Ход королевы
Chapter 13
ShehadnotseenthedustontheTVscreenorthestainsonthecobbler’sbench.Atthecornerofthelivingroomceilingnearthestaircasewasadensecobweb.Thewholeplacewasdarkandmusty.
Jolenewalkedaroundtheroom,looking.“Youbeendoingmorethanpills,honey,”shesaid.
“I’vebeendrinkingwine.”
“Ibelieveit.”
Bethmadethemcoffeeinthekitchen.Atleastthefloorintherewasclean.Sheopenedthewindowoutintothegardentoletfreshairin.
HerchessboardwasstillsetuponthetableandJolenepickedupthewhitequeenandhelditforamoment.“Igettiredofgames,”shesaid.“Neverdidlearnthisone.”
“Wantmetoteachyou?”
Jolenelaughed.“It’dbesomethingtotellabout.”Shesetthequeenbackontheboard.“They’veinstructedmeinhandball,racquetballandpaddleball.Iplaytennis,golf,dodgeball,andIwrestle.Don’tneedchess.WhatIwanttohearaboutisallthiswine.”
Bethhandedheramugofcoffee.
Jolenesetitdownandgotoutacigarette.Sittinginthedrabkitchenwithherbright-navysuitandherAfro,shewaslikeanewcenterintheroom.
“Itstartwiththepills?”Joleneasked.
“Iusedtolovethem,”Bethsaid.“Reallylovethem.”
Joleneshookherheadtwice,fromsidetoside.
“Ihaven’thadanythingtodrinktoday,”Bethsaidabruptly.“I’msupposedtoplayinRussianextyear.”
“Luchenko,”Jolenesaid.“Borgov.”
Bethwassurprisedthatsheknewthenames.“I’mscaredofit.”
“Thendon’tgo.”
“IfIdon’t,there’snothingelseformetodo.I’lljustdrink.
