Thursday The Rabbi Walked Out

16

MALTZMAN HEARD THE PHONE RINGING JUST AS HE GOT TO the door, he hurriedly fished for his key on the chance it was for him. Sure enough, as he opened the door, he heard his wife say, "Oh, he's coming in right now. Just a minute." She cupped her hand over the mouthpiece and whispered. "It's Mr. Segal."

He took the instrument from her and said. "Mr. Segal? How are you?— Fine— No, not yet. I tried to contact him a couple of times and was unable to reach him— Yeah, I understand— I'll get hold of him in the next day or two— Oh sure. I'll let you know as soon as I hear— Fine— Fine— Bye now."

He replaced the receiver and explained. "About the house lot on the Point, these big shot financiers, they want something, and they think you get it"—he snapped his fingers—"just like that."

"And did you try to contact Ellsworth Jordon?" "Of course not, but I don't have to tell him that." "Are you worried that—"

"I'm worried that Ellsworth Jordon might not want to deal with me and will say that the land is not for sale. Or he might ask some ridiculous price that even Ben Segal wouldn't be willing to pay."

"Maybe you could get somebody else. Dalton Realty maybe, to front for you?"

"And split the commission? Like hell." "So what are you planning to do?"

"I don't know. I'll have to think about it. I might see Larry Gore, who handles some of his business, he's a reasonable guy, and I know he thinks well of me because he recommended me to Segal. I could talk to him and lay my cards on the table and maybe—"

"Maybe you're just imagining things, Henry," said his wife. "Maybe you're just working yourself up like the man in that story who goes to borrow a lawn mower from his neighbor. Jordon might be anxious to sell, at least, you ought to ask him."

He pursed his lips as he considered. "You know. Laura, you got a point. I'll call that sonofabitch right now and lay it on the line. Hand me the phone."

"Why don't you wait until tomorrow to call?" she urged.

He stared at her. "Tomorrow? Saturday? Why tomorrow?"

"Well, you know you always feel better, more relaxed after—after—"

"I feel relaxed enough right now. Give me that Goddam phone."