Ход королевы

           Bethkeptatitdoggedly,pantingandsweatingandsometimesbruisingthepalmofherhandonthelittleblackball.Ittookhertendaysandafewluckybouncesbeforeshewonherfirstgame.

           “Iknewyou’dstartwinningsoonenough,”Jolenesaid.Theystoodinthecenterofthecourt,sweating.

           “Ihatelosing,”Bethsaid.

           ThatdaytherewasaletterwaitingforherfromsomethingcalledChristianCrusade.Thestationeryhadabouttwentynamesdowntheside,underanembossedcross.Theletterread:

           DearMissHarmon:

           AswehavebeenunabletoreachyoubytelephonewearewritingtodetermineyourinterestinthesupportofChristianCrusadeinyourforthcomingcompetitionintheU.S.S.R.

           ChristianCrusadeisanon-profitorganizationdedicatedtotheopeningofClosedDoorstotheMessageofChrist.WehavefoundyourcareerasaTraineeofaChristianInstitution,theMethuenHome,noteworthy.WewouldliketohelpinyourforthcomingstrugglesinceweshareyourChristianidealsandaspirations.Ifyouareinterestedinoursupport,pleasecontactusatourofficesinHouston.

           YoursinChrist,

           CrawfordWalker

           Director

           ChristianCrusade

           ForeignDivision

           ShealmostthrewtheletterawayuntilsherememberedBenny’ssayingthathehadbeengivenmoneyforhisRussiantripbyachurchgroup.ShehadBenny’sphonenumberonafoldedpieceofpaperinherchessclockbox;shegotitoutanddialed.Bennyansweredafterthethirdring.

           “Hi,”shesaid.“It’sBeth.”

           Bennywasabitcool,butwhenshetoldhimabouttheletter,hesaidatonce,“Takeit.They’reloaded.