Free The Deer Park by Norman Mailer Page B

ribbons.”
    “We’ve had our disagreements, Charley, but I’ve always considered you a friend. I don’t care what transpires between us today, it won’t affect my attitude toward you.”
    Eitel smiled.
    “I’m curious.” Munshin put his hands on his knees. “What do you think of Elena the way I’ve described her?”
    “I think she’s better than you deserve.”
    “I’m glad you say that, Charley. It means I’ve been able to convey her quality.” Munshin paused, and loosened the cord of his dressing gown. “You see, about an hour ago I told Elena we couldn’t go on.”
    “An hour ago!”
    Munshin nodded.
    “You mean she’s here?” Eitel asked. “Here in town?”
    “Yes.”
    “You brought her out here to give her the brush?”
    Munshin started to pace the floor. “I didn’t plan it. A lot of times I bring her along on my trips.”
    “And let her stay in a separate hotel?”
    “Well, I’ve explained the situation.”
    “When is your wife due?”
    “She’ll be here tomorrow.” Munshin blew his nose. “I had no idea it would happen like this. For months I knew I couldn’t go on with Elena, but I didn’t expect it for today.”
    Eitel shook his head. “What do you want me to do? Hold her hand?”
    “No, I mean …” Munshin looked miserable. “Charley, she doesn’t know a soul in this place.”
    “Then let her go back to the city.”
    “I can’t stand the thought of her being alone. There’s no telling what she’ll do. Charley, I’m going out of my mind.” Munshin stared at his handkerchief which he kept wadded in his hand. “Elena was the one who said we should break up. I know what it means to her. She’ll put the blame on herself. She’ll feel she wasn’t good enough for me.”
    “It’s the truth, isn’t it?” Eitel said. “That’s how you feel.”
    “All right, I’m the rotten one. I’m no good.” Munshin came to a stop in front of Eitel. “Charley, I remember you saying, its your exact words. You said that when you were a kid you always wondered how to get a woman, and now you wonder how to get rid of one.”
    “I was bragging.”
    “Can’t you sympathize?”
    “With you?”
    “Could you pay her a visit?”
    “I don’t know her,” Eitel said.
    “You could be introduced as a friend of mine.”
    Eitel sat up. “Tell me, Collie,” he said, “is that why you loaned me the money two weeks ago?”
    “What money?” said Munshin.
    “You don’t have to worry about Sergius,” Eitel said, and he began to laugh. “I’m ashamed of you. Two thousand dollars is a lot of money for Carlyle Munshin to pay to have a broken-down director take a girl off his hands.”
    “Charley, you’re a corrupt man,” Munshin said loudly. “Iloaned you that money because I consider you my friend, and I oughtn’t to have to tell you that you could be more discreet. If word ever got around, I’d be in trouble up to here.” The producer held a finger to his throat “It’s Elena I’m thinking about now. Let this boy be the witness. If anything happens to her, part of it will be your fault.”
    “There’s no limit to you, Collie,” Eitel started to say, but Munshin interrupted. “Charley, I’m not kidding, that girl should not be left alone. Do I say I’m in the right? What do you want, my blood? Offer a solution at least.”
    “Turn her over to Marion Faye.”
    “You’re a stone,” Munshin said. “A human being is in pain, and you say things like that.”
    “I’ll see her,” I blurted suddenly.
    “You’re a beautiful kid,” Munshin said levelly, “but this is not the job for you.”
    “Keep out of this,” Eitel snapped at me.
    “Even the kid here will go,” Munshin said. “Charley, tell me, is all the heart cut out of you? Isn’t there even a little bit left? Or are you getting too old to handle a real woman?”
    Eitel lay back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, his legs spread before him. “Okay, Collie,” he said slowly, “okay. One loan