Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 58: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE neither had much to say at first. It was as if a great storm had swept their minds and emotions, leaving them clear and re- freshed and contented. They knew without discussing it that their love was assured at last. Just what it would lead to or how it would work out, Larry Brooks hadn't the faintest idea. Neither did Connie, for that matter, but she was entirely too happy to worry about it as they prepared to go out to dinner. “There’s an inexpensive little restaurant up the street in the next block,” he suggested. “I’m sorry, Connie, but my funds are limited and now that I’m unemployed—” “Forget it,” she said lightly. “Any place you take me to will be all right.” “But it certainly isn’t fancy.” Connie smiled at him fondly. “That doesn’t bother me. Quit worrying about money.” Larry wished he could. He wished he had Connie’s erand disregard for it. The difference was that she had known success and had blind confidence in its continuation. Larry had neither but he was tired, now, of considering it. He had fought this thing long enough. He began to feel light hearted, as she did, when they left his room, In a manner he felt as if he were abandoning himself to fate and it would be interesting to see what came of it. His fate, if it were to be linked with Connie’s, was undergoing some deliberations at that very moment in Philip Hathaway’s apartment. Jane Vollmer had been there thirty minutes and had broken the news to Philip that his beloved Miss Carter was quite possibly at this very moment still in Larry Brooks’ room. Philip paced the floor pondering a mighty decision. “You'd be wise to shake loose of that girl,” Jane advised. “But I can’t believe she knows what she’s doing,” he argued, more with himself than with Jane. Jane Vollmer sipped the whiskey Burkins had served. “Don’t kid yourself. She knows what she’s doing as far as you are ccncerned. What if she did get tired of Larry. She’d find Someone else but it wouldn’t be you.” “Not if I withdraw my support. She’d be out on the street the minute I did it.” “Then what are you waiting for? You hold the whip hand, 114 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Philip. Give her the ax now. That will bring her around whim- pering if anything will.” Philip, because he was one, looked like a man about to change the course of his life. He stood on the brink, wanting to jump, but fearing how he might land. = “One other thing,” Jane remarked at that critical moment. “She’s not the only girl in the world.” Her words aroused visions in Philip’s mind. Yes, there had been many before he met Connie. Betty, Maxine, Ruth and Louise, to name a few. There would be others no doubt; already had been for that matter. Ginger, for example. And—he glanced at Jane. She gave him a slow smile. ‘Damn it, you’re right!” announced Philip. “Atta boy!” Jane applauded. , The Dee ents a decision having been made at last, Philip felt the need for action. He needed to hand down decrees, issue orders, set the wheels in motion that would grind Connie down to her dimpled knees. By golly he’d fix her clock this time for sure! “FHello,’ he said authoritatively when he was connected with the theater by phone a minute later. “Let me talk to Hoke.” Hoke got on the other end a moment later. “Yes?” “This is Hathaway. Is Miss Carter on tonight?” “No, She had her maid call and say she was taking the evening off. I’ve got her understudy on in her place.” “Good. Keep her there. And tonight after the show is over haul down Miss Carter’s name from the marquee. Put the other girls up in her place, understand?” “Why—?” asked the astounded Hoke. “Just do as I say,” Philip ordered. “And tomorrow have new playbills printed. Take Miss Carter’s name out. She’s no longer premiere danseuse or anything else of the Ballet de le Roi. She’s out. Fired. Canned!” “But, for heaven’s sake, Mr. Hathaway .. .’ Hoke began limply. “Never mind,’ Philip roared. “Do as I say or you'll be the next one I fire.” “Ves. Mr. Hathaway,’ said Hoke in a small voice. Philip slammed down the telephone. He felt better already. ‘COnnieoooks.c@hn |