nhnsnnh,nhthsngshocxuh.
HarryvDeantinnvibngca.ThtraPercycbnphnkhinmtucngnhngnhnkhngbit,vchngaibungihn.GTtrng,vn
cnicibaolaen,cBrutalvtichtlnbngca,richngtiltquacnhcadnvonghm,nhanhnmcnhchymkhngphil
chy.Khiqunhiukhibcratciltrnumtn,vcimihithighrn.
itri!Percykuca,gingngpngng.Migth?
Trnhngchotivngngoichuynny.Brutalni,xquahnnbctngnitreobnhchala.Tronglc,Deanltcimtn.
KhngnnithinhcthxyrabmtctricaBitterbuckangchymnhmtchnglcymt.
ngquantmnth.TiboBrutal.Tikhngmunphichischmtngbnhachttrnmtngichttrckhiagvophasauxe
chxc.TivvouTtrngchonkhikhithibcln.Sauchngtikhingcixcxungmihaibccuthangnnghm.ylnhlo
vmtnhngcti,vimthanhrcrchtrngrngcatingncnhgit.Nhngngnntreolnglngcchpnthbngthicchngcch
6/30/2017 DmXanh
totrongxngmycatrigiamrisngngngbnggchchydi30feetbndixal.Minghmcongvmt.Nkhinticmthymnh
nhmtnhnvttrongtruyncaEdgarAllanPoemilnsdngnn.
Mtchicxeyangch.ChngtichtxccaBitterbucklnxe,tikimtralncuimbotcgngngchy.Bmtcchythnhthan,v
tirttickhithycnhcungnhbnugbygikhngcng,ngoimttngnmen.
Percyttvomkcht.mthanhtingttkhkhcdobntayhngyralmttcchngtigitmnh.Percynhnquanhchngtivincivnh
votrncaming,mtlplnh.RihnnhnBitterbucklnna.
VnhbitTtrng.Hnni.hivngangcnngchochmy.
nglmth.Brutallnting,gingtrngrngvhnghntrongnghmrrnc.Anhtatrlinhngganhtan.Anhtasngphngvi
trigiam.Btayrakhianhta.
ido,thii!PercypchtnhnghonghtlilikhiBrutaltinvphahn,bngtidnglnsaulnganhta,gingnhbngconkhtrongcu
chuynngNhXc.NhngthayvvlyPercy,BrutalnmlyxeyvbtuyArlenBitterbuckchmritinvukianghm,nichuyni
cuicngangig.trnbcxal,nhngbnhxebngcaosucngcachicxeyrnlntrnnhngtmvnbngsditheobctnggch
nhra,yriviDeanvHarrynmlytmvidichn,koylnmtTtrng,lcnybtukhoccinttrnhsp,vhncattcnhng
bmtcht,ngivticngnhkcti.
Chng10
Khitimitmtui,chPaulcatingimticttntheochtvmtcnautim.MvbaticngnChicagodtanglvthm
vinghhngbnb,trongshcnhiungitichabaogigp.Chngtiignmtthng.Vmtsmtno,chuyniqulttp,mtchuyn
icnthitvhpdn,nhngmtmtkhc,nlitit.Bnthyy,tiyusumcgitr,ngistrthnhvtihaitunsaungysinhnhtth
michncati.Mtmkia,khinikhaokhtnngnhchybngtrongtimvtmtrti,tivitchonngmtlthdngnhvtntitrttrntm
hnmnhvolth,khnghxemlinhnggtinivsninhtnhtsbuctidngtay.Tikhngdngtay,vkhimtgingnitrongutim
phnirngvicgiimtlthnhvylinr,rngtisdngcontimthngychonngnmtrongtay,tilni,theokiutrconnnthlmng
cchuqu.TithngthcmckhngbitJanicecngilthkhng,nhngchabaogicanmhi.Ttcnhnggtibitchclkhngtm
cnkhilclivtdngcanngsautangl,vdnhinbnthnnkhngcnghag.Tichorngmnhkhngbaogihivsphthinlthnng
chyivinngctnghahniviti.
Lthdibntrang.Tinghskhngbaogivitthgdihnnatrongi,vbygihynhny.Vnchathybngdngcattcnhngdng
nyvonkt.Nubittrccuchuynsdinmcny,hntikhngbtu.iutikhngnhnralvicvitvnmrabitbaocnhca,
nhthcybtmyccabtikhngphilbt,nhnglmtthchakhavnnngkdiuno.Conchutcllthdhaynhtviutiangni
nSteamboatWilly,ngJingles,conchuttrnDmngXanh.Trckhibtuvit,tichahnhnthcctmquantrngcacuta.Chnghn,
civdngnhcutaitmDelacroixtrckhiDelacroixndsao,tikhngnghiutngxuthinviti,trongtmthccati,chonkhibtu
vitvnhli.
TiangnitikhnghnhdungniphinngcdngthigiantheothtbaoxakbnnghevJohnCoffey,hoctiphibmcgtrongxlim
baolu,mtconngikhnglnmcbnchngkhngchthrakhimpspng,mcnthngxungtnsnnh.Tikhngmunbnqung,c
ch?Timunbnthyg,angnhnlntrnxlim,khcnhnggitncmtthmlng,hoclytaychemt.Timunbnnghecg,nhngting
thdirunrynhtingncncag,thnhthonglmttingrnmncmt.Nhngthnykhngphilmthanhcanithngkhvnhnmi
khichngtanghecKhuE,nhngtingthtchitaichangnhngmnhvnnnnnhimttcagchnghn,bngcchnotchra
6/30/2017 DmXanh
khicnaunmchngtatngiph.Mtnotibitiunynghertinr,ttnhintibit,nhngnubnkhngthniraiucontimbn
cmnhnlsthtthtptruyndinyskhngcnghamcnonnhthnibunchotonbcithgiimgcmnhn,mtiugquto
ttkhngbaogicthhontonani.Thnhthongtinginichuynvig,nhtivnlmvittcbnhnichuynlcngvictottnht,quan
trngnhtcachngti,titinninhthvticgnganig.Tikhngcmthymnhtnglmth,vmtphntmhntivuisngkhigchu
aukh,bnbity.Cmthygngphichuaukh.ilcthmchticnnghnvicgiinchoThngcvnghhonthihnhn."Chngta
channnngg,tisni.Tilivncnlmgrtaun,cnrtgrtnhiu,qunquitrongrutgnhmikimbnngt.Hychogthmchn
mingyna,thangi.Hygtiptclmchochnhgiuchngtakhnglmc".
GJohnCoffey,timunbngtsangmtbntmtrtrongkhitilmxongvictheokpnitibtucigJohnCoffeynmtrnsp,cigJohn
Coffeysbngticlvldochnhng,bitrongbngtichngphichaibngdngvimitcqunkhngcnlbginamlcthnboth
angchghaysao?CigJohnCoffeyviimtluntrol,gingnhmutunratmtvtthngkhngbaogilnh.
VylTtrngbxtvTngthngdinhnKhuC,nginhcaphnlntrongsmttrmnmmicdncaColdMountain.Cucica
Tng thng ha ra c mi hai nm. G b trn nc cht trong nh git tri giam nm 1944. Khng phi l nh git ca tri giam Cold Mountain Cold
Mountainngcanm1933.Tikhngcholiuquantrngnhiuiviphmnhntngvnltng,nhlibntiphmni,vtixcnhnGi
Sparkyvnltaihachtngitngchtmttrongcnphngtthnnhbngcaringn,nhtngmtthitrongnhkhoColdMountain.
VphnTngthng,knodiugvotrongmtcivichachthptyrikimcht.Khiclnhgclira,bmtggnnhbinmt.
Ngitabucphinhndnggbngvntay.Vtngth,clgiviGiSparkythtthn...nhngnuththgkhngcthmmihainm,phi
khng?Tuynhin,tinghigkhnghnghnhiuviuvophtcuii,khibungphicagcgnghccchhtthvichthexlitevchttytrng.
Ngitakhngbaogibtcthphm.Lcytidrikhicngviccihun,nhngHarryTerwilligervitthkchotibit.
Gcgimnphnlnlnhdndatrng.Harryvit.Nhngcuicngcngbtrngpht,khngcgkhc.Tichxemnhmtcuchonthi
hnhnludi,saucnghthn.
CmtqungthigianmchochngtiKhuE,khiTngthngrai.HarryvDeanctmthitiphncng,chcnti,BrutalvPercytrn
DmngXanhmtcht.ThctcnghachltivBrutal,vPercysngrtkhpkn.Nibnnghe,gthanhninlthintitrongchuyntmravic
khnglm.Vthnhthong(nhngchkhiPercykhngcmt),nhnganhchngkiasncciHarrygil"mtchutnguvuiv".Trongnhiudp
nhthny,conchutcngxuthin.Chngtichonnvnngin,uynghinhSolomon,nhnchngtibngcpmthtthtrongsng.
ylmtvitunlttlnh,ynvthoimi,kctrbimcnhiuhnthnglcaPercy.Nhngnhnggttpsnhiktthc,vmt
ngythhaimanhiuvocuithngbytikbnnghemahnmymavmtbitbaocha?Tithymnhangngitrnspngcamtx
limmcavchiEduardDelacroix.
Gnvimttingsmbtng.Cnhcadnvosntpthdcbttungra,ltvomtngunsngtrnngp,ctinglchcchlnlncady
xch, mt ging ni s st lp bp t xa, pha trn gia ging Anh v ging Php Cajun (mt th th ng m bn t nhn Cold Mountain thng gi l da
bayou),vBrutallaln,"!Thii!Thii,Percy!".
TiangnatnhnangtrncistrthnhspngcaDelacroix,nhngmauchngngln,timpmnhtronglngngc.mthanhnokiu
gnnhchabaogixyraKhuEchonkhiPercyxuthin,hnemntheonhmtthmihithi.
Nhanhln,ngtnhluynikhoaityrnkiuPhpkhnkip!Percyhtm,lBrutali.Vhnxuthin,kolmtgtokhnghncykimbng
mttay.TrongbntaykialcydicuicaPercy.Rnghnnheravivnhnnhbkimch,mtbng.Tuynhintrnghnkhnghontonmtvui.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Delacroixcgngtheokphn,nhnggeoxingtrnchn,vchodglbcnhanhbaonhiuthPercyvnligtheonhanhhn.Tinhybrakhix
limnglckhigbng,vylcchmDelvticgiithiuvinhau.
Percyiquanhg,dicuigiln,vtikimhnlibngmttay.Brutalthhohnnvichngti,nhncvbscvbirivtonbchuynny,
nhticmnhn.
nganhtanhtina,msieu.Delacroixlpbp.S'ilvousplait,silvousplait!
tixn,tixn!Percykuto,nhotitrc.HnbtupdicuivovaiDelacroix.Delacroixgitayln,gotht,vcydicuipcht
chtvotayotmuxanhcag.mytithygcitrn,vgmangnhngvtthmtmtGingsinhsangPhcsinh.Nhnnhngvtthmtm,ti
thykhchu.GlkgitnginhngykhngphilcchchngtiqunlKhuE.DsaothkhngphinhthtrckhiPercyn.
No!No!Tigmln.Dpi!Thnylsao?TiclchngivogiaDelacroixvPercy,nhngkhnghiuqulm.CydicuicaPercytip
tcvtttung,lcthbnny,lcbnkiangiti.Smmunghncnggingmtgyvotithayvvomctiunhmcahn,vlcyscu
ngaytiytronghnhlang,chodthlccahnlai.Tiskhngnhnc,vBrutalsnsngxngvo.Vmtskhacnh,ticgchngtilm
th.Cliusthayicmtssvicxyrasauny.
ngtnhmkip!Taosdychomytrnhngvongitao,chnbhngbttit!
Php!Php!Php!VbygiDelacroixangchymutai,lahtinhi.Tibkhngchechnchogna,nmlymtbnvai,ygvoxlim,g
ngsngsoilnspng.Percylaovngquangitivpmtcctlccuicngvomnggmtcnhi,bncthnith.ThriBrutalchp
lyvaiPercyvkomnhquahnhlang.
Tinmlycnhcavyntheongrayngli.RitiquaysangPercy,cnscvhoangmangcatiutranhddivicngindthun
ty.Percylmvicnhiuthngy,luttcchngtiquytnhrngchngtikhngahn,nhngyllnutintihontonhiuhnd
mttchnmcno.
Hnngnhnti,khngphihontonkhngshnlmtthnghntrongbncht,iunythtichabaoginghihocnhngvnttinrngcc
miquanhsbovhn.Vchuynthhnng.Tinglcnhngngikhnghiutisaolith,kcsauttcnhnggtini,nhngl
nhngngichbitcmt"iKhngHong"trongschlchs.Nubntngthi,thnkhngchlmtcmttrongsch,vnubncmtviclm
nnhth,itri,bnslmgnnhmichuyngicn.
Mu nhe i mt cht trn b mt Percy, nhng m hn vn cn bng, v mi tc hn, vn thng xuyn c chi lt ra sau v bng nhy
brillantine,xxungtrn.
NhndanhCha,ttcchuynnylsao?Tihi.Tichabaogichonhptnhntrongkhucati!
Thngkhnranhngtnhtmcchbphbcatikhitiligrakhixe.Percytrli.Ngys,vtispnna.
Tinhnhn,qusngstkhngninnli.TikhngthhnhdunggngtnhluynihamhnhttrnqutxinhticaChagyrahnhvim
Percyvamt.ChunbchuynvocnhcchnsongsttrnDmngXanh,nhmtquylut,khnglmchotnhn,thmchkccnht,c
hngthtnhdc.
TinhnliDelacroixangcormtrnsp,tayvngilnbovgngmt.Trnctaygccngvmtsixchgahaichn.Ritiquayli
Percy.
Rakhiy.Tiralnh.Tisnichuynvicusau.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chuynnysnmtrongbococaanh?Hnngngohi.Bivnuc,tisvitbococaringti,anhbity.
Tikhngmunvitboco,tichmunhnctchokhutmtti.Tibohnnhth.
Khplivn.Tiktlun.TithyBrutalnhntivphni,nhngli.ii,rakhiy.nkhuQuntr,bohanhcnhimvcthvh
trtrongphngnggi.
c!Hnlylivimtnh,hoclthikiucngngungcngytrangnhvimtnh.Hnchitcttrnltrasaubngbntaymmmi,
trngvnhnhnnhbntaycamtthiun,ringnxlim.Delacroixnhnthyhn,vgcnpmnhlixahnnatrnsp,lpbpmtthhnhp
tingAnhvtingPhphln.
Taochaxongvimyu,Pierre.Hnthtln,rigitmnhkhibntaykhnglcaBrutaltlnvaihn.
Phi,cuchaxong.Brutalni.Bygithbini!
Anhkhnglmtisu,anhbity.Percyni.Khngschtno.nhmthnchuynsangti.Chaianh.Nhngchngtilmhns.
Bncthnhnthyiutrongmthn,rnhbanngy,viucnglmchohnnguyhimhn.MtgnhPercy,thmchbnthncngkhngbit
mnhquyttmlmgtphtnyquaphtkhcvtgiynysanggiykhc.
iuhnlmngaylclquayikhichngtivilnhnhlangbngnhngbcchndi,vnhvo.Hnchothgiichngkiniugxyra
khimtgngiPhpnhb,hiuphnnavgytrxngtmcchbphbcahn,vhnangrikhihintrngvitcchcakchinthng.
Tiphtbiulilsonsn,ttcvchuynlmcchnochngticradio,rngchngtisiihnttnugcngxsnhthvichng
ti.Bigingonhnhoikhngphiliumbnsgilmttrongnhngthnhcngcati.Gkhcsutthigiannichuyn,ngicoqupchn
spng,cngxaticnghaymkhngthtsmnhtvotronggc.Gkhpnpmikhiticngvtinghgkhngngheclymtttrnsut.
Clth.Dsaotikhngnghbigingocbittorathctonphn.
Milmphtsautitrvbngiy,niBrutusHowellcvkchng,angngilimucybtchmchngtidngchoquynsghitnkhch
thm.
Anhcchutbthiquentrckhibnhimckhng?Tihi.
Lycha.Anhtap,bbtchxung.TikhngbaogimuncthmmtthnglnlinhthptitnhnnKhu.
ChuynDelacroixbphbhnlthno?Tihi.
Brutalkhtmi.
GbxchchnvPercykogiqunhanh,ththi.Gvpchnvspngkhivarakhixe.Gatayranhbtcnginokhispng,v
mtbntayqutquangqunPercy.Hontonltainn.
CunghPercybitch?Tihi.CphihnlycnhdnmtDelacroixkhng?chngtaichhuycucsny.
Brutalchmrigtu.
.Tinghclth.
Vychngtaphitheodihn.Tinivvuttc.Nhthcngvicchakhkhn.Chai,tightchuynnyqui.Tighthn!
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ticngvy.Vanhmunbitchuyngkhckhng,Paul?Tikhnghiuhn.Hncthlc,tihiuiu,ngri,nhngtisaohnlidngh
tmviclmDmngXanhkhnkip?Hnna,libtkninotrongnhttiubangnach?TisaokhnglmttnhutiThngvin,hoc
mtksplchhnchoPhThngc?Chcchnngicahncthtmchohnvicgtthnnuxinh,vytisaoliy?
Tilcu.Tikhngbit.Cnhiuiulcytikhngbit.Tichorngmnhqungyth.
Chng11
Sauskin,tnhhnhtrlibnhthng...tnhttrongmtthigian.Tanht,tiubangchunbaJohnCoffeyraxtx,vcnhsttrng
HomerCribuscahtTrapingusbcbkinchorngmtcuchnhhnhtpthclsthcycnglnhanhhnmtcht.Nhngchuynkhngnh
hnggnchngtitiKhuE,khngaichnhiuntintc.CucsngDmngXanh,theocchno,gingnhsngtrongmtcnphngcch
m.Thnhthongbnnghenhngtingrrmmclvithgiibnngoilnhngvn,nhngttcchcth.KhngcnvivviJohnCoffeyngita
chmunchcnvg.
PercychaichichicDelacroix,nlnthhaithtilihnsangmtbnvralnhchohnnvnphngcati.ykhngphilnutithm
vnPercyvtingxcahn,vskhngllncui,nhngctinhnhlptcviucllshiubitrrngnhtvbnchtcahn.Hnc
tmhncamtabtraiccnsthkhngphinghincunhngconvt,mnmvochungcachng.
Cutrnhxagngay,nghecha?Tini.Trkhiticlnhcbit,cuphitrnhxag!
Percychilttcrasau,rivvnbngibntaynhnhn.Gcontraithchsvotcmnh.
Ticlmgnu.Hnci.Chhincmthythnokhithiuchyriab,ththi.Percynhntibngimttrnxoe,ngyth.
Cudpchuyn,hocscboco.Tini.
Cboconuanhmun.Hncivtrli.Ritisquaylngvlmbococaringti.Gingnhtinivianhkhign.Chngtas
xemaingonhnai.
Ticingi,khoanhtaytrnmtbnvnibnggingmtihivngnghenhcamtngibntncn.
BrutusHowellkhngacu.Tibohn.VkhiBrutalkhngaai,cbitcuytnglmboco.Cuyvnkhngthnhtholmvibtmc,
vthcuysnsngbocobnghaiqum.Nucuhiuti.
Ncitmncahnnaonng.
Anhnhnig?
Tikhngnhnig.Tiniri.Vnucumchaitrongs...bnbcacu...vcucnichuynny,thtisnilcubat.Tinhnhn,
mtmtovthnhkhn.Hnna,tiangcgnglmbnvicu,Percy.Vingikhnngoanchmtlil,ngitanith.Vtisaocucnht
quytgygviDelacroix?Gcnggu.
Vtrongmtthigian,cucnichuyntrnchiuqu.cbnhan.MtilnthmchticthphiPercyiviDeanhocHarrykhingitm
caDelacroix.Banmchngticradio,DelacroixbtuthginmtchttrongcngvictithngngyKhuE,vcbnhan.
Ri,mtmkia,tinghegci.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
HarryTerwilligertrcbngiyvchngbaolusauanhtacngci.TingdyvixungxlimcaDelacroixxemgcthciviug.
Nhnny,sp!Gthtlnkhinhnthyti.Tithunhacmtconchut!
ylSteamboatWilly.NangtrongxlimcaDelacroix.Hnthna,nangngitrnvaicaDelacroixvbnhthnnhnchngtiquachnsong
bngcpmthtth.uicunquanhbnchn,trngnhontonynbnh.VphnDelacroixbnskhngnhnraconngitngngicoqupvrun
rychnspngcchchaymttun.NhnggingcongitivosngngyGingsinhkhiconbxungnhdivthynhngmnqu.
Xemy!Delacroixni.Conchutangngitrnvaiphig.Delacroixduitaytrira.ConchutchyvtlnnhuDelacroix,sdngtccag
troln.Saunvtchyxungphabnkia,Delacroixcikhckhchkhiuiconchutcvobnhngcg.Conchutchysutxungnctay,ri
quayli,vtchylnlivaitricaDelacroixvcunuiquanhbnchnlnna.
Tringuynratimt!Harrykuln.
Tihunluynnlmth.Delacroixhnhdinkhoe.TnnlngJingles.
Khng.Harryvuivni.NlSteamboatWilly.SpHowellttnchony.
NlngJingles.Delacroixkhngnh.Vbtcchnokhc,hngsniththithalShinola,nhngvtitnconchutthghon
toncngrn.Nthmnitnnvotaig.Sp,chotixinmtcihpckhng?Tixinmtcihpchoconchutnngtrongyvitic
khng?Ginggbturivomscnnhntmtinghecngnlntrc.Tindispngvnskhngbaogigyphinh,dch
mtln.
TingAnhcachmykhhnnhiukhichmymuniug.Tip,trhonthigian.
,Harrylmbmvhuchti.Phinhnka.
NhngtithyPercykhngcvgyphinh,mthkhng.Hnkhngvuttchocvnvcydicuicahn,vntongphctrncng
cira.Lnutintithyhnnhth,vthtngcnhinkhimtiunhnhoinhthlicthtorasthayilnlao.Tuyth,phnlniugyn
tngchotilntmthn.Trncvbnhan.KhngphilsthanhbnhtikhngnghPercyWetmorecmtkhcxngthanhbnhtrongcthhn
nhngliubcamtconngiphthinrahncthchiiuhnmun.Mtsthayingkcagthanhnintrmtidadmbng
nhngqumcaBrutusHowell,chvingytrc.
Tuynhin,Delacroixkhngthysthayigcormvotngxlim,kougilntnngc.Mtgdngnhphngrachonlcchekhutna
khunmt.Conchutvtchylnnhuhicagvngi.TikhngbitconchutnhncldongvcPercykhng,nhngchcchnntv
nhthlnh.ClnchngithynishicagngiPhpnhbvphnng.
Sao,sao.Percyctging.Cvmytmcchomymtngibnka,Eddie.
Delacroixcgngtrli,tionlmtthithchthctrngrngviusxyrachoPercynuPercylmhingibnmicag,nhngkhngcg.
Midighirunry,nhngchcth.Trnnhug,ngJingleskhngrun.Nngiyntuyti,chnsaulatrongmitcDelacroix,chntrcdng
ratrncishitccag,nhnPercytanhangnhgihn.Cchbnnhgimtcuth.
Percynhnti.
Chngphiylconchuttirtuisao?Conchutsngtrongphngkluty?
Tigtu.TinghPercychathykmicttnlngJinglestlnrtuivari,vlcnyhnkhnglvmunrtuiconchut.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Phi,ngln.Titrli.CiuDelacroixginlngJingles,khngphiSteamboatWilly.Gniconchutththmvotaig.
Th.Percyni.iukdiukhngbaogicn,phikhng?Tichhnrtdicuiravbtuvvochnsong,chchoDelacroixbitail
sp,nhnghnchngchngnnh,nhnvotrong.
Delacroixhixinmtcihp,Percy.Gnghconchutsngtrong,tionth.Nhvygcthginlmvtnui.Tichtchanihoinghi
vogingni,vcmnhnhnlthyHarrynhntingcnhin.Cunghsaovchuyn?
Tinghclmnonslnmigtrongkhingrichunmt.Percythnnhinp.Nhngtinghylchuyncathngnhcngi
Php.TithymtcihpxgkhptrnxeycaTootTootvomkia.Nhngtikhngbitlocchuchokhng.Cllomunmtngnm
xu,thmchmixukhngchng.
nlcnytinhliulicnhnHarryvthyminganhtahhc.
PercynghinglignDelacroixhn,amthnvogiaccchnsong.Delacroixlivosuhn.TithcChahnstanbinvotrongtngnu
cth.
Mycnmxuhoccthlmixumuahpxgkhng,ngngn?Hnhi.
Ticbnxu.Delacroixtrli.Tiachngilycihp,nulhptt,silestbon.
Nimyngheiuny,Percyni.NulogikhmsnrngchubncihpCoronavigibnxuchomy,taoschunmttbngrakhibnh
xlthp.ChngtasxykhchsnHiltonchochut,trckhixongxuivinhau.Hnchuynnhmtsangti.Tiphivitmtbocophngc
invBitterbuck.Hnni.Trongvnphnganhcbtkhng,Paul?
Quthclc.Titrli.Cmunna.Ngnkotrncngbntri.
Sao,sdzch.Hnprivnhvobi.
Harryvtinhnnhau.
Anhnghhnbnhkhng?Harryhi.Clibcsvbitchcnsngcbathngna?
Tiboanhtatikhngcchtnimgvchuynvaxyra.Lcylstht,nhngritheothigiantihiura.Vmtvinmsau,ticmt
cucnichuynthvbnbnnviHalMoores.Lcychngticthnnithoimivngyvhu,cnticngtctiTriCihunThanhnin.
Mtbanmtaungqunhiuvnqut,vnhngcilitrnnbahoa.HalktingherngPercynhkhiunivtivcucsngDm
ngXanhnichung.ChuynnyxyrangaysaukhiDelacroixnKhu,BrutalvticnPercykhngchonhgkiasngdchtd.iulmcho
Percytctinhtlvictiuihnctchokhutmtti.HnnghmtngicquanhviThngckhngthchpnhnnhnglilnhth.
Vng,Halktinghe,nghonbinhviPercycnglucngtt,vnkhithyrPercyspgitdytibkhintrch,tnhtcngbchuynsang
nikhctrongtrigiamthngy,Moores,koPercyvotrongphngcamnhvborngnuhnthikhngquychohi,MooresmboschoPercy
xuthintrongbuixtDelacroix.Thcnghatrnthct,hncngngaybncnhchicghin.Tischhuy,nhmiln,nhngccnhnchng
khngbitiuivihscvnhngPercyWetmorechocuckhiuvvy.Mooreskhnghagkhchniuchngtitholunvti
thuntheo,nhngPercykhngbit.Hnngbnhngliedalmchotibtibnhim,vbukhngkhKhuEnhthhn.Thmchhncnng
choDelacroixnuigikcuthcaPercy.Ngcnhinbitbaokhimtsngicththayi,nuckhchlngchtrongtrnghpcaPercy,tt
cnhnggGimthMooresphihahnchlchilymngmtgngiPhpnhb,siu.

6/30/2017 DmXanh
TootTootcmthybnxucnkmxagitrmthpxgCoronathnghnghpxglvtcnhgicaotrongtrigiam.Mtngnmthng
nhkhccthcttrong,mivthdchu,vcvgvnhngcihpgichothnchcachngticmgicthnoltdo.Bivthuclc
phphttrongtrigiamnhngxgthkhng,tihnhdungth.
DeanStanton,lcytrliKhu,gpmtxuvohtin,vticngnmvomtxuna.KhiTootTootvntralngl,Brutalbnlmvicvilo,
trchtbornglophitxuhchobnthnvxsnhmtgbntin,sauhavilornganhta,BrutusHowell,schthnttrcihp
CoronavotayTootngaysaungyhnhhnhDelacroix."Suxucthhockhngthlnulonichuynvcibnhpxgchngtacthci
nhaumttrnratrtheokiutimhttcviu,"Brutalhnghn,"nhnglophicngnhnylmtgihikhichothun.Mtthngnagsbc
trnDmngXanh,sutunltia.Sau,cihpstrvtrnkdixeycalognnhtrckhilokpbitnrai."
Gcthcmtthmphnmmlngchohonthihnhnvscnyht"Nunhngmiquenbitcbbqun"Tootni,nhnglobit
rhnvBrutalbitlobit.TootTootycixechttitcamnhquanhColdMountain,trnthct,tthiPonyExpresskia,vlocthamangun
tin...chnhxchncchngti,lcytinghth.LobitDelacroixkhngthotkhitayccthmphnmmlng.TtcnhnggcnlihivnglThng
c,ngicnguyntckhngnxchonhngthngnngchnnatctricangta.
Thmchnugkhngchon,conchutsvocihpnthngmi,cthnclTnnaka.Tootci,nhngBrutalcththyg
anguil.Aismuahpxgmmtconchutdnglmphngvsinh?
iLouise.Brutalni.yliungngnnhttitngngheloniy,Toot.til,thinht.Trcht,Delacroixsgicihpschn
mtbatthintheocchgmconchutthgslimschnnucn.
Bquachuyni!Tootp,minhnli.
Thhai,Brutaltipc,phnchutkhngphichuynln.Chlnhnghtcngnh,gingphnchim.lrakhihpngay.Khngcng.
LoTootTootbittthnkhngnnphninalotluhiukhinocthimtvilngithongvkhinocnunmnhditrn
cungphong,nhngbnngphcxanhchngtithchconchut,vchngtithchcitngDelacroixcconchut,vnhthcnghatnhtlmtcn
gimnh.ThlDelacroixnhnccihp,vPercygilihahaingysau,yhpcltbnglpbnglytbnhx.Percychthnachog,
vtithynistrongmtDelacroixkhihnthtayquachnsongcmly.GsPercyschptaygvbgyngntay.Ticnghischuyn,
nhngkhngcgxyra.ylimgnnhttiathchPercy,nhngngayclccngkhmnhmlnvthchthlnhlotrongmthn.Delacroix
cconvtnuiPercycngcmtcon.Delacroixsnuiconvtcag,vvvyuthngnludichngnocthPercyskinnhnchvsau
thiusngg.
KhchsnHiltonChutkhaitrngkinhdoanh.Harrytuynb.Cuhiduynhtlconquiranhcchusdngkhng?
CuhictrlingaysaukhiDelacroixtmngJinglestrongbntayvnhnhngbvotronghp.Conchutrcvotronglpbngtrngnh
thyltmchnvlnhnchonkhi...vng,tisphismktthccuchuynvngJingles.
Ni lo lng ca lo Toot Toot v chuyn ci hp x g b trn ngp phn chut t ra hon ton v cn c. Ti khng h thy mt cc phn trong , v
Delacroixnincngkhngbaogilmby...kcbtcninotrongxlimcag.Mivsau,volcBrutalchchotithyciltrongcyngangv
chngtiphthinnhngmuvncmu,tidichuynchicghrakhigcphangcaphngklutvthymtngphny.Cvnluntrli
chclmvic,vcngxachngticngtt.Mtchuynkhc:tikhngbaogibtgpnt,mthngthchutkhttvinchaiphtmtln,c
bitkhichngangn.Nibnnghe,convtngnguynralmttrongnhngbmtcaCha.
MttunsaukhingJinglesanclcnghiptrongcihpxg,DelacroixgitivBrutalxungxlimchngkinmtskin.Gkuronhiu
nmcgyphinphcnunhngJinglescnglnrachngbnchnlntrithivigCajunbto,nvnltovtxinhxnnhttrnqutca
Chanhnglnnymmucagkhvuinhn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Delacroixbthgiiqunbngsaukhituynn,nhnggvncnhhngmtbcgikhngchng,tinghthngivitthchogmitun
mtln.Bycnggichogmttikobchtong,loikoctipthdicitnBcHCanadavothi.Nhnchnggingnhngvinthucto
muhng.Delacroixkhngcphpnhntonbmtlntikonng5pound,vgsngunghinchonkhiphiibnhxvauthtddy.
GingnhhuhtnhngtngitngichngtitngcaiqunDmngXanh,gtuytnhinkhnghiusiuvmthc.Chngtiako
chogmilnmtnatvchkhinognhnvyucu.
ng Jingles ang ngi bn cnh Delacroix trn sp ng khi chng ti n, nm trong bn chn mt vin ko mu hng v tp tp nhai vi v hi lng.
Delacroixhontonmmnhtrongvuisnggingnhmtnhcsdngcmcinngmnhnacontrainmtuicamnhangdintuvngv
nhngbitputin.Nhngnghiusaiti,cnhtngqulvuinhn,mtchuyntiulmthts.VinkotobngnakchthtngJingleslm
chocibnglngtrngcngphng.
Lylivinkoi,Eddie.Brutalthtln,nabuncivnahihng.LyCha,nsnnvbngmt.Tingithymibchtchnyka.
Chmychonnbaonhiuri?
ylvinthhai.Delacroixtrli,birinhnbngngJingles.Anhthtsnghn...anhbity...svbng?
Cth.Brutalp.
VylquuylciviDelacroix.Gthtayivinkohngnddangmtna.Titngconchutscng,nhngngJinglestrlidchl
phncnthavhtscngoanngon.TinhnBrutal,anhtanhlcunhthnikhng,anhtakhnghiuiu,cngnhti.RingJinglesritm
votrongcihpvnmnghingmtbnvivmtllmcbachngtibtci.Sauln,chngticthiquenxemconchutngibncnhDelacroix,
cmmtvinkobchvtptpnhaignghnhmtqublntuitrongbatictrbuichiu,chaichmtrongmtthmsaunytingithytrong
ciltrncyngangciminang,nangtcakobch.
ThmmtiunakbnnghevngJinglestrckhichuynsangvicnhptricaWilliamWharton,llccnlcgingxungKhuE.Mttunsau
svicnhngvinkobchnicchkhc,khongthigianchngtikhchcchnDelacroixskhngchoconchutnnonchtgngiPhp
gitixungxlim.Lcychcmnhti,Brutalnkholngthcvvicg,vtheoquynh,tikhngcphptipcntnhntrongnhngtnh
hungnhth.NhngclvtikhnnghDelacroixtkhongcch20yardbngmttayvongyptri,tiquytnhphlutvnxemgmun
g.
Xemny,spEdgecombe.Gni.SpsthyngJingleslmcg!Gthtayrasauhpxgvlyramtngchnhbngg.
Anhlyurath?Tihi,mcdtinghmnhbittng.Quthtchcmtngitmgcthnhncmn.
LoTootToot.Gtrli.Xemy.
Tiangxem,vthyngJinglestrongcihp,nglnviibnchntrcnhnhnchngvothnhhp,cpmtennhnchmchvocing
chmDelacroixkpgiangncivngntrtayphi.Tichabaogithymtconchutchmchvomtthgvintscbnnhth,vivthng
minhnhth.TithtskhngtinngJingleslmtsinhvtsiunhin,vtixinlinutochobnngh,nhngtidmkhngnhconchutnyl
mtthintitrongsngloican.
Delacroixcixungvlncingchrngquasnxlim.Nlnddng,nhmtcpbnhxectrcni.Conchutphngrakhihpnhmttiachp,
bngquasnuitheongchnhconchuitheomtcique.Tithtlnngcnhin,vDelacroixtotmingci.
ngchngvotng,dingcli.ngJinglesivngquavyntrvsp,chuyntungnysangukiamikhicvnhnilchkhi
ltrnh.NychonkhingchchmvobnchnDelacroix.Rinngcnhngmtlc,nhthbitchcDelacroixkhngcngiaonhimvcp
bchnona.Dngnhhilngvthnhtcht,ngJinglestrvochichpxgvngixungli.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chmydynlmtr.Tini.
Vng,thaspEdgecombe.Delacroixtrli,ncicagchkhchey.Lnnoncngemv.Thngminhqux,phikhng?
Cncingch?Tihi.Lmsaoanhbitmlyvchocuta,Eddie?
Conchutthmthvotaitirngnmuncingch.Delacroixbnhthntrli.Gingnhthmthtnn.
Delacroixchottcnhngcukiaxemtrbiudincaconchut...ttc,trPercy.ViDelacroix,vicPercynghcihpxgvcungcplp
bngltlkhngngk.Delacroixgingnhloich:chngmtlnthchngkhngbaogicntincyta,dttvichngbaonhiuchngna.
BygitivncnnghecDelacroixhtln,",ccanhi!nxemngJingleslmtrny!"VcmtbnoxanhmxungBrutal,Harry,Dean,
lnBillDodge.Cbnusngstngmc,cngnhti.
BahocbnngysaukhingJinglesbtutrbiudinvingch,HarryTerwilligerlclitrongngtranhvthcngchngticttrongphngk
lut,tmcbbtspmuCrayolavemnchoDelacroixvimtncignnhbiri.
Tinghclanhthchtnhiumukhcnhauchongch.Anhtani.Lcytnbnnhconcaanhsgingmtconchutgnhxic,haythg
.
Mtconchutgnhxic!Delacroixthtln,vhnhphcvnton.Ticholghnhphcvnton,clllnutintrongsutcucikhn
khcag.ycnglbnchtcan!Mtconchutlmxic!Khitirakhit,nslmchotigiuc,gingnhtronggnhxic!Ccanhcthxemn
lmckhng?
NulPercyWetmore,chcchnhnsnitotchoDelacroixbitrngkhirikhiColdMountain,gsitrnbngcakhngcnchpnhochci,
nhngHarrythbitrhn.AnhtachnghDelacroixtmungchcngscscnghayvcngnhanhcngtt,bianhtaphilylibbtsauban
ti.
Delacroixtscscingch,ngth.Khigtxong,mtunglmuvng,ukiamuxanh,vcitrcgiathmula.Chngtiquendn
vivicngheDelacroixrngln:"Maintenant,msieursetmesdames!Lecirqueprsentementlemousamusantetamazeant!"(Bygi,thaqungqub!
Gnhxicxingiithiuchchutvuinhnvbtng!).Khnghnchnhxcnhth,nhngchobnmtnimvthtingPhpbaricag.Saugto
ramtmthanhsutrongchngtinghncxemnhthaytingtrngdnriqungngchra.ngJinglessuitheonhanhnhchp,hoci
bngmihoclnbngchn,ytrv.Cchythnhthtslmtthmbnchutrtinchognhxiccxem,tinghvy.Delacroixchocon
chutvcingchmumsngchiltrgiitrchnhcachngtithiimJohnCoffeybcvoscanhgivchmscvmivicynntheo
cchcmtthigian.Thricnbnhnhimtrngngtiucati,vnnmimmtthigian,naytipht,riWilliamWhartonnhptrivtnhhnh
trnnhnlon.
Chng12
Ccmcthigianhunhtutkhikccati.Ticholcthnhchungoiti,Danielle,tmcmtstrongnhnghsbochc,nhngch
g?Dsaothmcthigianquantrngnht,thdnhngychngtixungxlimcaDelacroixvthyconchutngitrnvaig,hocngyWilliamWharton
nkhuvsutnagitchtDeanStanton,skhngctrnbo.Clctiptcnhtivitthhayhn,cuicngtinghccmcthigiankhngquan
trnglm,nubncthnhcnhnggthyvgichngtheongtrnht.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tibitrngccskinbxonvonhaumtcht.KhigiytDOEcaDelacroixsaucngntaytitvnphngcaCurtisAnderson,tingcnhin
khithyngyhhncaanhbnCajuncachngtiviGiSparkycylnsmhnthihnchngtitng,mtskingnnhkhngngheni
n,thmchvonhngngykhibnkhngphiquytungnathinngvtonthhgiixtmtconngi.ylvnhaingy,tinghth,t
ngyhaimilmthngminngyhaimiby.ngbtbtivtnhchnhxc,nhngtibitthlstvisthcticnnhnghrngTootToot
slylicihpCoronacalothmchsmhnmongi.
Trongkhi,Whartonlinvichngtitrhndtnh.Trcht,thihnxtxthngnhcluhnsovithihnmnguntinngtincyca
Andersondon(khisvicdnhliunWildBillythkhngcgngtincy,iunychngtissmphthin,baogmnhngphngphpkim
sottnhncththchvithigianvcxemlbnvng).Sau,khibxemlctitnhtchngytheonguynvnncavoBnh
vinTngqutIndianolaxtnghim.Nbmtvicntaibinginhtrongthigianxtx,hailntrmtrngvtnlnxungt,ninnm
runry,giygiavpchnlnvnsn.LutscaWhartondoTachnhtuynbthngnhcmcchng"ngkinh"vphmtitrongtnhtrngmttr
cngtvinthlnnchngngkinhlthonlaocamtthnghnnht,tuytvngmungilimngsng.Saukhitrctipquanstcigil
"chngngkinh",hithmonquytnhnhngclncnchlmnkch.Chnhntnthnhnhngcholnhxtnghimtintuynnmtlotsaukhibn
lunticbanra.Chamihiutisaoclchvngtatm.
QuliukdiunuWhartonkhngchytrnkhibnhvin,nhnggkhngtrn.Ngitacholnhgcbavyg,ticholth,vclvgvn
cnhivngctuynbkhngchutrchnhimhnhsvldongkinh.
Gkhngbngkinh.CcbcskhngtmthyiugbtthngtrongbnogtnhtvmtsinhlhcvBilly"theKid"Whartonrtcucln
ngiColdMountain.ChuynlravokhongngymisuhocmitmtinhliWhartonnnikhonghaitunsauJohnCoffey,vmttun
trckhiDelacroixbctrnDmngXanh.
Ngygtmthnmigianhpvichngtilmtngyypskinviti.Titnhgicvobngisnghmy,hbpthnhthch,cican
nnghi,tcnghnvsngph.Thmchtrckhitungchnrakhiging,tibitchngnhimtrngngtiucamnhkhngkhhn,nhhi
vng.Nchlmtkhcquanhchngvnhsangtnhtrngtthn,ththi,vnchmdt.
Tirangoinhxgiiquytcngviccamnhvchakpixahnngcigcnhthnhnthykhngthkimchcna.Titutqun
pyjamaxungngaykhinctiubtutunra,vdngncchtngbimtcnaunngnnhttrongtonbcuciti.Titramtvin
sivonm1956,vtibitngitaniliuthinht,nhngvinsichnhmtchngkhtiusovicnautnbony.
uginhlongravtinngnkhuulnchng,xtoangngqunpyjamakhidngchnragithngbngvamthngngayvovng
ncthicachnhmnh.Ticncthngpmtvonukhngkpthichpvongcibngtaytri.Ttcnhnggtiquantmnlcnau
thiuttibngdicatibcchy,vcicancatimtbphnmtihunhqunbng,ngoitrkhincungcpchotikhoicmthxc
ccnhtmmtnginngcthhngbygiccmgicnhnangtanchy,tichikhinhnxungsthymutroratumt,nhng
vnlmtdngnctiuhontonbnhthng.
Tibmvongcibngmtbntayvbtmingbngbntaykia,tptrungtinhthnkhamingli.Tikhngmunlmvtihongstnhgic
vimttingtht.Dngnhtictramimi,nhngsaucngdngnckhi.nlcy,cnaulnsuvoddyvtinhhoncati,cnxau
butnhnhngcirngcuknh.Trongmtlclucldinmtphttimtkhnngsinhlngdy.Saucngcnaubtuduxungvtic
scngln.Tinhnbincthicamnhthmvolngt,thikhnghiuvChaTrilnhmnhnolicthsngtoramtthgii,ch
mtvngmtnhnhoinhvyliphitrgibngmtcnaukhngkhipnth.
Tisginsbobnh,tingh,vrtcucigpbcsSadler.Tikhngacimihithivgybunnncanhngvinthucsulfacabcs
Sadler,nhngbtciugcngttphnlqubncnhngci,cnhnkhnghtlntrongkhicicanbocorngnanghinnhinbnhngdu
havthiut.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Sau,tronglcnutvinaspirintrongnhbpcachngti,vlngngheJannhnhngngytrongcnphngkia,tinhlihmnaylngyWilliam
WhartoncnnhnhpKhu,vBrutalskhngcmtbngphncnggiaonhimvchoanhtabnkiatrigiam,gipvicdnntphnthvincn
livmtsthitbbnhxbstntanhmi.Cmtiutikhngcmnhnngmcdbcnau,lbmcWhartonchoDeanvHarry.Hl
nhngngitt,nhngbococaCurtisAndersonchobitWilliamWhartonltinxukhcthng.Thngnhcnycccni,anhtavitnhth,
gchdinhnmnh.
Lcycnauduimtchtvticthsuyngh.tnghaynht,dngnhiviti,lsmntrigiam.Ticthnvosugi,lthi
imgimthMooresthnglbcvo.ngycthchoBrutusHowelltiphncngsangKhuElutipnhnWharton,ritislmchuynduhnh
quhnlunbcs.ColdMountainthctnmtrnltrnhcati.
Hailntrongchuynidihaimilmdmntrigiam,nhucuitiuchimlnhti.Chailntiucthghxevolvgiiquytvnm
khngtgybirichobnthn.Chailnthoncnyukhngaunbnglnquttitngtrnngnnhx,nhngchailn,tiuphibu
chtlytaynmcachicxeFordnhhaichngigivngvcmnhnmhitunxungbmtnngbngcamnh.
Nhngriticngnc,lixevotrongquacngphaNam,xechquenthucvithngngpvinGimth.Lcyanglsugi.Vn
phngcacHannahcnvngctaskhngntrcgidnslbyginhngtrongvnphngcaMoorescnhsng,ticthnhnthyqualp
knhniht.Tigcachiulvmca.Mooresngclnnhn,ngcnhinthycngivogibtthngny,vlratisnlcrtlnkhngphi
lngingpngytrongtnhcnhnhth.Mitctrngcang,thnglchichutgngng,naytuatacharathnhcctmvmritung,tayng
anglavotrongy,gitvkokhitibcvo.Mtngdi,lndabndiphngvsngln.Chngrunrycangliuthinhttichatng
thy,trngnggingnhngivacvotrongnhsaukhiibmtqungxatrongmlnhbut.
Hal,xinling.Tistrli.Tilnting.
Khng.ngyni.Anhvuilng,Paul.Voi.ngcalirivoi.Tiangcncaingaylcny,nutngclccnaitrongsutcuci
ti.ngcalirivoi.
Tilmtheoliyucu,lnutinqunmtcnaucachnhmnhktlctnhgicsnghmy.
Chngbuno.Mooresni.HchpXquangno.Thtscvhrthilngvnhngbcnh.Mttrongbnhnicthylnhng
bcnhrnhtmbtcaitngcc,tnhtchonlcnyhnisnhnhchngtrongtpchykhoalnnotnNewEngland.Kchthcn
bngquchanh,hboth,vlansutnbntrong,nihkhngthgiiphu.HnivtischtvoGingsinh.Tichanichobybit.Tikhng
nghracchno.Tikhngnghracchno,dphicht.
Ringybtukhc,nhngtingncto,tcnghnkhintivathngxtvanhkinhhongkhimtconngibitgimnhnghimngtnhHal
Mooresrtcucmtkimch,qulhihngkhiphichngkin.Tingmtlc,ritinnvqungtayquanhvaing.ngddmachaitayra
tmti,nhmtngichtui,vbtuncntrnbngti,ttcnhngkimchtrisch.Sau,khittrntnhlic,ngxinli.ngyxinlim
khngnhnmtti,nhmtconngivnlmkhianhtacmthytgybiringschobnthn,cthsumnmcanhtakhngbaogichu
ngni.Mtngicththightbconngikhitrngthyanhtatrongtnhtrngnhvy.TinghgimthMooresttphnth,nhngkhngnhldo
mvntiny,vkhirikhivnphngcaMoores,tiinKhuEthayvtrraxe.Lcyvinaspirinangctcdng,vcnautrongphngia
catigimxungmcmttingpkh.Cchno,tisquacmtngy,tinhnxt,nnhgWharton,kimtraliviHalMooreschiuhm
y,rixinnghbnhvongymai.iuthivtquacnhiu,tingh,mkhngmymaybitrngtaihangyhmythmchchabtu.
Bntictngncnsaythucsauccxtnghimch.Deanlntingvochiuhmy.Ginganhtanikh,khnkhn,gnnhmttinghov
trncnilnnhngvtbm,hien.Toicththylanhtabaukhinichuynvnhbngboanhtabquavvici,nhngilcgiimlngcn
gyaunhnth.Tixtonychnhlmttrongnhngthikhcvngmknming.Ttcchngtaunghnsaythuc,ngkhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
HarryTerwilligergtu.CPercy,angngitchratrongcinhmmtngihndicahn,cnggtu.
Brutallicnhntivtrongthongchctigpnhmtanhta.Chngtinghnhiuncngmtiu,rngylcchmskinxyra.Bni
ngxa,mithutuntheoquylut,bnphmsailmvbmmtting,butrispxungubn.Htnggsaythuc,ylmtgithuythpl
nghn,nhngkhngmtaihigcsaythucthtkhng.TinghmnhcngnhnthymtiukhctrongmtBrutal:HarryvDeanshchitsai
lmcah.cbitlDean,ngisutnaddngvchutintqunh.Percythkhng.Percyclkhngth.TtcnhnggPercycthlml
ngitronggcvhndivhnlingpvongphnlnna.
BnhcttcbyngintnIndianolanhnWildBillWharton:Harry,Dean,Percy,hailnhgckhcngisauxe,thmhaingikhcngitrc.
HemtheocimhhaygilxengachytuynmtchicFordtikhpkndcgiacthpvtrangbbngloiknhccholchngn.Trng
ntanhlaitpgiaxechsavxebcthp.
V mt k thut, Harry Terwilliger chu trch nhim chuyn i. Anh ta giao cng vn cho cnh st trng ca ht, n lt tay ny giao li ng William
Wharton,trinhthnhmtrinhextraordinaire,theocchgicaDelacroix.MtbngphctcaColdMountaincgiitrc,nhng
taycnhsttrngvngicaanhtakhngmngnvicbtWhartonmcvohchachuynlichoccchngtraicati.Whartonmcbquno
vibngcabnhvinvidpnrtinkhihthyglnutrntnghaiBnhvinakhoa,mtgnnggytrxngvikhunmthp,ymnv
mtmtcvngditht,rini.Hnggcnghpvphymn,thrakhibqunobnhvin.ylphncagmHarryvnhngngikiathy
lnu,vWhartonangngcas,nhnrabixekhihtinvo.Gkhngquaylinhngcngtich,nmtmmncabngmttay,cmnn
nhmtconbpb,tronglcHarrycntaycnhsttrnghtvchuynqulibingkhngbtWhartonmcqunotmuxanh,cntaycnhst
trngthlnlpttccnhstaphngtitnggpdngnhchcchnslmthvnhngglcngviccahnvnhnggkhngphi.
KhiHarrytrnnmtmivchuynny,anhtaralnhchoWhartonquayli.Whartonlmtheo.Nhng,Deanklibngtinghokhncagingnib
sc,gingnhbtcknotrongsmtngnggianghnhquvchliicachngquaColdMountaintrongnhngnmchngtiy.Ltciv
xungvthmbnclmtthngngunvivcc.ikhibnphthinmtvhnnhttrongconngichngkhibdnvochntng,nhng
thngthkhngcgngoimvcc,vvthcnhiucucmhnvnhiuscchn.Cnhiunginhnthytnhcchqutctrong
nhngknhBillyWharton,nhngtikhngphimttrongsh.Mtconchutcngchinu,nunbdnvogc.Bmtcagnydngnhkhng
cnhncchnhiuhncimngkhmymncan,Deannivichngtith.Quaihmthngnhcxxung,mtvhn,vaism,tayonga.Nhng
nhchchychtmorphin,tngphnmtuinlonnhbtcthngnghinnomhtnggp.
ncuny,Percylihndigtulnna.
Mcvo.Harryralnh,chvobngphcchngingnclyrakhibcgiygimunu,nhnglichaaingnvncngp
gnnhvatrongphnggittrigiam,vimtqunngnbngvibngtrngthrangoimtciothngvmtivtrng,chicnythrakhichic
kia.
Whartoncvnhittnhtuntheo,nhngkhngthixanukhngctrgip.Thngnhcxoaysvichicqunngn,nhngkhinphnqun
di, n c c nht hai chn vo cng mt ng. Sau cng Dean gip n, t chn n vo ng ch x, ri git qun ln, ko kha qun v gi dy lng.
Whartonchngtrra,thmchkhngcgngphgipkhithyDeananglmvicvn.Nnhntrntrivhnquacnphng,tayxoithng,v
khngaitronghmymaynghingnanggiv.Khngphivhivngtrnthotnhngchlhivnggyritiakhicdpthuntin.
Ccgiytckkt.WilliamWharton,ktrthnhtisncahtkhibbt,naytrthnhtisncatiubang.Thngnhccaxungcu
thangphasau,iquanhbp,bachungquanhlngphcxanh.Nbci,ucixung,ibntaycngndionga.Lnukhinrinn,
Deanilichon.Lnthhai,anhtanhtlunvotrongtiqunsaucamnh.
Thngnhicchithhaigyrisauxechuynt,khihangxchn,nhngnkhngmanhng.Nucsuyngh,thnnsnghkhnggian
quchtvslngcnhstqulncthgyratingvangthamn.Vthtiptcnbdyxch,mtbchygiahaicchnvmtbkhc
6/30/2017 DmXanh
haraquditrigiahaictay.
ChuynvColdMountainmtmtgi.Sutthigian,Whartonngitrnbngghdibntricnhbunli,ucithp,taybcngungagiahai
ugi.Thnhthongthngnhiranhngmngamtcht,Harryk,vPercythctnhkhinikhipscahnnithmrngthngngunnhdit
midira,milnmtgit,chonkhithnhvnggiachnn.Gingnhmtconchnhdiratulivomtngyhnngbc.
Hlixevotrong,quacngphaNamkhintrigiam,vtngayquaxeti,tionth.NgilnhgclivophaNamycnhcatogiakhuv
snthdc,vxechuyntchyqua.Trongsnlginghngi,khngcnhiungingoivphnlnanggiyctrongvn.Gitrngda,hnlth.
HlixethngquasnnKhuEvdngli.Tixmcavbohanhtasnbixethaynht,rtvuiclmvicvih.Nhngngilnhb
sungitheoxe,haitrongsngiphasaunto,caxemtoang.
NhvycnliDean,Harry,vPercyvimttnhnbxingxch.Lrathl,nuhkhngbrungbithngranhconnhquangngciu
trongbnlyvixingxchtrnctayvcchn.HpgiinimihaibcgncamvoKhuE,theocngihnhmchngtisdngkhip
giitinhnxungDmngXanh.Harrybntaytrin,DeanbntayphivPercyiphasau,dicuicmtrongtay.Khngaiktingheiu,nhng
tibittnghnrtraPercyathchcydicuibnggho.VphntithangngitrongcislnhcaWhartonchonthiimginngk
vochnngbngxlimthnhtbnphikhibnitheoxungdihnhlangvhngphngklut.Ticbakphstrongtayvkhngsuyngh
gngoiondinvnngnvitsnvchunkhich.Cnautronghbliangtngln,vttcnhnggtimunlivvnphngcamnhv
chchocnauiqua.
Deanbclntrcmkhaca.Anhtachnchicthchhptrongchmchakhaeoylngvnhtvokha.Whartonvnglnngaykhi
Dean vn cha kha v ko nm ca. Thng ranh con lp bp tht mt ting mt th ting tht ni lon khin Harry tm thi cng v kt thc Percy
Wetmoretrongtonbcuciu.Tinghetingthtquacnhcakhphvlcukhnglinhnbtcsking,tinghmtconchsngvo
trongsnvbthng,cldobmtgtbntnhnopchomtcuc.
Whartongitaylncao,thsixchlnglnggiahaictaynlnuDeanvbtuxitanhtabngsixch.Deanthtlnmttingttnghnvlo
onhoraphatrc,ltvotrongvngnhsnginmtlnhcacithgiinhbchngti.Whartonhdcngtheovovianhta,thmchcnx
yanhta,lahtvlpbpsut,thmchcivangna.ThngkhncotaykhuuviinmtayksttaiDean,ctlckostsixch,xittirixitlui.
HarrynhylnlngWharton,xitmtbntayvobtcvngbngnhycathngnhcmicachngti,lyhtscqutmtqumbngtaykiavo
bnmtWharton.Anhtacdicuicaringmnhvmtkhusnglc,nhngtronglckchngkhngrtrathno.Chngtitngcrcrivit
nhntrcy,bncnphihi,nhngchabaogicknotncngchngtibtngtheocchthngWharton.Tnhxoquytcathngnyvtqu
kinhnghimcachngti.Tichatngthythgtngtvkhngbaogithylilnna.
Vthngnhckhethts.Ttcvvhntrtrcanbinmt.SaunyHarrynigingnhnhyvomtlxothpchun,bngcchnotr
thnhsngng.Wharton,lcnybntrong,gnbntrc,xoaysangtrivhtvngHarry.Harryngvobnvngsngsoi.
Chng13
Nhnxuynsutnhnggtivit,tithycitigilGeorgiaPines,nihinnaytisinhsng,lmtnhdnglo.Nhngngiiuhnhcss
khnghilngviiu!Theonhngtbmhtrongphngkhchvphtrangoichoccthnchtnglai,nlmt"phchphutrhinidnh
chongicaotui".ThmchccmtTrungtmGiitrtbmnith.NhngngiphisngtiychginlphngTV.
MingitngtisngtchbitvkhngxungphngTVnhiulntrongngy,nhngccchngtrnhmilthtikhngchuni,khngphimi
ngi.Oprah,RickiLake,CarnieWilson,Rolandathgiiangrirngquanhtaichngta,vttcnhnggnhngconngiquantmlnivvicng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
vicccgimcvyngnvnngmcsmihnt.Phiri,khnkipchphnxt,nungikhngmunbphnxt,KinhThnhdyth,do
tisleoxungbcdinnngphthi.Chlnumuntiudaothigianvivicphbnhphimqungco,tisihaidmxungHappyWheelsMotor
Court,nixeCnhstlundngnhhngnvoccmthsuvthby,vicihroinhivnxanhchpnhy.Ngibncbitcati,
ElaineConnelly,cngcchungcmngh.Elainetmmitui,caovthon,vncnthngngivsngmt,rtthngminhvtinht.Bbcirtchm
vcphngcvng,vtibitchngvimkhpbntaykhinbyrtkhs,nhngbccicdixinhpgnnhcthinngavmitcdi,
prixungvaimikhibyxara.
iuttphnht,bykhngnghtilpd,hocxacch.Chngtidnhnhiuthigianbnnhau,Elainevti.Nukhngnmctuigidhm
nhthny,tichorngcthsnivbnhbngicati.Thnhng,cmtngibncbitchththicngkhngnnitvtrongmtsmt
no,thmchttphnkia.Rtnhiuphintoivcnautimikmtheochuynbntraivbngiddngchyritrongtmhnchngti.Vmc
dtibitkhngailatui,xemno,latuinmmistiniuny:ikhitrotncntthnclatriy.Qulkl,nhngctht.
VthtikhngxemTVtrongngy.Thnhthongtiido,ilccsch,phnlniutilmtthngtrclvitliquynhiknygiamc
cytrongnhknh.Tinghcnphngcnhiukhoxyhnvngipchchokcginua.NuGeraldoRivera,nschunmtmch,ticthnibn
ngheiu.
Nhngkhikhngngc,thnhthongtilnxungnhdivmTV.KhngcPhngBnvhocbtcthgGeorgiaPinestionngun
cungcphiqutchoTrungtmGiitrnhngchngticccdchvcpcnbn,vnhthnghalchngticKnhinnhM.ylknhtruyn
hnh,trnphnlnccbphimlphimentrngvkhngcphnthoty.Vimtlogidchnhti,ylmtnimxoadu.Crtnhiumtilm
ngayvogicngtrnchictrngkmuxanhlctrcchicTVtronglcFrancisConLaBitNimtlnnalicichorncaDonaldOConnorrakhi
la,hocJohnWayneraxeDodge,hocJimmyCagneymngailchutdbnrirtsngra.Mtslnhngphimtixemvivti,Janice
(khngchlbntnhnhngcnlbnttnhtcati)vchngkhinticthanhthn.Nhngbyphchmc,cchhingvnichuyn,kcm
nhctrongphimttcnhngthkhinticthanhthn.Chngginh,ticholth,khitilmtngicnbcitrnlpdacathgii,thayv
mtditchbminangmcrungtrongnhnuingigi,nicnhiungictreotvmcquncaosu.
Tuyvy,khngcgxoaduviutithysngnay.Khngght.
ikhiElainethamgiacngtivocigilEarlyBirdMatineecaAMC,btutbngisngbykhngninhiuvchuyn,nhngtibit
chngvimkhpgyaunkhngkhipchobvnhngloithucngitakchobkhnggipchgnhiu.
Khibynvosngnay,ltnhnhmtbngmatrongbodibngvibngx,byphthintiangngitrnchictrngklilm,cigp
mnhtrnnhngciquekhngkhiutnglichn,vnmchtugicgngtrnpnhngcnrunryangchyquangitinhmtlunggi
mnh.Ticmthylnhkhpngi,ngoitrhbdngnhthiutbibngmacnbnhnhimtrngngtiuvngyrcrichocucitivo
mathunm1932mathucaJohnCoffey,PercyWetmorevngJingles,conchutcthunha.
CnglmathucaWilliamWhartonna.
Paul!Elainekuln,vhihnviti,dsaocngchhihmccnhngciinhrstvthytinhvntronghngbchophp.Paul,c
chuyngkhngn?
Tisn.Titrli,nhnglilkhngthuytphclm,chngcphtmkhngu,quahmrngmunnhlpcp.Ctiynmthai
pht,tiskhenhvmngay.
Byngixungbntivvngtaymquanhvai.
Emchcth.Bni.Nhngchuyngxyrano?VCha,kaPaul,trnganhnhvagpmavy.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ticgpmatht,tinghvkhngnhnthccchonkhimtbmrng,mibitlmnhnitoiura.
Khnghnth.Tini,vvvotayby.Nhngtrongmtpht,ElainelyCha!
Cphivthikanhlmlnhgctrigiamkhng?Bhi.Thikanhvnvitlitrongnhknhy?
Tigtu.
TivitvphinbnDyXLimTTicachngti.
Embit.
CiuchngtigilDmngXanh.Vtmltsn.Vomathunmbamihai,chngtinhnmtgchngtinhnmtghungbotn
William Wharton. N thch ngh n l Billy the Kid, thm ch xm hnh trn cnh tay. Ch l mt thng nhc, nhng nguy him. Ti vn cn nh iu Curtis
Andersonanhylphtgimthvothivitvg:inr,hungbovtkiuviu.Whartonmichntuivncccni.Anhygch
dicu.
Bntaymvaitibygiangxoabplngti.Tibtutrntnhli.Trongkhongkhc,tiyuElaineConnelly,vcthhnlnkhpkhun
mtbnhni.Cltinnlmth.Thtkhngkhipkhicnvshibtclatuino,nhngtinghsthihnkhibngii.Nhngtic
iukhctrongtmtr,cignhnngcatuigivcngviccnddang.
Dsaoth,tibo,cning,tivitnguchngocvvicWhartonnKhuvsutgitchtDeanStantonnhthnomttrongnhngchng
trailmvicvitithikhinmanhng.
Lmsaoncthmanhng?Elainehi.
ccvbtcn.Tinghimnghtrli.Whartoncungcpscc,nhnglnhgpgiicungcpsbtcn.Sailmthcsldyxchctay
caWhartonhiqudi.KhiDeanmkhacavoKhuE,Whartonsaulngcuy.Clnhgckmhaibnn,nhngAndersonningWildBillybt
cnvnhngchuynnhth.NthsixchxunguDeanvbtuxitccuybngsixch.
Elainerngmnh.
Dsaothtisuynghvttcnhngchuynvkhngngc,vthtixungdiny.TimknhAMC,nghlcthcsxungvchng
tascmtcuchnhnhonh...
Bycivhnlntrnti,ngaytrnlngmy.CchthngkhintibkimchmkhpngikhiJanicelmth,vvnkhintibkimchmkhp
ngikhiElainelmthvosngsmnay.Tioncmtsiukhngbaogithayi.
Bphimxuthintrnmnhnhlbphimentrngvbngangstertthpninbnmi.TaphimlNHnTThn.
Ticththymnhmunbturunrytrlivcgngtrnp.
RichardWidmarkdinxuttrongphim.Tini.Tinghlvaidinlnutincangy.TichabaogiixemphimviJanchngtidnh
choccanhcmvbncpbcmtsthiust,thnglvynhngtinhcurngWidmarkdinxutthnvaitncn.Chcchnng
ylmc.ngytixanh...dngnhkhngbcinhiubngvicltquanhqun...ngylungingital"trtro"...nichuynvbnch
im...ngythghtbnchimbitbao...
Tibturunrylnnamcchonhngnlclncamnh.Tichu,khnglmc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tcvng.Tiththm.Tcvngrxung.Tiquanstnonngyxbcngixelnxungmtoncuthang,sautittTV.
ngylmanhnhliWharton?
ngylWharton.Tip.Bngxngbngtht.
Paul,bbtuvdngli.BnhnmnhnhtrngrngtrnTV,rinhnliti.
Cig?Tihi.Cigvy,Elaine?Suyngh,bysbomnhphingngvitvv.Rngmnhphixbnhngtrangvitchonlcnyv
ngngty.
iubynil:ngchuynnychnanhngli.
Titrmtnhnb.
NgmminglinoPaul,anhsnutphimtconrui.
Xinli.Chl...phi...
Anhnghemsnianhngheiungcli,phikhng?
Phi.
Bcmtaytitrongtaybvcivphatrc,nhnchmchvocpmtxanhcatibngimtmuhtdcab,conmttrihimvlpmng
linktcachngctinhth.
Cthemqugivqudvsngst.Bni.Nhngemkhngqugisuyngh.Mtvimmtnglatuichngtaclg?Thm
na,chuynthymatrnTVclg?Anhsniviemylhnmaduynhtanhtngthych?
TinghvgimthMoores,vHarryTerwilligervBrutusHowelltinghvmtivvJanice,vti,ngichtAlamaba.Tibitvcchnma,
ngvy.
Khng.Tip.Khngphihnmautintitngthy.NhngElainenyylmtcsc.Bivchnhln,thngnhc.
Byhntilnnaringln,nhnmtvpcmtayvotrnhng,nhthschngsthcsntungrangoiqualndanukhngthtcn
thn.
