Read Online Empties by George; Zebrowski - Free Book Online Page A

the parts. Whole or in pieces they travel far.”  
    “Really?” she said with annoyance. “You know that?”  
    He nodded, then said, “But file a police report anyway. I’ll do whatever I can to speed things along, if you want. Then collect the insurance and get something less showy.”  
    “They didn’t touch the piece of junk next to it,” she replied. “Don’t tell me that’s what I’d have to drive to feel safe.”  
    “Do without. You can here—you’re almost better off in Manhattan if you don’t have a car. Even cabs and limos wouldn’t run up the yearly expense of a good car, and you can always rent one if you’re going outside the city.”  
    “I suppose,” she said, still looking distressed.  
    “I have to have a car to get to work,” he said, “or if there’s something I want to check up on after my shift, but I try not to use it much, or even wash it that much. Parking’s a lot of trouble, too.” He paused. “Mine’s the piece of junk.”  
    “Oh.” She flushed. “That’s yours. I’m sorry I called it...”  
    “It is, but passed inspection so far. Look, here’s my best advice. File a report, collect the insurance, and do without a car for a while. You might find that you prefer it.”  
    “Thanks, Bill. Maybe I should be grateful I didn’t leave anything important in my car.” She glanced at her watch. “I’d better go upstairs and call in to work. I’m going to be late.”  
    “So am I,” he said automatically, then regretted the words. He could have offered to go to the station with her, help her file the report.  
    She stood before him awkwardly for a moment, then said, “Thanks, see you,” and started for the elevator. He stood there for a moment, feeling sorry for her, then went out the front door.  
     
    He stood at Dierdre Matera’s outside entrance, surprised by how much he was looking forward to seeing her, at how his anticipation had grown ever since he had gone off duty. She opened the door as he reached for the buzzer.  
    “Oh, it’s you,” she said, stepping back. “I was just on my way out. What is it?”  
    She wore a well-tailored, light gray business suit with a white open collar blouse, blazer, and long skirt, and she gazed at him, at nearly his own eye level, through large, slightly tinted glasses.  
    “Another time,” he said, disappointed as he turned away.  
    “No, come in, I’m in no rush,” she said suddenly.  
    He turned back and looked at her. “But you were going out.” Her expression was unchanged, unreadable as she pushed back gracefully through the door. He hesitated, then went in after her. The door clicked shut behind him, and he followed her down the hall, wondering what he would say to her as she opened the apartment door and led him into her living room.  
    She sat down in the center of her sofa and asked, “Have you learned something more?”  
    He sat down in the facing chair, feeling that she was much more curious than she seemed.  
    “No, but I thought you might remember some more details of what happened in the church.”  
    “Oh,” she said with surprise, then smiled. “I don’t think so.” She slipped off her shoes and tucked her legs up on the cushions. “Excuse me.” She sat back and gazed at him. “You must have some idea of what happened.”  
    He smiled and shook his head. “It makes no sense.” He sat back stiffly as she leaned forward. There was no official reason for his being here. As she looked at him, he realized that she had guessed as much from his obvious discomfort.  
    “Oh, I see,” she said, and seemed about to smile. “Lieutenant...” she started to say.  
    “Not Lieutenant, Detective, third class,” he said, and realized that he was glad to be here.  
    “You don’t strike me as a shy man, Detective,” she said, staring at him as if she had discovered everything about him, but it was too late to get up and leave.  
    “Some coffee or tea?” she