Photograph by Stephanie Berg/Dreamstime.

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American Gods: he enth Anni!ersary "dition
A#thor$s Pre%erred e&t
'ei( Gaiman
Dedication
)*+ ABS"' )+,"'DS-.athy Ac/er and
+oger 0e(a1ny2
and a(( points bet3een
4ontents
Dedication
An ,ntrod#ction to the enth Anni!ersary "dition
A 'ote on the e&t
4a!eat2 and 5arning %or ra!e(ers
"pigraph
Part *ne
Shado3s
4hapter *ne
4hapter 3o
4hapter hree
4hapter )o#r
4hapter )i!e
4hapter Si&
4hapter Se!en
4hapter "ight
Part 3o
6y Ainse(
4hapter 'ine
4hapter en
4hapter "(e!en
4hapter 3e(!e
4hapter hirteen
Part hree
he 6oment o% the Storm
4hapter )o#rteen
4hapter )i%teen
4hapter Si&teen
4hapter Se!enteen
4hapter "ighteen
Part )o#r
"pi(og#e: Something hat the Dead Are .eeping Bac/
4hapter 'ineteen
4hapter 3enty
Postscript
Ac/no3(edgments
Appendi&
An ,nter!ie3 3ith 'ei( Gaiman
+eading Gro#p Disc#ssion 7#estions
8o3 Dare 9o#:
*ther Boo/s by 'ei( Gaiman
4opyright
Abo#t the P#b(isher
An ,ntrod#ction to the enth Anni!ersary "dition
, don$t /no3 3hat it$s (i/e to read this boo/. , on(y /no3 3hat it 3as (i/e to (i!e the 3riting o% it.
, mo!ed to America in ;<<>. Something started2 in the bac/ o% my head. here 3ere #nre(ated
ideas that , /ne3 3ere important and yet seemed #nconnected: t3o men meeting on a p(ane?
the car on the ice? the signi%icance o% coin tric/s? and more than anything2 America: this strange2
h#ge p(ace 3here , no3 %o#nd myse(% (i!ing that , /ne3 , didn$t #nderstand. B#t , 3anted to
#nderstand it. 6ore than that2 , 3anted to describe it.
And then2 d#ring a stopo!er in ,ce(and , stared at a to#rist diorama o% the tra!e(s o% @ei%
"ric/son2 and it a(( came together. , 3rote a (etter to my agent and my editor that e&p(ained
3hat the boo/ 3o#(d be. , 3rote AAmerican GodsB at the top o% the (etter2 certain , co#(d come
#p 3ith a better tit(e.
A co#p(e o% 3ee/s (ater2 my editor sent me a moc/C#p o% the boo/ co!er. ,t sho3ed a road2 and
a (ightning stri/e2 and2 at the top2 it said2 AAmerican Gods.B ,t seemed to be the co!er o% the
boo/ , had p(anned to 3rite.
, %o#nd it both o%%Cp#tting and e&hi(arating to ha!e the co!er be%ore the boo/. , p#t it #p on the
3a(( and (oo/ed at it2 intimidated2 a(( tho#ghts o% e!er %inding another tit(e gone %ore!er. his
3as the boo/ co!er. his 3as the boo/.
'o3 , D#st had to 3rite it.
, 3rote the %irst chapter on a train Do#rney %rom 4hicago to San Diego. And , /ept tra!e(ing2 and
, /ept 3riting. , dro!e %rom 6inneapo(is to )(orida by bac/ roads2 %o((o3ing ro#tes , tho#ght
Shado3 3o#(d ta/e in the boo/. , 3rote2 and sometimes2 3hen , 3as st#c/2 , hit the road. , ate
pasties in the Epper Penins#(a and h#sh p#ppies in 4airo. , did my best not to 3rite abo#t any
p(ace , had not been.
, 3rote my boo/ in many p(aces-ho#ses in )(orida2 and in a cabin on a 5isconsin (a/e2 and in a
hote( room in @as Fegas.
, 3o#(d %o((o3 Shado3 on his Do#rney2 and 3hen , did not /no3 3hat happened to Shado3 ,
3o#(d 3rite a 4oming to America story2 and by the time , got to the end o% that , 3o#(d /no3
3hat Shado3 3as doing2 and so 3o#(d ret#rn to him. , 3anted to 3rite t3o tho#sand 3ords a
day2 and i% , 3rote a tho#sand 3ords a day , 3as happy.
, remember 3hen it 3as a(( done in %irst dra%t te((ing Gene 5o(%e2 3ho is the 3isest 3riter ,
/no3 and has 3ritten more e&ce((ent no!e(s than any man ,$!e met2 that , tho#ght , had no3
(earned ho3 to 3rite a no!e(. Gene (oo/ed at me2 and smi(ed /ind(y. A9o# ne!er (earn ho3 to
3rite a no!e(2B he to(d me. A9o# on(y (earn to 3rite the no!e( yo#$re on.B
8e 3as right. ,$d (earned to 3rite the no!e( , 3as 3riting2 and nothing more. Sti((2 it 3as a %ine2
strange no!e( to ha!e (earned ho3 to 3rite. , 3as a(3ays a3are o% ho3 !ery %ar short it %e(( o%
the bea#ti%#(2 go(den2 g(eaming2 per%ect boo/ , had in my head2 b#t e!en so2 it made me happy.
, gre3 a beard and , did not c#t my hair 3hi(e , 3as 3riting this boo/2 and many peop(e tho#ght
, 3as a tri%(e odd Ga(tho#gh not the S3edes2 3ho appro!ed and to(d me that a /ing o% theirs had
done something !ery simi(ar2 on(y not 3ith a no!e(H. , sha!ed the beard o%% at the end o% the
%irst dra%t2 and disposed o% the #n%easib(y (ong hair short(y a%ter that.
he second dra%t 3as most(y a process o% e&ca!ation and c(ari%ication. 6oments that needed to
gro3 gre3 and moments that needed to be shorter 3ere trimmed.
, 3anted it to be a n#mber o% things. , 3anted to 3rite a boo/ that 3as big and odd and
meandering2 and , did and it 3as. , 3anted to 3rite a boo/ that inc(#ded a(( the parts o%
America that obsessed and de(ighted me2 3hich tended to be the bits that ne!er sho3ed #p in
the %i(ms and te(e!ision sho3s.
, %inished it2 e!ent#a((y2 and , handed it in2 ta/ing a certain amo#nt o% com%ort in the o(d saying
that a no!e( can best be de%ined as a (ong piece o% prose 3ith something 3rong 3ith it2 and ,
3as %air(y s#re that ,$d 3ritten one o% those.
6y editor 3as concerned that the boo/ , had gi!en to her 3as s(ight(y too big and too
meandering Gshe didn$t mind it being too oddH2 and she 3anted me to trim it2 and , did. ,
s#spect her instincts may ha!e been right2 %or the boo/ 3as certain(y s#ccess%#(-it so(d many
copies2 and it 3as %ort#nate eno#gh to recei!e a n#mber o% a3ards2 inc(#ding the 'eb#(a and
the 8#go G%or2 primari(y2 S)H2 the Bram Sto/er G%or horrorH2 and the @oc#s G%or %antasyH2
demonstrating that it may ha!e been a %air(y odd no!e( and that e!en i% it 3as pop#(ar nobody
3as I#ite certain 3hich bo& it be(onged in.
B#t that 3o#(d be in the %#t#re: %irst the boo/ needed to be p#b(ished. he p#b(ishing process
%ascinated me and , chronic(ed it on the 3eb2 on a b(og , started %or that reason Gb#t 3hich has
contin#ed to this dayH. 5hen it 3as p#b(ished , 3ent on a boo/Csigning to#r2 across the E.S.2
then to the E...2 then to 4anada2 and %ina((y home. he %irst boo/ signing , did 3as in J#ne >KK;2
at the Borders Boo/s in the 5or(d rade 4enter. A co#p(e o% days a%ter , ret#rned home2 on
September ;;2 >KK;2 neither that boo/store nor the 5or(d rade 4enter e&isted.
he reception the boo/ 3as gi!en s#rprised me.
, 3as #sed to te((ing stories that peop(e (i/ed2 or that they didn$t read. ,$d ne!er 3ritten
anything di!isi!e be%ore. B#t 3ith this boo/2 peop(e either (o!ed it2 or they hated it. he ones
3ho hated it2 e!en i% they (i/ed my other boo/s2 rea((y hated it. Some peop(e comp(ained that
the boo/ 3as not American eno#gh? others that it 3as too American? that Shado3 3as
#nsympathetic? that , had %ai(ed to #nderstand that the tr#e re(igion o% America 3as sports? and
so on. A((2 #ndo#bted(y2 !a(id criticisms. B#t in the end2 most(y2 it %o#nd its peop(e. , thin/ it$s
%air to say that more peop(e (o!ed it2 and contin#e to (o!e it.
*ne day2 , hope2 , 3i(( go bac/ to that story. Shado3 is ten years o(der no32 a%ter a((. So is
America. And the Gods are 3aiting.
'",@ GA,6A'
September >K;K
A 'ote on the e&t
he boo/ yo#$re ho(ding is s(ight(y di%%erent %rom the !ersion o% the boo/ that 3as pre!io#s(y
p#b(ished.
Short(y a%ter it 3as p#b(ished2 Pete At/ins and Peter Schneider2 the partners in 8i(( 8o#se
P#b(ishers2 a Gno32 a(as2 de%#nctH sma((Cpress boo/ p#b(isher2 arranged 3ith the boo/$s E.S.
p#b(ishers to do a specia( edition o% American Gods. As they to(d me abo#t the 3onder%#(
treats they had p(anned %or the (imited edition-something they p(anned to be a mirac(e o% the
boo/ma/er$s art-, began %ee(ing more and more #ncom%ortab(e 3ith the te&t that they 3o#(d
be #sing.
5o#(d they2 , inI#ired rather di%%ident(y2 be 3i((ing to #se my origina(2 #ntrimmed te&t:
As it t#rned o#t2 they 3o#(d.
And then it became more comp(icated2 as , rea(i1ed that2 o% co#rse2 a%ter , had trimmed
American Gods2 , had made other editoria( corrections and changes2 many o% 3hich 3ere %or
the better. So the on(y 3ay someone co#(d create a de%initi!e American Gods te&t 3o#(d be by
comparing my %ina(2 #nedited !ersion 3ith my %ina( edited !ersion2 and then 3ith the %ina(
printed !ersion Gbeca#se , had cheer%#((y scra3(ed changes on the ga((ey proo%s2 and D#st as
cheer%#((y not act#a((y bothered to /eep trac/ o% themH2 and then ma/ing a n#mber o%
D#dgment ca((s.
,t 3as going to be an enormo#s amo#nt o% 3or/. So , did the on(y sane thing #nder the
circ#mstances that , co#(d do: , sent se!era( enormo#s comp#ter %i(es and t3o copies o% the
boo/ Gthe "ng(ish and the American editionsH to Pete At/ins2 a(ong 3ith my (ist o% errors and
typos ,$d noticed since the boo/ 3as p#b(ished2 and , as/ed him to sort it o#t. 8e did2
e&ce((ent(y. hen , too/ the man#script that Pete had prepared and 3ent thro#gh it myse(%2
%i&ing things and tidying and sometimes restoring c#ts ,$d made %or a reason that 3asn$t D#st
ma/ing the boo/ shorter2 to come #p 3ith a %ina( !ersion o% the te&t that , 3as per%ect(y happy
3ith Ggi!en that a no!e( is a(3ays2 as , might ha!e mentioned2 a (ong piece o% prose 3ith
something 3rong 3ith itH.
8i(( 8o#se p#b(ished it in a (imited edition o% abo#t MNK copies Gdescribed as Aa mirac(e o% the
boo/ma/er$s artB and not by them this timeH. ,t 3as !ery e&pensi!e. ,$m grate%#( that my
p#b(ishers 3ere 3i((ing to p#b(ish the e&panded !ersion o% the boo/ on the tenth anni!ersary o%
its p#b(ication2 and in a m#ch (arger edition than MNK copies2 and %or a (ot (ess money. he
!ersion o% American Gods that yo# are ho(ding is abo#t t3e(!e tho#sand 3ords (onger than
the one that 3on a(( the a3ards2 and it$s the !ersion o% 3hich ,$m the most pro#d.
, 3o#(d (i/e to than/ Jenni%er 8ershey2 3ho 3as the boo/$s origina( editor2 Jenni%er Breh(2 3ho
mid3i%ed this edition to the 3or(d2 and abo!e a(( , 3o#(d (i/e to than/ Pete At/ins %or his he(p in
the preparation o% this man#script.
4a!eat2 and 5arning %or ra!e(ers
his is a 3or/ o% %iction2 not a g#ideboo/. 5hi(e the geography o% the Enited States o% America
in this ta(e is not entire(y imaginary-many o% the (andmar/s in this boo/ can be !isited2 paths
can be %o((o3ed2 3ays can be mapped-, ha!e ta/en (iberties. )e3er (iberties than yo# might
imagine2 b#t (iberties nonethe(ess.
Permission has neither been as/ed nor gi!en %or the #se o% rea( p(aces in this story 3hen they
appear2 , e&pect that the o3ners o% +oc/ 4ity or the 8o#se on the +oc/2 and the h#nters 3ho
o3n the mote( in the center o% America2 are as perp(e&ed as anyone 3o#(d be to %ind their
properties in here.
