IN THE NEXT couple of days I talked with the rest of the gang of four and learned more than I ever wanted to know about having sex with Gary Eisenhower.
“It was like a rape fantasy sometimes,” Nancy said.
“And you didn’t mind?” I said.
“No,” she said. “I’ve told you what I’m like.”
“So you enjoyed the fantasy,” I said.
She was silent a moment. Then, in a small voice, she said, “Yes.”
Later I talked with Susan about it.
“None of that seems very enlightening,” she said.
“Not to me. I was hoping it would to you.”
Susan shook her head.
“About the rape fantasy thing?” I said.
“That was Nancy Sinclair?”
“Yeah.”
“I suspect that tells us more about Nancy than it does about Gary,” Susan said.
“Maybe he is just what he seems to be,” I said.
“A happy-go-lucky cockhound?” Susan said.
“Yeah,” I said. “Don’t you ever come across somebody like that in your business?”
“People who are what they seem to be,” Susan said, “generally don’t seek psychotherapy.”
“Good point,” I said. “But as far as I can see, this is one of those instances when the cigar is just a cigar.”
“Maybe you should talk to Clarice Richardson again,” Susan said.
“Because she’s smart enough to understand what she may have experienced,” I said.
“Yes.”
Susan was between patients. I was sitting in her office, across the desk from her. I was silent for a little while. I eyed the couch against the wall to my right.
“Anybody actually lie down on that thing?” I said.
“I believe you and I have,” Susan said.
“I mean for therapy.”
“You and I have,” Susan said.
“Not that kind of therapy,” I said.
“Yes,” Susan said. “It is kind of a cliché, but some people find it very helpful.”
I nodded. Neither of us spoke for a little while.
Then I said, “I can’t do it by phone.”
“No need,” Susan said. “I’m sure she’ll see you.”
“Care for another trip to Hartland?” I said.
“No,” Susan said.
“Two hours out, two hours back,” I said.
“An easy day trip,” Susan said.
“What about the naked frolic in the Hartland motel?”
“Nothing to stop you,” Susan said.
“By myself?”
“Whatever floats your boat… snookums.”