Emnghlemivtruynhnh.Bni.Emcnmtvinthucphtridnhchomtngyma...hocbanm.Emnghsungnrii
ngli.Clanhcngnnlmnhth.
Vng.Tip.Tichorngmnhnnlm.Trongmtthonghoangng,tinghnvicnghchngticngingchung,ritinhnthycn
aumtrongmtbyvnghsuxahn.Bivcthbsnivngvbyschnithvti.Khngttlm.
ChngtiriphngTVibnnhau,tibttheonhpbcchncab,vnchmchpvcnthnmtcchaun.Tanhvnynngoitrc
nginoangrnrtrongmngvutcacncmngngsaucnhcangknno.
Anhnghanhsngcch?Byhi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vng,tinghth.Titrli,nhngttnhinkhngth,tinmtrngingnkhimttriln,nghvNHnTThn.TithyRichardWidmark,
cikhckhchinlon,tribcvoxelnrixbyxungcuthangylcchbntaotrngphtlchim.ngtanivibcvrikhunmt
ng ta ha nhp vo khun mt William Wharton, ging nh dng v ca n vo ngy n n Khu E v Dm ng Xanh Wharton ci khc khch nh
Widmark,Whartongotht,Chngphiylbaticsao?Phikhng,haylg?Tikhngngnbansng,khngnsausvic,tichxungy
vonhknhvbtuvit.
Cchnma?Chcchn.Tibithtmichuynvcchnma.
,bnmy!Whartonci.Chngphiylbaticsao?Phikhng,haylg?
Vngothtvcict,WhartonquaylixitcDeanbngdyxchcan.Tisaokhng?Whartonbitiuttcchngtibit:ngitachcth
nngnmtlnmthi.
pn!HarryTerwilligergoln.AnhtavtlnviWharton,cgngngnchnsvictrckhichngxyra,nhngWhartonhtvnganhtav
bygiHarryangcgngngln.Percy,pni!
NhngPercychngtrra,dicuibngghotrongtay,mtmtobngangsp.Hnathchcydicuikhnkipcamnh,vbnsni
ylchisdngnnuhnthmkhtnhthktkhintrigiamColdMountain...nhngbygikhicdp,hnrtnnikhngvlyc
chi.ykhngphilgngiPhpnhbhonghtno,cngchngphimtgdaenkhngl,kgnnhkhngbitmnhanghinhutrong
chnhthnxccamnh,ylmtconquangquaycung.
TibcrakhixlimcaWharton,bbakphsxungvrtkhu38mmra.Tiqunhncnbnhnhimtrngangunsihbcamnhln
thhaitrongngy.TikhngnghingcuchuynnhngngikianivbmttrngrngvcpmtvtrivgiccaWhartonkhihklisauny,nhng
ykhngphilthngWhartontinhnthy.Citithylbmtcamtconvtkhngphimtloivtthngminh,nhnglmtconthyxoquyt...
cc...vnimvui.Phi.Nanglmiuncsinhralm.Nichnvhoncnhkhngquantrng.Thkhcmtithylkhunmtbng,
sngphngcaDeanStanton.Anhtaangchttrcmtti.WhartonnhnthykhusngvnxoayDeanvhngmisng,khitiphibnknyth
trngvongikia.TphatrnvaiDean,mtconmtxanhlplnhthchthctibpc.ConmtkiacaWhartonbtcDeanchekhut.Saulnghtithy
Percyngphnvn,dicuigilnnachng.Thri,lpykhongtrngbccarasntrigiam,lmtphplbngxngbngtht:BrutusHowell.H
dnxongphnthitbcuicngcabnhx,vanhtanxemaimunungcph.
AnhtalptchnhngkhngchmtrmtgiyxPercysangmtbn,viscmnhlunglaychmrng,rtdicuicamnhrakhimceo,ging
ctlcxungtWhartonbngttcsclcchatrongcnhtayphis.Mttip"bp!"khkhcmtmthanhgnnhtrngrng,nhthkhngccht
nochtnotronghpscaWhartonvrtcucsixchquanhcDeanlngra.WhartonvtxungnhmtbaobtvDeanbrachkhc,hokhanr
rivmchngbngmtbntay,mtlira.
Tiquxungbnanhtanhnganhtalcukchlit.
cri.Anhtanigingtheth.Coichng...n!AnhtachWharton.Nht!Xlim!
TikhngnghncnnxlimkhiBrutalctlcpn,tinghcincnlmtcquanti.Tuynhin,khngcmaymnnhth.Whartonb
pbttnh,nhngcnlumicht.Thngnhcnmsngsoinghingvmtbn,mtcnhtaythngrangoikhinungntaychmvolpvisnlt
DmngXanh,mtnhmnghin,hithchmnhngu.Thmchccmtncibnhantrnkhunmt,nhthnthipngitrongkhinghebi
htruathchnhtcamnh.Mtdngmunhxuangrrakhimitc,thmvocchicotmi.Ttcchcth.
Percy.Tilnting.Gipti!
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Percykhngnhcnhch,chngdavotng,gingtocpmtnnhntrngtrng.Tinghhnkhngbitchnhxchnu.
Percy,mkip,tmlyn!
LcyhnmicangvHarrygiphn.BachngticngnhaulingWhartonbttnhvoxlimtronglcBrutalgipDeanngdy,nhnhngm
anhtanhbtcbmnotrongkhiDeancigpxung,hokhanlylihithvophi.
Sutgnbagisau,thngnhccvncachngtivnkhngdyni,nhngkhitnhli,ntrahontonkhngcduhiutnthngnosauc
ptnbocaBrutal.Thngkhnhitnhtheocchntncngnhanhchng.Phttrcnvncnnmsoitrnsp,ivithgiilcht.Ngaypht
saunngtichnsong,imlngnhmtconmovtrntrinhntiangngitibngiy,vitbocovtainnxyraSaucngkhicmthycai
angnhnngvtingclnnkia,nciphrabrngcht,enxncnhiukhongtrnggiachng.Tigitnymnhkhithynngnh
th.Tickhnglra,nhngtinghnbit.
,thngtaysai.Nlnting.Lnsauslmy.Vtaoskhngsng.
ChoWharton.Ticthnnhinni.Tronghoncnhny,taooncthbquabidinvnvBuiChomng,mynghthkhng?
Ncicathngnhcnaonngmtcht.ykhngphilmtloiphnngmnchi,vclkhngphiloiphnngmtictronghon
cnhny.NhngiugxyratronglcWhartonbttnh.yl,tichorng,mttrongnhngimchnhmtilbcquattcnhngtranggiy
nykchobnbit.Bygihyxembnctinkhng.
Chng14
NgoitrmtlnqutthoDelacroix,Percyngmcmsaukhivnongktthc.yclvhuqucschnvbtcnlckholonoPercy
WetmorehiubitvskholocngbngtihiubitvccblcthdnChuPhitmtinht,theoquanimcatinhngqulmtiuttp
khnkip,vythi.NuhnbtuthanvnvBrutalxvotnghocthcmctisaokhngainichobitvnhngacnnhWildBillyWharton
thnhthonglixuthinKhuE,tinghchngtisgithnmt.LcycthchngtisdotrnDmngXanhtheomtcchhontonmi.Mt
loitngkl,khibnxemxtn.TiblchitinhnhnhJamesCagneytrongbphimWhiteHeat.
Dsaoth,khichngtibitchcDeancnthcvkhngngttich,HarryvBrutalhtnganhtanbnhx.Delacroix,ngituytiim
lngsuttrnu(gnmtrtnhiuln,conngibitkhinonnkhnhncmmmlivkhinotngiantonmra)btuoangoang
tcuihnhlangkhiHarryvBrutalgipDeanrangoi.Delacroixmunbitchuyngxyra.Hnbnsnghrngquynhphincagbxmphm.
Cmming,myy,thngngtnh!Percyqutli,gindnmcmchmuhnrahaibnchn.Titbntaylntayhnvcmthynrun
lnbndiosmi.Mtphnphnngnylnihongscnstli,ttnhin(lcnylckiativnphitnhcnhmnhrngmtphnvnca
Percylhnmihaimimttui,khnggihnWhartonbaonhiu),nhngtinghphnlnlcnthnhn.HnthghtDelacroix.Tikhnghiutisao,
nhnghnth.
HynxemGimthcnykhng?TisaiPercy.Nuc,cubocomingychuynxyra.Nilngymaiscbocobngvnbnca
titrnbngiycangy,nutilmkp.
Percyphngmithyrvcgiaonhimvtrongmtthongkhngkhip,tithtsnghhnsngnghimchoti.
Vng,thasp.Tisi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
HybtubngcchbocongybittnhhnhKhuEbnhthng.Khngphichuyngm,vngGimthskhngcmnanhthudt
tngphngitgnu.
Tiskhnglmth.
cri.Cuii.
Hnranca,riquayli.Mtiubncthtincyhnltnhtringc.Tihtscmunhnbini,hbtiangbcchy,vbygicvhn
khngmuni.
Anhkhngsaoch,Paul?Hnhi.Clbst,phikhng?Bcmsao?Mhiymtanhka.
Cltibcig,nhngphnlnthkhe.Titrli.ii,Percy,nbocogimthi.
Hngtuvikhi,cmnChabanchonhngnhunhonh.Cavangli,tiphngngayvovnphngcamnh.Bbngiykhngc
ngitrclviphmquytc,nhngtivtqumclolngchuynri.Thiqu,gingnhchuynthisnghmy.
Ticvocphngvsinhnhngsaubntrcvgiitacngvicrakhiquntrckhinctiutrora,nhngsutnakhngkp.Tiphily
taybtmingchntingthtkhibtutrora,vququngchplythnhbncubngtaykia.Khnggingnhnh,niticthkhuuxungvt
ramtvngbnngci,nutiquthpxungy,nctiuslanrakhpsnnh.
Tignggngngvngvnntingtht,nhngsutnakhngkpchochaivic.Ccmgicnhnctiucatichaynhngmuthytinh
vnhxu.Cimibclntbnculylivkhchu,vticthnhnthythgmutrngm,tionthllngtrnmtnc.
Tirtkhnrakhiklaumt.Tiangmhi,ngrinangtunrarakhingi.Tinhnvochicgngkimloivthybmtbng
camtngibstcaoangnhntrlimnh.Titreokhnlnthanhngang,chmchpiquavnphngncakhuxlim.TisBillDodgehocai
khccthbcvovthybagttkhngcngicanhgc,nhngkhuvcvngbngngi.Whartonvnnmbttnhtrnspngcan,Delacroix
nnlngvJohnCoffeychahphtramttingngno,tnhintinhnthcc.Khngmttingthttht.iunglo.
TiidiDmngXanhvlicvoxlimcaCoffey,nachikhmphgtsttheomttronghaicchthngthngkhuttihoctreo
cbngqundi,hoccnvoctay.Khngcg,haralth.Coffeychnthunngiuspng,taytronglng,conngisnhttitnggp
trongi,angnhntivicpmtt,kl.
itrng?Glnting.
Cchuyng,BCon?
Ticngpanh.
Chngphianhangnhnthngvotiysao,JohnCoffey?
Gkhngnigvcuhiny,chtiptcquansttibngcinhnrr,quid.Tithdi.
Chcht,BCon.
TinhnsangDelacroix,angngsauchnsongxlimcag.ngJingles,conchutnuicag(Delacroixskhoevibnrngghunluynng
Jinglesbiudinccmnhli,nhngbntilmvictrnDmngXanhlirtnglngviquanimrngngJinglestluyntp),angnhynht
khngngngnghtmtbntayduirarcaDelacroixnbntaykia,nhmtnghsnholnnhytbcttrncaogiarpxic.Cpmtntotng,
taipstvocismunubngmt.TikhngnghinggchuynconchutangphnngchothnkinhcaDelacroix.Trongkhitinhn,conchutchy
6/30/2017 DmXanh
xungngqunDelacroixvbngquaxlimnchngchymusngnmsttng.NycingchtrlinbnchncaDelacroixvhnghi
ngcnhng,nhnggCajunnhbkhngnanhbnnh,tnhtltronglchinthi.
Chuyngxyra,sp?Delacroixhi.Aibthng?
Mithuynn.Tip.Chngtraimicachngtixngvodngmnhnhst,nhngbyginbttnhnhmtconcu.iuttps
cktthcttp.
Chaktthcu.Delacroixnhnnh,nhnlnDmngXanhvhngxlimniWhartonbnht.Lhommemauvais,cestvrai!Thngxuxa,
thty!
No.Tip.ngchuynlmchmythtvng,Del.Skhngaibucchmychivinngoisnu.
CmttingctktsaulngtikhiCoffeyrikhispng.
SpEdgecombe!Glilnting.Lnnyginggnghekhncp.Ticnnichuynvianh.
Tiquaylig,suyngh,cri,khngcg,nichuynlcngviccati.Sutthigiancgngkhngrunry,vcnstnguilnh,nhni
khivnth.Ngoitrhbcati,vncncmgicnhbxra,nhtythannngvo,rikhuknli.
Vythnii,JohnCoffey.Tip,cscgigingninhnhngvbnhthn.LnutintkhinKhuE,Coffeycvnhthtshindiny,
thtsgiachngti.Dngncmtgnnhkhngngngtroratgcmtgngng,tnhtltronglcnyvtibitgangthycigangnhn.
ngPaulEdgecombe,itrngtonlnhgcKhuE,vkhngphilninogaoccthtrv,rtliiukhngkhipggyra.
Khng.Gni.Anhphivotrongny.
Coino,anhbittikhngclmth.Titrli,vncgngninhnhng.tnhtvolcnylkhngng.Hingicmnhtiyvanhth
nnghntictnri.Chngtibmttrnhuynnochiunay,ri.Vychngtastnguquachnsong,nuanhthythch,v...
Lmn!Gbulychnsongchtnnikhpngntaytiivmngtaytrngbch.Mtgdithtravthtvng,mtquclnvinhucuno
mtikhnghiuni.Tinhnghrngclticthhiununhkhngqubnhhon,vbitiuschotimtcchgipgquakhitnh
trngny.Khibnbitiumtconngicn,tcbnbitconngi,thnglth.Lmni,spEdgecombe!Anhphivoy!
iungungcnhttitngcnghe,tinghvrinhnramtiucnngungchnna:tislmtheolig.Tithochmchakharakhidy
lngvlctmnhngchicmccaxlimcaCoffey.Gcthnhcbngtilnvbgytrnuuginhcinhmlavomtngytikhe
mnhvcmthythoimi,vhmnaythkhngphilngy.Dsaoticngslmtheolig.Lmmtmnh,vkhngynaginghsaucuc
thhinsinhngnimsngungcvtnhshcthlibnnkhiiphvibngitngibktn,tismcaxlimcagdaenkhnglny,
bcvo,vngivihn.Nubphthin,ticthbuivic,ngayckhigkhnglmchuynginr,nhngtislmth,vythi.
Hydngli,titbomnh,myhydnglii,Paul.Nhngtikhngdngli.Tidngmtchakhachokhatrncng,mtchakhcchokha
divriycatrttrnngray.
Anhbitkhng,sp,clykhngphiltnghay.Delacroixlntingbngmtginghonghtvkhchunniclslmtibtcitrong
honcnhny.
Chmylochuynchmy,cntilovicti.Tiplimkhngnhnquanh.MttinhnthngvomtJohnCoffey,nhtrntrinmcnhng
inhvoy.Gingnhangbthimin.Taitinghegingnicamnhnhthgvngxungmtthunglngdi.Quiqu,cltibthimin.Anh
cnmxungvthgin.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chai,ninyinqu.Delacroixnibnggingrunry.ngJingles,taocgchngnngquchtaochori!
TivotrongxlimcaJohnCoffey.Glirasaukhititinlntrc.Khilinspngmpnngvobpchng,gcaonmcgngi
xungsp.Gvvotmnmbncnhg,nhmtkhngrikhimtti.Tingixungkbng,vgvngtaymvaiti,nhthchngtiang
trongrpxinvtilbcag.
Anhmung,JohnCoffey?Tihi,vnnhnvomtg,imtbunru,thanhthn.
Chgipthi.Gtrli.Gthditheocchmtngislmkhiimtvimtvicmanhtakhngmunlm,vrigthtayxunghbti,
trnkhungxngdirnkhong1foothayg.
!Tilaln.Rtcibntaychttit.
Mtcmqutxuynquangiti,mtcnhgmnhmkhngaun.Nlmticogittrntmpvnconglng,lmtinghnlo
Tootgolnrngloangbnng,lolcongtytrnghti.Khngcscnng,khngccmgicingit,nhngtrongmtthongmuscdng
nhthotrakhittcmivt,nhththgiibvtkitvlmchototmhibngcchno.TicththytnglchnlngtrnmtJohnCoffey,tic
ththymtvttrynhxuanganglndanontrncmcag.Tinhnthccngntaycamnhkhomlithnhmngvuttrongkhngkh,v
chntianggimthnhthchtrnsnxlimcaCoffey.
Risvicchmdt.Cnbnhnhimtrngngtiucaticngth.Cscnnglncnauphpphngkhnnnbinmtkhihb,cnstcng
bitmtkhiuti.Tivncncmnhncmhimnrtrakhilndacmnh,vtingicn,nhngniri,cthi.
Chuyngxyra?Delacroixthethgi.Ginggvncnvngvngtxa,nhngkhiJohnCoffeycimnhratrc,ctttipxcbngmtviti,th
gingcagCajunnhbtnhintrnnrrng.Nhthairtmubnghocngchetaixthrakhitaiti.Ganglmganhvy?
Tikhngtrli.Coffeyangcigpngitrnlnggvintmtnhnnhmvlngngclira.Mtgcnglira.Nhngnhmtngihcxng
gtrongchng.
John!Tithtln.Tivvolngg,ylttcnhnggtinghclm.John,cgkhngn?
Ggitmnhdibntayti,riphtramttingnnenghnnghtkhchu.Mingghranhcchloingaikhihmmnutthcnmt
cchmincng,mitrnkorasau,nherngtrongmtncikhinhmitddi.Thrihaihmrngcagcngrira,vgthramtmmycn
trngnhxumuentrngnhruinhng.Chngquaycunggindgiahaiugig,chuynsangmutrng,vbinmt.
Thnhlnhttcscmnhcatithotrakhihb.Nhthccbpthtyhathnhnc.TingismxunglinnxlimcaCoffey.Ti
nhcnghntncangcuthChaKit,ChaKit,ChaKit,lpilplinhthvtinhcnghrngcnstkhintimsng.Ththi.
RitithccDelacroixangoangoangkucu,gangmchthgiinylJohnCoffeyanggittivmchbngmtgingtohtc.Coffey
angcixungti,phiri,nhngchbitchctikhngsao.
Imi,Del.Tinivngln.Tichicnauxtochbnhngnkhngxyra.Titthn.Thts.Cmtthongchngmt,nhngn
quakhithmchtrckhitikpatayrachplychnsongcaxlimcaCoffeygithngbng.Tihontonynn.
Anhrakhingay.Delacroixni,nghenhmtbginngnyralnhchothngnhcleoxungkhicyto.Anhkhngcvotrongkhi
khngcaikhctrongKhu.
TinhnJohnCoffey,gngitrnsp,ibntaykhnglttrnugitonhthncy.JohnCoffeynhntrliti.Gphinghingulnmtcht,
nhngkhngnhiu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhlmg,BCon?Tihibnggingkhkhng.Anhlmgchoti?
Gip.Gtrli.Tagip,phikhng?
Phi,tinghth,nhngbngcchno?Lmsaoanhgipc?
Glcuphi,tri,trlichtcnggia.Gkhngbitgipbngcchno(gchakhibnhbngcchno),bmtimtnhcagcho
thygccthmquantmkhngquantmhntiquantmnchcmnchykhitiangdnu50yardcuicngtrongcucchayuahaudmnhn
ngybnthngby.Tinghnvichiglmsaobitctimcbnh,ngoitrvicchcchnsnhncclcunhth.Cmtcutic
uvkhngbaogiqun,mtthgv"iubnbctrongsbmt".JohnCoffeylth,vtichorngldoduynhtkhingngcvoban
mlbivgkhngcn.Percygiglthngnn,nghetnnhnnhngcngkhngqung.Chngtraitoxccachngtibittncag,vbitn
khngnhvnnhthncung,vylttcnhngggcnbit.
Nhnhnmnhiunyvti,glcutheocchkhoanthaimtlnna,rinmxungsp,taychplidimnhmtchicgivquaymt
votng.Chngbthngrangoimpsptngquynxung,nhngiudngnhkhnglmgphinh.Vtlngokoln,vticththy
ccvtsongangdctrnlnda.
Tirikhixlim,khali,riidinviDelacroix,kangngphabnkia,taynmquanhchnsongxlimcamnh,lolngnhnti.Clthmch
sna.ngJinglesvtvotrnvaigvinhngsirumnhrunrynht.
Genkialmganh?Delacroixhi.Bagrisgrisgvy?Gmbagrisgrisvoanh?cphtmbnggingCajuncag,tgrisgrisvn
vipeepeeit.
Tikhnghiuchemnig,Del.
Ququigmanhkhngbit!Nhnanhka!Ttcthayi.Thmchbcicngkhc,sp!
Cltibcikhctht.Cmtcmgicbnhantuytvihb,mtthcthanhbnhkhcthngnmcgnnhkhoicm,btcaichu
cnaunngnrihiphcshiuiutiangni.
Mivicuntha,Del.Tinhnmnh.JohnCoffeymthycmng,ththi.
Glphthy!Delacroixsinini.Cnhnggitmhingmitrncag.Gkhngthygnhiu,chlmgsgncht.Glph
thyhoodoo!
iugkhinchemnith?
Delacroixatayravcmlyconchuttrongmtbntay.Gkhumlyntronglngbntayvalnmt.Ttrongtio,Delacroixlyramtmu
muhngmttrongnhngvinkobch.Gchara,nhnglcuconchutlmng,vncvphag,ngimihithgtheocchngitangimt
bhoa.Cpmthtthcanmtihrtgnvintbiucmkhoilc.Delacroixhnvomin,vconchutchophpminchn.Sauncmly
mukomivbtunhmnhp.Delacroixnhnnmtlcluhn,rinhnti.tnhintihiu.
Conchutnianhbit.Tibo.Tiningkhng?
Ouivng.
Gingnhnnithmtnchoanhbit.
Oui,nnithmvotaiti.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Nmxung,Del.Tiralnh.Nghnimtchti.Ttcnhngtrththmtiluihnlmchmymnmi.
Gniiugkhc,buctitikhngting,ticholth.Ginggcvlivngvngtxa.Vkhitrlibngiy,tihunhkhngcvangbci
chtno,gingnhtiangtribngbnh,hocthmchkhngdichuyn,ccxlimchlanquatichaibn.
Tibtungixungnhbnhthng,nhngcnangthugibungravtiriphchxungcinmmuxanhmHarrymuatqunhvo
nmtrc,ritmlnmtgh.Nuchicghkhngc,tinghmnhsrithngxungsnnhmkhngchiulnhihoclnh200la.
Tingi,cmnhncikhngctronghb,nimtvchyrnghonhhnhtrcchaymipht.Tagip,phikhng?JohnCoffey
ni,vylstht,theochngmcthxctibinchuyn.Tuyvy,sbnhantmhntrongtililmtchuynkhc.iuthgkhnggipcg.
Mttibtgpxpmucngvndigttnthuclbngthicmchngtigcbn.BOCOKHUcintrnu,vnnatranglmt
khongtrngctiu"BoCoTtCNhngSKinBtThng".Tissdngkhongtrngtrongbocomnay,klicuchuynvsxuthin
ypmuscvhnhngcaWilliamWharton.NhnggisticngbocochuynxyravititrongxlimcaCoffey?Tithymnhangnhtbtch
lncybtmBrutallunlunlimuvvitncmttbngchinhoato:PHPL.
iuhnlngnghnh,nhngthayvmmci,tngtticmthychcmnhspkhc.Tittaylnmt,lngbntaypvomingchnting
nctikhngmunlmDelshilnnangaykhigbtuduxungnhngkhngctingnc.Cngkhngcncmt.Sauvigiypht,tibtay
xungbnvkhoanli.TikhngbitmnhangccmgicgvtngrrngduynhttrongutilaocngailiKhuchonkhitchc
mtcht.Tisiungitacththytrnmtti.
TikomtmuvnbnbocoKhuvphamnh.Tischnkhibnhtnhhnmtchtvitvchuynlmsaothngnhccvnminht
catisutnasitcDeanStantoncht,nhngtrcmtticthlmyphnthtcvnbnngngncnli.Tinghchvitcamnhcv
bunci,runrynhngnvnhinranhc.
Khongnmphtsaukhibtu,titbtxungvivophngvsinhkbnvnphngitiu.Tikhngmctlm,nhngcthcgng
thnghimiuxyrachoti,tinghvy.Trongkhing,chdngncchyra,tichcsbauginghtnhbvosngnay,nhthangi
quanhngmuthytinhvvn,iuglmchotisharachlthimin,xtchocngvnhthcllsnhnhmmcdccnau.
Ngoitrvickhngccnaunocvcirixungbncuthtrongtro,khngcduhiucam.Ticintqun,gitsixchdicu,trvbn
trcvngixungli.
Tibitiugxyra,ticholtibit,kckhicthuytphcbnthnrngtibthimin.Ticchalnh,mtNgiCaJesus,ChaUyV
chthc.LmtbtrailnlninhthBaptist,mtivccchemcabtnhcathchchuyntrongbtcthngchnhno,tiphicnghert
nhiucuchuynvphplNgiCaJesus,ChaUyV.Tikhngtinttcnhngchuyn,nhngcrtnhiungititin.Mttrongnhngngil
RoyDelfines,ngisngvigianhcchchngtihaidmcuingkhitilnsutui.Delfineschttngntaytcacontraimnhbngmtci
ru,mttainnxyrakhithngbbtngdichuynbntayanggikhccichobchtrongsnsau.RoyDelfinesnirngngtathcsmimntm
thmbngugicamnhtrongmathuvmangnm,vnmaxunthngntaycathngbmcli.Thmchmngtaycngmcli.Titin
RoyDelfineskhingtaralmchngtrongbalinhoanmthnm.Cmtschnthtkhngphctp,trntritrongiungtanikhingtang
phtbiuvibntaynhtsutrongtiqunkhinkhngthkhngtin.
Thngbbngakhingntaybtumcra,lmchonmtngnhium.RoyDelfinesni.NhngchunbitylcnngacaChav
mcnhinchpnhn.NgiCaJesus,ChaUyV.
CuchuyncaRoyDelfineschlmttrongnhiuchuyn,tilnlntrongmttruynthngccphplvchalnh.Tilnlntinvophpphthy
grisgris,cngnhncthichamncc,rubdigixoaduniauthttnhvdnhin,cichngtithnggilhaitnhngtikhngtinJohn
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Coffeylphthygrisgris.Tinhnvomtg.Quantrnghn,ticmnhnstipxccag.cgsvocnggingnhcsvobimt
bcstuytvivxalno.
Tagip,phikhng?
Cucvanglntronguti,nhmtoncakhcmbnkhnggtbc,hocnhngtmbnsthtlnmba.
Tagip,phikhng?
Ngoitrvickhngphiggip.Chagip.Cchdngt"Ta"cthgnchosdtnthnltnhkiucng,nhngtibittnhtcngltiniu
tihcvschalnhtrongccnhthNgiCaJesus,ChaUyV,nhnggccunguyntrongrngthngmngimhaimimttuivccdca
tirtathch:schalnhkhngbaogivngicchahayngicha,nhngvCha.Mtngivuimngvkhibnhlchuynbnhthng,
quliukhngbtng,nhngngicchakhilcycbnphnhitisaosuyngmvChavnhngtmmcphithngmChan
hinthccaNgi.
Chamungti,trongtrnghpny?Ngimuniugmnhtquynlcchalnhvotaymtkgittrem?cmtKhu,thayv
nh,bnhttnhmtconch,runrytrngingvimihicathucSulfataratlchnlngcati?Cl,cthticnhimvythayvnh
trongtrnghpWildBillWhartonquytnhgithmtrmaqu,hocbitchcPercyWetmorekhnggychuynngungcinr,ctimnnghyhoi.
Vycri.Cthi.Tismtomt...vgiknming,cbitvnhngphplchalnhbnhtt.
Khngaithcmcvnhichuyndngvvgingnikhhncati,tibomingiltikhhnvchonngyytithttnhtinu.
ThmchticnboGimthMooresrngtiangtrnkhibnh.Delacroixnhnthyiug,nhngtinghgcngsgiknming(clvs
JohnCoffeymbanugkhnglmth).VphnbnthnCoffey,clgqun.Xtchocng,gchlngngdn,trnthgiikhngcngdn
nonhclungncchyquanmtkhimadt.Vthtiquytnhknminghontonvsvic,khnghctngbaolunatistitl
cuchuyn,hocailngisctititlchobit.
Nhngtitmvgnngtoxcvthtvlnukhngthnhniu.Sauchuynxyravititrongxlimcag,tilitmhnbaogi
ht.
Chng15
DDmytrckhiv,tidnxpnhBrutalthaytingyhmsau,nutivotrmtcht,vsnghmsau,khithcdy,tilnngiTefton,Ht
Trapingus.
EmkhngthchanhqulonghvanhchngCoffey.Vtilnting,traobantranngnuchotiJanicekhngbaogitintngccquybn
hamburgerbnlng,nngthngnibnhaubngangchchctrongttcmingi.Khngginganh,Paul.
Anhkhnglonghvg.Tini.Anhtm,ththi.
Theokinhnghimcaem,chuynnysinhrachuynkia.Janicechanhchuapli,ritngtimtnhn,nngnnlnmi.tnhttrnganhcng
tthn,emsnith.Lccn,anhlmemloqu.Hthngncchalnhrich?Nngnivbnhcaticvhihc.
Hontonlnhbnh.Titrliriikhi,htvangnhngcakhcnh"Come,Josephine,inMyFlyingMachine"v"WereintheMoney"cbubn
cngi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
TinvnphngboIntelligencercaTeftontrc,vngitabotirngBurtHammersmith,anhchngtiangtm,rtcthangTanht.Ti
Ta,ngitabotirngHammersmithynhngmtvvngnclmginonvxtxchnh,ngunhinlilmtvhmhip.Ngita
onclanhtavnh.TicchdnramtconnglylicqunhiuvtlnvhpnnikhngdmlichicFordcamnhvovyti
tmcanhchngcati.HammersmithvithuhtnhngcuchuynvvxnCoffey,vchnhtanhtatitmhiucphnlnchititvcuc
snngingnngilicCoffey.NhngchititmtIntelligencerxemlqukhngkhiploantinliutimunni,ttnhin.
BHammersmithlmtcgitrckhunmtxinhp,mtmivibntaybngvxbngcnhiuchtkim.Ctakhnghildotin,ch
atiiquamtnginhnhthmlngminngvbclnhnghinsaunh,nichngctaangngi,trongtaycmmtchaisodavmtnbntp
chLibertychamtrnlng.ylmtcisnsaunh,cdc,tichndclhaiabangcicvciavmtchicu.Thmchcthlsong
sinh,iusoimtthnhsngngquantmlnvaitrngicha,vnngoiphmvinhhino,trongvxnCoffey.Gntrongtmtay,nhlnnh
mthnogiavtttrng,xxcyphn,lchiccich.KhngthybngdngFido,hmylmtngynngbctrimana,tionclconch
nmtrongci,angnggnggt.
Burt,anhckhch.BHammersmithlnting.
Haylm.Anhtani.Anhtalicnhnti,licnhnv,rinhnmyacon,lnicontimanhtahinnhintrilng.Anhtagygythmhi,nhth
vabtuhiphcsaumtcnbnhtrmtrngvtcbtuhi.Vanhtaddtchmvovaichngbngmtbntaybng,sngtyvgtgi.
Anhtakhngnhncngkhngatayrachmvonvsaumtlc,ctarttayv.Tichtlelnngh,thongquathi,rnghtrngginganhtraiv
emgihnlchngvvanhtacbc,ctacdngv,nhngkhngaithotcvgingnhaucbn,mtntditruynkhngbaogitrnhc.
Sau,trnngvnh,tinhnrahchnggingnhauchtnoiukhinhcvnhvylhuqucascngthngvnibundaidng.Thtkl
saomniaughiduntmtchngta,vlmchochngtagingnhngicnggianh.
Ctani:
ngmunungmtlinclnhkhng,ng...?
Edgecombe.Tip.PaulEdgecombe.Cmnb.Mtlinclnhtuytlm,thab.
Ctatrvotrongnh.TiataychoHammersmith,anhtabttayngngn.Nmtayolvlnh.Anhtakhnghrimtkhimnhccuisn.
ngHammersmith,tilKhuTrngKhuEtrigiamtiubangColdMountain.yl...
Tibitnlg.Anhtap,nhntivimtchtquantmhn.VylitrngilnhgcDmngXanhangngtrnhinnhti,vinh
cucsng.iuganginmmidmnichuynviphngvinchuynnghipduynhtcatboaphng?
JohnCoffey.Tini.
Tinghmnhchimtthphnngmnh(nhngatrvncthlcpsongsinhanglunquntrongtmtrti...vclcchiccichna,
gianhnhDetterickcnuich),nhngHammersmithchnhnglngmylnvnhplicaanhta.
Coffeybygilvncang,phikhng?Hammersmithhi.
Anhtakhnggyphinhgnhiu.Titrli.Anhtakhngthchbngtivkhcrtnhiu,nhngchaiukhnggyranhiuvnchocngvic
cachngti.Chngtigpchuynthn.
Khcrtnhiu,phikhng?Hammersmithhi.Phi,gcrtnhiuthkhc,tinith.Tnhniuggyra.ngmunbitchuyng?
Btciugngcthnitinghe.Ticnhngcuchuyntrnbocang,vthtinghnhnggtimunlbtciugkhngctrnbo.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhtanmchotimtcinhnscbn,khkhan.
Thdmybgitrngnhthno?Chnhxcglmgchng?ylthmngquantmphikhng,ngEdgecombe?
Khng.Tini,gigingnhnhng.TikhngquantmnmycbnhDetterick,thang.Nhngcbngthngcht.NhngCoffey
khngchtchachtvtitmvanhta.
cri.Anhtap.Koghliyvngixung,ngEdgecombe.ngthalinunyginghetinihigaygt,nhngtiphingnhiu
conknkntronglnhvccngvic.Tinsn,tivnthngxuynbcobuclmtcontrongbnchng,chnhtiy.Tichmunbitchcvng.
Thcnng?
mbo,tionth.Anhtatrli,nghegnnhhhng.Cuchuynanhtaktinghekhakhgingcuchuyntivitontrclm
saoBDetterickphthinhinnhbtrng,vitmphntutrakhibnltrn,nhngtmchnvtvomtgc,vmutrnccbcthm,lmsaocontrai
vchngbyuitheotnbtccnhngcb,lmsaoidnqunbtkphtrcvJohnCoffeysaukhnglu.Coffeyngitrnbsngvrn
rnhthno,vihaixcchtcuntrntrongibntaykhnglcagnhnhngconbpbto.Ngiphngvin,gytrxngtrongchicosmi
trnghcvqundixm,nibngmtgingthp,vcm...nhngnhmtanhtakhnghrikhihaiaconcamnhtronglcchngcinhau,ci
avthayphinnhaunhudikia,trongbngticachnonngdc.uvogiacuchuyn,bHammersmithtrlivimtchaibiat
ct,lnhvngon.Ctangnghemtlc,riginoncuchuynlugibnnhcvbochngithngln,ctacbnhsnsngrakhil
nng."Chngconsln,thaM!"mtgingbgikuln,vngiphnlitrvotrong.
KhiHammersmithkxong,anhtani:
Vytisaongmunbit?Tichabaogicmtlnhgctrigiamnthm,yllnu.
Tiningl...
Tm,phi.Conngivntm,tibit,thmchcmnChaviu,nukhngcn,tismtviclmvcththtsphiikimsng.
Nhngnmmidmlmtqungngqudichthamnstmnthun,cbitkhihaimidmcuicnglngxu.Vytisaong
khngnisthttinghe,ngEdgecombe?Tithamntrtmcang,bygingthamntrtmcati.
Vng,ticthni,tibnhimtrngngtiu,JohnCoffeyttaylnngitivchalnhbnh.Khmhipvgitchthaibgilmth.Vti
thcmcvanhta,ttnhinbtcaicngsthcmc.ThmchtithcmcbituHomerCribusvcnhstvinRobMcGeechngcngtaylm
ngi.Mcchottcnhngchngcchnglianhta,tithcmciu.Bivmtconngicquynlcmnhnhthtrongtay,bnskhngnghanh
talloingichuyncnghipvsthitrem.
Khng,nithskhngn.
Chaiiutithcmc,tini.utinlckhinoanhtalmnhthtrcykhng.
Hammersmithquayliti,mtanhtabtngscbnvsnglnvch,vtithyanhtalmtgkhnngoan.Thmchcthlmtgthng
minh,theocchthmlng.
Tisao?Anhtahi.ngbitg,Edgecombe?Gnig?
Khngcg.Nhngmtconnginhngtaylmchuynnhththnglphmtitrc.Chngckhuvviu.
Phi.Anhtap.Chngc.Chcchnchngc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vtichtnghsddnglntheoduvtvtmhiu.Mtconngitolnnhg,lildaenbui,thvictruytmduvtkhngthkh
khn.
ngnghnhvy,nhngsailm.Anhtani.Dusao,trongtrnghpCoffeythsai.Tibit.
ngth?
Tithvtrngtay.CmtvigcngnhnngstnghthygtrongccsnnhKnoxvillehaingitrckhiccbginhDetterickb
git.KhngcgngcnhingbnkiasngcchngstxehaGreatSouthernkhihtmcg,vclgtTennesseenybngcchno.
Tinhnclthcamtngivitrnganhtathumtgdaentolnkhunnhngthnggchoanhtavouxunnmnaychuynny
Kentucky.TigichoanhtamtnhchpCoffeyvanhtaninglg.Nhngngoichuynth...Hammersmithnhnvaivlcu.
ngkhngcntnglcchtkdsao?
Ticntngrtkd,ngEdgecombe.Gingnhgrittrntrixung.Vgchnghcch,gkhngthnhlituntrckhitunnyn.
Khng,gkhngth.Tip.nggiithchthno?
Chngtaangthikkhnghong.Anhtatrli.ylcchgiithchcati.nglnocngypngi.NgivngOklahomamunhi
oCalifornia,dndatrngnghotnhngvngrngrmunchtoxehiDetroit,bndaenMississippimunlntnNewEnglandvlmvictrong
ccnhmynggiyhocxngdt.Ttcmingiencngnhtrngunghrngnhysangvngtkcnsttphn.ylcucsngkhn
kipkiuM.ThmchmtgkhnglnhCoffeyikhpnimvnkhngb...chonlc,nghal,gquyttmgithaibgi.Nhngbgidatrng.
Anhtiniu?Tihi.
Anhtanmchotimtcinhnvhntbmtqugycamnh.
ikhititin.Anhtatrli.
Vanhtachmrangoicasnhbpnhmtkstrongtoaxehavgi:
Cccon!Bnhxongri!Ctaquayliti.ngmunnbnhynmchnhnnhokhkhng,ngEdgecombe?
Tichclngon,thab,nhnglnnyxinbmincho.
cri.Ctani,vrtutrvotrong.
ngthynhngvtsotrnngig?Hammersmithbtnghi.Anhtavnquanstbnnhc,chngkhngribcnhngthvuicachic
uthmchkhngvnhngcibnhynmchnhnnhokh.
Vng.Nhngtingcnhinvanhtathy.
Anhtanhnraphnngcativci."ChinthngtolncalutsbinhlxinchoCoffeycciovchohithmxemnhngvtso.Cng
tvinGeorgePetersonphnikchlitnhngchnhnchophp.LoGeorgelracthtitkimhischithmquanhnhngvngkhngchpnhn
cilluntmlrcrivchuynnhngkbbcikhngthtgipmnhnhthno.Htinrngconngicthtgipmnh.ylmtquanimti
rtngcm...nhngnhngvtsoqulkhghrn,cngvythi.Ciugvchngkhng,Edgecombe?
Tinhnthygtrntrungtrongnhtmvtic,ngri,tibitanhtaangniviug.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ttcuvnt.Gnnhmtco.
ngbitnhthnghalgkhng?
Aiqutgtnbokhigcnnh.Titrli.Trckhiglnln.
Nhnghkhngqutcconqurakhingig,phikhngEdgecombe?Lrangroivtmemgitrnncdisngnhmtconmo
hoang,anhnghthch?
Tichorngschnhtrhnnucnginnvchunrakhini,nhngtikhngth.Tithyg.Vticngcmthyg.Cmthys
tipxccabntayg.
Gtht...kl.Tini.Nhngdngnhkhngcbtcbolcthtsnotrongconngig.Tibitgbphthinnhthno,khmha
hpchuynviiutithy,ngynyquangykiaKhutrigiam.Tibitrnhngkhungbo,thangHammersmith.TiangnghnWharton,d
nhin,WhartonxitcDeanStantonbngdyxchctayvrngln:",bnmy!ychngphilbaticsao?".
Anhtanhnstvoti,mmcimtcht,ncihoinghimtikhngquantmlm.
ngkhngnybitgchockhngcgitvibgininokhc.Anhtani.ngnyxemtinghgcgitngihaykhng.
Phivykhng?Thnhni,Edgecombe.
Tinutngmncunglnhcuicng,tchaixungcibnnh,vhi:
Sao?ngcnghthkhng?
Cccon!Anhtagivixungdii,hiciraphatrcgh.Ccconlnyngaynbnh!Rianhtalingngirasaughvnhnti.
Cincinhcincimtikhngquantmlm,xuthintrli.
Ningnghemtchuyn.Anhtalnting.ngcngmunnghena,vchuynnycthlmtiungcnbit.
Tiangnghe.
ChngticmtconchtnSirGalahad.Anhtak,vngocngncivphacich.Mtconchtt.Khngphinicbit,nhngdudng.Bnh
thn.Snsnglimtaychngtahocmtcique.Crtnhiuchlainhn,ngng?
Tinhnvai,gtu.
Vnhiumt,mtconchlaicnggingnhgnldaencachngta.Anhtani.Chngtaphihiunvthngthchngtasyun.Khng
csdngcbitg,nhngchngtaginbnmnhvchngtanghnyuchngta.Numaymn,thangEdgecombe,chngtaskhngbaogiphi
thyiugkhcl.Cynthiavti,chngtikhngmaymn.
Anhtathdi,mtmthanhdivxngxu,gingnhtinggilunquamlrng.Anhtachvocichmtlnna,vtithitisaotrc
mnhlibquacikhngkhhoangvngchung,hocskinnhiungphnhatrngvgingnhbttrnnh.
Tithngdnschchon.Hammersmithni.Vlunsamichecichngchivima.TheocchthSirGalahadgingnhgnlda
enminNamcachngta,kkhnglmnhngchuynchobnthng.Bygitikhngngnn,tikhngngnntkhixyratainn...nu
cthgiltainn.Tinvikhusngvbnn,nhngkhngnktlcy.Tikhngcanmratay.Ticholtheothigian,tis
lmc.Tisdnschxcnvgitspci.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Bnnhcvo,vthnhlnhtikhngmunchngvothnhlnhyliucuicngtimuntrnqutny.Cbgithkhngsao,nhngacon
trai...
Chngchyrmrmtrnbcthm,nhnti,cikhckhch,riivhngcanhbp.
Caleb.Hammersmithgi.Liy.Mtchtthi.
Cbgi,chcchnlchemsinhivithngb,chngphicnglatuiitipvonhbp.Thngbnbnb,nhnxungchn.Nbitmnh
xux.Nmibntui,tionth,nhngbntuilnbitmnhxux.Bnthaingntaydicmthngbvcnngmtnln.Lcu
thngbcngli,nhngkhibnni"Lmni,contrai,"bnggingngtngo,bnhtnhvyuthng,nlmtheoliyucu.
Mtvtthotrn,totngchyrakhimitcthngb,koxungtrn,xuynquamtconmtchtvlnhmvnhln,nkhemingbindng
thnhmtclicmtnhcamttnbmcbchocclmttnchcha.Mtbnmmnmngvxinhpmbnkiatmlinhmtgccysaukhi
bn.Tiontrcycmtcil,nhngci,tnht,lnhln.
Ncnmtmt.Hammersmithni,vutvebnmbtmcathngbbngnhngngntaydudngcangiyu.Ticholnmaymnkhngb
m.ChngtiquxungvcmnChaviu,tnhtlth.Ny,Caleb?
Vng,thangi.Thngbbnlnni.Thngb,ngisbhgctnnhntrnsnchibitingci,tinghippchgiusutnhngnmi
hcyaukhthngb,ngiskhngbaogicmichitrQuayChaihocBuinvclskhngbaogicngvimtnginbm
khngphimuavtrtin,mtkhinlnlnvinhngthikvnhucucanngthngb,ngismimingngoicivngmpvsngsaca
nhngngingngthngb,ngisnhnchnhntronggngsutbyminmcucimnhvnghxux.
Votronglybnhcaconi.Bnnivhnlncimingnhobngcacontrai.
Vng,thangi.Calebplivvtchyvotrong.
Hammersmithrtkhntaytrongtisauravlaumt,mtanhtakhro,nhngticholanhtacthiquenvimtt.
Conchykhichngsinhra.Anhtani.TiemnvonhchongihibntrkhiCynthiaachngtbnhvinvnh,vSirGalahadlim
taychng.Nhngbntaynhnhncachng.Anhtagtu,nhthxcnhnsvicvichnhmnh.NchiavichnghaylimmtArdenn
khiconbcikhckhch.Calebthngkotain,vkhibtutpilnutin,nnmuiGalahad.Conchkhnghgmgvin.Vichai.
Ncmtbygiangtrora,anhtalauimtcchmymc,gingnhngithchnhnhiu.
Khngcldo.Anhtani.Calebkhnglmnau,khnglahtn,khnggc.Tibitr.Ticmty.Nukhng,chchnthngbb
cncht.Chuynxyra,thangEdgecombe,khngcg.Thngbchvamtrangaytrcmtconch,lptcnysinhnghtrongtmtrGalahad
hocbtcthggiltmtrcaconchxngvocn.Gitcht,nucth.Thngbtrcmtconchvconchcn.Vyliuxyravi
Coffey.Gcmt,nhnthychngtrnhnghin,btgichng,hmhipchng,gitchng.ngbophicmchnornggtnghnhngnh
thtrckia,tihiung,nhngcthtrcgkhnglmnhth.Conchcatitrckhngbaogicnchmtlnthi.Nucth,c
thCoffeyskhngbaogitiphm.Cthconchskhngbaogicnlnna.Nhngtikhngquantmniu,ngbitm.Tibcrangoivi
khusng,nmlyvngcvbnvuconch.
Anhtathhohn.
Ticgiithotkhismmuinhbtcai,ngEdgecombehctiihcBowlingGreen,cmnLchslnBoch,mttTritna.Ti
thchnghmnhgicng.TicholbnminBckhngtin,nhngtithchnghbnthntigicng.Tikhngtilpchnlilyttcs
trTrungHoa.Tinghchngtaphinhnovrnglngtrongnlcgiiquytvnchngtc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Nhngchngtaphinhrngtnnlcamnhscnkhicdp,gingnhmtconchlaigingscnkhicchi,khitngchtnysinhtrongc
xuibon.ngmunbitgCoffeykhcnh,chngchtthocangtnggitngiphikhng?
Tigtu.
,cy.Hammersmithni.Ggitngi.ngchnghingiu,chquaylnglig.ngcththotnnmthoctrmln...thmchc
ngnln...nhngsaucngth...Anhtagibntayratrcmtti,llngmitccngntayvongnci,thhinhnhnhmtcimingangcnx.ng
hiukhng?
Tigtulnna.
G hm hip chng, g git chng, sau g n hn... nhng nhng c b vn b hm hip, vn cht. Nhng ng s sa tr g, phi khng
Edgecombe?Vitunnangssatrggkhngbaogilmnhthna.Anhtangln,bcnrnhbcca,mhnhncicichgia
ngphnangloha.Clxinngthli.Anhtani.VchiunaykhngphicmttiTa,tinhsumhpvigianhmtcht.Tuitrcaconci
chngtachcmtthi.
ngctnhin.Tipl.Mititdivxavng.Cmnngmtthigivti.
Cgu.Anhtani.
TilixetchHammersmithvthngtrigiam.Mtchuynidi,vlnnytikhngthrtngnbngcchcaht.Ccmgicnhttcnhngbi
htthotrakhingiti,tnhttrongmtthigian.Tivncnnhnthygngmtbindngcathngbtinghip.VbntaycaHammersmith,vi
ccngntaycxtlnxungtrnngncitrongmtchuynngcnx.
Chng16
WildBillWhartonichuynduhnhutinxungphngklutngayhmsau.Sutbuisngvbuichiuthngnhccmnnvngoanngonnh
concucaMarie,mttnhtrngmchngtismphthinlkhngbnhthng,cnghalrcri.Lcy,khong7:30,Harrycmthycthgnnghi
tungtelnguqunngphcschsanhtaangmcngyhm.Thlnctiu.WilliamWhartonangngtixlim,phhmrngenxnra
citoetot,tlnkhpqunvgiycaHarryTerwilliger.
Thngchhnnhncmtngy.VsauHarrykli,vncnghtmvphnn.
Phi,thlqu.nlcchoWilliamWhartonbitailngiiukhinchngtrnhbiudinKhuE.HarrygiBrutalvti,tibongchoDean
vPercybit,lcycngcmt.Hynhllcchngticbattvangtrccatonphn,nhmchngtitbygitinbagisngthiimd
bngnbongvhaitonkhcchutrchnhimphncnlitrongngy.NhngtongmphnlnccnhnvinthivvthngdoBillDodgeph
trch.Nichocng,iuhnhmivickhngphilchuyntit,vticmthyrng,mtkhiicPercylncatrcbanngy,thmchcucsngstt
phn.Thnhngtikhngbaogilmciu.ilctithinulmthiucthayicmivickhng.
Dusao,cmtngngnctrongnhkho,chybnhngcchGiSparkymtqungvDeancngPercynimtonngchachyvoy.
Sauhngbncnhvanmnc,phngkhicnthit.
BrutalvtinhanhchngnxlimcaWharton,nithngkhnvncnng,vncntotmingci,cicanmvncnthngthongoiqun.Ti
lychicoairakhiphngklut,btrnktrongvnphngylviccuicngtilmvomhmtrc,trckhivnh,nghcthscndng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
chothngnhccvncachngti.Bygiticmntrongmttay,ngntrxvobndimttrongnhngciaibngvib.Harryntsaulng
chngti,kovichachyquavnphngcati,xungccbcthmnhkho,nthngncniDeanvPercyangnhanhnhnthngra.
,bnmykhoivyphikhng?WildBillhi.Ncincnnhmtatrixemhi,cithbonmckhngnic,nhnggitncmt
tolnxungm.Bnmyxngnnhanhtimctaonghchcbnmykhoitht.Taoangnuimtsphnikmvinciy.Nhngccmm
mingonlnh.Ngymaitaosthirachobnmy.
Thytimkhacaxlim,mtthngnhiranhnheoli.NthyBrutalcmsngtrongmttay,dicuitrongtaykiavmtncngnheohnna.
Bnmyvoybngchnnhngstrrabnglng,BillytheKidbomiuvibnmy.Nechngti.nhmtthngnhcchuynsang
nhnti.Numytngpctaomccioinkhng,mysbittaytao,ngagi.
Mykhngphilkralnhy.Tibon.Mynnbitiu,nhngtaonghmyqungungc,khngdydmtchtthkhnghiu.
Timxongkhacavyntrttrnrnh.Whartonlivspng,cicanmvncnthngthongoiqun,chatayravphati,lngbntay
ngaln,ringocngntay.
Thchmyy,khnkipxux.Nlnting.Scdyd,cthi,nhngthngnhcginytrnhlmthygioy.Nchuynnh
mtvnciphhmrngxnsangBrutal.Coino,thngbcon,taotipmytrc.Lnnymykhngthnhlnsaulngtaona.Bsngxung,d
saomycngkhngdmbnmythkhng,chngtachitayi.xemaigiihn.
BrutalbcvoxlimnhngkhngtinvphaWharton.AnhtanhchsangtrikhibcquacavcpmttihcaWhartonmtokhinhnthyci
vichachychavongin.
Khng,myngikhngclmth.Nthtln.ikhng,myngi...
Dean!Tihtto.Mvinc!Mhtc!
WhartonxngnnhngBrutalqutmtcnggimtcqutmtichcchnPercyhngmcngangtrnthngnhc,cydicuinnngayvo
bntrnlngmyWharton.Whartontngbng,chngtichabaogigprcritrckhigpn,khuuxungtrnugi,mtvnmnhngtism.
Saudngncphunra,Harrylongchonglimtbcvscmnhcanritrvngli,vincgichctrongtay,charatrcnhmtkhusng.
DngncphuntrngngaygiangcWildBillWharton,xoythngnhcquaynavngtrn,ritngnngcrasauchuittvodispng.cuihnh
lang,Delacroixangnhycnglntchnnysangchnkia,trutrovchiraJohnCoffey,iCoffeykchognghechuyngangxyra,aiangchin
thng,vcithngranhikhngkiathchthtriutrbngncnhthno.Johnkhngnig,chngynlngltrongchicqunqungnvi
dpnht.Tichlicnhanhgcmtci,nhngthcngnhnrantbiulchucag,vabunbvabnhthn.Nhthtrcgtng
chngkintonbsvic,khngchmthayhaimcngnln.
Ttnc!Brutallalnquavai,richyvtvoxlim.AnhtavngtayvonchthngWhartonnatnhnam,lintgmspngrangoi.Wharton
hohenvphtramthanhcc.Munhvomtthngnhctphatrnlngmy,nidicuicaBrutalpntdathnhmtng.
Chngtitrngchicoaivothngnhctheocchhtsckhoahc,BrutusHowellvtichngtithctpnhmtivcngtpkkhluyn
mtiunhymi.Thnhthong,cngscthctpcnbxngng.Nhlcnychnghn.BrutaldngWhartonngidyvnmtaynaracho
titheocchmtatrnmtayconbpbchara.NhnthcbtuthmtrvomtWharton,snhnthcbitrngnukhngchngclptcslqu
mun,nhngccngdntruynvncnnsugiabnovcbp,vtrckhithngnhckpsachachng,tikocnhngngtayoai
tutlntrntaynvBrutalthgikhasaulng.Trongkhianhtaloviccamnh,tichplyaictay,kotayWhartonvngsanghaibnvnictayn
vimtchicaivibkhc.CuicngnhnWhartonnhangmpchnhbnthnn.
Tinsmy,bthtnn,hxthngranhrasaori?Delacroixhtln.Tinghe.Jingleskuchtcht,nhthncngmunbit.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Percyn,otm,dnhstvongivvtlnvingngnc,mtsnglnvkhchng.Deanntsaulnghn,eomtvngvtbm
quanhchngvcvkmkhchnghnnhiu.
No,ngdy,WildBill.TiralnhvliWhartonngln.Thngnhiranh.
Mydmgitaonhthsao?Whartontrutrovtinghyllnuchngtinhnthynhngxccmtht,khngchlnhngcimngytrang
camtconvtthngminh.WildBillHickokkhngphilthngchnb!NcngkhngbaoginhnhauvigubngdaogmBowie!Nchthlmt
tncnhstkhc!Thngchngungcngiquaylngracabgitbimtthngsayru!
iquthni,mtbihclchs!BrutalkulnrixWhartonrakhixlim.Kvoykhngbaogibitmnhsnhncg,ngoitrkhnng
tratt.Nhngviqunhiuattnhmyquanhy,taonghchuynnydngnhhpl,phikhng?Vmybitiugch?Myssmtr
thnhlchsthi,WildBill.Trcmt,myphiixunghnhlang.Bntaoccnphngdnhchomy.Mtloiphnglmnguiy.
Whartonthtlnmttingyphnut,xngvoBrutal,dbbgntrongchicoai,taybtriqutrasaulng.Percyphccchrtdicuigii
phpWetmorechottcnhngrirmcacucinhngDeanttaylnctayhn.Percynhnanhta,vbirivbtbnh,nhthnirng,sau
nhnggWhartongyrachoDeanthDeanphilngicuicngtrnthgianmunkimchhn.
BrutalyWhartonlirasau.TitmlynvxvphaHarry.HarryynixungDmngXanh,iquagDelacroixhoanhvgCoffeydng
dng.Whartonphichykhingpmtxungt,tunranhngcuchirasutconng.Tunratheocchmhnphttiala.Chngtitngn
voxlimcuicngbnphitronglcDean,Harry,vPercy(tnhtlnnyhnkhngkucavphilmvicqumcsngphng)gitttcnhngthlinh
tinhrakhiphngklut.Trongkhihanglmvic,tinichuynviWharton.
Mytngmyllm.Tilnting.Vclmyllmtht,contrai,nhngyllmkhngnthuag.Numynghongvibntao,bntao
sttvimy.Numycngu,cuicngmyvncht,khngcgkhc,chciubntaosminhnmynhbtchtrckhilnng.
Bnmysungsngkhithytaotiui.Whartonni,gingkhnc.Thngnhcvngvyhngthotrakhicioai,mcdbitlvch,mt
mibngnhqucchua.Vchonlccht,taoslmchobnmyphikhnkh.Nnherngvitinhmtconkhuchindi.
Nulmchobntaophikhnkhlttcnhnggmymun,mycththii,vmylmcri.Brutalni.NhngngynocnDm
ngXanh,Wharton,numycsuttrongcnphngtngmmbntaocngcccn.Vmycthmccioaichttit,chonkhitaymyb
hoitvmukhngluthngritla.Anhtangngli.Khngaixungdiny,mybity.Vnumytngscaingngngnchuynca
mythnnsuynghli.ivithgiinichung,mylmtthngphmphpcht.
WhartonchmchquanstBrutal,vtctitrnmttanbindn.
Thtira,thngnhcgigingxoadu,mtgingniqutnhto,qubitiu,khngngtin.Tisnghong.Datrungthcy.
Harryxuthinbccaxlim.Cuihnhlangtrngnhnibnlinhtinh,nhngchngtisdndpnhanhchngmtkhibttayvovic.Chngti
tnglmnhthchngtibitcch.
Ttcsnsng.Harrylnting.
BrutalnmlykhuutayphithngWhartonthlmtngtrongchicoai,linngdy.
i,WildBilly.Lcquanln.Mysctnhthaimibngitnhcnhngbaogingixoaylngraca,vngbaogibmvuvolbich
vtmnt.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Thtira.Whartonni.ThngnhcnhntBrutalsangHarrynti,mtlidnln.Tisngoanngon,niccanhlticmtbihc.
Ti...ti...
Thngnhcbtngvtxung,mtnanginmtrongxlim,nakiathrangoitrntmviltsncaDmngXanh,giypvuncong
ngi.
LyChalinhthing,ngiblncnngkinhy.Percyththo.
Brutalcixung,mctayvonchWharton.Timcvonchkia.Whartonbkpgiachngtinhcmccu.Khingcicthcogit,nghennn
tmtlvnhrmlkialmttrongnhngtringhimkmthvcaiti.
TingcnhnvbtgpnhmtcaJohnCoffeytrongthongchc.Mtgvntiamu,cpmenitm.Glikhc.Tinghnngtc
cnxcabntayHammersmithvhirngmnh.RitiquaylichnWharton.
Chngtilinvophngkhngchnhlimtkinhng,nhnnnmditrnsnnh,bkhachttrongchicoai,bncnhngcngmchngti
tngkimtratmconchut,vnbtucucsngKhuEnhlSteamboatWilly.
Tikhngquantmdncnutmtlihocthgvchti.Deanlnting,gingkhnvtheth.Nhnghynghnchuyngiyt,cc
cu!Skhngbaogixongni.
ng lo chuyn giy t, hy ngh n phin ta. Harry ru r ni. Chng ta s mt vic lm. Kt thc bng cch i hi u Mississippi. Cu bit
Mississippilgphikhng?TingDacnghalkhnnn.
Nskhngchtvncngskhngnutmtli.Brutalp.Ngymaikhichngtamcnhcany,nskhekhonthi.Tinlitinii.
Svicnglnhth.Conngichngtiemtrlixlimvotihmsautraynlng,xanhxaovcvbitkimch.Thngnhcbci,u
cigc,khngtmcchtncngbtcnginokhioaicthora,chbphnhntitrntri.Tibonlnsauhnhphtscthihnhgingnh
th,vnphithibnthnmuntraqunvnthcndnhchoemb,milnmtmung,trongbaolu.
Tisnghong,thasp,tihccbihccamnh.Thngnhcnhnhththobngmtgingkhmnmtrongkhichngtitngntr
lixlim.Brutalnhntivnhymt.
Cuingyhmsau,WilliamWharton,klBillytheKidvichnhmnhvkhngbaogilcnhstvinJohnLawWildBillHickok,muamtcibnhMoon
PiecaloTootToot.Whartonbcmtuytichuynnhth,nhngtongccachiugmccnhnvinthiv,nhtinghni,vvmuabnc
chmxung.LoToothnbitrhn,iunykhngcghnghi,nhngivilo,cixeybnquvtbaogicnglchuynnmxulnmxu,mixu
lmixu.Tishtmtonhpxngnanhngkhngcthgi.
my,khiBrutalituntra,Whartonngticaxlim.ThngkhnchnkhiBrutalngcnhn,lcnmipcmtayvocpmcngphng,
phunramtlungchocolatecqunh,dingong,trngvomtBrutal.NnhttonbchicbnhMoonPievoming,ngmchonkhichync,ri
sdngnhloithuclnhai.
Whartonngvtrasautrnspng,chocolatednhtrncmnhchmrud,chngiygia,vagothtvacivchtrBrutal,lcyangeomt
thnhiuhncchmrud.
BlackSambo,vngthangi,sp,vngthangi,ngithno?Whartonmbng,rngln.Qus,ginhchlccphn!Taocgnlth!
Nutaocmttth...
Mylccphn.Brutalgmln.Taohivngmysonhnhl,vmystrliciphngvsinhachungcamy.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
MtlnnaWhartonbnhtvooaivmtlnnachngtilitngnvocnphngcvchtngmm.Lnnylhaingy.Thnhthongchngti
nghenrtlntrong,thnhthongchngtinghenhahnsnghong,rngntnhngvsnghong,vthnhthongchngtinghengo
lnrngncnbcs,rngnspcht.Dvy,thngkhncmnntrongphnlnthigian.Vncngcmnnkhichngtilinrangoi,bcvxlim
viucigc,mtn,khngplikhiHarryni:
Nhy,mivictythucvomy.Thngkhnsmcmtthigian,rilitmcchgitrkhc.Khngcgngyramchatngcth
trc(phi,ngoitrtrchicbnhMoonPie,clththmchBrutalcngkhaixcnhnltrmim),nhngsllmcanqungs.Tiengi
smmungcthaimttptrungvcigiphitrsrtt.Vtnhhnhnycthkodi,vu,thngnhccmtglutsangquytung,
thanthvimingirngslsailmbitbaokhixtmtconngimmnsngtuithanhxunchakhtrnlnmi...vngunhinlilngida
trng,gingnhJeffDavisthnmnvy.Chuynthanthchngcnghag,vlmchoWhartonthotkhighinlviccagluts.Lmchon
phibphnxtantonlviccachngti.Vsaucng,GiSparkyhunhchcchnstmcn,lutshaykhngluts,mck.
Chng17
DDyltunlkhiMelindaMoores,vcagimth,tIndianolatrvnh.CcbcsxongvicvibyhcnhngtmnhchpXquangmi
toanh,ngquantmvkhiutrongubhluhstnhtrngbntayyukmcab,nhngcnaugytlitphhybgnnhtrngkvo
lcy,vxongtrchnhimvib.HphtchochngbmtmthuccchtmorphinvtrMelindavnhchcht.HalMooresccmtchngnxin
nghbnhkhngnhiulm,thiyngitakhngchobnnhiunxinnghbnh,nhngngysdngnhnggngccthgipbylmnhng
gphilm.
Bangysaukhibyvnh,vtivtinthm.TigiinthoitrcvHalnic,nhthlhay,Melindaangcmtngyttpvsthch
thcgpchngti.
Anhghtnhngcginhth.TiboJanicetrongkhichngtilixennginhnh,nivchngMoorescngsutphnlncucsngchung.
Mingicngght,cng.Nngnivvvotayti.Chngtachungscnngcan,vbycngvy.
Anhhivngth.
ChngtigpMelindatrongphngkhch,btngdinhnngthngmisngsa,mptrima,vnghbscutincatilbsti90
pound.
Dnhinlkhngnustbynhiucn,bykhmnginhngylphnngutincanobtitrcnhnggmttinhnthy.Khun
mtbsuysplrahnhdngxngsbndi,lndabtrngbchnhgiy.Cnhngvngsmtibndimt.Vyllnutithybngi
trnghmtrnlngkhngcmayv,nhngmnhthuAfghanvungvchocvivnbnthnhmttmthm.Bchngixungy.Nhmt
ngingichtigaxeha.
Melinda.Vtinngnnctting.Tinghnngcngbscnhticlnhiuhnnhngnngkholochedu,nhmtsphnvnckh
nnglmth.NngtinnchMelinda,qumtgixungbncnhchicghtrnvngGimthangngi,cmlymtbntayb.Tronglcnnglm
th,mttitnhcbtgptmthmmuxanhdatribnlsi.Tichtnysinhnghlranphicmuvngchanhck,bivgiycnphngng
lmtphinbncaDmngXanh.
Ticembiuchmtttr.Janni.loimtittaygi.Tranthntty.Titrongnhbp.
Cmncnhiulm,cng.Melindap.Gingbngheginuavkhnkhn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chcmthythno,chthnmn?Vtihi.
Khehn.Melindanibngmtgingkhn,chitai.
Khngphivtimunrangoidkhiuvmngxyvala,nhngtnhthmnaykhngbau.Hchotimtsthuctrnhcu.ikhichiu
lc.
Vyltt,phikhng?
Nhngtikhngnmchtc.iugxyra...vibntaycati.Bgitayln,nhnnhthtrcychatngthyn,rilihtayxung,t
trnlng.iugxyra...khpngiti.BbtukhclngltheomtcchlmtinghnJohnCoffey.Trongutilivanglniugni:Ta
gip,phikhng?Tagip,phikhng?Gingnhvnthbnkhngthgtb.