, ha!e obsc#red the (ocation o% se!era( o% the p(aces in this boo/: the to3n o% @a/eside2 %or
e&amp(e2 and the %arm 3ith the ash tree an ho#r so#th o% B(ac/sb#rg. 9o# may (oo/ %or them i%
yo# 3ish. 9o# might e!en %ind them.
)#rthermore2 it goes 3itho#t saying that a(( o% the peop(e2 (i!ing2 dead2 and other3ise2 in this
story are %ictiona( or #sed in a %ictiona( conte&t. *n(y the gods are rea(.
"pigraph*ne I#estion that has a(3ays intrig#ed me is 3hat happens to demonic beings 3hen
immigrants mo!e %rom their home(ands. ,rishCAmericans remember the %airies2 'or3egianC
Americans the nisser2 Gree/CAmericans the !ry/O(a/as2 b#t on(y in re(ation to e!ents
remembered in the *(d 4o#ntry. 5hen , once as/ed 3hy s#ch demons are not seen in America2
my in%ormants gigg(ed con%#sed(y and said Ahey$re scared to pass the ocean2 it$s too %ar2B
pointing o#t that 4hrist and the apost(es ne!er came to America.-+ichard Dorson2 AA heory
%or American )o(/(ore2B
American )o(/(ore and the 8istorian
GEni!ersity o% 4hicago Press2 ;<M;H
PA+ *'"
Shado3s
48AP"+ *'"
he bo#ndaries o% o#r co#ntry2 sir: 5hy sir2 onto the north 3e are bo#nded by the A#rora
Borea(is2 on the east 3e are bo#nded by the rising s#n2 on the so#th 3e are bo#nded by the
procession o% the "I#ino&es2 and on the 3est by the Day o% J#dgement.-8" A6"+,4A' J*" 6,@@"+$S
J"S B**.
Shado3 had done three years in prison. 8e 3as big eno#gh2 and (oo/ed don$tC%#c/C3ithCme
eno#gh that his biggest prob(em 3as /i((ing time. So he /ept himse(% in shape2 and ta#ght
himse(% coin tric/s2 and tho#ght a (ot abo#t ho3 m#ch he (o!ed his 3i%e.
he best thing-in Shado3$s opinion2 perhaps the on(y good thing-abo#t being in prison 3as a
%ee(ing o% re(ie%. he %ee(ing that he$d p(#nged as (o3 as he co#(d p(#nge and he$d hit bottom.
8e didn$t 3orry that the man 3as going to get him2 beca#se the man had got him. 8e did not
a3a/e in prison 3ith a %ee(ing o% dread? he 3as no (onger scared o% 3hat tomorro3 might bring2
beca#se yesterday had bro#ght it.
,t did not matter2 Shado3 decided2 i% yo# had done 3hat yo# had been con!icted o% or not. ,n
his e&perience e!eryone he met in prison 3as aggrie!ed abo#t something: there 3as a(3ays
something the a#thorities had got 3rong2 something they said yo# did 3hen yo# didn$t-or yo#
didn$t do I#ite (i/e they said yo# did. 5hat 3as important 3as that they had got yo#.
8e had noticed it in the %irst %e3 days2 3hen e!erything2 %rom the s(ang to the bad %ood2 3as
ne3. Despite the misery and the #tter s/inCcra3(ing horror o% incarceration2 he 3as breathing
re(ie%.
Shado3 tried not to ta(/ too m#ch. Some3here aro#nd the midd(e o% year t3o he mentioned
his theory to @o3 .ey @yesmith2 his ce((mate.
@o3 .ey2 3ho 3as a gri%ter %rom 6innesota2 smi(ed his scarred smi(e. A9eah2B he said. Ahat$s
tr#e. ,t$s e!en better 3hen yo#$!e been sentenced to death. hat$s 3hen yo# remember the
Do/es abo#t the g#ys 3ho /ic/ed their boots o%% as the noose %(ipped aro#nd their nec/s2
beca#se their %riends a(3ays to(d them they$d die 3ith their boots on.B
A,s that a Do/e:B as/ed Shado3.
ADamn right. Ga((o3s h#mor. Best /ind there is-bang2 the 3orst has happened. 9o# get a %e3
days %or it to sin/ in2 then yo#$re riding the cart on yo#r 3ay to do the dance on nothing.B
A5hen did they (ast hang a man in this state:B as/ed Shado3.
A8o3 the he(( sho#(d , /no3:B @yesmith /ept his orangeCb(ond hair pretty m#ch sha!ed. 9o#
co#(d see the (ines o% his s/#((. Ae(( yo# 3hat2 tho#gh. his co#ntry started going to he(( 3hen
they stopped hanging %o(/s. 'o ga((o3s dirt. 'o ga((o3s dea(s.B
Shado3 shr#gged. 8e co#(d see nothing romantic in a death sentence.
,% yo# didn$t ha!e a death sentence2 he decided2 then prison 3as2 at best2 on(y a temporary
reprie!e %rom (i%e2 %or t3o reasons. )irst2 (i%e creeps bac/ into prison. here are a(3ays p(aces to
go %#rther do3n2 e!en 3hen yo#$!e been ta/en o%% the board? (i%e goes on2 e!en i% it$s (i%e #nder
a microscope or (i%e in a cage. And second2 i% yo# D#st hang in there2 some day they$re going to
ha!e to (et yo# o#t.
,n the beginning it 3as too %ar a3ay %or Shado3 to %oc#s on. hen it became a distant beam o%
hope2 and he (earned ho3 to te(( himse(% Athis too sha(( passB 3hen the prison shit 3ent do3n2
as prison shit a(3ays did. *ne day the magic door 3o#(d open and he$d 3a(/ thro#gh it. So he
mar/ed o%% the days on his Songbirds o% 'orth America ca(endar2 3hich 3as the on(y ca(endar
they so(d in the prison commissary2 and the s#n 3ent do3n and he didn$t see it and the s#n
came #p and he didn$t see it. 8e practiced coin tric/s %rom a boo/ he %o#nd in the 3aste(and o%
the prison (ibrary? and he 3or/ed o#t? and he made (ists in his head o% 3hat he$d do 3hen he
got o#t o% prison.
Shado3$s (ists got shorter and shorter. A%ter t3o years he had it do3n to three things.
)irst2 he 3as going to ta/e a bath. A rea(2 (ong2 serio#s soa/2 in a t#b 3ith b#bb(es in it. 6aybe
read the paper2 maybe not. Some days he tho#ght one 3ay2 some days the other.
Second he 3as going to to3e( himse(% o%%2 p#t on a robe. 6aybe s(ippers. 8e (i/ed the idea o%
s(ippers. ,% he smo/ed he 3o#(d be smo/ing a pipe abo#t no32 b#t he didn$t smo/e. 8e 3o#(d
pic/ #p his 3i%e in his arms GAP#ppy2B she 3o#(d sI#ea( in moc/ horror and rea( de(ight2 A3hat
are yo# doing:BH. 8e 3o#(d carry her into the bedroom2 and c(ose the door. hey$d ca(( o#t %or
pi11as i% they got h#ngry.
hird2 a%ter he and @a#ra had come o#t o% the bedroom2 maybe a co#p(e o% days (ater2 he 3as
going to /eep his head do3n and stay o#t o% tro#b(e %or the rest o% his (i%e.
AAnd then yo#$(( be happy:B as/ed @o3 .ey @yesmith. hat day they 3ere 3or/ing in the prison
shop2 assemb(ing bird %eeders2 3hich 3as bare(y more interesting than stamping o#t (icense
p(ates.
A4a(( no man happy2B said Shado32 A#nti( he is dead.B
A8erodot#s2B said @o3 .ey. A8ey. 9o#$re (earning.B
A5ho the %#c/$s 8erodot#s:B as/ed the ,ceman2 s(otting together the sides o% a bird %eeder2 and
passing it to Shado32 3ho bo(ted and scre3ed it tight.
ADead Gree/2B said Shado3.
A6y (ast gir(%riend 3as Gree/2B said the ,ceman. Ahe shit her %ami(y ate. 9o# 3o#(d not be(ie!e.
@i/e rice 3rapped in (ea!es. Shit (i/e that.B
he ,ceman 3as the same si1e and shape as a 4o/e machine2 3ith b(#e eyes and hair so b(ond it
3as a(most 3hite. 8e had beaten the crap o#t o% some g#y 3ho had made the mista/e o%
copping a %ee( o%% his gir(%riend in the bar 3here she danced and the ,ceman bo#nced. he g#y$s
%riends had ca((ed the po(ice2 3ho arrested the ,ceman and ran a chec/ on him2 3hich re!ea(ed
that the ,ceman had 3a(/ed %rom a 3or/Cre(ease program eighteen months ear(ier.
ASo 3hat 3as , s#pposed to do:B as/ed the ,ceman2 aggrie!ed2 3hen he had to(d Shado3 the
3ho(e sad ta(e. A,$d to(d him she 3as my gir(%riend. 5as , s#pposed to (et him disrespect me (i/e
that: 5as ,: , mean2 he had his hands a(( o!er her.B
Shado3 had said something meaning(ess2 (i/e A9o# te(( $em2B and (e%t it at that. *ne thing he
had (earned ear(y2 yo# do yo#r o3n time in prison. 9o# don$t do anyone e(se$s time %or them.
.eep yo#r head do3n. Do yo#r o3n time.
@yesmith had (oaned Shado3 a battered paperbac/ copy o% 8erodot#s$s 8istories se!era(
months ear(ier. A,t$s not boring. ,t$s coo(2B he said2 3hen Shado3 protested that he didn$t read
boo/s. A+ead it %irst2 then te(( me it$s coo(.B
Shado3 had made a %ace2 b#t he had started to read2 and had %o#nd himse(% hoo/ed against his
3i((.
AGree/s2B said the ,ceman2 3ith disg#st. AAnd it ain$t tr#e 3hat they say abo#t them2 neither. ,
tried gi!ing it to my gir(%riend in the ass2 she a(most c(a3ed my eyes o#t.B
@yesmith 3as trans%erred one day2 3itho#t 3arning. 8e (e%t Shado3 his copy o% 8erodot#s 3ith
se!era( act#a( coins hidden in the pages: t3o I#arters2 a penny2 and a nic/e(. 4oins 3ere
contraband: yo# can sharpen the edges against a stone2 s(ice open someone$s %ace in a %ight.
Shado3 didn$t 3ant a 3eapon? Shado3 D#st 3anted something to do 3ith his hands.
Shado3 3as not s#perstitio#s. 8e did not be(ie!e in anything he co#(d not see. Sti((2 he co#(d
%ee( disaster ho!ering abo!e the prison in those %ina( 3ee/s2 D#st as he had %e(t it in the days
be%ore the robbery. here 3as a ho((o3ness in the pit o% his stomach2 3hich he to(d himse(% 3as
simp(y a %ear o% going bac/ to the 3or(d on the o#tside. B#t he co#(d not be s#re. 8e 3as more
paranoid than #s#a(2 and in prison #s#a( is !ery2 and is a s#r!i!a( s/i((. Shado3 became more
I#iet2 more shado3y2 than e!er. 8e %o#nd himse(% 3atching the body (ang#age o% the g#ards2
o% the other inmates2 searching %or a c(#e to the bad thing that 3as going to happen2 as he 3as
certain that it 3o#(d.
A month be%ore he 3as d#e to be re(eased. Shado3 sat in a chi((y o%%ice2 %acing a short man
3ith a portC3ine birthmar/ on his %orehead. hey sat across a des/ %rom each other? the man
had Shado3$s %i(e open in %ront o% him2 and 3as ho(ding a ba((point pen. he end o% the pen 3as
bad(y che3ed.
A9o# co(d2 Shado3:B
A9es2B said Shado3. AA (itt(e.B
he man shr#gged. Ahat$s the system2B he said. A)#rnaces don$t go on #nti( December the %irst.
hen they go o%% 6arch the %irst. , don$t ma/e the r#(es.B Socia( niceties done 3ith2 he ran his
%ore%inger do3n the sheet o% paper stap(ed to the insideC(e%t o% the %o(der. A9o#$re thirtyCt3o
years o(d:B
A9es2 sir.B
A9o# (oo/ yo#nger.B
A4(ean (i!ing.B
ASays here yo#$!e been a mode( inmate.B
A, (earned my (esson2 sir.B
ADid yo#: Did yo# rea((y:B 8e (oo/ed at Shado3 intent(y2 the birthmar/ on his %orehead
(o3ering. Shado3 tho#ght abo#t te((ing the man some o% his theories abo#t prison2 b#t he said
nothing. 8e nodded2 instead2 and concentrated on appearing proper(y remorse%#(.
ASays here yo#$!e got a 3i%e2 Shado3.B
A8er name$s @a#ra.B
A8o3$s e!erything there:B
APretty good. She got /ind o% mad at me 3hen , 3as arrested. B#t she$s come do3n to see me
as m#ch as she co#(d-it$s a (ong 3ay to tra!e(. 5e 3rite and , ca(( her 3hen , can.B
A5hat does yo#r 3i%e do:B
AShe$s a tra!e( agent. Sends peop(e a(( o!er the 3or(d.B
A8o3$d yo# meet her:B
Shado3 co#(d not decide 3hy the man 3as as/ing. 8e considered te((ing him it 3as none o% his
b#siness2 then said2 AShe 3as my best b#ddy$s 3i%e$s best %riend. hey set #s #p on a b(ind date.
