Ход королевы
Chapter 9
Itseemedasthoughshefeltnothing,butfiveminutespassedbeforeBethwasabletoletgoofMrs.Wheatley’scoldarmandpickupthetelephone.
Themanagerknewexactlywhattodo.Bethsatinthearmchairdrinkingcaféconlechefromroomservicewhiletwomenwithastretchercameandthemanagerinstructedthem.Sheheardhim,butshedidnotwatch.Shekepthereyesonthewindow.Sometimelatersheturnedtoseeamiddle-agedwomaninagraysuit,usingastethoscopeonMrs.Wheatley.Mrs.Wheatleywasonthebedandthestretcherwasunderher.Thetwomeningreenuniformwerestandingattheedgeofthebed,lookingembarrassed.Thewomantookoffherstethoscope,noddedtothemanagerandcameovertoBeth.Herfacewasstrained.“I’msorry,”shesaid.
Bethlookedawayfromher.“Whatwasit?”
“Hepatitis,possibly.We’llknowtomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,”Bethsaid.“Couldyougivemeatranquilizer?”
“Ihaveasedative…”
“Idon’twantasedative,”Bethsaid.“CanyougivemeaprescriptionforLibrium?”
Thedoctorstaredatherforamomentandshrugged.“Youdon’tneedaprescriptiontobuyLibriuminMexico.Isuggestmeprobamate.There’safarmaciainthehotel.”
***
UsingamapinthefrontofMrs.Wheatley’sMobilTravelGuide,BethwrotedownthenamesofthecitiesbetweenDenver,Colorado,andButte,Montana.Themanagerhadtoldherhisassistantwouldbeofwhateverhelpsheneededinphoning,signingpapers,dealingwiththeauthorities.TenminutesaftertheyhadtakenMrs.
