Myra seemed on the verge of snorting. But instead she smiled brightly at Arl. "George is certainly right."
"Of course I'm right. Buck up, Arl."
"Well, it's easy to say. But I can't."
George snorted himself and went for the bourbon bottle. He had never taken a drink before mid-afternoon in his life, but now he figured a lot of changes had to be made. Necessary changes.
"I have a terrific idea," Arl said.
George didn't think it would be terrific, but he said: "What's that?"
"Well, you have to put the call through, you know. So, why don't you just—don't?"
"Eh? Say that again."
"Don't put the call through. Don't put it through and Narka won't be able to come."
Myra nodded her head vigorously. "That sounds like a fine idea," she said.