5e hit it o%%.B
AAnd yo#$!e got a Dob 3aiting %or yo#:B
A9essir. 6y b#ddy2 +obbie2 the one , D#st to(d yo# abo#t2 he o3ns the 6#sc(e )arm2 the p(ace ,
#sed to train. 8e says my o(d Dob is 3aiting %or me.B
An eyebro3 raised. A+ea((y:B
ASays he %ig#res ,$(( be a big dra3. Bring bac/ some o(dCtimers2 and p#(( in the to#gh cro3d 3ho
3ant to be to#gher.B
he man seemed satis%ied. 8e che3ed the end o% his ba((point pen2 then t#rned o!er the sheet
o% paper.
A8o3 do yo# %ee( abo#t yo#r o%%ense:B
Shado3 shr#gged. A, 3as st#pid2B he said2 and meant it.
he man 3ith the birthmar/ sighed. 8e tic/ed o%% a n#mber o% items on a chec/(ist. hen he
ri%%(ed thro#gh the papers in Shado3$s %i(e. A8o3$re yo# getting home %rom here:B he as/ed.
AGreyho#nd:B
A)(ying home. ,t$s good to ha!e a 3i%e 3ho$s a tra!e( agent.B
he man %ro3ned2 and the birthmar/ creased. AShe sent yo# a tic/et:B
ADidn$t need to. J#st sent me a con%irmation n#mber. "(ectronic tic/et. A(( , ha!e to do is t#rn
#p at the airport in a month and sho3 $em my ,D2 and ,$m o#tta here.B
he man nodded2 scribb(ed one %ina( note2 then he c(osed the %i(e and p#t do3n the ba((point
pen. 3o pa(e hands rested on the gray des/ (i/e pin/ anima(s. 8e bro#ght his hands c(ose
together2 made a steep(e o% his %ore%ingers2 and stared at Shado3 3ith 3atery ha1e( eyes.
A9o#$re (#c/y2B he said. A9o# ha!e someone to go bac/ to2 yo# got a Dob 3aiting. 9o# can p#t a((
this behind yo#. 9o# got a second chance. 6a/e the most o% it.B
he man did not o%%er to sha/e Shado3$s hand as he rose to (ea!e2 nor did Shado3 e&pect him
to.
he (ast 3ee/ 3as the 3orst. ,n some 3ays it 3as 3orse than the 3ho(e three years p#t
together. Shado3 3ondered i% it 3as the 3eather: oppressi!e2 sti(( and co(d. ,t %e(t as i% a storm
3as on the 3ay2 b#t the storm ne!er came. 8e had the Ditters and the heebieCDeebies2 a %ee(ing
deep in his stomach that something 3as entire(y 3rong. ,n the e&ercise yard the 3ind g#sted.
Shado3 imagined that he co#(d sme(( sno3 on the air.
8e ca((ed his 3i%e co((ect. Shado3 /ne3 that the phone companies 3hac/ed a threeCdo((ar
s#rcharge on e!ery ca(( made %rom a prison phone. hat$s 3hy operators are a(3ays rea( po(ite
to peop(e ca((ing %rom prisons2 Shado3 had decided: they /ne3 that he paid their 3ages.
ASomething %ee(s 3eird2B he to(d @a#ra. hat 3asn$t the %irst thing he said to her. he %irst thing
3as A, (o!e yo#2B beca#se it$s a good thing to say i% yo# can mean it2 and Shado3 did.
A8e((o2B said @a#ra. A, (o!e yo# too. 5hat %ee(s 3eird:B
A, don$t /no32B he said. A6aybe the 3eather. ,t %ee(s (i/e i% 3e co#(d on(y get a storm2
e!erything 3o#(d be o/ay.B
A,t$s nice here2B she said. Ahe (ast o% the (ea!es ha!en$t I#ite %a((en. ,% 3e don$t get a storm2
yo#$(( be ab(e to see them 3hen yo# get home.B
A)i!e days2B said Shado3.
AA h#ndred and t3enty ho#rs2 and then yo# come home2B she said.
A"!erything o/ay there: 'othing 3rong:B
A"!erything$s %ine. ,$m seeing +obbie tonight. 5e$re p(anning yo#r s#rprise 3e(comeChome
party.B
AS#rprise party:B
A*% co#rse. 9o# don$t /no3 anything abo#t it2 do yo#:B
A'ot a thing.B
Ahat$s my h#sband2B she said. Shado3 rea(i1ed that he 3as smi(ing. 8e had been inside %or
three years2 b#t she co#(d sti(( ma/e him smi(e.
A@o!e yo#2 babes2B said Shado3.
A@o!e yo#2 p#ppy2B said @a#ra.
Shado3 p#t do3n the phone.
5hen they got married @a#ra to(d Shado3 that she 3anted a p#ppy2 b#t their (and(ord had
pointed o#t they 3eren$t a((o3ed pets #nder the terms o% their (ease. A8ey2B Shado3 had said2
A,$(( be yo#r p#ppy. 5hat do yo# 3ant me to do: 4he3 yo#r s(ippers: Piss on the /itchen %(oor:
@ic/ yo#r nose: Sni%% yo#r crotch: , bet there$s nothing a p#ppy can do , can$t doPB And he
pic/ed her #p as i% she 3eighed nothing at a((2 and began to (ic/ her nose 3hi(e she gigg(ed and
shrie/ed2 and then he carried her to the bed.
,n the %ood ha(( Sam )etisher sid(ed o!er to Shado3 and smi(ed2 sho3ing his o(d teeth. 8e sat
do3n beside Shado3 and began to eat his macaroni and cheese.
A5e got to ta(/2B said Sam )etisher.
Sam )etisher 3as one o% the b(ac/est men that Shado3 had e!er seen. 8e might ha!e been
si&ty. 8e might ha!e been eighty. hen again2 Shado3 had met thirtyCyearCo(d crac/ heads 3ho
(oo/ed o(der than Sam )etisher.
A6m:B said Shado3.
AStorm$s on the 3ay2B said Sam.
A)ee(s (i/e it2B said Shado3. A6aybe it$(( sno3 soon.B
A'ot that /ind o% storm. Bigger storms than that coming. , te(( yo#2 boy2 yo#$re better o%% in here
than o#t on the street 3hen the big storm comes.B
ADone my time2B said Shado3. A)riday2 ,$m gone.B
Sam )etisher stared at Shado3. A5here yo# %rom:B he as/ed.
A"ag(e Point. ,ndiana.B
A9o#$re a (ying %#c/2B said Sam )etisher. A, mean origina((y. 5here are yo#r %o(/s %rom:B
A4hicago2B said Shado3. 8is mother had (i!ed in 4hicago as a gir(2 and she had died there2 ha(% a
(i%etime ago.
A@i/e , said. Big storm coming. .eep yo#r head do3n2 Shado3Cboy. ,t$s (i/eQ3hat do they ca((
those things continents ride aro#nd on: Some /ind o% p(ates:B
Aectonic p(ates:B Shado3 ha1arded.
Ahat$s it. ectonic p(ates. ,t$s (i/e 3hen they go riding2 3hen 'orth America goes s/idding into
So#th America2 yo# don$t 3ant to be in the midd(e. 9o# dig me:B
A'ot e!en a (itt(e.B
*ne bro3n eye c(osed in a s(o3 3in/. A8e((2 don$t say , didn$t 3arn yo#2B said Sam )etisher2 and
he spooned a tremb(ing (#mp o% orange Je((C* into his mo#th.
Shado3 spent the night ha(%Ca3a/e2 dri%ting in and o#t o% s(eep2 (istening to his ne3 ce((mate
gr#nt and snore in the b#n/ be(o3 him. Se!era( ce((s a3ay a man 3hined and ho3(ed and
sobbed (i/e an anima(2 and %rom time to time someone 3o#(d scream at him to sh#t the %#c/
#p. Shado3 tried not to hear. 8e (et the empty min#tes 3ash o!er him2 (one(y and s(o3.
3o days to go. )ortyCeight ho#rs2 starting 3ith oatmea( and prison co%%ee and a g#ard named
5i(son 3ho tapped Shado3 harder than he had to on the sho#(der and said2 AShado3: his
3ay.B
Shado3 chec/ed his conscience. ,t 3as I#iet2 3hich did not2 he had obser!ed2 in a prison2 mean
that he 3as not in deep shit. he t3o men 3a(/ed more or (ess side by side2 %eet echoing on
meta( and concrete.
Shado3 tasted %ear in the bac/ o% his throat2 bitter as o(d co%%ee. he bad thing 3as happeningQ
here 3as a !oice in the bac/ o% his head 3hispering that they 3ere going to s(ap another year
onto his sentence2 drop him into so(itary2 c#t o%% his hands2 c#t o%% his head. 8e to(d himse(% he
3as being st#pid2 b#t his heart 3as po#nding %it to b#rst o#t o% his chest.
A, don$t get yo#2 Shado32B said 5i(son2 as they 3a(/ed.
A5hat$s not to get2 sir:B
A9o#. 9o#$re too %#c/ing I#iet. oo po(ite. 9o# 3ait (i/e the o(d g#ys2 b#t yo#$re 3hat: 3entyC
%i!e: 3entyCeight:B
AhirtyCt3o2 sir.B
AAnd 3hat are yo#: A spic: A gypsy:B
A'ot that , /no3 o%2 sir. 6aybe.B
A6aybe yo# got nigger b(ood in yo#. 9o# got nigger b(ood in yo#2 Shado3:B
A4o#(d be2 sir.B Shado3 stood ta(( and (oo/ed straight ahead2 and concentrated on not a((o3ing
himse(% to be ri(ed by this man.
A9eah: 5e((2 a(( , /no3 is2 yo# %#c/ing spoo/ me.B 5i(son had sandy b(ond hair and a sandy
b(ond %ace and a sandy b(ond smi(e. A9o# (ea!ing #s soon:B
A8ope so2 sir.B
A9o#$(( be bac/. , can see it in yo#r eyes. 9o#$re a %#c/#p2 Shado3. 'o32 i% , had my 3ay2 none
o% yo# assho(es 3o#(d e!er get o#t. 5e$d drop yo# in the ho(e and %orget yo#.B
*#b(iettes2 tho#ght Shado32 and he said nothing. ,t 3as a s#r!i!a( thing: he didn$t ans3er bac/2
didn$t say anything abo#t Dob sec#rity %or prison g#ards2 debate the nat#re o% repentance2
rehabi(itation2 or rates o% recidi!ism. 8e didn$t say anything %#nny or c(e!er2 and2 to be on the
sa%e side2 3hen he 3as ta(/ing to a prison o%%icia(2 3hene!er possib(e2 he didn$t say anything at
a((. Spea/ 3hen yo#$re spo/en to. Do yo#r o3n time. Get o#t. Get home. 8a!e a (ong hot bath.
e(( @a#ra yo# (o!e her. +eb#i(d a (i%e.
hey 3a(/ed thro#gh a co#p(e o% chec/points. 5i(son sho3ed his ,D each time. Ep a set o%
stairs2 and they 3ere standing o#tside the prison 3arden$s o%%ice. Shado3 had ne!er been
there be%ore2 b#t he /ne3 3hat it 3as. ,t had the prison 3arden$s name-G. Patterson-on the
door in b(ac/ (etters2 and beside the door2 a miniat#re tra%%ic (ight.
he top (ight b#rned red.
5i(son pressed a b#tton be(o3 the tra%%ic (ight.
hey stood there in si(ence %or a co#p(e o% min#tes. Shado3 tried to te(( himse(% that e!erything
3as a(( right2 that on )riday morning he$d be on the p(ane #p to "ag(e Point2 b#t he did not
be(ie!e it himse(%.
he red (ight 3ent o#t and the green (ight 3ent on2 and 5i(son opened the door. hey 3ent
inside.
Shado3 had seen the 3arden a hand%#( o% times in the (ast three years. *nce he had been
sho3ing a po(itician aro#nd? Shado3 had not recogni1ed the man. *nce2 d#ring a (oc/Cdo3n2
the 3arden had spo/en to them in gro#ps o% a h#ndred2 te((ing them that the prison 3as o!erC
cro3ded2 and that2 since it 3o#(d remain o!ercro3ded2 they had better get #sed to it. his 3as
Shado3$s %irst time #p c(ose to the man.
Ep c(ose2 Patterson (oo/ed 3orse. 8is %ace 3as ob(ong2 3ith gray hair c#t into a mi(itary brist(e
c#t. 8e sme((ed o% *(d Spice. Behind him 3as a she(% o% boo/s2 each 3ith the 3ord prison in the
tit(e? his des/ 3as per%ect(y c(ean2 empty b#t %or a te(ephone and a tearCo%%CtheCpages )ar Side
ca(endar. 8e had a hearing aid in his right ear.
AP(ease2 sit do3n.B
Shado3 sat do3n at the des/2 noting the ci!i(ity.
5i(son stood behind him.
he 3arden opened a des/ dra3er and too/ o#t a %i(e2 p(aced it on his des/.
