“How many times?”
“Twice.”
“Been out with her?”
“Dinner once, yes.”
“What did you tell your wife?”
“That I was working at the office.”
“Well,” Bertha said, “don’t be so goddamned apologetic about it. The way I see it, you’re just an average husband.”
Bertha folded the letter, slipped it into her purse, picked up the circular from the furrier and carefully fitted it into the envelope, added a bit of adhesive to the flap of the envelope, pasted it shut, and tossed it over to Belder. “All right,” she said, “watch for your opportunity. Put this back on the table with the other mail.”
Belder’s face showed relief. “Mrs. Cool, you’re a veritable lifesaver. I—”
A quick, nervous knock sounded at the door of the outer office.