Free The So Blue Marble by Dorothy B. Hughes Page B

black satin with the scattered silver pin points in it, black furs and hat again. She put on her glasses. No need to strain her eyes for Nesta Fahney. She returned to the living room. Tobin was on his hands and knees. Moore still was by the windows. He said, “He could have been shot from that apartment across, only it was a close shot, right up against his vest.”
        Tobin growled, “You talk more pish.”
        They didn’t see her.
        Moore was aggrieved, “I know, Toby, but I get results, don’t I, talking it out?”
        “While I work.”
        She interrupted, I’m going now. You’ll close the door tightly when you leave?” And she added, “I’m afraid you won’t find anything. Bette cleaned thoroughly yesterday.”
        In the elevator she recalled she’d forgotten to let Gig know about the afternoon. She would call him from the Waldorf.
        

3
        
        Missy didn’t like anybody at the cocktail party. Nesta was surrounding both twins. She was all over green and purple flowers, even on her tiny bonnet. Missy sat by a canapй tray and ate greedily, first the caviar, next the egg, last the watercress. Gig was out of place with his pipe and bookish hair. Jasper was bored. Nesta must have made him come; but Ann’s few intimate friends, fifty and more who needed impressing most, were not bored. Not with Montefierrows and movie stars littering the place. Arthur was gurgling.
        Griselda sat alone. David came over. He was smiling but his eyes were cold on her. “You can’t pry Danny away from that painted doll. She seems to be an actress or something.”
        Griselda snorted. “She’s the movie star, cinema, you know.”
        “Is that it?”
        They were playing manners in front of the guests but she was trembling. His eyes hadn’t moved from her and they were without meaning. She rose from the chair; David’s hand was under her elbow.
        “You aren’t leaving. I thought we might have a bite of supper later, and a cinema.”
        She told him, “I’m sorry. But I promised Gig.” Now to get quickly to Gig.
        David said, “I am more sorry.” His fingers caught hers. “You are not so stupid as you would pretend.”
        Missy pushed through their hands. Her mouth was oily from food and one ball of caviar teetered on her chin. David took his handkerchief and wiped it off.
        She spoke sulkily, “I’m not having a good time. I’m sick and tired of this place. Let’s go.”
        David jeered, “Because Danny makes eyes at the pretty girl.”
        They forgot Griselda. She inched away but she listened.
        “You lie…”
        “I must always remind you I am as good as Danny?”
        “You are better, David, but you do not care for me. You care only for you. Danny does care for me. When he is not making a fool of himself.”
        Griselda zigzagged to Gig alone in the corner.
        “Bored?”
        He shook his pipe. “Not bored. But I’m no good at these things.”
        She spoke quietly. “You must wait for me. I won’t stay much longer. I’d like them to leave first and I think they’re about to. They want me to go with them. And I don’t want to, Gig. I’m afraid if we start now they’ll join us.” He knew who was meant.
        “I can stick it as long as you say.”
        She nodded, left him to join a group where she could watch the room. David spoke aside to Danny. Danny drew Nesta away for an instant. Missy’s cheekbones were like garnets. But Nesta did not leave with them. She returned laughing to Arthur and his friends, and Missy’s hand clutched Danny’s sleeve when they departed.
        Griselda gave them ten minutes before gathering Gig. The party was beginning to break. She said to Ann, “A lovely afternoon, darling. A success.”
        “Wasn’t it nice!” Ann was in clouds.
        She asked, “Have you decided what to do