ASays here yo# 3ere sentenced to si& years %or aggra!ated assa#(t and battery. 9o#$!e ser!ed
three years. 9o# 3ere d#e to be re(eased on )riday.B
5ere: Shado3 %e(t his stomach (#rch inside him. 8e 3ondered ho3 m#ch (onger he 3as going
to ha!e to ser!e-another year: 3o years: A(( three: A(( he said 3as A9es2 sir.B
he 3arden (ic/ed his (ips. A5hat did yo# say:B
A, said2 R9es2 sir.$B
AShado32 3e$re going to be re(easing yo# (ater this a%ternoon. 9o#$(( be getting o#t a co#p(e o%
days ear(y.B he 3arden said this 3ith no Doy2 as i% he 3ere intoning a death sentence. Shado3
nodded2 and he 3aited %or the other shoe to drop. he 3arden (oo/ed do3n at the paper on his
des/. Ahis came %rom the Johnson 6emoria( 8ospita( in "ag(e PointQ9o#r 3i%e. She died in the
ear(y ho#rs o% this morning. ,t 3as an a#tomobi(e accident. ,$m sorry.B
Shado3 nodded once more.
5i(son 3a(/ed him bac/ to his ce((2 not saying anything. 8e #n(oc/ed the ce(( door and (et
Shado3 in. hen he said2 A,t$s (i/e one o% them goodCne3s2 badCne3s Do/es2 isn$t it: Good ne3s2
3e$re (etting yo# o#t ear(y2 bad ne3s2 yo#r 3i%e is dead.B 8e (a#ghed2 as i% it 3ere gen#ine(y
%#nny.
Shado3 said nothing at a((.
'#mb(y2 he pac/ed #p his possessions2 ga!e se!era( a3ay. 8e (e%t behind @o3 .ey$s 8erodot#s
and the boo/ o% coin tric/s2 and2 3ith a momentary pang2 he abandoned the b(an/ meta( dis/s
he had sm#gg(ed o#t o% the 3or/shop 3hich had2 #nti( he had %o#nd @o3 .ey$s change in the
boo/2 ser!ed him %or coins. here 3o#(d be coins2 rea( coins2 on the o#tside. 8e sha!ed. 8e
dressed in ci!i(ian c(othes. 8e 3a(/ed thro#gh door a%ter door2 /no3ing that he 3o#(d ne!er
3a(/ bac/ thro#gh them again2 %ee(ing empty inside.
he rain had started to g#st %rom the gray s/y2 a %ree1ing rain. Pe((ets o% ice st#ng Shado3$s
%ace2 3hi(e the rain soa/ed the thin o!ercoat as they 3a(/ed a3ay %rom the prison b#i(ding2
to3ard the ye((o3 e&Sschoo( b#s that 3o#(d ta/e them to the nearest city.
By the time they got to the b#s they 3ere soa/ed. "ight o% them 3ere (ea!ing2 Shado3 tho#ght.
)i%teen h#ndred sti(( inside. 8e sat on the b#s and shi!ered #nti( the heaters started 3or/ing2
3ondering 3hat he 3as doing2 3here he 3as going no3.
Ghost images %i((ed his head2 #nbidden. ,n his imagination he 3as (ea!ing another prison2 (ong
ago.
8e had been imprisoned in a (ight(ess garret room %or %ar too (ong: his beard 3as 3i(d and his
hair 3as a tang(e. he g#ards had 3a(/ed him do3n a gray stone stair3ay and o#t into a p(a1a
%i((ed 3ith bright(y co(ored things2 3ith peop(e and 3ith obDects. ,t 3as a mar/et day and he 3as
da11(ed by the noise and the co(or2 sI#inting at the s#n(ight that %i((ed the sI#are2 sme((ing the
sa(tC3et air and a(( the good things o% the mar/et2 and on his (e%t the s#n g(ittered %rom the
3aterQ.
he b#s sh#ddered to a ha(t at a red (ight.
he 3ind ho3(ed abo#t the b#s2 and the 3ipers s(ooshed hea!i(y bac/ and %orth across the
3indshie(d2 smearing the city into a red and ye((o3 neon 3etness. ,t 3as ear(y a%ternoon2 b#t it
(oo/ed (i/e night thro#gh the g(ass.
AShit2B said the man in the seat behind Shado32 r#bbing the condensation %rom the 3indo3
3ith his hand2 staring at a 3et %ig#re h#rrying do3n the side3a(/. Ahere$s p#ssy o#t there.B
Shado3 s3a((o3ed. ,t occ#rred to him that he had not cried yet-had in %act %e(t nothing at a((.
'o tears. 'o sorro3. 'othing.
8e %o#nd himse(% thin/ing abo#t a g#y named Johnnie @arch he$d shared a ce(( 3ith 3hen he$d
%irst been p#t inside2 3ho to(d Shado3 ho3 he$d once got o#t a%ter %i!e years behind bars2 3ith
T;KK and a tic/et to Seatt(e2 3here his sister (i!ed.
Johnnie @arch had got to the airport2 and he handed his tic/et to the 3oman on the co#nter2
and she as/ed to see his dri!er$s (icense.
8e sho3ed it to her. ,t had e&pired a co#p(e o% years ear(ier. She to(d him it 3as not !a(id as ,D.
8e to(d her it might not be !a(id as a dri!er$s (icense2 b#t it s#re as he(( 3as %ine identi%ication2
and it had a photo o% him on it2 and his height and his 3eight2 and damn it2 3ho e(se did she
thin/ he 3as2 i% he 3asn$t him:
She said she$d than/ him to /eep his !oice do3n.
8e to(d her to gi!e him a %#c/ing boarding pass2 or she 3as going to regret it2 and that he 3asn$t
going to be disrespected. 9o# don$t (et peop(e disrespect yo# in prison.
hen she pressed a b#tton2 and a %e3 moments (ater the airport sec#rity sho3ed #p2 and they
tried to pers#ade Johnnie @arch to (ea!e the airport I#iet(y2 and he did not 3ish to (ea!e2 and
there 3as something o% an a(tercation.
he #pshot o% it a(( 3as that Johnnie @arch ne!er act#a((y made it to Seatt(e2 and he spent the
ne&t co#p(e o% days in to3n in bars2 and 3hen his T;KK 3as gone he he(d #p a gas station 3ith a
toy g#n %or money to /eep drin/ing2 and the po(ice %ina((y pic/ed him #p %or pissing in the
street. Pretty soon he 3as bac/ inside ser!ing the rest o% his sentence and a (itt(e e&tra %or the
gas station Dob.
And the mora( o% this story2 according to Johnnie @arch2 3as this: don$t piss o%% peop(e 3ho
3or/ in airports.
AAre yo# s#re it$s not something (i/e R/inds o% beha!ior that 3or/ in a specia(i1ed en!ironment2
s#ch as a prison2 can %ai( to 3or/ and in %act become harm%#( 3hen #sed o#tside s#ch an
en!ironment$:B said Shado32 3hen Johnnie @arch to(d him the story.
A'o2 (isten to me2 ,$m te((ing yo#2 man2B said Johnnie @arch2 Adon$t piss o%% those bitches in
airports.B
Shado3 ha(%Csmi(ed at the memory. 8is o3n dri!er$s (icense had se!era( months sti(( to go
be%ore it e&pired.
AB#s stationP "!erybody o#tPB
he b#i(ding stan/ o% piss and so#r beer. Shado3 c(imbed into a ta&i and to(d the dri!er to ta/e
him to the airport. 8e to(d him that there 3as an e&tra %i!e do((ars i% he co#(d do it in si(ence.
hey made it in t3enty min#tes and the dri!er ne!er said a 3ord.
hen Shado3 3as st#mb(ing thro#gh the bright(y (it airport termina(. Shado3 3orried abo#t
the 3ho(e eCtic/et b#siness. 8e /ne3 he had a tic/et %or a %(ight on )riday2 b#t he didn$t /no3 i%
it 3o#(d 3or/ today. Anything e(ectronic seemed %#ndamenta((y magica( to Shado32 and (iab(e
to e!aporate at any moment. 8e (i/ed things he co#(d ho(d and to#ch.
Sti((2 he had his 3a((et2 bac/ in his possession %or the %irst time in three years2 containing se!era(
e&pired credit cards and one Fisa card 3hich2 he 3as p(easant(y s#rprised to disco!er2 didn$t
e&pire #nti( the end o% Jan#ary. 8e had a reser!ation n#mber. And2 he rea(i1ed2 he had the
certainty that once he got home e!erything 3o#(d2 someho32 be right once more. @a#ra 3o#(d
be %ine again. 6aybe it 3as some /ind o% scam to spring him a %e3 days ear(y. *r perhaps it 3as
a simp(e mi&C#p: some other @a#ra 6oon$s body had been dragged %rom the high3ay 3rec/age.
@ightning %(ic/ered o#tside the airport2 thro#gh the 3indo3sC3a((s. Shado3 rea(i1ed he 3as
ho(ding his breath2 3aiting %or something. A distant boom o% th#nder. 8e e&ha(ed.
A tired 3hite 3oman stared at him %rom behind the co#nter.
A8e((o2B said Shado3. 9o#$re the %irst strange 3oman ,$!e spo/en to2 in the %(esh2 in three years.
A,$!e got an eCtic/et n#mber. , 3as s#pposed to be tra!e(ing on )riday b#t , ha!e to go today.
here 3as a death in my %ami(y.B
A6m. ,$m sorry to hear that.B She tapped at the /eyboard2 stared at the screen2 tapped again.
A'o prob(em. ,$!e p#t yo# on the three thirty. ,t may be de(ayed2 beca#se o% the storm2 so /eep
an eye on the screens. 4hec/ing any baggage:B
8e he(d #p a sho#(der bag. A, don$t need to chec/ this2 do ,:B
A'o2B she said. A,t$s %ine. Do yo# ha!e any pict#re ,D:B
Shado3 sho3ed her his dri!er$s (icense. hen he ass#red her that no one had gi!en him a bomb
to ta/e onto the p(ane2 and she2 in ret#rn2 ga!e him a printed boarding pass. hen he passed
thro#gh the meta( detector 3hi(e his bag 3ent thro#gh the UCray machine.
,t 3as not a big airport2 b#t the n#mber o% peop(e 3andering2 D#st 3andering2 ama1ed him. 8e
3atched peop(e p#t do3n bags cas#a((y2 obser!ed 3a((ets st#%%ed into bac/ poc/ets2 sa3 p#rses
p#t do3n2 #n3atched2 #nder chairs. hat 3as 3hen he rea(i1ed he 3as no (onger in prison.
hirty min#tes to 3ait #nti( boarding. Shado3 bo#ght a s(ice o% pi11a and b#rned his (ip on the
hot cheese. 8e too/ his change and 3ent to the phones. 4a((ed +obbie at the 6#sc(e )arm2 b#t
the machine ans3ered.
A8ey2 +obbie2B said Shado3. Ahey te(( me that @a#ra$s dead. hey (et me o#t ear(y. ,$m coming
home.B
hen2 beca#se peop(e do ma/e mista/es2 he$d seen it happen2 he ca((ed home2 and (istened to
@a#ra$s !oice.
A8i2B she said. A,$m not here or , can$t come to the phone. @ea!e a message and ,$(( get bac/ to
yo#. And ha!e a good day.B
Shado3 co#(dn$t bring himse(% to (ea!e a message.
8e sat in a p(astic chair by the gate2 and he(d his bag so tight he h#rt his hand.
8e 3as thin/ing abo#t the %irst time he had e!er seen @a#ra. 8e hadn$t e!en /no3n her name
then. She 3as A#drey B#rton$s %riend. 8e had been sitting 3ith +obbie in a booth at 4hiC4hi$s2
ta(/ing abo#t something2 probab(y ho3 one o% the other trainers had D#st anno#nced she 3as
opening her o3n dance st#dio2 3hen @a#ra had 3a(/ed in a pace or so behind A#drey2 and
Shado3 had %o#nd himse(% staring. She had (ong2 chestn#t hair and eyes so b(#e Shado3
mista/en(y tho#ght she 3as 3earing tinted contact (enses. She had ordered a stra3berry
daiI#iri2 and insisted that Shado3 taste it2 and (a#ghed de(ighted(y 3hen he did.
@a#ra (o!ed peop(e to taste 3hat she tasted.
8e had /issed her good night2 that night2 and she had tasted o% stra3berry daiI#iris2 and he had
ne!er 3anted to /iss anyone e(se again. A 3oman anno#nced that his p(ane 3as boarding2 and
Shado3$s ro3 3as the %irst to be ca((ed. 8e 3as in the !ery bac/2 an empty seat beside him. he
rain pattered contin#a((y against the side o% the p(ane: he imagined sma(( chi(dren tossing do3n
dried peas by the hand%#( %rom the s/ies.
As the p(ane too/ o%% he %e(( as(eep.
Shado3 3as in a dar/ p(ace2 and the thing staring at him 3ore a b#%%a(o$s head2 ran/ and %#rry
3ith h#ge 3et eyes. ,ts body 3as a man$s body2 oi(ed and s(ic/.
A4hanges are coming2B said the b#%%a(o 3itho#t mo!ing its (ips. Ahere are certain decisions
that 3i(( ha!e to be made.B
)ire(ight %(ic/ered %rom 3et ca!e 3a((s.
A5here am ,:B Shado3 as/ed.