LcyHalbcvo.ngytmlyti,vbncthtinkhitinitirtmngctmc.Chngtibcvonhbp,ngyrtchotimtna
ngmwhiskytrng,loihpdnvalyrakhilctcamtnngdnno.Chngtichmlivung.Dngncchyxungbngrtnhla,nhngta
ratrongbngnhthinng.NhngkhiMooreschahruvphati,himkhngthtnnlitimunungnangmkiakhng,tilcu,xuatayt
chi.WildBillWhartonvtrakhiskimchdsaocngchltrcmtvskhngantonkhingnnvimtciumovru.Thmch
ckhicchnsonggia.
Tikhngbitmnhchungcbaolu,Paul.ngnibngmtgingthp.Mibuisngcmtcgingipti,nhngbcsnibycth
mtkimsotngrut,v...v...ngngngli,chngcotht,cnnkhngkhctrcmttilnna.
nghythuntheobngkhnngttnht.Tini.Tiatayngangquabnvbpbntaybhuqucachnglit,lmmvbnhgancang.
Lmiungyquangy,dnhphncnlichoCha,ngkhngthlmgkhc,phikhng?
Tionlkhng.Nhngqulnngn,Paul.Ticunguynchoanhkhngbaogiphitmhiusnngnnmcno.
ngcgngttrntnh.
Bygicuchotibittintc.CugiiquytthngWhartonthno?VktquviPercyWetmorerasao?
Chngtinichuyncngvicmtlc,riktthccucthmving.Sau,suttrnngvnh,vtihunhngiynlngmttvsuyttrn
ghbncnhti,nhnglilcaCoffeycquaycungtrongutinh.JingleschyquanhxlimcaDelacroix:Tagip,phikhng?
Thtkhngkhip.Vtichnngnlnting.Vkhngaicthgipgchoby.
Tigtungvngh:Tagip,phikhng?Nhngchuyninquvticscgtnrakhitmtr.
Khichngtirvosntrcca,saucngnnglntinglnthhaikhngphivngibnthnMelinda,nhngvchngnhimtrngngtiu
cati.Nngmunbitthtskhibnhcha.Thtsri,tibonng.
Vythtt.Nngni,rihnlnphatrnlngmy,cichgycmhngcati.Clchngtaphi,anhbity,tnhnmtiugnhonh.
Nghal,nuanhcthgivchngth.
Viiukinsaucqunhiumiutrcchva,ticmtaynngavophngng,cibqunonngtrongkhinngkhuciphnsngln
vpphpphngcatinhngkhngcnauna.Vtrongkhititinvoningtngocanng,xuynquantheocchthcchmrimnngathch
chaichngtiuathchtinghnJohnCoffeyniggip,ggip,phikhng?Gingnhmtonnhckhngchuribtmtrbnchon
khinhonhovsnsng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Sau,tronglclixentrigiam,tinghnvicssmphibtudintpcuchnhhnhDelacroix.nghdttinsviclnnyPercys
xut hin nh th no, v ti cm thy cn rng mnh v s. T bo mnh c lm theo nh vy, mt cuc hnh hnh ri chng ti s ng ca vnh vin vi
Percy...nhngtivncmthycnrngmnh,nhthchngnhimtrngtitngphichungchahbungtha,chlthayivtr,tvictchyh
bchuynsangtchyxngsng.
Coino.BrutalboDelacroixvotihmsau.Chngtaidochimtcht.AnhvtivngJingles.
Delacroixnghingnhnanhtarithtayvohptmconchut.GkhpntronglngbntayvnheomtnhnBrutal.
Anhnigvy?Ghi.
MtmtuytvicaanhvngJingles.Deanlnting,ricngHarrynhpbnviBrutal.ChuivtbmquanhcDeanbinthnhmtthmu
vngkhcoi,nhngtnhtanhtacthninngmkhngnghenhtingchsamona.AnhtanhnBrutal."Cunghccnkhachntaygkhng,
Brutal?"
Brutalravsuyngh.
Khng.Saucnganhtani.Gstt,ngvykhng,Del?Anhvconchutcaanh,chai.Dsaothtinayanhstrnhdintrcmtsnhn
vttmcy.
Percyvtiangngbncnhbngiy,quanstsvic.Percykhoanhtay,khnncikhinhmittrnmi.Saumtthong,hnlycilcbng
sngravchiu.JohnCoffeycngangxem,lnglngynsauchnsongxlim.Whartonthnmditrnsp,trmtnhntrnnhvlmltonb
svic.Thngnhcvncn"nghong",mcdcigil"nghong"thccbcsBriarRidgegiltrmcm.Vcngcmtngikhcna.Ngi
khutkhitmnhntrongvnphngti,nhngcibnggyguccalohtrakhica,xungDmngXanh.
Chuynnylg,indimyanh?Delcuknhhi,chnthulnspkhiBrutalmkhaitrncaxlimvyra.Mtglolinnhnba
ngibnh.
,nianhnghe.Brutaltrli.ngMooresvngmtmtthigianvngyangm,clanhngheni.VthngAndersonphtrch,ng
CurtisAnderson.
Th?Chuynlincangnti?
.Harryni.SpAndersonngheninconchutcaanh,Delvmunxemanhbiudin.ngyvsungikhcangphnghnhchnh,ch
anhn.Cngkhngphillnhgcoxanhtmthngu.Taitomtlny,nhBruteni.Titinmtgtrongshlchnhtrgiaisuttthph
tiubangxungy.
Delphngmithyrtrcskinny,vtithykhngcnchtvnghihocnotrnmtg.DnhinhmunxemngJingles,aimkhngmun?
Glclikhpni,utinlbndispng,ridigi.Saucnggtmramtcckobchmuhngvcingchtmuscs.GnhnBrutal
vivdhivBrutalgtu.
Phi.Tinghhnngrutcxembiudintrngch,nhngcchnnmycckobchcnghaytuyt.Vngquncihpxg.Anhmun
ngntronghp,ngkhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
DelacroixlycihpvbmithcangJinglesvotrong,nhngconchutthgtlnvaio.Saugbcrakhixlim,bngccngphngi
trcvgnhnDeancngHarry.
Ccanhnxemch?
Khng.Deantrli.Bnvickhc.Nhnganhhylmchohlcmt,DelchohthyiugxyrakhimtchngtraiLouisianabbaxungv
thtsbttayvovic.
Cnphini.Mtncisnglntrnkhunmtg,btngvgindtrongnimhnhphcnniticmthyaulngchohnmtcht,dg
gyratilikhngkhip.Cithgiichngtaangsngqultitmtthgiititbitbao!
DelacroixquaysangJohnCoffey,kkhingnysinhmttnhbnrtr,khngkhcgmttrmmiquenbitkhckhuttmtichngkin.
Anhhylmchohlemt,Del.Coffeytrnhtrnglnting.Anhhychohxemttcnhngmnhlican.
Delacroixgturigibntaylnngangvai.ngJinglesbclnnhthlsnkhu,vDelacroixabntayhngvxlimcaCoffey.John
Coffeythmtngntaytotngrangoivtisbnguynranukhngphiconchutvncravlimungntay,ynhmtconch.
ithi,Del,ngchnchna.Brutalni.Myngihonbantinngstnhxemconchutcaanhnhycn.Sthtkhngphith,
dnhinAndersonscmtntmgivobtcmno,nhnglnhgcanhtalikonxembui"biudin"caDelacroixcmtnmimthoc
mihaigi,tythucvothiimktthccatrc.Gchnhtrgiantthphtiubanghunhslmtnhnvintrigiamthtchiccravatimn.
NhngDelacroixkhngcchgbitcchuyn.
Tisnsng.Delacroixnivigingiungincamtngisaonghthutbitcchkimchnixcngtmthng.Chngtai.Vtrong
khiBrutaldngitrnDmngXanhvi.Jinglesvtvotrnvaianhchngnhb,mtlnnaDelacroixlioangoang,"Thaqungqub!Xincho
mngnvignhxicchut!"Thnhng,dangchmmtrongthgiitngtngcachnhmnh,gvntrnhxaPercyvtngchohnmtcilic
nhnynghing.
HarryvDeandnglitrcxlimtrngidinxlimcaWharton(nhnvtquantrngnyvnchacccagnhiu).HnhnBrutalmkhacara
snthdc,nichailnhgckhcangchnhpbn,riaDelacroixrangoi,hngvbuibiudincthngbinhngvtaitomtlncanh
tColdMountain.Chngtichnkhicackhali,ritinhnvvnphngcamnh.Cibngvncnngditrnsnnh,gytongteonhbi
n,vtilylmmngvDelacroixquhohngnnkhngthy.
Rangoii.Tini.Vlmchonhanh.Timundintphailn,chngtakhngcnhiuthigianu.
LoTootToot,titnhnhmikhi,rangoi,inxlimcaDelacroixvnhnnhbcvotrongquacnhcamsn.
Ngixung.Loni.Tiangngixung,tiangngixung,tiangngixung.
ymilgnhxictht,tingh,mtnhmlimtthong.Gnhxicthtngayyvttcbntichlmtlchutchunluyn.Ritigt
bnghrakhitmtrvchngtibtudintp.
Chng18
Bidintputindinratrichy,bithhaicngth.Percythihnhtthncsmongmicatidtrongnhnggicmhoangngnht.iu
khngcnghalmivicsttpkhithiimgCajunbctrnDmngXanhthcsn,nhngylbctinlntheochiuhngng.Ti
chtnghsvicdintintrichyvrtcucPercyanglmiuhnathch.Tithytrolnmtcmgickhinhbnhngritigtbni.Cgquan
6/30/2017 DmXanh
trngu?HnschpnnlnuDelacroixvmngunin,sauchaitnsbinmt.Nuykhngphilmtonktchu,thcigi?Vnh
Mooresvchra,cicanmcaDelacroixsbnngchn,btkailngixuthin.
Dvy,Percychngtlithtrongvaitrmivhnbitiu.Ttcchngtiubit,vphnti,tiquthanhthnghtbhn,tnht
tronglcny.Cvnhmithstrnnntha.TicnnhnhmhnnakhithyPercythcslngnghechngtinuranhngghncthlm
honthincngtchn,chtcnggimthiukhnngsailmiug.Nubnmunbitstht,phinilchngtikhphnkhivskinnythm
chcDean,ngithngxacchviPercy...vthxclntinhthn,nuanhtacth.Chngcgngngcnhin,ticholthivihuhtmi
ngi,khnggthamnhnlmtngitrtuithcschtmnlikhuyn,vphngdinthchngticngkhngkhc.Ktqulkhngaitrong
chngtithyWildBillWhartonkhngcnnhnlntrnnhna.Kcti,nhngtibitnkhngnhn.Thngnhcangnhnchngtingbnbn
trc,hunhhoangvkhuynboPercy.Khuynbohn!Vhnthgivlngnghe!Qulncci,nutnhnnhngiuxyra!
Tingchakhakhualchcchtrongkhacamrasnthdcchmdtbuiphbnhhudintpcachngti.DeanlicPercycnhbo.
Khngmtlihocmtnhmtkhcthng.Anhtalnting.Chngtakhngmungbitchngtalmg.iukhngttvih.Lmchoh
s.
Percygtuvmtngntaylnmirahiungtitlbmtchihcnhngkhngphith.CarasnthdcmravDelacroixbcvo,
pgiibiBrutalangcmtheochichpxgngcingchmum,theocchngiphviccamtothutgiatrongvtpkphianghca
spxungsnkhusaumntrnhdin.ngJinglesngivtvotrnvaiDelacroix.ThcnbnthnDelacroix?NibnnghemtiuLillie Langtry cng
khngthrngrhnthsaukhibiudintiTaBchc.
HyuthchngJingles!Delacroixtuynb.Hci,hoanhvvtay!"
A,thlsdzch.Percythtra.Hnnibngmtgingnungchiu,kc,nghekhngginggPercychuchtno.Voxlimlii,anhbngi.
Delacroixphngchohnmtcinhnkccynghing,thlgPercychubngn.HnnhernggivgmgvrabvlyDelacroix.Mttr
a,ttnhin,Percyanghilng,khngchngthvchpthtschtno,nhngDelacroixkhngbit.Ggitnyraxavivshivmttinhthn,vp
phibnchntocaBrutal.Gngmnhxungt,tpvotmvisnltsn.ngJinglesnhyrakplctrnhbbp,vtchytrnDmng
XanhnxlimcaDelacroix,rtlntheth.
Delacroixngln,nhnPercyangcikhckhchbngnhmtchtchacmth,rihihchytheosauconvt,rotnnvxoatmnh.Brutal
(vnkhngbitPercycnhngduhiubittrchnhimngphnkhi)tngchoPercymtcinhnkhinhbkhnglivitheoDel,rtxuchakhara.
TinghchuynxyrasauxyravPercythcphithngvongyhmy.Nultht,iuchchngminhmtcuchmngnxayma
maiticlncnghe,vviclmsaomsmilngxinlitibitthtkhtin,nhnghntrongtmtrngkhngmthnhvittpnothotkhi
btrngpht.Cnnhtikbnnghe,saukhirtuiconchutnphngklutvomttronghaidptrckhiDelacroixnhptri,lmsaoPercyn
hiqugnxlimcaTngthngkhng?Lmnhthlnguyhim,vvytisaoDmngXanhliqurngkhibcngvogiang,bns
khngbtncngtccxlim.GTngthngkhnggysgviPercy,nhngtinhcnghrngArienBitterbucksratay,nuPercynqugng.Ch
dychohnmtbihc.
Vng,TngthngvTtrngiri,nhngWildBillWhartonthaychh.HnhvicathngnhcthihncTngthngvTtrngtngmc,
vntheoditonbvkchnh,hivngcchichnhmnhbclnsnkhu.Chibygiltvolngthngnhc,nhnPercyWetmore.
,Del!Percygi,vcict,itheoBrutalvDelacroix,ritnqugnphaWhartontrnDmngXanhmkhngnhnra.Ny, ng
ngn,taokhngcgu.Chmynkhng?...
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Whartonbtdykhispng,phngnhanhnhchprachnsongtrongilmlnhgcchabaogitithytnnodichuynnhanhnhth,kc
viatrtuilclngmBrutalvtiphiiphsaunykhilmvictitriCiHunThiuNin.Thngnhcthctayrangoichnsong,vlyPercy,
trchtlvaiongphc,saulchng.Whartonkohnlili,ngvocnhcaxlimcan.Percytrutronhmtconheotronglmvtithy
mthnbiulnghhnsphicht.
Saommyngtngoqu.Whartonththo.MtbntaybungchngPercyravuhn.Mmmi!Thngnhckhen,nacict.Nh
tccongi.Taonghthngvimycnsnghnvibchmyy.VnthcshntaiPercy.
TinghPercyknhpDelacroixKhuvtivtnhqutvohbhn,nhkhngbitchnhxciugangxyra.Tikhngchchnmun
th,nhngtinghlc.Mthntrngbchkhngcnscmu,khuytimtrnmlranhnhngcibt.Mthnmtovt.Mtdngncdinhra
tkhemingcogitcahn.Ttcdinranhanhchngbtuvktthcchaymigiy,tisnith.
Harryvtitinln,gicaodicui.Deanrtsng.Nhngtrckhiskinkpbinchuynthm,WhartonbungPercyravlili,gitaylnvaivn
nciumcan.Tithhn,tichavthhnri.Thngnhcni.Khnghngnmtsitctrnciuxinhpcathngnhckia,vy
myngichptivociphngtngmmchttitna.
PercyWetmorephngngangquaDmngXanh,cormngidavocnhcabchtchncachicxlimtrngphabnkia,thnhanhvton
mcnghenhtingkhcncn.RtcuchnnhncbihcphibitgihngigiaDmngXanh,trnhxaconquivthunghn,nhng
hmrngbitcnvmngvutbitvmi.Tinghylmtbihcsgnbvihnluhnttcnhnglikhuyncachngtisauccbuidintp.
Cmtntbiulnihihngcctrnmthn,mitcqububxtrmtrnglnuktkhitigphn,dngngvritung.Trnghnnhngi
vathotnnhipdm.
Cmtkhonhkhcngngngtuyti,mtsnnlngdycnmcmthanhduynhtltinghithrtlnncncaPercy.Ciphtansnn
lng l mt ting ci khc khch, t ngt v hon ton in cung n mc sng st. Wharton l ngh u tin ca ti, nhng khng phi. Chnh l
DelacroixngticnhcaxlimangmcagvchvoPercy.Conchuttrlitrnvaig,vDelacroixgingnhmtgphthynhbnhnghim
c,thmcontiuqunalmtbn.
Nhnhnka,hntraqun!Delacroixrln.Nhnxemngivilmg!nhngikhcbngdicui,nhngthavng,vimtconngixu
xa,khikkhcngvohn,hnphunncraqunnhemb!
Gcivchtr,ttcnishivcmthPercythotratheotingcinhobng.Percytrngtrngnhng,dngnhbtlckhngthcng
hoccttingni.Whartonbctrrachnsongxlim,nhnxungvtsmmutrnngqunPercynhnhngctht,khngcnphihilgvtot
mingci.
Aiphimuachothngnhcllmmtcitthi.Nniritrlispng,ngcci.
BrutalixungxlimcaDelacroix,nhnggCajunrcvotrongvvtmnhlnspngtrckhiBrutalnkp.
TiatayranmlyvaiPercy.
Percy...Tictting,nhngchththi.Hnbngtnh,gttaytira.Hnnhnxungngqun,thyvtbnanglanra,mtbm.Hnlingc
nhnti,rinhnHarryvDean.TinhlmnhrtmngvloTootTootikhi.Nulocmt,cuchuynslantruynkhptrigiamchtrongvngmt
ngy.V,cncvohcaPercymtcihxuixotrongkhungcnhnylmtcuchuynscklitrongnhiunmvsauvinimhngthtt
yhoanh.
Nuklivibtcnginothttcccanhssphnglnhbnhmtthintrongvngmttun.Hnththo,vhnhc.honcnhkhc,
ylthgingiuslmtinicnpchohnmttrn,nhngtronghoncnhny,tichthythnghi.Tinghhnnhnralngthnghiv
6/30/2017 DmXanh
iucnglmchohnthytithngingnhlygainhnchxtvovtthng.
iugxyraysliy.Deanlnglni.Cukhngphilo.
PercynhnquavaivhngxlimcaDelacroix.Brutalvakhacaxong,vtbntrong,rmnmt,chngticthnghetingDelacroixkhckhch
ci.nhmtnhncaPercytismnhangc.Tinhbohnlgieonhnnogtquny,nhngriquytnhlcnykhngphithiimthchhp
gingkinh.
Vphnthngkia...hnbtu,nhngkhngbaoginihtcu.Thayvo,hnbi,ucigc,vonhkhotmmtchicqunkh.
Hnxinhqu.Whartonnibnggingmmng.Harryboncmmingtrckhibnhtvophngkhngchvnhngnguyntctngqutkhn
kip.Whartonkhoanhtaytrcngc,nhmmtraving.
mtrcngyhnhhnhDelacroixtaxungnngncvoibchnbaogi81trnnhitkbnngoicasphnghpHnhchnhkhitin
lcsugi.81vocuithngmi,hynghviu,vtingsmnghngtynhtrongthngby.Chiuhmy,tigpmtthnhvincagio
ontrongthtrn,vngtahitivivnghimtrngrrt,rngticnghthitittrimanhthnyliucphilduhiuNgytnthkhng.Ti
trlikhngbitchc,nhngchtnysinhnghylNgytnthcaEduardDelacroix,thy.Phi,qungvy.
BillDodgeangngcarasntpthdc,ungcphvhtthuc.Anhtanhnquanhrini:
A,nhny.PaulEdgecombe,vinhcucsngvxuxgpi.
Trongngythno,Billy?
Tmc.
Delacroix?
Tt.Ghnhnhhiulngymai,thnhnggingnhgkhnghiu.Anhbitphnlnbnhphnngthnokhirtcuconktnvih.
Tigtu.
Wharton?
Billci.
Mtdinvinhichng.LmchoJackBennynghenhmtgiodnQuaker.NboRolfeWettermarklnnmtdulyrattronglngvanh
y.
Rolfenisao?
Rnganhychacv.RngchchnthngWhartonangnghnmn.
Ticivkhchu.Cuchuynthtsbunci,theomtkiucchhcp.Vqulthoimiccimkhngccmgicbknotdim
tndirut.Billciviti,riphncphcnlirasn,lcyvngngi,trmtttnhntncnanglbc,huhtycngnnmg.
Smmchnxaxino,vtiachptnnhitlesngtrnbutritien.Billbnchnnhnln,tingcilmi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tuynhin,nianhnghenh,anhtabo,tikhngthchththititny.Ccmgicchuyngsxyra.Chuyngxuxa.
Viuythanhtaning.Chuynxuxyravokhongmigimilmphtm.yllcPercygit.Jingles.
Chng19
ThotucvslmtmttlnhmcchocnnngbcJohnCoffeyvnlmtthcthcmnnthnglcachnhg,BillHungBoangtin
trintrthnhBillnHavDelacroixthtinhthnphnchnsovimtkchnviGiSparkytrongvnghnhaimibngimtcht.
Gquhiuchuyngspxynvig,tnhtcngmccbngtmnchilichobancuicngvachotinhngyucucbit
ivinhbp.
Anhbohstcaychoti.Gni.Bohlythlmchochngthtsnhydnglnvnixinchokhngclythtxanhcaynh.Th
lmtiauqunnhmttnkhnkip,ngyhmsaukhngbcphngvsinh,nhngtinghlnnyskhngthnhvnna,nestcepasphi
khng?
Huhtnhngttulolngcholinhhnbttcachngvimtnthunghnkhdi,nhngDelacroixgtbnhiucuhicativnguynvng
anitmlinhtronggiphtcuicng.Nu"anhchng"SchusterttchoTtrngBitterbuck,Delxcnhn,thSchustersttchog.Khng,iu
gquantmbnonra,tichcthlchuyngsxyrachongJinglessaukhig,Delacroix,quai.Tiquenvicbranhiugibncnht
tvomtrcchuynicuicng,nhngyllnutibranhiugisuyngmvsphncamtconchut.
Delcnnhchtkchbnnysangkchbnkhc,kinnhntmkimnhngkhnngtrongtmtrlmcag.Vtrongkhigsuynghno,munto
ratnglaichoconchutcagnhthnlmtatrphicgiodcihc,gnmcingchmumvotng.Milnglmth,ngJingles
sphngtheosau,snlng,rilnngchtrlibnbnchnDel.Trchibtulmticngthngsaumtlctrchtltingngchplcccvo
tng,rintingngnhdobnchncangJinglesgynn.Mcdltrhay,nvntrthnhnhmchnsauchnmipht.VngJinglesdng
nhkhngmtmi.ilcndngli,ritlyliscbngcchungnctrongmtcimungcphmDelacroixdngvovicny,hocnhmnhpmt
mukobchmuhng,ritrlivicingch.NhiulntispbutmingboDelacroixthii,nhngmilnnhvy,tilitnhgchcnmnay
vngymaichitrngchvingJinglesvthlht.Tuynhin,khignnhiktthc,thtkhmgictngbnbitsthrasaovimt
tingngclpilplikhngdt.Saumtthigian,nsbnntthnkinhcabn.Rtcuc,khitispnithiugkhintilicquavai,nhnra
ngoicaxlim.JohnCoffeyangngticaxlimcagphabnkia,lcuviti:phi,tri,trligia.Nhthgccttngcativ
angbotisuynghli.
TislochongJinglesnvibckhngchngcaDelacroix,tini,ngigimtgikotochog.Cingchmumcngcthn,thm
chc"nginh"canchngtisbtusutpunmtb,vthuytphcToottbquynshucihpCorona.Khng,Delacroixtchisaukhi
cnnhcmtcht(gcthiginmngchvotngtnhtlnmlnvngJinglesibngmihocybngchntrli),iukhngn.B
cHermionequgi,byskhnghiunhngkiucchnghchngmcangJingles,vgisngJinglesthhnbthsao?Lcyiugsxyra
chon?Khng,khng,CHermionekhngn.
Phi,vyth,tihi,gismtngitrongschngtinhnn?Mttrongnhngngilnhgccachngti?ChngticthnuinngaytiKhuE.
Khng,Delacroixnivttcmntivcnh,certainementchcchnlth,nhngngJingleslmtconchutkhaokhttdo.G,EduardDelacroix,
bitiuny,bivngJingleshnbnonraththmvotaig.
Thic.Tibo.Mttrongschngtisemnvnh,Del.CthlDean.Cuycmtcontraicnnhhnsyuthchconchutnui,ti
cvianh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Delacroixthcstimtkinhhongtrctng.MtthngbchutrchnhimmtthintigmnhmnhngJingles?NhndanhlebonDieu
Chalnglnh,lmsaomtthngbcthctrngitheokpsnghiphunluyncag,nignvicdyconchutnhngmnhlimi?Vgis
thngbmthngthvqunchonntronghaihocbangylintc?Delacroix,nginngchnsumngngisngtrongnlccheytic
nguynthycamnh,rngmnhvivkhipstnhcamtnginhitthnhchnglivicmxthvt.
c,tini,chthntisnhnn(hyhabtciugvih,bnnnnhtrongbnmitmgicuicng,hyhavihbtciug).Vy
ththno?
Khng,thangi,spEdgecombe.Delnivivbitli.Glinmcingch.ngchpvotng,nyln,xoytrnringJinglesbtratheon
nhhnhvibng,itrlichoDelacroix.Cmnspnhiumercibeaucoupnhngspsngtrongrng,mngJinglesthssngdanslafortsng
trongrng.Tibit,v...
Tinghcthonctisaoanhbit,Del.Tip.
Delacroixgtu,mmci.
Nhngchngtasnghracch.Thty!Gnmngch.ngJinglesuitheo,gyratingng.Ticgngkhngnhnmt.
SaucngBrutalcuvnctnhhnh.Anhtathcdybnbntrc,xemDeanvHarrynhbicribbage.Percycngcmt,vrtcuc,Brutalmt
mivcgngbtchuynvihn,nhngchngcgngoinhngtingcunhuhndipli.Anhtatnbnnitingitrnmtchicghubn
ngoixlimcaDelacroix,ringnghechngti,taykhoanhli.
Mousevillethsao?BrutallntingtrongkhonhkhcnnlngngksaukhiDelacroixbcbnginhckmaquitrongrngcati.Anhtaara
libnhlunbngmtmscbnhthng,theokiuchtnyratng.
Mouseville?Delacroixhi,nhnBrutalvabtngvaquantm.Mousevillelg?
LaimdulchFlorida.Anhtatrli.Tallahassee,tinghth.ngkhng,Paul?Tallahassee?
ng.Tiplikhngchtngpngng,nghChabanphclnhchoBrutusHowell.Tallahassee.Ngaybndiconng,cchihcchmt
on.MingBrutalgitgittrccunicati,vtinghanhtasplmhngvicbngtingci,nhnganhtakimchcvgtu.Tuynhin,sau
nyticngheninihcch,ticholvy.
LnnyDelkhngnmngch,mcdngJinglesngtrndpcaDelacroix,chntrcgiln,rrnglthmkhtmtdpnasnui.G
CajunnhntBrutalsangtiritrliBrutallnna.
NgitalmgMouseville?Ghi.
AnhnghngitasnhnngJinglesch?Brutalhiti,cngmtlcvaphtlDelvalicung.Anhnghnctaynghch,Paul?
Ticravsuyngh.
Cubitkhng.Tini.Cngnghnhiuviu,thncngcvlmttnglilc.Tkhemt,tithyPercyitrnDmngXanh(nh
mtvngrtrng,trnhxaxlimcaWharton).Hnngdamtbnvaivomtxlimtrng,lngnghevimtncikh,khinhmittrnmi.
CiMousevillenylg?Delhi,lcnyhohcmunbit.
Mtaimdulch,nhtinivianh.Brutaltrli.,ticngkhngr,nhngcnctrmconchutythphi.Anhnisao,Paul?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Lcnyhnmttrmnmmicon.Tip.Mtthnhcngln.TibithangnghnvickhaitrngthmmtaimCaliforniavttn
lMousevilleWest.Vickinhdoanhbngnnhthy.Chutchunluynlmnbiudinyhahnthuhtgiisangtrng,tinghchnhticng
khnghiuna.
Delngilnglvicingchmumtrongbntay,nhnchngti,trcmttmqunihoncnhcachnhmnh.
Ngitachnhnconchutthngminhnht.Brutalcnhco.Nhngconckhnngdintr.Vkhngclchutbch,vnhngthlchut
bncahngthnui.
Chutcahngthnui,phi,ngvy!Delacroixsinini.Tightchutcahng!
Vthhc.Brutalni,nhmtxavngtrongkhianhtahnhdungran.Lchiclumtabcvo...
Phi,phi,gingnhtrongrpxic!Cphitrtincvokhng?
Anhniginchitisao?Dnhinphitrtinmicvo.mixumtv,tremhaixu.Vkiari,tonthnhphcxydngbngnhngcihp
Bakelitevcungiyvsinh,ccaslmbngisinglassxemchnglmtrgtrong...
Phi!Phi!Delacroixangkhoicmcc.Rigquayliphati.Isinglasslg?
Gingnhtrnmtbpl,nicthnhnvobntrong.Tini.
ihnri!Thchttit!GxoaytrnicnhtayhngvBrutal,munanhtanitipvcpmthtthcangJinglesgnnhxoaytrntronghc
mt,cgnggicingchtrongtmnhn.Cnhtngkhbunci.Percytinngn,nhthmunnhnrhn.TithyJohnCoffeycaumyvihn,
nhngvquchmmtrongcuchuynhoangngcaBrutalnnkhng.Chuynnychothyiugtnhnmunnghenhngtmcaomikhin
tichontonthnphc,hytinti.
.Brutalk.ylthnhphchut,nhngthmbnnhcthcsyuthchlGnhXicTonSaoMouseville,niloichutubay,lnnhng
chicthngnh,xpnhngchngtinxu...
Phi,ngth!ylnithchhpchongJingles!Delacroixktlun.Mtglplnh,mhngho.TichtnghBrutusHowellnglmtvthnh.
Saucng,myslmtconchutlmxic,ngJinglesi!SsngtrongthnhphchutFlorida!ToncasbngIsinglass!Hoanh!
Gnmngchrahtscmnh.Npvophaditng,nymtcincung,ribnvtrangoichnsongcaxlim,lntrnDmngXanh.
ngJingleschyrangoiuitheo,vPercynhnthychicahn.
Chng20
Ngoittcnhngbivitny,ticnghinhtktkhisngtiGeorgiaPineskhngcglnlao,chlmtionvnmingy,phnlnvthitit
vtihmquatixemli.Timunbitthigiancbaolu,ktlchaiachungoiChristophervDaniellepbucti,thaynhiu,voGeorgia
Pines.
Vquynlicachnhng,ngngoi.Chngboth.Ttnhinlchngnith.Chngphiylcungitahaynikhitmracchloibmtvn
bitivbitni?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
hnhainmmtcht.iukdltikhngbitcmgicnhhainm,hocdihn,hayngnhn.thcvthigiancaticvangtanchy,
nhhnhnmngituytcatremvogiaionbngtantrongthngging.NhththigianmiminhtrcgiEasternStandardTime,giDaylight
SavingTime,giWorkingManTimekhngcnhinhuna.ychcgicaGeorgiaPines,tclgicaLong,gicaLoB,vgiiDm.
Phncnli...trii.
ylmtnikhnkip,ynguyhim.Thotubnkhngnhnraiu,thotubntngnchlmtnichnbunt,chnguyhimbng
nhtrvogingtra,nhngvnlnguyhim,ngvy.Tithynhiungitritutvotnhtrnglohatkhiny,ikhihcnlmnhiuhn
ltritutikhihlaoxungvitccamtchictungmbm.Hnyphnlnvnnthamtmvdnhlinvigychng,cthlnglo
mtchtbngquang,nhngmtkhcvnnthathriiugxyravih.Mtthngsau,hchcnngiltrongphngTV,trntrinhnOprah
WinfreytrnTVbngnhngconmtn,quaihmxxung,vimtlinccambqunlng,ngnghingvnhgittrnmtbntay.Mtthngsauna,
bnphinhctnconcikhichngnthmh.Rimtthngsau,bnphinhchnhlitncachnhh.iugxyrachoh,thy:Georgia
Pinesxyravih.Thigianygingnhmtthacidyu,trchtbomnkc,saulkhtvngcsng.
Taphichinu.TininhthviElaineConnelly,ngibncbitcati.Tikhehntkhibtuvitlinhnggxyrachotivonm
1932,nmmJohnCoffeynDmngXanh.Mtshitngthtit,nhngticmthychngmibntmtrvnhnthccamnh,theocchmt
condaogtnhncybtch,iulmdubtniaun.Tuynhin,chvitlchvhitngthcha.Ticngcmtthxc,dbygicltn
tvdhnh,nhngtivnnghtsccth.Thotuliukhkhnnhnglogihlunhtikhngkhgkhitpthdcchvchnhbnthns
tpthdcnhngdonyddnghn,vnhngbcicaticmcch.
Tirangoitrcbansngngaylcvasng,phnlnsngytnblnu.Sngnaytrima,mlmcckhpxngtiaunhc,
nhngdsaotivnlyomaponchotrnkbncanhbpvrangoi.Khimtconngiccngvic,anhtaphilm,vnungyaunth
quthi.Vli,cncphnthng.iuchnhyulgicthcGiTht,ngcliviGiGeorgiaPines.Vtithchtrima,dauhaykhngau.
cbitvosngsm,khingycnmivdngnhypcckhnng,thmchchocmtlogimnminhti.
Ti i qua nh bp, dng li xin mt trong nhng anh u bp ngi ng hai khoanh bnh m nng, ri bc ra ngoi. Ti bng qua sn chi bng
croquet,riquamtbicnhumtmcdi.Phabnkialmtkhonhrngcliihpngonngooxuynqua,vmtvicnnhgkhngcnsdng,
lnglntdctheoconng.Tichmchpbctrnlii,lngnghetingmarittchtrntruvbmttrnhngthng,nhaimubnhbngnhng
cirngcnli.Chntiau,nhnglcnaunh,cthchung.Phnnhiuticmthykhkhe.Tihtsuthkhngkhxmxtmt,nutvonh
thcphm.
Khinnginhgthhai,tibcvotrongmtlc,richmsccngviccamnhy.
Haimiphtsau,khitrvtrnlii,ticmthyconsuingnguytrongbngvnghmnhcthnmtthgcchtlnghnbnhm
nngmtcht.Mtabtynmch,thmchcthlmtqutrngkmxcxchbncnh.Tithchxcxch,lunlunthch,nhngdoynunhn
mtci,tiddngbauqun.Tuynhinmtthanton.Rivicibngnonvkhngkhmtvncnlmhngphnnob(hoctihivngth),
tisnnhknhvvitvcucxtEduardDelacroix.Tisvithtscnhanh,khngmtcanm.
TiangnghvngJingleskhibngquasnchibngcroquetncanhbpPercyWetmoregimplnconchut,lmgylngnnhth
no,vDelacroixgorngthnokhignhnraiukthgyravkhngthyBradDolanangng,nangibchekhutbicithngrchiu
Dumpster,chonkhigatayra,chplyctayti.
Rangoiidomtchth,Paulie?Gcttinghi.
Tivngrasau,gittayrakhitayg.Mtphndobbtngbtcaicngsvngrakhibbtngnhngchaphilttc.Tithngsuynghv
PercyWetmore,bnnnnhiuvchnhtnBradlunlunkhintinhnPercy.MtphnvBradlunlunrokhpnivimtquynschnhttrong
ti(viPercylunlunltpchphiulumohimcanngvigBradlschtruynkhihi,vnchkhihikhitangungcvcc),mtphnvg
ravnhicacamtlvli,nhngphnlnvglnlt,vgthchxcphmngikhc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Gchvannilmvic,tithyr,vthmchgchamcotrnghl.TrnngigvncnqunjeansvmtchicosmiphongcchTyr
tin.TrongtayglphncnlicachicbnhngtDanishmgvathungcanhbp.Gngdiuhi,nbnhnikhngbt.Vlnigc
ththeoditi,bygithtibitchcnhth.Ticngbitchcmtiukhc:phiphng.BradDolan.Gkhngatilm.Khngbittisao,nhng
ticngkhngbaogibittisaoPercyWetmorekhngaDelacroix.Vghtlmttqunh.PercycmthDeltgiyphtutingngiPhpnhb
nDmngXanh.
ngmcomaponchonylmg,Paulie?Ghi,bngtayvoco.Thnykhngphicang.
Tilyntronghnhlangbnngoinhbp.Titrli.TicmghtkhiggitilPaulievtinghgbitiu,nhngkhngdigtochi
chogcthamn.Ccmtdyo.Tikhnglmhngcino,anhbocphikhng?Xtchocng,nclmradngkhitrima.
Nhngnkhngclmrachong,Paulie.Gni,bngthmmtcivoco.vnlch.Nhngciomadnhchonhnvin,khng
phichobnhnhnnitr.
Tivnkhngthyiugchi.
Gcimmmi.
Khngphichuynchi,mlklut.Cucsngslgnukhngcklut?Paulie,Paulie,Paulie.Glcu,nhthchvicnhntilmg
cmthynhnvcsng.Clngtngmtlogidchnhngkhngcnquantmnklutna,nhngthlkhngng.Paulie.
Gciviti.Ghtti.Thmchclcmthti.Vtisao?Tikhngbit.ikhikhngcldo.yliuhihng.
Phi,tixinlinulviphmklut.Tip.Gingtinghethanvn,hithethvtitghtmnhvphtragingninhth,nhngtigi,
mngigithddngthanvn.Ngigiddngsst.
Bradgtu.
Lixinlicchpnhn.Byginghytreootrvchc.Dsaothkhngcvicgphirangoiidodima.cbittrongkhurng.
Nungtrtngvgycihngkhnkipthsao?ngnghaisphivccithnginuacangleoquai?
Tikhngbit.Tini.Tichmuntrnhxag.Cngnghegni,cngthygingiucaggingnhPercy.WilliamWharton,ginxuthintrn
DmngXanhvomathunm1932,clnvlyPercy,vlmhnsnnitraqun.Ccanhmkchobtcainghe,Percynivibntisau
,trongvngmttun,ttcsphisphnglnhbnhmtthin.Bygi,saunhiunm,tihunhcthnghecBradDolanthtracngthlil
, cng ging iu . S kin nh th bng cch vit v nhng thi k xa xa, ti m cnh ca siu hnh no ni lin qu kh vi hin ti Percy
WetmoreviBradDolan,JaniceEdgecombeviElaineConnelly,trigiamColdMountainvinhdngloGeorgiaPines.Vmnay,nunghkhnglm
timtngthtionkhnggcth.
TilmravivotrongquacanhbpnhngBradlichplyctayti.Tikhngbitvlnchptayutin,nhnglnnygrataycdng,
bpmnhlmau.Mtglolinbitchckhngcaiquanhytrongcimtsngsm,khngaicththygangngcimttrong
nhngngigimgcbnphnchmsc.
nglmglii?Ghi.Tibitngkhngrathdm,nhngngyqualuri,vynglmg?
Khngcg.Titrli,tnhphigibnhtnh,khngchogthyanglmtiaubitbao,nhlgchcpnlii,gkhngbitcngi
nhg.Tichido.tmtrcsngsut.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chuynqutrri,Paulie.Tmtrngskhngbaogisngsutli.Gbpchtcictayginuacatilnna,nghinntnhngcixng
gin,cpmtvnoquaolivmunbitchcmnhcanton.Bradkhngsviphmklut,gchsbbtgpangviphm.Vtrongchuyn,
ggingnhPercyWetmore,kkhngbaogichobnqunglchucaThngc.Gikhmnhngmcnnhmnhlaithqulphpl.ng
qugi.Kcmtnhbotngnhnhny.nglmtisntcgychttity,Paulie.
Thtira.Tini,cgngkhngthtragingthanvn.Cngkhngchvlngkiuhnh.Tinghnunghec,cthgsbkhchng,theokiu
mimhithnhthongcthkchngmtconchxutnhmtconchmhoncnhkhcchgmgcnx.iukhintinghnmtphng
vinvitbivvxnJohnCoffey.PhngvinlmtconngikhngkhiptnHammersmith,viukhngkhipnhtvanhtalchanhtakhng
bitmnhkhngkhip.
Thayvbungra,Dolanlibpchtctayti.Tirnln.Tikhngmun,nhngkhngth.Cnaulanxungtnmtcchn.
nglmgdikia,Paulie?Nitinghe.
Khnglmgc!Tip.Tikhngkhc,chakhc,nhngerngtissmbtkhcnugctiptcmnhnhth.Khngcg.Tichi
do,tithchido,thtira!
Gbungra,nhngchvaluchplybntaykiacati.Bntaynyangnm.
Mra.Gni.ChoBxem.
Timravgcnnhnvivghs.Chngcgngoiphncnlicakhoanhbnhmthhai.Tisitchtntrongbntayphikhigbtu
bpctaytricati,vchtb,yhkhngcbtht,dnhindnhyccngntay.
Votrongkiarabntaytrinhcangi.Gni,lilivbtucnthmmtmingbnhngtDanish.LyCha.
Tibclnccbcthm.Chntirunry,timpthnhthchnhngchvanvpistonclunglay.Tronglctinmqumcamvonhbp
vsantonthDolanedati:
Paulieny,ngmkchobtcainghetibpcictayginuacang,tisbohrngngbotng.Skhiuchnglntrngigi,
chnghn.Vngbitngitastinti.Nucvtbm,hsnghdongtgyra.
Vng.Nhngchuynctht.Vmtlnna,clylPercyWetmoreangthtrali,mtgPercybngcchnotrtrungvccmi,trong
khitigiivdv.
Tikhngkbtciugchobtcainghe.Tilmbm.Khngcgni.
ngvy,logicng.Ginggnhnhngvgiuct,cigingcamttncng(sdngngntcaPercy),ktngmnhstrmikhnggi.
Vtistmhiungcmumg.Tisxemlviccati.ngnghekhng?
Ticnghe,cri,nhngkhngchogthamnvninhth.Tivotrong,iquanhbp(tingicmitrngvxcxchanglm,
nhngkhngthmnna),ritreochicomaponcholnmccan.Sautilncuthangnphngcamnhnghchntrntngbc,timcth
gipchmlivthuthpcctliubivitcamnh.
Tiixungdinh,nnhknhvvangivochicbnnhbncasthbbnElainecatithuvo.Bycvmtmivtingh,b
khngckhe.Bchiunhngvncnmcong.Tnhnhngichngtikhngcoitrngnghilphnlnvchngtikhngctin.
Emskhnglmphinanh.Blnting.Emthyanhangchunbvit...
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ngngngn.Tini.TicthigiannhiuhnCartercthucgannakia.Voi.
Byvo,nhngngcnhca.
Chtiemkhngngcvtnhcnhnracashismmtcht...v...
VcthyngDolancngtiangtngudchu.Tip.Tihivngbychnhnthy,hivngcasphngcnngvbkhngnghecti
rnrxinbungtha.
Khngcvdchuvkhngcvthnthin.Bthtln.Paul,cingDolanvndhikhpnivanh.Ghiemvanhvotuntrc.Lc
yemkhngnghnginhiu,chcholgccimidightmthcvochuynngikhc,nhngbygithemthcmc.
Hivti?Tihivnggingmnhnghekhngbtannhticmthy.Hig?
Trchtlnianhido.Ritisaoanhido.
Tigngscci.
ylmtgkhngtinvovictpthdc,iuqur.
Gnghianhcbmt.Bdngli.Emcngth.
TihmingnigticngkhngbitnhngElainegimtbntayxngxunhngpmtcchklln,trckhitikpthtrali.
Nuanhc,emkhngmunbitnlg,Paul.Viccaanhlviccaanh.Emcgiodctheochiuhng,nhngkhngphittcmi
ngi.Anhhycnthn.Emchmunnivianhththi.Vbygiemsanhlilmvicmtmnh.
Byquayi,nhngchakprakhicathtigitn.Bquayli,nhmtdhi.
Khitivitxong.Tictging,rihilcu.Nithlsailm.Nutivitxong,cscch?
Bravsuytnh,ritngtimtnci,kiucikhinmtgnngddngxiulng,thmchginhti.
Slmtvinhdchoem.
Cnnchcxongrinichuynvinhdsau.TipvtinghvcichtcaDelacroix.
Dsaoemcngsc.Byni.Tngchmt.Emhay.Nhngtrchtanhphivitchoxong.
Btilivibivit,nhngphimtmtlclutimivitni.Tinginhntrntriracastronggnmtgi,gnhpbtvocnhbn,ngmnhn
banngyxmxttisnglnmtcht,nghngivBradDolan,kgitilPaulievkhngbaogichnnhngtruyntiulmvnhngcilvsndc,
dngcTyBanNhavdngcIrish,nghngiviuElaineConnellyni.Gnghanhcbmt...Emcngth.
Vcllc.Phi,cltic.VttnhinBradDolanmuncplyn.Khngphivgnghlquantrng(vtinghnglkhngquantrng,ngoi
triviti),nhngvgnghnhngngiquginhtikhngccbmt.Khngclyomaponchorakhimcbnngoinhbpcngkhng
cbmt.Khngccnghngloichngtavncnlconngi.Tisaochngtikhngcphpcnghnhth?Gkhngbit.Vim
thgcnggingnhPercy.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Cnhth,dngsuytngcati,nhmtdngsngunhnhchU,saucngdntrvthiimkhiBradDolanthratbndiuhi,chply
ctayti:nPercy,PercyWetmoretmhncc,vhntrthkdmcichnhohnnhthno.Delacroixnmcingchmumcing
chmngJinglessilyvvnnyvngrangoixlim,lnvohnhlang.Chcncth,Percythycchicahn.
Chng21
Khng,in!Brutalhtln,nhngPercykhngthm.nglcngJingleschmvocingchnquchmchnnkhngnhnrakcuth
angtrongtmtayPercypgtgiycnglnconchut.MttingrcnghertrkhilngngJinglesbgy,mutrorattrongmm.Cpmtnhen
lylirakhihcmtvticthytrongmtvaunkinhngc,yptnhngi.
Delacroixgolnvkinhhongvthngtic.Gvtmnhpvocaxlim,thctayquagianhngchnsong,vnrahtmc,gitnconchut
khngngt.
Percyquaymtvphag,mmci.Quaymtvphabangichngtina.
y.Hnni.Tibitsmhaymunshcn.Thcschlvnthigian.Hnquaylivbcitrn,khngvivng,bmcngJingles
nmditrntmvisn,trongvngmuloanglcachnhn.
Dean t bn giy ng ln, u gi va vo cnh bn, lm bn nh bi cribbage xung sn nh. Nhng con cht tut ra khi l v ln tung te mi
hng.CDeanlnHarry,vnspsairangoi,ukhngmymaychncuclttrchi.
Lnnyculmgth?DeanhtPercy.Lnnyculmtrquigth,cuy,hcp?
Percykhngtrli.Hnsichnbcquabntrc,khngthtramtli,vvmitcmnhbngngntay.Hniquavnphngtivvotrongnh
kho.WilliamWhartontrlithaychohn.
SpDeanny?TinghiuhnlmldychogngiPhpttobitrngcinhohnkhngphiliukhnngoan,"thngnhclnting,ribt
u ci. Mt ting ci khe mnh, mt ting ci mc mc, vui v su. C nhng con ngi ti gp trong giai on cuc i ca ti (phn nhiu l
nhngconngingghs),chkhihciminghecvbnhthng.WildBillWhartonlmttrongnhngconngi.
Tinhnxungconchutlnna,chongvng.Nvncnth,nhngcnhiuhtmunhxudnhvonhngsiru,vmtvnanglenlivo
cp mt ht th sng chi trc kia. Brutal nht ci ng ch mu m ln, nhn n, ri nhn ti. Anh ta c v cht ing nh ti cm nhn. Sau lng chng ti,
Delacroixvngolnniaukhvkinhdcag.Khngchvconchut,dnhinPercypvmtlhngtronghngrotvcaDelacroix,vttc
nikinhscagtrora.NhngngJinglesvtiuimcanhngcmgicbnnvphingheggothtqulkhngkhip.
ikhng.Gckuthantilui,gianhngtinggo,tingvanxinvcunguynthiuuthiuuibngtingPhpCajun.ikhng,ikhng,ng
Jinglesngthng,.Jinglesthnmnngthng,ikhng.
anchoti.
Tingclnnhn,btngbigingnisulng,thottinkhngbitchclcaai.TinhnthyJohnCoffey.GingnhDelacroix,gthctayqua
nhngthanhchnsongcaxlim,nhngkhcDel,gkhngvungvylungtung.Gchnginchatayraxahtmccth,bntayxera.Mttthc
chch,mttthgnnhkhncp.Vgingcagcngcvkhncp,lldotichorngtisaothotukhngnhnragingcaCoffey.Dng
nhglmtconngikhcsovicilinhhnlclng,thankhcchimngxlimnyvituntrc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
anchoti,ngEdgecombe!Tronglccnkp!
Thritinhliiuglmchotivtihiu.Ticholkhngchi,nhngtinghrngcngchngcttpgnhiu.Khinhtconchutln,ti
nhnmtvcmgiccqunhiuxnggyliranhiuimkhcnhautrnlndangJingles,gingnhnhtlnmtcigicmkimphlngth
vy.ykhngphilchuynnhimtrngngtiu.Tuynhin...
Anhlmgvy?BrutalhikhititngJinglesvobntayphitotngcaCoffey.Ciquigvy?
Coffeyrtconchutquachnsong.NnmlmtrnlngbntayCoffey,uithngxungtrnvngcunggiangncivngntrcaCoffey,chpui
yutcogitgiakhngtrung.Coffeylybntaytriylnbntayphi,tothnhdngmtcitchcconchutnmbntrong.Chngtikhngnhnthy
ngJinglesna,chcnciui,thngxungvchpuicogitnhmtconlcanggimdaong.Coffeyatayvphakhunmtg,ngthidui
ccngntayphira,tothnhnhngkhongtrngnhgiaccthanhchnsongtrigiam.Ciuiconchutbygithngxungtcnhnhngbntayang
idinchngti.
Brutalbcnbncnhti,vncnnmcingchmumgiaccngntay.
Gnghganglmgth?
Sut.Tini.
Delacroixthigotht.
John,lmn.Gththo.iJohnny,hygipn,lmngipn,isilvousplaitxinanhvuilng.
DeanvHarrynhpbnvichngti,HarryvibbiAirplaneccachngticnnmtrntay.
Chuyngxyra?Deanhi,nhngtichlcu.Tilicmthybthimin,nunisaitisbay.
Coffeykmingvogiahaingntayvhtmnh.Trongmtthong,mivtubtreollng.Rigngngurakhihaibntay,vtinhnthyb
mtcamtngibnhhontuytvng,hocanglncnautnbo.Mtgscbnvrcsngrnghmtrncnvolnmidiyn,khunmt
tiennhtithnhmtmusckhchu,trngnhtrohalnvibn.Tsutrongcgphtramttingnghnth.
LyChaJesusknhyuvngcuth.Bruralththo.Mtanhtadngnhcnguycrirakhikhunmt.
Cig?Harrygnnhlsa.Cig?
Ciui!Cukhngthysao?Ciui!
uingJingleskhngcnlqulcgimdaongna,nangmnhmquttbnnysangbnkia,nhuimtconmoangrnhbtchim.Th
ri,tbntrongibntaykhumcaCoffey,phtratingchtchthontonquenthuc.
Coffeyphtrathmthanhngtth,tcnghnlnna,riquayusangmtbnnhngitaholnmtccmvnhtnhnhnra.Thayvo
,gthmtmmyenycntrngtinghchnglcntrng,vnhngcukiacngnith,nhngnbygitikhngdmchcttrongming
vmira.Chngvnvquanhngigtrongmtmmyen,tmthichekhutdngvcag.
Chai,mythlg?Deanhibnggingtheth,shi.
Khngsao.Tinghechnhmnhlting.nghonght,khngsao,chngsbaymtsauvigiy.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
GingnhkhiCoffeychakhibnhnhimtrngngtiuchoti,nhngcon"sub"hatrng,ribinmt.
Mkip.Harrythmth.
Paul?Brutalhi,gingbtan.Paul?
Coffeylylivbnhthnggingnhmtkthnhcngtrongvichoramtkhitht,vnanglmanhtanghtth.Gcixung,tibntay
lnsnnh,nhntrmquaccngntay,rimra.ngJingles,hontonkhemnh,snglngkhngmtchtmom,lndakhngmtvtlichyra
ngoi.NdnglimtthongtrccaxlimDelacroix.Tronglcnchyi,tinhnthyvncncnhnggitmungtrnnhngsiru.
Delacroixnhtconchutln,vakhcvaci,phknnbngnhngcihnkuthnhting,khngngngngng.Dean,HarryvBrutalngmnhn
cnhtngviningcnhincmlng.RiBrutaltinlnvacingchmumquakhechnsong.Thottin,Delacroixkhngthy,gangqusay
mvingJingles.Gnhmtngbcconvaccukhichtui.Delacroixnhn,thyvnhnlyn,quaylivingJingles,vutveblngv
ngunghinnbngnhmt,khngngtcnthitnhcnhg,phiri,rngconchutvnbnhyn,conchutvnthntonvn,khemnhvntha.
Nmi!Brutalni.Timunxemnchythno.
Nkhngsaou,spHowell.Nkhngsao,ngicaCha...
Nmi.Brutallpli.Chiutiii,Del.
Delacroixcixung,rrngmincng,rrngkhngmunth..Jinglesrakhitayglnna,tnhtlchamun.Thri,rtdudng,gnmng
ch.Nlnngangxlim,vtquacihpxgCorona,lnnchntng.ngJinglesuitheo,nhngkhngnhanhbngtrckia.Chntrcbntric
vhikhpkhing,vylskinpmnhvotinhtiu,tingh,lmchosvicththn.Civhikhpkhing.
Tuynhinconchutuikpngch,uikpnglcvlymiintrlichDelacroixbngttcshohngc.TiquaysangJohnCoffeyang
ngcaxlimvmmci.Mtncimtmi,vtikhnggilnimhnhphcthts,nhngvkhncpgtgaotinhnthytrnmtgkhini
ntiaconchuttanbin,ntaunvshicngth,nhthgangnghtth.ylilgJohnCoffeycachngti,vibmtdngnh
khngbaogihindinvimtkl,nhnxaxi.
Anhgipn.Tilnting.Phivykhng,BCon?
ng.Coffeytrli.Ncirngthmmtcht,trongthongchcqulhnhphc.Tagipn.TagipconchutcaDel.Tagip...G
ninhdn,khngthnhctn.
ngJingles.Deanni.AnhtanhnJohnvinhmtcnthn,dhi,nhthchiCoffeybnglnthnhngnla,hocbtubayllngtrongx
lim.
ng.Coffeypli.ngJingles.Nlchutlmxic.SnnhIsinglass.
Anhcnphini.Harryni,nhpbnvichngtinhnngmJohnCoffey.Saulngchngti,Delacroixnmxungspng,ngJinglesngitrn
ngcg.Delangngmngavin,htmtcakhctingPhpno,nghenhmtbihtru.
Coffeynhnlnvphabntrcvcnhcadnvovnphngcati,vnhkhophabnkia.
SpPercyxuxa.Gni.SpPercynhnhen.ngyplnconchutcaDel.ngyplnngJingles.
VtrckhichngtikpniiugkhcvignucthnghcgniJohnCoffeyquaylispng,nmxungringhingngi,xoaymt
votng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
PercyangngxoaylnglichngtikhiBrutalvtibcvonhkhokhonghaimiphtsau.Hntmramtlonvcnidngchog
trnkphatrncist,nichngtibnhngbngphcbn(vikhicnhngqunodnsnhgititrigiamkhngquantmnnhngthh
emgit),vangnhbngnhngcnhtayvchnbnggsicachicghin.Chuynnybnnghecvquid,thmchclrngrnna,nhng
iviBrutalvti,dngnhliubnhthnghnhtmPercylmsutm.NgymaiGiSparkysgpmtcngchng,vPercytnhtsra
vcho.
Percy.Tilnglgi.
Hnquayli,khcnhcangngmngachtdtrongchngvhnnhnchngti.Tikhngthyvshinhchi,tnhtlkhngvolcu.
Cchno,tinhnthyPercycvgihn.Vtingh,JohnCoffeyning.Trnghnrtnhnhen.Tnhnhnhengingnhmatykhngaitrnqu
tnyctcchhntininhthvtinghrng,saukhidngmtslngrrtno,Percymcvngnghinngp.Hnthchiugyra
choconchutcaDelacroix.CimhnthmchthchhnnalnhngtinggobthnhcaDelacroix.
nggysviti.Hnthtlnbngmtmscgnnhdchu.Timunni,ny,nchlmtconchut.Nchabaogithucvniny,nh
ccanhbitr.Conchutkhemnh.Tini.Timpmnhtronglngngc,nhngtidnggingninhnhng,gnnhvt.Khethi.Chyvku
chtchtvlirtuicingch.Cugitchutchnggiihngnhngcngvickhcculmy.
Hnnhnti,ngcnhinvkhngtin.
Anhtngtitiniusao?Convttrinhkucirp!Tinghethy!Vyanhcth...
Cmming.
Hntrntrinhnti,mtmto.
Cig?Anhnigviti?
Titinmtbcngnhnhn.Ticmthymtngmchpnhanhgiatrn.Tikhngthnhlilncuicngqusctcginlkhino.
CukhngvuivngJinglesbnhansao?Sauttcnhngcuctholunvcchthcduytrchotnhncthanhthn,cbitkhignnngy
cuicng,tinghcuphivuich.Giita.VivicDelngymaiphilnng,vimith.
PercynhnttisangBrutal,vbnhthnctanbinthnhvhoangmang.
Ccanhnghmnhchitrquiqugvy?Hnhi.
Chuynnykhngcgltrchi,anhbn.Brutaltrli.Cunghth...phi,ylmttrongnhngldokhincukhngngtin.Cumunbits
thttuytikhng?Tinghculmttrnghpkhbuny.
Ccanhmunsinhs.Percyni.Lcnyginghnthhinvnonnt.Saucng,nisanglnmquaylisiucthchngtimun
hn,siuchngtiangmmu.Tirtvuinghecniscahn.Nhthdiphhn.Tiquennhiunhnvt.Tiquennhiunhnvtquan
trng.
Cunith,nhngcunglkmmng.Brutalpcht.Anhtaninghenhthsplnraci.
Percybungrimingginhbnglnmtgh,ccckhakpbtvotayvchn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tigitchtconchut.Hnnibngmtgingkhngvngvng.
Ctikimtra.Tini.tncnytdom.
Tislm.Hnp.Tislm.
Hnhinngangiquachngti,minganhli,itaynhnhn(Whartonning,chngptht)vnvchiclc.Hnbclnbcthm,chuiqua
vvovnphngti.BrutalvtingbnGiSparky,chhnquaylivkhngnichuyn.TikhngbitBrutal,nhngtithkhngnghciug
ni.Thmchkhngbitnghsaoviuchngtivachngkin.
Baphttriqua.BrutalnhtminggicaPercylnvbtulaubngnhngthanhgdtlngchicghin.KhiPercyquayli,anhtacthi
giannhbngxongmtthanhvbtuthanhkhc.Hnvpchn,sutnglnxungbcthangtvnphngnnhkho,vkhibngquaphngn
phachngti,hnbckhpkhnh.Bmthncvbscvkhngtin.
Myanhichng.Hnthethlnn.Cchnomyanhimyconchut,khnkipmyanh.Myanhginmtti,vmyanhshi
hnnchtnumyanhkhngthii!Tislmchomyanhphisphnglnhbnhmcutrnumyanhkhngthii!Myanhnghmyanhlai?
Hnngngni,thhohn,taynmli.
Tisnicunghechngtilai.Tibo.Chngtilnhngngicucnglmvic,Percy...nhngkhngcnluna.Tiahaitayrakply
vaihn.Khngqumnh,nhnglmtckp,thy.Vng,ngvy.
Percyrnngilngingra.
Lytay...
Brutalchptayphihntonbcivtnhnhn,mmotvtrngtrobinmttrongqumrmnngcaBrutal.
Cmcilmingmyi,con.Numybitiuglttchomy,myslidngchicuicngnylyrytai.
Tixoayhnli,nhclnbc,riylilnnkhikhuuchncahnvavomtghinvhnbucphingixung.Vbnhthnbinmtnt
ccvkiungocngth.Nhngtnhcchhnctht,nhngbncnnhlPercycnrttr.latuihn,nhngthchlmtlpmngoi
mngmanh,gingnhmtlpmenscxux.Bnvncthmithng.VchngtinhgilcnyPercysnsnglngnghe.
Timuncuhamtli.Tini.
Hachuyng?Minghnvncntvkhinhmit,nhngcpmthongs.Ngunintrongphngmykha,nhngmtghcaGiSparky
cnguninring,vngaylcytinhgiPercyangcmnhncn.
Halnubntaochomyxuthintrongcuchnhhnhvotimai,mysthcschuynsangBriarRidgevbntaoyn.Brutalniviv
mnhlitmtrcytichatngnghetanhta.Rngmysnpnxinthuynchuynngayngyhmsau.
Vnutikhnglmthsao?Nutigichomtvinhnvtnovmchhccanhquyrivedatithsao?chiptithsao?
Chngticthbthtnghipnuthlccacungonlnhnhcungh.Titrli.Nhngchngticngmbocusphiliphnmu
xngcngbngtrnsnnhna,Percy.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vconchutsao?H!Myanhnghscaiquantmchuyntipchtconchutcamtthngbktnthnh?Nghalaibnngoi
cibnhvintmthnny?
Khngc.Nhngbangithycungtrtich,khngngymtngntaytronglcWildBillWhartontmcchsitcDeanStantonbngdyxch
ctay.Vchuynthngitasquantm,Percy,tihavicuy.VchuynthngchThngcvitvcacusquantm.
MvlngmyPercybngln.
Myanhtngngitatinmyanhsao?Hnhi,nhnggingnimtinhiuscmnhgind.Rrnghnnghscaitinchngti.M
Percykhngmunlmvorcri.Phvlutl,cthi.Bbtvphvlutlthkhng.
,taochpnhccaDeantrckhiccvtbmtani.Brutallnting,tikhngbitiucththaykhng,nhngchcchnngherthay.
Mybitnhngtmnhnigkhng?RngWhartonratayngmctrckhiailinra,mcdmyngngay,phaWhartonkhngnhn
thy.Myscnhngcuhihcbaphitrli,ngkhng?Vmtthnhthseouimtconngitrongthigianludi.Ccmaylchngvn
eouiludicsaukhithnnhncahnrakhithphtiubang,vvnungncbchtrnhinnh.Llchlaongcamtconngilmtiu
ngquantm,vrtnhiungicchixemxtnsutqungngi.
MtPercylolingiachngti,vngvc.Hnabntaytrilnvuttc,khngnig,nhngtinghchngtispnhgchn.
Coino,bchuynnyi.Tini.Cukhngmunyhnchngtimuncuy,phithkhng?
Ticmghtniny!Hnbngn.Tightcchmyanhdixviti,cchmyanhkhngbaogichotimtchi!
iusaucnghnniquxastht,nhngtiphnonngaybygikhngphilctranhlunvn.
Nhngticngkhngthchbnykhpni.Btidyrngmtkhibtututxunglii,hunhtasynchongitayakhpni
suti.Mthn,khngpbngbntaynhngcnggnnhth,tela.Ticbitkhngthchbnykhpnibilkhtoxcnhnginy.
Hnlicngibnthncativcunhu.Brutaltnhtanhcngcmtbitdanhchnhxc.
Cuphihiumtiu,Percy.Tini.Theocchnhncachngti,cuychngtithc.Chngtivnkhuyncuvcchthcchngtaiu
hnhcngvicy,nhngcuvnlmtheocchcacu,saunpbngnhngthlcchnhtrnusvicsailm.plnconchutcaDelacroix.
Brutal!Nhnmtcativtivirtlilini.TmcchgimlnconchutcaDelacroixchlmttrnghpcavn.Cuyvy,sauchngti
yli,ththi.Nhngcunghey,nuculmng,cusrakhiyvidngvttlnhnhmtthanhnintrnthngtinvthmnhmta
hng.Skhngcaibitcuchuynchngtaangniy.Vycunisao?Hyxthnhmtngitrngthnhi.HyhalcusraisauDel.
Hnsuyitnhli.Vsaumthaiphtg,trongmthncmtnhnhn,thnhmtmmtngicckhianhtactnghay.Tikhngthch
iunylm,vbtctngnodngnhttviPercykhngcvttchochngti.
Nukhnggkhc.Bruralni,cnghlmttuytvibitbaokhitrnhccibaotiWhartonymum.
Percygtuvtichohnrakhigh.Hnkoongphclichothng,nhtvolngqun,chilimitc.Rihnnhnchngti.
c,ting.TiratrccngchngvDelvommai,tisthuynchuynsangBriarRidgengayngyhmsau.Chngtaktthcngayti.
ttcha?
ttri.Titrli.Civnhnvncntrongmthn,nhngngaylcy,tiqunhnhmnnkhng.
Hnchatayra.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Bttaythathunch?
Tibttay.Brutalcnglmth.
Wetmorelachngti.
Chng22
Thnhnghmsaulmtngynngnnhtvlngycuicngcacinngthngmikl.SmnimhngTykhitinnilmvic,nhng
mmyenbtutliy.Chngdichuynvosthnnakhimnmbungxungvchngticththynhnglisttrngxanhtbn
trongthcmnhra.VokhongmigimxyramtcnlcxoyHtTrapingusgitchtbnngivthitcmichungnuingachothuTefton
vnhngtrnbonycngcungphongddiColdMountain.SaunytithyrngdngnhTriCaoratayphnicichttitcaEduard
Delacroix.
Mivicdintinmthmtronglcu.Delcmtngymtrongxlim,thnhthongchiavingJingles,nhngphnlnthigianchnmdi
trnspng,vvconchut.WhartoncgyrimthailnmtlnthngnhchdaDelvmnthtburgerchutngitasxi,saukhichngPierre
MayMnnhyviuhaibcdiangcnhnggCajunnhbkhngphnngvWharton,rrngquytnhylnchihaynht,nhbcuc.
