***

There were other questions I wanted to ponder aloud, but Jeff's face was set in a contemplative silence, that "Do not disturb" sign was hanging on his nose.

***

"That's what's called baring one's soul, isn't it?"

"More," Jeff said, "of a soul strip-tease."

***

"How is your alibi?" Jeff asked.

"Fine, thanks."

[...]

"So," Jeff said, "it looks like you have an alibi."

"And am I proud of it! It's my first alibi! It just goes to show...this is indeed the land of opportunity. Ten years ago I came to New York empty handed. And now I've got a job, a bank account, three charge accounts and an alibi!"

"Good alibis are hard to get nowadays, Tony. Take good care of it."

"Oh, I will! I'll keep it in a cool, dry place."

***

A chilling gush of wind and rain met us at the front door; even the weather was trying to come in out of this dismal night.

***