"George R. R. Martin - WC 8 - One Eyed Jacks" - читать интересную книгу автора (Martin George R R)

face. She could be a real bitch at times. Most times, nowadays.
"Sorry" She ran a finger down his calf. "I'll see what I can work out, but no
promises. I'm a busy girl."
The intercom buzzed.
Jerry sat up straight. Almost nobody ever visited him here, except Veronica. He
ran across the apartment to the intercom and pushed the button. "Hello."
"Jerry, this is Beth. I'll bet you forgot about the fundraiser tonight. You
can't abandon me to all those lawyers and politicians."
"Oh, Jesus. I did forget. Hold on. I'll be right down." Jerry walked quickly
over to the closet and snatched out a shirt and pants. "My sister-in-law. You
should meet her. You'd like her."
"A lawyer's wife?" Veronica shook her head. "You must be kidding."
"You might be surprised. She's really terrific."


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"I'm out of here," said Veronica, heading for the door. Jerry struggled into his
alligator shoes and hopped across the carpet after her. "Okay, I love you."
Veronica waved without turning around and closed the door behind her.
Jerry sighed and went into the bathroom. He combed his too-red hair and dabbed
on a few drops of cologne. He heard the elevator stop. He waited a few seconds
until it headed back down. It wouldn't do for Beth to see him with Veronica,
who'd probably just say something snotty.
He checked to make sure he had his wallet and keys, then hustled out into the
hall and punched the elevator button.
Beth was waiting for him downstairs. She was wearing a floral print shirt and
light blue pants. Her blond hair hung just past her shoulders.
"Let's get moving, bro. I'm double-parked." She grabbed him by the elbow and
guided him toward the door. "I just saw a cute little brunette number leave."
She arched an eyebrow. "Anybody I should know?"
He did his best to look shocked. "Nope. Anybody I should know?"
Beth smiled. "You could do a lot worse. You probably have too."
"A safe bet. Let's go and get this over with."
The ballroom was filled with smoke and noisy, rich Democrats, most of them
trying not to appear drunk. Yet. Koch and Jesse Jackson had appeared together
earlier in the day to show Democratic solidarity, such as it was. There was a
rumor that Jackson might show up to speak, but it wasn't in the itinerary. Jerry
hated going anywhere he was required to wear a tux, but Beth had promised him
three movie dates in return.
The three of them were the only ones at their table. Kenneth had his arm around
Beth, whose shoulders were bare except for the thin straps of her blue silk
dress. Jerry was jealous. He and Veronica were never to appear in public
together. Veronica had made that much clear.
"I can't believe the party nominated Dukakis," Kenneth said. "Even Richard Nixon
could beat him into the ground."
"Bad luck'at the convention," Beth said. "Hartmann might have had a chance."
"Then again he might not. Public opinion on wild cards being what it is. That
issue would probably have sunk him. You should be glad you're not a well-known