CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ON THE SHORT TRIP from Hughson’s apartment to my place we didn’t say a word. It was incredible to me that she was sitting by my side, willing to share my rooms with me, and I’d only known her for such a short time.
When a girl shows such willingness, I’m usually sure that I’m on to a good thing. With Mardi it was different. There was something about her that built up a surrounding wall that protected her from any mean thoughts that might come her way. I’m not going to say that every guy wouldn’t try to make a pass, but as far as I was concerned she got me like that.
She sat quietly in the corner of the taxi and looked out of the window. Every now and then, when we passed a street light, I could see her clearly. With that perky little hat on her head and the fur collar tight at her throat, she looked swell.
We got to my apartment and I paid off the taxi.
Quietly we crept up the stairs. I was nervous of the guy opposite me, but as it was getting on for two o’clock I guessed he’d be asleep.
We got into my apartment without disturbing any one. I shut the door, turned on the light and tossed my hat on the settee.
“Whew!” I said. “I was sure gettin’ the jitters comin’ up the stairs.”
She stood looking round the room. “But it’s nice,” she said. “What a lot of books you have… and isn’t that cute?”
She went over to examine my miniature bar in the corner. We both kept our voices low like two conspirators. I wandered over and got behind the counter. “What would you like?” I said. “Suppose we have some rye and ginger… it’s grand stuff to sleep on.”