I set the magazine aside. “You have to wonder what went on. Was there really an affair, or did your dad imagine the whole thing?”

“He’s not famous for his imagination. Tannie’s mother was sick for a good two years. It was ‘female trouble,’ too, so there’s every possibility their sex life sucked.” She shook her head and let out a deep breath. She extended her legs and slouched down on her spine so that her head was resting on the back of the seat. “Was there anyone she didn’t screw? My mother must have been crazy as a loon.”

“Well, it’s like the fella said. You’re not responsible for what she did.”

“But I’m responsible for stirring this up. I should have left well enough alone.”

The big digital wall clock read 10:16. I got up, too restless to sit another minute in the midst of all the medical chaos. “I’m going to see if I can find a cup of coffee. You want one?”

“Not me. My nerves are jangled enough.”

The fluorescent lights in the public hallways shone brightly on the gleaming vinyl-tile floors. Most departments I passed were dark; hospital administration, the cardiovascular, EKG, and EEG departments. I turned a corner and followed the corridor until I reached the main lobby. A sign indicated that the cafeteria was one floor down, but when I got off the elevator in the basement, the place was dark and the door was locked. According to the sign, the coffee shop was open from 7:00 A.M. until 7:15 P.M. on weekdays. I’d missed by hours. A maintenance man appeared with a mop and an industrial-size bucket. Together we waited for the elevator, which had stopped on the first floor.

“Is there a vending machine around here?”

He shook his head. “Wish there were. I could use a candy bar about now.”

The elevator doors opened and we got on. When we emerged on the first floor, I glanced to my left and spotted Liza Clements sitting in the lobby. Her complexion looked washed out and her jeans and T-shirt were wrinkled. I called out to her and moved in her direction. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

“My granddaughter was born a few minutes ago. I’m keeping out of everybody’s hair until she’s cleaned up. Kevin’s upstairs with Marcy, and both of her parents are here. Six pounds, six ounces. She’s absolutely beautiful.”

“That’s great. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s been pretty intense. What about you? I didn’t expect to see a familiar face.”

I gave her a quick rendition of Foley’s nose-busting adventure, neatly omitting the remarks that had gotten him tossed out of the Moon.

“Is there any way to get a cup of coffee at this hour?” she asked.

“Nope. I tried. I guess we could find a water fountain but that’s about it.”