She sat down in an easy chair that sagged under her weight and stared at me, uneasy and suspicious.
‘The boy said your husband is out of town. I didn’t believe him,’ I said.
‘I don’t know where he is.’ Her eyes suddenly filled with tears and she turned her head. ‘I think he’s skipped.’
I felt a prickle run up my spine.
‘What makes you think that?’
She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘What about this money? I haven’t a damn cent. He went off, owing money everywhere. I haven’t enough even to buy food.’
‘You’ll get it if you have anything worth while to tell me.’
Her face hardened.
‘I could tell you plenty. They think I don’t know anything, but I do. I keep my ears and eyes open. I know all about them. I’ve had enough of this hole. I’ll sell them out if you give me enough to get away from here.’