Ход королевы
Chapter 9
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Thefuneralwassimpleandbrief.Ahalf-hourbeforeitbegan,Bethtookfourgreenpills.Shesatinthechurchalone,inaquietdaze,whiletheministersaidthethingsministerssay.Therewereflowersatthealtar,andshewasmildlysurprisedtoseeapairofmenfromthefuneralhomestepupandcarrythemoutassoonastheministerhadfinished.Sixotherpeoplewerethere,butBethknewnoneofthem.Oneoldladyhuggedherafterwardandsaid,“Youpoordear.”
Shefinishedunpackingthatafternoonandcamedownfromthebedroomtofixcoffee.Whilethewaterwascomingtoaboilshewentintothelittledownstairsbathroomtowashherfaceandsuddenly,standingtheresurroundedbyblue,byMrs.Wheatley’sbluebathroomrugandbluetowelsandbluesoapandbluewashcloths,somethinghotexplodedinherbellyandherfacewasdrenchedwithtears.Shetookatowelfromtherackandhelditagainstherfaceandsaid,“OhJesusChrist”andleanedagainstthewashbasinandcriedforalongtime.
Shewasstilldryingherfacewhenthephonerang.
Thevoicewasmale.“BethHarmon?”
“Yes.”
“ThisisHarryBeltik.FromtheStateTournament.”
“Iremember.”
“Yeah.IhearyoudroppedonetoBorgov.Wantedtogivecondolences.”
Asshelaidthetowelonthebackoftheoverstuffedsofashenoticedahalf-finishedpackofMrs.Wheatley’scigarettesonitsarm.“Thanks,”shesaid,pickingupthepackageandholdingontoittightly.
“Whatwereyouplaying?White?”
“Black.”
“Yeah.”Therewasapause.“Issomethingwrong?”
“No.”
“It’sbetterthatway.
