It had more holes in it than a fish net, but I let them think I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. “If you’d only gone back to the hotel after the show and made that statement, you’d have saved a lot of headaches. You better come back and make it now, before things get balled up worse for Mister Lanerd.”
Nikky said, “No,” flatly.
Tildy held her right arm stiffly at her side, clenched her right fist, and pounded her thigh. “I can’t let Dow suffer any more. But—” She couldn’t decide.
“All right. If you want to let it go at that.” I started for the door.
“No, no.” She bit her upper lip. “Wait. Wait! I will come.”
Nikky cried, “I’m going with you.”
“Not in that.” The skater eyed the native costume. “Go up and change. Hurry.”
Nikky swirled out in a flurry of silk.
Tildy flew to Golub Narian, put her arms around him, touched her cheek to his. “You will understand, dear friend. It’s better I go by myself. I will be back for Nikky later. Tell her I will be all right.”
She turned to me. “Quickly, before she comes down.”