He took it across to her and went back to the cabinet for his own. Zina Valle slid her feet to the floor and came across to me. ‘You do not seem to be very lucky in love, signore,’ she said.
I didn’t say anything. She placed her drink on the table where I had placed my own. ‘Perhaps you make a lot of money with the cards?’
‘I don’t play cards,’ I replied.
She laughed. ‘Always I am trying to prove that proverb. I do not think it is a true one.’ She yawned. ‘I am getting sleepy, Walter.’
He looked at his watch. ‘It’s only half-eleven.’
‘Yes, but I must be up early tomorrow.’ She glanced down at me. ‘Perhaps you would see me home, Mr. Farrell?’
It was almost as though she were offering me a means of escape from that room. ‘Of course,’ I said.
Shirer rang the bell and as the door opened behind me, he said,’ Pietro. Order a taxi.’
Zina Valle had moved back to her chair. I reached out for my drink. And then I glanced across at her, for my glass wasn’t where I’d placed it. She had taken mine and left me hers on the far side of the table. I was about to mention it, but something in her expression made me keep silent. Anyway, she had already finished the drink.
The man, Pietro, came in to say that the taxi was waiting. I got up and helped her on with her wrap. ‘How long will you be in Milan, Walter?’ she asked.