California Fire And Life

77

Ding-dong.

Nicky comes to the door; he's holding a glass of champagne.

"Grieving?" Jack asks him.

"To each his own."

"I know you're anxious about the resolution of your claim," Jack says. "So as part of California Fire and Life's continuing commitment to excellent service, I thought I'd come personally to inform you."

"Of what, precisely?"

Jack can see Mother Russia standing a few feet behind Nicky.

"You'll be getting a certified letter tomorrow," Jack says. "Informing you that we're denying both the life insurance and the fire claim on the grounds that you've violated the terms of the policies by intentional acts. To wit, we believe there's sufficient evidence to indicate that you were involved in the death of your wife and in the fire at your home."

Jack watches Nicky's eyes go narrow and hard.

"You're making a very serious mistake," Nicky says.

"Yeah, well, I've made them before."

"And you didn't learn?"

"I guess not."

Cool Nicky shrugs and sips his champagne.

Jack looks over his shoulder and asks, "Aren't you going to ask me in for tea?"

The door shuts in his face.

"I guess that's a nyet" Jack says.

He feels better than he's felt in twelve years.

Like a long night's finally ending.