Ход королевы

           FinallyCullenmoved.Hetradedknightsinthecenter.Therewereseveralfastmovesandthetensionlessened,witheachplayerrelinquishingaknightandabishopintrades.WhenhismovecameagainhelookedupatBeltikandsaid,“Draw?”

           “Hell,no.”Beltiksaid.Hestudiedtheboardimpatiently,screweduphisfaceinawaythatlookedfunny,smackedafistintoapalm,andmovedhisrookdowntotheseventhrank.Bethlikedthemove,andshelikedthewayBeltikpickeduphispiecesfirmlyandsetthemdownwithatinygracefulflourish.

           InfivemoremovesCullenresigned.Hewasdownbytwopawns,hisremainingbishopwaslockedintothebackrank,andthetimeonhisclockwasalmostup.Hetoppledhiskingwithakindofelegantdisdain,reachedoverandgaveahastyhandshaketoBeltik,stoodupandsteppedovertherope,brushingpastBeth,andlefttheroom.Beltikstoodandstretched.Bethlookedathimstandingovertheboardwiththetoppledking,andsomethinginherswelledwithexcitement.Shefeltgoosebumpsonherarmsandlegs.

           Beth’snextgamewaswithasmallandbristlymannamedCooke;hisratingwas1520.SheprinteditinatthetopofthescoresheetbyBoardThirteen:“Harmon—Unr:Cooke–1520.”Itwasherturntoplaywhite.ShemovedpawntoqueenfourandpressedCooke’sclock,andhemovedinstantlywithpawntoqueenfour.Heseemedwoundupverytightandhiseyeskeptglancingaroundtheroom.Hecouldn’tsitstillinhischair.

           Bethplayedfasttoo,pickingupsomeofhisimpatience.