Ход королевы
Chapter 6
Inthemiddleofthatbookwasaphotographofhimatthirteen,standingsolemnlyatalongtablefacingagroupofuniformedmidshipmenseatedatchessboards;hehadplayedagainstthetwenty-three-manteamatAnnapoliswithoutlosingagame.
WhenshecamebackwithheremptyCokebottle,hewasstillstandingbythemachine.Helookedather.“Hey,”hesaidpleasantly,“you’reBethHarmon.”
Sheputthebottleinthecase.“Yes.”
“IsawthepieceinLife,”hesaid.“Thegametheyprintedwasaprettyone.”Itwasthegameshe’dwonagainstBeltik.
“Thanks,”shesaid.
“I’mBennyWatts.”
“Iknow.”
“Youshouldn’thavecastled,though,”hesaidsmiling.
Shestaredathim.“Ineededtogettherookout.”
“Youcouldhavelostyourkingpawn.”
Shewasn’tsurewhathewastalkingabout.Sherememberedthegamewellandhadgoneoveritinherheadafewtimesbutfoundnothingwrongwithit.WasitpossiblehehadmemorizedthemovesfromLifeandfoundaweakness?Orwashejustshowingoff?Standingthere,shepicturedthepositionafterthecastle;thekingpawnlookedallrighttoher.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“HeplaysbishoptoB-5,andyou’vegottobreakthepin.”
“Waitaminute,”shesaid.
“Ican’t,”Bennysaid.“I’vegottoplayanadjournment.Setitupandthinkitout.Yourproblemishisqueenknight.”
Suddenlyshewasangry.“Idon’thavetosetituptothinkitout.”
“Goodness!”hesaidandleft.
Whenhewasgone,shestoodbytheCokemachineforseveralminutesgoingoverthegame,andthenshesawit.
