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ArnoldStockton,Jessica’sboss,amany-chinned,self-madecaricatureofaman,ownedalltheSundaypapersthatRupertMurdochhadfailedtobuy.Hisownpaperstalkedabouthim,andsodidtherest.ReadingaSundaypaperwould,Richardsuspected,probablyendupremindinghimofthedinnerhehadfailedtoattendonFridaynight.SoinsteadRichardhadalonghotbathandanumberofsandwiches,andseveralcupsoftea.HewatchedalittleSundayafternoontelevisionandconstructedconversationswithJessicainhishead.Attheendofeachmentaldialoguetheywouldfallintoeachother’sarms,makewild,angry,tear-stainedandpassionatelove;andtheneverythingwouldbeallright.
OnMondaymorningRichard’salarmfailedtogooff.Hecameoutontothestreetatarunattentonine,briefcaseswinging,staringupanddowntheroadlikeamadman,prayingforataxi.Thenhesighedwithrelief,becauseabigblackcarwasheadingdowntheroadtowardhim,itsyellow"taxi"signbright.Hewavedatitandyelled.
Thetaxislidgentlypasthim,ignoringhimcompletely;itturnedacornerandwasgone.
Anothertaxi.Anotheryellowlightthatmeantthetaxiwasavailable.ThistimeRichardsteppedoutintothemiddleoftheroadtoflagitdown.Itswervedpasthimandcontinuedonitsway.Richardbegantoswearunderhisbreath.ThenheranforthenearestTubestation.
Hepulledoutapocketfulofcoins,stabbedthebuttonoftheticketmachineforasingletickettoCharingCross,andthumbedhischangeintotheslot.Everycoinheputinwentstraightthroughthegutsofthemachineandclatteredintothetrayatthebottom.Noticketappeared.
