“It is,” Malone said, “but you’re in an airplane, coming into Washington. We ought to be there in a few minutes.”
Lou shook her head slowly from side to side. “I have never heard any news that sounded better in my entire life,” she said. “How long ago did we leave Moscow?”
“Our trip to Beautiful Moskva,” Malone said, “ended right after they tried to get you to the hospital, by giving you a drugged drink. Do you remember that?”
“I remember it, all right,” she said. “I’m never going to forget that moment.”
“How do you feel?” Malone said.
“Fine,” Lou said. “And how are you?”
“Me?” Malone said. “I’m all right. I’ve been all right. Don’t worry about me.”
“Well, one never knows,” Lou said. “With your cold and all.”
“I think that’s better,” Malone said hastily. “But you’re sure you feel fine?”
Lou nodded. “A little tired, maybe, but that’s all.” She paused. “I remember Miss Thompson taking me to the ladies’ room. I got pretty sick. But from there on, I’m not sure what happened.”