“Three times, to my knowledge, did they approach him, so he told me later, and on each occasion, much to my great delight and my unending debt, did he refuse them. It was only then that they decided to employ more aggressive methods of persuasion, taking to harassing Jean and his family, and, in the absence of any real evidence, deciding that the shadow of the attempt on my life three years’ prior was good enough as any confirmation that I was indeed one of their enemies. Please understand that I do not exaggerate when I say that I would not be here today if not for the quick-wittedness and thoughtfulness of your late husband.”
* * * *
Again, he paused, as if sensing her concern, the overwhelming and unsettling nature of his story carrying with it unpleasant connotations.
“I will spare
