…the faithful man allus gets bored…the unfaithful man allus gets caught…ain’t hardly worth it neither way…
Monroe D. Underwood
The next morning Betsy was in my office at nine-forty-five.
I stuffed my copy of Eagles magazine into a drawer.
I said you’re early kiddo.
Betsy didn’t reply.
Her face was expressionless.
She handed me a container of steaming black coffee.
She gave me a cigarette.
She held her lighter for me.
She stroked my head.
She gave me a pat on the cheek.
She said sweetheart angel apple-dumpling love of my life.
I said speak sweetlips.
She said Chance I am going to kill you you sonofabitch so help me Christ.
I said your girl friend damn near beat you to it.
I said I had to play Alte Kameraden all the way to the office.
Betsy’s pale blue eyes were blazing.
She said why you lying cheating philandering casanova romeo gigolo any old port in a storm man about town.
I said who’s lying?
Betsy said Candi Yakozi called me right after you left.
She said that female was absolutely delirious.
I said is that unusual?
Betsy said Candi Yakozi thinks you are the greatest thing since popcorn.
I said that figures.
I said she sure buttered me up.
Betsy said who seduced whom?
I shrugged.
I said I have no idea.
Betsy said how incredibly odd.
She said first you lose your self-control and now you have misplaced your memory.
She said I hope you still have your socks.
I said do not jest.
I said it was a traumatic experience.
I said I may never be the same.
Betsy said spare me the sordid details.
I said doesn’t that Candi Yakozi ever sleep?
Betsy went to the door.
She said after I pick up some uniforms I’ll take you to lunch.
She said permit me to recommend the Strychnine au Cyanide.
I said uniforms?
Betsy said black underwear Beau Philo.
She said I’m a working girl.
She went out.
She nearly took the door off its hinges.