ShuynhSchusternvomigimilmphtvlmchottcchngtithchth,bngcchthngborngngyscukinhChaCaChng
ConcngviDelbngtingPhpCajun.Cvlmtimtt.Vchuynthchngtisailm,ttnhin.
Ccnhnchngbtunvokhongmimtgi,huhtubntnvthititedabnggingkhkhngvsuytnhvkhnngthiuht
ngunin,phihoncucxtli.KhngaibitGiSparkycmyphtinring,vtrkhibstnhtrctip,buibiudinvntiptc.myHarry
trongphngcin,vthanhta,BillDodgevPercyWetmorengvainhnvinxpch,amingivochngivhihthchungnclnhkhng.
Cshindincahaiphn:emgicacgibDelhmhipvgitcht,vngimcamttrongnhngnnnhnchtchy.Qubnyvcdng
toln,xanhxaovququyt.BtaboHarryTerwilligerrngbhivngconngimmnhngpckhemnhvshi,rnggbitngnlatrong
lkiactlnvg,rngltiuyucaSatanangchg.Ribtaarakhc,giumtvotrongchickhntaythurentognbngmtchicogi.
Tingsmkhlngbminhtncnni,gingxungchtchavm.Ngitahihplicnhnln.Nhngnginng,dngvkhngthoimiv
phieocravatvomkhuyanhthny,launhngimbng.Nnghncnhngngnlaxanhtronggiannhkho.Vttnhin,htiptcquay
nhnGiSparky.Cthhniavcngvicvtnyvoutun,nhngvomimtgibamiphtmy,nhngcuchuyntuutanbin.
Tibtuttccuchuynnybngcchnivibnlckhihinhanhchngbinkhiaim,dnhchchonhngkphingixungcighgsi
,nhngnhngtnhnbtrngphtkhngphilnhngngiduynhtnhmtncitrngngmt,khithiimthcsn.Vldono,chuyn
ngixmtrnbchnhhnhdngnhqusclliu,vinhngbkhakptrnchncharahaibn,gingnhngthmngimcbnhbilitphieo.
Ngi ta khng ni chuyn nhiu, v khi ting sm bng n ln na, chi tai v y bn sc nh mt thn cy v tan tng mnh, c em gi nn nhn ca
Delacroixkhhtlnmtting.NhnvtcuicngngivoghkhuvcnhnchnglCurtisAnderson,ngithaythGimthMoores.
Vomimtgibamipht,titinnxlimcaDelacroix,isaulngtimtchtlBrutalvDean.Delangngitrnsp,ngJinglesnmtrn
lngg.uconchutvnratrc,hngvgtt,cpmthtthsaymgngmtDel.DelangvutvenhungJingles,ongiahaitai.
Nhng git nc mt to m thm ln xung mt Del, v y chnh l th m dng nh con chut ang nhn ngm. Del ngc ln khi nghe thy ting chn
chngti.Gtixanhnhtul.Tphasaulng,ticmnhnhnlJohnCoffeyangngcaxlim,quanst.
Delnhnmttrctingchakhapvocast,nhngvnbnhtnh,tiptcvutveungJingles,trongkhitimkhavycatrtmra.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ChospEdgecombe.Glnting.Choccanh.Choi,ngJingles.NhngngJingleschtiptcsaymnhnlnkhunmtgnngnh
bhiu,nhththcmcvngungcnhnggitncmt.CingchmumcxpgngngmtbntrongcihpCoronaxplncuicng,
tingh,vthynhiau.
EduardDelacroix,vichcnnglngithahnhlnhTan...
SpEdgecombe?
Tinhbngctiptccbidinvnsonsn,nhngritinghli.
Chuyngth,Del?
Gchaconchutrachoti.
y.ngxyrachuyngchongJingles.
Del,tikhngnghconchutchunviti.Nkhng...
Maisouicch,nninchu.Nbonbitttcvanh,thaspEdgecombe,vanhsanxungFloridanicnhngconchutbitdintr.
Nnintincyanh.Gvntayxahnna,vnukhngphiconchutbcrakhilngbntaygleolnvaitithtrichutditti.Nnh
nnithmchtikhngthcmnhnqualpongphc,nhngtithcc,nhmtnguninnhvy.Spny?nggxuxakialignn
lnna.nggxuxakialmhiconchutcati.
Khngu,Del.Tiskhngchophp.Vnl,tiphilmgviconchutngaylcy?KhngthpgiiDelacroixiquaccnhnchngvicon
chutvtvotrnvaic.
tigicho,sp.Mtgingnirnvangsaulngti.GingcaJohnCoffeyviukquilgninglc,nhthccttngcati.
Gilcnythi.NuDelkhngphin.
Delgtu,cmthynhnhm.
c,anhgini,John,chonkhitrinrnyxong.Risau...nhmtgchuyntrvBrutalvti.AnhsanxungFlorida.nni
cthnhphMouseville.
Phi,gnnhPaulvtiscnglm.Brutalni,quanstbngmtconmtbnchnvkhngantmtrongkhingJinglesthihnhmkhngphni
hoctmcchbchy,ngcli,nchyvtlncnhtaycaJohnCoffeygingnhleolnvaiti.Chngtasbramttthigiannghphp.Chngta
slmthphikhng,Paul?
Tigtu.Delcnggtu,mtsngln,phcmtntcitrnmi.
Ngitasmuamixumtvxemnbiudin.Haixuchotrem.ngthch,spHowell?
ngth,Del.
Anhlngitt,spHowell.Delktlun.Anhcngvy,spEdgecombe.Thnhthongccanhclaliti,ouivng,nhngchkhibtbuc.Cc
anhulngitt,trgPercykia.cgticthgpccanhmtninokhc.Mauvaistemps,mauvaisechancekhngnglc,khngngdp.
Ticiuphinivianh,Del.Tibog.Chlnhngliphinivittcmingitrckhichngtai.Khngquantrng,nhnglmtphn
cngviccati.cch?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vng,thang.Gni,rinhnngJinglesngivtvotrnbvairngcaJohnCoffey,lncuicng.Aurevoir,monamiTmbit,anhbncati.
Gni,btukhcmnhhn.Jetaime,monpetitTiyucu,cub.Ggiconchutmtnhngi.Nhny,lrangbunci,haycthl
dhm,nhnglikhngphith.TithongbtgpnhmtcaDean,riphinhntrnhi.Deantrntrinhnxungdihnhlangvphaphngkhng
ch,mmcimtcchkl.Titinlanhtaspphtkhc.Vphnti,tininhnggphini,btutphntilngithahnhcngvcaTan,v
khitinixong,Delacroixbcrakhixlimcaglncuicng.
imtcht.BrutalnivkimtranhucaDel,nicinnstschpln.Anhtagtuviti,rivvaiDel.Bnngt.Chngtaithi.
VylEduardDelacroixichuyncuicngtrnvinhngdngmhivncmthatrnritrnm,smtrivangrntrnu.Brutalbcibn
trigtt,tibnphi,Deaniphasau.
Schusterangtrongvnphngcati,chailnhgclRinggoldvBattlengquanstgcphng.SchusterngclnnhnDel,mmci,vnivi
gbngtingPhp.Tinghecvgito,nhnglicktqutuytvi.Delcipli,ritinnchSchuster,vngtaymlyngta.RinggoldvBattle
tvcngthng,nhngtigitayrahiuchohvlcu.
SchusterlngngheDeltunratrngtingPhpnghnncmt,gtunhthngtahontonhiuvvvolngg.ngtanhntiquavaig
Phpnhbvni:
Tignnhkhnghiunilymtphntnhngganhtani.
Tinghkhngquantrng.Brutaloangoangni.
Tacngnghth,con.Schustervatrlivaci.ngtalngigiinht,mbygitikhngbitngtarasao.hivngngyvngicc
tin,chodxyrabtciugkhc.
ngthcgicDelacroixqugi,rikhoanhtayli.Delacroixcnglmtheo.
Chachngtatrntri.SchusterbtuvDelacroixhatheo.HcngcbikinhbnggingtingPhpkiuCajunnghenhncchy,sutn
cu"maisdlivereznousdumal,ainsisoitilhygiithotchngconkhitili,xincnhnguyn".nlcny,Delgnnhthikhcvcntbnh
thn.MtvionKinhThnh(bngtingAnh)tiptheo,khngbstonthityucnivdngncngm.Khicunguynxong,Schusterbtung
ln,nhngDelnmlytayongvnigbngtingPhp.Schustercnthnlngnghe,mycauli.ngphnng.Delnimtiugkhc,rinhnng
vhivng.
Schusterquaysangtivni:
Anhtacmunkhc,ngEdgecombe.Mtbicunguynmtakhngthgip,vctincata.ckhng?
Tinhnnghtrntngthycnmilmphtnalnam.
Vng.Tini.Nhngphinhanhln.Chngtiphitntrngthigiany,chabity.
Phi,tabit.ngyquaysangDelacroixvgtu.
Delnhmmtlinhangcunguyn,nhngkhngnigtrongmtlc.Mtnpnhnhnsulntrng,vticcmgicgingcvosutmtr,
gingnhngitmkimmtvttrncngcxp,vntlukhngcncdngn.Tilicnhnnghlnnavsutnimtiulrani,nu
nhBrutalkhnggittayotivlcu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ThriDelbtu,dudngninhngnhanhnhnbngthtingCajuntrntra,mmmivgicmnhbngcmtthiuntr:"Marie!Conknh
choMMarie,vng,ynsngChaTribnNgiNgicbanphclnhtrongttcphn,vngJsusknhyucacon,nmrutcaNgi,
cbanphclnh."Glikhc,nhngtinghgkhngbit."NthnhMarie,iMcati,McaCha,xinhycunguynchocon,chochngcon,nhng
ngdnnghokh,lcnyyn...gichtcachngcon.Gichtcacon".Ghtmthithsu,runry.Xincnhnguyn.
nhchptrnquacasduynhtvophngthnhmtlungsngvtchichangmuxanhtrngkhiDelacroixngln.Mingigitnymnhvco
rmli,ngoitrchnhDel,dngnhgcnmchmtrongbicunguyncxa.Gatayramkhngnhnniu.Brutalcmlytaygvbpnh.
Delacroixnhnanhtavhimmci."Nousvoyonschngtasthy"gbtuni,nhngridngli.Vimtnlcythc,glichuynsangting
Anh.
Chngtacthicri,spHowell,spEdgecombe.TidnmnhtrcCha.
Tt.Tini,thiDelscmthydnmnhtrcChathnosauhaimiphtna,khigngphabnkialungin.Tihivngbicunguyn
cuicngcagcchnggimvcMMarieangcunguynchogbngttctmhnvlinhhncaNgi,bivEduardDelacroix,khipdm
vstnhn,ngaylcycnnttcnhnglicukhnnomgvc.Ngoikia,smstlinhngangbutri.ino,Del.Khngcnxana.
c,thasp,cm.Vtikhngcnsna.Gnith,nhngtinhnthytrongmtgChaChngTahaykhngChaChngTa,knhchoM
MariehaykhngknhchoMMariernggnidi.Volcbnttibngquamngthmxanhcuicngvchuiquacnhcanh,huhtchngus
hi.
Xunghtcuthangthdngli,Del.Tininhkhigchuiqua,nhnglikhuynkhngcnthit.Gnglitichncuthang,ngth,
ngchtsng.NguynnhngyralhnhnhPercyWetmoreangngtrnbchnhhnh,vixncnigitmtbnchn,vchicinthoilinlc
viThngcthyrphabnkiahngphicahn.
Khng.Delninh,ginghihng.Khng,khng,khngthlhn!
Ci.Brutalni.AnhchcnnhntivPaul.Qunhni.
Nhng...
Ngitaquaylinhnchngti,nhngbngcchdchchuynthnmnhmtcht,tivncthnmlykhuutaytricaDelacroixmkhngaithy.
Vngvngno.TinichchoDelvclcBrutalnghec.iuduynhtmphnlnnhngnginynhlilcchxscaanh,vyhy
chohiugttp.
nglcy,tingsttonhtntrnu,tolmrungmitncnnhkho.Percygitnymnhnhbaichcvosaulng.Delkhtmicikhy,
tvcoithng.
Nutingsttohnth,chchnlitraqunlnna.Gni,rivnvaivaigcngchngnhiunhngmvn.ithi.Thanhtoncho
xong.
Chngtibcnbcg.DelacroixbirinhnccnhnchnglnnyckhonghaimilmnginhngBrutal,Deanvtivnnhnvochic
ghin.Ttccvntha.TigimtngntaycivnhnglngmyrahiuchoPercy,hnnhnmtmtbn,nhthmunni:Anhhimiviccn
thakhnglg?Ttnhinmivicuntha.
Tihivnghnng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
BrutalvtimymcnmlykhuutayDelacroixkhigtrolnbcg.Nchcaocchmtsnkhong8inchg,nhngbnsngcnhinkhibit
baogtti,kcnhngallmnht,phicncgiptrobccuicngtrongcucichng.
DsaothDelcngvtqua.Gngtrcmtcighmtlc(cngquytkhngnhnPercy),rinivin,nhthtgiithiu:"CestmoiTiy",
gni.Percyatayra,nhngDelacroixtxoayngilivngixung.Tiquxungtrncibygilbntrig,Brutalqubnphi.Tichechnhb
vchngtheocchmt,riakhakpvocphmthpbclylpthttrngmongaytrnmtcchngCajun.Smgmlnkhintinhp
nhm.Mhilenvomt,aunhi.Vmtldono,tivnnghnMouseville.Mouseville,vphitnmixumuavvoxem.Tremmuavhaixu,
ngnnhnngJinglesquacaknhIsinglass.
Cikhakpdchngkhngchukhpvo.TinghetingDelkhkhchtmnh,nhngbungphichaybnphtnasbinthnhnhngci
baobtratrothan,lcnyangnlctheonhpqutimbnisiukhin.Skinggitnatconngi,vothikhc,dngnhliutquan
trngnhtvg.y,tikhngcgngnuraiugnghocsai,chnilncmgicnhthno.
Deanqubncnhti,ththo:
Cgkhngn,Paul?
Tikhngth...tidmni,thrikhakpbtli,phtratingtchnghertr.HnlcphmcancngkptrngmtnpdacaDelacroix,
vgnhnmtvkhrtln.Xinli.Tini.
Khngsao,sp.Delpli.Saumtthongthi.
khakpbnphaBrutalcinccnnlunlunmtthigihnmtcht.Cbangichngtingdy,gnnhcngmtlc.Deanvily
khakpctaytriDel,Percynbntayphig.TisnsngtinlntrcnuPercycntrgip,nhnghntinhnhgikhakpctaytrntruhn
tilmvikhakpcchn.BygiticththytonthnDelrunry,nhthmtdnginthpchyquangig.Ticngngicmim
hicag,chuavnng,ginhnncdamuilt.
DeangturahiuchoPercy.Percyquayuquavaitinhnthymtvtngaydigccm,nihncorubtngyhmyvctgingthp,
ququyt:
Xoaylnmt!
Cmttingrn,gingnhtingtlnhckhikhingvnhngngnntreotrongnhkhosngln.Cmtvitinghnhnvxxokhphtrat
phanhnchng.Delcogittrngh,taygnulyutaydabnggsi,chtnmccckhpngntaytrngbchra.Mtglolin,hithkhkhc
gpgphnna.Bygiggnnhnghnth.
Vngvngno.Brutalthmthi.Vngvng,Del,anhlmtty.Cln,anhanglmtt.
nycccu!Tingh.nxemngJingleslmgy!Vtrnuti,smstligingxung.
Percyoaivbcvngratrcmtchicghin.ylgiyphttrngi,khihnnggiabc,micpmtdnvohn.Ttc,ngth,ngoitr
mtcp.Delacroixnhnraknovnhnxunglngg.TicmtlanmtcibnhrnrngPercysvpvpkhithcsphiphtbiutrccta,
nhnghntunranhngliltrntru,bngmtgingbnhthnkl.
EduardDelacroix,anhbphttichttrnghin,bnncthngquabihithmongmnhngngingngvianhvtuynbbimt
thmphnuytncatiuBang,cuChacuringidntiubangny.Anhcnigtrckhibnncthihnhkhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Delcgngni,lcukhngthnhli,ngoimttingththmhihng,ykhngkhvccnguynm.Bngdngmtncikhinhbthonghin
trngcmicaPercyhntivuimngnucbngchnngayti.RiDellimmivcgnglnna.
Tihihnviutilm.Gthtra.Tichumtbtciugquayngcdngthigian,nhngkhngaicth.Vthbygi...Smst
nvangnhnsngcibntrnchngti.Delnhydnglntronggiihncckhakpchophp,mtliratrnbmttm.Vthbygititr
gi.CuChathathchoti.Glimmilnna,rinhnBrutal.ngqunlihavngJinglesnh.Gnibnggingthphn,cchoringchng
tinghe.
Chngtiskhngqun,nglo.Tipli,vvobntaylnhngtcaDelacroix.NsnMouseville...
Nchngnchquinoht.Percynibngkhemingnhmtgtiphmlmchuyn,tronglchnmcciaikimchquangcDelacroix.
Chngcchnonhth.ylchuynctchmygkiabaratrnanchmy.Taonghchmynnbit,ngtnh.
MttiasngkchngtrongmtDelbotirngmtphnconngigbit...nhngsgikniviphncnlicahn,nuc.TinhnPercy,
chtlngvphnn,cnhnthngangnhinnhntr,nhthhiticnhlmgviu.Vhnthngti,dnhin.Tikhngthlmgcv
iu,khngthlmgkhiDelacroixangngitrnbxanhtcassng.Lcnykhngthlmgngoivictiptcbnn,ktthcbnn.
Percylycitibnglatreotrnmc,chpvouDel,koxungvxitchtbndichiccmnh,chaltrngtrnnhu.Lymingxpra
khixncritnvotrongcinnstlbctiptheo,vchnhimnymlnutinPercyitrchrakhiquytrnh:thayvchcncixungv
lymingxpra,hnlilycinnsttreotrnlnggh,ricmntrongtayvcixung.Nimtcchkhc,thayvemmingxpnnnstvnlcch
thctinhnhbnhthnghnliemnnstnmingxp.Lratiphithyciubtthng,nhngtiqubiri.ylcuchnhhnhduy
nhtmtithamgiavcmthyhontonmtkimsot.VphnBrutal,anhtakhngnhnPercychtno,khngnhnkhiPercycixungchicxnc
(hndichuynchechnphnnoiuhnanglmkhitmmtchngti),khngnhnckhihnthngngilnvquayvphaDelvinnsttrong
tay,vcivngxpmununmsntrongnn.BrutalangbnnhnmnhvithaythgngmtDel,quansthnhnhcimtnbnglaenht
vo,vintheodngtrnlciminghhccaDel,riphnhratrlikhiDelth.CnhnggitmhitotrntrnvtrnthidngcaBrutal,ngaydi
ngchntc.Phasauanhta,Deancvxaolngvbnhhonnhthanhtaangchngchikhngnnrabanti.Ttcchngtiuhiurng
ciugkhngnbygithtibit.Chciuchngtikhngthniliug.KhngaibitlcythkhngvnhngcuhimPercyhi
JackVanHay.Crtnhiucunhngtingrngphnlnchlnhlchng.iuPercymunbitiuduynhtPercymunbit,titinchcnhvy
lcivngbngchtxp.Mcchcacivngbngchtxp.Tisaolinhngnvoncmui...viugsxyranukhngnhngnvoncmui.
iugsxyranucivngxpkhro.
PercyncinnstlnuDel.Gnhconnhydnglnvlirnr,lnnycaoginghn.Mtvinhnchngcaquy,vbtan,trnnhngchic
ghxpcah.Deanbclntrcnabc,cgipgikhacm,nhngPercycclcrahiuchoanhtalili.Deanlmtheo,hikhomvaimtchtv
nhnmtkhimtlungsmstkhclmrungchuyncnnhkho.Lnnyctingmakmtheo,rilpptrnmi.Tingmanghenngn,gingnh
nginovihtulntmvngit.
Bntngnghengitani"Mutingcngli"vnhngsvic,phikhng?Chcchnri.Ttcchngtatngngheth,nhnglnduynht
trongsutnhngnmthngmtithcscmnhniuxyravitilbuisngtinhmysmstthngminm1932,vokhongmigiysau
nam.KhngphilcivcthngchitrnbmtPercykhihnbcxakhicihnhnhnbchpmtn,cngtaychnvinnst,angngi
kiatronglngGiSparkynlcilratiphithymkhngthy.KhngcnctnnstchyxungmDel.ylthiimsaucngtinhnraiubt
thng.
EdwardDelacroix.Percyni.Bygidnginschyquangianhchonkhianhcht,phhptheoluttiubang.
TinhnsangBrutaltrongmtcnaun,nuemsovicnnhimtrngngtiuthcnbnhtrckiachnhngntaysng.Civngxpcn
khro!Tinhpmingrahiunhnganhtachlcu,tvkhnghiuvnhnlichicmtnchptrnmtgngiPhp,ninhnghithcuicng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
anghttmlaenvo,rilithibungra.
TiatayrachmvokhuutayPercynhnghnbctrnhti,ngthinhntibngnhmtvhn.Chlmtcilicthongqua,nhngnmch
botittcmivic.Saunyhnsnidivsthtnavi,mphnlnscnhngngiclincantintng,nhngtibitmtcuchuynkhc
hn.Percylmthcsinhgiikhilmiughnathch,chngtiphthinratnhcchtrongnhngbuidintpvhncnthnlngnghekhi
JackVanHaygiithchmingxpnhngncmuidninnhthno,chuynchn,binlnginnpthnhmtloinbnginbnthngvono
b.vng,Percybitchnhxciuhnlm.Tinghsaunytitinhnkhihnnikhngbitchuynixanu,nhngthmchiukhngcxem
ltt,phikhng?Tikhngnghth.Thnhng,ngoivictrcmtGimthphtvccnhnchnghttogiJackVanHayngngngin,tikhng
thlmgkhc.Nucthmnmgiy,cltihtlntht,nhngPercykhngchotithmnmgiy.
CuChathngxtlinhhnanh.Hnnivicihnhnhnangthhnhn,kinhhongtrnghin,rinhnquagnkhunglihnhchnht,
niHarryvJackangng,tayJackttrncudaocdngch:mysytccaMabel.Vinbcsngbnphichiccas,mtgnchtvochic
tiengiachnngta,imlngvtgiumnhnhmikhi.Xoaylnhai!
Lcucngnhmikhitingrrohinhnchuknguynthy,nhngkhngnhiu,rithnmnhDelvtraphatrc,vthc,cccbpcogit.
Thrimivicbtusailm.
Tingrromttnhchtunvbtudaong.Havonlmtmthanhtanhtch,nhtinggiycellophnanebgpnp.Tingicmt
migghrnmkhngnhnramthnhpgmmitcvxphucbchy,chonkhinhnthynhngsikhixanhuncong,taratbndi
mpnnkimloi.Thmnhiukhitaratltrnnhnn,nidycpinxuynqua,cnhtngtrngnhkhiangbcratltrnncluDa.
Delacroixbtucogitvqunquitrngh,khunmtphmtngittbnnysangbnkia,nhthangkchlitkhct.Chngbtutrt
lnxungbngnhngccogitngn,bcntrbinhngkhakpcchn.Smstrnvangtrnuvbygithmabtutrtxungnnght
hn.
TinhnDeanStanton,anhtatrntrinhntrmtcchmh.Mttingnbnnphtratdicinnkimloi,gingtinggthngntronglanng,
vlcnytithykhicngbcquamtn,rthnhnhnglnnh.
Tiphngvphatmligiachngtivphngcin,nhngtrckhitikpmming,BrutusHowellnmlykhuutayti.Cnmcaanhta
mnhlmchodythnkinhtrongybt.Anhtatrngbchnhspnnnhngkhnghongsthmchkhngcvsphongs.
ChcboJackdngli.Anhtathpgingni.Danhlmgthcngngbocuylmiu.qutr,khngthdngli.
Lcu,khiDelbtulaht,ccnhnchngkhngnghec.Trnmatrnmitntnglnthnhtinggmrng,cntingsmstthgnnh
lintc.Nhngbnchngtitrnbcthnghe,phirinhngtingrauntcnghntbndimtn,lnhngmthanhmmtconvtbmcby
vphanhthytronglstsinhphtra.
Tingrrotcinnkimloibygigaygtvhungbo,bphvbinhngtingncathnghenhtingnhiuvtuyn.Delacroixbtuvtmnh
ratrcvsautrngh,nhmtatrangcuknh.Bcgrungln,vgvtvoaikimchbngdamnhnmcgnnhlmtn.Dngin
cngangvngtbnnysangbnkia,vtinghetingnghinrngrcvvaigbgyhoctrtkhp.mthanhphtragingnhtingnginoch
ithnggbngbat.ngqungvnmovchngcgitcctnghi,bygismmu.Rigbturln,nhngmthanhghrn,theth
nhtingchut,nghertr,ngayctrongtingmaroxix.
Chuynquiqugxyrachoanhtavy?Nginokuto.
Mycikhakmckhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chai,cimighqu!Ph!
Rinmttronghaingiphn:
iunycbnhthngkhng?
Delacroixvtraphatrc,ngraphasau,vtratrc,ngrasau.Percytrntrinhng,hmxxungtrongnikinhhong.Hnmongchiug
,ngvy,nhngkhngphinhthny.
CimtnbngchythnhngnlatrnmtDelacroix.Mitcvchtxpbygicphhabngmithtnng.Brutalchpxncngming
xplcnyttnhinltrngrngvxngnbnncsudnhchogimthttronggcphng.
Ticcncpnguninkhng,Paul?VanHaygiquatmlikimloi.Ginganhtayvhongs.Ticcn?
Khng!Tihttr.Brutalhiuravntrc,nhngticngkhngqutthu:chngtiphihonttcuchnhhnh.Btciugchngtic
thlmtrongsutqungicnlicnglthyusoviiuny:chngtiphiktthcDelacroix.Min,vCha!M,m,m!
TiquaysangBrutal,hunhkhngmingiangbntnsaulngchngti,mtsngdy,chaingianggotht.
Bi!TihtlnviBrutal.nglync!nglync!Cuin?
Brutalquayvphati,mtvhiubitsngshintrnntmt.Dinclnmtngiangbingit.vng.Nhththngungcqu.Anhtanhn
quanh,thybnhchalabnghachttrntngvlyxung,thayvmcnc.Chngtraigiigiang.
CimtnbtutkhimtDelacroix,lnhngimhaenhncJohnCoffey.Mtg,bygichcnlnhngkhicutrngc,bindng,
bbntungrakhihcmtvnmtrnmg.Lngmygbinmt,vnhtinhnthy,vnhmtbtlavbtubcchy.Khiphunratchc
ohhnhchV.Vtinginchyrrovntiptc,trnngputi,runglntrong.Tinghylthmthanhmngiinphinghethy.
Deantinlnphatrc,mmmnghrngcthdpttlatrnoDelbngtay.Tilianhtara,mnhsutlmDeanmtthngbng.Chmvo
DelacroixvoimcngsnhBrerRabbittungcmvoTarBaby.TrongtrnghpnyslmtTarBabybingit.
Tivnkhngquaylixemiugangxyrasaulngchngti,nhngnghenhmtcnhnlon,ghngkhpni,ngitarngln,mtphn
gohtscto:
Dngli,dngli,i,ccngikhngthyanhtabhnhhrisao?CurtisAndersonchpvaitivhichuyngxyra,vCha,chuyngxyra,
vtisaotikhngralnhchoJackctngunin?
Vtikhngth.Titrli.Chngtaiquxakhngthquayli,anhkhngthysao?Dsaothvigiynamivicsktthc.
Nhngphintnhthaiphtsaumivicmiktthc,haiphtdinhttrongsutcuciti,vtrongphnlnthigian,tinghDelacroixvncn
thc.Ggotht,cogitvlcltbnnysangbnkia.Khitunratlmivtciminghamutmencamnchn.Khitligbcln
gingnhkhibclntvnngtht.Ttcntohocbttungra,hoctanchy.oltcagkhngbtlanhiu,nhngchythnhthanvkhitunqua
n,chngtingithymilngngcbnng.Saulngchngti,ngitatunracanhnbtrongcnchytnlon.Hkhngthquac,dnhin
dsaothchngtaangtrongmtcnnhtkhnkipvthhchngintmtmquanhcatrongkhiDelacroixbnngchn.(Bygitiangb
nng,loToothtnhthkhichngtidintpxtArlenBitterbuck,tilcongtyhti),smstcvanglnvmathtrtxungttrntricao
trongmtcnthnhnhonho.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
thiimno,tichtnghnvbcsvnhnquanhtmngta.ngtavncn,nhngngvttrnsnnhbncnhtithucmuen.
ngtabttnh.
Brutalbcnngcnhti,taycmbnhchala.
Chac.Tini.
Tibit.
ChngtinhnquanhtmPercyvthyhnangnggnnhnpsaulngSparky,cngngi,mtlira,mtkhpngntaytvotrongming.
Risaucng,Delacroixngvttrvogh,khunmtli,bindngvttrnmtbnvai.Gvncncogit,nhngiunytrcychngtichng
kin,yldodnginchyquangig.Cinnstlchitrnu,nhngkhichngtiltnrasaumtthigianngn,phnlndauvtccnli
tutratheo,dnhcngvonnkimloinhthbdnbngmtthkeomnh.
Tti!TigiJacksaukhibamigiytriquamkhngxyrachuyng,ngoinhngcncogitvincangthanhnhngibckhiang
nmvttrnghin.TingrrongnglitcthvtigtuviBrutal.
AnhtaquaylivycibnhchalavotayPercy,mnhnmcPercylongchonglili,sutrikhibc.
Mylmi.Brutalni.Dgthmycnglkiukhinchngtrnh,phikhng?
PercynhnBrutalbngnhmtvabnhhonvatnbo,rigikhabnhchala,bm,lncbmvbnramtmmybttrnglnconngi
ngitrnghin.TithychnDelcogitmtlnkhibtxttrngmtgvngh:ikhng,lnochngtaliphichungna,nhngchcmtcgit
duynhtthi.
Andersonquaylivangoangoangphtbiutrcccnhnchnghongs,bohrngmivicuntha,mivicangnmtrongtmkim
sot,chlsgiatnginthvcnboin,khngcgphilongi.iutiptheo,anhtaborngmimhngithymtthhnhpcaQus,gm
milngtcchy,thtrnvphnminnglminchoaChanelsnm.
Lyngnghecabcs.TiboDeankhibnhchalacn.Delacroixbygibmtlpmutrngbaobc,vcimihithithinhtcchelp
bngmtlpmngmihachtngnght.
Bcs...ticnn...
Mckbcs,clyngnghecangy.Tini.emnliy...angyrakhichny.
Deangtu.Liyvrakhichnylhaikhinimcsclicunanhtavolcy.Chnglicunchaichngti.Anhtainchtithucmu
envbtulcli.Bcsbtunhcnhch,vyltnhtngykhngbtqu,hoccnautim.iuttlnh.NhngcicchBrutalangnhnPercy
thkhng.
Xungnghmvchbncnhxey.Tiralnh.
Percynutncbt.
Paul,ngheny.Tikhngbit...
Imi.Xungnghmvchbncnhxey.Lmngay.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Hnnutncbt,nhnmtnhthbthng,ribcvphacadnncuthangvnghm.Hnmtheobnhchalarngtrongtay,nhth
lmtemb.Deanbcquahn,trliviticngngnghe.Tigitlyngnghevchnhtainghe.Tilmvicnytrcy,khicnphcvtrong
quni,viugingnhixep,bnkhngqunc.
TilaubttrnngcDelacroix,riphinutcnbunnnkhimtmngdaln,nngrytutkhilpthtbndi,theocchlpdatutkhimt...phi,
bnbitm.Mtcongtyhti.
i,lyChati!Mtgingnitikhngnhnra,gnnhnclnsaulngti.Cphilunlunlnhthnykhng?Tisaokhngainichoti
bit?Tiskhngbaogin!
Qutrri,anhbn,tingh.
a ngi kia ra khi y. Ti bo Dean hoc Brutal, hoc bt c ai ang lng nghe ti ln ting khi bit chc c th ni m khng nn vo lng
Delacroixangbckhi.attcbnhtrlibnca.
Ticgngcngrnhtkhnng,ritngnghelnmngthtsngmuendomnhtoratrnngcDel.Tilngnghe,cunguynskhngnghe
thygvyngliutinghec.
Gchtri.TiboBrutal.
CmnCha.
Phi.CmnCha.CuvDeanilycng.Chngtamkhavagrakhiy,nhanh.
Chng23
Chngtiaxcgxungmihaibcthangvchtlncngynn.cmngcatilphnthtbnngchncagcthtrcngayrakhixng
khichngtilimnhghnhnhcongtyhticaloTootmnhtrongutinhngdnhinchuynkhngxyra.
CurtisAndersonangtrncuthang,trnankhngidsaocngphicgngviuttchoBrutal,vAndersonkhngcmtchngkinkhi
BrutalbcmtbcvphaucngvcotayrasaunhPercy,lcyangngchtsng.Tichpctayanhtaviuttchochaingi.
TtchoPercyvBrutalcnhtungmtcmviscmnhchtngivttchoBrutalvanhtasmtvicnucmtrngchvcthktthcbng
vicchnhanhtavot.
Khng.Tini.
Anhnikhnglg?Anhtatcginhiti.Saoanhlicthnikhng?Anhthynlmg!Anhnig?Rnganhvnynchonhngmi
quanhbovn?Saunhnggnlm?
Phi.
Brutaltrntrinhnti,minghhc,imttctinmctroncmt.
Nghetiniy,Brutuscupnmtc,hunhchcchnchngtasrai.Cu,ti,Dean,Harry,thmchcthcJackVanHayna.Ttcai
khcphmthayhaibccuthang,btubngBillDodge,thHingTrigiamsthubahocbntnthtnghiplpvochtrngdichncuthang.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Cthcuchuc,nhng...tingocngntaycuvphaDean,lcyangnhnxungphadinghmvingchrnc.Anhtaangcmcpknh
mttrntay,dngvsngscngnhPercy.NhngDeanthsao?Cuychaicon,mtaanghcTrunghcvmtakhcchunbvo.
Vyphigiiquytthno?Brutalhi.Chngtanthotkhichuynnysao?
Tikhngbit,mingxpphicnhngt.Percyni,gingmymc,yut.ylcuchuynhntptrc,dnhin,khihnmongimt
trchikhmgyaun,thayvmttaibinmchngtivachngkin.Khichngtathctp,ncbaogitu.
A,my,khn!BrutalbtuvxngnPercy.Tilichplyanhtavmnhtaylili.Ctingchntrnbcthang.Tinhnln,tuytvnges
phithyCurtisAnderson,nhngylHarryTerwilliger.Manhtatrngbchnhgiy,mibm,nhthvanbnhnhnqublackberry.
TichuynschtrliBrutal.
HyvCha,Brutal,Delacroixchtri,khngcgthayicvPercykhngng.Cphikhoch,haynhngbtucan,thmchlcy
angnmtrongutikhng?Kt,tivnthcmcviu,nibnnghe.Tithcmcquadngthigiannhiunmdi,vkhngbaogitm
ccutrlithang.Ticholchuynkhngngk.Tinhnthyrtnhiuvic
Khngngk,nhngiukhnglmchmtconngithithcmcvchng.
Myanhnivtinhthtilmtthngngc.Percyni.Nghegingnihnvncnsngsvthinhthaimsuvoruthnnhng
hnbnhtnhlimtcht.
Culmtthngngungc,Percy.Tini.
,anhkhngth...
Chbngnhngnlclnnht,timikimchnilnghammunphnmttrn.Ncttrnvingchnhgitxungnghmnhngcibng
totng,bindngcachngtinhymatrntng,gingnhnhngcibngtrongcuchuyncaPoevconkhtoxcngNhXc.Smstn
vang,nhngdinybtcnghn.
Tichmunnghemtiutmingcu,Percy,rngculplilihanpnchuyncngtcsangBriarRidgevongymai.
nglochuyn.Hndnditrli.Hnnhnhnhngipknnmtrncng,nhnichkhc,licnhanhlnmttimtthong,rilinhnich
khc.
Nhthsliuttnht.Harryni.Nukhng,cthcusbitWildBillWhartonnhiuhncmongmun.Mtthongimlng.Chngticth
locchuyn.
Percysbntivclhnsiubnticthlmnuhnvncny,khibntiphthinhnhiJackVanHaymingxplmg,vti
saobntilunlunnhngnvoncmui,nhngvicHarrynhcnWhartonkhidynikinhhongthtstrongmthn.Ticthhnhdunghn
angnhlicnhtngWhartontmlyhn,vuvngnngavihn.
Myanhkhngdmu.Percyththo.
Cy,tislm.Harrybnhthntrli.Vcubitgkhng?Tisthotkhibbtti.Vcuchngtbnthnmnhrtbtcnivitnhn.
Thiukhnngna.
Percynmtayli,mbng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tikhng...
Chcchnculth.Deanlnting,thamgiavibnti.ChngtitothnhmtnavngtrnbaovyPercychncuthanh,thmchngrtlui
lnphatrnnghmcngbchncngtithngangsaulnghn,trncnglngthtbckhicybngmttmvic.Cuthiusng
Delacroix.Nuiukhngphilthiukhnng,thiug?
Percychpmt.Hndtnhchegiuchobnthnbngcchbochalkhngbitvbygihnthyrnggyngplngng.Tikhngbithns
nigtiptheo,bivlcyCurtisAndersonphngoxungcuthang.ChngtinghetinganhtavlirakhiPercymtcht,khngtveda.
Ttcnhngchuynchttitnylsao?Andersongmln.LyCha,nnmakhpnitrnkia!Vcimiququi!TichoMagnussonvlo
TootTootmchaica,nhngciminmnmkhnkipnacngchachutan,ticy!LicnthngtlaWhartonhthvchuynnach!
Tinghenht!
Conlacthchuynchmtgiaiiukhng,Curt?Brutalhi.Bnbittacthtchyhtkhthpsngchbngmttialaduynhtvkhngb
thng,nubnkptntrckhimctptrungtrnnqudyckhng?Chuynnygingnhth.ChngtihhcmingnhnBrutusmtthong,
thrittccngrln.Tingcicaovt,kchngcachngtibpbnglnxungtrongnghmum,nhtingdivcnh.Bngchngtinhp
nhvlunglinhtrntng.Gnnlcktthc,thmchPercycngcitheo.Saucngtingcitt,vhuqulchngticmthynhnhmhnmt
cht.Cmgiclnhmnhtrli.
cri,cccu.Andersonni,lauimtyncbngkhntayvvncncinccc.Chuynquigxyra?
Mtcuchnhhnh.Brutaltrli.TinghgingiubnhthncaanhtalmAndersonngcnhinBrutallunlunkholotrongvicnhanhchng
lmgimmccngthng.Mtcuchnhhnhthnhcng.
NhndanhCha,lmsaocccucthgivicngtdngintrctipnhthlmtthnhcng?Chngtacmnhnchngsmtngmtthng!
Quthni,conmgiboclsmtngcnm!
Brutalchvochiccngvcihnhhiditmvi.
Gcht,phikhng?Vphnccnhnchngcaanh,vommai,phnlnhsklichobnbngherngylcnglthmnggDelkia
thiusngmtsngi,vthchngtaquaylivthiusngg.Ngoitrvichskhngnilchngtaratay.HsniylCha,cthhin
thngquachngta.Thmchiucthcchtstht.Vanhmunbitphnhaynhtkhng?Phntuyticbit?Huhtbnbcahsaoc
gimhcmtychngkin.AnhtabanchoPercymtcinhnvaghtmvakhinhthngtronglcnicucuiny.
Tikhngbitmingxpphicnhngnc.Percynibnggingrobotcahn.Trongbuidintpnkhngbaogit.
Deannhnhn,vhontonghtm.
Cumtbaonhiunmttrnbncuvsinhnkhiaibocuctnitrckhicubtu?Anhtantn.
Percyhmingptrnhngtibohnnn.Thtkdiu,hnlmtheo.TiquaysangAnderson.
Percynhmln,Curtisyliuxyra,thuntyvngin.TiquaysangPercy,thchthchnphnhnlitini.Hnkhngci,clvc
ctrongmtti:thAndersonnghethnhlilmngungchnlcchch.Vlibtciugnidinghmnyukhngquantrng.iu
quantrng,iulunlunquantrngvinhngthngPercyWetmorecathgii,liucvitrahocbnghelmbinhngconbtonhngnhnvt
quantrnglccskincthhintrnboch.
Andersonphnvnnhnnmngichngti.AnhtathmchnhncDel,nhngDelkhngni.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tionchuyncthcntithn.Andersonni.
ng.Ting.Gcthcnsng.
Curtisnhymtkhnngdngnhtikhngnghn.
Timuncbocoyvvnytrnbnlmvicngymai.Anhtani.VkhngaictitlchogimthMooresbittrckhiticdp.Cc
anhskhngnich?
Chngtimnhmlcu.NuCurtisAndersonmunbocogimth,sao,chngtithycthi.
Nukhngcgnhbotitnoachuynnylnbo...
Hskhngbit.Tini.Nuhcvit,ccchbtsmnhm.Qughrnivicgigianh.Nhngthmchhcngskhngcvit
mnaytonlnhngphngvinkcu.Ciugsailch,ththi.Hcngbitrnhchngta.
Andersonsuynghmtlcluhn,rigtu.AnhtahngchvoPercy,mtntghtmxuthintrngngmtvnthngxuyndchu.
Culmtthngnhckhnkip.Anhtani.Vticcacuchtno.AnhtagtutrcnhmtngcnhinysngstcaPercy.Cum
mchbtctnbbchkhnkipnocacurngtichicu,tischinkhinoconngngxmgicaDRhodysnglivnhngconngisng
hti.Cucchuynphinhy,contrai.
Anhtaquayivbclncuthang.Tianhtalncbnbcrigi:
Curtis?
Anhtaquayli,lngmynhngln,khngnig.
AnhkhngcnlolngqunhiuvPercy.Tini.CutassmchuynnBriarRidge.Nhngcngvictotthnvttphn.ngthkhng,
Percy?
Ngaysaukhisthuynchuyncthngbo.Brutallnting.
Vchonkhicthuynchuyn,cutasxinnghbnhhngm.Deanchmvo.
CunikchngPercy,kchalmvictrigiamlutchlyngynghclng.HnnhnDeanvivghtbsngr.
Anhnghng.Hnni.
Chng24
ChngtitrliKhuvokhongmtgimilmpht(ngoitrPercybralnhlauchinhkho,vhndisut),tithcbocophivit.Tiquyt
nhvittibntrc,nungitrnchicghmihntrongvnphng,rtcthtisngqun.Nithbnnghecvkl,nutnhnnhnggxyra
michcchmtgi,nhngticcmgicnhthsnglugpbalnktmimtgimtrc,ttcukhngcgicng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
JohnCoffeyangngcaxlim,ncmttroratcpmtkl,xavnggingnhnhnmutroratmtvtthngkhnglnh,nhngllng
thay,khngaun.Gnbngiyhn,lWhartonangngitrnspng,lclquali,htmtcakhcrrngdontsngtc,vkhnghnvngha.
Theonhtinh,bihtnhthny:
"Thtnng!Myvtao!
Bcmi,hn,phophopho!
KhngphiBillyhocPhiladenphiaPhilly.
KhngphiJackiehocRoy!
Mlmtconsnhonhmp,mtqudaleonnghi.
MangtnDelacroix!"
Imi,thngkhn.Tint.
Whartontotmingci,phramtmmyrngcubn.Nkhngcht,tnhtlchachtnangsngvuisng,nhythithi.
Votrongyvevntii,tisaokhng?Thngnhcvuivni,ribtumton"BiCaThtNng"khc,tlicakhnghnlngunhin.C
iugangxyratrongkia,ngvy.Mtththngminhthithavbnhhon,gnnhlilc.
TibcxungnchJohnCoffey.Glauncmtbngcmtay.Mtg,cvsngvtichtnghgcngkitsc.Tisaoglikitsc,
mtconngilbcquanhsntpthdccllkhonghaigimtngy,ringihocnmtrongxlimsutthigiancnli,tikhngbit,nhngti
khngnghingiuangchngkin.iuqurrng.
TinghipDel.Gnigingthp,khnc.TinghipDelthnmn.
Phi.Tip.TinghipDelthnmn.John,anhkhech?
Cuythot,cuylngimaymc.Dchuynxyrathno,cuylngimaymn.
TinghclDelacroixstranhcivim,nhngkhngnira.Thayvo,tilicnhnquanhxlimcaJohn.
ngJinglesu?
Chyxungdikia.Gchquachnsong,xungphadihnhlangcaphngkhngch.
Tigtu.
c,nstrli.
Nhngnkhngtrli,thicangJinglestrnktthc.DuvtduynhtcanmchngtivtnhbtgplcimBrutalphthinvomang
nmy:mtvimugtmulolotvmikobchphngphttaratmtciltrnxnh.
Lcytinhbi,nhnglithi.TinhnJohnCoffey,gnhnlinhthbitttcnhnggtiangngh.Titbomnhnnbi,nncoilht
mtmvbi,trlivibntrcvobnboco.Thayvth,tigitng:
JohnCoffey.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vng,thasp.Glptcpli.
ikhiconngiblinguynphigiiquytnhucutmhiumtsvic,yltnhtrngcativolcy.Tiqumtgixungvbtuthomt
chicgiy.
Matnhkhitivnnh,mtvnhtrngmunxuthintrnsnniphaBc.Cnbunngcatidngnhtanbintheoccmmy.
Tirttnhto,vngicmiDelacroixtrnngiti.Tinghcthngicmigtrndathtcamnhmyvtao,bcmi,hn,phopho
pholudivsauny.
Janiceangchti,nhnngvnlunlunchvonhngmhnhquyt.Tinhkhngkchonngnghecuchuynxyra,nhngnhmttrong
tronngnhnvomttikhitibcvonhbpnirngnngmunbitttc.Vthtingixung,cmibntaympcanngtrongbntaylnh
ngtcamnh(mysitrongchicxeFordckcatikhngchy,thitithxung180tkhictrnbo),kchonngngheiunngnghnng
munnghe.nkhonggiacuchuyn,tibtkhc,liutikhngng.Tixuhmtcht,nhngchmtchtthi,chnhlnng,bnthyy,vnng
khngbaoginhgitiquanhnglntiitrchrakhiphongcchmtiphic,bngmigi.Mtnginngcvttltovtmaymnnhtca
Cha,ngikhngchnlkaukhnht,tinghth,nsngthtsduynhtcaihmkhngbitrnghnghonnngthngbitbao.Ti
khc,vnngmlyutivongcnngvkhicnbocatiiqua,ticmthynhnhmhn...dsaocngcmtcht.Vtitinyllctic
tmnhnthcutinvtngcamnh.Khngphichicgiy,tikhngcninn.Chicgiyclinquan,nhngkhc.Tuynhin,tonbtng
thtcatilcylng,lmtnhnthcllng:rngJohnCoffeyvMelindaMoores,dkhcnhauvtmvc,phitnhvmuda,ccngmtimt
ginghtnhau:aukh,bunruvxavng.Nhngimtangcht.
Vogingianh.Saucngvtini.Vogingviem,Paul.
Tilmtheovchngtinivinhau,rikhixongxui,nngthipng.Trongkhinmnhnmttrngnherngcivlngngheccbctngku
lchcchsaucngchngangcovo,imahlymathutisuynghvvicJohnCoffeyniggip.TagipconchutcaDel.Tagip.
Jingles.Nlconchutgnhxic.Chcchnri.Vcth,tingh,ttcchngtaulchutgnhxic,chyloanhquanhvithcmnhtnht,rng
ChavtonbtaychncaNgiangxemchngtatrongccnginhbngBakelitequacasbngknhIsinglasscachngta.
TingmtchtkhingybtunhdntionlhaigivtingtheocchdonytivnngGeorgiaPines,mlctrctihunhkhng
baogilm,tclngtnggicngn.iutisuynghkhiinglnhnggiohithunhcati.Danhtnhthayi,tytheothchcamtivccbd,
nhngchngvnthtslmt,ttcNhthNgiCaChaJesusFirstBackwoods,ChaUyV.Trongbngticanhnggcchungvungvc,khi
nimchuclixuthinuncngnhhichungkugitnnnhthphng.ChChamicthvthati,raschtilitrongdngmuau
ncangiConbnginhcaNgi,nhngiukhngthayitrchnhimcaconciNgiphichucnhngtilibtckhinocth.S
chuctirtmnhm,nlkhatrncnhcabnngliviqukh.
Tingthipitrongkhisuynghvschuctirngthng,vEduardDelacroixbcchytrongkhibingit,vMelindaMoores,vgcontraitoxc
ccpmtthankhckhngngngcati.Nhngnghlenlivomtgicm.Tronggicm,JohnCoffeyngitrnmtbsng,golnnisukh
inrkhngthnithnhlivibutrmahmitrongkhibnbbnkia,mtchuytxehachhngkhngngtlaovphamtcycurstbc
ngangdngTrapingus.Trnmikhuutay,gdaenmxcmtbgitcvng,trntrung.Nmtaycag,nhngkhikhnglunhngcnhtay
,khpli.Chungquanhg,dgyvangvnhngtthnhbyngyrrovscnng.Tronggicm,tinvig,quxungtrcg,vnmlytay
g.Nmtaygthlngravtconhngbmtcag.Trongmtbntaylcingchtmuxanh,vvng.Trongbntaykialmtchicgiycalnh
gct.
Tikhnglmgc.JohnCoffeyni.Ticgngrtli,nhngqutr.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vlnny,tronggicmcamnh,tihiug.
Vochngisnghmsau,khitiangungtchcphthbatrongnhbp(vtikhngnig,nhngtithyvbtmnhinrtrnntmtkhinng
emchoti),inthoirovang.Tiiraphngkhchnghe,vTrungtmthngboairngngicahanggingdy.Sauctachctimt
ngyvuiti,ricpmy...clth.ViTrungtm,bnkhngbaoginichcc.
GiHalMooreslmtisngs.Runryvkhnc,nghenhgingcamtngitmmitui.Tichtnyranghqulttpkhimichuyn
nthaviCurtisAndersontrongnghmvomqua,ttpvanhtacngcmnghnhchngtivPercy,bivconngitiangnichuynrtc
thskhnglmvicthmmtngynatiColdMountain.
Paul,tihiulmquactrngi.TicnghiulanhbnWetmorecachngtaclincan.
Mtvtrcri,tithnhn,pchtngnghevotaivcimnhvphangni,nhngsvicgiiquyt.ymilvnquantrng.
Phi.Dnhin.
Ticthhiaibochongbitkhng?Nhthticthbucmtcilonvouihn?Tikhngnithmcuny.
Anhcthhi,nhngvthtskhngphilviccaanh,tinghtisgikniu.Nhngkhigiinthoinvnphnghiclinhnhay
cngvickhncpnokhng,ticknghemtchuynthv.
Phi.Dngnhcnxinthuynchuynpvogicati.PercyWetmoremunnBriarRidgecngsmcngtt.Hnlhnvitnthmch
trckhihtcatrcmqua,anhnghthkhng?
Nghecvlth.Ting.
ThngthngtisCurtisgiiquyt,nhngtnhnci...khngkhKhuEvaqua,tiyucuHannahchthngiaonchotivogintra.
Byduyndngnglmth.Tischpthunnvbomginthphtiubangngaychiunay.TimonganhsnhnthymthucaPercy
bcrakhicatrongvngkhnghnmtthng.Cththn.
ngytrngitishilngvimutinny,vcquyntrngiiu.ngbthigiansnscvxctinmtvn,mvmtkhcc
thmtnnanm,kcvinhngmiquanhmPercykhoekhoang.Thnhngtimtichngxung.Mtthng!Nhngcliukhngthnhvn,
cchnyhaycchkhc.Nthognikhaokhtchihontontnhinvngncnmtnlcnguyhim,viumlcnytiangsuynghqu
thcrtnguyhim.ilckhicnthit,tthnnnnhytrnhtrckhibnmttinhthn.NuchngtiphiiphviPercytrongbtctrnghpno,th
cllmnay.
Paul?Anhcnykhng?Mooreshthpgingmtcht,nhthngynghrngangtnichuynvichnhmnh.Mkip,tinghmtlin
lc.
Khng,ticy,Hal.Tinttlnhy.
Phi.Mooresng.Tilibtngvgingiuginuaqu.Mtcchno,nghesaomngmanhqu.,tibitanhangnghg.
Khng,tingh,ngkhngbitu,thaGimth.Ctriunmnangcngkhngbittiangnghg.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
AnhangnghlanhbntrcachngtascnchngmtratrongvhnhquytCoffey.iuclctht.CoffeysraitrclTn,ti
hnhdungthnhnganhcthyhntrvophngcin.Skhngcaiphni.Kchn,tinghvy.
Tislmth.Tip.Hal,Melindasaori?
Mtkhonhkhcngngnglulunmctinghmnhmtngy,ngoitrtingth.Khinitip,Mooreshthpginghnlcny.By
angsuysp.ngtrli.
Suysp.Citnglnhlngmnhngtaykcusdngkhngphimtmtngiangcht,chnhxcnhvy,nhnglmtngibtu
chiatayvissng.
Dsaothcnnhcucvhnmtcht...volcny,nhngbykhngthtimtmnh,khngthnhtvtln,mtkimsottiutinkhi
ng...Thmmtthongngngli,ribngmtgingthphnna,Halniiugnghenh"bylm".
Lmchuyng,Hal?Tihi,mtnhnli.Vtibcquacaphngkhch.Nngng,lautayvotmgirachnvnhnti.
Khngphi.ngyni,gingchaoogianitcginvncmt.Bychith.
.Tivnkhnghiungy,nhngkhngnhtheouitmhiu.Tikhngphilmth,Mooreslmthaychoti.
Byynn,hontonbnhthng,nichuynvvnhoahocmtciodimbyxemtrongtpdanhmc,hocnilmthnobynghe
cRoosevelttrnradiovgingngtamituytlmsao,thri,btthnhlnh,bybtuninhngiughrnnht,nhngt...xuxanht.By
khngcaoging.Nubynicaoginghnthliliutt,tinghvy,bivlcy...anhthyy,lcy...
Bykhngthninnggingnhbnhthng.
ng.ngypvivbitn.Nhngnghethngnnghcpbngchtgingngtngocabyth...xinlicu,Paul.GingMooresnhdn
ivtinghethyngynghngm.Ringyquayli,ninghemnhmhnmtchtnhngvnaukh.VtimunmimcsDonaldsonn
nh,tibitngtalnimaniiviby,nhnglmsaotidmmi?Gisngtangi,cngckinhthnhvivti,ribyrotnngtamchi
thsao?Bycthy,mquabychiti.Bybo:atittpchLibertyckhnganh,dmtc?Paul,byhcurathngn
ngnhth?Lmsaobybitthngnt?
Tikhngbit.Hal,tinayngcnhkhng?
Khikhemnhvtlochomnhc,khngbxaolngvlolnghocbunphin,HalMoorescmtkhacnhnhncchscbnvmamai,nhnvin
diquynskhacnhthmchhnccntcginhaykhinhmitcang,tinghth.Smamaicang,thnglnnnngvgaygt,ctht
chynhacid.Bygimtchtacidangcryvongiti.Thtbtng,nhngnichungtivuimngcngheiu.Rtcc,clngycha
mttnhchinu.
Khng.ngtrli.TisaMelindaikhiuv.Chngtisnhydosido,iuallemandngtri,richignhccngvcmlgpmi.
Tilytaychemingkhibtci.Mtthithchihltqua,yvkhoandung.
Xinli.ngyni.Gnytikhngngcnhiu,tnhnttrnncuknh.Dnhinchngtisnh.Tisaoanhhi?
Tinghkhngcgquantrng.Titrli.
Anhkhngnghnchuynghthmych?Vmquaanhtrc,mnayanhcngstrc.Trkhianhicavingino?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Khng,tikhngi.Tini.Tinaytitrc.
Dsaocngkhngphiltnghay.Nhtlvitnhtrnghinnaycaby.
Cllkhng.Cmnngbotin.
Cgu.HycunguynchoMelindacati,Paul.
Tiniscunguyn,nghmnhcthlmnhiuhnthmtcht.Chagipnhngaitgipmnhtrc,nhngitanitiNhThCaNgiJesus,
ChaUyV.TigcinthoivnhnJanice.
Mellythno?Nnghi.
Khngtt.TiknngnghenhnggHalni,kcchuynchitc,mcdtibquanhngtdmtcvgpmi.Tiktthcbngtng
Halsdng,suyspvJanicebunbgtu.Rinngquansttikhn.
Anhangnghg?Anhangnghiug,cthlkhngtt.iihinratrnmtanh.
Vicnidikhngtthnhvn,khngphilcchchngtiixvinhau.Tichnirngttnhtnngkhngnnbit,tnhtvothiim
trcmt.
Chuyn...liuncgyrcrichoanhkhng?Gingnngnghekhngcvcbithongs,quantmhnbtciug,vnlmttrongnhng
imtiyuthchvnng.
Cth.Titrli.
lmtiutt?
Cth.Tilpli.Tingy,vuvquaysinthoibngmtngntay,tronglcbmginhngimniktbngmtngnbntaykia.
Anhmunemanhlimtmnhtrongkhigiinthoikhng?Nnghi.Lmmtngivttvkhngxavochuynngikhc?Rachn
a?anmtto?
Tigtu.Anhkhngnith,nhng...
Chngtasckhchnntra?
Anhhivngth.Titrli.
Chng25
TigiinngaychoBrutalvDeanvchaiangnghcatrc.Harrythkhng,tnhtvolcy,nhngticsinthoicangihngxmgnanh
tanht.Khanghaimiphtsau,Harrygilichoti,biricaovphiilicatrcvlpbphas"chiphn"khiphiulnhlnglnsaun.Tibo
anhtachngtisgiiquytkhisvicntrcmt,anhtacthnnhtintrakhng?BrutalvDeanscmt,Janicehaslmmnrautrn
lngdanhcanng...chakmnbnhnhntothmchcnlngdanhhn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ntrachvntrathi?Harryninghecvngvc.
Tithnhncchuynmunbnvih,nhngttnhtkhngnnnitrninthoi,dssi.Harryngn.Tigcngnghe,bcracas,ngh
nginhnrangoi.Mcdchngticcatrckhuya,tikhngnhthcBrutalhocDean,cnHarrycngnghekhnggingngivarakhivngt
mmng.Dngnhtikhngphilngiduynhtcvnsaunhnggxyramqua,vtnhnchuyninrtiangctrongtmtrthcl
yliutt.
Brutal,ngigntinht,nvomimtginmmipht,DeannsaumilmphtvHarrymcsnngphclmvickhongmi
lmphtsauDean.Janicednbnhsandwichthtbngui,rautrn,vtrplnhchochngtitrongnhbp.Chmtngytrc,chngtihnsn
ngoitritrnhinbnhngnhvthchthvilungginh,nhngnhitgimhn15tkhiccnbo,vmtcngibutthuxngangkht
khtthixungtccsnni.
Hoannghnhemngixungyvibnanh.Tinivivti.
Nnglcu.
Emkhngnghmunbitiuanhangmmuemstlohnnutrongbngti.Emsntrongphngkhch.TunnyemsithmcJane
Austen,cylmtngibnnghnhrttt.
JaneAustenlai?Harryhikhinngikhut.HnhanhhaynhJanice,Paul?Cypkhng?
Cylnhvn,ngngn.Brutalboanhta.ThctchttkhiBetsyRosskhunhngngisaolnlcutin.
.Harrycvlngtng.Tikhngcnhiu.Phnnhiunghehngdntrnradio.
Paul,anhcnhg?Deanhi.
BtubngJohnCoffeyvngJingles.Hcvngcnhin,iutichihnhnghtimuntholun,hocvDelacroix,hocvPercy.C
thchai.TinhnDeanvHarry.ChuynngJinglesiuCoffeylmxyraqunhanh.Tikhngbitcccucvokpthyconchutbgy
xngnhthnokhng.
Deanlcu.
Tuynhintithymutrnsnnh.
TiquaysangBrutal.
ThngchPercygimntn.Anhtanginni.Lrancht,nhngkhngcht.Coffeylmiugchon.Bngcchnocha
lnhconchut.Tibitnghertkqui,nhngchnhmttithy.
Tini:
Gcngchalnhbnhchoti,vtikhngchnhnthy,mcmthyiu.Tikchohnghevchngnhimtrngngtiucativic
ntiphtnhthno,ntitnhthno(tichrangoicasnngci,nitibmvuvobuisngcnauquttikhuugi),vnhon
tontanbinnhthnosaukhiCoffeychmvoti.Vtrnhxatilun.
Khngcntnnhiuthigikchuyn.Khitinixong,hngisuynghmtlc,trongkhivnnhaibnhsandwich.RiDeanlnting.Cnhngth
ensthotrakhimingg.Gingnhsub.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ng.Harryng.Dsaothlcuchngcmuen.Sauhatrngribinmt.Anhtanhnquanh,cnnhc.Dngnhtignqunmt
tonbsvicchonkhianhnhcli,Paul.Khihiphikhng?
Chuynkhngcgkhihihockl.Brutalni.Tinghyliungitahunhlunlunlmvinhngiungitakhnghiucqun
i.Nhnhngthvnghakhngclichoconngi.Chuynthno,Paul?Khigchabnhchoanh,csubkhng?
C.Tinghchnglcnbnh...cnau...stnthng.Ghtvongi,rinhtrlirangoikhngkh.
Nincht.Harryni.
Tinhnvai.Tikhngbitnchthaykhng,thmchkhngchccquantrnghaykhng.
Gchtnrakhingianhkhng?Brutalhi.Trnggnhthhtnrakhiconchut.Stnthng.Ci...anhbity.Cicht.
Khng.Titrli.Gchchmvoti.Vticmnhnc.Mtthgychongvng,gingnhlungin,ciukhngaun.Nhnglcyti
khngcht,chau.
Brutalgtu.
Cchmvhith.GingnhanhnghenhngnginiholnhraogingPhcm.
CaNgiJesus,ChaUyV.Tip.
TikhngbitChaclincannchuynnykhng.Brutalni.NhngtithydngnhJohnCoffeylmtngitonnng.
cri.Deanlnting.Nuanhnittcchuynxyra,tinghtitin.ChathihnhnhngiukdiucaNgitheonhngcchbmt.
Nhngclinquangnchngta?
,ylcuhilnlao,phikhng?Tihtsumthirinivihiutimunlm.Hlngnghe,chtlng.ThmchBrutal,ngithchctpch
vinhngcuchuynvgingnginhbdaxanhntkhnggian,cngsngs.Lnnycmtkhonhkhcimlngluhnkhitiktthc,vkhngai
nhaibnhsandwich.
Saucng,bngmtgingnhnhngvhpl,BrutusHowelllnting:
Chngtasmtviclmnubbtgp,Paulvqulmaymnnuylttcnhnggxyra.CthchngtasktthcKhuAnhlkhchmi
catiubang,ovvitmtngcp.
Phi.Tip.iucthxyra.
Ticthhiumtchtcmgiccaanh.Anhtanitip.AnhbitrMooreshnchngti,ngyvalbnvalsplncaanhvtibitanh
nghnhiuvvngy...
Blngiphnngtngonhtmanhcthhivnggpg.Tini.Vlcthgiiivingy.
NhngchngtikhngquenbitbytheocchcaanhvJanice.Brutalni.Phithkhng,Paul?
Cusathchbynucubit.Tip.tnht,custhchnugpgtrckhicnbnhvlyby.Blmnhiuvicchocngng,l
mtngibnttvngoano.Hnthna,brtvuinhn.tngnhvy.Bcthkchocunghenhngchuynkhincucichyncmt.Nhng
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ttcnhngiukhngphildotimuncuby,nucthcuc.iuangxyrachobylmtxcphm,mkip,mtxcphmivicon
mt,ltaivqutim.
Rtcaoc,nhngtinghingykhngphiliumnhtronguanh.Brutalni.TicholdonhnggxyrachoDel.Cchno,anh
munbpchocnbng.
Vanhtaning.Dnhinanhtang.TibitMelindaMooresrhnnhngngikia,nhngrtcuc,cthchayucuhliunhivic
lmcahvby...vcthcstdocahna.Hnna,cnlviclmvstdocachnhti.Tichaicon,viucuicngtrnqutca
Chamtimunvtiphilmlvitthbotinchochngbitbchngbxtxv...phiri,sltignh?Tikhngbitchc.Clltiptayvkch
ngmtvtrntri.
NhngcichtcaEduardDelacroixlmtiuxuxa,ghtmnhtmtitngthytrongi,khngchtrongcucilmvic,mtonbcuciti
vtilmtngiclincan.Ttcchngtiulincan,bivchngtiPercyli,thmchcsaukhibithnkhngthchhpvicngvicmt
ninhKhuE.Chngtinhmtcanhbc.ThmchGimthMoorescnglngiclincan.
GsbnngdPercycntronginghaykhng.ngynivclnhthl,nutnhntilimgngiPhpnhbgyra,
nhngrtcucPercylmnhiuhnlnngDelhnlmntungconngicagrakhihcmtvchmlatchymtg.Vtisao?VDell
mttnstnhngpnhiulnhn?Khngphi.VPercytraqunvgngiCajunnhbcgancinhohn.Chngtidinxuttrongmt
mnbiudingmghic,mPercyynnthotthn.HnsnBriarRidge,vuisngnhdiugpgi,yccmtbnhvintmthn,ypngi
inhnthchnhnhngthitnbocamnh.Chngtikhngthlmgtrongchuyn,nhngclchaqumunrabtinhngukhitay
chngti.
Tronggiohicachngti,ngitagilchucti,thayvcnbng.Tini.Nhngticholnhnhau.
AnhthtsnghCoffeycthcuby?Deanhibnggingnhnhng,knhs.Chcn...cigno?...Htkhiunorakhiubysao?Nh
mt...hto?
Tinghglmc.Dnhinkhngchc,nhngsaunhnggglmchoti...vchongJingles...
Conchutbnghinntnngn,phiri.Brutalni.
Nhngliugchuchakhng?Harrymchiu.Gchukhng?
Nugcth,gslm.Tini.
Tisao?ThmchCoffeykhngquenbitby!
Bivyliuglm.Chatoragviu.
Brutalravnhnquanh,nhcnhchngticnthiumtngi.
