Зима тревоги нашей

           Theypracticallystoodatattentionastheclockhandcrossednine.Therecameaclickandbuzzingfromthegreatsteelsafedoor.ThenJoeydialedthemysticnumbersandturnedthewheelthatdrewthebolts.TheholyofholiesswungstatelyopenandMr.Bakertookthesaluteoftheassembledmoney.Istoodoutsidetheraillikeahumblecommunicantwaitingforthesacrament.

           Mr.Bakerturned."Now,Ethan.WhatcanIdoforyou?"

           Isaidsoftly,"Iwanttotalktoyouprivately,andIcan’tleavethestore."

           "Won’titwait?"

           "’Fraidnot."

           "Yououghttohavesomehelp."

           "Iknowit."

           "IfIgetamomentI’lldropover.AnywordaboutTaylor?"

           "Notyet.ButI’veputoutsomelines."

           "I’lltrytogetover."

           "Thankyou,sir."ButIknewhewouldcome.

           Andhedid,inlessthananhour,andstoodaboutuntilthepresentcustomersweregone.

           "Now—whatisit,Ethan?"

           "Mr.Baker,withadoctororalawyerorapriestthere’saruleofsecrecy.Istheresuchathingwithabanker?"

           Hesmiled."Haveyoueverheardabankerdiscussaclient’sinterests,Ethan?"

           "No."

           "Well,asksometimeandseehowfaryouget.Andbesidesthatcustom,I’myourfriend,Ethan."

           "Iknow.IguessI’malittlejumpy.It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’vehadabreak."

           "Abreak?"

           "I’lllaythemoutfaceup,Mr.Baker.Marullo’sintrouble."

           Hemovedclosetome."Whatkindoftrouble."

           "Idon’tknowexactly,sir.Ithinkitmightbeillegalentry."