A,n the earth and #nder the earth2B said the b#%%a(o man. A9o# are 3here the %orgotten 3ait.B
8is eyes 3ere (iI#id b(ac/ marb(es2 and his !oice 3as a r#mb(e %rom beneath the 3or(d. 8e
sme((ed (i/e 3et co3. ABe(ie!e2B said the r#mb(ing !oice. A,% yo# are to s#r!i!e2 yo# m#st
be(ie!e.B
ABe(ie!e 3hat:B as/ed Shado3. A5hat sho#(d , be(ie!e:B
8e stared at Shado32 the b#%%a(o man2 and he dre3 himse(% #p h#ge2 and his eyes %i((ed 3ith
%ire. 8e opened his spitC%(ec/ed b#%%a(o mo#th and it 3as red inside 3ith the %(ames that b#rned
inside him2 #nder the earth.
A"!erything2B roared the b#%%a(o man.
he 3or(d tipped and sp#n2 and Shado3 3as on the p(ane once more? b#t the tipping
contin#ed. ,n the %ront o% the p(ane a 3oman screamed2 ha(%Chearted(y.
@ightning b#rst in b(inding %(ashes aro#nd the p(ane. he captain came on the intercom to te((
them that he 3as going to try and gain some a(tit#de2 to get a3ay %rom the storm.
he p(ane shoo/ and sh#ddered2 and Shado3 3ondered2 co(d(y and id(y2 i% he 3as going to die.
,t seemed possib(e2 he decided2 b#t #n(i/e(y. 8e stared o#t o% the 3indo3 and 3atched the
(ightning i((#minate the hori1on.
hen he do1ed once more2 and dreamed he 3as bac/ in prison2 and @o3 .ey had 3hispered to
him in the %ood (ine that someone had p#t o#t a contract on his (i%e2 b#t that Shado3 co#(d not
%ind o#t 3ho or 3hy? and 3hen he 3o/e #p they 3ere coming in %or a (anding.
8e st#mb(ed o%% the p(ane2 b(in/ing and 3a/ing.
A(( airports2 he had (ong ago decided2 (oo/ !ery m#ch the same. ,t doesn$t act#a((y matter
3here yo# are2 yo# are in an airport: ti(es and 3a(/3ays and restrooms2 gates and ne3sstands
and %(#orescent (ights. his airport (oo/ed (i/e an airport. he tro#b(e is2 this 3asn$t the airport
he 3as going to. his 3as a big airport2 3ith 3ay too many peop(e2 and 3ay too many gates.
he peop(e had the g(a1ed2 beaten (oo/ yo# on(y see in airports and prisons. ,% 8e(( is other
peop(e2 tho#ght Shado32 then P#rgatory is airports.
A"&c#se me2 ma$am:B
he 3oman (oo/ed at him o!er the c(ipboard. A9es:B
A5hat airport is this:B
She (oo/ed at him2 p#11(ed2 trying to decide 3hether or not he 3as Do/ing2 then she said2 ASt.
@o#is.B
A, tho#ght this 3as the p(ane to "ag(e Point.B
A,t 3as. hey redirected it here beca#se o% the storms. Didn$t they ma/e an anno#ncement:B
AProbab(y. , %e(( as(eep.B
A9o#$(( need to ta(/ to that man o!er there2 in the red coat.B
he man 3as a(most as ta(( as Shado3: he (oo/ed (i/e the %ather %rom a se!enties sitcom2 and
he tapped something into a comp#ter and to(d Shado3 to r#n-r#nP-to a gate on the %ar side
o% the termina(.
Shado3 ran thro#gh the airport2 b#t the doors 3ere a(ready c(osed 3hen he got to the gate. 8e
3atched the p(ane p#(( a3ay %rom the gate2 thro#gh the p(ate g(ass. hen he e&p(ained his
prob(em to the gate attendant Gca(m(y2 I#iet(y2 po(ite(yH and she sent him to a passenger
assistance des/2 3here Shado3 e&p(ained that he 3as on his 3ay home a%ter a (ong absence
and his 3i%e had D#st been /i((ed in a road accident2 and that it 3as !ita((y important that he
3ent home no3. 8e said nothing abo#t prison.
he 3oman at the passenger assistance des/ Gshort and bro3n2 3ith a mo(e on the side o% her
noseH cons#(ted 3ith another 3oman and made a phone ca(( GA'ope2 that one$s o#t. hey$!e
D#st cance((ed itBH then she printed o#t another boarding card. Ahis 3i(( get yo# there2B she to(d
him. A5e$(( ca(( ahead to the gate and te(( them yo#$re coming.B
Shado3 %e(t (i/e a pea being %(ic/ed bet3een three c#ps2 or a card being sh#%%(ed thro#gh a
dec/. Again he ran thro#gh the airport2 ending #p near 3here he had gotten o%% in the %irst
p(ace.
A sma(( man at the gate too/ his boarding pass. A5e$!e been 3aiting %or yo#2B he con%ided2
tearing o%% the st#b o% the boarding pass2 3ith Shado3$s seat assignment-;MCD-on it. Shado3
h#rried onto the p(ane2 and they c(osed the door behind him.
8e 3a(/ed thro#gh %irst c(ass-there 3ere on(y %o#r %irstCc(ass seats2 three o% 3hich 3ere
occ#pied. he bearded man in a pa(e s#it seated ne&t to the #nocc#pied seat at the !ery %ront
grinned at Shado3 as he got onto the p(ane2 then raised his 3rist and tapped his 3atch as
Shado3 3a(/ed past.
9eah2 yeah2 ,$m ma/ing yo# (ate2 tho#ght Shado3. @et that be the 3orst o% yo#r 3orries.
he p(ane seemed pretty %#((2 as he made his 3ay do3n to3ard the bac/. Act#a((y2 Shado3
I#ic/(y disco!ered2 it 3as comp(ete(y %#((2 and there 3as a midd(eCaged 3oman sitting in seat
;MCD. Shado3 sho3ed her his boarding card st#b2 and she sho3ed him hers: they matched.
A4an yo# ta/e yo#r seat2 p(ease:B as/ed the %(ight attendant.
A'o2B he said2 A,$m a%raid , can$t. his (ady is sitting in it.B
She c(ic/ed her tong#e and chec/ed their boarding cards2 then she (ed him bac/ #p to the %ront
o% the p(ane2 and pointed him to the empty seat in %irst c(ass. A@oo/s (i/e it$s yo#r (#c/y day2B
she to(d him.
Shado3 sat do3n. A4an , bring yo# something to drin/:B she as/ed him. A5e$(( D#st ha!e time
be%ore 3e ta/e o%%. And ,$m s#re yo# need one a%ter that.B
A,$d (i/e a beer2 p(ease2B said Shado3. A5hate!er yo#$!e got.B
he %(ight attendant 3ent a3ay.
he man in the pa(e s#it in the seat beside Shado3 p#t o#t his arm and tapped his 3atch 3ith
his %ingernai(. ,t 3as a b(ac/ +o(e&. A9o#$re (ate2B said the man2 and he grinned a h#ge grin 3ith
no 3armth in it at a((.
ASorry:B
A, said2 yo#$re (ate.B
he %(ight attendant handed Shado3 a g(ass o% beer. 8e sipped it. )or one moment2 he
3ondered i% the man 3as cra1y2 and then he decided he m#st ha!e been re%erring to the p(ane2
3aiting %or one (ast passenger.
ASorry i% , he(d yo# #p2B he said2 po(ite(y. A9o# in a h#rry:B
he p(ane bac/ed a3ay %rom the gate. he %(ight attendant came bac/ and too/ a3ay Shado3$s
beer2 ha(%C%inished. he man in the pa(e s#it grinned at her and said2 ADon$t 3orry2 ,$(( ho(d on to
this tight(y2B and she (et him /eep his g(ass o% Jac/ Danie($s2 3hi(e protesting2 3ea/(y2 that it
!io(ated air(ine reg#(ations. GA@et me be the D#dge o% that2 m$dear.BH
Aime is certain(y o% the essence2B said the man. AB#t no2 , am not in a h#rry. , 3as mere(y
concerned that yo# 3o#(d not ma/e the p(ane.B
Ahat 3as /ind o% yo#.B
he p(ane sat rest(ess(y on the gro#nd2 engines throbbing2 aching to be o%%.
A.ind my ass2B said the man in the pa(e s#it. A,$!e got a Dob %or yo#2 Shado3.B
A roar o% engines. he (itt(e p(ane Der/ed %or3ard into a ta/eCo%%2 p#shing Shado3 bac/ into his
seat. hen they 3ere airborne2 and the airport (ights 3ere %a((ing a3ay be(o3 them. Shado3
(oo/ed at the man in the seat ne&t to him.
8is hair 3as a reddishCgray? his beard2 (itt(e more than st#bb(e2 3as grayishCred. 8e 3as sma((er
than Shado32 b#t he seemed to ta/e #p a he(( o% a (ot o% room. A craggy2 sI#are %ace 3ith pa(e
gray eyes. he s#it (oo/ed e&pensi!e2 and 3as the co(or o% me(ted !ani((a ice cream. 8is tie 3as
dar/ gray si(/2 and the tiepin 3as a tree2 3or/ed in si(!er: tr#n/2 branches2 and deep roots.
8e he(d his g(ass o% Jac/ Danie($s as they too/ o%%2 and did not spi(( a drop.
AAren$t yo# going to as/ me 3hat /ind o% Dob:B
A8o3 do yo# /no3 3ho , am:B
he man ch#c/(ed. A*h2 it$s the easiest thing in the 3or(d to /no3 3hat peop(e ca(( themse(!es.
A (itt(e tho#ght2 a (itt(e (#c/2 a (itt(e memory. As/ me 3hat /ind o% Dob.B
A'o2B said Shado3. he attendant bro#ght him another g(ass o% beer2 and he sipped at it.
A5hy not:B
A,$m going home. ,$!e got a Dob 3aiting %or me there. , don$t 3ant any other Dob.B
he man$s craggy smi(e did not change2 o#t3ard(y2 b#t no3 he seemed2 act#a((y2 am#sed. A9o#
don$t ha!e a Dob 3aiting %or yo# at home2B he said. A9o# ha!e nothing 3aiting %or yo# there.
6ean3hi(e2 , am o%%ering yo# a per%ect(y (ega( Dob-good money2 (imited sec#rity2 remar/ab(e
%ringe bene%its. 8e((2 i% yo# (i!e that (ong2 , co#(d thro3 in a pension p(an. 9o# thin/ maybe
yo#$d (i/e one o% them:B
Shado3 said2 A9o# co#(d ha!e seen my name on my boarding pass. *r on the side o% my bag.B
he man said nothing.
A5hoe!er yo# are2B said Shado32 Ayo# co#(dn$t ha!e /no3n , 3as going to be on this p(ane. ,
didn$t /no3 , 3as going to be on this p(ane2 and i% my p(ane hadn$t been di!erted to St. @o#is2 ,
3o#(dn$t ha!e been. 6y g#ess is yo#$re a practica( Do/er. 6aybe yo#$re h#st(ing something. B#t
, thin/ maybe 3e$(( ha!e a better time i% 3e end this con!ersation here.B
he man shr#gged.
Shado3 pic/ed #p the inC%(ight maga1ine. he (itt(e p(ane Der/ed and b#mped thro#gh the s/y2
ma/ing it harder to concentrate. he 3ords %(oated thro#gh his mind (i/e soap b#bb(es2 there as
he read them2 gone comp(ete(y a moment (ater.
he man sat I#iet(y in the seat beside him2 sipping his Jac/ Danie($s. 8is eyes 3ere c(osed.
Shado3 read the (ist o% inC%(ight m#sic channe(s a!ai(ab(e on transat(antic %(ights2 and then he
3as (oo/ing at the map o% the 3or(d 3ith red (ines on it that sho3ed 3here the air(ine %(e3.
hen he had %inished reading the maga1ine2 and2 re(#ctant(y2 he c(osed the co!er2 and s(ipped it
into the poc/et on the 3a((.
he man opened his eyes. here 3as something strange abo#t his eyes2 Shado3 tho#ght. *ne
o% them 3as a dar/er gray than the other. 8e (oo/ed at Shado3. ABy the 3ay2B he said2 A, 3as
sorry to hear abo#t yo#r 3i%e2 Shado3. A great (oss.B
Shado3 near(y hit the man2 then. ,nstead he too/ a deep breath. GA@i/e , said2 don$t piss o%%
those bitches in airports2B said Johnnie @arch2 in the bac/ o% his mind2 Aor they$(( ha#( yo#r sorry
ass bac/ here be%ore yo# can spit.BH 8e co#nted to %i!e.
ASo 3as ,2B he said.
he man shoo/ his head. A,% it co#(d b#t ha!e been any other 3ay2B he said2 and sighed.
AShe died in a car crash2B said Shado3. A,t$s a %ast 3ay to go. *ther 3ays co#(d ha!e been
3orse.B
he man shoo/ his head2 s(o3(y. )or a moment it seemed to Shado3 as i% the man 3as
ins#bstantia(? as i% the p(ane had s#dden(y become more rea(2 3hi(e his neighbor had become
(ess so.
AShado32B he said. A,t$s not a Do/e. ,t$s not a tric/. , can pay yo# better than any other Dob yo#$((
%ind 3i(( pay yo#. 9o#$re an e&Ccon. here$s not a (ong (ine o% peop(e e(bo3ing each other o#t o%
the 3ay to hire yo#.B
A6ister 3hoe!erCtheC%#c/Cyo#Care2B said Shado32 D#st (o#d eno#gh to be heard o!er the din o%
the engines2 Athere isn$t eno#gh money in the 3or(d.B
he grin got bigger. Shado3 %o#nd himse(% remembering a PBS sho3 he had seen as a teenager2
abo#t chimpan1ees. he sho3 c(aimed that 3hen apes and chimps smi(e it$s on(y to bare their
teeth in a grimace o% hate or aggression or terror. 5hen a chimp grins2 it$s a threat. his grin
3as one o% those.
