"Or I could be fifteen, twenty minutes late. Delayed in traffic."
Clete smiled at him. "I really appreciate that," he said. "But I think I'd bet-ter be there at nine."
"Eight-thirty, then," Lauffer said, and reached across Clete to open the door. "Sleep well."
The moment he stepped out of the car the door to the mansion opened. He saw Antonio, the butler.
The perfectly trained servant, Clete thought. He didn't open the door until he was sure I wanted it open.
"Good evening, Se¤or Cletus."
"Good evening, Antonio."
"Is there anything I can get for you, Se¤or?"
"No, I don't... Yes. I'm not sure I have an un-messed-up shirt for tomor-row. Is there someone... ?"
"Your linen has been gone over, Se¤or."
"In that case, you can't do anything for me except say 'good night.'"
"Would you like me to have your suit refreshed?"
Clete looked down at the creases in his trousers.
"It looks fine to me."
"I'll have the laundress touch it up," Antonio said. "Your father took great pains with his appearance."
Was that a shot at me, el slobbo? Or was "touching up " the son's suit a last service to el Coronel?
"Thank you," Clete said.
"You have had several telephone calls, Se¤or. All from, I believe, the same lady. She did not choose to leave her name."
Well, I know who that is, don't I?
"If she calls back, put her through. Even if I'm asleep."
"Very well, Se¤or."
"Good night, Antonio."
"Good night, Se¤or."
Clete started up the wide stairway.
He found the bed had been turned down. A pair of pajamas were laid out on it.
What do I do, put them on and toss and turn all night? Or sleep in my skivvy shirt, which will make me appear both ungrateful to the staff and boorish, as well?
He stripped to his underwear, then carried the suit to the sitting and left it on a chair so the laundress could find it. That done, he returned to the bedroom, closing the door after him.
He was brushing his teeth when the telephone rang.
Tinkled, he thought. The telephones here don't ring, they tinkle, as if the bell is powered by a run-down battery.
There was an ornate, French-style telephone on the huge marble sink.