Wary of a tail, Auntie Lil cut through three fish markets and a handful of souvenir shops on the way. Herbert simply disappeared in the crowd. Twenty minutes later they re-met on Pearl Street. “There's something I need to say,” Auntie Lil told him. “Before we meet the others again. I could not have done it without knowing you were there. I have had many fine friends in my life. But never one as wonderful as you.” Herbert colored. “It is the great pleasure of my life to be your friend, Lillian,” he said with a bow. “You have my undying loyalty.” Embarrassed by their display of affection, they busied themselves looking for a cab. Before they could hail one, a Con Ed van roared up to the curb. The back door opened and T.S. gestured frantically for them to climb inside. “Hold on to your shorts, Theodore,” Auntie Lil assured him. “If anyone was tailing me, I lost him in the fish market.” She hiked up her pantsuit and executed a ladylike scoot on board. “We had an awful time following you,”
