Крестный отец

           GraduallyhebecameawareofConniebustlingaroundbehindhimandheturnedhisheadtowatchher.

           ShewasgettingdressedupintherealNewYorkCityguinzostylethathehated.Asilkflowered-patterndresswithbelt,showybraceletandearrings,flouncysleeves.Shelookedtwentyyearsolder."Wherethehellareyougoing?"heasked.

           She,answeredhimcoldly,"ToseemyfatheroutinLongBeach.Hestillcan’tgetoutofbedandheneedscompany."

           Carlowascurious."IsSonnystillrunningtheshow?"

           Conniegavehimablandlook."Whatshow?"

           Hewasfurious."Youlousylittleguineabitch,don’ttalktomelikethatorI’llbeatthatkidrightoutofyourbelly."Shelookedfrightenedandthisenragedhimevenmore.Hesprangfromhischairandslappedheracrosstheface,theblowleavingaredwelt.Withquickprecisionheslappedherthreemoretimes.Hesawherupperlipsplitbloodyandpuffup.Thatstoppedhim.Hedidn’twanttoleaveamark.Sheranintothebedroomandslammedthedoorandheheardthekeyturninginthelock.Helaughedandreturnedtohiscoffee.

           Hesmokeduntilitwastimeforhimtodress.Heknockedonthedoorandsaid,"OpenitupbeforeIkickitin."Therewasnoanswer."Comeon,Igottagetdressed,"hesaidinaloudvoice.Hecouldhearhergettingupoffthebedandcomingtowardthedoor,thenthekeyturnedinthelock.Whenheenteredshehadherbacktohim,walkingbacktowardthebed,lyingdownonitwithherfaceturnedawaytothewall.