Ход королевы
Chapter 13
”
Shehadasuddenimageofthefatoldjanitorbentoverhischesssetinthebasement,withthebarelightbulboverhishead,andherselfstandingbyhim,watchingthedeliberateness,theoddnessofhimtherealonebythefurnace.
“Lastnight?”shesaid.
“Aheartattack.Hewasinhissixties.”
WhatBethsaidnextsurprisedher.Itcameoutalmostwithoutconsciousthought.“I’dliketocometothefuneral.”
“Thefuneral?”Mrs.Deardorffsaid.“I’mnotsurewhen—There’sanunmarriedsister,HildaShaibel.Youcouldcallher.”
***
WhentheWheatleysdrovehertoLexingtonsixyearsbefore,theyhadgoneonnarrowasphaltroadsthroughtownswhereshehadstaredoutthecarwindowsatstoplightswhilebrightlydressedpeoplecrossedthestreetsandwalkedoncrowdedsidewalksinfrontofshops.Now,drivingbackwithJolene,itwasfour-laneconcretemostofthewayandthetownswerevisibleonlyasnamesprintedongreensigns.
“Helookedlikeameansonofabitch,”Jolenesaid.
“Hewasn’teasytoplaychesswith,either.IthinkIwasterrifiedofhim.”
“Iwasscaredofallof’em,”Jolenesaid.“Motherfuckers.”
ThatsurprisedBeth.ShehadimaginedJoleneasfearless.“WhataboutFergussen?”
“Fergussenwasanoasisinthedesert,”Jolenesaid,“buthefrightenedmewhenhefirstcame.Heturnedouttobeokay.”Shesmiled.“OldFergussen.”
Bethhesitatedamoment.“Wasthereeveranythingbetweenyoutwo?”Sherememberedthoseextragreenpills.
Jolenelaughed.“Wishfulthinking.”
“Howoldwereyouwhenyoucame?”
“Six.
