Человек в высоком замке

           Butmorelikelyheisjustsomepoorlow-classwoplaboringslobwithdelusionsofglory;hewantstogoonagrandspree,spendallhismoney,liveitup—andthengobacktohismonotonousexistence.Andheneedsagirltodoit.

           "Okay,"shesaid."I’llcallthegym."Asshewenttowardthehallshethought,He’llbuymeexpensiveclothesandthentakemetosomeluxurioushotel.Everymanyearnstohaveareallywell-dressedwomanbeforehedies,evenifhehastobuyhertheclotheshimself.ThisbingeisprobablyJoeCinnadella’slifelongambition.Andheisshrewd;I’llbethe’srightinhisanalysisofme—Ihaveaneuroticfearofthemasculine.Frankknewit,too.That’swhyheandIbrokeup;that’swhyIstillfeelthisanxietynow,thismistrust.

           Whenshereturnedfromthepayphone,shefoundJoeoncemoreengrossedintheGrasshopper,scowlingasheread,unawareofeverythingelse.

           "Weren’tyougoingtoletmereadthat?"sheasked.

           "MaybewhileIdrive,"Joesaid,withoutlookingup.

           "You’regoingtodrive?Butit’smycar!"

           Hesaidnothing;hemerelywentonreading.

           Atthecashregister,RobertChildanlookeduptoseealean,tall,dark-hairedmanenteringthestore.Themanworeaslightlyless-than-fashionablesuitandcarriedalargewickerhamper.Salesman.Yethedidnothavethecheerfulsmile;instead,hehadagrim,moroselookonhisleatheryface.Morelikeaplumberoranelectrician,RobertChildanthought.