AS#re there$s money eno#gh. And there are a(so bon#ses. 5or/ %or me2 and ,$(( te(( yo# things.
here may be a (itt(e ris/2 o% co#rse2 b#t i% yo# s#r!i!e yo# can ha!e 3hate!er yo#r heart
desires. 9o# co#(d be the ne&t /ing o% America. 'o32B said the man2 A3ho e(se is going to pay
yo# that 3e((: 8mm:B
A5ho are yo#:B as/ed Shado3.
AAh2 yes. he age o% in%ormation-yo#ng (ady2 co#(d yo# po#r me another g(ass o% Jac/
Danie($s: "asy on the ice-not2 o% co#rse2 that there has e!er been any other /ind o% age.
,n%ormation and /no3(edge: these are c#rrencies that ha!e ne!er gone o#t o% sty(e.B
A, said2 3ho are yo#:B
A@et$s see. 5e((2 seeing that today certain(y is my day-3hy don$t yo# ca(( me 5ednesday:
6ister 5ednesday. A(tho#gh gi!en the 3eather2 it might as 3e(( be h#rsday2 eh:B
A5hat$s yo#r rea( name:B
A5or/ %or me (ong eno#gh and 3e(( eno#gh2B said the man in the pa(e s#it2 Aand , may e!en te((
yo# that. here. Job o%%er. hin/ abo#t it. 'o one e&pects yo# to say yes immediate(y2 not
/no3ing 3hether yo#$re (eaping into a piranha tan/ or a pit o% bears. a/e yo#r time.B 8e
c(osed his eyes and (eaned bac/ in his seat.
A, don$t thin/ so2B said Shado3. A, don$t (i/e yo#. , don$t 3ant to 3or/ 3ith yo#.B
A@i/e , say2B said the man2 3itho#t opening his eyes2 Adon$t r#sh into it. a/e yo#r time.B
he p(ane (anded 3ith a b#mp2 and a %e3 passengers got o%%. Shado3 (oo/ed o#t o% the
3indo3: it 3as a (itt(e airport in the midd(e o% no3here2 and there 3ere sti(( t3o (itt(e airports
to go be%ore "ag(e Point. Shado3 trans%erred his g(ance to the man in the pa(e s#it-6r.
5ednesday: 8e seemed to be as(eep.
Shado3 stood #p2 grabbed his bag2 and stepped o%% the p(ane2 do3n the steps onto the s(ic/
3et tarmac2 3a(/ing at an e!en pace to3ard the (ights o% the termina(. A (ight rain spattered his
%ace.
Be%ore he 3ent inside the airport b#i(ding2 he stopped2 and t#rned2 and 3atched. 'o one e(se
got o%% the p(ane. he gro#nd cre3 ro((ed the steps a3ay2 the door 3as c(osed2 and it ta&ied o%%
do3n the r#n3ay. Shado3 stared at it #nti( it too/ o%%2 then he 3a(/ed inside2 to the B#dget car
renta( des/2 the on(y one open2 and he rented 3hat t#rned o#t2 3hen he got to the par/ing (ot2
to be a sma(( red oyota.
Shado3 #n%o(ded the map they had gi!en him. 8e spread it o#t on the passenger$s seat. "ag(e
Point 3as abo#t t3o h#ndred and %i%ty mi(es a3ay2 most o% the Do#rney on the %ree3ay. 8e had
not dri!en a car in three years.
he storms had passed2 i% they had come this %ar. ,t 3as co(d and c(ear. 4(o#ds sc#dded in %ront
o% the moon2 and %or a moment Shado3 co#(d not be certain 3hether it 3as the c(o#ds or the
moon that 3as mo!ing.
8e dro!e north %or an ho#r and a ha(%.
,t 3as getting (ate. 8e 3as h#ngry2 and 3hen he rea(i1ed ho3 h#ngry he rea((y 3as2 he p#((ed
o%% at the ne&t e&it2 and dro!e into the to3n o% 'ottam#n Gpop. ;2VK;H. 8e %i((ed the gasCtan/ at
the Amoco2 and as/ed the bored 3oman at the cash register 3here the best bar in the area
3as-some3here that he co#(d get something to eat.
AJac/$s 4rocodi(e Bar2B she to(d him. A,t$s 3est on 4o#nty +oad '.B
A4rocodi(e Bar:B
A9eah. Jac/ says they add character.B She dre3 him a map on the bac/ o% a ma#!e %(yer2 3hich
ad!ertised a chic/en roast to raise money %or a yo#ng gir( 3ho needed a ne3 /idney. A8e$s got
a co#p(e o% crocodi(es2 a sna/e2 one a them big (i1ard things.B
AAn ig#ana:B
Ahat$s him.B
hro#gh the to3n2 o!er a bridge2 on %or a co#p(e o% mi(es2 and he stopped at a (o32 rectang#(ar
b#i(ding 3ith an i((#minated Pabst sign2 and a 4ocaC4o(a machine by the door.
he par/ing (ot 3as ha(%Cempty. Shado3 par/ed the red oyota and 3ent inside.
he air 3as thic/ 3ith smo/e and A5a(/in$ a%ter 6idnightB 3as p(aying on the D#/ebo&. Shado3
(oo/ed aro#nd %or the crocodi(es2 b#t co#(d not see them. 8e 3ondered i% the 3oman in the gas
station had been p#((ing his (eg.
A5hat$(( it be:B as/ed the bartender.
A9o# Jac/:B
A,t$s Jac/$s night o%%. ,$m Pa#(.B
A8i2 Pa#(. 8o#se beer2 and a hamb#rger 3ith a(( the trimmings. 'o %ries.B
ABo3( o% chi(i to start: Best chi(i in the state.B
ASo#nds good2B said Shado3. A5here$s the restroom:B
he man pointed to a door in the corner o% the bar. here 3as a st#%%ed a((igator head mo#nted
on the door. Shado3 3ent thro#gh the door.
,t 3as a c(ean2 3e((C(it restroom. Shado3 (oo/ed aro#nd the room %irst? %orce o% habit.
GA+emember2 Shado32 yo# can$t %ight bac/ 3hen yo#$re pissing2B @o3 .ey said2 (o3C/ey as
a(3ays2 in the bac/ o% his head.H 8e too/ the #rina( sta(( on the (e%t. hen he #n1ipped his %(y and
pissed %or an age2 re(a&ing2 %ee(ing re(ie%. 8e read the ye((o3ing press c(ipping %ramed at eyeC
(e!e(2 3ith a photo o% Jac/ and t3o a((igators.
here 3as a po(ite gr#nt %rom the #rina( immediate(y to his right2 a(tho#gh he had heard
nobody come in.
he man in the pa(e s#it 3as bigger standing than he had seemed sitting on the p(ane beside
Shado3. 8e 3as a(most Shado3$s height2 and Shado3 3as a big man. 8e 3as staring ahead o%
him. 8e %inished pissing2 shoo/ o%% the (ast %e3 drops2 and 1ipped himse(% #p.
hen he grinned2 (i/e a %o& eating shit %rom a barbed 3ire %ence. ASo2B said 6r. 5ednesday.
A9o#$!e had time to thin/2 Shado3. Do yo# 3ant a Dob:B
Some3here in America
@*S A'G"@"S. ;;:>W P.6.
,n a dar/ red room-the co(or o% the 3a((s is c(ose to that o% ra3 (i!er-is a ta(( 3oman dressed
cartoonish(y in tooCtight si(/ shorts2 her breasts p#((ed #p and p#shed %or3ard by the ye((o3
b(o#se tied beneath them. 8er b(ac/ hair is pi(ed high and /notted on top o% her head. Standing
beside her is a short man 3earing an o(i!e Cshirt and e&pensi!e b(#e Deans. 8e is ho(ding2 in his
right hand2 a 3a((et and a 'o/ia mobi(e phone 3ith a red2 3hite2 and b(#e %aceCp(ate.
he red room contains a bed2 #pon 3hich are 3hite satinCsty(e sheets and an o&Cb(ood
bedspread. At the %oot o% the bed is a sma(( 3ooden tab(e2 #pon 3hich is a sma(( stone stat#e o%
a 3oman 3ith enormo#s hips2 and a cand(eho(der.
he 3oman hands the man a sma(( red cand(e. A8ere2B she says. A@ight it.B
A6e:B
A9es2B she says2 Ai% yo# 3ant to ha!e me.B
A, sho#(da D#st got yo# to s#c/ me o%% in the car.B
APerhaps2B she says. ADon$t yo# 3ant me:B 8er hand r#ns #p her body %rom thigh to breast2 a
gest#re o% presentation2 as i% she 3ere demonstrating a ne3 prod#ct.
+ed si(/ scar!es o!er the (amp in the corner o% the room ma/e the (ight red.
he man (oo/s at her h#ngri(y2 then he ta/es the cand(e %rom her and p#shes it into the
cand(eho(der. A9o# got a (ight:B
She passes him a boo/ o% matches. 8e tears o%% a match2 (ights the 3ic/: it %(ic/ers and then
b#rns 3ith a steady %(ame2 3hich gi!es the i((#sion o% motion to the %ace(ess stat#e beside it2 a((
hips and breasts. AP#t the money beneath the stat#e.B
A)i%ty b#c/s.B
A9es.B
A5hen , sa3 yo# %irst2 on S#nset2 , a(most tho#ght yo# 3ere a man.B
AB#t , ha!e these2B she says2 #n/notting the ye((o3 b(o#se2 %reeing her breasts.
ASo do a (ot o% g#ys2 these days.B
She stretches and smi(es. A9es2B she says. A'o32 come (o!e me.B
8e #nb#ttons his b(#e Deans2 and remo!es his o(i!e Cshirt. She massages his 3hite sho#(ders
3ith her bro3n %ingers? then she t#rns him o!er2 and begins to ma/e (o!e to him 3ith her
hands2 and her %ingers2 and her tong#e.
,t seems to him that the (ights in the red room ha!e been dimmed2 and the so(e i((#mination
comes %rom the cand(e2 3hich b#rns 3ith a bright %(ame.
A5hat$s yo#r name:B he as/s her.
ABi(I#is2B she te((s him2 raising her head. A5ith a 7.B
AA 3hat:B
A'e!er mind.B
8e is gasping no3. A@et me %#c/ yo#2B he says. A, ha!e to %#c/ yo#.B
A*/ay2 hon2B she says. A5e$(( do it. B#t 3i(( yo# do something %or me2 3hi(e yo#$re doing it:B
A8ey2B he says2 s#dden(y tetchy2 A,$m paying yo#2 yo# /no3.B
She stradd(es him2 in one smooth mo!ement2 3hispering2 A, /no32 honey2 , /no32 yo#$re paying
me2 and , mean2 (oo/ at yo#2 , sho#(d be paying yo#2 ,$m so (#c/yQB
8e p#rses his (ips2 trying to sho3 that her hoo/er ta(/ is ha!ing no e%%ect on him2 he can$t be
ta/en? that she$s a street 3hore %or 4hrissa/es2 3hi(e he$s practica((y a prod#cer2 and he /no3s
a(( abo#t (astCmin#te ripCo%%s2 b#t she doesn$t as/ %or money. ,nstead she says2 A8oney2 3hi(e
yo#$re gi!ing it to me2 3hi(e yo#$re p#shing that big hard thing inside o% me2 3i(( yo# 3orship
me:B
A5i(( , 3hat:B
She is roc/ing bac/ and %orth on him: the engorged head o% his penis is being r#bbed against the
3et (ips o% her !#(!a.
A5i(( yo# ca(( me goddess: 5i(( yo# pray to me: 5i(( yo# 3orship me 3ith yo#r body:B
8e smi(es. ,s that 3hat she 3ants: AS#re2B he says. 5e$!e a(( got o#r /in/s2 at the end o% the
day. She reaches her hand bet3een her (egs and s(ips him inside her.
A,s that good2 is it2 goddess:B he as/s2 gasping.
A5orship me2 honey2B says Bi(I#is2 the hoo/er.
A9es2B he says. A, 3orship yo#r breasts and yo#r eyes and yo#r c#nt. , 3orship yo#r thighs and
yo#r eyes and yo#r cherryCred (ipsQB
A9esQ2B she croons2 riding him (i/e a stormCtossed boat rides the 3a!es.
A, 3orship yo#r nipp(es2 %rom 3hich the mi(/ o% (i%e %(o3s. 9o#r /iss is honey and yo#r to#ch
scorches (i/e %ire2 and , 3orship it.B 8is 3ords are becoming more rhythmic no32 /eeping pace
3ith the thr#st and ro(( o% their bodies. ABring me yo#r (#st in the morning2 and bring me re(ie%
and yo#r b(essing in the e!ening. @et me 3a(/ in dar/ p(aces #nharmed and (et me come to yo#
once more and s(eep beside yo# and ma/e (o!e 3ith yo# again. , 3orship yo# 3ith e!erything
that is 3ithin me2 and e!erything inside my mind2 3ith e!ery3here ,$!e been and my dreams
and myQB 8e brea/s o%%2 panting %or breath. AQ5hat are yo# doing: hat %ee(s ama1ing. So
ama1ingQB And he (oo/s do3n at his hips2 at the p(ace 3here the t3o o% them conDoin2 b#t her
%ore%inger to#ches his chin and p#shes his head bac/2 so he is (oo/ing on(y at her %ace and at the
cei(ing once again.
