built above the sea with lawns that ran down to the beach and big dark
green melkhout trees surrounding the swimming-pool, with an elaborate
Cabana and barbecue area. Marion Friedman's horde of kids were
especially thinned out for the occasion, probably farmed out with
friends, but she retained her two youngest. These came to peer in awe
at David for a few minutes, but at a sharp word from their mother they
went off to the pool and became immersed in water and their own games.
The Brig had another speaking engagement, so the four adults were left
alone, and after a while they relaxed. Somehow the fact that Reuben was
a doctor seemed to set both David and Debra at their ease. Debra
remarked on it, when the conversation turned to their injuries and
Reuben asked solicitously, You don't mind talking about it?
No, not with you. Somehow it's all right to bare yourself in front of a
doctor.
Don't do it, my dear, Marion cautioned her. Not in front of Ruby
anyway, look at me, six kids, already! And they laughed.
Ruby had been out early that morning and taken half a dozen big crayfish
out of the crystal water, from a kelp-filled pool in the rocks which he
boasted was his private fishing-ground.
He wrapped them in fresh kelp leaves and steamed them over the coals
until they turned bright scarlet and the flesh was milk white and
succulent as he broke open the carapaces.
Now, if that isn't the finest spring chicken you have ever seen he
crowed as he held up the dismembered shellfish, you all bear witness
that it's got two legs and feathers.
David admitted that he had never tasted poultry like it and as he washed
it down with a dry Cape Riesling;
he found it was no terrible hardship to reach for another.
Both he and Debra were enjoying themselves, so that it came as a jolt
when Reuben at last began on the real purpose of their meeting.
He was leaning across Debra to refill her wine glass, when he paused and
asked her.
How long is it since your eyes were last checked out, my dear? and
gently he placed his hand under her chin and tilted her face to look
into her eyes. David's nerves snapped taut, and he moved quickly in his
chair, watching intently.
Not since I left Israel, though they took some Xrays when I was in
hospital. Any headaches? Ruby asked, and she nodded. Ruby grunted and
released her chin.
I suppose they could strike me off, drumming up business, but I do think
that you should have periodic checks. Two years is a long time, and you
have foreign matter lodged inside your skull. I hadn't even thought
about it.
Debra frowned slightly and reached up to touch the scar on her temple.
David felt his conscience twinge as he joined actively in the
conspiracy.
It can't do any harm, darling. Why not let Ruby give you a going over
while we are here? Heaven knows when we will have another opportunity.
Oh, David, Debra disparaged the idea. I know you are itching to head
for home, and so am V Another day or two won't matter, and now that we