Percythsao?Anhnghhnsnhmmtbquachuynny?Anhtahi,nhntinichohnghevnhcatiiviPercy.Khitinixong,
HarryvDeannhntisngst,vmtncitnthngngpngnghmtrngngmtBrutal.
Khtoboy,ngianhemPaul!Anhtani.Vpkhintinnth!
Nhngchngphiylkhochngoihngsao!Deangnnhthmth,ricimvchptaylinhmtatr.timunni,mathutv
haimibabin!BnsthyDeanquantmcbitnkhochcdnhlunPercycatixtchocng,PercysutnakhinDeanphichtv
6/30/2017 DmXanh
thithcahn.
Phi,nhngsaunythsao?Harryhi.Ginganhtangheum,nhngimttcoanhtachnganglplnh,imtcamtngimunb
thuytphc.Lcythsao?
Ngitabokchtkhngbitni.Brutalgmln,vtilicnhanhanhtabitchcanhtaangnia.
Tinghhnsngmknming.Titrli.
Thtkhng?Deancvhoinghi.Anhtagknheomtxungvbtuchibng.Hythuytphctii.
Trcht,hnskhngbitiugthtsxyra,hnstphnxtchngtavnghylmttrchikhm.Thhaivquantrnghn,hnss
khngdmnigc.ylimtithtstintng.Chngtabohnrngnuhnbtuvitthvgiinthoi,thchngtacngbtuvitthvgi
inthoi.
Vvthihnhn.Harryni.
VvcchhnlmngkhiWhartontncngDean.Brutaltipli.TinghngitashiuPercyWetmorethtsshiiug.Anhtachmri
vtrmngmgtu.Khochcthtinhnhc.NhngPaulny...chngphiabMooresngpCoffeythclhnlaCoffeyngpb
Mooressao?ChngtacthchmscPercytheokhochanhra,sauabyvobngnghm,thayvaCoffeyquali.
Tilcu.
Khngbaogic.Dctriunmna.
VgimthMoores?
ngvy.ngycngunmclmchoThomasaNghethnthittrngnhnthnhJeanneDAnc.NuchngtaaCoffeynnhngy,ti
nghcthlmngybtng,tnhtcngchoCoffeythlm.Cchkhc...
Anhnghdngthglmxechuynch?
tngutincatildngxeath,titrli,nhngchngtaskhngbaogirakhisnmkhngb,vdsaothtrongvngbnknh
haimidmmingiunhnran.TionclchngtadngchicxeFordcatic.
Lionna.Deanni,giliknhlnmi.AnhkhngthaCoffeyvoxebngcchlttrntrung,cheybngmln,vdngmtmingthc
gtgiy.Anhnhngquenmtnnqunrnghntoxcbitbao.
Tikhngtrlic.HuhtchttmcatisnghmytptrungvovngPercyvvnWildBillWharton,nhhnnhngkhngngk.By
gitinhnravicchuynchskhngnginnhhivng.
HarryTerwilligernhtphncnlicachicbnhsandwichthhai,nhnmtthong,ribxungtrli.
Nuthtsphilmchuyninrny.Anhtani.Tinghchngtacthsdngxeticati.Chogngibngghsau.Vogingoi
ngkhngcnhiungi.Chngtaangnithiimsaunam,phikhng?
Phi.Tip.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ccanhqunmtiu.Deanni.TibitCoffeyvncmnntkhignKhu,khnglmgnhiungoivicnmditrnspvkhclc,nhngg
lkgitngi.ngthi,gtokhngl.NugquytnhtrnrakhibngghsauxecaHarry,cchduynhtngnchnlbncht.Vimtgnhth
sphibnnhiupht,kcbngsngbnmilmli.Gischngtakhnghcgthsao?
Chng26
NhvnH.G.Wellsclnvittruynvmtngisngchracmythigian,vtiphthinrng,khivittphikny,tisngchracmy
thigiancaringmnh.KhnggingnhcaWells,nchcthingcvqukhthctltrvnm1932,khitilitrngilnhgcKhuE
TriGiamTiuBangColdMountainnhnghiuqumtcchkl.Tuyth,cmythigiannygitinhnchicxeFordckcamnhvothi:bn
bit chc rt cuc n s khi ng, nhng khng bao gi bit mt vng quay cha kha c kch hot ng c cha, hoc bn phi ra khi xe v quay
manivenchonkhitaybnthcsrri.
TicnhiukhiuddngkhiklicuchuynvJohnCoffey,nhnghmquaphiquaymaniven.Tinghvmnhqumchmtrongvx
tDelacroix,vmtphntmhntikhngmunhitngliskin.Mtcichttit,mtcichtkhngkhip,vnxyratheocchcan,biv
PercyWetmore,mtthanhnintrthchchiunhngkhngchunischnhokcschnhocagngiPhpnhbhinau,kskhng
baoginhnthylGingSinhna.
Tuynhin,cngnhhuhtnhngcngvicbnthu,phnkhkhnnhtllcbtu.Mtcmykhngquantmbndngchakhacngtchay
quaymaniven,mtkhibnkhingc,thngthngnschytt,theocchnyhoccchkia.Ngyhmqua,cngvictinhnhvitinh
th.Lcu,chnghaxuthinthnhnhngcmtchahonchnh,rithnhcu,saulmtdngthc.Tiphthinvitlmtdnghitngcbit
lngkinhhincmttngthgngingnhshipdm.Cltichccmgicnhvyvtrthnhmtlogi,nhngtikhngnghth.Titin
rngskthpgiabtchvkctoramtloiphpthutkdiu,ythitthcmphpthutthnguyhim.LngibitJohnCoffeyvnhnthyiu
gcthlmchochutvchongiticmthymnhtcchninhth.
Phpthutlnguyhim.
Dthnothtivitsutngyhmqua,tngcngintuntrorakhitmtrti,nginhknhcatridnglovinhquangnybinmt,thay
volcnnhkhocuiDmngXanh,niqunhiunhngatrcvncatingixunglncuicngvchncuthangdnxungng
hmbndingi.ylniDean,Harry,BrutalvtichmtrnviPercyWetmorevcixcbckhicaEduardDelacroix,vbucPercynhclili
hanpnxinthuynchuynnbnhvintmthntiubangBriarRidge.
Trongnhknhlunlunchoati,nhngtrahmquatichngithymithtnngchicangicht.Tingmyctctrnbicdikia
bthaythbngtingncnhgittrngrng,chmrirquamivmnghm.Chuynitiptc.Tiduhnhngcvnm1932,tronglinhhnv
tmtr,nukhngltrongthxc.
Tibquabatra,vitnkhongbngig,vsaucngkhibungbtxung,taytitrnnaunhc.Tichmchpbcncuihnhlangtng
hai.yccasnhnrabixecanhnvin.GhlBradDolan,klmtinhnPercyvlkqusctm,munbittiiuvlmgtrong
nhnglnidolimtchicxeChevroletc,trncndnhngch:tigpChavtnngylNewt.Xegkhngcn,catrccaBradktthcv
gtamnhnbtcmnhvnnoggilnh.TihnhdungramtcnnhdingAirstream,ctrangboHustlerdnbngbngkeoScotchln
tngvnhnglonbiaDixievttronggc.
Tiirangoiquanhbp,nibatiangbtu.
ngcgtronggivy,ngEdgecombe?Nortonhiti.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Mtcichaikhng.Titrli.TikhmphradngsuiThanhXuntrongrngdikia.Michiukhongginy,tixungdiylymtt.Ti
ungvolcing.Cthnivianhlthtty.
Cthgichongctrtrung.George,mtubpkhc,ni.Nhngnchnggipchgcchobngoicang.
Ttcchngtibtcivcuni,ritibcrangoi.TithymnhnhnquanhtmDolan,thmchckhixegikhi,tmngmnhlkngc
nghchvgqumnhtmtr,ribngquasnchibngcroquet.Bnkialmtmngcxanhnh,xxc,trngphntrongnhtbmqung
coGeorgiaPineshnbaogiht,vbnkianlconngmnunlnvokhurngphangnhdnglo.Chaichinhcdctheoconng,
nhngngynystbctngcaogiaranhgiiGeorgiaPinesvXal47Georgia,tibcvovlimtlc.
mytinmtbatingonming,xemTVmtchtriingsm.NhiumtithcdysmvrnrnxungphngTV,ytixemnhngb
phimxatrnknhPhimM.Thnhngmquathkhngmquatingsaynhcht,khnghbmttrongnhnggicmvnmnhti,ktkhibt
uphiuluvonghipvnchng.Tonbchuynvitlchhnlmtimnmi,tikhngcntrnhtrcna,bnbity.
Khitnhgicvnhnthyvtnng,vnthnglritrnsnnhvosugisng,bsutnchnging,tivivchmdy,quhonghtkhng
ncnaukhpbcphthng,ugivmtcchn.Timcqunohtscnhanh,rigpgpixunghnhlang,ncasnhnrakhuxe
nhnvin,hivngniDolanchicxeChervroletccagvncntrng.ilcgilmtrnnagi...
Khngcmaymnnhth.Chicxe,lplnhmtcchcuknhdinhnngsng.BivnhngngynyngBradDolanciugilm
nggi,phikhng?Phi.LoPaulieEdgecombeiuvomibuisngsm,loPaulieEdgecombemmug,vngBradDolancnhtm
hiulchuyng.nglmgdi,Paulie?Nitinghe.Rtcthgangrnhmti.linitiangsliukhnngoan...ciutikhngth.
Paul?
Tiquaylinhanhnmcsutng.ylbbnElaineConnellycati.Mtbmtovbatayra,nhthlyti.Maymnchobvtily
cthngbng,chngaukhpcaElainerttrmtrngvcltiskhinbgylminungvovngtayb.Slngmnkhngchtkhibnbc
vovngtxaltridibnkiamctmtui,nhngbnnnqunchuynCunTheoChiuGivvni.
Xinli.Byni.Emkhngclmanhgitmnh.
Khngsao.Tipyutmmcivib.Tnhgicnhthtthnlbdinclnhvomt.Tinnthuclmvicmibuisng.
Anhangtmxecag,phikhng?XecaDoaln.
Thtkhngphinunidiby,dotigtu.
TihivngbitchcgangcnhnhphaTy.Timunchunrangoimtcht,nhngtikhngmunthygthyti.
Elainemmci,mtncitiuyutinhquimbyhnckhicnthanhxun.
Thngconhoangtm,phikhng?
Phi.
GcngkhngcnhphaTy.Emxungnsng,anhbnbunngvcthnianhbitgu,vemnhntrm.Gangtrongnh
bp.
Tinhnby,mttinhthn.TibitDolanctnhtm,nhngkhngbittmnmcno.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhcthhonlichuynidobuisngkhng?Elainehi.
Tisuynghvcuhi.
Ticholcth,nhng...
Anhkhngnn.
Khng.Tikhngnn.
Bygi,tingh,byshimnhiu,tiphilmgdikhirngkiamquantrngnth.
Nhngbkhnghi.Thayvo,blitngtincitiuyulnna.Ncicvklvhontontuytvitrnkhunmtquhchc,bcnau
eong.
AnhbitngHowlandkhng?
Bitch.Titrli,mcdkhnggpnhiu,ngtasngcnhnhphaTy,nitiGeorgiaPinesgnnhmtqucgialncn.Tisao?
Anhbitngycgcbitkhng?
Tilcu.
ngHowland.Elaineni,rngmingcihnbaogiht.LmttrongnmnginitrduynhtcnliGeorgiaPinescphphtthucl.Bi
vngymtytrckhiniquythayi.
Mtiukhonhui,tingh.Cnninothchhpchomtconngihnlnhdnglo?
Bythtayvotichicoxanhsctrngcamnhvrthramthaimn:mtiuthucvmthpdim.
ntrmxanh,ntrm.Bhtbngmtgingdudng,ngnghnh.BElliesttging.
Elaine,chuyng?
Hyacgigixungcuthangno.Bni,nhtthuclvdimtrliti,rinmlycnhtaytitrongibntayxngxucamnh.Chngti
btubctrthnhhnhlang.Khilmth,tiquytnhchuthuavgiaophsphnvotayb.Btuyginuavdv,nhngkhngngcnghch.
Trongkhibcivisquantmthntrngnciditchvnlchngtihinnay,Elaineni:
Hychchncuthang.EmsncnhnhphaTy,nphngvsinhhnhlang.Anhbitemmunniphngnoch?
Bit.Titrli.Ciphngngaybnngoiphngtmhi.Nhngtisao?
Hnmilmnmnayemkhnghtthuc.Bni.Nhngsngnayemthmmtiu.Emkhngbitphirtbaonhiuhikhingmydkhi
trongy,nhngemcnhtmhiu.
Tinhnbyvivngngmbngn,thmnghbginhnvtibitbaocthJancngslmngnhvy.Elainenhntrliti,nn
citiuyuthanhnh.Tikhumbntayquanhphasauchiccdingyu,kokhunmtblignmtti,vhnphtlnmib.
Tiyuc,Eliie.Tini.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
i,lilaotobalnqu.Bpli,nhngticthnilbrthilng.
ChuckHowlandthsao?Tihi.Liungtasgpphinhkhng?
Khng,vngtaangtrongphngTV,xemphimGoodMorningAmericacngvikhongmtchcngikhc.Vemsntrnhngaykhimydkhi
bongcchychinhphaTy.
Chtngvtgythngtch,cgi.Tiskhngbaogitthathnu...
,ngcunglnth.Bnivlnnybyhnti.Tnhyucanhngtntch.Cliunynghekhihiivimtsngivquigivi
scnli,nhngchotinimtiu,bn:tnhyukcccnhnkhng.
Tinhnbbci,dichuynchmchpvcng(vbchsdnggychngvinhngngymtvchkhicnaulntt,ylmttrong
nhngiutcaocab),vchi.Nmphttriqua,rimivnglctiquytnhrngbyhocmtcanm,hocphthinngunpinca
mydkhitrongphngvsinhcn,tingchungbochycnhnhphangvangmln.
Ngaylptctitinvphanhbp,nhngchmrikhngcldogvichonkhibitchcDolankhngcnngti.Mtnhmnhngngi
gi,phnlncnmcong,rakhiphngTV(yncgilTrungtmGiitrqullbch)xemchuyngxyra.ChuckHowlandcmttrong
mng,tivuimngcthyngta.
Edgecombe!KentAverytheth,bmvokhungtpibngmttay,taykiagitmnhngqunpyjamamtcchmnh.Bongththaylibo
nggina?Anhnghsao?
Khngcchnobitc.Titrli.
nglcbangihlchyqua,ttcuhngvcnhnhphaTy,httoyucunhngngitmtmquanhcaphngTVrangoivchht
bong.NgithbatronghnglBradDolan.Thmchgkhngnhntikhichyqua,mtskinkhintivcngthchth.Khiivhngnhbp,ti
chtnghituynElaineConnellyvPaulEdgecombescchimttBradDolan,ctngcngthmnachcgPercyWetmore.
Nhngnginuntrongnhbpvntiptcdndpbasng,khngchtquantmntinglabongcchy.
ngEdgecombeny,Georgelnting.TitinlBradDolannygivntmng.Nitmli,ngblhn.
Maychomnh,tingh.TinitolsgpngDolansau.Ritihicnstchtbnhmnngnoquanhbnnsngkhng.
Cnch.Nortontrli.Nhngnguilnhtrnthtrngri.Sngnayngntr.
Tintr.Ting.Nhngtii.
Lmbnhmivnngchmtmtphtthi.Georgenivataylybnhm.
Khi,nguicngc.Tipvkhianhtatraochotihaikhoanh(nhncvbnthctchaiucvbn),tihihrakhica,ccmgic
trlilthngbtrnhcicuc,vimtmingmtgitronggiysp,nhtvongco.
Bnngoicanhbp,tinhnvixungquanhtmDolan,khngthyiugngngi,rigpgpbngquasnbngcroquetvbic,vaivanhm
nhpmtkhoanhbnh.Tiichmlimtchtkhivonkhurngvtronglcbcdctheongmn,tithytmtrmnhquaylingysaubuihnh
hhEduardDelacroixkhngkhip.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
TinichuynviHalMooressnghmy,vnghekrngkhiunocaMelindalmchobysavonhngcnchithnitc...iumsau
nyvtigncho(mtcchkhdod,nngkhngbitchccngmtth)hichngTourette.Vrunrytronggingnicangy,kthpvikcvJohn
CoffeychalnhcchngnhimtrngngtiulncilngconchutcaDelacroixbgy,saucngytivtqulnranhgiassuynghsung
vthcsthihnhmtiu.
Vthtiginhngngicnglmvicvimnh,nhngngisutititincyquabaonmdiDeanStanton,HarryTerwilliger,BrutusHowell.H
ndngbatratinhtisaungyxtDelacroix,vtnhthlngnghetiphchakhoch.Dnhin,ttcubitCoffeychalnhchocon
chutBrutaltnmtnhnthy.VthkhitigimtphplnacthhnhthnhnuchngtiaJohnCoffeyngpMelindaMoores,hkhng
cngkhaicinho.DeanStantonlngitracuhigybirinht:chuyngsxyranuJohnCoffeytrnthottrongkhichngtiahnikhost
thca?
Gisggitnginokhc?Deanhi.Tightbmtviclm,tightphivotticvvcontrngcytikimmingnchohnhngti
nghtikhngghthaiiubngchuyncthmmtbgichttronglngtmti.
Mtkhonhkhcynlng,ttcbnhnhnti,chxemtiphnngrasao.Tibitttcsthayinutininhngiuangchcchcnira,
chngtitinnvtrdngnhkhngthlibc.
Trkhikhngthlibcri,tnhtliviti.Timmingvni:
iuskhngxyra.
NhndanhCha,lmsaoanhdmchciu?
Tikhngtrli.Tikhngbitphibtunhthno.Tibitthcmcnysnysinh,dnhintibit,nhngtivnkhngbitlmsaobtu
nichohngheiugtronguvtrongtimmnh.Brutallichoti.
Anhkhngnghggitngi,phikhngPaul?Anhtacvngvc.Anhnghgngvti.
Tikhngnhgvti.Titrli.
Saoanhcthkhngnh?
Chaiiu.Titrli.Mttronghaiiulchicgiycati.
Giycaanh?Brutalkuto.GiycaanhthlinquangnvicJohnCoffeycgithaibgihaykhng?
mquatithomtchicgiyvachog.Tini.Chuynnylsaucuchnhhnh,khimivicnnhlimtcht.Tiynquachn
song,gnhtlntrongibntaytocag.Tibogthtdygiy.Tiphibitchc,ccanhthyy,vttcnhngatrcvncachngta
thngmangdpmtngithcsmuncthttbngdygiy,nuanhtanhtquyt.Ttcchngtaubitnhth.
Cbngtu.
Gbgiylnlngvxchoqualihaiudyntho,nhngsaugchuthua.Gnichcchnnginochgcchlmkhicnnhc
llbghocmttrongnhngbntraicamgsaukhibchtnhnggqunmtmori.
TingviBrutaltivnkhnghiugiycaanhlinquangnvicJohnCoffeycgitisongsinhnhDetterickkhng.Deanni.
Vyltinlicuchuynbtccvgitngilnnaiutictrongthvinvocingynngbc,hbsibng,cnGibbonsthngytrong
gcnhvttcnhnggtayphngvinHammersmithsaunykli.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ConchcanhDetterickkhnghaycn,nhnglloichsachngtrnthgii.Tini.Tnbtccmybgibtmingnbngcchchon
nxcxch.Tihnhdungmilnthyramtmuglibngnhn,vtrongkhiconchlaigingangnmucuicng,gatayranmlyun,
vngyc.
Sau,khingitauikpCoffey,vincnhstchhuymdnqunRobMcGeeltnanhtanhnthymtchphngtrntingcocaCoffey.
ThottinMcGeenghcthlmtkhusng.Coffeyniylphnntra,vharangvyhaikhoanhbnhsandwichvmtmnngmdm,gitrong
giybovctbngdyhngtht.Coffeykhngnhaiachog,chbitlmtphnkhoctpd.
Bnhsandwichvmnngmdmnhngkhngcxcxch.Brutalnhnxt.
Khngcxcxch.Ting.
Dnhinlkhngc.Deanni.Gnmchoconchn.
,yliucngtvintuynbtrongphinx.Ting.NhngnuCoffeymgithcnvnmxcxchchoconchn,lmsaoggit
giybotrlibngkiubndycahngtht?Tikhngbitgcchivolcno,nhngtrcmtchngtahybquaiu.Connginythmch
khngthtnimtcintdpnaka.
Mtkhonhkhcnnlngsngsdi,saucngbBrutalphv.
Mkip.Anhtatrmgingni.Saokhngainuraiutrongphinx?
Khngainghniu.TinivthymnhlinghnHammersmith,tayphngvinHammersmith,ngiihcihcBowlingGreen
Hammersmith,ngithchnghmnhlkgicngHammersmith,ngibotirnglchlaigingvbnMiencnglmtth,rngchaithu
cthbtngpbnmtphtmkhngcldo.NgoitrvicanhtacgihlbnMiencaanh,nhthhvnltisn...nhngkhngphitisn
caanhta.Khng,khngphicaanhta.Khngbaogilcaanhta.Vvothi,minNamydynhngtayHammersmith.Khngaithcsc
trangbnghniu,kclutscaCoffey.
Nhnganhc.Harrylnting.Ticngskhngnghniu,nukhngkthpiugnivicnhstvinMcGeengyhmyviiu
gnisaukhichalnhbnhchoti,viugnisaukhicusngconchut.
Cig?Deanhi.
Khibcvoxlimcag,tinhbthimin.Ticmthykhngthchngliiugmun,thmchnucgngcngkhngc.
Tikhngthchnghenhth.Harynivbnchnxoaytrtrnghngi.
Tihigmungvgni"Chmungip".Tinhcunirtr.Rikhiktthcvtikhehn,gbit."Tagip"gni."Tagip,phi
khng?"
Brutalgtu.
Ginghttrnghpconchut.Anhni"Anhgip",vCoffeynilivianhnhmtconvt."TigipconchutcaDel".yllcanhbit,
phikhng?"
Phi,tionth.TinhliiugniviMcGeekhianhtahigchuyngxyra.iuchuhttrongmicuchuynvbngitngi."Ti
khnglmcg.Ticrtli,nhngqumun".Mtconnginimtiunhthvihaibgichttrntay,chngldatrng,gthtoxcbngmt
nginh,khngngcnhinkhingitahiusai.Ngitanghegnitheomtcchsphhpvinhnggngitaangchngkin,vcingitaang
6/30/2017 DmXanh
chngkinlmtgdaen.Ngitanghgangthti,gangnirnggbthithcbtccnhngbgi,hmhipchng,rigitchng.Rngg
sctnhvcgngdngli...
Nhngnlcythqumun!Brutalththo.
Phi.Ngoitriugangcgngnichohhiulgphthinnhngbgi,cgngchalnh,hisinhchngmkhngthnhcng.Chngi
qusuvocicht.
Paul,anhtiniukhng?Deanhi.Anhthtstiniuch?"
Titsuyngmlncuicng,rigtu.Khngchbygitimibit,mtphntrcgiccatibitcgkhngngvitnhhungcaJohn
Coffeyngaytlcu,khiPercybcvoKhu,kotayCoffeyvmgoln:"Ttin!"Chngphitibttaygsao?Tichabaogibttaymtk
nDmngXanh,nhngtibttayCoffey.
LyCha,Deanni.ChaKitlnglnh.
Giycaanhlmtchuyn,Harrylnting.Chuynkialg?
KhnglutrckhiidnqunphthinCoffeyvccbgi,ngitarakhirnggnbphaNamsngTrapingus.Hthymtvtcbgimbp
y,rtnhiumu,vqunongcnlicaCoraDetterick.nchblnlnmtcht.PhnlnmunchyvhngngNam,xuitheobsng.Nhng
haicontrongnchsnnicooniemuningcdng.BoboMarchantiukhinnch,vkhianhtachobnchnicooniengichicong,chng
quaylivinhngconkia.
Lcoonienhmln,phikhng?Brutalhi.Mtncikh,klvghtmphngphttrnkhemianhta.Chngkhngcsinhratheo
diduvt,nghimkhcmni,vchnglnlntrongnhimvphilm.
Phi!
Tikhnghiu!Deanni.
LchnicooniequnbtcthgBoboachochngngithcchngbtu,Brutalgiithch.Volchrakhirngnbnbsng,
nhngconcoonieangnhhikgitngichkhngphinhngabgi.iukhngkhkhikgitngivccbgicnbnnhau,nhng...
nhmtDeansngln.Harrythhiuvn.
Khisuynghvskin,Tini.Cccusngcnhintisaobtcngino,kcmthithmonvnangmungntichomtgdaen
langthang,cthtinrngJohnCoffeychnhlkhmun,dchmtpht.Chmttnglmchoconchnnlngbngthcnnkhicthbcn,
vtquakhnngcaCoffey.
G cha bao gi n gn nng tri nh Detterick hn b Nam sng Trapingus, l iu ti ngh. Cch xa n khong su dm. Lc y g ang lang
thang,clnhixungnphangstvnxeimtninokhckhixehaxarakhitrcu,nschychmli,nhylnthgnghe
hngBccnong.
Tngitngi?Brutalhi.
Tngitngi.Cthghmhipchng,hocCoffeynghecvhmhip.Trongbtktrnghpno,vtcmmulnitngitngikt
thchnhvipuccbgivonhau,vtchngxungrichuni.
ChunvhngTyBc,Brutalni.Hngmlchcooniemunuitheo.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ng.JohnCoffeyiquahngcymchiquvhngngNamimccbgibbli,cltmvtingng,vphthinraccthith.Mt
tronghaibgivncnsngticholcthchai,mcdkhngcnluna.ChcchcJohnCoffeykhngbitchngchtcha.Gchbitmnhc
nnglcchabnhtrongibntayvcgngpdnglncthCoravKatheDetterick.Khithykhnghiuqu,gsuysptinhthn,khclcvln
cnkchng.Ngitaphthinragtrongtnhtrng.
Tisaogkhngliy,tinigphthinranhngabgi?Brutalhi.TisaoliachngvphaNam,dctheobsng?Anhcking
khng?
Ticcrngthotugyntich.Titrli.Titan,ngitacnivmtkhuvcrngbgimp,ttccbbp.MJohnCoffeyli
lmtngitoln.
JohnCoffeylmtgsghgm.Harryni,hgingthtthpvitikhngnghec,nutnhcnnganglngnghe.
Clgphthongkhinhnthyiuanglmkhngchiuqu.Hoccthgnghthphmvncn,trongkhurngngcdngsng,ang
theodig.Cccubity,Coffeyvntolnnhngkhngcanm.Harry,cucnnhghichngtacnsngtrongKhukhingkhng?"
Nh.Tinhnghrngvikchthctolncnhg,yucuqulkhihi.
NhnHarrycvrunryvsuyt.Deanhi:
Nugkhnggitnhngabgithaigit?
Mtknokhc.Tilcu.Tionchcnhtlmtgdatrng.CngtvinlmmchuynkgitnimtconchtocchnhDetterickphi
lngirtkhemnh,nhng...
Ninhm!Brutusgmln.Mtabgimihaituikhemnhvncthbgycmtconchto,nubtngnmcconchvbitnm
chno.NuCoffeykhngphilthphm,thcthlbtcai...nghalbtcgnngno.Clchngtaskhngbaogibit.
Trkhikrataylnna.Tini.
Thmchlcychngtaskhngbit,nuggyticTexas,hocCalifornia.Harryni.
Brutaldarasaugh,dinmtayvomtnhmtabmtmi,ribtaytrvolng.
Mtcncmng!Anhtaktlun.ChngtacmtmtngicthlvtivanhtasbctrnDmngXanh,chcchncngnhChato
racycaovnhngconcnhb.Chngtaphilmgvsvic?Nubtubngchuynnhngngntaychabnhvvn,mingiscinv
bng,rigcnghtitrnChoNngthi.
Chngtalochuynsau.Tini,vkhngclymttngcnconnotrlianhta.Vnngaylcnyliuchngtalmhockhngvi
Melly.Ticthnililivingysuyngh,nhngtitinrngcmingychiligiatngnguycgkhngthgipby.
Cnnhgchatayranconchutkhng?Brutalhi."Hyanchotitronglccnkp",gnith."Tronglccnkp".
Tinh!
Tithamgia.TicngcmthytittrongvDel,nhngtichmunxemiugxyrakhigchmvoby.Clskhngcg,nhngcngc
th...Brutalsuyngh,rigtu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
TihtscngvcchuynchngtaaccihnhnhnbnhnrakhiKhu.Harrytipli,sauthdivgtu.Nhngaithmquantm?
Tithamgia.
Tina.Deanlnting.AiliKhu,Paul?Chngtartthmch?
Khng!Titrli.Khngrtthm.Culi.
Thy?Dpanhi!Deanp,tivtcgin.Anhtalicpknhxungvbtuchibngmtcchphnnvoosmi.ylloithathun
hngbtnovy?
LoithathuncutcnutrcconvncnTrunghc.Brutalni.Harryvticthn.Paulcgianh,nhngtnhtconcianh
ytrngthnhraring.Khochchngtavchraylmttrrtnguyhimtinghgnnhchcchnchngtasbbt.Anhtaimmnhnti.
Paul,cmtiuanhkhngnilnuchngtaagrangoic,nhngnhngngntaychabnhcaCoffeykhngcktqu,chnhHalMoorescth
tcochngta.Anhtachotichitrlicuniny,cthlphnbc,nhngtikhngth,vthtiimlng.BrutalquayliviDeanvtiptc.
nghiulmti,cucngcnguycmtvicna,nhngtnhtcucchithotttinuplciutranng.Percysnghyltranuc
mttibntrc,cucthnicucngnghnhth,vchngtichabaoginigkhcvicu.
Tivnkhngthchth.Deanni.Nhngrrnganhtabnglngvikhoch,dthchhaykhngthch.nghvconcithuytphcanhta.Vy
sltinay?Anhchcch?
Nutinhnhthtthnnnltinay.Harrytrli.Nucdpsuynghvchuynny,rtckhnngtismttinhthn.
tighquabnhxcho.Deanngh.tnhtticnglmcnhth,phikhng?
Culmnhnggcnlm,minngbbt.Brutalni.
Denacvbxcphmvtivlnvaianhta.
Culmngaysaukhivocatrc,ckhng?
c!
Vtithuquacanhthtirahiuchonng.
Aiungthmtrplnhno?Nngrngrhi.chthno,Brutus?
Khng,cmn!Anhtatrli.Citimunlncmtliwhiskyy,nhngtronghoncnhnythkhngphilhay.
Janicenhntimingmmci,mtlou."Paul,anhlikoccchngtrainyvochuyngth?"Nhngtrckhitikpdnglnmtcutrli,nng
gitayvni,"nglo,emkhngmunnghe".
Chng27
Hikhimtlcluvtrongkhitithayqunoilm,nngnmlytayti,xoaytiquaylivnhnvomttivivmnhlit.
Melindaphikhng?
Tigtu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhcthlmgchobykhng,Paul?Thtslmciugchoby,haychlmmngnysinhvnhngganhthymqua?
Tinghnimt,bntaycaCoffey,vtnhtrngthiminkhitibcvovmuncag.Tinghngchatayranhncicthgygp,hp
hicaJingles."Tronglccnkp",gnith.Vnhngthmuenquaycungrihatrngvbinmt.
Anhnghbnanhcllchiduynhtbycnli.Rtcuctinira.
Vyhynmlyn.Nngbotrongkhigikhuytrcchicokhocmathumicati.Nnmimtrongttngysinhnhtcatihiuthng
Chn,nhngychllnthbahaybngmtithcsmcn.Nmlychii!
Vnngytiraca.
mytivocatrclcsugihaimi.Vnhiumt,ylmklnhttrongtonbcuciti.Tinghvncnngicmithtchythoang
thong,bmtrongkhngkh.Chchnlmtogicvnhngcnhcabnngoi,ctrongKhulnnhkhi,cmgnnhsutngy,vhaiton
trctrcbnhiugichra.Nhngkhngthayiciumitiangmchbo,vtikhngnghnutnibtcbanno,kcnishiv
buititrcmt.
BrutalnKhuvolcsugibnmilm,Deanlcmigi.TinghDeannkhubnhxxemhcbnnngchocilngcatikhng,th
msngsmhmydngnhticngramangxcDelacroixxungnghm.Deannianhtartvuilngthihnh.Titinanhtanhtngtimt
cinhymt,nhnganhtatkimch.
Harrynlcsuginmmiby.
Chicxeti?Tihi.
aimchngtatholun.
Chongimivicuntho.Tiptheolmtkhongthigianngnchngtingbnbntrc,ungcphvctnhkhngniniucbn
angnghnvhivngrngPercysntrhoccthkhngn.Tnhnnhngphbnhkhngthnthinmhnnhncvcchthcthihnh
bnnghin,tnhtiucvkhngthxyra.
NhngrrngPercygnbvicuchmngnxadychngtaphileongaylnlngconngahtchngtang,bivhnbcquacalc7:06,
lnglytrongbngphcxanh,taychnglnhngvcydicuibngghotrongcibaotlmringlbch.Hnbmthcngtc,rithntrngnhn
chngti.
Bphnmycatihng.Hnlnting.Tiphiquaytay.
ich!Harryni.Tinghipcng.
Lrannnhsachacivtngnguynray.Brutalntntipli.Chngtaumuncubcngthng,phikhngccbn?
Cy,ccanhthchth,ngkhng?Percycaycni,nhngtinghcvhnantmbiphnngtnginhnhngcaBrutal.Mtduhiu
ttp.Trongviginachngtiphihamnhvihn,khngquthch,nhngcngkhngquthnthin.Saumqua,hnsthybtciugcng
ngng,kcvicktthn.Chngtikhngthlmchohnmtcnhgic,iuycbnubit,nhngtinghcthchemthntrongthigiandinu
dinxutkho.iuquantrngkhngkmlkhngaibtnthng.KcPercyWetmore.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Deantrlivkhgtuviti.
Percy,tigi.Timuncuvonhkhovlauchisnnh.Lauccuthangxungnghm.Saucucthvitboovvicxyram
qua.
Vicysngtoy.Brutalbnhlun,ngntaymcvodythtlng,nhnlntrn.
Myanhlbchhnclbch!Percyni,nhnghnkhngphni.Thmchkhngvchramtiuhinnhinrngsnnhkhoclauchit
nhthailntrongngyhmy.Tionhnvuimngcdptrnhmtchngti.
Tinxembnbococatrctrc,khngthygngquantm,ribcxungphaxlimcaWharton.Thngnhcangngingbgitrnsp,
vngtaymlycngchn,nhntivimtncirngr,thnghch.
,chngphispbysao?Nlnting.Tottnhcucsngvxuxgphailn.Trnganhvuivhncmtconheoangngptrongng
phn,thaspEdgecombe.Vanhngvianhtrckhirikhinh,phikhng?
Khekhng,Kid?Tibnhthnhivthngnhctitnhhnln.Nbchnxung,nglnrivnvai.Ncinrnghn,mttntthnghch
tanbin.
,mkip!ThngnhcniLnutinanhgingtnti!Anhsaoth,spEdgecombe?Anhangbnhhayangsao?
Chem,Tini.NuchmunlmBillytheKidthayvWildBillthivitavnlmt.
Thngnhcphngphaolnthyr,nhmttrongnhngloicghrndiccdngsngNamM.Tiimtvinhiugnguyhimtrongthik
lmvicDmngXanh,nhngcrttaghtmnhWilliamWharton,ntxemmnhlksngngoivngphplutvinht,nhnghnhvign
nhkhngvtcaohnchuyntbyhockhcnhquachnsongxlim.Chonlcy,chngtivnchachonnhnlysknhnmncmthyc
quynhng,nhngvomcbit,timunndbo.Nucnphnhph,tisvuivlm.
TicnhiuimchungviKid,anhnntiniuWhartonni.Tikhngvoyvncpkomtcahiumthng.Kiuhnhnhmtg
nglnhvolonanhhngcabinhonLDng,thayvmtthnglmngvoxlim,cchghinchbymibcdi.Baticatiu?
Thii,Kid,bocovitchemnlcnmginmmiri.Thtbmvincbo,khoaitynghinvu.Chemkhngdquamttau.
Thngnhctoetotcivngilixungsp.
Vythmradioln.Nniradiotheocchngitaagin,vvyncvniuvimttlngthithpnin50"DaddyO".Thtbuncikhimt
conngicthnhnhiuvnhnglcthnkinhbcngthngnmcgnnhctginght.
Clsau,nhc!Tip.Tibcxaxlimvnhnxungphadihnhlang.Brutaltnbxungukia,yanhtakimtrabitchcca
phngklutckhabngkhan,thayvkhai.Tibitthvchnhtikimtra.Sauny,chngtimuncthmcanhanhtia.Skhng
cthigiandnnhngthphthilinhtinhchngchttrongquabaonmchngtiemrangoi,phnloi,rictvonhngnikhc,khnglu
saukhiWhartongianhpbngnhmvuinhnchngti.ivichngti,dngnhcnphngnhngbctngltnmckhnngsdngvonhiuvic,
tnhtchonkhi"BillytheKid"bctrnDmngXanh.
JohnCoffey,kthngxuynnmnvogikhcny,ichndiongavmtquayvotng,liangngiusp,taychpli,nhnBrutal
bngnhmtcnhgicvnkhngphiltnhcchcag.Nccngkhngaraquanhmtg.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Brutalthmcnhcaphngklut,ritrliDmngXanh.AnhtalicCoffeykhiingangquaxlim,vCoffeynimtcukl:"Vng,timuni
mtchuyn".NhthpliiugBrutalni.
nhmtBrutalgpnhmtti.Gbit,tignnhnghecanhtanith.Bngcchno,gbit.
Tinhnvaivxotayra,nhmunni"Dnhingbit".
Chng28
LoTootTootyxebnchuynhngmcuicngnKhuEvokhongtmgibnmilmpht.Chngtimuamtlnghngvvnlo
citoevivthamlam.
Sao,ccanhthyconchutcha?
Chngtilcu.
ClChngpTraithy.Tootni,htuvhngnhkhorahiu,niPercyhocanglausnnh,vitboco,hocangvomng.
Loquantmiug?Cchnothcngkhngphiviccalo.Brutallnting.yxei,Toot.Lolmthiumcchny.
Tootnncicbitkhchucalosnrngvhpm,rikhtkhthth.
Mimyanhngikhngphicati.Lop.MiDely,bmluqu.
Khckhchci,loyxerakhica,votrongsntpthdc.Vloyxenhththmminmna,rtlusaukhitiraiquthni,bn
bnhMoonPiesvbprangchonhnglnhgcvtnhnctin.Thmchbygithnhthongtivnnghetinglotronggicm,htlnrngloangb
nng,loangbnng,lolcongtyhti.
ThigiankodirasaukhiTootikhi,nghdngnhbltchmchp.Chngtingheradiotrongmtgiri,WhartoncihhkhingheFred
AllendinvNgHmcaAllen,tuynhintingnkhnghiunhiucuchuynkhihi.JohnCoffeyngiuspng,taychpli,nhmtrttkhiri
btcaingitibntrc.Tithyngitachchuynicamnhtitrmxebuttheocch.
Percytnhkhobcvolcmigibnmilmphtvtraochotimtbococvittmbngbtch.Vngmnmrirctrnmtgiy
thnhnhngvtlnnhn.Hnthytilyngnciralnmtvtnnvivnglnting:
ylbnnhputin.Tischpli.Anhnghg?
Tinghylmtbithanhminhtrngtrn,nmtnhttitngctrongsutnhngnmthngcmttrni.Nhngtinittvhnbi,vhi
lng.
DeanvHarrychibicribbage,ninngno,cinhauvimsquthngxuynvcnmgiymtlnlinhnkimnghchmchpb.tnht
lvomttrongnhngvnbimy,dngnhhroquanhbnbaln,thayvhai.Cqunhiucngthngtrongkhngkhnmcticmthyc
themratctngnhtst,vnhngkduynhtcvkhngcmnhniulPercyvWildBill.
nmihaigimipht,tikhngchungcnavkhgturahiuchoDean.AnhtabcvovnphngvimtchaiR.C.Colamuatxe
ycaloToot,ritrrangoimthayhaiphtsau.Byginccolacrtvomtcilibngthic,mtnhnkhngthpvridngn
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ct.
Ticmlylivnhnquanh.Harry,Dean,vBrutal,ttcangnhnti.Nhth,cnJohnCoffeyna.Tuynhin,khngcPercy.Percyquaylinh
kho,niclhncmthythoimihnvocimcbitny.Tithongnhhicilivkhngngithymig,ngoitrchtncR.C.,vothi
vncmtmiqullngnhngdchu.
TiemlixungxlimcaWharton.Thngnhcangnmditrnsp.Nkhngthdmdsaothchanhngdngngcicanlnvthnh
thonglibngnmtcirmnh,nhmttaynhccngnihcmmkhysidyMidycm.
Kid.Tigi.
nglmphinti.Thngnhctrli.
cri.Ting.Taemncngtthngchochemvsutmcxnhmtconngignbngmtklcynhngnuvytas
ung.
Tigivungbngcchnngcili(mtbnlittivnhngcphnggindvonhiubchnsongxlim)lnmi.Whartonvtrakhispng
nhanhnhchp,iukhnglmtingcnhin.ychngphitrbpcnguyccao,phnlntnhnphmtinnggitngi,hmhip,vcc
ngilnGiSparkyrtthmngt,vthngnhcnykhngphilngoil.
acichoti,ngu.Whartonthtln.Nlngingqunc,cntichlthngtaysaitmthng.anchotheKid.
Tigililnngaybnngoichnsong,mcchonthtayra.Lmtrilislmtcngthctorathmho,iubtclnhgctlunmnocngs
nichobnbit.ylmtthchngtinghnnhngthmchkhngbitrngchngtiangnghnncchchngtibitkhngnnchobnt
nhngithngtn,cchchngtibitmthanhchakhakhualengkengvivnghalclnxnKhu,bilmthanhcalnhgctangchy,m
lnhgctthkhngbaogichy,trkhiclnxntrongthunglng.NhngthmPercyWetmoreskhngbaogikhnra.
TuynhinmnayWhartonkhngthchvchphocbpc.Thngnhcgitlycili,ncgnlngncngtbngbahidi,rihimttingrto.
Tuytho!Nthtln.
Tichatayra.
Cili.
Thngnhcgicilimtlc,vnnbngnhmt.
Gistigili?
Tinhnvai.
Chngtisvovlyli.Chemsxungcnphngnh.VchemungliR.C.cuicng.Nghal,trkhicphcvdiangc.
Ncicathngnhtanbin.
Ticckhoinhngchuyntuvangc,m.Nyciliquachnsong.y.Cmly.
Ticmlycili.Tsaulngti,Percyni:
6/30/2017 DmXanh
NhndanhCha,tisaoanhlichomtthngbatrnnhnungncngtphasoda?
Vncphathucngcabnhxnmknhtrongbnmitmgimkhngnmcmivg,tingh.
ViPaul,Brutallnting,phmchtcalngbaodungkhngcngthngnrixungtthinngnhtrnmadudng.
H?Percyhi,nhumy.
Nghalanhydblunglc.Lunlunlth,smimilth.MunchimtvnCrazyEightskhng,Percy?
Percyxmtting.
NgoitrGoFishvOldMaid,ylkiubibcngungcnht.
ChnhvthtinghcthcuthchmtchnchibiBrutalp,ngtngommci.
Gnocnghmmnh.Percypchtvdndibvovnphngcati.Tikhngquantmnhiunconchutnhtangcmmngsaubngiy
camnh,nhnggimingkhngni.
nghchmchpb:mihaigihaimiphtmihaigibamipht.nmihaigibnmipht,JohnCoffeyrakhispngvng
caxlim,taynmhchnsong.BrutalvtiinxlimcaWharton,nhnvotrong.Thngnhcnmtrnsp,civitrnnh.Mtnmto,nhngnhn
gingnhngvinbithytinh.Mtbntayttrnngcbntaykiathngthtmtbnsp,tngntaychmxungsnnh.
Quitht.Brutalni.TBillytheKidthnhWillietheWeepertrongvngchaymtgi.TithcmckhngbitDeanbbaonhiuvinmorphin
trongncngt.
Va.Titrli.Gingtihirun.TikhngbitBrutalnghechaykhng,nhngtithchcchnlc.Coino,chngtaslmvic.
Anhkhngmunchchothngpmkiahnmisao?
Nhnmri,Brute.Nchqusaythuckhngkpnhmmt.
Anhlsp.AnhtanhnquanhtmHarry,nhngHarrycmt.Deanangngithnglngbntrc,mnhtayxobi,nhanhnmcqulchuyn
lkhichngkhngbcchy,cmilnnhthlikhlicsangbntri,vhngvnphngcati.AnhtatheodiPercy.
ngicha?Harryhi.Gngmtdinhngacaanhtatimttrnnnongphcxanh,nhngcvququyt.
Ri.Titrli.Nuchngtaphilmxongchuynnythqulngi.
Harrylmduthnhvhnngntaycicamnh.Sauanhtabcxungphngklut,mkhavtrlivichicoai.AnhtatraonchoBrutal.
BangichngtibclnphatrnDmngXanh.Coffeyngcaxlim,nhnchngtii,khngthtmtli.Khichngtinbnbntrc,Brutal
achicoairasaulnganhta,vnrngchegiunmtcchddng.
Chcmaymn.Deanni.AnhtatixanhnhHarry,vcngququytnhth.
Percyphasaubngiycati,ngvy,ngitrnghcativnhnmtnhumytrcquynschmhnemtheongitrongvimvaqua
khngphiArgosyhocStag,nhnglChmScBnhNhnTmThntrongBnhVin.Hnbnsngh,tcilicnhnytili,lolngmhnnmv
hngchngtikhibcvo,ylNhngNgyCuiCngcaSodomvGomorrah.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
G?Hnhi,tayvivnggpschli.Myanhmung?
Nichuynvicu,Percy.Titrli.Ththi.
Nhnghnccnhiuhncmunnichuyntrngngmtchngtivvtngln,gprtkhnghnlchy,nhnggnnhthncnh
camranhkho.Hnnghtnhtchngtinchnhohn,vchchnclchohnmttrnn.
Harryctng,vngrasaulnghnvngchntrcca,taykhoanhlitrnngc.
Nooi!Percyquaysangti,shinhngckhngl.Chuynnylsao?
nghi,Percy.Titrli.Tinghmnhsynndgthcngtrlibnhthngmtkhichngtithcstinhnhcngvicinrny,
nhngnkhngtintrintheochiuhng.Tikhngthtinniiutianglm.Ngingnhmtgicmtit.Tivnchmongvtilaydyvni
rngtirnrtrongkhing.Sddnghnnucuthuntnh.
Howellccigsaulnganhta?Percyhibnggingngcng,quayusangnhnrBrutalhn.
Khngcg.Brutalni....ciny,tichol...
Anhtagitphngcioairavrbnhng,nhmtusbttrmnhvikhiukhchconbtncng.
MtPercymtovhnlaon.Hnnhchytrn,nhngHarrychptayhnvcbnholttcnhngghnlmc.
Thtira!Percylato,cgingrakhitayHarry.iukhngthc,vHarrynnghnhngn100poundvcbpthtcamtngitngb
phnlnthigianrnhricybavchci,nhngPercynlckhmnh,liHarryragiaphngvlmxcxchtmthmxanhkhchumti
vnnhthayth.Trongthongchc,titnghnsgcmtcnhtaynihongscthlmtscmnhthcynggm.
Bnhtnh,Percy.Tini.Sddnghnnu...
ngcbotibnhtnh,ngu!Percythtln,gitmnhvaivcgngrttayra.Trnhxatira!Ttcmyanh!Tiquenbitnhiungi!Nhng
ngitaitomtln!Numyanhkhngthichuynny,myanhsphiitutxungSouthCarolina,chlnhmtsutntthin!
Hnnhoratrcmtlnna,itrnvavobngiycati.Quynschhnangc,ChmScBnhNhnTmThntrongBnhvin,bttungln
vquynschnhhn,khbtidubntronglra.KhngngcnhintisaoPercycvtilikhichngtibcvo.NkhngphilNhngNgyCui
CngcaSodomvGomorrah,nhnglloischmilcchngtiachonhngtnhncbitcmthybkchthchtnhdcvcxnghong,
xngnging.Tininloisch,tinghthloitruyntranhtrongOliveOylnivittc,ngoitrthngnhcSweetPea.
TicmthybunvPercyvovnphngcativeouithitryvngvtvHarrynhnggticththyvanhtaquavaiPercyangb
kocngcvghtmnhnhng,nhngBrutalthcirlnviukhinchoPercymtnhukhchngc,tnhtltmthi.
iPercy.Anhtani.Mcusnig?Hnna,Thngcsnig?
MtPercybm.
Imi.nglimtivochuynny.
BrutalnmoaichotivamtanhtastvomtPercy.
Chcchnri.Chcnngoanngonchatayrathi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
MiPercyrunry,mthnsngqumc.Tinhnthyhnspphtkhc.
Tikhnglm.Hnnibngmtgingtrcon,runry.Vmyanhkhngpbucctiu.Rihncaoginglnvbtugotocucu.
Harrynhnmt,ticngth.Nuclcnochngtisutbcucthchnhllcny.Clchngtilmth,trBrutal.Anhtakhngbaogidod.Anhta
bcrasaulngPercy,nhvyanhtavaikvaiviHarry,ngivnkptayPercysaulnghn.Brutalnhchln,nmlytaiPercy.
Thigothti.Brutaleda.Trkhicumuncmtcphptrconhtthgii.
Percyngnglahtcucu,chnglngy,runrynhnxungbaquyntruyntranhthl,vhnhPopeyevOliveangnitheomtkiusng
tomtingheninnhngchabaogith.
i,Popeye!KhungchtrnuOliveghith.cccc!KhungtrnmtPopeyeghi.Gnyvncnhtngv.
atayra.Brutalni.Vngrdivchuynnyna.Lmngayi.
Tikhnglm.Percyni.Tiskhnglmvmyanhkhngthpbucti.
Cuhtscsailmviu,cubity.Brutalp,rikohaitaiPercyxung,xonlitheocchbnvnnttrnbpl.Mtcibplkhnghot
ngnhbnmun.Percykhnkhthtlnmttingvaunvngcnhin,mtischpnhnmtmtnhiukhngphinghe.Khngchlaun
vngcnhin,bnthyylshiubit.Lnutintrongi,Percynhnthccrngnhngiuthikhngchxyrachongikhc,nhng
ngikhngmaymnchhngvingiThngc.TimunboBrutaldngtay,nhngttnhinkhngth.Michuyniquxa.Ttcnhngg
ticthlmltnhcnhmnh.PercykhinchoDelacroixchunhngniaunchChamibit,nginchvDelacroixcinhohn.Snhc
nhnykhnglmchocchticmnhncnhiudchu.iucth,nunhticsinhratheotnhcchcaPercynhiuhn.
Chatayrachkia,cng.Brutalralnh.Nukhngcusbvotaina.
HarrythngWetmoretrtrungra.Khcncnnhmtatr,ncmtvnchcchnaytroxungm.Percygithngtayratrcmtnh
ngimngdutrongmtbphimhi.Trongnhymt,tikooailnhtcnhtayhn.TichkpkoolnvaitrckhiBrutalbungtayhnra,nmly
nhngdyaibthngxungtctayo.AnhtagitbntaycaPercychomquanhsn,cnhtayhnbtchokhtkhaotrnngc.KhiPercychu
thuavatayrathtonbsvicdinrachaymigiy.
Xongri,cng.Brutallnting.ngtrc,bc.
NhngPercykhngi.HnnhnBrutal,riquaynhmthihngyncvoti.Lcnykhngcngvmiquanhhhng,hocchuynttc
chngtiphiisutxungSouthCarolinanhnsutn,tthin,hnbxanhngiu.
Lmn.Hnththo,gingkhnkhn,tsng.ngbtivotrongkiavin,Paul.
Lcytihiuratisaohnhongs,tisaohnchngcmnhlit.HnnghchngtisbhnvoxlimviWildBillWhartonbnntrngpht
dnhchovchicvngbngchtxpbkhslmtvhmhipbitntiphmmcchngtmthn.ThayvthngcmPercytrcnhnnhny,ti
cmthyghtmvcngrnhntrongquyttm.Xtchocng,hnsphnxtchngtitheocchcahn,nuvaitrgiachngtiongc.
KhngphiWharton.Tip.Phngklut,Percy.Custrongbahocbngi,mtmnhtrongbngti,suynghvnhnggcugyra
choDel.ClqumuncuhccbtcbihcminovcchconngiphicxdsaothBrutuscngnghthnhngtilngilc
quan.Bygiithi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Hnbci,ththotronghngrngchngtishiticvchuynny,rthitic,cchxem,nhngnichung,hncvnhnhmvantm.
Khichngtilahnrahnhlang,Deantrnmtnhnchngtivimtvngcnhinvngythkhkhonmctiphibtci,nusvickhng
nghimtrngnhth.TitngxemdinxuthayhntrongnhngvkchphphnGrangethicnvngholnh.
Ny,ccanhkhngnghltraixarisao?Deanhi.
Cucmmingi,nubitiuglttchocu.Brutalcunhu.ylnhngdngkchbnchngtisonvobantra,vynglthti
nghethchhp,nhngdngkchbn,nhngnuPercysvnhmlnthchngvncucviclmchoDeantronggangtc.Bnthntikhngngh
th,nhngbtciugucth.Btclcnotingvciu,lcyhocktlcy,tichvicnghvJohnCoffeyvconchutcaDelacroix.
ChngtiliPercyxungDmngXanh,hnvpchnvthhohnkhinchngtiphichmbc,hnsngpmtxungtnuchngti
khngichmli.Whartonnmtrnspnhngchngtivtquaqunhanhnntikhngthynthcdyhaycnng.JohnCoffeythngcaxlim
vquanst.
Anhlngixu,anhxngngvonitmti.Gni,nhngtikhngnghPercynghec.
Chngtivotrongphngkhngch,mPercybngvtmvncmt,mtlolin,nhnglntcccngchiurxungtrn.Harryrtsng
caPercybngmttay,taykiartcydicuibngghoyuqu.
Cusnhnlisau,nglo.Harrytrnan.Ginganhtanghecphnbiri.
Ticcthninhvyvviclmcaanh.Percypcht.Ttcviclmcamyanh.Myanhkhngthlmnhthnyviti!Myanh
khngth!
Hinnhinhnsnsngnilinhimtlc,nhngchngtikhngcthigianlngnghebithuytgingcahn.Trongtitilmtcunbng
dn,thithpninbamiNlttincaloibngdnhmngynayngitasdng.Percynhnthycunbngvdmchnlili.Brutalnmlyhnt
phasau,mgichonkhitidnxongbnglnminghn,qunvngrasaugybom.Hnsmtmttlntckhithobng,thmimisngty
ntntrmtrng,nhngtikhngcnquantmna.TichnngyPercyWetmore.
Chngtilirakhihn.Hnnggiaphngdibngnbcli,mcoai,htthquahailminphngvphtranhngmthanhmmmph!
mmmph!nghnnghttphasaulpbngdnh.Tmli,nhnhninrnhbtctnhnnomchngtigiamtrongcnphng.
Cucngynlng,cngsmcra.Tini.Cmnhlyiu,Percy.
Vnuthycn,hynghnOliveOyl.Harrykhuyn.cccc.
Sauchngtirangoi.Tingca,riBrutalkhali.DeanngphatrnDmngmtcht,ngaybnngoixlimCoffey.Anhtanhtcha
khachnhvokhatrncng.Bnngichngtinhnnhau,khngainig.Khngcnphini.Chngtikhinggungmyttcnhnggcth
lmlcnylhivnglnchyngltrnhchngtivchra,thayvtrchrakhiliutrnng.
Anhvnmunthamgiachuyninych,John?Brutalhi.
Vng,thangi.Coffeytrli.Tinghth.
Tt.Deanni.Anhtavnkhathnht,rtchara,cmvothhai.
Chngticcnxchanhkhng,John?Tihi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Coffeycvsuynghvcuhiny.
Cthnuccanhmun.Saucnggni.Khngcnxch.
TigturahiuchoBrutalmca,riquaysangHarry,angtnhiuchakhusng45mmcaPercyvoCoffeykhigrakhixlim.
anhngthchoDean.Tilnting.
Harrychpmtnhngisctnhsaumtgicngthongqua,nhnthykhusngvdicuicaPercycntrongtayvgiaochngchoDean.Tronglc
,Coffeylngngnghnhlangviciuhignnhqutvomttrongnhngbngnbclitrnu.ngviibntaytrcmtvivai
khomvphatrcsangbnnyhocbnkiabngcs,glmtilinghnmtcongukhnglbcmt,nhtinghvolnutrngthyg.
CtchicaPercytrongbntrcchonkhichngtitrv.Tini.
Nuchngtitrv.Harrybsung.
Tisct.Deanboti,khngnHarry.
Vnucnginclskhngcai,nhngnucanhsnig?
RngCoffeybctcvokhongnam.Deantrli.Trnganhtacncnhsinhvinihcangdmtkthiquantrng.Chngtiphimc
oaichogvnhtvophngkhngch.Nuctingng,btcainghecsnghlg.AnhtahtcmvphaJohnCoffey.
Thcnchngti?Brutalhi.
PaulkhuHnhchnh,rthscaDelvxemxtvccnhnchng.Deantrli.Lnnycbitquantrngvcuchnhhnhritung.Anhy
bocthsynhtcatrc.Cu,HarryvPercyangkhugitigitquno.
Phi,dsaothyliungitani.Mtsmtikhutipliugitictrxcxcvonhngmkhclchibiblackjack,pokerhocacey
deucey.Dltrg,ngitavnchngchllnhgcanggitquno.Thngxuyncrulutrongnhngcucttpnhthny,ikhicbnn
thucphinchuyntaycnhm.Ticholccnhtunhthktkhichngcphtminh.Khibnbcucirachmscnhngngibnhum
bn,bnkhngthtrnhkhibvybn.Trongbtctrnghpno,chngticngkhngbkimtra."Gitquno"cixrtthntrngtiCold
Mountain.
Rtchnhxc.TinivxoayngiCoffeyli,thcyghotng.Deanvnuttcsp,cukhngbitgviught.
Nithd,nhng...
nglc,mtcnhtaygynhomthcrangoichnsongxlimcaWharton,chplybptaytonhphincaCoffey.Ttcchngtiunghn
th.LraWhartonngtlm,khnggngoicnhnm,thnhngnangngkia,xiuvotrnchnnhmtgvskhtmbt,totmingcil.
PhnngcaCoffeythtngk.Gkhnggittayranhngcngnghnth,htkhngkhquarngnhngichmphimtthglnhngtvkh
chu.Mtgmto,trongmtthonggcvnhchabaogigpthngnkia,nigncngthcdymisngvcngnmxungmim.Gcv
sngnghinhukhigmuntivotrongxlimcthchmvoti.Gipti,theolinicaCoffey.Glicvnhthkhichatayraiconchut.
Bygi,lnthba,khunmtglibngln,nhthmtngnnphabtngbtsngtrongnobcag.Ngoitrviclnnyckhcbit.Lnny
nlnhhnvlnutintithiiugcthxyranuJohnCoffeytngtniin.Chngticsng,chngticthbnhg,nhngthtsh
cgclkhngphiliudlm.
TinhnthynhngnghtngttrnntmtcaBrutal,nhngWhartonvntiptctotmingci,ncisaythuc,mitrcan.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Mynginghmyngiiu?Thngnhchi.GingnphtmnghenhMyinghmyiiu?
Coffeyngim,thottinnhnWharton,nbntaycaWharton,ritrlibmtcaWharton.Tikhngccntmt.Timunnilcth
thyntthngminhtrnnhngkhngcc.VphnWharton,tikhnglochonchtno.Saunynskhngnhlibtciugnnhmtg
sayru,lootrongcnmtthc.
Chemlngixu.Coffeyththovtikhngthnimnhnghecgtronggingnicagaun,tcginhayshi.Clcba.Coffey
nhnxungbntaytrnbptayglnnatheocchbnnhnmtconsubcthcnbnmtcchng,nunctmtr.
ngvy,mien.Whartonplivimtncilm,vnhvo.Xunhmymun.
tnhintibitchciugkinhkhngsxyra,iugsthayikhochnhsngsmhmnay,thayitondinnhmtcnngt
cththayidngchycamtconsng.iuspxyravtihocbtcaitrongbncngkhnglmcgngnchn.
ThriBrutalatayxung,gitmnhbntaycaWhartonrakhicnhtaycaCoffey.Cmgicngngli.
iunhthmtmchinnguyhimtimtngnobt.TinivibnrngtrongthiktiKhuE,ngdyinthoicaThngc
khngbaogivangln.iultht,nhngtihnhdungnuskincxyra,hntisccngcmgicgiithotqutquangikhiBrutalgbn
taycaWhartonrakhiconngisangpobncnhti.MtCoffeynngaylptc,nhthngnntrongugbtt.
Nmxung,Billy.Brutalralnh.Chmynghi.ylcuniquenthuccati,nhngtronghoncnhny,tikhngthyphinkhiBrutals
dngn.
Cltisnm.Whartonng.Nlili,longchong,sutnathngvlylithngbngvogiyphtcuicng.Hhn,bi.Ccnphng
quaymngmng.Nhangsayvy.
Thngnhclivphaspng,vnlnhnCoffey.
Bnmienphicghinring.Nphtbiu.Rikhuuchnvavospvthngnhcngnholny.Nngyvangtrckhiukpchm
vogi,nhngcibngmuxanhmphtquadihmmt,ulithrangoi.
Chai,lmsaonthcdyniviqunhiuthuctrongnginhthch?Deanththo.
Khngthnhvng,githnhnmri.Tini.Nundmtnhli,tngchonthmthuchatantrongmtlinc.Nhngngnhiuhn
mtvin.Chngtakhngmungitn.
ylanhninh.BrutalgmgvkhinhmitnhnWharton.Dsaoanhkhngthgitmtconkhnhnbngmaty.Chnglnmnhnhth.
Anhtalngixu.Coffeyninhnglnnybngmtgingthphn,tahnhgkhngchcviugni,hocnghacan.
ng.Brutalp.ccnht.Nhnggithiukhngcnlvn,bichngtaskhngnhytangovinna.Chngtilibtubci,
bnngichngtivyquanhCoffeynhtnvyquanhmtthntnghinlinhthnhmtdngbnsinhvngv.Nitinghemtiu,Johnanhbit
chngtiaanhiukhng?
tigip.Gni.Tingh...gip...mtqub?GnhnBrutalvivlouyhivng.
Brutalgtu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ng.Nhnglmsaoanhbitiu?Lmsaoanhbit?
JohnCoffeycnthncnnhccuhirilcu.
Tikhngbit.GniviBrutal.Nithtvisp,tikhngbitgnhiu.Chabaogi.
Vchngtiphihilngvicutrli.
Chng29
Trongtmtr,tibitcnhcanhgiavnphngvccbcthangdnxungnhkhokhngcdnglnchonhngloinhCoffey,nhngkhng
nhnthccstngphnlnnmcno,chonkhigngtrcn,nhnnvivnghngi.
Harryci,nhngbnthnCoffeydngnhkhngthycskhihitrongconngisangngtrccnhcanh.Dnhingchabaogi
thmchnucthngminhhnmtcht,gcngskhngbit.Glconngistrongphnlncucig,cncnhcachnhhnkhngngk
sovihuhtnhngcnhca.
Gngixung,lunquacnhcatheocch,nglnliribcxungnhngbcthang,nniBrutalangchg.Khinni,gdngli,nhn
quacnphngtrngnbcg,niGiSparkychi,lnglvquidnhngaivngtrongluicamtngvuacht.Cinnkimloitreolng
lngvivtmnrngtuchtrnmttrlnggh,nhngingnncamtthnghhnlvngmincamtvvua,tuynhin,lmtthmmttnins
i,hoclclkhinchomkhngicaosangbtcithathchhnnavinhngtrhcahn.Bngcachicghin,dingongvkhngkhiu,b
lnmtbctngnhmtseda.Vphiri,tinghmnhvnngithymithtchytrongkhngkh.Tuythoangthong,nhngtinghnrhncc
tngtngcamnh.
Harrycimnhchuiquaca,rinti.TikhngthchkiucchgJohnnhnGiSparky,mtmto,lnhlo.Thmchkhingn,ticnghtciti
thytrncnhtayghnna:dagsngaic.
ithi,BCon.Tini.Tinmlyctaygvthkovhngcadnxungnghm.Thotugkhngchui,vtinhgngscny
mttngkhimttbngibntaytrn.
ino,John,chngtaphii,trkhianhmuncxehinlinguynhnhqub.Harryni,mtlnnaphtratingcibiri.Anhtanmcnhtay
caJohnvkomnh,nhngJohnvnkhngchui.Rigkhgingvmmngniiug.Gkhngniviti,khngnivibtcaitrongnhm
chngti.Tikhngbaogiqunchuyny.
Hvncntrongkia.Nhngmnhvncah,vncntrongkia.Tinghetinghgotht.
Harrythikhckhchcibiri,bglibngncingtrnminhcnhcachpbon,treollngtrongmtnginhtrng.Brutalnhntibng
anhmtgnnhhihngvbcraxatrnhJohnCoffey.Lnthhaitrongvngchaynmpht,ticcmgictonbkhochtobonyangtrn
bvcsp.Lnnytilngicanthipkhitaihaedalnthba,saumtcht,slHarry.myttcchngtiucchi,tintii.
TilenvogiaJohnvtmnhnchicghcag,nhnchnngbomchncnhmtcag.Sautibngngntaytrcmtg,hai
ln,scgn.
No!Tiralnh.Bc!Anhnikhngcnbxch,bygihychngt!Bc,BCon!Bc,JohnCoffey!ngkia!Cnhca!
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Mtgsngli.
Vng,thasp.NgicaCha,gbtubc.
Nhncica,JohnCoffey,chnhncicamkhngnhnchkhc.
Vng,thasp.Johnngoanngonnhnchmchmvoca.
Brutal.Tinivchtay.
Anhtavisnlntrc,rtvngchakhara,tmngcha.Johngmnhmtvocnhcaxungnghm,cntithgmnhmtvoJohn,nhng
tkhemtconmt,tithyHarrynmnhngcilicbnchnvphachicgh,nhthanhtachabaogithyntrongi.
