Ход королевы

           OutsidethebigwindowsonBeth’sleft,pinkjaponicawasbeginningtobloom.Shestudiedthedrawingofanakedman,tryingvainlytofindsomesecret.

           ***

           Mr.GanzwasbackthenextSunday.Hehadhisownchessboardwithhim.Ithadblackandwhitesquares,andthepieceswereinawoodenboxlinedwithredfelt.Theyweremadeofpolishedwood;Bethcouldseethegraininthewhiteones.ShereachedoutwhileMr.Ganzwassettingthemupandliftedoneoftheknights.Itwasheavierthantheonesshehadusedandhadacircleofgreenfeltonthebottom.Shehadneverthoughtaboutowningthings,butshewantedthischessset.

           Mr.ShaibelhadsetuphisboardintheusualplaceandgotanothermilkcrateforMr.Ganz’sboard.Thetwoboardswerenowsidebyside,withafootofspacebetweenthem.Itwasasunnyday,andbrightlightcameinthewindowfilteredthroughtheshortbushesbythewalkattheedgeofthebuilding.Nobodyspokewhilethepiecesweresetup.Mr.GanztooktheknightgentlyfromBeth’shandandputitonitshomesquare.“Wethoughtyoucouldplayusboth,”hesaid.

           “Atthesametime?”

           Henodded.

           Hermilkcratehadbeenputbetweentheboards.ShehadWhiteforbothgames,andinbothofthemsheplayedpawntokingfour.

           Mr.ShaibelrepliedwiththeSicilian;Mr.Ganzplayedpawntokingfour.Shedidnotevenhavetopauseandthinkaboutthecontinuations.Sheplayedbothmovesandlookedoutthewindow.

           Shebeatthembotheffortlessly.Mr.Ganzsetupthepieces,andtheystartedagain