Человек в высоком замке

           Mygoodlord."SheopenedthedoorbehindJuliana."Haveyourmansoberyouup;I’llhaveroomservicesenduphotcoffee.Pleasenow,getintoyourroom."PushingJulianabackintotheroom,thewomanslammedthedoorafterherandthesoundofhercartdiminished.

           Hairdresserlady,Julianarealized.Lookingdown,shesawthatshedidhavenothingon;thewomanhadbeencorrect.

           "Joe,"shesaid."Theywon’tletme."Shefoundthebed,foundhersuitcase,openedit,spilledoutclothes.Underwear,thenblouseandskirt…pairoflow-heeledshoes."Mademecomeback,"shesaid.Findingacomb,sherapidlycombedherhair,thenbrushedit."Whatanexperience.Thatwomanwasrightoutside,abouttoknock."Rising,shewenttofindthemirror."Isthisbetter?"Mirrorintheclosetdoor;turning,shesurveyedherself,twisting,standingontiptoe.

           "I’msoembarrassed,"shesaid,glancingaroundforhim."IhardlyknowwhatI’mdoing.Youmusthavegivenmesomething;whateveritwasitjustmademesick,insteadofhelpingme."

           Stillsittingonthefloor,claspingthesideofhisneck,Joesaid,"Listen.You’reverygood.Youcutmyaorta.Arteryinmyneck."

           Giggling,sheclappedherhandtohermouth."OhGod—you’resuchafreak.Imean,yougetwordsallwrong.Theaorta’sinyourchest;youmeanthecarotid."

           "IfIletgo,"hesaid,"I’llbleedoutintwominutes.Youknowthat.Sogetmesomekindofhelp,getadoctororanambulance.Youunderstandme?Didyoumeanto?Evidently.