A.eep ta(/ing2 honey2B she says. ADon$t stop. Doesn$t it %ee( good:B
A,t %ee(s better than anything has e!er %e(t2B he te((s her2 meaning it as he says it. A9o#r eyes are
stars2 b#rning in the2 shit2 the %irmament2 and yo#r (ips are gent(e 3a!es that (ic/ the sand2 and ,
33orship them2B and no3 he$s thr#sting deeper and deeper inside her: he %ee(s e(ectric2 as i%
his 3ho(e (o3er body has become se&#a((y charged: priapic2 engorged2 b(iss%#(.
ABring me yo#r gi%t2B he m#tters2 no (onger /no3ing 3hat he is saying2 Ayo#r one tr#e gi%t2 and
ma/e me a(3ays thisQa(3ays soQ, prayQ,QB
And then the p(eas#re crests into orgasm2 b(asting his mind into !oid2 his head and se(% and
entire beingness a per%ect b(an/ as he thr#sts deeper into her and deeper sti((Q
"yes c(osed2 spasming2 he (#&#riates in the moment? and then he %ee(s a (#rch2 and it seems to
him that he is hanging2 headCdo3n2 a(tho#gh the p(eas#re contin#es.
8e opens his eyes.
8e thin/s2 grasping %or tho#ght and reason again2 o% birth2 and 3onders2 3itho#t %ear2 in a
moment o% per%ect postcoita( c(arity2 3hether 3hat he sees is some /ind o% i((#sion.
his is 3hat he sees:
8e is inside her to the chest2 and as he stares at this in disbe(ie% and 3onder she rests both
hands #pon his sho#(ders and p#ts gent(e press#re on his body.
8e s(ips(ides %#rther inside her.
A8o3 are yo# doing this to me:B he as/s2 or he thin/s he as/s2 b#t perhaps it is on(y in his head.
A9o#$re doing it2 honey2B she 3hispers. 8e %ee(s the (ips o% her !#(!a tight aro#nd his #pper
chest and bac/2 constricting and en!e(oping him. 8e 3onders 3hat this 3o#(d (oo/ (i/e to
somebody 3atching them. 8e 3onders 3hy he is not scared. And then he /no3s.
A, 3orship yo# 3ith my body2B he 3hispers2 as she p#shes him inside her. 8er (abia p#(( s(ic/(y
across his %ace2 and his eyes s(ip into dar/ness.
She stretches on the bed2 (i/e a h#ge cat2 and then she ya3ns. A9es2B she says2 A9o# do.B
he 'o/ia phone p(ays a high2 e(ectrica( transposition o% the A*de to Joy.B She pic/s it #p2 and
th#mbs a /ey2 and p#ts the te(ephone to her ear.
8er be((y is %(at2 her (abia sma(( and c(osed. A sheen o% s3eat g(istens on her %orehead and on
her #pper (ip.
A9eah:B she says. And then she says2 A'o2 honey2 he$s not here. 8e$s gone a3ay.B
She t#rns the te(ephone o%% be%ore she %(ops o#t on the bed in the dar/ red room2 then she
stretches once more2 and she c(oses her eyes2 and she s(eeps.
48AP"+ 5*
hey too/ her to the cemet$ry,n a big o($ 4adi((achey too/ her to the cemet$ryB#t they did not
bring her bac/.-*@D S*'G
, ha!e ta/en the (iberty2B said 6r. 5ednesday2 3ashing his hands in the men$s room o% Jac/$s
4rocodi(e Bar2 Ao% ordering %ood %or myse(%2 to be de(i!ered to yo#r tab(e. 5e ha!e m#ch to
disc#ss2 a%ter a((.B
A, don$t thin/ so2B said Shado3. 8e dried his o3n hands on a paper to3e( and cr#mp(ed it2 and
dropped it into the bin.
A9o# need a Dob2B said 5ednesday. APeop(e don$t hire e&Ccons. 9o# %o(/ ma/e them
#ncom%ortab(e.B
A, ha!e a Dob 3aiting. A good Dob.B
A5o#(d that be the Dob at the 6#sc(e )arm:B
A6aybe2B said Shado3.
A'ope. 9o# don$t. +obbie B#rton$s dead. 5itho#t him the 6#sc(e )arm$s dead too.B
A9o#$re a (iar.B
A*% co#rse. And a good one. he best yo# 3i(( e!er meet. B#t2 ,$m a%raid2 ,$m not (ying to yo#
abo#t this.B 8e reached into his poc/et2 prod#ced a ne3spaper2 m#ch %o(ded2 and handed it to
Shado3. APage se!en2B he said. A4ome on bac/ to the bar. 9o# can read it at the tab(e.B Shado3
p#shed open the door2 bac/ into the bar. he air 3as b(#e 3ith smo/e2 and the Di&ie 4#ps 3ere
on the D#/ebo& singing A,/o ,/o.B Shado3 smi(ed2 s(ight(y2 in recognition o% the o(d chi(dren$s
song.
he barman pointed to a tab(e in the corner. here 3as a bo3( o% chi(i and a b#rger at one side
o% the tab(e2 a rare stea/ and a bo3( o% %ries (aid in the p(ace across %rom it.
@oo/ at my .ing a(( dressed in +ed2,/o ,/o a(( day2, bet yo# %i!e do((ars he$(( /i(( yo#
dead2Joc/amoC%eenaCnay
Shado3 too/ his seat at the tab(e. 8e p#t the ne3spaper do3n. A, got o#t o% prison this
morning2B he said. Ahis is my %irst mea( as a %ree man. 9o# 3on$t obDect i% , 3ait #nti( a%ter ,$!e
eaten to read yo#r page se!en:B
A'ot in the s(ightest bit.B
Shado3 ate his hamb#rger. ,t 3as better than prison hamb#rgers. he chi(i 3as good b#t2 he
decided2 a%ter a co#p(e o% mo#th%#(s2 not the best in the state.
@a#ra made a great chi(i. She #sed (eanCc#t meat2 dar/ /idney beans2 carrots c#t sma((2 a bott(e
or so o% dar/ beer2 and %resh(y s(iced hot peppers. She 3o#(d (et the chi(i coo/ %or a 3hi(e2 then
add red 3ine2 (emon D#ice2 and a pinch o% %resh di((2 and2 %ina((y2 meas#re o#t and add her chi(i
po3ders. *n more than one occasion Shado3 had tried to get her to sho3 him ho3 she made
it: he 3o#(d 3atch e!erything she did2 %rom s(icing the onions and dropping them into the o(i!e
oi( at the bottom o% the pot on. 8e had e!en 3ritten do3n the seI#ence o% e!ents2 ingredient
by ingredient2 and he had once made @a#ra$s chi(i %or himse(% on a 3ee/end 3hen she had been
o#t o% to3n. ,t had tasted o/ay-it 3as certain(y edib(e2 and he ate it2 b#t it had not been
@a#ra$s chi(i.
he ne3s item on page se!en 3as the %irst acco#nt o% his 3i%e$s death that Shado3 had read. ,t
%e(t strange2 as i% he 3ere reading abo#t someone in a story: ho3 @a#ra 6oon2 3hose age 3as
gi!en in the artic(e as t3entyCse!en2 and +obbie B#rton2 thirtyCnine2 3ere in +obbie$s car on the
interstate2 3hen they s3er!ed into the path o% a thirtyCt3o 3hee(er2 3hich sides3iped them as
it tried to change (anes and a!oid them. he tr#c/ br#shed +obbie$s car and sent it spinning o%%
the side o% the road2 3here the car had hit a road sign2 hard2 and stopped spinning.
+esc#e cre3s 3ere on the scene in min#tes. hey p#((ed +obbie and @a#ra %rom the 3rec/age.
hey 3ere both dead by the time they arri!ed at the hospita(.
Shado3 %o(ded the ne3spaper #p once more2 and s(id it bac/ across the tab(e2 to3ard
5ednesday2 3ho 3as gorging himse(% on a stea/ so b(oody and so b(#e it might ne!er ha!e
been introd#ced to a /itchen %(ame.
A8ere. a/e it bac/2B said Shado3.
+obbie had been dri!ing. 8e m#st ha!e been dr#n/2 a(tho#gh the ne3spaper acco#nt said
nothing abo#t this. Shado3 %o#nd himse(% imagining @a#ra$s %ace 3hen she rea(i1ed that +obbie
3as too dr#n/ to dri!e. he scenario #n%o(ded in Shado3$s mind2 and there 3as nothing he
co#(d do to stop it: @a#ra sho#ting at +obbie-sho#ting at him to p#(( o%% the road2 then the
th#d o% car against tr#c/2 and the steering 3hee( 3renching o!erQ
Qthe car on the side o% the road2 bro/en g(ass g(ittering (i/e ice and diamonds in the head(ights2
b(ood poo(ing in r#bies on the road beside them. 3o bodies2 dead or soonCtoCdie2 being
carried %rom the 3rec/2 or (aid neat(y by the side o% the road.
A5e((:B as/ed 6r. 5ednesday. 8e had %inished his stea/2 s(iced and de!o#red it (i/e a star!ing
man. 'o3 he 3as m#nching the %rench %ries2 spearing them 3ith his %or/.
A9o#$re right2B said Shado3. A, don$t ha!e a Dob.B
Shado3 too/ a I#arter %rom his poc/et2 tai(s #p. 8e %(ic/ed it #p in the air2 /noc/ing it against
his %inger as it (e%t his hand to gi!e it a 3obb(e that made it (oo/ as i% it 3ere t#rning2 ca#ght it2
s(apped it do3n on the bac/ o% his hand.
A4a((2B he said.
A5hy:B as/ed 5ednesday.
A, don$t 3ant to 3or/ %or anyone 3ith 3orse (#c/ than me. 4a((.B
A8eads2B said 6r. 5ednesday.
ASorry2B said Shado32 re!ea(ing the coin 3itho#t e!en bothering to g(ance at it. A,t 3as tai(s. ,
rigged the toss.B
A+igged games are the easiest ones to beat2B said 5ednesday2 3agging a sI#are %inger at
Shado3. Aa/e another (oo/ at the I#arter.B
Shado3 g(anced do3n at it. he head 3as %aceC#p.
A, m#st ha!e %#mb(ed the toss2B he said2 p#11(ed.
A9o# do yo#rse(% a disser!ice2B said 5ednesday2 and he grinned. A,$m D#st a (#c/y2 (#c/y g#y.B
hen he (oo/ed #p. A5e(( , ne!er. 6ad S3eeney. 5i(( yo# ha!e a drin/ 3ith #s:B
ASo#thern 4om%ort and 4o/e2 straight #p2B said a !oice %rom behind Shado3.
A,$(( go and ta(/ to the barman2B said 5ednesday. 8e stood #p2 and began to ma/e his 3ay
to3ard the bar.
AAren$t yo# going to as/ 3hat ,$m drin/ing:B ca((ed Shado3.
A, a(ready /no3 3hat yo#$re drin/ing2B said 5ednesday2 and then he 3as standing by the bar.
Patsy 4(ine started to sing A5a(/in$ a%ter 6idnightB on the D#/ebo& again.
he man 3ho had ordered So#thern 4om%ort and 4o/e sat do3n beside Shado3. 8e had a
short gingerCco(ored beard. 8e 3ore a denim Dac/et co!ered 3ith bright se3Con patches2 and
#nder the Dac/et a stained 3hite Cshirt. *n the Cshirt 3as printed:
,) 9*E 4A'$ "A ,2 D+,'. ,2 S6*." , *+ S'*+ ,Q8"' )X4. ,P
8e 3ore a baseba(( cap2 on 3hich 3as printed:
8" *'@95*6A' , 8AF" "F"+ @*F"D 5AS A'*8"+ 6A'$S 5,)"Q69 6*8"+P
8e opened a so%t pac/ o% @#c/y Stri/es 3ith a dirty th#mbnai(2 too/ a cigarette2 o%%ered one to
Shado3. Shado3 3as abo#t to ta/e one2 a#tomatica((y-he did not smo/e2 b#t a cigarette
ma/es good barter materia(-3hen he rea(i1ed that he 3as no (onger inside. 9o# co#(d b#y
cigarettes here 3hene!er yo# 3anted. 8e shoo/ his head.
A9o# 3or/ing %or o#r man then:B as/ed the bearded man. 8e 3as not sober2 a(tho#gh he 3as
not yet dr#n/.
A,t (oo/s that 3ay2B said Shado3.
he bearded man (it his cigarette. A,$m a (eprecha#n2B he said.
