Rubin said, surprised to find Lillian standing in the doorway to Balilty’s office. “Where’s the big boss? I thought that he would—” Lillian straightened the sleeves of the long green men’s shirt she was wearing, sat down across from Rubin, and placed an orange file on the table between them. “For the time being, I’ll be asking the questions. Do you have a problem with that?” she asked, inclining her head. With artificial affability she added, “I’ve heard you have nothing against women, but suddenly it would seem—” “No, no, no, perish the thought!” he said with elaborate formality, a smile on his face. “I’ve always said that women constitute the better part of the world.” “So,” Lillian said, an inquisitive look on her face, “you’ve been sent a woman, and what do you do? Complain!” “No, that’s not what I meant,” Rubin apologized. “It’s just…surprising. I had understood that…oh, never mind; as far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome to begin whenever you’re ready.”
