"I know," Johnny said. "Thank heavens my mate's at the lake. How about
yours, Pete?"
"In Denver, visiting her mother."
Ted said evenly, "Henri's sitting at my house, boring my wife to death,
right now. I don't worry about Henri."
Pete coughed. Johnny studied his hand intently. Neither of them said a
word.
The game went on. Ted had too many wild cards, or not enough. Nothing
worked. He fed Johnny and got garbage from Pete. He drank and simmered
and watched their scores pile up.
At five-thirty, he rose and said, "I don't mind losing to you guys, but
you can't expect me to support you." He wrote out two checks.
"Bad loser," Pete said, winking at Johnny.
Johnny said, "We'll have to get some golf in, Ted. Give me a ring, any
time. I'm a free man, for two weeks."
Ted nodded, and left.
It was six when he got home. There was another note:
_Irma needed a fourth in a hurry and she sounded so desperate, and
I knew you wouldn't mind. I might be late._
_XXX_
_A_
He looked at the x's doubtfully. It wasn't like Ann to add symbolic
kisses. He had enough whiskey in him so that it didn't seem improper to
phone.
Irma answered.
"Hello, Irma. Is Ann there?"
"She is. Checking, Ted?"
"Of course not," he said stiffly. "May I speak with her, please?"