Word leaked out, and, by Monday morning, telephones were continually ringing in the houses of Cole.
Leora tried to hold back as much as possible, but many people got the "scoop" from her. By noon, Leora decided to take the telephone off the hook. Though on edge, she did manage to hold her temper in front of the children.
Tuesday, Taylor moved to a local motel, until further arrangements could be made.
Wednesday morning, to top it off, Clarence Donoban, Taylor's shifty pharmicist, entered the office.
"Taylor," Clarence began, "we're in trouble."
"What do you mean, we're in trouble?" Taylor snapped.
"Somehow--the--word got around--about your big mouth."
"What are you talking about?" Taylor, burning with anger, replied.
"The word got out about when--when you returned to that party--and told everyone about Jim and Fifi. Obviously, though, things are mixed up even further! Marie Treacher is going all over town telling people how much she loves you--and wanting to know how Jim and Fifi are doing!"
"I have never been in trouble like this," Taylor sighed. "I might lose my home, job, everything, all because of one night of whiskey and cheap sex." He paused. "What's your problem, anyway?"
"Today there was an inspector from the state board of health in--in the drugstore. I didn't know he was an inspector. One of the soda jerks was filling a prescription."
"You damn fool!" Taylor shouted, slamming his fist down on his desk. "How could you be so stupid?"
"Hold your horses, Taylor," the trembling old man said. "You know I've been too busy to fill every prescription you send me, and my other pharmicist moved away about a year ago, remember? I haven't been able to hire anyone else yet."
"So, you're letting the soda jerks fill prescriptions now?" Taylor sarcastically asked. "How sweet!"
Clarence stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
At five thiry that afternoon, Taylor was walking out of his office as the telephone rang.
"Dr. Baker," he wearily answered.
"Oh, Taylor," Marie said. "I've got to see you, we've got to talk!"
"Where are you, Marie?" Taylor replied.
"I'm in a hurry, can't talk now. My husband will be home any minute. Oh, Taylor, let's meet at your cabin tonight."
"I've got news for you, baby," Taylor replied. "You've caused me more trouble than pleasure. The party is over, Mrs. Treacher!"
"I've got to see you!" Marie cried. "I want things to get straight between us!"
"Things are as straight between us as they'll ever be!" Taylor said. "You're not going to make any more trouble for me!"
"Why did you tell me you loved me, you damn idiot?"
"I don't remember that," Taylor replied. "But I do remember giving you a lot of money. You've ruined my chances of ever having the full respect of my family, even this community, again. You got your money from me--now, leave me alone!"
"Well, Dr. Baker," Marie said. "You haven't heard the last of me!"
Simultaneously, both telephone receivers were slammed down.
As Taylor was driving home, he decided to call on the Madison's. He figured they would listen to him, and hoped they'd understand. After all, it was their party he went to on that fateful night!
No comments:
Post a Comment