Ход королевы
Chapter 1
ShehadbeenplayingMr.Shaibelforthreemonthsnow,andsheknewthathecouldnolongerbeather.Notonce.Sheanticipatedeveryfeint,everythreatthatheknewhowtomake.Therewasnowayhecouldconfuseherwithhisknights,orkeepapiecepostedonadangeroussquare,orembarrassherbypinninganimportantpiece.Shecouldseeitcomingandcouldpreventitwhilecontinuingtosetupforattack.
Whentheyhadfinished,hesaid,“Youareeightyearsold?”
“NineinNovember.”
Henodded.“YouwillbeherenextSunday?”
“Yes.”
“Good.Besure.”
OnSundaytherewasanothermaninthebasementwithMr.Shaibel.Hewasthinandworeastripedshirtandtie.“ThisisMr.Ganz,fromthechessclub,”Mr.Shaibelsaid.
“Chessclub?”Bethechoed,lookinghimover.HeseemedalittlelikeMr.Schell,eventhoughhewassmiling.
“Weplayataclub,”Mr.Shaibelsaid.
“AndI’mcoachofthehighschoolteam.DuncanHigh,”Mr.Ganzsaid.Shehadneverheardoftheschool.
“Wouldyouliketoplaymeagame?”Mr.Ganzasked.
ForananswerBethseatedherselfonthemilkcrate.Therewasafoldingchairsetupatthesideoftheboard.Mr.Shaibeleasedhisheavybodyintoit,andMr.Ganzsatonthestool.Hereachedforwardinaquick,nervousmovementandpickeduptwopawns:onewhiteandoneblack.Hecuppedhishandsaroundthem,shookthemtogetheramomentandthenextendedbotharmstowardBethwiththefistsclenched.
“Chooseahand,”Mr.Shaibelsaid.
“Why?”
“Youplaythecoloryouchoose.”
“Oh.”ShereachedoutandbarelytouchedMr.Ganz’slefthand.
