Free Johnnie by Dorothy B. Hughes Page B

countered.
    Dorp stuck out his chin. “Saupreussen!”
    Ottomkopf turned the colors of roquefort. He couldn’t get his tongue to work.
    Magda said, “I wish you’d be quiet. I’m trying to think how we can get Ferenz over here now.” She stood up. “I can’t think in these clothes. I’m going to get comfortable. Don’t start any more name-calling until I return. Save that for Furry.”
    Rudolph said, “I want to take a bath.”
    “Now?” Magda turned on him violently.
    “I don’t know when I’ve had a bath,” he said dreamily. “I’ve heard so much about American hot water. You and Trudy and Rupe were always bragging about it. I want a bath now.”
    “Don’t drown,” Magda said with set teeth.
    “Janssen will show you your room,” Dorp said.
    Magda added, “Get back before Ferenz arrives.” She sailed out. Johnnie was in her wake. She didn’t turn around until she was on the floor above, outside her door. “You can’t come in. I’m going to change.”
    “I want to change too,” he said. “I don’t like these clothes.”
    “Why not? On you it looks good.”
    “I want my own uniform.”
    “A uniform’s a uniform.” She slammed the door behind them.
    It was not. This snake thing wasn’t anywhere near as good as old G.I. He didn’t mention that. Not with two warnings not to talk too much. He was looking around. His suit wasn’t here yet. He said, “I guess Trudy hasn’t brought my things up yet.”
    “For heaven’s sake why should she bring them to my room?” Magda demanded.
    “Well, she put me in here to dress, didn’t she?”
    “God knows why.” Magda had the white skirts half over her head before he could yell, “Wait a minute!”
    “If you’re still squeamish,” she retorted, “get out.”
    He started for the door.
    “No, don’t.” It was a command. “I want to talk. I’ve got to talk.”
    He did the next best thing. He turned his back and sat down. He said sadly, “My uniform ought to be back by now.”
    “Keep quiet about your uniform,” said Magda through a mouthful of dress. “How can I go about getting Ferenz over here? That’s the trouble. He’s so full of good manners he won’t walk out on his party. And he didn’t want to see Rudolph in the first place. He made the best of it, that’s Ferenz, but he didn’t like it.” Her mouth was empty now. “Well, why don’t you say something.”
    “I want my suit,” Johnnie said.
    “Your suit! You worry about a suit when I have this to contend with!” She was quiet for a spell and then she said, “You can turn around now, Johnnie. I’m decent. But think, how can I make Ferenz come? It’s got to be good.”
    She was more than decent. She was a thriller. Yellow slacks, yellow sweater, black velvet coat and sandals. She was rolling a yellow chiffon handkerchief to tie around her black hair.
    Johnnie had a brainstorm. “Business,” he stated.
    “What business?”
    “Tell him it’s business. Tell him there’s a new war started, lots of business for him.”
    She whirled from the dressing table. “Darling!” She plastered a kiss on his yellow cowlick.
    “Don’t do that!” Johnnie murmured, not loud.
    She dipped some more magnolia perfume, touched her chin. “But of course. That will bring him. Why didn’t I think of it before? I’ll tell him there’s a revolution broken out in Rudamia. We just heard it over short wave. We need his help. He’ll have to come then. Rudamia’s royal family owes him too much money to let the country go Bolshie.”
    There was a white phone by her bed. She stretched herself full length on the fluffy white coverlet. Johnnie gazed at the rug. She was made for sweaters, or maybe she wasn’t. He lit a cigarette.
    She said, “It’s most important that I speak to Mr. Lessering, Shanks. Call him at once.” Her voice stroked the space between the bed and Johnnie. “Whoever you are, you’re a lamb and a love. I don’t know why Dorp didn’t bring you around sooner.