Chapter 7
Lee breathed a sigh of relief when he saw john and Naomi Hanley in the Stone's living room. There was no doubt in his mind that Hanley shared that sense of relief. To lone it with Stone was no picnic, and Hanley had an extra strike against him. He was human. Being a creative human raised still another strike. If you were an IBM unit, you'd have it made with Stone, Lee decided; you could punch holes together all day dong.
Peggy came rushing over to them, pert breasts bouncing, gushing with hostessy remarks, like "Joan, how are you, dear, and oh, Lee. you're looking marvelous!" She knew how to play the role. Or more precisely, she knew how to play Stone's role for him. She augmented the predetermined pattern.
Alice's assistant took their coats and Peggy guided them into the livi
