“A drink?” The woman scowls. “Is that a joke?” Fortunately, my expression must answer for me, because she eases back, still eyeing me sharply. “You really have lost your memory. No, kitty-cat, I do not want a drink. I don’t imbibe. Neither do you, and that piece of advice I’ll give for free. Lose yourself in a bottle, and soon you’ll be lifting your skirts for more. That’s not the life for us.” “So what is the life for us?” I say. “Forget the drink. May I ask you some questions?” I take out the coin. “I can pay.”
