Ход королевы

           HarryBeltikhadlefthisrazorinthebathroom;shouldshemailitback?Themilkhadgonesourandthebutterwasold.Thefreezerwasfulloficecrystalswithastackofoldfrozenchickendinnersstuckintheback.Thebedroomrugwasdusty,andthewindowshadfingerprintsontheglassandgritonthesills.

           BethshooktheconfusionoutofherheadaswellasshecouldandmadeanappointmentwithRobertaforahaircutattwo.Shewouldaskwheretofindacleaningwomanforafewweeks.ShewouldgotoMorris’s,ordersomechessbooks,andhavelunchatToby’s.

           Butherusualclerkwasn’tatMorris’sthatday,andthewomanwhohadreplacedhimknewnothingaboutorderingchessbooks.BethmanagedtogethertofindacatalogueandorderedthreeontheSicilianDefense.SheneededgamebooksfromgrandmastermatchesandChessInformants.Butshedidn’tknowwhichYugoslavpresspublishedChessInformant,andneitherdidthenewclerk.Itwasinfuriating.SheneededalibraryasgoodasBenny’s.Better.Thinkingofthis,shefinallyrealizedangrilythatshecouldgobacktoNewYorkandforgetallthisconfusionandcontinuewithBennyfromwhereshehadleftoff.ButwhatcouldBennyteachhernow?WhatcouldanyAmericanteachher?Shehadmovedpastthemall.Shewasonherown.ShewouldhavetobridgethegapherselfthatseparatedAmericanchessfromRussian.

           AtToby’stheheadwaiterknewherandputheratagoodtablenearthefront.Sheorderedaspergesvinaigretteforanappetizerandtoldthewaitershewouldhavethatbeforeorderingamaincourse.