Cnhngmnhvncahtrongkia...tinghetinghgotht.
Nuiuctht,thDelacroixphilkgothtlunhtvmnht.TivuimngvkhngnghethyciJohnCoffeynghec.
Brutalmca.Chngtibcxungcuthang.Coffeydnu.Tichncuthang,grnhnxungphadinghmctrnnhthpbnggch.
Gsbvosnglngkhichngtinukianghm,trkhi...
Tikochicxebngcan.TmvitrnchngtitDelnmlnbltb(vclbt),vthlpmltbngdamuencachicxel
r.
Nmln.TiboJohn.Gnhntingvc.Tigtukhuynkhch.Ddnghnchoanhvbtkhkhnchochngti.
c,thaspEdgecombe.Gngiln,rinmxung,nhnchngtivicpmtnulolng.Haibnchngxidptrtin,lngthngstmt
snnh.Brutalbcvogiachng,yJohnCoffeydctheohnhlangmthpnhybitbaokkhc.imkhcbitduynhtlngiitrnxecn
th.icnanghnchngtiangbndixalvnghectingrmrnghnnghtcaxecchyqua,nucvothiimJohnbt
uci.Sao.Gthtln.Chuynnyvuitht.Lnsau,gskhngnghthkhicixebngcaylnghchtnysinhtrongtmtrti.Thct
llnsau,khicitrnxe,gskhngsuynghhoccmgicbtciug.Haygslmth?Gnicnhngmnhvncahtrongkiagnghe
chgotht.
isaunhngngikiavkhngbnhnthy,tirngmnh.
hivnganhnhliAladdin,spEdgecombe.Brutalnikhichngtinukianghm...
nglo.Tip.HnhdngAladdinkhngkhcnhngchakhakhcmtigivonhngngyticmtchmnngphin4poundnhng
nlchakhachtrongnhngchakhach,chicchakhamcttc.Vothik,ttcnmxlimucmtchakhaAladdin,michiclti
sncatrngkhu.Nhnglnhgckhccthmn,nhngchcitrngkhngphiknhn.
Cmtcnhcnggnchnsongbngthpukianghm.Nlungichotinhlinhngbctranhxemvccluicbnbity,vo
thixakhicchipsydngcmvtinhthnthngvbngn.CiuColdMountainquxaCamelot.Bnkiacnglcuthangdnlnmtcnhca
cvchngnkno,bnngoicbinhngchCmVtQua,TiSnTiuBang,vngDyin.
TimcngvHarryngli.Chngtibcln,JohnCoffeymtlnnaiu,vaixxung,ucithp.Tiucuthang,Harryvngquangig
(cngkhngddng,mcdanhtalnginhnhttrongbachngti)vmkhavchngn.Tmvchkhnng.Anhtacthynhngkhngthltn
ln.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
y,thasp.Johnni.GlidnlnphatrchnggyHarryvavotngvddmvchngnlnbngmttay.Bnsnghnlbacng
cqutsnchkhngphithptm.
Khngkhtrimlnhlo,chuynngvilunggithidcsnnimchngtihngchutrongphnlnthigianchonthngBahocthngT,
laxungvomtchngti.MtmlkhxoyntheolunggivJohnCoffeybtlymtchicbngtaykia.Tiskhngbaogiquncchgnhn
chicl,hoccchgbpntndicimirng,p,mihngtara.
No.Brutallnting.Chngtai,ngtrc,bc.
Chngtileorangoi.JohnhtmvchngnxungvBrutalkhalikhngcnchakhaAladdinchocnhcany,nhngcncnmcnhcng
trongcilngyccvlithpbaoquanhtmvnngn.
taybnhngkhichuiqua,anhbntoln.Harryththo.ngngvodyinnukhngmunbphngnng.
Thrichngtiantonquakhi,ngtrnlngthnhmtnhmnh(bangnivyquanhmtqunilhnhnhtimngtngvchngti),
trmtnhnccbctng,nvthpcanhcatrigiamColdMountain.Tithcsthyhnhdngmhcalnhgctrongmtthpcanhanghhivo
bntay,nhngchthongquanhngcasquaymtrangtrnthpvnnhhpvkhngquantrng.Tuynhinchngtivnphihtscgiimlng.
Numtchicxethtsxuthinvolcny,cthchngtislnsuvorcri.
No.Tiththm.Dnngi,Harry.
ChngtilnltivhngBcdcxaltheomtbcnhyconga,Harrydnu,JohnCoffey,Brutal,rinti.Chngtileolnnhiutinv
bcxungphabnkia,nichngtichnhnthytrigiamnhmtvtnsngrctrnuccngncy.VHarryvndnuchngti.
Cuxeu?Brutalththmvmt,hincttrongmingphrathnhmtmmytrng.Baltimore?
Ngayphatrc.Harrytrli,gingiubirivtcgin.Ngmlnnckhnkipli,Brutus.
NhngCoffey,theonhnggtithyg,svuimngcibchonkhimttrimc,clnkhinlntrli.Nhngnhkhpni,ggit
mnhkhngphivsnhngvthchth,titinchcnhvykhictingcrc.Tichtnghcltronglcsbngtitrigiam,glikhngskhingoi
ny,khngschtno.Gangvutvebngti,cxtnhnggicquancagngangquabngmtheocchnngcmtvonhngngntlilm
trnngcmtphn.
Chngtary.Harrylmbm.
Mtconngbnhngntayhp,khnglt,cdilnratntimngtrchvhngtayphi.Chngtitheolinyvithmmtphntdm
na.BrutalbtucunhuthHarrydngli,ivphatriconngmnvbtugbnhngnhnhthngbbgy.JohnvBrutalphhavtrc
khitikpthamgia,hlmlracimistmcamtchicxetichiuFarmall,cpntrctrmtnhnchngtinhnhngmtloisub.
Timuncnthntia,cubitm.HarryniviBrutal,gingnhnhvtrchmc.Chuynnycthltravicu,BrutusHowell,nhngti
xutthntrongmtgianhsngo,ticnhngngianhemhtrongm"hdta"kiathnhthinnmclmchogiodnKitgingnhloist,
vnutibbtqutangangchitrnyth...!
cri.Brutalpli.Chtitihihp,ththi.
Ticngth.Harrycngnhcni.Bygixemcivtngnguynraginuanychukhinghaykhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhtabcvngquanpcapxe,mingvnlmbm,cnBrutalthnhymtviti.iviJohnCoffey,chngtingnghinhu.Gngura
sau,nutvotrongngicnhtngnhngvsaovtngangbutri.
Nuccanhmun,tisngiphasauvig.Brutalngh.Saulngchngti,bphnkhingcachicFarmallthongrnr,nghenhging
mtconchgiangctmrachnnvobuisngmanglnhlo,ringcbnglnscsng.Harrynhngamtlnritrvskhng.Khngcn
chaichngtalmnhth.
Lnghtrc.Tini.Cucthngicngvigtrnchuynv.Nghalnukhngktthcbngviclmchonbktphasauthxetch
chnhchngta.
ngnnikiu.Anhtaphnnn,vhongsthts.Nhthyllnuanhtanhnthccmcnghimtrngxyrachochngtinu
bphthin.
Lycha,Paul!
Lmi.Tiralnh.Lnxe.
Anhtalmtheolitini.TigitmnhtayJohnCoffeylikoschcagtrvvithcti,ridngvngraphasauxe,trndngmts
cc.Harryphmttmviblntrncc,nhthsclikhichngtivtquanhngxeingcchiu.Tuynhin,anhtakhnglmgcvimtsau
cnbng.
Lnxei,BCon.Tini.
Bygiimtchuyn?
ngvy.
Tt.Gmmci.Ncithtngtngovngyu,clvkhngbniutlmchophctp.Gleolnphasauxe.Tileolntheo,bctiu
thngxevvmnhlnmui.Harrychuynsangsmt,chicxetirikhilmcymanhtadngdun,rungngvlcl.
JohnCoffeydngchnnggiathngxe,ngaulnviccvsaolnna,rngmingci,khngphinhvinhngnhnhcyqutvogkhi
Harryquayxerahngxal.
Sp,nhnka!Glalnbngmtgingtrmm,saym,taychvomnmen.ylchmCassie,cgingitrnghxchu!
Gning,tithyctatronglnsaogiacclmcystienltqua.NhngtikhngnghnCassiopeiakhignivcgitrnghxchu
tinghnMelindaMoores.
Tithyctari,John.Tiplivgittayhn."Nhnganhphingixung,ngkhng?
Gngidalngvothnhxe,khnghrimtnhnbutrim.Trngngmtglmtvhnhphcvt,ythnghoa.Saulngchngti,Dm
ngXanhlixahnvimivngquaycanhngchicvxetrclc,vtnhtltronglcny,dngncmtdngnhkhngngttuntrocaJohn
Coffeyngngchy.
Chng30
DDngnnhHalMooresChimneyRidgedihaimilmdm.TrnchicxetichmchpvcccchcaHarryTerwilliger,chuynimthnmt
gi.Mtchuynikqui,vmcdviti,dngnhtngkhonhkhccanvncnkhcsutrongkcmingr,micny,michln,nhngln
6/30/2017 DmXanh
hongva(hailnttc)khicxeingcchiutinghkhngthmtstsaocmgiccamnhkhingisauxeviJohnCoffey,chaichngtibgi
nhngiDatrongnhngtmchncmHarrychuoemtheo.
Phnlnlmtcmgiclclngniaususcvkhngkhipmmtatrnhnthcckhinlcliu,ttcnhngadanhuxal
vnkhngcnbitlmsaotmralivnh.mytirangoivimttnhnkhngphitnhnbtkno,nhnglmtkbxtxvbucti
githaibgi,vbktnthnhvtic.Lngtincativsvticagsvchnuchngtibbtbnthnchngtisngit,vclcDeanna.
Tiabnvicmtilmvicvlngtinchvmtvxtthi,vvtitinrnggcngtoxcqumcngibnclkhnngchalnhcho
mtphnckhiunokhngthgiiphu.ThnhngkhinhnJohnngmccvsao,tinhnravinishirngquthttikhngcntinvoiu
na,nuthtstinchngnhimtrngngtiucatilcnydngnhxavivkhngquantrng,vnhngthkhcnghitvaunlunlunnh
thmtkhichngquakhi(mtitngni,numtnginbthtsnhccnaunbitbaokhisinhconulng,ngiskhngbaogi
sinhconlnthhai).VphnngJingles,chngphicth,thmchcv,chngtisailmvcnaudoPercygyrachonsao?HoclJohnktht
scscmnhthimin,iunythkhngcgnhiunghingbngcchnolachngtitnglthyiumchngtikhnghthy?Ri
cnvnHalMooresna.Vocingylmngybtngtrongvnphng,tichmtrnvimtnggibilit,mncmt.Nhngtikhngngh
ylmtthtnhtcavinGimth.TinghconngithtcaGimthMooreslconngibgyctaymtconchnhcnngyconngi
vchrvischnhxccaycrngcicancaDelacroixsbnngvbtknginotrongihnhquytldintrccngchng.Phichngti
nghHalMooresshinlnhngsangmtbn,mcchochngtiamtkbbuctigittremvonhmttaylnngivngy?
Ninghingtnglnnhmtcnbnhtheochuyni.nginltikhnghiutisaotilmnhngiulm,haytisaotithuytphcnhng
ngikiathamgiavitivochuynitrongminrny.Tikhngtinchngticchithothimkhng mt my may, nh li nhng tay k cu
thngni.Thnhngticngkhngnlcbibn,iulraticthlmsvicskhngtutkhitmkimsotcachngtimkhngthayi
c,chonkhichngtixuthinnhcaMoores.iugtinghclkhngngoinhnglnsnghngkhitaratgkhnglngibncnh
kimchkhngchotiplnncxevthtgiHarryquayxetrlitrigiamtronglccnkp.
ylkhungcnhtmtrngtikhichngtivtquaxalvongCounty5,ritCounty5tinvongChimneyRidge.Khongmilmphtsau
,tinhnthybngdngmtminhxamthnhnhccvsaovbitrngchngtinni.
Harrygimgatshaixungthp(tinghsutchuynianhtachgiscaonhtmtln).Myxengngli,nhthncngsiuangchchng
tiphatrc.
HarryaxevoliitrisicaMooreridngchicxeticunhungsauchicBuickennhybncavinGimth.Trcmtchngti,chch
mtchtvbnphi,lmtnginhgnghnhlinhlau,theophongcchmtinghngitagilphongcchCapeCod.Kiunhlracvlclng
trongvnginicachngtinhnglikhngphith.Trnglncaovquanhsngcan,tithymnhsn,vnluncxntap,naycv
thiuschmbn.Phnlndolcychaccoi.TronghoncnhbnhthngthylnhimvcaMelinda,nhngmathunmybkhngco
cchtlkhno,vskhngbaoginhnthylrina.ylsthtcavn,vtiinrkhinghrnggcngccpmttrngrngnyc
ththayistht.
Tuynhincthvnchamuncuvtbnthnchngti.Tilmngtcnhthngdy,tmchnangkhoctutkhivai.Tiscixung,g
vocaxebnphatix,boHarrychunngayrakhiytrckhi...
NmtaytotngcaJohnCoffeychplytayti,litingixungdnhtilimtabtpi.
Nhnka,sp.Gvanivachtay.Cngithcdy.
Tinhntheohngngntaycagvcmthychtd,khngchbng,mctim.Cmttiasngphtrasaumttrongnhngcas.Cnphng
niMelindatriquahuhtngylnmbykhngcnkhnngsdngcuthang,cngnhrangoiconglakhrirngtrongtrnbovaqua.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Hnghetingxe,ttnhinchicFarmallchttitcaHarryTerwilligervibmygmrng,xtdctheochiudingkhivnkhngbmtthph
phimnhbgimthanhcntr.Quthni,dsaoclnhngmnyvchngnhMooreskhngngc.
Mtngnnstmttinnhbtsng,rinphngkhchtrnu,ntronghnhlangmttrc,rinphatrnbcca.Tingmnhnnhng
ngnndiuhnhtheocchmtconngiangdavobctngximng,htiuthuccuicngvnhnihnhquytiubctinlign.Th
nhngtikhnghontonthanhnvibnthnrngqumunchonkhitingmynkhngucachicFarmalltandnvosimlngvcaxe
kuctkt,lpsinghinloxokhiHarryvBrutalbcrangoi.
Johnngdy,kotinglntheo.Dilnnhsnglm,gngmtgyvsngngvhohc.Tisaokhng?Tinhlimnhsuyngh.
Tisaoglikhngccvhohc?Glmttnin.
BrutalvHarryngkvainhaucuixenhnhngatrdicnmabo,tithychaicngcvshi,birivbtannhti.iulmti
cmthytithnna.
Johnxungxe.ivig,chlmtbcchnhnlmtcnhy.Tilmtheo,chncngvkhnkh.Lratingsngsoitrnlpsinu
gkhngkpnmlytayti.
ylmtsailm.Brutalni,gingkhrtln.Mtanhtamto,yshi.LyChauyv,Paul,anhangnghgvy?
qumun.Titrli.TiyvomtbnhngCoffeyvgngoanngonngbncnhHarry.RitinmlykhuutayBrutalnhthy
lmtngitnh,achaingichngtibcvphabcca,ningnnangchiusng.tini.Hiukhng?
Hiu.Brutaltrli.Ngaylcny,yliuduynhttiquthchiuc.
Tilicraquasauvai.
Harry,anhlibnxevigchnkhitigi.TikhngmunMooresnhnthygtrckhitisnsng.Ngoitrvictiskhngbaogisn
sng.Bygitibitiu.
Brutalvtichvanchnbcthmkhicatrcbybtra,mnhcibapcadpvobnkimloi.HalMooresngtrongchicqun
pyjamamuxanhvothun,mitcmuxmthpdngngthnhtngchmvlnxontt.ngylmtngitoracngnkthtrongqutrnh
nghnghip,vngbitiu.Nmchttrongtay,midibtthngkhnghnchaxungsnnh,lkhusngvnlunluntreophatrnmtlsi.
NlmtloisngcgilNedBuntlineSpecial,vnthucvngcaHalMoores,vngaylcy(tinhnthyvrutthtlimtlnna)sngc
lnc.
Thngquinonyvohaigibamiphtsngchttitthny?ngylnting.Tikhngnghechthonghtnotronggingni.Vtrl
ngaylcynhngcnrunrycangngng.Bntaycmsngvngvngnhmthn.Trlii,nukhng...Nngsngbtunngln.
Ngngtay,Gimth!Brutalgitay,lngbntayhngvphangicmsng.Tichabaoginghegingnianhtanhlcydngnhnhng
cnrunrytutrakhibntayMoorestmclivochngBrutalHowell.Chngtiy!Paulvtiv...chngtiy!
Anhtatinlnbcutinnhntrnbccacthsoisngykhunmt.Tilmtheo.HalMooresnhnquanhnligiahaichngti,cn
tcginnhngchchoshoangmang.
Ccanhlmgy?ngyhi.Khngnhnglsngsmmccanhcncbnphn.Tibitccanhphitrc,vtighimbngphncng
trongvnphng.Vyciqui...i,Chai.Khngphitpbongkhncpch?Haylnilon?ngnhnvogiachngti,nhmtrnli.Cnai
ngbnxenakia?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
tini.TichthchoBrutalnhth,nhngbyginlcphinimtikhngmmingni.Trnngilmchiuhmy,ticnthn
vchranhnggsnikhinyvtinghchngnghekhngnniquin.Khngbnhthngkhngciugvchuynnylbnhthngnhng
cthgnbnhthngchngtiltquaccavchochngtimtchi.ChoJohnmtchi.Nhnglcny,ttcnhnglilcdintpcn
thnbinmttrongcnhnlonnonhit.CctngvhnhnhDelbcchy,conchuthphi,TootgiygiatronglngGiSparkyvgolnrng
lolcongtyhtiquaycungtrongutinhctbcuntrongmtlunggilc.TitintrnicdngchycaciThin,theohngnyhoc
hngkhc,btnguntChayuthng.Nhngticngtincmtscmnhkhc,mtscmnhmtngchtuthtnhngThngmticu
nguynsuti,vrngnhotngcthc,hyhoittcnhngthithcttcachngta.KhngphiSatan,tikhngcniSatan(mcdlti
tinlhncngctht),nhnglmtthmaqubtha,mtthlucvngungccivuisngkhimtngigi,vchmngiuhtthuctchnh
mnh,hockhimtatrrtcyuthng,nhtmnquGingSinhutinvomingvchtvnghtth.Tinhiunmsuyngmviuny,
sutconngtColdMountainnGeorgePines,vtitinrngsnghmy,scmnhrataygiachngti,quaycungkhpninhsngm,tm
cchcntrJohnCoffeynviMelindaMoores.
Gimth...Hal...tiNhnggticgngnirauvngha.
ngylinngmisngln,chavogiaBrutalvti,khngthmnghe.imtvnmucangmrtto.VHarryTerwilligerbcn,tnhiubli
kobigtoxcangnrngnciduyndngmtcchngngn.
Coffey.Mooresthtln.JohnCoffey.nghtmthirihtlnbngmtgingmngmanhnhngmnhm.ngli!ngli,nukhngta
bn!
Tsaulngngy,mtgingphnyutvrunryctln:
Hal?Anhlmgngoi?Anhnichuynviaith,dmtc?
Mooresquayvhngtingnimtthong,ntmtbirivtuytvng.Chmtthong,nhtini,nhnglutigitkhusngdinngra
khitayngy.Ngoitrvictikhngnhcniibntaycachnhmnh.Hnlchngbtrivonhngkhinng.utitrnngptnhin,gingnh
tingiphtthanhcgngphtsngtrongmtcnbot.NhngcmxcduynhttinhclnisvmtthlngtngmodnhchoHal.
HarryvJohnCoffeytinnchnbcthm.Mooresquayrakhitingngcavngyvgimisnglnlnna.Saunyngklirngphi,ng
hontoncnhbnCoffeyngnghichngtibbtgivbnchmungsaulngnhnggxyraangbncnhchicxe,rnhrptrongbngti.
Halkhnghiutisaochngtibannhngy,nhngtrthngnhlkhnnglnnht.
Trongkhingykpnsng,HarryTerwilligerbcitrcCoffey,ritinlntrcmt,chechnphnlncthg.Coffeykhngpanhtalmiu
mdoHarryt.
ng,gimthMoores!Anhtalnting.Khngsao!Khngaicvkh,skhngcaibhi,chngtinygip!
Gip?Cplngmyri,tmtngbicaMooresnhuli.Mtngytela.TikhngthrimtkhicbmkhuBuntline.Gipcig?Gipai?
Nhthtrli,gingngiphngilivangln,cunhu,ququytvhontonlclng:
Voyngviti,ch!albntlavolun!Chottcthayphinnhau!
TinhnBrutal,linhhnrngng.Tihiurngbychithrngmtcchno,khiusaikhinbchithnhngnhthcnhncchi
th.Hnnhiulm.
Ccanhlmgy?Mooreshichngtilnna.Gingnicangmtvcngquytnhngtinghtrunrycavnglnguynnhn."Ti
khnghiu.ylmtvphngc,hay...
6/30/2017 DmXanh
JohnbHarrysangmtbnchcnnhtanhtalnvyquaribclnbcca.GnggiaBrutalvti,tolnnmcgnnhxchngti
sanghaibn,chimivonhngbicyhollycaMelly.Mooresngclntheodig,theocchmtngicnhnungncy.Vtnhiniviti,
thgiitrvtrttcan.Cihnmabthaxotrntngcatinhnhngngntaymnhmrycthaygobinmt.TinghhiutisaoHarry
cthhnhngtrongkhiBrutalvtichcthngtrtro,tuytvngvdodtrcmtspchngti.HarrykcnbnJohn...vbtchnmano
chnglithcmanmtrongconngiJohnCoffeyvom.VkhiJohnbcvphatrcidinGimthMoores,chnhhnmakiamt
thgmutrng,tihnhdungnhthvn,mtthgmutrngnmquynkimsottnhhnh.Hnmacckiakhngbi,nhngtithyn
chntaynhbngmtrclnnhsngtngtmnh.
Timungip.JohnCoffeylnting.Mooresngcnhng,imtbmhoc,minghhc.KhiCoffeygkhuBuntlinekhitayngrichuyncho
ti,tinghthmchHalcngkhngbit.Tithntrnghcsng.Sauny,khikimtranng,tiphthinkhngcn.ikhitithiHalbitiu
khng.Trcmt,JohnvnththoTingipby.Chgip.Tichmunth.
Hal!Ttrongphngng,Melindakuto.Gingblcnynghemnhmhnmtcht,nhngngthicvssttahcihnmaquyri
khinchngtimttinhthnnayrtluinchb.Dhlaicnguii!Chngtakhngcnngibnhngvonam!KhngElectrolux!Khng
Hoover!KhngqunltPhp!uihrangoi!Bohdtrbd...Mtvtgtanvcllmtcilivribybtuncn.
Chgip.JohnCoffeynibnggingnhnmckhnghntingththm.Glmngtrctingkhcvlilthtc.Chgip,th
thi.
Anhkhngth.Mooresp.Khngaicth.Mtgingnitichatngnghetrcyvsaumtthong,tinhnragingmnhcngthkhibc
voxlimcaCoffeyvocimgchalnhchngbnhnhimtrngngtiucati.Bthimin.Chemloviccachem,tilochuyncati,liu
tiniviDelacroix...ngoitrchuynCoffeyquantmnviccati,cngnhgangquantmnviccaHalMooresvolcny.
Chngtinghgcth.Brutalni.Vchngtikhngnhliuviclmcachngticthcchuynbnthnchngtingitchny
riquaylivtrvmkhngthmtln.
Baphttrc,chmnhtisnsnglmiu.Brutalcngth.
JohnCoffeydnhlycucchittaychngti.GlnvotrongquamtMoores,ngnygimtbntaybtlclnngncn(bntayltqua
hngCoffeyririxungtichcgtoxcthmchkhnghcmthy),rilbcxunghnhlangvphaphngkhch,nhbpbnkia,saunalphng
ng,nigingnithethkhngthnhnbitlivangln:
Ccngingoi!Dlai,cngoi!Tichamcquno,ngchhanghnggi!
Johnkhngch,thnnhinitip,ucixungkhngngvbngn,strntramunubnglong,tayongabnngi.Saumtlc,
chngtibctheog,tiitrc,BrutalvHalbnnhau,Harryisaucng.Tihontonhiurmtiu:svictutkhitmkimsotcachngti
vangnmtrongtayJohn.
Chng31
Ngiphntrongphng,udavovchgingvtrntrinhngkhnglbcvotmnhnlnln,khnggingchtvoviMellyMoores,ngi
tiquenbittronghaiminmthmchnhnbkhnggingMellyMooresmJanicevtithmvingkhnglutrckhixtDelacroix.Ngiph
ntrnchicgingcdngvcamtatrbnhhon,thcdythnhmphthyHalloween.Lndathmtmlngbngnhonhot,ynpnhn,
dmdquanhmtvbnphi,nhthbangcnhymt.Khemingphicabcngtrxungmtcirngvngkhckthiratrnchicmidi
cangiaugan.Tcblmtmsngmmngtanh,riniquangs.Cnphngscmitanhticathmchngtabititravivlchthipkhi
mivicusuns.Cibbngingymtnachtvngnhpnhpghngi.Lnghonght,tinghnigthchngticngnqutr.Ch
6/30/2017 DmXanh
cnlvnthigianktkhicnnhnrabybnhhonnhngvnlchnhb.Ktlcy,civttrongubhndichuynvivntckhng
khipcngcvthcan.TinghbygingaycJohnCoffeycngkhngcuniby.
NtmtbiulcabkhiCoffeybcvolmtntshivkinhhongnhththgbntrongcthbnhnravbcsckhnngtmra
vrtcucstrtin...rcmuilnntheocchtalmvimtconabucnnhra.Hycnthnnghetini:tikhngnirngMellyMooresbma
mvtibitrngkhibkchng,ttcnhngnhnthcvcimyrtngng.Nhngticngchabaogicoinhkhnngbmam.Cmtvg
trongmtby,nibnnghe,iugnhngingnhsshi.Viunybncthtintilmtcmxcmtithyqunhiu,khngthlm
ln.
Dlgthnnhanhchngbinmt,nhngchchomtvquantmsngngkhnghpl.Cimingkhngninithnhlirunrytrongcicl
lmtnci.
,tolnqu!Bkuln.Gingbnghenhcamtbgivaquakhicnvimhngnng.Brtibntaycngtrngbchnhgngmtra
khikhntriging,vvonhau.Tutqunxung!Tanghenivcicanmdaennhngchabaogithy!
Saulngti,Mooreskhrnlnmttingytuytvng.
JohnCoffeykhngnbtcskinno.Saukhingynmtlcnhquanstbytmtkhongcch,gtinncnhchicging,vn
cchiusngbngmtngnnng.Ngnnnmramtvngnhsngtrntmvitrigingmutrngkontnngcongcab.Phabnkia
ging,trongbngti,tinhnthychicghdithucvphngkhch.MtmuthumMellyttaythuvonhngngyhnhphcnanmtrngh,
natrnsnnh.TrnchicghHalngtnhtlthipngkhichngtin.
TronglcJohnngn,ntbiulcabchumtthayithba.tnhintinhnthyMelly,mlngttrtnghavitiquanhiunm,thm
chdnhnhiuhnnachoJanicesaukhiconcibaykhitm,blimchngcn,vdngvbunb.Mellyvnquantmnhnglnnytvlnh
mnhvhiubit.
Anhlai?Bhibngmtgingtrongtro,hpl.Tisaocqunhiusotrntayanh?Aigythngtchnngnchoanhnhth?
Thab,tikhlngnhchngtumra.JohnCoffeykhimtntrlivngilngingbncnhb.
Melindammcihtsccth,khemingnhobngbnphirunrynhngkhngnhchlnnhiuc.Bsvomtvtsotrngtrnmubntay
tricag,congnhthanhmtu.
Qulmtphclnh!Anhhiutisaokhng?
Tithyrngnukhngbitaigythngtnhocnnmnhthchngtaskhngmtng.JohnCoffeynibngginggnnhngiminNam
camnh.
Bbtcitrccuni,gingthunkhitnhbctrongcnphngbnhhihm.Halangbncnhti,thgpnhngkhngtmcchcanthip.
KhiMellyci,hithgpcangyngnglimtthong,mtbntaytolnbpchtlyvaiti.ngbpmnhlimtvtthmtmhmsautinhn
thynnhngngaylcyhunhtikhngccmgicg.
Anhtng?Bhi.
JohnCoffey,thab.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Coffeynhthncung.
Vng,thab,ciuvitchnhtthkhc.
Btatrlivogi,nhmngilnnhngkhngngihnvnhng.Gngibncnhb,nhntrli,vngsngphtratngnnquylyhnh
nhngdinvintrnsnkhugdaenstrongbqunotvngiphndatrngnhnhnangchtdn.BnhntrntrivomtJohn,vm
hocsngr.
Thab?
Vng,JohnCoffey?Nhnglilththm,khntaichngtitronglnkhngkhhihm.Ticmthycbptchivlngcocmli.nino
rtxa,ticmnhnvinGimthangbpchttayti,phabntmnhncatilHarvBrutalvngtaymnhau,gingnhngatrlcngtrongm
ti.Mtskingspxyra.Mtskinlnlao.Tngngichngticmnhncntheocchringcamnh.
JohnCoffeycixunggnbyhn.Lxogingkuctkt,vitrigingstsot,nhtrngmmcilnhlotavotrongquaknhtrncas
phngng.imtvnmucaCoffeythmdgngmthchcngalncab.
Tathynri.Glnting.Khngphinivibydgticngnghthnhnglivichnhg.Tathynvtacthgip.Nmyn...nmtht
yn...
Gcignhn,gnhnna.Trongthongchc,khunmttotngcagdnglicchmtbkhngy2inch.Ggimtbntaysangbn,ngn
tayxeranhthbocighych...cch...riglicimtxung.imirng,trntrucagpstvomib,bucchngmra.Trongkhonh
khc,tithymtconmtcabnhntrngtrngquaCoffey,ypmtbiuhincacidngnhlningcnhin.Riciutrnbngcagngy
viucngbinmt.
Cmttinghutgikhkhngkhightlungkhngkhnmsutrongphib.iuddinratrongmt,haigiy,thrisnnhchuynngdi
chnchngtivtonbnginhquaytrnquanhchngti.Khngphititngtng,ttchucmnhnskin,ttcuxcnhniusauny.
ylmtthmthanhrmr.Ctingrivkhimtvtgrtnngngtrongphngkhchharalchicnghc.Halcgngchosacha
nhngnkhngbaogichycqumilmphtna.
vtrgnhnlmttingnt,theosaultinglanhcanhcaknhcasmmttrngnhntrmvophngbv.Mtbctranhtrntngmt
chictuthycaotcchudutrnmttrongbyidngrikhimctreo,pxungsnnh,mtknhvnt.
Tingicmignngryvnhnthykhibclntbnditmtrigingmutrngbangp.Mtphntmtrianghamuenkhi
ucccavnlchnphicab.Ccmgicnhngiangnmm,tigittayMooresravbcnbnng.Trnylmtlinc,chungquanhc
bahocbnchaithucvinltnhotrongcnchnng.Tinhtlincln,divochangbckhi.Cmttingxoxo.
John Coffey tip tc hn b y mt cch su lng v thn mt, mt bn tay vn cha ra, bn tay kia t trn ging, chng sc nng bao la ca g.
Nhngngntayxera,tithygingnhmtconsaobinmunu.
tnhinlngbynln.Mttronghaibntaycabqutvokhngkh,ccngntayqupvo,duiratrongmtcncotht.Chnbpmnhln
ging.Rimtthggoln.Mtlnna,khngchmnhti,nhngngikhccngnghec.iviBrutal,mthanhnghenhtingchsihoc
singcbmcchnvoby.ivitithnghenhtingchimibng,theocchthnhthongbnnghecchngvonhngbuisngmthi,
khichngangtungcnhbnhoquanhngmmniysng.
Bnngoiginicnmnhlayngnginhmtlnthhaimtiuklv,bnbity,chonlcyvnchacchtginonin.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
John Coffey dt ra khi b y v ti thy gng mt b mn mng. Khe ming bn phi khng cn tr xung na. Mt b ly li hnh dng bnh
thng,nhntrramitui.Gsaymnhnbtrongmtthongrigbtuho.Gquayusangmtbnkhnghovomtb,mtthngbng(iu
nykhngnngntoxcnhgmnginamngthrakhicnhging)vngvtxungsnnh.Gnnglmrungchuynnginhlnth
ba.Gqutrnugi,uthra,horrinhngimcbnhlaophithikcui.
Tingh,byginltnhngconby.Gshobtchngra,lnnylcmtbynhungnhc.
Nhnggkhnglmth.Gtiptchothnhnhngtingsannmasu,gnnhkhngngngnghgianhngthohtvolnkhtritip
theo.Lndaennuchocolatehaxmngot.Thycnguybin,Brutalnbng,qumtgibncnhvchongtayquatmlngrngangcoqup.
NhthbngtnhkhicnmmuivhnhngcaBrutal,Mooresbcnbngingv,ngixungniCoffeyngi.Dngnhngykhnghnhn
thyshindincagkhnglanghohen,nghnth.McdCoffeyangqustbnchnmnh,Mooreschtmtrvov,ngiangnhnngviv
sngs.Nhnbygingnhnhnvomttmgngbnclausch.
John!Brutallato.Nnra!Nnranhanhlmlntrc!
Johntiptcsaranhngtinghotcnghn.Mtgt,khngphivncmtmvqusc.Ncdibnrakhiminggthnhmtchmtiamn
nhngkhngcgkhccnhra.
Brutalpmnhvolnggvilnrinhnquanhquttmti.
Gnghnth!Gangnghnthvbtcthghtrakhingiby!
Titinlnphatrc.Trckhitikpichaibc,Johnltbngugitrnhkhiti,ltvogcphng,vnhorrivhtmnhtnghi.G
tatrnvogiydntngnhngahngdimutrnngpmtbctngtrongvnvphtramttingchtmnhghrn,nhthgangcnn
ralpviltngccachnhg.Tinhnghrngnhthsnnranhngconbnhngkhngcduhiunocachng.Tuythcnhocagcvdu
xungmtcht.
Tikhngsao,sp.Glnting,vntatrnvonhngahngdimu.Mtgtiptcnhm.Tikhngbitchctisaogbittic,nhng
rrnggbit.Thttnhtikhngsao.Hylochoqub.
Tingvcnhngriquayvphaging.HalangvutlngmycaMellyvtithymtiukdiubntrn:mtstccabykhngnhiu,
nhngmtsentrli.
Chuyngxyra?Bhichng.Tronglctiquanst,schngngtrngmby.Dngnhblycphaiahngrakhitgiydn
tng.Saoemliy?ChngtaangtrnngnbnhvinIndianola,phikhng?BcssbntiaXvouemvchpnhnobcaemm.
Sut.Haltrli.Sut,emyu,chuynbygikhngcnna.
Nhngemkhnghiu!Bgnnhvanni.Chngtadnglitimtquyhngbnng...anhmuachoemmtbhoagimixu...thri...
emy.Tiqu!Anhnticha,Hal?Tisaoemlitrongphngdnhchokhch?EmchpXquangcha?nhmtbltquaHargnnhkhng
thyanhtaticholdocnscvgnchtvoti.Paul?TichpXquangcha?
Ri.Tip.Trongsng.
Hkhngtmthykhiu?
Khng.Tini.Hninhngcnnhcuclschmdt.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Bncnhb,Halbtkhc.
Bngichmratrc,hnthidngchng.Rinhmtbhngvgcnh.
Ngidaenlai?Tisaoanhtalichuivogcnh?
TiquaylithyJohnangcgngngdy.BrutalgipgvJohnnglnctrongctncngcuicng.Tuynhingngquaymtvotng
nhmtatrphmlibpht.Gvncnhohenvinhngcncothtnhngchngcvangdui.
John.Tini.Quaylii,BCon,hynhnqubny.
Gchmchpquayli.Gngmtgvncnscxmtro,nhnggiimitui,nhthmtconngimnhmsaucngthuamttrnchinlu
ditrcstnph.Mtgnhnxungidpnht,nhngnhangmongcmtchicnnvnvo.
Anhlai?Byhilnna.Anhtng?
JohnCoffey,thab.Gnivbplingay.Nhngkhngnhvngingnhthncung.
Halcaquybncnhv.Bcmnhn,vvotayngkinhngc.Timthyanhlangthangtrongbngtivticngth.Chngtagpnhau.
JohnCoffeykhngnig.
Chngragpnhautrongbngti.Bni.ngdyiHal.Anhdnemktcngtrongny.
ngnglnvnhnbdtmvipvivnghihoc.
Melly,emkhngth...
ngdhi.Bplivtungchnra.Dnhinemcth.Bvutlinpong,vnvairingdy.
LyCha.Halththo.ChaknhyutrnTricacon,nhnbyka.
BtinnJohnCoffey.Brutalngcchxa,ntknhshintrnmt.Bkhpkhingtrongbciutin,khnglmghnngoisuichochn
phitrongbcthhai,nhngriiucngtanbin.TinhliBrutalacingchmumchoDelacroixvni:
Nmitimunxemnchyrasao.LcyngJingleskhpkhingnhngvomsau,mDelacroixbctrnDmngXanh,conchut
hontonbnhthng.
MellyvngtayquanhngiJohn,mchtg.Coffeyngmtlc,ynchobm,sauggimttaylnvutnhub.Glmnhthvi
mtvdudngvtn.Khunmtgvncnxmxt.Tinghnhngthtbnhhonkhngkhip.
Bynglira,ngnglntrcmtg.
Cmnanh.
Cgu,thab.
BquayvphaHalvbcnchngy.ngqungtaymb.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Paul.Hargi.Anhtachactayphichotinhn,vvomtngh.Spnbagi.Trisbtusngvobngibamipht.Numuna
CoffeykptrliColdMountaintrc,chngtiphiism.Vtimunagtrv.Mtphnvchuynnycnkodithchithothimcngti,
vng,ttnhin.NhngticngmunJohnnimticthgibcskhmbnhchogmtcchhpphp,nucn.Nhng,tinghclcntht.
VchngMooresngitrnthnhging,vngtaymnhau.TinhyucuHalraphngkhchniringmtli,rinhnthychinkhibv
chungngycngkhngnhcnhchkhichcamnh.Cthngysrimtkhibytnhtcngtrongvigiykhimttrilnnhnggithkhng.
Hal.Tini.Chngtiphiv.
ngygtu,khngnhnti.ngangmiquanstscdintrnm,ngcongtnhincamivmuenmitrntcvmnh.
Tivvaing,mnhlikosch,tnhtlmtlc.
Hal,chngtichabaoginy.
Cig?
Chngtichabaoginy.Titrli.Chngtasnichuynsau,bygingchcnbitnhvy.Chngtichabaoginy.
Vng,cri...ngcbucbnthntptrungvotibngmtthrrtlmtnlc.Anhemgrangoi.Anhcthagtrvotrong
ch?
Tinghc.Cth.Nhngchngtiphii.
Saoanhbitglmcnhthny?Ringlcu,nhthtxcnhnrngcuhitrachanglc.Paul...cmnanh.
ngcmnti.Titchi.HycmnJohn.
ngnhnJohnCoffeyrichatayragingnhtilmvongyHarvPercypgiiJohnnKhu.
Cmnanh.Cmnrtnhiu.
Johnnhnbntay.Brutalthcmtckhngthtnhcholmvosng.Johngitmnh,nmlybntayHalvlc.Ln,xung,trligia,bung
ra.
Cgu.Gpli,gingkhnkhn.TinghegingnhMellykhibychptaylivboJohnttqunxung.Cgu.Gnivingim
trongdinbinbnhthngcaskin,scmlnmtcybtbngbntayvklnhxtJohnCoffey.
Harvvomtnghlnna,lnnytrakhncphn.
Brute?Tihi.Snsngcha?
ChoBrutus.Milindavuivctting,nhthnhnraanhtalnu.Rtvuicgpch.Ccvthchungtrkhng?Hal,anhthchkhng?Emc
thphatr.Blingln.Embbnhnhngbygiemthykhe.Khehnbaonhiunmtrc.
Cmn,thabMoores,nhngchngtiphii.Brutalp.qugingcaJohnri.Anhtammcitnianhngticngcmthy
lounhnhmtanhtanhnJohn.
,numingichcchn...
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vng,thab.ithi,JohnCoffey.AnhtagittayJohnthcgicvJohnbci.
i!MelindavngrakhitayHal,nhanhnhnnhmtbgichynchJohnangng.Bqungtaymlygvxitchtmtlnna.Sau
bataylngy,thosidychuynmnrakhiolt.usidylmtmaybngbc.BanchoJohn,gnhnmtvkhnghiu.
ThnhChristophery.Bni.Timunanhlynmeo,anhCoffey.Ngisbovanh.Lmneoi.Hyvti.
Johnnhnti,birivtinhnHal.ngxetayra,saugtu.
Johncmlysidychuyn,eoquanhcictobcag,tmtmaycthnhChristophervongco.Lcnyghontonngnghonhng
cvxmngotvbnhhonhnbaogiht.
Cmnb.Glnting.
Khng.Bpli.Cmnanh.Cmnanh,JohnCoffey.
Chng32
TitrvviHarrytrnxevquivuimngcrangoi.Mysihngnhngtnhtchngticngchngkhtri.Chngtiic
khongmidmthHarrynhnthymtkhcquanhvrvotrongy.
Gth?Tihi.Mtphnghngsao?Trongtmtrti,vncthliuhocbtciugtngbphncaumyvthanhchuyn
ngcachicFarmallnghenhtrnbvccasailmchtngihochontonuhngconma.
Khng.Harrytrli,gingnghenhbitli.Tiphiix,vythi.Mctqu.
Harattcchngtiulmth,trJohn.KhiBrutalhigmunxungxegipchngtiticykhng,gchlcumkhngngcnhn.Gang
davothnhxe,pmttmchnqunilnvainhloikhnchongcadnM.Tikhngccgtrnncdacagnhngcthnghetingth
khkhcvthnhm,gingnhgithiquanrm.Tikhngthchiu.
Tichuivomtbiliu,cintqunvmc.Tivncngngivichngnhimtrngngtiuhichnglngqunchahontonlmch
vnginltikhoankhoictmkhngcnphigotht.Ting,xschncthivnhnlnmttrnghunhkhngnhnraBrutalang
ngbncnhvcnglmvicnhti,chonkhianhtakhni:
GskhngbaogingivogiSparky.
TinhnBrutal,ngcnhinvhisgingnikhngnhkhkhngcaanhta.
culg?
tinivldono,gnutthsubkiathayvnhrangoinhlmtrckia.Cthmtmttungqusctolnvmnhmnhng
ticlnhanhhn.Mttrongschngtaitunvsthygnmchtcngnhtrnspngthi.
Tinghmnhtxongnhngkhinghecuni,mtchtrngmnhnylntronglngti,mtchtkhcthphunrangoi.Trongkhigilintqun,
tinghiuBrutalniqucnghahonho.Xtchocng,tihivnganhtaning.JohnCoffeykhngngcht,nutillunngvvccbginh
Detterick,nhngnugphicht,tikhngmundobntayti.Tikhngbitccanmnhctaylnthihnhkhng,nusvicdintinnmc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
ino.Harrylmbmttrongbngti.Munri.Giiquytchuynnychoxongi.
Khitrlixe,tinhnrachngtibJohnlihontonmtmnhmcngudtngangviPercyWetmore.Tinghrnggbtrn,rngg
nhmsubrangaykhithymnhkhngbcanhchng,richvicchunncclnhthnhHuckvJimtrnchuyntuBigMuddy.Ttcnhngg
chngtistmthyltmchnmgkhocquanhvai.
Nhnggcn,vnngibgi,dalngvothnhxe.Gngcnhnlnkhitingchnchngtingnvcnncivichngti.Ncil
lngmtthongtrngngmthchcritrii.
Thno,JohnB?Brutalhi,leovosauxetivlylichncaanhta.
Khe,sp.Johnbphtrli.Tikhe.
Brutalvugig.
Chngtassmtrv.Vkhixongvic,anhbitgkhng?Tislochoanhmtlicphnngthtto.Cngvkemna.
Hnri,tivanghvaivngquaxe,nchghdnhchohnhkhch,leovo.Nubnthnchngtakhngbbtvottrc.
NhngnghnyvneongtitlctngPercyvophngklutvnkhngkhintilolngphitnhto.Tingthipivmthyi
Cavalry.SmstvanglnhngTy,mtthmicthlmiqubchx.Brutal,Harry,Deanvtingvngquanh,mcothngvinncaonh
trongmtbphimcaCecilB.DeMille.Chngtilnhngsquan,tionth.CbacythnhgiPercyWetmorevDelacroixnmbncnhJohnCoffey.
Tinhnxungbntayvthymnhangcmmtcibadnhymu.
Chngtaphiligtchxung,Paul!Brutalhtln.Chngtaphiligxung!
Ciuchngtikhnglmc.Ngitalythangi.TispnichoBrutalbitthxenymtcrtmnhkhintitnhgic.Chngtitrlini
Harryduxevosngsmcingydngnhtridingcvthihnghoang.
Haichngtirakhixevivngrasau.BrutalnhyngayxungtnhngugiJohnCoffeysmxung,sutng.Cbachngtiphilyg,g
chvangvngphthorritrli,lnnyllnthinht.Ggpngi,tinghonghnnghtvglycmtaychnlnming.
Khicnhoduxung,chngtilicheybngcccnhthngriibngcvlichngtin.Phntitnhtcachuynnghphpsiuthcny
tnhtivitilhaitrmyardcuicngkhichngtihihngcvhngNamdctheoraxal.Tithynhsngmnhtutintrnbutripha
ngvcmnhnchcchncmtnngdnnodysm,rangthuhochbnghoconhnglungkhoaimicuicng,snvbtgpchng
ti.Thmchnuiukhngxyra,chngtisnghethyailaln(trongtrtngtngcatinghenhgingcaCurtisAnderson)"Dngli!"
tronglctisdngchakhaAladdinmhngrobaoquanhvchngndnvonghm.Rihaitlnhgctrangbsngcarbinesbcrakhirng
vcucphiulunhonhcachngtisktthc.
Khithcsnbnhngro,timtipmnhnmcchnhnthynhngchmtrngnhxubngntrcmttheotngnhpp.Taytilnhngt,
tdivxavngvtrongkhongthigiandinhttikhngtnichakhavo.
i,lyCha,nxe!Harryrnln.
Tinhnlnvthynhngqungsngtrnng.Vngchakhasutrikhitay,ticchplicvogiycuicng.
achoti.Brutalni.Tilmcho.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Khng,tichpcri.Tip.Saucngchakhacngltvo,xoaymtvng.Mtthongsauchngtivotrong.Chngtinpsautmvch
ngn,quanstmtchicxetichbnhmhiuSunshinelangthangchyquatrigiam.TinghechithbhnhhcaJohnCoffeybncnh.Nghe
gnhmtcmygncndu.Ggitmvchngnlnmkhngtnchtsclctrnngra,nhnglnnythmchchngtikhngyucuggip
khngthc.Brutalvtinngcnhcaln,HarrydnJohnleoxungccbcthang.Gtoxcbckhpkhnhnhngxungc.Brutalvtitheo
sauhtscnhanh,htmvnxungvkhali.
LyCha,tinghchngtas...Brutaldmninhngtictlianhtabngmtcthckhuutayvosn.
ngni.Tican.Thmchngnghn,trckhigantontrongxlim.
VlicncPercytnhnna.Harrybsung.Gingchngtinhtnho,vangvngtrongnghmbnggch.Bui ti vn cha kt thc

chngnochngtacnphiuvihn.
Harabuiticachngticnlumiktthc.
TingitrongphngsinngcaGeorgiaPines,cybtcabtitrongtayvmtnimthigiankhinhlicimmHarry,BrutalvtiaCoffey
rangoiDmngXanh,nviMelindaMoorestrongmtnlccusngby.TivitvchuynucWilliamWharton,ktngtngmnhlBilly
theKidtithtivitvcchthcchngtinhtPercyvooaivbthntrongphngklutcuiDmngXanhtivitvchuynduhnhmkl
vakinhhongvavuithchvphpltribanvocuicuchuyn.ChngtinhnthyCoffeykomtphnrakhicicht,khngchttrnming,m
theonhnggchngtithy,cnltyhuytm.
TivitvnhnthcrtlmvphinbncucsngGeorgiaPinesangdinraquanhti.NgigixungnhdidngbarilltnTrungtm
Giitr(vng,bncphptclimtci)ungliuthuckchtnhhungtruynhnhbuiti.TinhdngnhbbnElainecaticemchomt
chicbnhsandwich,nilicmnvnbnh,nhngkhngthkbnnghebyembnhnlcmygi,hoctrongcg.Phnlncitiquayv
nm1932,khinhngkhoanhsandwichcachngtithngcmuatchicxeybnquvt,ybngnhngtrangkinhthnhcaloTootToot,ththeo
nguiginmxu,thtbmixu.
Tinhlikhudnglolngxungkhinhngditchsngychunbchomtmnavimtgicngmngmanh,ybtantinghethyMickey
cthkhngphilhlgiinhtnhngchcchnlngittbngnhtanght"RedRiverValley"bnggingkimhayhotronglcanhtailngvng
phtcthucti:"Trongthunglngngitanemsrai...chngtisnhticimtsngvncingtngo..."BihtlmtilinghnMelindav
iubyniviJohnsaukhiphplxyra.Timthyanh.Timthyanhlangthangtrongbngtivticngth.Chngtagpnhau.
GeorgiaPinestrnnynlng,namnriivtivncnvit.TivitnchititHarrynhcnhchngtirng,mcdacJohnquay
vtrigiammkhngbphthin,vncnPercyangchchngti."Buitichaktthcchngnocnphiuvihn"dtdnhiu,lnhngg
Harryni.
Chititlnimcmtngydilicybtcabti,saucngbtkpti.Titbtxungchvigiythi,tingh,cthcoginngntay
lyliscsngritatrnvotay,nhmmtli,thgin.Khimmtravngnguln,nngsngtrngtrngnhntiquacas.Tinhnngh
thyhntmgi.Ting,ugclncnhtaynhmtlogisayru,trongcihnlsutingngh.Tingln,nhnmt,gnggngvn
ngilysc.Tinghnvicxungnhbp,lymtkhoanhbnhmnngvido,nhngritinhnxungmtranggiynguchngoc,vngvikhp
mtbn.tnhintiquytnhhoncucido.Ticvicvtphilm,vng,nhngncthi,vsnghmytikhngthchthchitrtrntmvi
BradDolan.
Thayvido,tishontttptruyn.ikhithcychoxongvicvntthn,dtmtrvthxccabncphni.ikhiylcchduynht
vtqua,Viutinhnnhtvosnghmy,ltithmmunthotkhibngmaeongJohnCoffeybitbao.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
cri.Tini.Mtdmna.Nhngtrcht...
Tiinphngvsinhcuihnhlangtnghai.Tronglcngty,tivtnhnhnlnmydkhigntrntrn.NlmtinghnElainev
cchbynhlchngDolan,ticthidovlmvicvtcamnhvongyhmkia.Tihonttcngvicbivitcamnhvimtnci
trngngmt.
Tibctrvphngsinng,cmthykhekhonhn.Ngino,Elaine,khngnghinggna,tmtbnhtrbnnhngtrangvitcati.
Tithamlamungmttch,rimttchna,thmchchakpngixung.Rikhiphclichngi,rtnpbtravmtlnnabtuvit.
Tichvammnhvotrongcuchuyncamnhthmtbngentrmlyti.Tingclnvcmthyddyhthng.GDolanangnggia
tivcas.Gtotmingci.
Khngthyngdidobuisng,Paulie.Glnting.Vvytinghmnhsnxemnglmg.bitchcngkhngbnh,ngbitm.
Anhrnglngquy.Tini.Gingtininghebnhthngtuyxavngnhngtimtipmnh.Tisgvtinghnhnthckhnghon
tonmi.GkhintinhliPercyWetmore,gnythtichabaogis...nhngkhibitPercyticntr.
NcicaBradntocranhngkhngkmphnkhchu.
Paulie,ngitabongysutmvitboco.No,iulkhngtt.Bngiccngcnnghngigiscp.
Percy...tidmninhngnhnthymtntnhnnhlntncivchtnhnrasailm.Tihtmthidi,btunili.Brad,anhciug
chngliti?
Gcvbiritrongmtthong,clhidod.Rincilixuthin
Lolng.Gni.Cthtikhngabmtcang.Dsaothngvitgvy?Dichc?
Gbctitrc,vncra.Tichntaylntranggiyangvit,taykiagomgpphncnli.Tronglcvivnhtvodicnhtayvtba,ti
lmnhumtstrang.
No...Gninhthvimtatr.Lmvykhngnthuagu,logicngi.NuBradnymunxemthBradnysxem.Vlocthem
nnbsngchttit.
Bntayg,trtrungvmnhmngs,quplyctaytivbpmnh.Cnautrnvotaytinhaurngkhintirnln.
Btaytira.Ticgnglnting.
Chkhinolochotixem.Gpli,khngcina.Thnhngbmtglivuiv,thvuivmbnchthyctrnbmtnhngkthchs
cc.atixem,Paulie.Timunbitlovitg.Bntaytibturikhitranggiyu.TchuynvcachngtiviJohnquanghmdi
mtl.Timunbitclincangnnilo
chongyyn.
Gingninhtingroiqutanhgnvomtngykhro,nngbc...vvikiucchnhydnglncaBradDolan,bnsnghicimnggchnhl
mctiucangnroi.Gbungtaytiriphchxungtpgiyvitvchaicngnhnraca.
ElaineConnellyangngy,dngvtimtvmnhmhnbaogi.Bymcqunjeanlmnibtcphngthonvichndi,tcbucdi
xanh.Bbngmtcikhaytrnibntaybvimkhpncqu,trng,bnhmnng,nctr.Mtbtela.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Bnghbanglmgvy?Bradhi.ngtakhngcnungy.
ngycthvngysn.Btrlicngvimsckhkhanyuyquyn.Tichabaoginghenhthnhnggiytirthoannghnh.Ti
tmkimsshitrongmtbvkhngmymaythychccnphnn.Viucuslmlrakhiytrckhimcgyphinhcamtcongin
nhcuvtlnmccamtthksinhhitohnRattusAmericanuschnghn.
Gtinvphabmtbc,nhnchaichngti,vmtttinvhontongind.TinghylmtskthpynguyhimnhngElainekhng
naonngmtlikhigngn.
Chcchntibitknokchhotmydkhi.Dolanda.Cthlmtconchcigicmngvutthaychobntay.Bygibctrakhiy.
TivPaulienichuynchaxong.
TnngylngEdgecombe.Bni.VnucnnghecugingylPauliena,tinghcthhaviculnhngngylmvicGeorgia
Pinesnyschmdt,cuDolan.
Bnghblai?GhiElaine.Gangpob,gnggngcinhngcikhngni.
Tingh...Bbnhthntrli.TilbnicangilPhtngnvinHvinGeorgia.Mtconngibityuthngnhngngihhng,cu
Dolan.cbitlnhnghhngcaotui.
Ncigngritutkhibmtgtheocchchvitrirakhitmbngenvmtminggit.Tithyvdod,khnnggbbp,nisg
khngmcby,vmtgithithplhnhthnh:byphibitrngvickimchnglihdartddng,vycnghabyangnistht.
tnhintibtcivmcdtingcibkhnnhngnglc.TiangnhlibaonhiulnPercyWetmorehdachngtibngthlcca
hn,vonhngngyxaxa.Bygi,lnutintrongcucidi,dilthcati,mtlihdanhthlictungra,nhnglnnylbnhvcti.
BradDolannhnti,trngmt,rinhnlib.
Tinithty.Elainebog.Lcutinghsbquachocutigiri,nhthcvddngnht.Nhngkhibnbtibedavngci,
tikhngbqua.Githcurakhiyngay.Vchnithmlinona.
Mignhcnhchnhmic,gkhaokhtcnithmmtlinabitbao(clmttvnviphthy).Thnhnggkhngni.Gnmchoti
mtcnhncuicngrisichnbcquaby,rangoihnhlang.
Tithramthidi,rirckhiElainetkhayxungtrcmtti,tngixungidin.
ChucacthtslPhtngnvinHvinch?
Tht.
Vyclmgy?
PhtngnvinHvinkhinncquynlctrmtconginnhBradDolannhngkhnglmchongiuc,bticini.Vli,tithch
y.Tithchcbnb.
Tixemylmtlikhen.Tithclngpli.
Paul,anhnkhng?Trnganhqumtmi.Bvntayquabn,gtlntcrxungtrnvlngmy.Nhngngntaycabmomnhngln
dathtimt,tuytvi.Trongthongchctinhmmtli.Khimra,ticmtquytnh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tikhngsao.Tini.Vhunhspvitxong.Elaine,cscch?Ti a cho b nhng trang giy m ti gom gp mt cch vng v.

ChngkhngcntheongthtDolanthtslmtisnhngcnhsvbnhanhchngsplichong.
Elainenhnticnnhc,khngcmlyvttia.Bnhnti:
Anhmtri?
Csmtthigianntnbuitracnhnggc.Tini.Nghalnuccthnhnramtch.
Bygibmithtscmlynhngtranggiyvnhnxung.
Chanhrtp,mcdthyrltayanhmtmi
Bnhnxt.Emsckhngkh.
Khiccxongthticngsvitxong.Tini.Ccthcphncnlisaunagina.Sau...nuccnsnlng...timunchocxemmt
th.
Clinquannvicanhrangoihuhtccbuisngvchiukhng?
Tigtu.
Byngisuynghtrongmtkhongthigiandirigtu,nglnvinhngtranggiytrongtay.
Emtrrangoi.Bni.Sngnaycnngm.
Vconrngbkhutphc.Tia.Lnnybigiainhnxinhp.
Bmmci,cixunghntivophatrnlngmy,ninhycmvnlunlunkhintirngmnh.
Chngtahivngth.Bpli.Nhngtheokinhnghimcaem,nhngconrngnhBradDolanthtkhmloitr.Bngpngng.Paul,chc
maymn.Emhivnganhskhutphccbtciuganggyungnhttronganh.
Ticnghivngth.TipvnghnJohnCoffey.Tikhnglmgc,Johnni.Ticgngnhngqumun.
Tinmntrngbmangnchoti,ungncqu,bbnhmnngsangmtbnnsau.Riticmbtlnvbtuvitlichoiumtihi
vngsllncuicng.
Mtdmngcuicng.
Mtdmngxanh.
Chng33
KhichngtiaJohntrliKhuEmhmy,chicxebngcalmtnhucucnthit,thayvthixax.Tihtscnghinggkhngsctiht
chiudinghmphiikhomngitnnhiusclchnithnglng,trnnghmthquthpivinhngnginhJohnCoffey.Tikhng
thchnghnhnhnhgngqudi.Lmsaochngtigiithchskin,trncvictmcchgiithchtisaochngtibtPercymcodhica
ngiinvtnghnvophngklut?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
NhngchngticxebngcacmnChavJohnCoffeynmditrnnhmtconcvoidtvobibin,trongkhichngtiygtrlicu
thangnhkho.Gxungxebngca,longchong,richngynciu,thhohn.Lndagxmngotnmcnhnggingnhblnbt.Tingh
ntragsnhpbnhx...nghalnuntramgkhngcht.
nhmtBrutalnhntiymu,tuytvng.Tinhntrlingay.
Chngtakhngthkhingglnnhngcthgip.Tini.Cuqunglytayphig,tibntri.
Cnti?Harryhi.
isaulngchngti.Nugcvngraphasau,cuytrliphatrc.
Vnucchkhnghiuqu,hynmphcxungnicunghgsrixunggimbtchnng.
Quig.Harrylnhlngni.Brute,cuphidingnhxicOrpheum,nhthmixngvitrkhihicacu.
Ticckhihi,ngvy.Brutalthnhn.
SaucngchngticngxoayxaJohnlnccuthang.Nilolnnhtcatilgsngtxunhnggkhngsao.
Cuikimtrabitchcnhkhokhngcngi.TinghnthboHarry.
Tiphinignuc?Harryvotaytivhi.GiAvonrichuittxungy?
ngnima.Brutalpcht.
Harrykhyhcavthuvotrong.Viti,dngnhanhtagitthtrongmtkhongthigianvtn.Saucnganhtartutrli,vgn
nhvuimng.
Anton.Vyntnh.
hivngcnhth.Brutalni.ino,John.Gnnnhri.
Gcthtmnhiquanhkho,nhngchngtiphigipgleobabcthangdnvovnphngcati,rignnhygquacnhcanh.Khi
nglnli,gthrng,mtlplnhnhthytinh.ngthitighinhnvinikinhhongthtskhemingbnphicagxxung,gingnhming
Melindabkhichngtibcvophngvnhnthybnhmngilntrngi.
DeannghethychngtivtbngiyuDmngXanhbcvo.
CmnCha!Tinghccanhkhngbaogitrli.Tinatinnangccanhbbt,hocbGimthbn,hoc...Anhtangngbt,lnutht
snhnthyJohn.Thnhthni,gsaoth?Nhngnhspcht!
Gkhngchtdu...phikhng,John?Brutalhi.AnhtarahiuchoDeanbngmt.
Dnhinlkhng,tikhngthcsnhnicht...Deanbiricikh,nhng,trii...
Bi.Tigtngang.Gipchngtiagtrvoxlim.
Mtlnna,chngtililnhngquivyquanhmtngnni,nhngbygilmtngnnichumtvitriunmximn,mtngnnitrtri
vbunru.JohnCoffeychmchpdichuyn,htthbngmingnhmtngigihtthucqunhiu,nhngtnhtgcndichuync.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Percythno?Tihi.Hnlmmkhng?
Mtchtlcu.Deantrli.Clahtquadibngdnhanhdntrnming.Tinghlchith.
ntri.Brutalni.iuttlnhkhinhngitaimngmanhcachngtaangnikhc.
Sauchthnhthonghuvocathi,ccanhbity.Dean,vquinhnhmkhigplichngti,trnnlpbp.Cpknhcaanhtatut
xungtnumibnglngmhivanhtaytrln.ChngtiiquaxlimcaWharton.Thngnhcvdngangnmnga,ngynhmtcykn
saxophone.Lnnymtnnhmnghin,clm.
Deanthytinhnvbtci.
Thngkhnggyri!Khngnhcnhchgtkhingvtxungspng.Chtngc,vphnPercycatikhngmymayquantm.Nithtvi
ccanh,nhthticnmnghn.Nuhnkhnggyno,tisthicphihnnghtthmchtvmnhbngdnhanhdntrnlmmhnkhng.
Nhngychaphiliuttnht.Anhbitiuttnhtkhng?TnhhnhmnhbuisngLTrothTNewOrleans!Sutmkhngaimxung
y!Anhtanilisaucngnybngmtginghh,cthng.
Chngtathothim,cccu!Chngtathnhcng!
iulmchoanhtasuynghtisaochngtihonthnhvhikch,rianhtahithmvMelinda.
Bykhe.Titrli.ChngtinxlimcaJohn.LiDeannibtuthmtha:Chngtathothim,cccu...chngtathnhcng.
Gingnh,ccanhbity...conchut...khng?Deanhi.AnhtalicnhanhvphaxlimniDelacroixsngvingJingles,rinhnxungphng
klut,nidngnhlcinguncaconchut.Anhtahthpging,gingnhkhingitabcvonhth,nithmchsynlngcvangththo.
Gingnhmt...Anhtanutc.Nii,ccanhhiutim,cphinhmtphplkhng?
Bangichngtithongnhnnhau,xcnhniuchngtibit.
abytrvtymliuglm.Harrytrli.Phi,nglmtphpl,nglm!
Brutalmkhaitrncaxlim,nhtayyJohnvotrong.
Voi,chngtraitoxc.Nghngimtlci.Anhxngngc.ChngtigiiquytPercy...
ngylngixu.Johnlntingbngmtgingthp,mymc.
ngvy,khngcgnghing.Xuxanhmtgphps.Brutalngbnggingiuaninht.Nhnganhchlolngchtnovhn.Chngti
skhngchohnlignanh.Anhnmlnspthoimii,ritisctchcphchoanhngaytcth.Nngvm.Anhscmthynhmtconngi
mi.
Johnnngnngixungsp.Tinghgsngvtlnspvlnvotngnhthnglnhnggcngi,taychplnglogiahaiugi,u
cithp,thmnhbngming.ChicmayThnhChristophermMelindatnggtutrakhingco,ongaqualitrongkhngkh.Ngisgian
tonchoanh,byninhthvig,nhngJohnCoffeykhngcvantonchtno.NhngnhththaychcaMelindatrnminghuytmm
Harrynhcn.
NhnglcytikhngthchnghnJohnCoffey.Tiquaylivinhngngikia.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Dean,lysngvdicuicaPercy.
Vng.Anhtatrlibngiy,mkhangnkoctsngvdicui,emchngquayli.
Snsngcha?Tihih.Ngicatinhngconngigiigiang,vchabaogitithovhbngmygtu.CHarryvDeancv
cngthng,Brutalthnnhinnhmikhi.cri.Tisnichuyn.Phnccanhcngtmmingthsviccngttphn,vclskhplinhanh
chnghn...btchphuqu.ng?
Hligtu.TihtsumthiribcxungphadiDmngXanhnphngklut.
Percyngclnnhn,nheomtkhinhsngrivohn.Hnangngitrnsnvlimmubngdnhmtidnngangminghn.onbngtiqun
rasauuhntutra(clvmhivduchitctrnmitc)vhncngspsathocphncnli.Thmmtginathhnslyhtscgo
lncucuthi.
Hnpchntymnhlirasaumtchtkhichngtibcvo,ringngli,rrngnhnthykhngcnninolitrn,ngoitrgcng
Namcacnphng.
TilysngvdicuittayDean,charavhngPercy.
Munlylinhngthnych,Percy?Tihi.
Hnthntrngnhntirigtu.
Brutal.Tini.Harry.Kocuyngln.
Hcixung,mcvovttayovibcachicoai,lihnngdy.Titinvphahnnkhichngtignchmmivonhau.Tingithymi
mhichualottmtrnngihn.Mtphnclvnlctmcchthotkhichicotrnp,hocthnhthongvocanhDeannghe,
nhngtinghphnlnmhixuthinchlktqucacnshi,siuchngtisgyrachohnkhitrli.
