Ход королевы

           Whenthatwasdoneandsheknewallthevariations,shecouldgoontothePirćandtheNimzovitchandtheRuyLopez.ModernChessOpeningswasathick,densebook.Shewouldbeallright.

           LeavingGeographyclassoneday,shesawMr.Shaibelattheendofthelonghallway.Hehadametalbucketonwheelswithhimandwasmopping.Thestudentswereallgoingtheotherway,tothedoorthatledtotheyardforrecess.Shewalkeddowntohim,stoppingwherethefloorwaswet.Shestoodforaboutaminuteuntilhelookedupather.

           “I’msorry,”shesaid.“Theywon’tletmeplayanymore.”

           Hefrownedandnoddedbutsaidnothing.

           “I’mbeingpunished.I…”Shelookedathisface.Itregisterednothing.“IwishIcouldplaymorewithyou.”

           Helookedforamomentasifhewasgoingtospeak.Butinsteadheturnedhiseyestothefloor,benthisfatbodyslightlyandwentbacktomopping.Bethcouldsuddenlytastesomethingsourinhermouth.Sheturnedandwalkedbackdownthehall.

           ***

           JolenesaidtherewerealwaysadoptionsaroundChristmas.TheyearaftertheystoppedBethfromplayingchessthereweretwoinearlyDecember.Bothprettyones,Beththoughttoherself.“Bothwhite,”Jolenesaidaloud.

           Thetwobedsstayedemptyforawhile.ThenonemorningbeforebreakfastFergussencameintotheGirls’Ward.Someofthegirlsgiggledtoseehimtherewiththeheavybunchofkeysathisbelt.HecameuptoBeth,whowasputtingonhersocks.Itwasnearhertenthbirthday.Shegothersecondsockonandlookedupathim.

           Hefrowned.“Wegotanewplaceforyou,Harmon.Followme