Jim chuckled. “Perhaps.”
They climbed into a cab and directed the driver to the ladies’ apartment. Arch insisted on waiting in the taxi, and Jim drew a deep breath of fortitude and climbed the steps.
“Jim, darling!” Quintessa pulled him inside and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here. Please tell me you’re here to take me out. It’s been a dreadful week at work.”
“Arch thought you ladies might like to seeThe Maltese Falcon.”
“I’d love to. Humphrey Bogart is the tops. Let me change into something pretty. Won’t take but a moment.”
Quintessa dashed to the bedroom, and Jim turned to find Mary curled up in a wing chair by the bay window with a book in her lap.
He refused to be testy with her again. Besides, he missed her. “Hi, Mary.”
“Hi, Jim.” Her voice sounded deep and husky.
Everything inside him wanted to buck the current. He motioned over his shoulder with his thumb. “What are you waiting for? Go get ready. Arch can entertain Quintessa, and you and I can catch up.”
Her light eyes widened, then she smiled back. “How kind of you to include me, but I’m still not well. I’ve been home from work all week, and I should rest.”
Compassion drew him closer, and he sat on the couch across from her. She looked pale and tired, her hair tugged back in one of those net-like things. What were they called? “How are you feeling?”
“Much better, thank you. I should be able to return to work on Monday.”
“Good.” He took off his cover to give his hands something to do. “Anything new in the investigation?”
“I haven’t been to work all week. How’s your family?”
Back to her old trick, eh? Turning questions back on others so she wouldn’t have to talk about herself. He hadn’t heard anything about the sabotage case in over a month. Surely something had happened. But he’d play along. “My family? They’re doing well. Rob’s still in San Diego, and Dan’s out at sea.” Rumor was the USSVincenneshad been assigned to escort a convoy of Canadian troops to South Africa in the first leg of their journey to India.
Mary covered her mouth and coughed. “San Diego must be nice. And the others?”
“Ed and Charlie are busy with school, and Lucy with her home. But Lillian...”
“What’s wrong with Lillian? I thought she just graduated from college.” Her pink lips pulled together, no less tempting without lipstick.
Jim flipped his cover in his hands. “Yes, in June, but she still can’t find a job. She’s getting discouraged.”
“Oh.” She closed her book, her eyes darting about, more like the Mary he knew—and loved. “She’s a pharmacist, isn’t she? Do you think she’d be willing to move to Boston?”
“If it meant a job, sure.”
Mary unfolded her legs, set her sock-clad feet on the floor, and leaned over her knees, her eyes bright. “Dixon’s Drugs on Main Street is looking for a pharmacist. Down by City Square. You should inquire.”
“Great idea. Thanks for the lead.”
“Oh! If she’d like, she could live here. We’d love a fourth roommate to help with the rent, and there’s so little housing in town.”
“I’m sure she’d like that.” He grinned, hoping she’d reciprocate and reestablish their connection.
But she glanced over his shoulder. “Oh, Quintessa, don’t you look lovely? I knew that dress would be even prettier on you than on the hanger.”
Jim stood because it was expected.
Quintessa twirled in a wine-colored dress, asking for attention, for a compliment. Mary never asked. Not once had she asked, and now he’d give anything to shower her with attention and compliments.
“I knew it,” Mary said. “I told you Jim would be speechless.”
Quintessa struck a pose, one hand on her hip. “I’m sure you can come up with something, Jim. An intelligent man like you.”