Mnhsanton,bnhkhnggitngi,Percysnghth...vsau,clhnsnghnGisparkyvhnschtnysinhtngrngphiy,
vmtkhacnh,chngtilnhngkgitngi.Bnthntigitbymibymng,nhiuhnbtcknotngbtithtaingc,nhiuhnc
TrungsYorklngdanhtrongThChinth1.GitPercylmtiuvlnhngchngtihnhngvl,hnstnhnhthtrongkhingi,taybtri
qutrasaulng,ngnguyliltmubngdnhrakhiming.Hnna,tnhlogichunhkhngcnhiuquynlcvittngcamtconngikhi
kngitrnsncnphngctngmm,bbucgnvchtnhnhnbtrui.
iucnghal,nukhngtrchnvolcnythtiskhngbaogitrcna.
Tisgbngdnhrakhimingnucuhakhnglali.Tiraiukin.Timunnichuynvicu,khngsclaht.Vycunisao?Cu
synlngch?
Tinhnthyvnhnhmdnglntrongmthnvhnhiurng,nutimunnichuyn,hnthtsccmaythotrangoinguynvn,khngst
mtmuda.Hngtu.
Nucugyno,bngdnhscdntrli.Tida.Cucnghiuiuch?
Mtcgtukhc,lnnykhnngny.
Tiatayra,nmlyubngdnhhnlmtut,gitmnh.Mttingltvphtra.Brutalnhnmt.Percytrutrovtroncmt.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Thtirakhiciochttitny,cngccanh.Hnlubu.
icht.Tip.
Lmngay!Lmngay!Ngay...
Tittvomthn.Cittcthihnhtrckhitikpnhnramnhslm...nhngttnhintibitcthxyra.Thmchtrongcucnichuyn
utinviGimthMresvPercy,cucnichuyntrongHalkhuyntichoPercyxuthinkhihnhhnhDelacroix,tibitcthxyra.Bntayca
conngivngingnhloithchthunhamtnaphnlnthigiannsngoanngon,nhngilcnthotrangoivcnxvtutinnnhn
thy.
Tingttlmtmthanhanhgn,gingtingcnhcybbgy.Deanhhcmingvkinhngc.Percytrntrinhnti,hontonbsc,cpmtm
tonhmunlirakhitrng.Minghnhraringmli,hraringmli,nhmingctrongh.
Cmhngli.Nghetiniy.Tiralnh.CungbtrngphtviugyrachoDel,chngtichocunhnggcungchng.yl
cchduynhtchngticthlmc.Ttcchngtiung,ngoitrDean.Cuyhatheovchngtislmchocuyhiticnukhngtham
gia.Phivykhng,Dean?
Phi.Deanththo.Anhtaxanhnhtul.Clngvy.
Vchngtislmchocuphihiticvtrtsinhrai.Tinitip.ChngtischongitabitcuphhoicucxtDelacroix...
Phhoi...
VcusutlmchoDeanbgit.Chngtiskhaibocukhngcnhnbtcviclmnodolochcacutmchocu.
Percyphnutlcu.Hnkhngtinliti,clkhngthtin.Vttaytinibttrnchicmtimtcahngingnhkhiucathybi.
Vdbtciugxyra,chngtischocutittrongtngcentimetcucicacu.Chngtikhngcnphiratay.Chngticngquenbit
na.Percy,chnglcuinnmckhnghiusao?Nhngngikhngnmtrongchnhquyntiubang,nhnghvnbitcchlutphphamts
vn.lnhngngicbnby,nhngngicanhemy,nhngngicchachy.Hsvuisngcxomihoccicanmca
mtthngvlinhcu.Hslmthnginomhquantmcthcthmbagitpthdcmituntrongsn.
Percythilcu.Bygihnchcntrmtnhn.Ncmtngtrnminhngkhngri.Tinghlncmtcathnhnvthtvng.Hoccthti
hivnglth.
cri,bygihyxemxtkhacnhlcquan,Percy.Micuaumtchtvbngdnhbgitranhngmtkhc,khngcgbaungoitrlngt
icacu...vkhngaicnbitiu,ngoitrnhngngiangcmttrongcnphngny.Chngtaskhngbaogihmi,phikhngcccu?
Hlcu.
Dnhinlkhng.Brutalp.ChuyncaDmngXanhliDmngXanh.Lunlunnhvy.
CuschuynnBriarRidgevchngtiscuynnkhicurai.Tini.Percy,cumunktthcsvicy,haycumunchicng
vichngti?
Mtkhongimlngdi,rtditronglchnsuytnh,tignnhthycnhngbnhxexoaytronguhnvicgngaravphnbcnhngll
khthi.Saucng,tinghrngmtsthtcnbnhnbpnhngtoantnhcahn:bngdnhcgranhnghnvncnmcoai,vcl
hnphiitnhmtconngaua.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
cri.Hntrli.Chngtaxemnhkhplivn.Bygithtirakhiciony.Vaiticcmgicnh...
Brutalbclnphatrc,ytisangmtbn,chplygngmtPercybngmtbntaytongccngntaybmlmvomphiPercy,ngnci
omtlmngtinsutrnmtri.
Vigiy...Anhtalnting.Trcht,cuhyngheti.Paulylspln,vthikhianhyphinnithanhlch.
TicnhlininhnggthanhlchviPercynhngkhngcnhiu.Tuynhintinghtthnnnimlng,Percycvbedangmcvti
khngmunlmhnghiuqu.
Khngphilcnongitacnghiusthanhlchkhngngnghavimmyu,vthtickin.Ticccnthanhlch.Tinitocrathi.Vyy
llinitoc:nucunutli,cngnviclmcabntirtcthitong.NhngribntistmcunucphiitutsangncNga,bnticngs
tmracuvbntischicu,khngchcasaumbtccilnocuc.Chngtischicuchonkhicuccchti,richngtis
xtgimvonhngchangchymu.Cuhiukhng?
Hngtu.BntayBrutalbmsuvohaibnmcahnlmchoPercycvquidnhloTootToot.
Brutalthtayravlili.TigtuviHarryanhtavngrasaulngPercy,btugcckhaai.
Nhy,Percy.Harryni.Ghinhvchoquanhnggqua.
Ttcsvicthtngsmtcchthchhp,bangbabmcoxanh...nhngticmthymtthtuytvngyhiubitqutquangi,khngg
khchn.Hncthnnlngtrongmtngyhocmttun,tiptctnhtonlihitrongnhiuhnhngkhcnhau,nhngsaucngschaithnimtin
vothlcvsbtlckhngbctnhhung,nihnthymnhlkthuacucskthp.Khiiuxyra,hnsphunraninim.Cthchngti
cumngMellybngcchaJohnnviby("dilyttcstrTrungHoacngkhngmng,"nhchngtithngnivothi),nhng
cuicngchngtisngxungsnuvtrngtisloichngti.Vkhngthgitngi,chngtikhngccchnobucPercygiliha,khngth
cmtkhiPercycchxachngtivbtulyliciccoillngdngcmcahn.
TilicsangbnnhnBrutalvthyanhtacngbit.iukhnglmtingcnhin.Anhtakhnhnvai,chnhclnmtinchribxungnhngthl
.Vythsao?cinhnvaimunni.Cngna,Paul?Chngtalmnhnggphilmvchngtalmiuttnhtcth.
Phi.Ktqucngkhngtinmtna.
Harrygkhagicuicngtrnoai.Nhnnhvchnghtvgind,Percytmlyogitphng,vtxungdichn.Hnkhngnhnthngvobt
cnginotrongbnti.
Trsngvdicuichoti.Hnni.Tiachohn.Hntsngvobaovnhtcydicuivokhoeneo.
Percy,nucsuynghviu...
,ticnhlmth.Hnpli,xquangiti.Ticnhsuynghthtkviu.Btungaytlcny.Trnngvnh.Mttrong
ccanhcthbmgirachotikhiv.Hnrancaphngklutriquayliquanstchngtibngnhmttcgin,vkhinhbybirimtskt
hpchtngiiviiubmtmchngtiotngscgikn.Ttnhintrkhiccanhmuntmcchgiithchtisaotibvsm.
Hnrikhiphng,sibclnDmngXanh,trongcnkchngqunbngldotisaoliigialtvimuxanhliqurng.Hnphmsai
lmnymtlntrcyvthotnn.Hnskhngthotmtlnna.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Titheohnraca,cnghramtcchxoaduhntikhngmunhnriKhuEtrongtnhtrnghinthi,tmmhivxcxch,vivttttai
cnhntrnm.Bangikiaitheoti.
Chuynphixyraxyrartnhanhktthcsaukhngymtpht,thmchclnhanhhnna.Thnhngtinhtonbsvicntnngy
nayhunhtonb,tinghth,vtikttcchoJanicenghekhivnnhkhinchoskinkhcsuvotmtr.Chuynxyrasaubuihp
sngsmviCurtisAnderson,cuciutra,cuchpbomHalMooresdnxpchochngti(lcyngtrlilmvic),ricuicnglHingThm
Trathphtiubangnhngthphaimtheonmthngnhnhiuthkhctrongkccati.NhngvskinthcsxyratiptheotrnDm
ngXanh,vng,chuynthtinhrtr.
PercyangbcibnphiDmngXanh,ucithpvtisninhthny:khngmttnhnbnhthngnocththtayravinngi
hn.NhngJohnCoffeykhngphilmttnhnbnhthng.JohnCoffeylmtgkhnglvgctmtayvicamtngikhngl.
Tinhnthyitaydimunucagbungrangoitgianhngchnsongvtihtto:
Coichng,Percy,coichng!Percydmquayli,bungtaytrixungcndicui.Thrihnbtmly,dpmnhvocaxlimcaJohnCoffey,
khunmtbnphivavochnsong.
HncunhuvquayvphaJohnCoffey,gicydicuigholn.ChcchnJohnsbtnthngkhunmtgpstvokhongtrnggiahai
chnsongnmcnhngnhthangcpchotonbugchuirangoi.Ttnhinlkhngth,nhnghnhnhsviclnhth.Bntayphicag
ququotrngvogyPercy,cunlynvgitmnhuhnvphatrc.Percypdicuixunggiaccchnsong,trngvothidngcaJohn.Mu
tunranhngJohnkhng.MinggpvomingPercy.Tinghemtlunghirromttingthranhthnnhiqulu.Percygiygianhc
mccu,cgngthotthnnhngkhngbaogicchibntayphicaJohnbplygyhn,nmcht.Gngmthdngnhhatanvonhau,
ginggngmtnhngcptnhnhntinhnthyhnnhausaymquachnsong.
Percygoln,tinggotcnghnnhphtquabngdnh,vcsclililnna.Trongthongchcmihrinhaumtchtvtinhnthydngthy
triu en cun cun tun ra khi John Coffey, vo trong ngi Percy Wetmore. Nhng g khng chui vo ngi hn qua ci ming run ry th tun vo bng
ngmicahn.RibntaytrngyhnconglivmingPercyliblipvomingJohn,gnnhchtngtrny.
BntaytricaPercymtung.Cydicuiyuqucahnrixungviltsnmuxanh.Hnkhngbaoginhtnlnna.
Ticgngxngln,tioncxnglnthtnhngccmgicngtccatiquginuavngngngp.Tivlykhusngnhngdyaivn
cnvtngangbsng,vlcutikhngrtninrakhibao.Dichnticcmgicsnnhrungchuynnhtrongcnphngngnginhtmtt
theophongcchCapeCodcavinGimth.iutikhngchc,nhngtibitmttrongnhngbngnbclisttrnuvtung.Mnhthytinh
riroro.Harrythttokinhngc.
Saucngticngbungcaiantonrakhibsngkhubamitmlicamnh,nhngtrckhitikprtrakhibao,JohnyPercyraxav
livotrongxlim.Johnnhnmtvchiming,nhthgnmphithgtit.
Glmgvy?Brutallato.Glmgvy,Paul?
ThgghtrakhiMelly,bygichuynsangPercy.Titrli.
PercyangngdavochnsongxlimccaDelacroix.Mthnmtovvhnhaiconskhng.Tithntrngtinlignhn,chihnpht
hovnghnththeocchJohnbsaukhichabnhchoMelindanhngkhngc.Thotuhnngyny.
Tibngngntaytrcmthn.
Percy!,Percy!Tnhdy!
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Khngcduhiu.Brutalnhpbnviti,achaitayratrcbmttrngrngcaPercy.
Khngnthua.Tini.
Lmng,BrutalvmnhtayhailnngaytrcmiPercy.Vgiiphpqucnthua.Mmtchpchprihntrntrinhnquanhbnghong,nh
thaiplnciuangvtlntrvvithc.HnnhntBrutalsangti.Nhngnmvsau,tichcchnhnkhngthybtcaitronghai
chngti,nhnglcytinghgthytinghganghitnh.
Hnluiraxachnsongvloomtcht.Brutalgigngvng.
T t, cu b, cu khe ch? Percy khng tr li, ch bc qua Brutal v quay v hng bn trc. Chnh xc th hn khng lo o nhng g ang
nghingngquamntri.
Brutalatayrahn.Tigttayanhtai.
hnyn.Liutisninhthnubittrciuspxyrasaukhng?Tithimnhcngnlnktmathunm1932.Khngbaogi
ccutrli.
Percy i c mi hai bc ri dng li, ci u. Lc y hn ang bn ngoi x lim ca William Bill Wharton. Wharton vn cn pht ra ting kn
saxophone.Thngnhcngsutthigianxyraskin.Nngsutcichtcachnhbnthn,giytinghvchuynnhmtiumaymnchon,
hnphnlnnhngkktthccuciy.
Trckhichngtihiuiugxyra,Percyrtsngra,bcnchnsongxlimcaWharton,trtsuphtnvokangng.Chlbambam
bam,bambambam,nhanhhtsccthbpc.mthanhtrongkhuvcknqulinhi,khikchoJanicenghecuchuynvosnghmsau,tivncn
khnghectingnicachnhmnhvtingongngtrongtai.
Chngtichynchhn,cbnngichngti.DeanntrctikhngbitbngcchnovanhtasaulngBrutalvtikhiCoffeytmc
Percynhngqulanhtantrc.AnhtachpctayPercy,snsnggitkhusngrakhitayPercy,nhngkhngcnthit.Percythnnhinbungra,
khusngrixungsnnh.Mthnltquachngtinhthchnglgiytrtbngcnchngtilbng.Cmttingssvmiammoniackhibng
quangcaPercybtm,rimttingbrrrapvmtmihinnghnkhihnphunyphaqunbnkia.Cpmthnnhnchngchcvgcxacahnh
lang.Chnglnhngconmtkhngbaogithylibtcthgtrongthgiithccachngtana,theonhtibit.Trlignlckhiutptruynny,
tivitrngPercyBriarRidgevothiimBrutalphthinnhngmungchtmucangJinglesvithngsau,vtikhngvitsaistht.Tuy
nhin,hnkhngbaogicvnphngvimtcyqutmygcphngcngkhngbaogicmtmbnhnhninkhngdnph.Nhngti
hnhdungtnhtthhncngcphngringcamnh.
Dsaohnlkcthlc.
Whartonnmnghing,dalngvotngxlim.Lcytikhngthynhiunhngrtnhiumuthmvotrongvitrispngvtungtequamtnn
ximng,nhngbcsphpyniPercybnnhAnnieOakley.NhlicuchuyncaDeanvcchPercynmcydicuighosuttrngconchut,ti
khngqungcnhin.Lnnytmbngnhnvmctiulikhngding.Mtvinvohb,mttrngrut,mtgmvongc,bavinxuynvou.
Brutalhohenvqutaytronglnkhisngmtm.Bnthnticnghonhngntrckhngnhnthy.
oncuicatuynxe.Brutalni.Ginganhtabnhthnnhngcnhnvhongstrongmt,khngthlm.
TinhnxunghnhlangvthyJohnCoffeyngiusp.Mtlnna,tayglichpgiauginhngungnglnvgkhngcnvbnh
honchtno.Gkhgtuvitivtitlmchomnhngcnhinnhngcnhinvongychataychogbngcchgtupli.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Chngtaslmg?Harrylpbp.Chai,chngtaslmg?
Chngtakhnglmgc.Brutaltrlicngbnggingiubnhthn.Chngtakhngngthun.Phivykhng,Paul?
Tmtrtibtuchuynngrtnhanh.TinhnHarryvDean,hangtrntrinhntinhnhngatrhonght.TinhnPercy,hnangng
kia,bntayvquaihmonga.Ritinhnngibnthn,BrutusHowell.
Chngtaskhngsao.Tiktlun.
SaucngPercybtuho.Hngpithnmnh,taylnugi,gnnhspnnma.Gngmthnbtuchuynmu.Timming,c
bonhngngikialilinhngkhngbaogikp.Hnphtramtthmthanhgiatingnnkhanvtingmpcanhng,hming,riphunramt
mmyenquaycung.mmydycnmctrongmtkhonhkhcchngtikhngthyucahn.Harryku:"iChacugipchngcon"bng
gingyut,yncmt.Thrimmyenithnhmutrngchili,gingnhmttrithnggingtrnnntuytmi.Mtthongsaummybin
mt.Percychmchpthngngiln,lylinhmtvhnnhndctheochiudiDmngXanh.
Chngtakhngthyskin.Brutalni.Chngtathykhng,Paul?
Khng.Tikhngthyvanhcngkhngthy.Anhthykhng,Harry?
Khng.Harrytrli.
Dean?
Thyg?Deanthoknhravbtuchibng.Tinghanhtasnhriknhkhiibntayrunrynhnganhtakmc.
Khngthygltt.nglgiiphp.Githhynghehuynhtrnghngocacccuny,vphihiungaytuvthigianchn.yl
chuynngin.nglmchophctp.
Chng34
TikttcchoJannghevokhongmimtgisnghmy
Snghmsau,tisutvitnhth,nhngdnhinlcngngy.Ngydinhttrongiti,khngnghinggna.Tiklicngkhynhangc
y,ktthcbngchititWilliamWhartonhti,nmchttrnspng,ngilchnbnratkhusngcaPercy.
Khng,nhthkhngng.ChititmtithcsktthclthtunrakhingiPercy,nhngconbhoclbtcthg.Mtiukhni,thmch
vicvti,nhngtini.
Trongkhitik,nngemchotinatchcphthotutaytiqurun,khngthcmmttchymkhnglm.Khikxong,cnrundu
xungmtcht,thmchticmthythmnclmtqutrng,hocmttsp.
iucuthotbnanhlbtcnginotrongbnanhcngkhngcnphinidi.
Bquamtvichititi.Nngnivgtu.Chyunhngchititnh,thdnhlmsaoanhamtttrakhitrigiam,gchalnhmtph
nangchtdnnhthnovgkhinPercyWetmorehainbngcchcig?Khcmtkhiunontnhvochnghn?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Jan,anhkhngbit.Titrli.Anhchbitrngnuemctiptcninhth,emsktthcbngcchtnmnspkia,hocchochn.
Emxinli.Nhngemning,phikhng?
Phi.Tip.Ngoitrvicbnanhthotnntrongcuc.Cucgnh?Emkhngthgilcucotu,nghphpcngkhngngnt.Chuyn
ithca.KcPercycngkhngthkhaibonuhnchitnhli.
Nuhnhitnh.Nnglpli.iuckhnngnmcno?
Tilcutrakhngbit.Nhngthtraticbittinghgskhnghitnh,dvonm1932,hoc1942,c1952cngkhng,viuthti
ng.PercyWetmoreliBriarRidgenkhinbchyrivonm1944.MibybnhnhnnitrchttrongmchynhngkhngcPercytrongs.
Vncmnnvvhntrongmikhacnhtngmttnhtrngnylgimtrnglchncmtbovarangoitrckhilalannkhuhn
.Hnchuynnmtbnhvintmthnkhctikhngnhtn,dsaoticholkhngquantrngrichtnm1965.Theonhtibit,lncuicnghn
nillchnbochngticthbmgirachohnkhiv...trkhichngtimungiithchtisaohnbvsm.
iumamailchngtikhngbaogiphigiithchnhiu.PercyhainvbnchtWilliamWharton.Chngtikhaibonhthvtheonhdin
tinthtngchmtulstht.KhiAndersonhiBrutalthicaPercyrasaotrckhinsngvBrutaltrlibngmtt"Ynlng"ti kinh
hong trong mt thong v cm thy sp bt ci. Bi v iu cng ng. Percy yn lng, v trong hu ht thi gian ca trc hn b mu bng dnh dn
ming,iuttnhthncthlml...
CurtisgiPercylintmgi,Percycmnnnhbiutngcacahngthuchtnhngquidhnnhiu.LcyHaln,vtrmtrngnhng
ynnglc,snsngleotrlnynnga.CurtisAndersonchongynmlytrchnhimvimttingthphomchngtignnhngher.Con
ngiginuangngctanbinchthnvinGimthsibcnchPercy,ibntaytolnnmlyvaihn,lcmnh.
Contrai!ngythtvobmtvhncaPercymtbmtbtummnhnnhsp,tinghth.Contrai!Cunghetinikhng?Nu
nghethnii!Timunbitchuyngxyra!
KhngcgtphaPercy,ttnhin.AndersonmunkoGimthsangmtbn,tholunvcchhsiphvnylmtscandalchnhtrsibng,
nutngcmtvnhthnhngMooresgti,tnhtltronggiaiontrcmt,vlitixungDmngXanh.JohnCoffeyangnmtrnsp,
quaymtvotng,ichnongakqucnhthngl.Cvgangngvclth...nhngbnchtgkhngphilunlunngnhvbngoi,
nhchngtiphthin.
Skinxyranhticlincangniuxyraykhianhtrvkhng?Mooreskhginghi.Tisbaochechoanhtiatrongquyn
hn,thmchnucnghalhisinhcviclmcati,nhngticnphibit.
Tilcu.Khini,ticnggigingthp.Lcnycgnmttlnhgcquanhqunulii.MtlnhgckhcangchpnhWhartontrongxlim.
CurtisAndersonquaylichngkinvtrcmtchcBrutalangnhnchngti.
Khng,thasp.ChngtiaJohnvxlimnhngthyy,rithPercyrakhiphngklut,nichngtinhthnvsanton.Titnghns
ngngniginnhngkhngphi.Hnchilisngvdicui.Hnkhngnigkhc,chbilnhnhlang.ThrikhincaxlimcaWharton,hn
rtsngrabn.
Anhnghchuynbnhttrongphngklut...nhhngntmtrhnkhng?
Khng,thasp.
Anhcnhthnvooaikhng?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Khng,thasp.Khngcn.
Hnimlng?Khngvngvy?
Khngvngvy.
Kckhihnthyanhcnhthnvophngklut,hnvnimlngvkhngvngvy.
ngvy.TicmthyaocmunthudtcuchuynchoPercytnhtmthochaidngrichinhphcn.nginhnthtthn,tibit.
Khngcno.Hnlnglngbcngcphngringixung.
LcyhnkhngnignWharton?
Khng,thasp.
CngkhngnigvCoffey?
Tilcu.
CthnoPercybngrnhWharton?Hncthhngvithngnhckhng?
iucth.Titrli,hthpginghnna.Percyingbtcn,Hal.CmtlnWhartonthtayra,lihnvoccchnsong,vuhn.
Tingngli.Cmnhnhn,ngcthninhvy.
Khngcgtrmtrnghnsao?Ch...vuhn...ththi?
Vng,nhngviPercyvnltrmtrng.WhartonnigvchuynthngviPercyhnlvichhn.
Hm.MoorestiptclicsangbnvphaJohnCoffey,nhthngycnctrnankhngngngrngCoffeylconngitht,hinhuthttrn
qut.iukhnggiithchcchuynxyrachohn,nhnglchititgitrhngvgiithchtisaohnsaymWharton,khngphiCoffey
haymtngitrongsccanh.Nivngicaanh,Paulny,liuttcbnhsklicngmtcuchuynkhng?
Vng,thasp.Titrlingy.Hslmth.TiniviJanvbtunmnspnngdnrabn.Tislovic.
Anhqucnidi.Nngbo.AnhnidiHal.
A,nglmtngivdnhchobn,phikhng?Lunlunsoimitmlnhycnbvapnhtcabnvthngkhngkhinomkhngtmra
mtl.
Anhcholvy,nuemmunnhnnhntheohng.Tuynhin,anhkhngnivingyiugkhinchaikhngthsngvin.AnhnghHalv
ti.Xtchocng,ngykhngcmt.ngynhchmscvchonkhiCurtisgiinthoi.
ngycnisckheMelindathnokhng?
Lcythkhng,khngcthgi,nhngbnanhlinichuynvinhaungaykhiBrutalvanhrav.Mellykhngnhcnhiunhngkhe.ng
dyvili.Nivnhngbnhoanmsau.
Vtinginhntinmtlc.Saunnghi:
Halbitylphplkhng,Paul?ngyhiuiuch?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Hiu.Ttcbnanhuhiu,ttcucmty.
Mtphntrongemcgemcngcmt.Nngni.Nhngemnghphnlnsvuimngvemkhngn.Nunhnthynhngchicvyri
xungtmtcaSaultrnngnDamascus,clemschtvlncnautim.
Khngu.Tip,nghingcitmcmungspcuicng.Clsnuchoanhtamttsp.Ngonqu,cng.
Tt.NhngnngkhngthtssuytvmnsphochnhviciocaSaultrnngnDamascus.Nngangnhnranhngnhniquaca
s,tacmvolngbntay,mtmmngnhnhngnhnikiavoccbuisngmah,khithititchuynnng.Nhngbuisngmahnhbuisng
phthinrahaibginhDettericktilintngmkhngvldono.Tithitisaochngkhngku.Kgitngigyaunchochngcvt
mutrnhin,trnbcthm.Vytisaochngkhngku?
AnhnghJohnCoffeythtsgitgWhartonkia,phikhng?Janicehi,saucngtcasnhnli.Khngphiltainn,haythgnhthanh
nghgsdngWetmoregitWhartonnhthmtkhusng.
Phi.
Tisao?
Anhkhngbit.
KliemnghechuynxyrakhianhaCoffeyrakhiDmngXanh,cch?Chphnthi.
Thltik.Tiknngnghechuyncnhtaymothcrangoiquachnsong,chpvobptaycaJohnnhthno,gitinhnloirnmt
loirnhncmttcchngtauskhicnlnhngthngnhcibidisngvCoffeymngWhartonlkxuxanhthno.Gnnhl
thmth.
VWhartonni...?Vtilinhnrangoicasnhnglngnghe,thy.
Whartonni:
ngvy,mien,xuxanhmymun.
Vchcth.
Phi.Anhccmgiciugspxyrangaysaunhngkhngc.BrutalgtayWhartonriralnhchonnmxung,Whartonlmtheo.Thng
nhcbtdybtu.Nniiugvbnmienphicghinring,ththi.Bnanhilmviccamnh.
JohnCoffeygiglkxuxa.
.CmtlngcngninhthvPercy.Clnhiuhnmtln.Anhkhngnhchnhxckhino,nhnganhbitgni.
NhngcnhnWhartonchahngchmnJohnCoey,ngkhng?emni,nhngchmviPercy.
Khng.TheovtrxlimWhartonphatrngnbntrcvmtbn,Johnphadibnkiathhaigkhlngnhnthynhau.
KliemnghevCoffeynhthnokhiWhartonchptayg.
Janice,chuynnykhnginuc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Cthlkhng,mcngcthlc.Kliemnghenhngnhthno.
Tithdi.
Anhonemsnilbsc.Gnghnth.Gingnhembsckhiangtmnngtrnbibinvanhlnngn,nhmttnclnhxunglng
em.Hocgingnhgbtttai.
Phi,chcth.Nngp.Bvtchnhvnhthttlmchoghonght,thctnhgtrongmtthong.
Phi.Tini.Vri...Khngphi.
A,cino?Phihaylkhngphi?
Khngphi.Khngphilhonght.Dngvgingnhlcgmunanhvotrongxlimgchabnhnhimtrngcaanh.Hocllcgmun
anhaconchutchog.ylvngcnhin,nhngkhngphilbngchm...dsaocngkhnghn...lyCha,Jan,anhkhngbit.
cri,chngtabqua.Nngni.EmkhngthhnhdungldotisaoJohnlmiu,ththi.Gkhngphilktnbotrongbncht.Paul,
iudnnmtcuhikhc:lmsaoanhcthxtgnuanhningvnhngcb?Lmsaoanhcthaglnghinnuknokhc...
Ticogittrnghngi.Khuutaytingvotsp,ltnrixungsn,vnt.Mttngchtntrongtmtr,mangtnhtrcgicnhiuhntnh
logic,nhngcmtvthanhlchdaenno.
Paul?Janicehi,vlolng.Cchuyng?
Anhkhngbit.Titrli.Anhkhngbitchciug,nhngstmranucth.
Chng35
Huqucavnsnglmtgnhxicbavng,gmngiThngctrongmtvng,trigiammtvng,vPercyWetmoremttrtinghiptrongvng
thba.Thcnngiiukhinchngtrnh?,mtnhngqungbogiithayphinnhaugivaitr.Thiyhkhngtitnhthibygih
khngtchophpmnhtitnhngthmchvothi,trcmtGeraldovMikeWallacevnhngngicnli,hcthhatheokhnhanhchngkhi
thtscgnhai.yliuxyralnnyvlmtbuibiudinhaytrongkhinkodi.
Nhngthmchgnhxicsingnht,gnhxicvinhngtnquivtngsnht,nhngchhvuinhnnhtvngvthoangdnht,cuicng
thcngphirikhithtrn.GnhxicnyraisauHingThmtra,nghetntuikhcbitvngs,nhngharakhthunhavchiul.Trong
nhnghoncnhkhc,ngiThngchnsibuuknotrnmtcikhaynhnglnnythkhng.Gchuvhhngduynhtcavngta
niinvgitngi.gitchtmtkgitngitnhtlth,cmnChanhngPercyvnlbnngikhinnnhnangngtrongxlim,liu
khngccaothnglm.Khibsungvoskinrngchngtraitritngiutratiptcinnhloithrngthngba,bncthhiutisaoThng
cchmungnhxicrai,cngnhanhcngtt.
ChuynicachngtinnhGimthMoorestrnxeticaIlarrykhngbaogibkhmph.SkinPercybmcoaivnhttrongphngklut
trongsutthigianchngtivngmtkhngbaogibkhmph.SkinWilliamWhartonbchoungthucngsaynhchtkhibPercybncngkhngbao
gibkhmph.Tisaophikhmph?ChnhquynkhngcldonghingbtciugtronghthngcthcaWharton,ngoitrnatn.Bcs
6/30/2017 DmXanh
phpygpnhngvinnnyra,nhntgvomtcihpbnggthngvylktthccaconngicnhBillytheKidxmtrnbptaytri.Bn
snilsloibttpmtthrcrixuxa.
Tmli,chuynmkodikhonghaitunl.Trongthigian,tikhngdmll,nignnghmtngythchintnghnhthnhtibn
ntrongbpnhtivobuisngsauttcnhngchuynno.Tibitchcgnhxicrikhithtrnkhiilmvomtngymincnggiathng
mimtngymihai,tinghth,nhngngbtbtivthigian.ylngytithymttgiymtivnkhipsnmgiabngiy:lnhthihnh
nthnhiviJohnCoffey.CurtisAndersonklnhthayvMoores,nhngttnhincnghpphp,vttnhinncngphiquatayHalntayti.
TicthtngtngHalangngitibnlmviccamnhtrongphngQunTr,vitgiytrntay,ngivnghvv,ngitrthnhphp
munhimchnngyiviccbcsBnhvinakhoaIndianola.Mellynhncgiythihnhntdoccbcstrao,nhngMellyxntchng.
Nhngbygi,nltCoffeybcDmngXanhvaitrongschngtacthngnchniu?Aitrongschngtasngnchniu?
Thihntrnbnnthnhlngyhaimithngmimt.
BangysaukhinhncntinghlngymilmtinhJaniceginsbobnh.SaumttchcphtililnhngBctrnchicxeFord
titnnhngmtkhc,lingtincy.Janicehntivchcmaymnticmnnngnhngkhngcntngrrngslthmaymnnotmci
tiangtm,haykhngtm.Ttcnhnggtibitchclkhngcmthymunhttronglclixe.Ngyhmythkhng.
Bagichiuhmytilnnxsyninon.TinTanhtPurdomngaytrckhinngca,xemxtmtshsricCnhst
trngghthm,ngicthkTabococmtglmtangtmxavochuynbmtcaaphng.CnhsttrngCatlettmunbitti
nghtianglmg.Catlettsuynghkcngrinitinghemtchititngquantm.Anhtaboschinutititllungtung.Chititdchaphilyu
tquytnhnhngvnlmtiug,cri.Chcchnlmtiug.Tisuynghvnsutconngvnh,rimcrtnhiusuynghv
gicngqubutitrnphngingcati.
Ngyhmsautithcdytronglcmttricnltinnhngng,lixexungditiubang,nHtTrapingus.TrnhmtHomerCribus,cib
ngrutvnctoxc,thayvo,tinichuynvicnhstphRobMcGee.McGeekhngmunnghenhnggtiangnivianhta.Kchlitkhng
munnghe.nmtlctichcanhtaschotimtmvomingkhiphinghe,nhngrtcucanhtangihiKlausDetterickvicu.Phnln,
tingh,lbitchctiskhngtihihan.
Hnmibamichntuinhnglcnytrngnhmtnggi.McGeeni.Vhnkhngcnmttnlnhgctluc,ktngmnhlthmtn
khuynghnngaykhinhngniphinmunbtunguingoai.Anhliy,ngaytrongthtrn.Tikhngmunanhlngvngtrongkhuvctrangtri
nhDetterick,nhngtimuncthtmcanhkhinichuynviKlausxong.Nuanhcmthybnchn,hyximtmubnhcnhnqunndi
kia.Nslmanhstcn.Tiktthchaimubnhvqukhnngcn.
KhiMcGeebcvoqunn,ngixungquybncnhti,ticctngtrnmtanhtanhngthtbi.
Sao?Tihi.
Theotivnh,chngtasnichuyn.Anhtatrli.
Chnyhiquxbkhnghpviti.
ChngtimhinghtrnhinnhRobMcGee.ChaiucorovlnhcngnhngBMcGeekhngchophphtthuctibtkninotrongnh.B
ylmtphnitrcthidi.McGeenichuynmtlc.Anhtanichuynnhmtngikhngthchthchtnoviuanhtaangnghedochnh
mingmnhthtra.
Khngchngtiug,anhbitvy,phikhng?Anhtahisaukhinixong.Gingiugyhn,chiuthuclquntayvotivivhunghng
trongkhininhnggngmtanhtalibnhhon.KhngphittcchngclnhnggbnthyvnghetiTa,chaichngtibitiu.Tinghy
6/30/2017 DmXanh
llnduynhttrongicnhstphMcGeecganhtalmttaynhqungcnghchnhspcaanhta.
Tibit.Titrli.
Nutnhchuynxtxlidatrntnhtitny,anhnnsuynghlnna.JohnCoffeyldaenvht
Trapingus,chngtihtsccbittrongvicxtxlinhngtndaen.
Ticngbitiu.
Vyanhnhlmg?
Tinmiuthuclquahinnhrixungng.Sautingln.Chuynvsludi,lnhlo,vcngismchngno,ticngsmktthc
cuchnhtrnh.
iuthcgtibit,spMcGee.Titrli.Nhngtikhngbit.Mubnhngtthhailmtsailm,yliuduynhttinaytibits
tht.
Chnglucny,nianhnghemtiu.Anhtani,vnbngciginggyhntrngrng.TinghttnhtanhkhngnnmcihpPandoralm
g.
Khngphitim.Titrli,saulixevnh.
Tivtrsaunamnhngvtivncni.Tinghinginngsinhnglngtimpkhinhnthynng,cnngvngtaymlyc,
thnthngyuvrnripstvoti.
Chokxal.Nnglnting,richmvophndicati.Anhchngnykhngsaoch?vnkhekhonnhxa.
Vng,thab.Tiniribnngln.Tianngvophngngvchngtinivinhau,ngtngonhngkhitnccim,cicm
gictuntrovbungth,tinghnimttrolvtncaJohn.VnghncunicaMelindaMoorestimthyanhlangthangtrongbngti
vticngvy.
Vncnnmtrnmnhv,vngtaynngmctivthnxcqunlynhau,tibtkhc.
Paul!Nnglnting,sngstvshi.Tikhngnghnngthytikhchnnachclntrckiatrongtonbthigianchungsng.Trongdin
tinbnhthngcasvic,tichabaogilngimauncmt.Paul,chuyngth?
Anhbitttcnhnggcnbit.Tiniqualnncmt.Anhbitqunhiuchuynkhnkip,nuemmunbitstht.Anhcnhimvxt
JohnCoffeytrongkhngymttunna,nhngWilliamWhartonmilkgithaibginhDetterick.ChnhlWildBill.
Ngyhmsau,cngnhmlnhgcntratrongnhbpgianhtisauvxtvngvDelacroixlintraymtlnna.Lnnycmtthnh
vinthnmtronghingchintranhcachngti:vti.ChnhJanthuytphctiklivinhngngikiaphnngutincatilkhngni.
Chngtabit,tihinng,nhthchatitsao?
Anhsuynghchatnhto.Nngtrli.Clvanhvncnhoangmang.Hbitiuthinht,rngJohnbvngvomtticmanhta
khnggyra.Cgthvicnychlmchontthnthi.
Tikhngchcnhthnhngchiutheosphnoncanng.TichimtcuchuynnokhikchoBrutal,DeanvHarryiutibit(tikhng
thchngminhnhngtibit,vy),nhngthotuchcsimlngysuyt.RiDeanctting,lythmmtchicbnhdoJanicenngvbtu
6/30/2017 DmXanh
trtlnnmtlngbqumc:
AnhnghJohnthyn,phikhng?GbtgpWhartonvtbmyabgi,thmchhmhipchng?
Tinghnugthy,thngtmcchngncn.Titrli.VvicnhnthyWharton,cthltronglcgbi.Ticholcthgbi.Nu
cchuynthvsaugqunmt.
Chcchn.Deanni.Gtuycbitnhngkhngcnghalthngminh.GchnhnrathphmlWhartonkhiWhartonthtayquachnsongx
lim,chmvongig.
Brutalgtu.
lldotisaoJohncvqungcnhin...qusngst.Cnnhcchgmmtkhng?
Tigtu.
GsdngPercynhmtkhusnggitWharton,Janiceninhvy,vliutivnsuyngh.TisaoJohnCoffeymungitWildBill?Percyth
cthPercypconchutcaDelacroixngaytrcmtg,PercythiusngDelacroixvJohnbitnhngcnWharton?Whartonquyphhuhtchngta
theocchnyhoccchkhcnhngnkhnglithigviJohn,theonhtibitchtraoivichctvigtrongsutthigianhDmngXanh,
mtnastlvomcuicng.Tisaogmungit?GtHtPurdomnvtheochngmcmnngdatrngtrnyquantm,ththmch
khngthymttndaen,trkhihntnhcicngngvibn.Vytisaoglmiu?KhibWhartonngvo,gthyhoccmnhniugt
hinmcggilichtchtrakhiMelly?
Vsutnatgitchtmnh.Brutalni.
Hnbaphnt.VhaibgisongsinhnhDettericklttcnhnggtinghthigiithchiuglm.Titbomttngnhthqul
vvn,qunhiutrnghpngunhin,khngthc.ThritinhiugCurtisAndersonvittrongbnghinhutinnhncvWharton
rngWhartonhungboincung,rngthngnhclangthangkhptiubangtrckhingitngitrongvcpgit.Langthangkhptiubang.Chi
titkhintilu.RicchnxitcDeankhinhptri.Skinlmtinghn...
Conch.Deanni.Anhtaxoac,niWhartonqungsixch.Tinghthmchanhtacngkhngbitmnhangxoac.Cconchbbgy.
DsaoticngnHtPurdomxemhsTanvWhartonttchschngtacylnhngbocovvgitngikhingphin
DmngXanh.Nicchkhclhiktthcsnghipcag.Timunhibtukia.
Nhiuiutit,phikhng?
Phi.Thiphhoi,ncpvt,tnrm,thmchncpchtnnvmtthngbnthungmtkhichtnriemtbnmtconlch.N
biitkhilnminhngiutimunkhngtmc.Sau,khiCnhsttrngnxemtilaivanglmg,tithtsgpmay.Tibpanh
ta,boltrongkhikhmxtxlimphthinmtxpnhgiudinmcaWhartonccbgikhngmcquno.TinimunxemWhartonctins
ngtnhluynikhng,bicnghemtvivkhngtmrathphmTennessee.TithntrngkhngnhcnhaibgisongsinhnhDetterick.Ticng
khngnghanhtaschtnhn.
Dnhinlkhng.Harryckin.Tisaohphinh?Xtchocng,vnkhpli.
Tingheouitngthtvngha,vtronghscaWhartonchngcg.Timunni,cthtronghsnhngkhngcchititnolin
quan.Thri,CnhsttrnganhtatnCatlettbtcivnikhngphittcnhnggdomtqutothinhBillWhartongyraunmtronghs
Tan,vlicngg?Chngphinchtsao?
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Titrlilmthchthamntnhtmcnhn,khngcmcchnokhcvanhtatraantm.Anhtaatitrvvnphng,mitingi,
atimttchcphvmtcibnhrn,ribotirngmisuthngtrc,khiWhartongntrnmitmtui,mtnginngtrongHtbtgp
thngnhctrongvacvicongingta.Nichnhxcthkhngphihmhipngtamtvvicnhl"khngnhiuhnmtngntaybnthu"cho
Catlettnghe.Xinliem.
Khngsao.Janicepnhngmtnngtixanh.
Bgibaonhiutui?Brutalhi.
Chntui.Titrli.
Anhtanhnmt.
LrachnhngtasnuithngWhartonnucvinganhhocanhemhgip,nhngngtakhngc.VthngtangpCatlett,nhng
nirngtachmuncnhcoWharton.Khngaimunmtvvicibinhthphibytrccngchng,nucthmnhm.Tuynhin,Cnhst
trngCmtthiiphvinhngtrtaiquicaWhartontngtrntrongtrngcitotrnytrongtmthnggkhiWhartonmilmtuiv
anhtathynhvylqu.Anhtaemtheobacnhstvin,hnnhWharton,gtBWhartonsangmtbnkhibtabtukhclcthanvn,ricnh
co.William"BillytheKid"Whartonviusxyrachobnvtchsmtymnnhtkhichngchuivovackhvinhngbgichaln
nghenichuynhnhkinhcanb,nignbtuchuk."Chngticnhcochngthngducnrcri",Catlettniviti."Cnhcochon
lcntemuu,trtkhpxngvai,mngthgnntbt".
Brutalbtcingoimun.
NghenglkiucchHtPurdom,clm.Anhtani.Cngnhkhng.
Bathngsau,munhaykhng,tnWhartonvtngcvbtucucigianghchonkhiktthcbngvcpgit.Tini.Vvnhng
vgitngidnnnchchngta.
Vynclnlmbyvibgivthnhnin.Harryktlun.Anhtathoknh,hhilnvlaubng.Kiuvthnhnin.Mtlnchahnltnh
cch,phikhng?
Mtconngichnhvinhvythkhngchmtln.
Vtilnting,mimmcht,chtnnignnhkhngcmi.
SautikhnghevchuyninHtTrapingus.TinithngthnnhiuhnviRobMcGeethtstikhngclachn.nngyhmnay,
tivnkhngbitanhtathudtchuyngvO.Detterick,nhngconngiMcGeengicnhtitrongqunndngnhgiibytui.
Vogiathngnm,khongmtthngtrcvcpgitvnhngvgitngiktthcsnghipsngngoivngphplutcaWharton,Klaus
Dettericksnlivaccangta(vngunhin,saulchiccichcaconBowser).ngtakhngmuncontraimmmtrngingio,vlicub
bnihcnnngtathungilm.Mtgkhtt.Rttni.Cngvictinhnhtrongbangy.Khng,gkhngngtrongnh.Detterickkhnginr
nmctinrngttbngvtnicnghalanton,cbitvothi,khicqunhiubnvlilangthangngoingph.Mtnginngcnggia
nhanhtaphithntrng.DthnothgthanhnincngkhngcnnigboDetterickgthuphngtrongthtrn,tinhtrEvasPrice.Quc
mtbtnEvaPriceTeftonvbtathtschothuphng,nhngkhngckhchtrnovothngnmkhpvinhndngcaglmthuchoDetterick.
Chlnhngngibnhthngmcokcar,innquda,konhngvalihngmunhngngichohng,nimtcchkhc.McGeekchoti
nghecvanhtannhBPricevkimchngtrnngtnngtricaDettericktrvanhtabnchnlvth.
ThmchnucAnhtanithmCngkhngclutchngngingtrongrng,ngEdgecombe.Bnthntingnhthmt,hailn.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
GlmthukhngngnhDettericknhngntivihhailn.HnggpmtHoward.Hnggpmthaibgi,CoravKathe.Hng
nghechngrurt,mtphncuchuynclnivsmongimahspn,binuchngngoanngonvthitittt,msthnhthongchophp
chng ng ngoi hin, chng c th tng tng mnh l v ca nhng di dn u tin ang vt qua vng Great Plains trn nhng chic xe nga
Conestoga.
Tihnhdunganhtaangngitibn,ngrtivbnhmlamchendobDettericknng,lngnghe,cheduimtchsicaanhta,gtu,
mmcimtcht,ghinhnmitnhtit.
Paul,chititnynghkhngginggthanhninhungboanhkchoemnghekhignDmngXanhlnu.Janicenghihocni.Khng
gingchtno.
Thab,bkhngthyntiBnhvinIndianola.Harryni.ngra,minghhcvmngphirasauqun.Mckchochngtithayqun
ochon.Chngtitngnsaythuchockhng.Phivykhng,Dean?
Deangtu.
Hmsaungygthanhninsnxongvacvrai,cmtkbtmtbngtmkhnrnnhcpvnphnghngvntiHampeyJarvis.Tik
chohnghe.Tuthotcngvi70la.Kcngcpdinglabcphthnhnm1892mvinilhngmangtrnngicumay.ngla
bngbccphthintrnngiWhartonkhinbbt,mJarvischcchTeftoncbamidm.
Vytncp...ghungbo...anhnghgdnglibangygipKlausDettericksnlivac.Vtini.ntivih,nilmnaha
unhmingibnhthng.
iungsnhtnhngknhglkhngthontrc.Brutalp.CthgvchkhochthtiugianhDetterickvcpca,rithay
ivmtmmykonchekhutnhmttrivolckhngthchhp,hociugtngt.Nhngckhnnghnclghaibgiv
muquayli.Anhnghthkhng,Paul?
Tigtu.Ttnhintinghntnhhung.
VcncitngkhaiviDetterick.
Tng?Janhi.
WillBonney.
Bonney?Emkhng...
TnthtcaBillytheKid.
.Rimtnngmto.!VylanhcthgtichoJohnCoffey!CmnCha!AnhchcnchongDetterickxemnhcaWilliamWhartoa,nh
tronghscnhstl.
Brutalvtitraoinhmtbri.DeancvhivngmtchtnhngHarrylinhnxungbntay,nhthtnhinhtscquantmnnhngmng
tay.
Cchuyng?Janice"hi.Tisaoccanhnhnnhaunhvy?ChcchnngMcGeesphi...
RobMcGeegyntngchoanhlngitt,anhnghanhtalmtnhnvincnglctuytvi.Titrli.NhnganhtakhngcklnoHt
Trapingus.QuynlcynmtrongtayCnhsttrngCribus,cingymlotamlihsvnDetterickdatrnnhngganhphthinslngy
6/30/2017 DmXanh
tuytridiangc.
Nhng...nuWharton...nuDetterickcthnhndinnhchpnvhbitn...
Nvothngnmkhngcnghalnquaylivgitnhngbgivothngsu.Brutalgiithch.Anhtanibnggingthp,dudng,cch
mbndngniviairngtronggianhctang.MtmtchngtacggipKlausDettericksnlivacribi.Haraggyratickhp
ni,nhngkhngcchititnochngligtrong3ngythngnm,khigcnquanhqunTefton.Mtkhc,tactndaentoxckia,tndaenkhngl
mchngtaphthintrnbsng,mhaibgichtkhngmnhvitrntay.
Anhtalcu.
Paulning,Jan.McGeecthnghing,nhngMcGeekhnglg.Cribuslngiduynhtcthmlihs,nhngCribuskhngmunlithi
vicilonghlktthcchu"thphmlmtthngdaen",longhth,vkhngphingidatrngpheta.plm,taslntnColdMountain,t
thngmtmingbeefsteakvmtlibiahiqunMas,rixemgbnng,thlxong.
Janicelngngheyvivkhngkhiprdntrnntmt,riquaysangti.
NhngMcGeetinvochitit,phikhngPaul?Emthyiutrnntmtanh.CnhstphMcGeebitanhtabtlmngi.Anhtadmng
lnchnglicnhsttrngkhng?
Ttcnhngganhtacthlmkhichngilmtviclm.Titrli.Phi,anhnghtrongthmtm,anhtabitthphmlWharton.Nhnganh
tatnhrng,nuanhtaknmingvdinxutchonngyCribushoclnghhu,hocthamnmcht,anhtascthngchc.Vlcymivics
khc.Anhhnhdungyliuanhtatnhcthngngon.VclanhtacngkhngkhchnHomermtim.Anhtastnh:"Dsaocngchl
mtthngdaen.Dngnhkhngcchuyntngidatrngvphmti".
Vyanhphitmnvih.Janicenivtimtichtcngtrcgingniququyt,khngcngnghingna.
Anhhyibochohbitnhngganhphthin.
Lmsaochngticthkhaiborngchngtitmrastht,Jan?Brutalhinng,vnbnggingthp.ChngticnnkhaiboWhartonv
lyJohnnhthnotrongkhichngtiagrakhitrigiambanphplchovcagimth?
Khng...ttnhinlkhngc,nhng...Nngthylpbngtrcmtqumngbntrtsanghngkhc.Vythnidi.Nngktlun.Nng
nhnBrutal,vbngbnh,riquaysangnhnti.nhmtnngnngtthngmtmilmtrntbo,hnbnsnivy.
Nidi.Tilpli.Nidiviug?
Vimkhinanhphilnng,trclnhtPurdom,rixungnTrapingus.XungdigploCnhsttrngginua,tobovnirng
Whartonkchoanhngheghmhiprigitchthaiabgi.Rnggthnhn.NngchuynnhmtnngbngsangBrutaltrongmtthong.Anh
cthhtranhy,Brutus.Anhcthkhaianhcmtkhithngnhcthti,anhcngnghec.ClPercycngnghec,vclskinlmhn
kchng.HnbnWhartonvhnkhngchungnikhinghntaihamWhartongyrachohaibgi.Vviclmhnphtin.Chl...cig?
NhndanhCha,bygilichuyngnay
KhngchtivBrutal,HarryvDeancngangnhnnng,vkinhhi.
Chngtichabaogibocosvicnonhth,thab.Harryni.Anhtaninhthvimtatr.Trchtngitashitisaochngti
khngboco.Chngticbnphnbocobtciugccbcngtrongxlimnilravnhngticgyratrckia.Ticachnghocca
btcaikhc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Mchngticngkhngtinn.Brutalxenvo.MtthngnhWildBillWhartonhayditrbtcchuyng,Jan.Ticngyra,nhngtaito
mtlnnquenbit,nhngngiphnnnmvin,ghibnthngbngtrngTrunghc,thmchcthititchttitna.
Nhng...nhng...Gngmtnnghinntaun.Tibcnqungtaymnngnhngnngthboytaytira.Nhngny!N
sncivacngnguynracah!Nntivih!
Cngthmldokhinncthbnghingphmti.
Brutalni.Xtchocng,chigu?Tisaokhngkhoclc?Rtcucchngtakhngthnngchnhailnmtconngi.
tinixemngkhng.ChngtangitibnnybitrngJohnCoffeykhngnhngkhnggitccbgi,anhtacntmcchcusng.Cnhst
phMcGeekhngbitttc,dnhin,nhnganhtaqucnghkbktntvgitngikhngphilthphm.Thm...vn...ccanhvnkhngth
xinmliphintami.Thmchkhngthmlihs.
Vng.Deantrli.Anhtaanggindchibngcpknh.Khnnglnhth.
Vtingiciu,suyngh.Brutaldmniiugnhngtigitay,rahiuimlng.TikhngtinJanicenghracchgipJohnthotkhicihpgit
ngi,nigang,nhngticngkhngtinlkhngc.Nng,vti,lmtqubthngminhngs.Ququytngsna.Mtskthpikhi
cthlpbindinon.
cri.Saucngnngni.Vythccanhphitgiithotchoanhta.
Thab?Harrysngst.Hongsna.
Ccanhcthlmc.tngmtlnri,phikhng?Ccanhcthlmlimtlnna.Ciulnnyskhngaanhtatrvo.
Bmunlngigiithchchoconcitihiuldotingitkhng,thabEdgecombe?Deanhi.Bbuctitiptaychomtkgitngivt
ngc?
Skhngcchuyn,Dean,chngtasvchrakhoch.Ngytrangnhmtcucvtngcthts.
Bomkhochsaochomtgthmchkhngnhnicchbucdygiytinhnhthnhcng.Harrylnting.Ngitasphitinnhth.
Nngngpngngnhnh.
Khngnthuag.Brutalni.Dchngtacnghracchnocngchngnthuag.
Tisaokhng?Nngcili,nghenhthspkhc.Khnkip,tisaolikhngc?
Vglmttndaenhiu,cao6feet8inch,khngctrkhntnuisng.Titrli.Emnghbaolusauthgsbbtli?haigi?su
gi?
Trckiaanhtahamnhvoxhi,khnglikonhiuch.Nngp.
Mtgitncmtnhxungm,bnnggtibngcmtay.
iuquctht.TivitthchomtvingibnvthnnhnminNam,hihccctrnbochiiugphhpvinhndngJohn
Coffeykhng.Khngcg.Janicecnglmnhth.Chngtichtmcmtchititcth,xyratithtrnMuscleShoals,tiubangAlabama.Mtconlc
qutquanginhthtronglcdnngcaangluyntpskinnyxyranm1929vmtngidaentolnlihainnnhnrakhingnt.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Thotumnghiuktnghcht,nhngharathmchkhngaibthngnng.Gingnhphplllicamtnhnchngthutli.Ngida
en,mtglangthangcngMcsthulmvicvttrongngy,binmttronglcnong.
Chning,ghamnh.Brutalni.Nhngchnnnhghamnhtrckhibtuynnhmhipvgithaibgi.
Vtingiyn,khngtrli.Nngnginhthngnmtpht,rilmmtiukhintibscmnh,cngnhdngncmtcatigysccho
nng.Nngvungtayra,gtvngttcmithtrnbnan,litch,dngcbngbc,tcixon,tbng,antrnckhoanhththeo,sa,bnhtr
lnh.Ttcvngrakhibnvrixungt,vtan.
Khipqu!Deanlato,ngngitrnhrasaumnhnmcgnngnga.
Janicelmng.NngchnhnBrutalvti,nhtlti.
Ccanhcgitanhtaphikhng,hn?Nnghi.
CcanhcgitngicumngMelindaMoores,ngicgngcumnghaibgichng?A,tnhtcngbtimtgdaentrnichg?
Ccanhcthtanibngiu.Btimtgmien.
Nngngdy,nhnchicghcamnhrinvngvotng.Chicghnyngcra,rivongbngb.Tinmlyctaynngnhngvti
gitra.
ngngvoti.Nngni.Voginytunsau,anhslkgitngi,chngttpghngWhartonkia,vyngngvoti.
Nngbcrahinsau,kotpdlnchemtribtukhcncn.Cbnngichngtinhnnhau.Saumtkhonhkhc,tinglndndp.
Brutalthamgiavititrc,rinHarryvDean.Hravkhicnphngtnhiucvgngng.Haichngtikhngnivinhaumtli.Thtskhng
cngni.mytinghtrc.Tingitrongcnphngkhchnginhbnhcachngti,htthuc,lngngheradiovngmnhnbngmtaln
khimtt,nutchngbutri.Truynhnhcngtt,tikhngcgphni,nhngtikhngthchcchnlmchngtaquaylngvithgiicnli,khng
hngniugngoichnhbnthnvhncan.Vmtthchtngheradiovntthn.
Janicebcvo,quxungbnghvnmtayti.Trongmtthong,chaiukhngnig,chynnhvy,lngnghechngtrnhKinthcm
nhccaKayKyservngmsaotrilplnh.Ticmthyynn.
Emrthiticgianhlhn.Nnglnting.Emcmthytitvlilhnbtclinoemnivianhtkhichngmnhlynhau.
KckhichngtaicmtrivemgianhlloSamGiHiThich?Tihi,richngtibtcivhnnhau,ritnhcmtrlittpgia
chngti.Nngqup,Janicecati,vtivncnmthynng.Ginuavmtmivcucsngnhti,tivnsmthynngbcvophngti
chncnblngqunny,nicchnhlangngpminctiuvcibphmli,timthynngtrtrungxinhpviimtxanhbngccao,m
miumtihunhkhngrinitayra,vnngni,Anhyu,emkhngbtainnxe.Anhphmsailm,ththi.Thmchbygitivnmnhvyv
ikhitnhgic,bitrngychlmtgicm,tikhc.Ti,ngikhngbaogikhckhicntr.
Halbitkhng?Saucngnnghi.
BitJohnvti?Anhkhngthyngyccchnobitc
ngygipcch?ngycnhhngnoiviCribuskhng?
Khngchtno,emyu.
Nnggtunhbittrcsth.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vyanhngnichongybit.Nungykhnggipc,hyvChamngni.
Khngni
Nngnhntivinhmtvngvng.
Vmyanhngxinnghbnh.Khngaitrongccanhlmth.Ccanhkhngth.
Khng,bnanhkhngthngh.Nucmty,tnhtbnanhcngcthktthcnhanhchog.Bnanhcthlmcnhiu.Skhngnhtrng
hpcaDelacroix.Trongmtthongngnngithi,tnCha,tinhnthychicmtnenbnglabngchytrnkhunmtDelacroix,lrahaiht
mtvnlmtcag.
Khngclithotchoanh,phikhng?Nngcmtayti,cnvolndanhungmtmngtrnm.TinghipPaul.Anhchngtinghipthnyu.
Tikhngnig.Trchocsaunytrongi,chabaogitilithmkhtchytrnmtsthnonhth.ChemtheoJanicethi,chaichng
tivimttivihnhlgia,chytrnnbtcnino.
Anhchngtinghipcaem.Nngnhcli,rinithm.Hynichuynvianhta.
Ai?John?
Vng.Hytrchuynvianhta.Tmhiuanhtamung.
Tisuyngh,rigtu.Nngning.Nngthngning.
Chng36
Haingysaungymitm,BillDodge,HankBittermanvmtngikhctikhngnhlai,mtlnhgcthivnopgiiJohnCoffeysang
KhuDtmvchngtidintpcuchnhquyttronglcgvngmt.ChngtikhngchoTootTootngvaigvcbnbitlmtiutit,d
khngniraming.
TingvaiJohn.
JohnCoffey,BrutalnibnggingkhngmyvngvngkhitibkhachtvoGiSparky,anhbtuynnthnhtrnghin,bnnc
thngquabihithmgmnhngngingngvianh...
NhngngingngviJohnCoffey?Khihiqu.Theonhnggtibit,trnhnhtinhnykhngcaigingnhg.ThritinghniuJohn
nikhigngnhnGiSparkytchncuthangdntvnphngcatixung:Hvncny.Tinghehgokhc.
Chotirakhiy.Tilnting,gingkhnc.Mkhachotingdy.
Hlmtheolinhngtrongthongchcticmthylnhcng,nhthGiSparkykhngmunbungth.
TrnngtrliKhu,BrutalninhvitiDeanvHarryangspdyghcuisaulngchngtikhngnghec.
Trongitilmmtsvickhngngtho,nhngyllnthnhttithcscmthymnhangsavohangc.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tinhnanhtabitchcanhtakhnggiuct.Tikhngtinanhtalmth.
cunig?
tinichngtaangspxpgitchtmtmnqucaCha.Anhtatrli.Mtmnquchabaogilmhichngta,hocbtcaikhc.Ti
snigkhingtrcmtChaChaUyVvNgiitigiithchtisaotigitngi?Rngylcngviccati?Nghcati?
53.
KhiJohntmxongtrvvtaylnhgcthivikhi,timkhaxlim,bcvovngilnspbncnhg.Brutalngitibntrc.Anhtangc
nhn,thytitrongxlimmtmnhnhngkhngnig.Anhtaquaylivimgiytnoangthanhtonddang,limmiubtch.
Johnnhntibngimtklcagvnmu,xavng,sptroncmt...nhnglibnhthn,nhthkhckhngphilmtcchsngtitkhi
trthnhthiquen.Thmchgcnkhnnci.NgigtamithmxphngIvory,schsvtimtnhmtembsaubuitmchiu.
Chosp.Glntingriatayra,nmlytaytibngchaibntay.Gbttayvimtvtnhinhonho.
ChoJohn.Chngtinhvngmtkhigmtignggngnutxung.Tionanhbitchngtaspnthihnnh.Thmmthai
ngyna.
Gkhngnig,chnginmtaytitrongtayg.Nhnlisvic,tinghrngiugbtuxyravitinhngvqutptrungvtinhthn
lncmxcvobnphnnnkhngnhnra.
AnhmunnmngcbitathchvomykhngJohn?Chngticththamnchoanhhuhtthg.Kcmtchaibianuanhmun,c
iuphingtrongtchcph,ththi.
Tichabaogiung.Gtrli.
Vythmtmnncbitno?
Gnhumybndiphnsnhnnhimunu.Rinhngnpnhndnravgmmci.
cthtbbmthngon.
Scthtbbm.Ncbovkhoaitynghinna.Ticcmgictdinhkhitanmnglncnhtay,ngoitrlnnyltditonthn.n
kmvithgkhc?
Khngbit,sp.Tinghlbtcthgspc.ubpcngc,tikhngknchn.
c.TipvnghgsntrngmingbngbnhmtodoBJaniceEdgecombelm.Byginphnhn.Mtaianhcngckinh
cunguynvomkianh?iuanilngngitinhiulnchngkin.TicthtipxcviLinhmcSchuster,ngylnginkhiDel...
Khngmunclinhmc.Johntrli.Anhixttviti,thasp.Anhcthcunguynnuanhmun.Nhthl.Ticholcthcng
quvianhmtcht.
Ti?John,tikhngth...
Gkhnxungbntaytivcmgictdimnhln.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhcth.Gp.Cth,phikhngsp?
Tinghth.Tinghechnhmnhtrli.Gingnitidngnhctingvang.Ticholcthnucn.
Lcnycmgictrongngiddihn,gingnhtrckiakhigchakhihthngnccati.Nhngcngkhctrc.Vkhngchvlnny
khngcgtrngiviti.Khcvlnnygkhngbitmnhanggyracmgic.tnhintihonght,gnnhnghnth,cnphirangoi.Nhng
ngnnangbtsngtrongngiti,nitrcykhngbaogic.Khngchtrongtrnomkhptonthn.
AnhvngHowellvnhngspkhcixttviti.JohnCoffeyni.Tibitccanhquantmnhngbygiccanhphibqua.Bitimun
rai,sp.
Ticcttingnhngkhngnini.Nhnggthc.Nhngggnisauyllildinhttitngcnghetphag.
Tithtsmtmivniaumtinghethyvcmnhn,thasp.Timtmivlangthangtrnngi,ccnhmtconchimctrongcn
ma.Khngbaogicbncngihocbochotibitnichngtixutphthaynichngtin,hoctisao.Timtmivconngixuxavi
nhau.Ccmgicnhbaonhiumnhthytinhtrongu.Timtmivnhnglntimungipnhngbtlc.Timtmivtrongbngti.Phnlnv
niau.Nucthchmdtn,tilm.Nhngtikhngth.
Dngli,ticthtln.Dngli,bungtaytira.Tischtuinuanhkhngdngli.Chtuihocntung.
Anhskhngntung.Gni,khmmcitrctng...nhnggbungtayti.
Tichingiraphatrc,thgp.Giahaiugi,tinhnthytngvtnttrnnnximng,tngrnhx,tngvtmicalesng.Tinhnlntng
vthynhngcitncvittrnvoccnm1924,1926,1931.Nhngcitnbphaim,nhngconngivitrachngcngbxab,theo
mtcchni,nhngtionchngtakhngbaogicthxabhontonbtciug,khngthtrongcithgiithytinhtitmny.Vbygitili
nhnthyh,mtmrirmnhngtntuichngchtlnnhau,nhnhnhanglngnghengichtnichuyn,cahtvgoxinlngkhoandung.Ti
cmthymtmnhangptronghcmtcah,ngheccontimcachnhmnh,cmnhnlungmulnggiangtrnquanhngconngtrongc
thtinhnhnglthcgiikhpni.
TinghetingcixehaphaxachuynxehabaginmmiphtiPriceford,tihnhdungthnhngkhngchc,bivtrcychabaogi
nghe.ChabaoginghetColdMountainimnngntrigiamnhtlmidmvhngng.Tikhngthnghecttrigiam,hnbnsni
thvnhth,chonthngmimtnm1932.Hntitinlthnhngngyhmytinghethytingcixeha.
umtbngnvtan,phttingntonhtingbom.
Anhlmgchoti.Tiththo.iJohn,anhlmg?
Xinli,thasp.Gnivivbnhthn.Tikhngsuyngh.Khngsuynghnhiu,tithnhn.Anhssmcmthybnhthng.
Tingln,bcracaxlim.Ccmgictiangbcitrongmng.Khitiranca,gni:
Anhthcmctisaochngkhnglaht.yliuduynhtanhcnthcmc,phikhng?Tisaohaibgikhnglahtkhichngcntrnbc
thm.
Tiquaylinhng.Tithytngvttrongmt,tithytnglchnlngtrnmt...vticmthyniaucag,niaumgthunhntnhng
ngikhc,nhmtmingxpnhngvonc.Ticngthycthbngtimgnin.Gthynbaotrmlnttcnhngkhongkhnggianca
thgiivtrongkhonhkhc,ticmnhnccnithngxtivigvsgiithotlnlao.Vng,iuchngtisplmrtkhngkhip,khngg
cththayic...thnhngchngticngspbanchogmtnhu.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tinhnrakhikxuchpvotayti.Johnni.yllctibithnlthphm.Ngyhmtithyhntingitrncyvtithyhn
bchngxungtrichytrn,nhng...
