فصل 15 - بخش 04

15

The meeting with Marcy was set for eight o’clock that night at the Maitland home. Ralph got the green-light call from Howie Gold, who told him Alec Pelley would also be there. Ralph asked if he could bring Yune Sablo, if Yune was available.

‘Under no circumstances,’ Howie replied. ‘Bring Lieutenant Sablo or anyone else, even your lovely wife, and the meeting’s off.’

Ralph agreed. There was nothing else he could do. He puttered around in the cellar for awhile, mostly just shifting boxes from one side to the other and back again. Then he picked at his supper. With two hours still stretching before him, he pushed away from the table. ‘I’m going to the hospital to visit Fred Peterson.’

‘Why?’

‘I just feel like I should.’

‘I’ll come with you, if you want.’

Ralph shook his head. ‘I’ll go directly to Barnum Court from there.’

‘You’re wearing yourself out. Running your guts to water, my grandmother would have said.’

‘I’m okay.’

She gave him a smile that said she knew better, then stood on her toes to kiss him. ‘Call me. Whatever happens, call me.’

He smiled. ‘Nuts to that. I’ll come back and tell you in person.’