After showering and shaving he rang for bourbon and spring water. He would give the girl the book and be done with it. He had said he would bring her a book; being a man of his word he had done so. But this slow slithering friendship that was beginning with her would have to stop. It made no sense. Shortly after ringing, there was a soft knock on the door. In answer to his, ‘Come in,’ she stepped inside. Holding the tray unsteadily, she walked across and put it on the night-stand, knocking over Elizabeth’s picture. He came out of the bathroom to see the blonde maid standing there. Her jaw moved as she chewed her gum, waiting for her tip. “I thought – ” He stopped in mid-sentence and reached for a coin which he put in her waiting palm. “Thank you,” he said curtly. In twenty-five minutes he tried again, ringing for more spring water.