Anhqun.Tip.
ng,thasp.Tiqunichonkhihnchmvongiti.
Tisaochngkhnglacucu,John?Ngythngtchlmchngchymu,chamchngngaytrnlu,vytisaochngkhnglaln?
Johnnhntibngnhmtmnh.
Hnnivimta,"Numygytingng,taosgitemmy,thayvmy".Hncngninhthvibgikia.Anhthykhng?
Vng.Tiththovtithyciu.BcthmnhDettericktrongbngti.Whartoncixungchngnhbngmaqu.Clmttronghaibgi
btulaht,vthbWhartonnhplmchochymumi.Milnitphnlnmutrora.
Hngitchtchngbngtnhyucachng.Johnktlun.Chngthngyunhau.Anhthycdintincasviccha?
Tigtu,khngninnli.
Gmmci.Ncmtlitroranhnggmmci.
Cucimingylth.Gni.Trnkhpthgii.Rignmxung,quaymtvotng.
TibcraDm,khacaxlimvtrlibntrc.Tivncncmgiccangiangnmm.TinhnthymnhnghecnghcaBrutalmt
tingththmrtmhnhvnmttnhthno,tinghlreceive.Anhtaangnghingtrce,minlsauchophichngcitchttitvittheo
tht?Sauanhtangclnnhn,dmciringnglikhinhnkti.
Paul?Anhtahi.Anhkhngsaoch?
Vng.RitikchoanhtangheiuJohnnivitikhngky,nhtlchititgchmvongitigyraphnngg(tikhngbaogi
kainghechititny,kcJaniceElaineConnellyslngiutincbitnu,nghalbymuncnhngtrangcuicngnysaukhic
phntrc),nhngtilpliliJohnnimunrai.iunydngnhkhinBrutalcmthynhnhmdsaocngcichtnhngticmthyanhta
thicphitibatchlmanlnganhtakhng.Riticmthyanhtaquytnhtinliti,nginchvsddnghnchoanhtakhithiim
n.
Paul,chngnhimtrngcaanhlitiphtphikhng?Anhtahi.Mtanhbng.
Khng,tinghvnbnhthng.Titrli.TikhngbnhthngnhngcmnhnchcchnJohnnnhvticngsnnh.Cmgictdi
btudui.
Nuanhvovnphngnmnghmtchtcngkhnghig.
Nmnghliucuicngtimunlmvolcytnglolngnmctisutbtci.iutimunlmcllxychomnhmtnginh,lp
mi,rixitmnhvnsaunhvtrngtrt.Lmttctrcginti.
ilth,tingh.Hngngy.Khpthgii.Cibngti.Khpthgii.
TissangphngQuntr.Cmtsviccnkimchng.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tyanh.
Tiira,mca,ringoinhn.
Cuning.Tini:Receiveingtrce,minlsauc.Hunhlcnocngvitthtionlttcccquylutucngoil.
Tibcrangoi,khngcnngoilithyanhtaanghming,trntrinhnti.
Tilmvicchohtcatrc,ngikhngqunmphtlingdy.TinphngQuntrriththniquailisntpthdcvngvminkhi
bnlnhgctrnchicanhhnphinghltiin.Nhngkhicatrcktthc,tibtubnhtnhlilungsuynghtrongunhtulcyxaong
lngxungkhnhiu.
Tuynhincnnangvnhvosnghmy,nxuthinli,mnhbo.Cchmchngnhimtrngngtiutipht.Tiphibchicxe
Fordcamnhbnng,rangoi,chyncrtgnnadm,ucigm,tayunga,hithlaorarixuynvoc,mnhthgbncpdi
nch.Risaucngtibtucmthythtsbnhthng.Tichynaqungngtrlinixe,ibnangcnli,hithbckhitrongln
khng kh lnh. Khi v n nh, ti bo Janice rng John Coffey ni sn sng, rng g mun ra i. Nng gt u, v khuy kha. C tht vy khng? Ti
khngthni.Sugitrc,thmchbagithi,cltibit,nhngnlcythkhng.Vliuttp.Johncnirnggmtmivbygi
tihiutisao.Nhngggchungcngslmmtmibtkngino.Slmchobtknginokhaokhtcnghngivyntnh.
KhiJanicehitisaomttibngvbcmimhi,tibonngtidngxetrnngvnhvchymtlc,chyctlc.Tikbynhiu
nhtivit(ycqunhiutrangkhintikhngchngthxemlichochc),ditrkhngphilmtphncacucsngchunggiachngti
nhngkhngnildo.
Vnngcngkhnghi.
Chng37
KhiJohntmxongtrvvtaylnhgcthivikhi,timkhaxlim,bcvovngilnspbncnhg.Brutalngitibntrc.Anhtangc
nhn,thytitrongxlimmtmnhnhngkhngnig.Anhtaquaylivimgiytnoangthanhtonddang,limmiubtch.
Johnnhntibngimtklcagvnmu,xavng,sptroncmt...nhnglibnhthn,nhthkhckhngphilmtcchsngtitkhi
trthnhthiquen.Thmchgcnkhnnci.NgigtamithmxphngIvory,schsvtimtnhmtembsaubuitmchiu.
Chosp.Glntingriatayra,nmlytaytibngchaibntay.Gbttayvimtvtnhinhonho.
ChoJohn.Chngtinhvngmtkhigmtignggngnutxung.Tionanhbitchngtaspnthihnnh.Thmmthai
ngyna.
Gkhngnig,chnginmtaytitrongtayg.Nhnlisvic,tinghrngiugbtuxyravitinhngvqutptrungvtinhthn
lncmxcvobnphnnnkhngnhnra.
AnhmunnmngcbitathchvomykhngJohn?Chngticththamnchoanhhuhtthg.Kcmtchaibianuanhmun,c
iuphingtrongtchcph,ththi.
Tichabaogiung.Gtrli.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Vythmtmnncbitno?
Gnhumybndiphnsnhnnhimunu.Rinhngnpnhndnravgmmci.
cthtbbmthngon.
Scthtbbm.Ncbovkhoaitynghinna.Ticcmgictdinhkhitanmnglncnhtay,ngoitrlnnyltditonthn.n
kmvithgkhc?
Khngbit,sp.Tinghlbtcthgspc.ubpcngc,tikhngknchn.
c.TipvnghgsntrngmingbngbnhmtodoBJaniceEdgecombelm.Byginphnhn.Mtaianhcngckinh
cunguynvomkianh?iuanilngngitinhiulnchngkin.TicthtipxcviLinhmcSchuster,ngylnginkhiDel...
Khngmunclinhmc.Johntrli.Anhixttviti,thasp.Anhcthcunguynnuanhmun.Nhthl.Ticholcthcng
quvianhmtcht.
Ti?John,tikhngth...
Gkhnxungbntaytivcmgictdimnhln.
Anhcth.Gp.Cth,phikhngsp?
Tinghth.Tinghechnhmnhtrli.Gingnitidngnhctingvang.Ticholcthnucn.
Lcnycmgictrongngiddihn,gingnhtrckiakhigchakhihthngnccati.Nhngcngkhctrc.Vkhngchvlnny
khngcgtrngiviti.Khcvlnnygkhngbitmnhanggyracmgic.tnhintihonght,gnnhnghnth,cnphirangoi.Nhng
ngnnangbtsngtrongngiti,nitrcykhngbaogic.Khngchtrongtrnomkhptonthn.
AnhvngHowellvnhngspkhcixttviti.JohnCoffeyni.Tibitccanhquantmnhngbygiccanhphibqua.Bitimun
rai,sp.
Ticcttingnhngkhngnini.Nhnggthc.Nhngggnisauyllildinhttitngcnghetphag.
Tithtsmtmivniaumtinghethyvcmnhn,thasp.Timtmivlangthangtrnngi,ccnhmtconchimctrongcn
ma.Khngbaogicbncngihocbochotibitnichngtixutphthaynichngtin,hoctisao.Timtmivconngixuxavi
nhau.Ccmgicnhbaonhiumnhthytinhtrongu.Timtmivnhnglntimungipnhngbtlc.Timtmivtrongbngti.Phnlnv
niau.Nucthchmdtn,tilm.Nhngtikhngth.
Dngli,ticthtln.Dngli,bungtaytira.Tischtuinuanhkhngdngli.Chtuihocntung.
Anhskhngntung.Gni,khmmcitrctng...nhnggbungtayti.
Tichingiraphatrc,thgp.Giahaiugi,tinhnthytngvtnttrnnnximng,tngrnhx,tngvtmicalesng.Tinhnlntng
vthynhngcitncvittrnvoccnm1924,1926,1931.Nhngcitnbphaim,nhngconngivitrachngcngbxab,theo
mtcchni,nhngtionchngtakhngbaogicthxabhontonbtciug,khngthtrongcithgiithytinhtitmny.Vbygitili
nhnthyh,mtmrirmnhngtntuichngchtlnnhau,nhnhnhanglngnghengichtnichuyn,cahtvgoxinlngkhoandung.Ti
cmthymtmnhangptronghcmtcah,ngheccontimcachnhmnh,cmnhnlungmulnggiangtrnquanhngconngtrongc
thtinhnhnglthcgiikhpni.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
TinghetingcixehaphaxachuynxehabaginmmiphtiPriceford,tihnhdungthnhngkhngchc,bivtrcychabaogi
nghe.ChabaoginghetColdMountainimnngntrigiamnhtlmidmvhngng.Tikhngthnghecttrigiam,hnbnsni
thvnhth,chonthngmimtnm1932.Hntitinlthnhngngyhmytinghethytingcixeha.
umtbngnvtan,phttingntonhtingbom.
Anhlmgchoti.Tiththo.iJohn,anhlmg?
Xinli,thasp.Gnivivbnhthn.Tikhngsuyngh.Khngsuynghnhiu,tithnhn.Anhssmcmthybnhthng.
Tingln,bcracaxlim.Ccmgictiangbcitrongmng.Khitiranca,gni:
Anhthcmctisaochngkhnglaht.yliuduynhtanhcnthcmc,phikhng?Tisaohaibgikhnglahtkhichngcntrnbc
thm.
Tiquaylinhng.Tithytngvttrongmt,tithytnglchnlngtrnmt...vticmthyniaucag,niaumgthunhntnhng
ngikhc,nhmtmingxpnhngvonc.Ticngthycthbngtimgnin.Gthynbaotrmlnttcnhngkhongkhnggianca
thgiivtrongkhonhkhc,ticmnhnccnithngxtivigvsgiithotlnlao.Vng,iuchngtisplmrtkhngkhip,khngg
cththayic...thnhngchngticngspbanchogmtnhu.
Tinhnrakhikxuchpvotayti.Johnni.yllctibithnlthphm.Ngyhmtithyhntingitrncyvtithyhn
bchngxungtrichytrn,nhng...
Anhqun.Tip.
ng,thasp.Tiqunichonkhihnchmvongiti.
Tisaochngkhnglacucu,John?Ngythngtchlmchngchymu,chamchngngaytrnlu,vytisaochngkhnglaln?
Johnnhntibngnhmtmnh.
Hnnivimta,"Numygytingng,taosgitemmy,thayvmy".Hncngninhthvibgikia.Anhthykhng?
Vng.Tiththovtithyciu.BcthmnhDettericktrongbngti.Whartoncixungchngnhbngmaqu.Clmttronghaibgi
btulaht,vthbWhartonnhplmchochymumi.Milnitphnlnmutrora.
Hngitchtchngbngtnhyucachng.Johnktlun.Chngthngyunhau.Anhthycdintincasviccha?
Tigtu,khngninnli.
Gmmci.Ncmtlitroranhnggmmci.
Cucimingylth.Gni.Trnkhpthgii.Rignmxung,quaymtvotng.
TibcraDm,khacaxlimvtrlibntrc.Tivncncmgiccangiangnmm.TinhnthymnhnghecnghcaBrutalmt
tingththmrtmhnhvnmttnhthno,tinghlreceive.Anhtaangnghingtrce,minlsauchophichngcitchttitvittheo
tht?Sauanhtangclnnhn,dmciringnglikhinhnkti.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Paul?Anhtahi.Anhkhngsaoch?
Vng.RitikchoanhtangheiuJohnnivitikhngky,nhtlchititgchmvongitigyraphnngg(tikhngbaogi
kainghechititny,kcJaniceElaineConnellyslngiutincbitnu,nghalbymuncnhngtrangcuicngnysaukhic
phntrc),nhngtilpliliJohnnimunrai.iunydngnhkhinBrutalcmthynhnhmdsaocngcichtnhngticmthyanhta
thicphitibatchlmanlnganhtakhng.Riticmthyanhtaquytnhtinliti,nginchvsddnghnchoanhtakhithiim
n.
Paul,chngnhimtrngcaanhlitiphtphikhng?Anhtahi.Mtanhbng.
Khng,tinghvnbnhthng.Titrli.TikhngbnhthngnhngcmnhnchcchnJohnnnhvticngsnnh.Cmgictdi
btudui.
Nuanhvovnphngnmnghmtchtcngkhnghig.
Nmnghliucuicngtimunlmvolcytnglolngnmctisutbtci.iutimunlmcllxychomnhmtnginh,lp
mi,rixitmnhvnsaunhvtrngtrt.Lmttctrcginti.
ilth,tingh.Hngngy.Khpthgii.Cibngti.Khpthgii.
TissangphngQuntr.Cmtsviccnkimchng.
Tyanh.
Tiira,mca,ringoinhn.
Cuning.Tini:Receiveingtrce,minlsauc.Hunhlcnocngvitthtionlttcccquylutucngoil.
Tibcrangoi,khngcnngoilithyanhtaanghming,trntrinhnti.
Tilmvicchohtcatrc,ngikhngqunmphtlingdy.TinphngQuntrriththniquailisntpthdcvngvminkhi
bnlnhgctrnchicanhhnphinghltiin.Nhngkhicatrcktthc,tibtubnhtnhlilungsuynghtrongunhtulcyxaong
lngxungkhnhiu.
Tuynhincnnangvnhvosnghmy,nxuthinli,mnhbo.Cchmchngnhimtrngngtiutipht.Tiphibchicxe
Fordcamnhbnng,rangoi,chyncrtgnnadm,ucigm,tayunga,hithlaorarixuynvoc,mnhthgbncpdi
nch.Risaucngtibtucmthythtsbnhthng.Tichynaqungngtrlinixe,ibnangcnli,hithbckhitrongln
khng kh lnh. Khi v n nh, ti bo Janice rng John Coffey ni sn sng, rng g mun ra i. Nng gt u, v khuy kha. C tht vy khng? Ti
khngthni.Sugitrc,thmchbagithi,cltibit,nhngnlcythkhng.Vliuttp.Johncnirnggmtmivbygi
tihiutisao.Nhngggchungcngslmmtmibtkngino.Slmchobtknginokhaokhtcnghngivyntnh.
KhiJanicehitisaomttibngvbcmimhi,tibonngtidngxetrnngvnhvchymtlc,chyctlc.Tikbynhiu
nhtivit(ycqunhiutrangkhintikhngchngthxemlichochc),ditrkhngphilmtphncacucsngchunggiachngti
nhngkhngnildo.
Vnngcngkhnghi.
Chng38
6/30/2017 DmXanh
DDmJohnCoffeybctrnDmngXanhkhngcsmst.Trongthpnin30,thitittrlnhngmavothiimtrongnm,tionth,
vmunngnvsaotungtekhpnhngcnhngbtndng,thuhoch,nisnggilplnhtrncthngrovrcrnhkimcngtrnnhng
thnbpngthngby,trtrinhbxngkh.
BrutusHowellxuthintronglnthihnhnnyanhtasinnvbochoVanHaynginkhinlc.BillDodgebntrongcngviVanHay.V
vokhongmimtgihaimiphtmhaimithngmimt,DeancngHarryvtixungxlimcnhtcngicachngti,niJohnCoffey
ngiusp,taychpligiaugivmtvtncbothtbbmdyvocosmixanhcag.Gnhnchngtiquachnsong,dngnhbnh
thnhnscmnhncachngti.Bntaytilnhngtvthidngpmnh.Mtmtvbitrnggsnsngtnhtcnggipchochngtitin
hnhccngvicnhngmtkhcvbitrngchngtispxtgbnginvtilicakkhc.
TigpHallnsaucngvokhongbygitihmy.ngytrongvnphngcamnh,anggikhuyokhoc.Ntmttixanh,bntayrunry
thinmcnhanglmbindngcckhuyo.Tignnhmungttayngravchthngikhuy,gingnhbnslmchomtatr.iuma
mailkhiJanvtinthmbvocuituntrc,dngvMelindatrngkhhncHalvotrcbuitixtJohnCoffey.
Lnnytikhngli.ngyni.CurtisscmtvtibitCoffeytrongnhngbntayttcaanhvBrutus.
Vng,thasp,chngtislmhtsc.Tip.CtintcgvPercykhng?Liuhnstnhlichng?Ltimunhi,ttnhin.Thmchby
gihnangngitrongphngu,klvimtngimtbcsno,gnnhthvcchthcchngtikokhanhthnvooaivnmvo
phngklutnhmtatrcvn...mtgcng,nitheongntcaPercy?Vnuth,ngitastinlihnch?
NhngtheoHal,Percyvnnhc.Khngninng,vnhbtkaicngbit,khnghinhutrnqut.HnvncnIndianola"angcthm
nh,"Halnivivbnkmtheonhngnubnhtnhkhngkhquan,hnssmcchuynvin.
Coffeyxsrasao?SauHalhi.Rtcucngtmcchxoayxgintkhuyokhoccuicng.
Tigtu.
Gsntha,Gimth.
nggtupli,riiraca,dngvginuavbnhtt.
Lmsaobaonhiucithinvcicnhthlicthchungsngvinhautrongcngmtconngi?Lmsaongichalnhbnhchovtili
cnglkgithaibgi?Anhchiuiukhng?
Titrlitikhngbit,muncaChalbmt,trongttcchngtaucciThinlncic,chngtakhngnnlgii,vnvnvvnvn.Phn
lnnhnggtinivinglnhnggtihccgiohiNgiCaCha,ThngUyV.Halgtusut,cvcthamn.ngyckhnng
gtu,phikhng?Phi.Vravthamnna.Cntbunsumtrngngmtngngybkchng,ngthtikhngbaoginghihoc
nhnglnnykhngcncmt,bivngcmtngivvnh,ngibnnghnhvnhvbykhemnh.NhnJohnCoffey,bykhe
mnhvngiklnhxtJohncthvnhvib.ngykhngbucphichngkiniugspxyra.myngcthngtrongvngtaympca
v,trongkhiJohnCoffeynmtrnmtphinditnghmBnhvinht,thnxclnhitheonhnggiyphtcc,cmnn,quadnnbnhminh.Ti
ghtHalvnhngiu.Chmtchtthivtivtquac,nhngvnlcmght,ththi.Mthngththt.
Bygithtibcvoxlim,theosaulDeanvHarry.Chaiutixanhvthtvng.
Anhsnsngcha,John?Tihi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ggtu.
Ri,thasp.Tinghth.
Vythtt.Ticliphinitrckhichngtaira.
Cninhnggcnphini,sp.
JohnCoffey,vitcchlnhnvinthahnhcaTa.
Tinimtmchnhtvkhinixong,Harrybcnbncnhti,chatayra.Johncvngcnhintrongthongchc,rigmmcivbttay.
Dean,trngtixanhhnbaogiht,bttaytiptheo.
Anhxngnghnthny,Johnny.Anhtani,ginglokho.Tirttic.
Tikhngsao.Johnpli.ylphnkhkhn,sautisynn.Gngdy,chicmaythnhChristophermMellytnggtutratrc
ngco.
John,tiphigici.Tingh.Tictheolichoanhsaucuc...sau,nuanhmun,nhnggiytiphigin.Cimayvnbng
bc,nucneotrnngikhiJackVanHayngcudaoin,nshatanvotrongda.Thmchnukhngchytan,nckhnngthnhccmin,
livtchythnhthantheohnhdngcantrnlndangc.Tithyiutrckia.TithyhuhtmiiutrongthigianDmngXanh.
Nhiuhncittpdnhchoti.Bygithtihiu.
Gthosidychuynquau,tnvotayti.Tibchicmayvotiqunvbogbcrangoixlim.Khngcnphikimtraubo
mmitipincchcchnvdninttugtrnlngnhlngbntayti.
Sp,anhbitkhng,chiunaytingthipivnmm.Gni.TimthyconchutcaDel.
Anhnmmsao,John?Tipgiibntrig.Harryibnphi.DeantheogtphasauvrichngtibctrnDmngXanh.iviti,yl
lncuicngtibcicngmttnhn.
Phi.Gtrli.TimthyconchutnnimspHowellni,thnhphMousevilley.Timthytrem,chngcithathchbitbaotrc
nhngmnhkhecan!itri!Gtbtcitrctng,ringhimtrangtrli.Timthyhaibgitcvngcmt.Chngcngcia
na.Tiqungtaymchng,khngcmutchntcchyravchngkhemnh.TtcchngtixemngJingleslnngchvchngticithathch.
Cinauqunrut.
Th?Tinghmnhkhngthtiptcncng,nginlkhngth,khngccchnokhc.Tiskhchocgotht,hoccthtimtisv
tungvnhnvyslhiktthc.
Chngtibcvovnphngcati.Johnnhnquanhmtlc,rikhuuugiquxung,khngiphiyucu.Saulngg,Harryangnhnti
bngimtum.GngmtDeantrngbchnhgiy.
TiquxungcngviJohn,nghngivmtcucingillnganghnhthnhy:sauttcnhngtnhntiphigiphcthkt
thcchuynhnhtrnh,lnnytimilngicnnmtbntay.Dusaocmgicvnlnhth.
Chngtacunguyniug,thasp?Johnhi.
Scmnh.Titrlimthmchkhngsuyngh.Tinhmmtvc.LyCha,xinhygipchngconhonthnhnhnggchngconbtu,
cuxinNginnhnnginy,JohnCoffeygingnhthncungnhngnhvnkhcvothinngvbanchoanhtabnhan.CuxinNgigip
6/30/2017 DmXanh
chngcontinanhtangtheocchanhtaxngngvkhngxyrassut.Amen.Timmtra,nhnDeanvHarry.Chaicvkhhn.Clh
cchtkhonhkhckpth.Tinghlnhvobicunguyncamnh.
TidmngdynhngJohnnmlytay.Gnhntivinhmtvahivngvartr.
Tinhlimtbicunguynnginodytikhicnnh.Gni.tnhttinghcthcc.Ticckhng?
Anhcci.Deanlnting.Cnnhiuthigian,John.
Johnnhmmt,mycaulivtptrungtng.Tichingheloikinhcubygiconnmxung,hocmtphinbnbctxncabikinhLyCha
nhngkhngcchai.Trctichabaoginghegckinhnyvtchabaogingheli,khngphivnhngcmtnhhoccchbiuhincg
btthngcbit.Gitaylntrcimtnhmli,JohnCoffeycunguyn:"ChaJesusHiNhi,hinlnhvhanh,xinhycunguynchocon,mt
atrmci.Hylscmnhcacon,hylmbnvicon,hybnconnkhiktthc.Amen."Gmmt,btungdynhnglinhnstvoti.
Tiqutcnhtayquamt.Tronglclngngheg,tinghnDel,gcngmuncunguynthmmtbivogiyphtcui.MarieThnhLinh,mca
Cha,xinNgicunguynchonhngktilichngconvolcny,vgiyphtidinvicicht."XinliJohn."
Khngcnphith.Gpli.Gsittaytivmmci.Thri,nhtinghgsphilm,ggiptingdy.
Chng39
Khngcnhiunhnchngcllmibnngittc,bngnasngivocnnhkhochngkinxtDelacroix.HomerCribuscmt,
trnngptrnghcalonhthngl,nhngtikhngthyCnhstphMcGee.GingnhGimthMoores,rrnganhtaquytnhbqualnny.
Ngihngghulmtivchnggimthottintikhngnhnra,mcdtinhnthynhhtrnnhiubibovongytrongtunl
thbacathngmimt.RikhichngtingnbcgniGiSparkyangch,ngiphnnhncbt:"Myhyttnmcht,ch!"vti
nhnravchngDetterick,KlausvMarjorie.Tikhngnhnrahvtakhngthngthyngiginochaqutuibami.
JohncormtrctingnicangiphnvCnhsttrngCribuscunhutnthng.HankBitterman,nginggctrcmkhngiloto,
khnggiyphtnorimtkhiKlausDetterick.AnhtatunlnhcatinhngmyDetterickkhngphtcchnohngvJohn.DngnhDetterick
angtrnmthnhtinhnokhc.
BrutalngbnGiSparkykhngocngntaykhichngtibclnbc.AnhtanhtsngvobaovnmlyctayJohn,pgiigtinlighin,du
dngnhmtchngtraiabngirasnnhylnu.
Mivicusunsch,John?Anhtahginghi.
Vng,thasp,nhng...Mtglolinvlnutinntmtcnggingnicagtvshi.Nhngcnhiungicmghtti.Rtnhiu.Ti
cmthyiu.auqu.Nxuynvonginhongchchvgyaun.
Vy hy cm nhn nh chng ti cm nhn. Brutal p li, cng bng ging kh khng . Chng ti khng ght anh anh c th cm nhn c
khng?
c,sp.Nhnglcnyginggrunrythihnna,mtglibtuaidnglchmchp.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
GitnhailniccanhMarjorieDettericktnhingoln.Cigingthethngcngcactanghegingnhtingtttai.Johncormvongi
tivrnr.Ccanhhygitthngcngdmtremhailn,thmiltt!Klausvncvnhnginmmsctnh,koctastvovai.Ctabt
ubtkhc.
TimttinhthnkhinhnthyHarryTerwilligercngangkhc.nlcnychanhnchngnonhnthyncmtcaanhtaanhtaquaylngv
phahnhnganhtaangkhc,ngvy.Thnhngchngtilmgc?tinilngoivictiptc?
BrutalvtixoayJohnquayli.BrutalnvomtbnvaignngsvJohnngixung.GbuchtvotayghrngbnggsicaSparky,o
mtquali,lithralimtmtgcmi,rigcbnkia.
Harryvtiquxung.Ngyhmtrcchngtichomttnhntincnhntmthinhngminicngvokhakpgh,vcchnca
JohnCoffeytognbngbpchnmtngibnhthng.Tuynhinticmtthongcmngkhinghrngchngvncnhp,vchngtisphipgii
gtrvxlimtrongkhiSamBroderick,trngxngsnxutthi,citmhnthmmini.Tihtscymnhmtccuicngbngcmtay
vkhabnphatingvo.ChnJohncogit,gthhnhn.Tilmchngbkp.
XinliJohn.TiththovlicnhnHarry.Anhtaddngngkha(hocvphnnibnanhtahirnghnhocbpchnphiJohnhinh
hn)nhngangnhnktqucamnhvintbiuhinnghing.Tinghticthhiuldo:nhngkhakpcitincntin,hmcachngdng
nhhraginghmcsu.
Snthathi.Titrnan,hivnggingnicscthuytphc...vtiangnistht.Laumti,Harry.
Anhtaquttayquamt,launcmttrnmvmhitrntrn.Chngtiquayli.HomerCribus,nygimitotingnichuynvingingibn
cnh,nnlng.gnngi.
BrutalkpcmtctayJohn,Deankptaykia.NhnquavaiDean,tithyvbcs,vnknonhbaogi,ngdavotngvicitienb
giahaibnchn.Thibuihinnaytinghccbcschloginhgitnhngvbobnhth,cbitvinhngvtimtnhmch,nhngvothign
nhbnphilikonumunch.Dngnhthihctngrrnghnvnhnggngnmbcsclm,nhnggngcngovili
tuynthmhni,lituynthtronghthtrchtlkhnglmhi.
DeangtuviBrutal.Brutalquayuli,dngnhlicnhnchicinthoikhngbaogireolnvnhngloinhJohnCoffeyvgiJackVanHay:
Xoaylnmt.
Ctingrronhtlnhckhingvnhnsnglnmtcht.Bngchngtinilnscnthn,nhnghnhthentiblntng,lnl
quanhcibngghinnhloiknkn.Johnhtmthimnh.Khpngntaygtrngbch.
aucha?BDetterickrtlntqungtvaingichng.TaohivngnlmmyaunttcngChngbtasitchtv.Tithymtlmi
caanhtaangchymu,mtdnglenlixunglnrumphp.Thngbanmsaukhimtbovcctinanhtachtvautim,tilngit
ngcnhinnhttrni.
Brutal bc vo tm nhn ca John. Anh ta chm tay vo vai John trong khi pht biu. iu vi phm nguyn tc, trong s nhn chng ch c Curtis
Andersonbitnhngdngnhanhtalikhng.Tinghanhtagingnhmtngimunktthcvinghnghiphinti.Tuytvngmongmunchia
tayvin.AnhtagianhpvoQunisautrnTrnChucngnhngkhngbaogiivinchinhanhtachtnBraggtrongmttainnxeti.
Tronglc,JohnthgindinhngngntaycaBrutal.Tikhngnghghiucnhiu,nuc,nhnggBrutalangnivignhngnhnc
anitbntayBrutalttrnvai.Brutal,haimilmnmsauchtvlncnautim(anhtaangnsandwichcvxemuvttrnTV,cemgik
li),lmtngitt.Bnti.Cllngigiinhttrongschngti.Anhtaddnghiutisaomtconngingthivamunrailivaschuyndu
hnh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
JohnCoffey,anhbtuynnthnhtrnghin,bnncthngquabihithmongmnhngngingngvianhvbanhnhbi
mtThmphnuytncaTiubang.CuChacugipngidnTiubang.Anhcgnitrckhibnncthihnhkhng?
Johnlimtmilnna,ricttingnirrng.Sut.
Tinhnchobnthn.
Myphith!Ngimcahaibgichtgoln.Hithngquivt,myphith!NhtnhMyPhiHn!
nhmtJohnquaysangti.Tikhngthytrongcnicamchu,khngthyhivngvoThinng,khngthyvbnhanldng.Tisvuithch
dngnonucthnivibnltithy.Tisvuithchbitbaonucthnivibnthniu.Citithylnishi,aukh,ddangvkhng
hiu.Chnglimtcamtconthmcbyvkinhhong.TinghnlignivldotisaoWhartonbtcccCoravKatheDettericktrnbc
thmmkhnglmcnhthcgic.Hngitchngbngtnhyucachng.ibygilth.Khpthgii.
Brutallymtnmitrnmctreobngthaulnggh,nhngvathyvhiunlg,mtJohnmtohihng.Gnhntivlcnytithy
nhnggitmhitolratrnnhstrc.Nhnchngtonhtrngchimc.
Xinng,thasp,ngchpcivomtti.Gththonibnggingrnr.Xinngbtitrongbngti,ngbuctiivobngti,tis
bngti.
Brutalnhncaolngmynhnti,chtngtichvimtntrongtay.Mtanhtangmnirngylquynhncati,anhtastuntheo.Tisuy
nghnhanhhtkhnngiuthtkhlmkhiuangpmnhnhvy.Mtnltruynthng,khngphilutnnh.Thcchtmintrchonhn
chng.Vtnhintiquytnhlnnyhkhngcncmintr.Xtchocng,Johnkhnglmiugxuxatrongiphichuchtdimt
chicmtn.Hkhngbitnhngchngtibitvtiquytnhchpnhnyucucuicng.VphnMarjorieDetterick,clctasgichotimtli
cmn.
ng,John.Tiththo.
Brutaltreomtnvomc.Tsaulngchngti,HomerCribusbtmnkulnbnggingdnminNam:
Nch!eocimtnchothngchaich!Bchnghtitimuncoinntrngconmtsao?
Ynlng,thang.Tinimkhngquayli.ylcucthihnhnvngkhngctrchnhim.
Khnghngtrchnhimbtgigcalo,btht.Harrythmth.Harrychtnm1982,gntrntmmitui.Mtngisngth.Khngbngti,
nhngdnhintnginhth.Chtvmtthungthrutno.
Brutalcixungnhtvngchtxprakhixnc.Anhtanvorilimungntaynhngkhngcnphith,tithycivtmumuxuxang
nhnc.Anhtanhtnvotrongnnst,richpnnlnuJohn.LnutintithyBrutalcngtixanhnhtnht,spbttnh.Tinghnhnhnh
anhtanirnglnutintrongi,anhtacmnhncnguycsavohangcvchngticngquythyditmtmnqucaCha.tnhinticm
thymunnnma.NctchicvngxpangnhgitxunghaibnmtJohn.
DeanStantonthtailnnycxditianganglngngcJohnriachoti.ChngtichungnhngniaunhthbovDean
vocimchngtixuthnh,vconcicaanhta,khngbitrnganhtachcnchaybnthngnasng.SauvJohnCoffey,Deanyucuv
cthuynchuyntGiSparkynKhuC,yanhtabmtgtnhnmcndaovochng,dngmuticassngtrorannnhbngvn
dbn.Tikhngbaogihiutisao.Tinghkhngaicthhiutisao.GiSparkydngnhlmtthngcngokhitinhnlinhngnmthng,
6/30/2017 DmXanh
mtthinrchtngi.Chngtamngmanhnhthytinhthi,ngayctrongnhngiukinttpnht.Githinhaubnghingtvinmtcch
lnhlng?Sinr.Nikinhhong.
Brutalkimtraaitht,rilili.Tichanhtalntingnhnganhtakhngnig.Thyanhtabtchotaysaulng,ngtthngh,tibitanhtas
khngni.Clkhngnic.Ticngnghtikhngth,nhngkhinhnimtshitrolcaJohn,tibitmnhphini.Thmchcbvnhvin
nguynra,ticngphini.
Xoaylnhai.Tiralnhbngmtgingmh,tqungmchnhticngkhngnhnra.
Chicnnstkurro.Tmngntayvhaingncidngnglntrnutayghbnggsi,cngramihngkhcnhau,ungntaycogit.
Haiugitocagplinhinhpistonnhngcckhakpcchnkmcht.Phatrnu,bangnntreontungPow!Pow!Pow!Marjorie
Detterickthtlnkhinghetingv,ngtitrongtaychng.MitmnmsauctachtMemphis.Harrygicophchoti.Mttainnxein.
John ng vt ra trc, vng vo ai tht trn ngc. Trong mt thong, mt g gp mt ti. Chng vn cn thc, ti l vt cui cng g nhn thy khi
chngtixgrakhibvcthgii.Rigngngavolnggh,nnstnghingimtchttrnu,khimtthsngmnhkhithantarat
bndi.Nhngnichung,bnbity,svicktthcnhanhchng.Tinghingchuynkhnggyauntheoquanimcanhngnginghhnh
phtghin(mtquanimmthmchkhunghngnhttrongshdngnhcngkhngbaogidmtmnhkimchng).Bntayglirxungln
na,nhngvnhhnhtrnggcmngtaytrctrngxanhgithnhmuctm,mtsikhitimbclncntncmuitvngxp...v
ncmtcag.
NhnggitncmtcuicngcaJohnCoffey.
Chng40
Ticynnchonkhivnh.Bnhminhldng,chimchchtvang.Tidngchicxertinli,rangoi,bclnbcthm,vricnau
bunthhaitottnhtphlnngiti.Vtinghnnisbngticag.Tinhlilnuchngtigpnhau,ghichngtibanmcn
sngkhngvchntimmnhni.Tingixungbcthm,gcuvougivkhc.CngkhnghnchkhcchoJohnmchottcchngta.
Janicebcravngixungbnti.Nngqungtayquavaiti.
Anhhtsckhnglmchoanhtaaunch?
Tilcutkhng.
Vanhtamunrai.
Tigtu.
Vonhi.Nngnivgiptingln.NnglmtinghncchJohngiptinglnsaukhichngticngnhaucunguyn.Vonhungc
ph.
Tilmtheo.Buisngutintriqua,buichiuutin,ricatrctrliutin.Thigianchimhuttc,dchngtamunhaykhngmun.
Thigianchimhuttc,thigiancpittc,saucngchcnbngti.ikhichngtatmthynhautrongbngtivikhichngtamthlnna,
cngtrong.ylttcnhnggtibit,ciucuchuynnyxyranm1932,khinhtTiubangvncnColdMountain.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Ccighinna,ttnhin.
Khonghaigimilmphtchiu,bbnElaineConnellycatinphngsinng,nitiangngi,nhngtrangttruyncuicngcxpngay
ngntrcmt.Gngmtbtixanhvcnhngvtsngdimt.Tinghbykhc.
Vphnti,tinhn.Chcth.Nhnrangoicas,bntayphiphpphngctay.Nhngdsaocnglcnphpphngthanhthn.Ticmthy
trngrng,chcnlpvngoikhkhc.Mtcmgicvakhngkhipvatuytvi.
ThtkhmnnhmtcaElainetissthylngcmghtvskhinhbtrongnhngkhngc.Bunbvngcnhin,nhngynn.Khng
cmght,khngkhinhbvkhnghoinghi.
Cmunxemphncnlikhng?Tihi.Tivvochngbnthobngbntayangau.y,nhngtihiunuckhngsm...
iuemmunkhngphilvn.Bni.Emphibitcuchuynrasao,mcdsvicanhxthnkhngcnliunghing.Scanthip
caChavimtchhoaCccaoqultrongcucsngcangiphm,emnghth.Nhngtrckhicnhngtrangny...Paul...
Bydngli,nhthkhngbitchcnnnitipnhthno.Tichi.ikhibnkhngthgipngikhc.Thmchngcgipcntthn.
Paul,anhvittrongynhthanhchaiconlnvonm1932khngchmt,mhaia.NukhngphianhkthnviJanicecaanhkhiln
mihaivchymimttui,ikhinhvy,th...
Tikhmmci.
Chngticntrkhilynhaunhiungidnvnginiuth,cmtinanhngkhngtrnmc.
Vythanhbaonhiutui?Emlunlunchornganhtrctmmi,bngtuiem,thmchcthtrhnmtcht,nhngtheotptruynny...
TicbnmituivonmJohnbctrnDmngXanh.Titrli.Tisinhnm1892.Nhthticmttrmlbntui,trkhititnh
sai.
Elainetrmtnhnti,khngninnli.
Tiaraphnbnthocnli,nhncchmJohnchmvongititrongxlim.Anhskhngntung,gni,khmmcitrctng,
vtithkhng...Nhngrtcuciugxyrachoti.iugludi.
Chycphncnli.Tini.Nhngcutrlimtibitcctrongy.
Ttlm.Bthmth.Emhis,emkhngthnidiviu,nhng...thic.Anhsu?
Tingln,vnvai,lngnghetingctsnglchcchtrnlng.Mtiutibitchclcmgicchnchngnchtvicnphngsinng.
Rangoisnbngcroqueti.Vncncthtimunchocxem,ngkia.
N...ghkhng?Trongdngvbnlncabtinhnthybthicongi,khinnginnrmvomahvkhocolngguchutvoma
ng.
Khng.Timmcipli.Khnggh.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
cri.Bcmlynhngtranggiy.Ememnhngthnyxungphngem.Gplianhngoisnbng...Bltnhanhbntho,nhgi.
Bntsao?ngvykhng?
Honton.Titrli,nghngquitmBradDolan.nlcyhnlgikhi.
Batayravotimtcirirakhiphng.Tingtichmtlc,nhnxungbn,ghinhnsthtrngcibnlitrngtrimtlnna,ngoitr
khayimtmmElaineemchotisnghmy,nhngtrangvitrirccatisaucngrai.Cchnotikhngthtinmnhxongxui...v
nhbnthyy,vttccvitsaukhitighilicuchnhhnhJohnCoffeyvgiaomtranggiycuicngchoElaine,tivnchaxong.Vngayc
volc,mtphnbnthntibittisao.
Alabama.
Tinhnlykhoanhbnhmnngcuicngtrnkhay,ixungcuthangvrangoisnbngcroquet.ytingidinhnng,ngmnhnmts
cpbngivmtnhmbnngi,chmchpnhngvuinhniqua,tayvungvygynhbng,suyngmnhngtngcamtnggivmcchonh
nngsimbxngginuacati.
Khonghaigibnmilmpht,calmvictbanbygichmribtubixevnbagithnhngnhnvincangyrav.Phnln
itheonhmnhngtithyBradDolanimtmnh.Mthnhnhvuivxtchocng,clthgiichahontonspxungangc.Mttrongnhng
quyntruyncicahnthrakhitiqunsau.Liinbixevtngangquasnbngnnhnnhnthyti,nhnghnkhngvytaycngkhng
nhnnh.Vitithltt.HnchuivochicxeChevroletccdnhngch:TiThyChaVTnngyLNewt.Rihnlnngnbtcni
nohnikhikhnghindiny,rirasaulnghnmtvtdinhtmyloigimgi.
nkhongbngi,Elainenhpbnvitinhbyha.nhmtbchothybkhcthmmtcht.Bqungtayquanhngiti,sitcht.
JohnCoffeytinghip.Bni.VPaulEdgecombecngtinghipna.
Paultinghip,tinghegingJanice.Chngthnyutinghip.
Elainelibtkhc.Timb,trnsnbngcroquetdinhnngxchiu.Bngchngtinhnnhthangnhyma.Clangtrongphng
DVTngTngnhchngtithngnghetrnradiovothi.
Saucngbnglntrongskimch,luirakhivngtayti.BtmmtmugiyKleenextrongtiovlauncmt.
Paul,chuyngxyrachovngGimth?ChuyngxyraviMelly?
Bycxemliuthnkcathii,tnhtliviccbcscaBnhvinIndianola.Titrli.Tinmtaybvchngtibtubcn
liirakhibixecanhnvin,votrongrng,vphachinhbncnhbctnggiaGeorgiaPinesvthgiicanhngngitr.
Bychtvautim,khngphivunosaumihaymimtnm.Tinghvonm43.HalchtvtquvokhongngytncngTrnChu
cngcthngvongyTrnChucng,theonhtinh,nhvybythhnchnghainm.Khmamai.
CnJanice?
Hmnaytichachunbtinhthnchochuyn.Titrli.Tiskchocnghevodpkhc.
Anhhach?
Ha.Nhngylmtlihamtikhngbaogilmtrn.Bathngsaungychngticngvorng(lratinmtaybnukhngphivs
lmaunhngngntaycormvsngty),ElaineConnellylnglchttrnging.CngnhMelindaMoores,cichtlktqucamtcnautim.Ngi
6/30/2017 DmXanh
hlphthinrabkrngntmtbbnhan,nhthtthnnbtngvkhngaunnhiu.Tihivnganhtaning.TiyuElaine.Vtinhb
y.ByvJanicevBrutalvttcbnh.
Chngtinchinhthhaitrnlimn,cibncnhtng.Nngliliphasautrongmtbithng,minhxvcasngvnanxenv
lmmvonhngchicbng.Tidmbcvphan.Elainennnmtthong,vshi.
Khngsao.Titrnan.Thtm.Voi.
Cakhngcchttngcnhngbgitvngravthtidngmtmnhbacnggpichnli.Tirtmnhbacngra,bcvotrongchi
nh.Tibmcchocnhcamrngtyvbntrongtien.
Paul,cig?....!Ting""thhaithiuchtnatrthnhtinght.
Mtcibncysangbn.Trnbnlmtnpinvmttigiynu.TrnsnnhcmthpxghiuHavaTampamtilycca
nhthuncngtvmybnkochovindnglo.Tiyucuanhtaathcbitvvcngtycngbnccsnphmthuchtnnanhtad
dngtmc.TinghtrtinchnglnhngtinnghigitrkhiticnlmvicColdMountain,nhkchobnnghenhnganhtachcixa.
Trmtnhnquathnhhplmtcpmthtthsngr.
ngJingles.Tithpginggiithiu.Liy.Liygpqub,anhbn.
Tingixmxungaun,nhngcnnvchatayra.Thottintinghlnnynkhngvtquanithnhhp,nhngconchutlmcvic
nhycuicng.Nltnghingmtbnringdyvchynviti.Mtchnsautptnh,vtthngdoPercygyratiphtkhingJinglesgii.
Tuigi,ginua.Ngoitrphntrnuvchpuithblngcanhontonhaxm.
Conchutnhylnlngbntayti.Tinhctaylnvnvncra,ngihithcati,taiquprasau,cpmtnhkhaokht.Tichatayvpha
Elaine,bangnhnconchutviimttrnxoengcnhin,minghm.
Khngthc.Bthtlnvnhngmtnhnti.iPaul,khngphil...khngthc!
Xemi.Tip.Rihynith.
TcititrnbntilyramtngchmtittmukhngphivibtchhiuCrayolamMagicMarkers,mtphtminhnmmcngkhngthy
vonm1932.Thnhngcingchvnp.SnglongnhcicaDel,clhnna.Thaqungqub,tingh.Xinchomngquvnvignh
xicchut!
TilingixmxungvngJingleschyrakhilngbntayti.Nginhngvnsaymnhbaogi.Tlctilyngchrakhiti,nkhngcn
nbtcthgkhc.Tilnngchquasnnhntn,khngbngphng,vnlptcuitheo.Nkhngchyvitccnavthtaulngkhi
nhnntptnh,nhngtisaoliphichynhanhhocvngvng?Nhtini,conchutgi,mtconchutBnhT.tnhtlsumittui.
Nuikpcingch,vnpvobctngbnkiarinyngcli.Conchutivngqua,rinmxungbncnhngch.Elainedmbcn
nhngtingnbli.Saumtkhonhkhc,ngJinglesnglnc.Mtcchchmchp,rtchmchp,ndngmiycingchtrlichtingi.
Lnutinkhinytiphthinranangnmtrnbcthmdnnnhbptheotth,nhthdichuynmtqungngxavkitscn
vncnsciukhinngchbngchntrc,nhnlmnhngnmthngtrckiatrnDmngXanh.Nhngcimithvniuluynnh
trckia.Nchphidichuyntungnysangukiagingltrnh.Khinchti,tinhtnlnbngmttayconchutnngkhnghnmt
cilngchimvtaykianhtngch.imtsngcankhnghrikhicingch.
Paul,nglmlnna,Paul.Elainethnthcni.Nhnndintremkhngchungni.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Tihiucmxccabynhngnghlsaikhiyucutiiu.Conchutthchrtuivlyngchvsaubaonhiunm,nvncnathch
nhth.Ttcchngtanncmthymaymntrongnimammcamnh.
Trongticngckobch.Tini.KobchCanada.Tinghnvnthchnshtngikhngngngnutiachonmtccnhngh
tiuhacanqut,khngnc.Thayvo,tiemnbnhmnng.
Tilingixmxung,bmtmubnhnhmtimangtheotphngsinng,txungsnnh.ngJingleshtngimubnh,rinhtlnvbt
un.uiconchutgngngcunquanhngi.Nthanhtonxongmubnhringcnhn,vchi.
ikhibngichngticthlmcngcnhintrctnhhuncachngti.TiniviElainevabnhchob.Cthxem.
Bybmtmubnhkhcvblnsnnh.ngJinglestinlign,htngi,nhnElaine...rinhtlnvbtuthngthc.
Cthycha?Tini.Nbitckhngphilmtlnhgctheothiv.
Paul,ntun?
Khngcmanhmi.Mthmvosngsm,tirangoiidothny,nmtrnbcthmnhbp.Tibitngaynlainhngvnlymtng
chtgitxuttrongphnggitthchochc.Vtilychonmthpxg,ltbngthvimmnhttitmc.Ncngnhchngta,Ellie,ti
nghthphnlnngythngchchtcngmtnichnbunphin.Nhngnchamtttclnghamsng.Nvncnthchcingchvmtcuc
thmvingcaanhbngiKhuE.SuminmtigikncuchuynvJohnCoffeytronglng,sumihochnvbygitik.tibitmnhcn
gprtvlmiutrongkhicnkp.Vticngnhnangnniy.
nu?
,cbitm.TitrlivchngtingmnhnngJinglesmtlctrongynlng.Rikhngvldogcthkchobnnghe,tilinmngchra,
mcdElaineyucutikhnglm.Vmtno,clchvchuynconchutrtuimtngchgingnhngigicphinbnnichmriv
cnthncahcthbnkhngmunxemchuyn,bnvncntrvtinrngkhibcvotuixchiu,mtngoilsctoratrongtrnghp
cabn,nhnghvncnmunni.
ngJinglesuitheongchlnna,rrnglaun,vcngrrng(tnhtiviti)bngttclngvuithchmmngyxa.
CasIsinglass.Elaineththo,nhnconchutangchy.
CasIsinglass.Tingvmmci.
JohnCoffeychmvoconchuttheocchanhtachmvoanh.Anhtakhngchlmchoanhttlnsovinhngiutitmcphilcy,anhtacn
khinchoanh...gno,khng?
Tinghnithlhay.
khngvinhnggrtcucsngcttcchngtanhcycibmimt.Anh...vn.ngJingles.KhianhtakhpngJinglestrongbntay.
ng.ScmnhnochytrongngiJohnlmcdsaotinghnhvyvbyginangtnli.Nhngconmigmthngvcy.
Tnnhiuthigianhnbnhthngnhngrichngcngn.Cthtisngthmcvinm,tionngivnsngluhnchutnhngthigianca
ngJinglescn.
Conchutchyncingch,khpkhnhchyquanh,ngvtsangbnthhohn(chngtithyshhpcanquablngxmnhpnhnhln
sng),rinnglnvbtuliulnhyntrlibngmi.Lngnmuxm,dngikhngvngnhngcpmthtthngisngnhbaogi.
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Anhnghnmunanhvitnhngganhvit.Bni.Phithkhng,Paul?
KhngphingJingles.Titrli.Khngphiconchutnhngthscmnhvn...
Sao,Paulie!CElaineConnellynakia!Mtgingnioangoangphtratchcam.Gingnichtchanikinhhiymamai.Nhtiangth
vsngvy!Myngilmtrgyvy?
Tiquayli,khngngcnhinchtnokhithyBradDolanngbcca.Hnangnhnnhcitheokiuthchthvlacbnmtvau.
Hnibaoxasaukhihtcalmvic?Clchbnggcaobi,ungmthaichaibiavnhymtbntrckhiquayli.
Rangoi.Elainelnhlngni.Rangoingay.
Bdmbotirangoisao,mchcigikhmnhnnheo?Hnpcht.Cthbotilninhnglcnymkhngphitrni.Chny
khngphilnimyngicvo.Ngoigiihn.Tmuynngh,Paulie?Lchuyncangyphikhng?MtthmPlayboychobngi...
Mthnmtokhirtcuchnnhnthyvkhchtrcachinh.Cichgth?
Tikhngquaylinhn.Mt,tibitlcighailqukhbtngtrmlnhinti,toramtnhbachiu,khngkhiptrongtnhhinthcca
n.KhngphiBradDolanngmlPercyWetmore.MtkhonhkhcsauhnsxngvovnghinntngJingles(kkhngcnhivngchynhanh
hnhn)digtgiy.VlnnykhngcJohnCoffeyantbvccichttrv.CngnhkhngcmtJohnCoffeykhiticngvongyma
yAlabama.
Tingln,lnnykhngcnthyaukhpxnghocbpthtna,xngvphaDolan.
nyn!Tihtto.Cunyn,Percy,nukhngthcCha,tis...
nggiailPercy?Hnhivxmnhnmctisutng.Elainechplyti,mcdlmnhthbysbau,vkimtingvngli.Khng
phiyllnungnith.Nnttrongquni.Tikhngngnnu.Khngcn.Chlmtcongmnhmchtngoo.
Tiquayli,tronglngnghngJingleschnmnghinglylihith,theocchmthnhthongnlm.Conchutnmnghing,ngvy,nhng
chuynngnhpnhquablngngng.Tictinrngmnhvncnnhnthy,vriElaineakhc.Bauncixung,nhtconchuttigpln
utrnDmngXanh,conchutchynbntrcmkhngsst,nhmtconngingnnhngkngng...hocbnbcaanhta.N
nmlmtrntayb.Cpmtmcvbtng.Cubcht.
Dolantotmingcikhchu,phrahmrngvncrttquanhvinhas.
itri,thy!Hnlinhi.Chngtavamtconvtcngcagianh?Cnntchctanglnhonhchoagiyv...
Cmming!Elainegovomthn,sangsngvmnhmnnihnlilimtbc,ncitutkhibmt.CtRaKhiy!CtRa,HocMi
SKhngcLmVicThmMtNgyNa!MtGiNaCngKhng!TaThy!
Chemskhngcnimtkhoanhbnhmcutr.Tininhngrtkhnnchaiukhngnghe.TikhngthrimtkhingJinglesangnm
trntayElaine,nhmttmthmdagunhnhtthgii.
Bradcnhnmingtrmingviby,mngblbpbmhnning,chinhkhnghnllnhthcchpthundnhchonhngngi
dngloGeorgiaPines,thmchticngbitiurilithi.Hn,vbnchtlmtthnghnnhPercy.Clhnkimchnglituynbca
ElainerngchuniblMtNhnVtQuanTrngNovphthinlituynblstht.Mtphnln,clvthitmcthamn,cnkht
6/30/2017 DmXanh
nclngxung.Vsauttcnhngthcmccahn,iubmtharachngcgnhiunhn.Conchutcngcamtnggisngtrongchinh.
Byginngmvlncnautimhaygtrongkhianglnmtcingchmu.
Khnghiutisaomyngiquu.Hnni.Chaingi.Myngilmnhnlchhayg.
Rangoi.Elainekhinhb.Rangoi,ngu.Bnonhbcamiqulxuxavlmlc.
Mthnbng,nhngvttnnhangthiTrunghcbmhnna.Nhnthongquathyrtnhiu.
Tisi.Hnpli.Nhngngymaikhimynginy...Paulie...ngsthycackhami.Chnycmnginitr,mcxcmgi
ChtThiCaTiKhngThikiamunnixuticni.Nhnsnnhcoi!Vnsnlongravmcrung!Numyngiingang,cngchnmtongca
myngickhnnggygpnhcinhmla.Vythclyconchutinumyngimun,ribin.TUynngtnayngca.
Hnquayivsibc,dngvnhmtconngittinrngtnhthncngxngngcch.Tichhnikhut,rinhnhnglyconchut
rakhitayElaine.nhmttitnhcnhnthycitickobchbntrongvgyhuquncmtbtuara.Tikhngbit,donykhnghiusao
tidkhchn.
Cgiptichnctanhbncch?TinghviElainekhitingchnnngncaBradDolanmdn.
Vng.Bqungtayquanhhngvnguvovaiti.Bngmtngntayginuavcongqueo,bvutvemnsnbtngcangJingles.Em
rtvuiclmiu.
Vylchngtimnmtcixngtnhkholmvn,chnctconchutcaDeltronglcbngchiungdiquanhnglmcy,richngtiquayv
nhnbantivchpnhnnhnggcnlicacucsng.TithymnhangnghngivDel,Delangqutrntmthmxanhtrongvnphngcati,
taychplivchmuhilplnhdinhnDel,kyucuchngtichmscngJingles,bomkhngchokxuxalmhinlnna.
Ngoitrvickxuxasaucnglmhittcchngta,phikhng?
Paul?Elainehi.Gingbvancnvakitsc.Thmchvicohuytbngxngvhhuytmtconchutcngemlinhiukhchngcho
nhngcptnhnhnginhchngti,tinghvy.Anhkhngsaoch?
Taytiqungquaeob,sitnh.
Tikhe.Titrli.
Ngheny.Bni.Scmtbuihonghnp.Chngtangoitrithngthcch?
c.Tipvchngtilitrnbic,qungtaymeonhau,thotungmnhngmuscrcrxuthintrnnntri,ringmchngphai
dnsangmutroxm.
HiNthnhMarie,McaChaTri,xinhycunguynchochngcon,nhngngdnngho,bygivvogiyphtlmchung.
Amen.
58.
1956.Alabamatrongma.
Chunithbacachngti,mtcgixinhptnTessaspttnghipihcFlorida.ChngtipchuynxeGreyhound.Lcytisumit
tui,chvathanhnin.Jancnmmichn,vnxinhpnhbaogi.tnhtliviti.Chngtingibngghsausutltrnh,vnngcnnhnti
6/30/2017 DmXanh
vkhngmuachonngmychpnhmighilihnhnhskinhnhphc.Tihmingbonngrngchngticcmtngymuasmsaukhin,
rngnngcthmuamynhminunngmun,ngnschcungnghnnatinghnngcnnhnchvbunchnchuynivkhngthchquyn
schnngemtheo.MtquynPerryMason.ylkhimithtrongkctixatrngimtcht,gingnhcunphimbbdinhmttri.
Bncnnhtainnkhng?Ticholmttcthvcnhngphnlnthkhng.Tuynhinnninhnimtrnhngutrangnhtt
bidngnysangbidngkiakhixyra.ChngtiangbnngoithnhphBirminghamdicnmatmt,Janiceangthanphinvcimy
nhcthmtbnhxen.Chicxebutlongchongsangmtbntrnlngtncvbmtxetichphnbnhcvohng.Xetitngxebutp
votrcuvivntchnsumidmmtgi,nghinntntrnnnbtngvbgylmhai.Hainaxebutsnglong,tncmaxontheohai
hnginghch,nacbndudieselntung,bntungmtquculamuenlnnntrixmxtcamtngyma.MtphttrcJanicecnang
cnnhnvchicmynhKodakccanng,phttiptheotithymnhangnmgckiacanghmditrnma,trmtnhnmtciqunlt
bngnyloncaphnvngratvalicangino.TrnqunthuchWednesdaybngchen.Valistungtekhpni.Vnhngxccht.Vnhng
phnthnthcaxccht.Cbymibahnhkhchtrnchuynxebut,vchcbnngithotnn.Tilmttrongsh,kduynhtkhngb
thngnghimtrng.
Tingdyvloobcigianhngchicvalistungvxcngivngvi,khcgitnvti.Tinhvngmtcinghbothc
sangbnvtinhcthymtbtraikhongmibatuicht,nmtrnmtngrircthytinhv,vichimybayP.F.Flyersdichnvna
gngmtbinmt.Ticmthymavvomt,ritiiquanghmvtrnhcmtlc.Rakhiukianghmmalixuthin,pvo
mvtrnti.TithyJannmbnbunglivntcachicxetichphnbnbltnghing.Tinhnranngnhchicochicophngnhca
nng.Bopnhtngnhinnngdnhchobuilttnghipthcs.
Janchachthn.Tithngnghstthnchoti,nukhngphichonngnunngchtngay.Clnhthskhintinngraicsm
hnmtcht,tnhinhnmtcht.Hoccltichtladimnhviu.Tichbitchcrngtikhngbaoginngrai,khngthts.
Tonthnnngrunry.Mtchicgiytutravtithybnchnnngcogit.Mtnngmnhngvhn,mttriymu,vkhiquxungbn
nngditrnmammikhi,ttcnhnggtinghclcgitcnghanngangbxtbngghin,nngangbxtbngghinvti
phigicudaointrckhiqumun.
Gipti!Tigoln.Hygipti,aigipti!
Khngaigip,thmchkhngain.Magingxungkchlitmttrnmaln,tsngdnstmitccnencativouvtimnng
trongtaynhngkhngcain.imtvhncanngngcnhntivimtvchmchsngs,mutunrathnhdngtphasauciubnghin
nt.Bncnhmtbntayrunry,cothtvthclmtmnhthpphacrm,cinchGREYbntrn.Klchaymtphntcathtrckiatngl
mtdoanhnhntrongbyphcbnglennu.
Giptivi!Tigolnlnnavquayvphanghm,ytithyJohnCoffeyangngtrongbngti,ciuchlbnghnhcachnhg,
mtconngitolnviitaydiongavmtciuhi.John!Tigoto.iJohn,lmngipti!LmngipJanice!
Ncmachyvomtti.Tinheomtgtravgbinmt.TicththymnhlmnhngcibngviJohn...nhngkhngchlnhngcibng.
Tioanchcnhth.G.Clchnhmtbngmanhngg,ncmaritrnmthalnvoncmt.
Nngchttrntayti,ydicnma,bncnhchicxetichphnbnbcmidudieselchykht,xcvomiti.Khngclymtthong
thcmttrongli,lnmimpmythmthlittnhcuicng.Cmtthnghinchtrunrytronglndathtbnditayti,rinngrai.Lcytingh
nMelindaMooreslnutintrongnhiunm,Melindaangngidytrnging,nittcccbcsBnhvinIndianolavntinrngbschtMelinda
Mooresvidngvtitn,thanhthnnhnJohnCoffeyviimtsng,yngcnhin.Melindaangni:"Tithyanhlangthangtrongbngtivticng
th.Chngtatmthynhau."
6/30/2017 DmXanh
TitciuxcxtinghipcaJanicexungvahtsngcatuynxalxuynbang,ngdy(iunydhiutibrchmtvttrncnhbn
taytrinhngchth)vgothttngvotrongnhngbngticanghm.
John!JohnCoffey!Anhu,bcon?
Tibcvphanhngcibng,mtcongubngdnhmutrnlngsangbn,cpknhgngstvmtmt,mtbntaytlaeonhnmtngc
garnettrnngnt.
AnhcusngvHaltisaovtilikhng?TisaokhnglJanice?TisaoJanicecatikhngc?
Khngccutrli,chcmidudieselvmixcchtangchy,chcmatbutrixmngotrixungkhngngng,nnlnnnximngtrong
khivtinmchttrnconngsaulngti.Lcykhngccutrlivbygicngkhng.NhngdnhinkhngchmtmnhMellyMoorescJohn
Coffeycusngvonm1932,hocconchutcaDel,kdintrtinhxovicingchvdngnhtmkimDeltlutrckhigxuthin...rt
lutrckhiJohnCoffeyxuthin.
Johncngcuvtti.Nhiunmsau,khingdicnmaxixAlabamavtmkimmtconngikhnghindintrongbngtinghm,
nggianghnhlngnngangvngichtbhyhoi,tihccmtiukinhkhng:ikhituytikhngcskhcbitgiaccuriv
bnguynra.
Ticmthymthochaisdngtroquangikhichngticngngitrnspcagngymitm,michnvhaimibathngmimt.
Dngrakhigvtrovoti,thquynnngklnogmangtrongngixuynquaibntaychngtianvonhau,theocchmtnhyu,hi
vngvttcachngtakhngbaogilmni,mtcmgickhiu.Nhngcnaubnhcpibnbvnhngngithngyucngthhcho
nkhikhngcnlinginotqu,ungth,lncnautim,ccthbnhgan,bnhmuchngynkhngngchmnti,chngtrnhtinh
mttixlchxetrnhmtconnaihocconguchuttrnng.Vonm1932,JohnCoffeytimchngssngchoti.Gxthnhtibngs
sng,clbnsnith.Cuicngthticngchtdnhinscht,btcotngnocativsbttuchttheongJinglesnhngtic
cchtsmtrckhitthnntm.Nitht,tiaocnhthri,tkhiElaineConnellymti.Ccnkbnnghekhng?
Tixemlinhngtrangvitny,ltchngbngbntayrunryyvtvthicchtnghanoykhng,nhtrongnhngquynschcxem
lthnghoavcaoc.Tingmnghvnhngbithuytgiothininthiu,nhngkhngnhhnghntrongnhthNgiCaJesus,ChaUyV,vtinh
licctusthngnimtChatrongmtchims,rngNgithyvghinhnctovtkmcinhtcaNgi.KhinghnngJinglesvnhngmu
gbxumchngtitmctrongciltrncya,tichoiulng.ThnhngcngchnhChahintJohnCoffey,ngichcgnglmiu
tttheocchmqungcamnh,tnbocngnhbtcnhtintriCucnohintmtconcukhngckhnngtv...nhAbrahamshint
contraicachnhmnhnucnTrngi.TinghnJohnkhinirngWhartongithaibgisongsinhnhDetterickbngtnhyucachngdnh
chonhau,rngiuxyrahngngy,trnkhpthgii.Nuiuxyra,Chasmcchonxyra,vkhichngtani"Tikhnghiu,"thChatrli,
"Tacccn."
TinghnngJingleschttrongkhitiquaylnglivschtmcatibkhuyobimtgxubng,kmcmxcttpnhtcahndng
nhlmtloitmkhngkhoannhng.TinghvJanice,cogitnhnggiyphtvhncuicngkhitiqubnnngdicnma.
Thii,ticniviJohnvongyhmytrongxlimcag.Bungtaytira.Tischtchmnuanhkhngbung.Chtchmhocntung.
Anhkhngntung.Gtrli,nghectngcativmmci.Viukinhkhngltikhngn.Tivnchantung.
tnhtticngmcmtchngbnhcangigi:khsvmtng.ntnkhuyaticnnmtrnging,lngnghemthanhnhpnhpvvvng
canhngnginngvnbhokhcranhngltrnhdnsuvotuigi.ikhitinghethytingchunggi,hoctingqutcamtchicgiy
ngoihnhlang,hocchicTVnhcabJavitsmnghebntinvkhuya.Tinmyvnumttrngngoicas,tisngmn.Tinmyvngh
v Brutal, Dean, v thnh thong l William Wharton ang li nhi: "ng vy, mi en, xu nh my mun." Ti ngh n Delacroix ni: "Xem ny, sp
6/30/2017 DmXanh
Edgecombe,tidyngJinglesdintrmi."TinghnElaineangngbccavophngsinngvralnhchoBradDolantiyn.ikhiti
ngthipivthyconnghmdicnma,cJohnCoffeyngbndinhngcibng.Trongnhnggicmnhbny,iukhngbaogil
snhlacaconmtlunlunchcchnlg,anhchngtoxccati,gcngvnhn.Tinmyvchi.TinghvJanice,timt
nngnhthno,nngriymuquangntaytidicnmavtich.Chngtinnhaumtcicht,khngcngoil,tibitiu,nhng
ikhiChai,DmngXanhdithmthm.

The Green Miles - Ngàn Dặm Xanh - Stephen King

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The Green Miles - Ngàn Dặm Xanh - Stephen King

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6/30/2017 DmXanh

Cuskhngphilmth.Deanpli.Ngi ta s ui vic cu v by tr ch giu trong quyn s Khch n Thm nu Percy mch lo ng

VlicncPercytnhnna.Harrybsung.Gingchngtinhtnho,vangvngtrongnghmbnggch.Bui ti vn cha kt thc

Tikhngsao.Tini.Vhunhspvitxong.Elaine,cscch?Ti a cho b nhng trang giy m ti gom gp mt cch vng v.

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