The girl was heaping mashed potatoes into a big bowl. She did not speak.
“The way I figure it,” Doolin went on — “Halloran hasn’t got the guts to bump himself off. He’s all washed up, an’ he knows it — an’ the idea has made him a little batty. Then along comes Martinelli — a chance for him to go out dramatically — the way he’s lived — an’ he goes for it. Jesus! so would I if I was as near the edge as he is. He doesn’t give a god-damn about anything — he doesn’t have to...”
The girl finished putting food on the table, sat down. Doolin heaped their plates with chops and potatoes and cauliflower while she served salad. They began to eat.
Doolin got up and filled two glasses with water and put them on the table.
The girl said: “I’m sorry I forgot the water...”
Doolin bent over and kissed her, sat down.
“As far as Halloran is concerned,” he went on — “I’m just another actor in his show. Instead of sitting and waiting for Martinelli to come to get him — we go after Martinelli. That’s Halloran’s idea of fun — that’s the kind of sense of humor he’s got. What the hell! — he’s got nothing to lose...”
The girl said: “Eat your dinner before it gets cold.”
They were silent a while.
Finally she said: “What if Martinelli shoots first?”