Ход королевы

           “Madeyouahero,itdid.Itoldthenewonesaboutitafteryouwasgone.”Jolenehadfinishedhermeal;shesatbackfromthetablenowandpushedtheplatetowardthecenter.Thensheleanedback,tookapackageofKentsfromherjacketpocketandlookedatitforamoment.“WhenyourpicturecameoutinLife,Iwastheoneputitonthebulletinboardinthelibrary.StillthereasfarasIknow.”Shelitacigarette,usingalittleblacklighter,andinhaleddeeply.“‘AGirlMozartStartlestheWorldofChess.’My,my.”

           “Istilltaketranquilizers,”Bethsaid.“Toomanyofthem.”

           “Oh,youpoorthing,”Jolenesaidwryly,lookingathercigarette.

           Bethwasquietforawhile.Thesilencebetweenthemwaspalpable.Thenshesaid,“Let’shavedessert.”

           “Chocolatemousse,”Jolenesaid.Duringdessertshestoppedeatingandlookedacrossthetable.“Youdon’tlookgood,Beth,”shesaid.“You’repuffy.”Bethnoddedandfinishedhermousse.

           JolenedroveherhomeinhersilverVW.WhentheygottoJan-well,Bethsaid,“I’dlikeyoutocomeinforawhile,Jolene.Iwantyoutoseemyhouse.”

           “Sure,”Jolenesaid.Bethshowedherwheretopullover,andwhentheygotoutofthecarJolenesaid,“Thatwholehousebelongtoyou?”andBethsaid,“Yes.”

           Jolenelaughed.“You’renoorphan,”shesaid.“Notanymore.”

           Butwhentheycameintothelittleentrywayinsidethefrontdoor,thestale,fruitysmellwasashock.Bethhadnotnoticeditbefore.Therewasanembarrassedsilencewhilesheturnedonthelampsinthelivingroomandlookedaround.