Shado3 did not smi(e. A+ea((y:B he said. ASho#(dn$t yo# be drin/ing G#inness:B
AStereotypes. 9o# ha!e to (earn to thin/ o#tside the bo&2B said the bearded man. Ahere$s a (ot
more to ,re(and than G#inness.B
A9o# don$t ha!e an ,rish accent.B
A,$!e been o!er here too %#c/en (ong.B
ASo yo# are origina((y %rom ,re(and:B
A, to(d yo#. ,$m a (eprecha#n. 5e don$t come %rom %#c/en 6osco3.B
A, g#ess not.B
5ednesday ret#rned to the tab(e2 three drin/s he(d easi(y in his pa3C(i/e hands. ASo#thern
4om%ort and 4o/e %or yo#2 6ad S3eeney2 m$man2 and a Jac/ Danie($s %or me. And this is %or
yo#2 Shado3.B
A5hat is it:B
Aaste it.B
he drin/ 3as a ta3ny go(den co(or. Shado3 too/ a sip2 tasting an odd b(end o% so#r and s3eet
on his tong#e. 8e co#(d taste the a(coho( #nderneath2 and a strange b(end o% %(a!ors. ,t
reminded him a (itt(e o% prison hooch2 bre3ed in a garbage bag %rom rotten %r#it and bread and
s#gar and 3ater2 b#t it 3as smoother2 s3eeter2 in%inite(y stranger.
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A, tasted it. 5hat 3as it:B
A6ead2B said 5ednesday. A8oney 3ine. he drin/ o% heroes. he drin/ o% the gods.B
Shado3 too/ another tentati!e sip. 9es2 he co#(d taste the honey2 he decided. hat 3as one o%
the tastes. Aastes /inda (i/e pic/(e D#ice2B he said. AS3eet pic/(e D#ice 3ine.B
Aastes (i/e a dr#n/en diabetic$s piss2B agreed 5ednesday. A, hate the st#%%.B
Ahen 3hy did yo# bring it %or me:B as/ed Shado32 reasonab(y.
5ednesday stared at Shado3 3ith his mismatched eyes. *ne o% them2 Shado3 decided2 3as a
g(ass eye2 b#t he co#(d not decide 3hich one. A, bro#ght yo# mead to drin/ beca#se it$s
traditiona(. And right no3 3e need a(( the tradition 3e can get. ,t sea(s o#r bargain.B
A5e ha!en$t made a bargain.B
AS#re 3e ha!e. 9o# 3or/ %or me. 9o# protect me. 9o# he(p me. 9o# transport me %rom p(ace to
p(ace. 9o# in!estigate2 %rom time to time-go p(aces and as/ I#estions %or me. 9o# r#n errands.
,n an emergency2 b#t on(y in an emergency2 yo# h#rt peop(e 3ho need to be h#rt. ,n the
#n(i/e(y e!ent o% my death2 yo# 3i(( ho(d my !igi(. And in ret#rn , sha(( ma/e s#re that yo#r
needs are adeI#ate(y ta/en care o%.B
A8e$s h#st(ing yo#2B said 6ad S3eeney2 r#bbing his brist(y ginger beard. A8e$s a h#st(er.B
ADamn straight ,$m a h#st(er2B said 5ednesday. Ahat$s 3hy , need someone to (oo/ o#t %or my
best interests.B
he song on the D#/ebo& ended2 and %or a moment the bar %e(( I#iet2 e!ery con!ersation at a
(#((.
ASomeone once to(d me that yo# on(y get those e!erybodyCsh#tsC#pCatConce moments at
t3enty past or t3enty to the ho#r2B said Shado3.
S3eeney pointed to the c(oc/ abo!e the bar2 he(d in the massi!e and indi%%erent Da3s o% a
st#%%ed a((igator head. he time 3as ;;:>K.
Ahere2B said Shado3. ADamned i% , /no3 3hy that happens.B
A, /no3 3hy2B said 5ednesday.
A9o# going to share 3ith the gro#p:B
A, may te(( yo#2 one day2 yes. *r , may not. Drin/ yo#r mead.B
Shado3 /noc/ed the rest o% the mead bac/ in one (ong g#(p. A,t might be better o!er ice2B he
said.
A*r it might not2B said 5ednesday. A,t$s terrib(e st#%%.B
Ahat it is2B agreed 6ad S3eeney. A9o#$(( e&c#se me %or a moment2 gent(emen2 b#t , %ind myse(%
in deep and #rgent need o% a (engthy piss.B 8e stood #p and 3a(/ed a3ay2 an impossib(y ta((
man. 8e had to be a(most se!en %eet ta((2 decided Shado3.
A 3aitress 3iped a c(oth across the tab(e and too/ their empty p(ates. She emptied S3eeney$s
ashtray2 and as/ed i% they 3o#(d (i/e to order any more drin/s. 5ednesday to(d her to bring the
same again %or e!eryone2 a(tho#gh this time Shado3$s mead 3as to be on the roc/s. AAny3ay2B
said 5ednesday2 Athat$s 3hat , need o% yo#2 i% yo#$re 3or/ing %or me. 5hich2 o% co#rse2 yo#
are.B
Ahat$s 3hat yo# 3ant2B said Shado3. A5o#(d yo# (i/e to /no3 3hat , 3ant:B
A'othing co#(d ma/e me happier.B
he 3aitress bro#ght the drin/. Shado3 sipped his mead on the roc/s. he ice did not he(p-i%
anything it sharpened the so#rness2 and made the taste (inger in the mo#th a%ter the mead 3as
s3a((o3ed. 8o3e!er2 Shado3 conso(ed himse(%2 it did not taste partic#(ar(y a(coho(ic. 8e 3as
not ready to be dr#n/. 'ot yet.
8e too/ a deep breath.
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A6y (i%e2 3hich %or three years has been a (ong 3ay %rom being the
greatest (i%e there has e!er been2 D#st too/ a distinct and s#dden t#rn %or the 3orse. 'o3 there
are a %e3 things , need to do. , 3ant to go to @a#ra$s %#nera(. , 3ant to say goodbye. A%ter that2
i% yo# sti(( need me2 , 3ant to start at %i!e h#ndred do((ars a 3ee/.B he %ig#re 3as a stab in the
dar/2 a madeC#p n#mber. 5ednesday$s eyes re!ea(ed nothing. A,% 3e$re happy 3or/ing
together2 in si& months$ time yo# raise it to a tho#sand a 3ee/.B
8e pa#sed. ,t 3as the (ongest speech he$d made in years. A9o# say yo# may need peop(e to be
h#rt. 5e((2 ,$(( h#rt peop(e i% they$re trying to h#rt yo#. B#t , don$t h#rt peop(e %or %#n or %or
pro%it. , 3on$t go bac/ to prison. *nce 3as eno#gh.B
A9o# 3on$t ha!e to2B said 5ednesday.
A'o2B said Shado3. A, 3on$t.B 8e %inished the (ast o% the mead. 8e 3ondered2 s#dden(y2
some3here in the bac/ o% his head2 3hether the mead 3as responsib(e %or (oosening his
tong#e. B#t the 3ords 3ere coming o#t o% him (i/e the 3ater spraying %rom a bro/en %ire
hydrant in s#mmer2 and he co#(d not ha!e stopped them i% he had tried. A, don$t (i/e yo#2
6ister 5ednesday2 or 3hate!er yo#r rea( name may be. 5e are not %riends. , don$t /no3 ho3
yo# got o%% that p(ane 3itho#t me seeing yo#2 or ho3 yo# trai(ed me here. B#t ,$m impressed.
9o# ha!e c(ass. And ,$m at a (oose end right no3. 9o# sho#(d /no3 that 3hen 3e$re done2 ,$(( be
gone. And i% yo# piss me o%%2 ,$(( be gone too. Enti( then2 ,$(( 3or/ %or yo#.B
5ednesday grinned. 8is smi(es 3ere strange things2 Shado3 decided. hey contained no shred
o% h#mor2 no happiness2 no mirth. 5ednesday (oo/ed (i/e he had (earned to smi(e %rom a
man#a(.
AFery good2B he said. Ahen 3e ha!e a compact. And 3e are agreed.B
A5hat the he((2B said Shado3. Across the room2 6ad S3eeney 3as %eeding I#arters into the
D#/ebo&. 5ednesday spat in his hand and e&tended it. Shado3 shr#gged. 8e spat in his o3n
pa(m. hey c(asped hands. 5ednesday began to sI#ee1e. Shado3 sI#ee1ed bac/. A%ter a %e3
seconds his hand began to h#rt. 5ednesday he(d the grip %or another ha(%Cmin#te2 and then he
(et go.
AGood2B he said. AGood. Fery good.B 8e smi(ed2 a brie% %(ash2 and Shado3 3ondered i% there
had been rea( h#mor in that smi(e2 act#a( p(eas#re. ASo2 one (ast g(ass o% e!i(2 !i(e %#c/ing mead
to sea( o#r dea(2 and then 3e are done.B
A,t$(( be a So#thern 4om%ort and 4o/e %or me2B said S3eeney2 (#rching bac/ %rom the D#/ebo&.
he D#/ebo& began to p(ay the Fe(!et Endergro#nd$s A5ho @o!es the S#n:B Shado3 tho#ght it
a strange song to %ind on a D#/ebo&. ,t seemed !ery #n(i/e(y. B#t then2 this 3ho(e e!ening had
become increasing(y #n(i/e(y.
Shado3 too/ the I#arter he had #sed %or the coinCtoss %rom the tab(e2 enDoying the sensation
o% a %resh(y mi((ed coin against his %ingers2 prod#cing it in his right hand bet3een %ore%inger and
th#mb. 8e appeared to ta/e it into his (e%t hand in one smooth mo!ement2 3hi(e cas#a((y
%ingerCpa(ming it. 8e c(osed his (e%t hand on the imaginary I#arter. hen he too/ a second
I#arter in his right hand2 bet3een %inger and th#mb2 and2 as he pretended to drop that coin
into the (e%t hand2 he (et the pa(med I#arter %a(( into his right hand2 stri/ing the I#arter he he(d
there on the 3ay. he chin/ con%irmed the i((#sion that both coins 3ere in his (e%t hand2 3hi(e
they 3ere no3 both he(d sa%e(y in his right.
A4oin tric/s is it:B as/ed S3eeney2 his chin raising2 his scr#%%y beard brist(ing. A5hy2 i% it$s coin
tric/s 3e$re doing2 3atch this.B
8e too/ a g(ass %rom the tab(e2 a g(ass that had once he(d mead2 and he tipped the iceCc#bes
into the ashtray. hen he reached o#t and too/ a (arge coin2 go(den and shining2 %rom the air.
8e dropped it into the g(ass. 8e too/ another go(d coin %rom the air and tossed it into the g(ass2
3here it c(in/ed against the %irst. 8e too/ a coin %rom the cand(e %(ame o% a cand(e on the 3a((2
another %rom his beard2 a third %rom Shado3$s empty (e%t hand2 and dropped them2 one by one2
into the g(ass. hen he c#r(ed his %ingers o!er the g(ass2 and b(e3 hard2 and se!era( more go(den
coins dropped into the g(ass %rom his hand. 8e tipped the g(ass o% stic/y coins into his Dac/et
poc/et2 and then tapped the poc/et to sho32 #nmista/ab(y2 that it 3as empty.
Ahere2B he said. Ahat$s a coin tric/ %or yo#.B
Shado32 3ho had been 3atching c(ose(y thro#gho#t the imprompt# per%ormance2 p#t his head
on one side. A5e ha!e to ta(/ abo#t that2B he said. A, need to /no3 ho3 yo# did it.B
A, did it2B said S3eeney2 3ith the air o% one con%iding a h#ge secret2 A3ith panache and sty(e.
hat$s ho3 , did it.B 8e (a#ghed2 si(ent(y2 roc/ing on his hee(s2 his gappy teeth bared.
A9es2B said Shado3. Ahat is ho3 yo# did it. 9o#$!e got to teach me. A(( the 3ays o% doing the
6iser$s Dream that ,$!e read abo#t yo#$d be hiding the coins in the hand that ho(ds the g(ass2
and dropping them in 3hi(e yo# prod#ce and !anish the coin in yo#r right hand.B
ASo#nds (i/e a he(( o% a (ot o% 3or/ to me2B said 6ad S3eeney. A,t$s easier D#st to pic/ them o#t
o% the air.B 8e pic/ed #p his ha(%C%inished So#thern 4om%ort and 4o/e2 (oo/ed at it2 and p#t it
do3n on the tab(e.
5ednesday stared at both o% them as i% he had D#st disco!ered ne3 and pre!io#s(y #nimagined
(i%e %orms. hen he said2 A6ead %or yo#2 Shado3. ,$(( stic/ 3ith 6ister Jac/ Danie($s2 and %or the
%ree(oading ,rishmanQ:B
AA bott(ed beer2 something dar/ %or pre%erence2B said S3eeney. A)ree(oader2 is it:B 8e pic/ed
#p 3hat 3as (e%t o% his drin/2 and raised it to 5ednesday in a toast. A6ay the storm pass o!er
#s2 and (ea!e #s ha(e and #nharmed2B he said2 and /noc/ed the drin/ bac/.
AA %ine toast2B said 5ednesday. AB#t it 3on$t.B
Another mead 3as p(aced in %ront o% Shado3.
ADo , ha!e to drin/ this:B he as/ed2 3itho#t enth#siasm.
A9es2 ,$m a%raid yo# do. ,t sea(s o#r dea(. hird time$s the charm2 eh:B
AShit2B said Shado3. 8e s3a((o3ed the mead in t3o (arge g#(ps. he pic/(ed honey taste %i((ed
his mo#th.
Ahere2B said 6r. 5ednesday. A9o#$re my man2 no3.B
ASo2B said S3eeney2 Ayo# 3ant to /no3 the tric/ o% ho3 it$s done:B
A9es2B said Shado3. A5ere yo# (oading them in yo#r s(ee!e:B
Ahey 3ere ne!er in my s(ee!e2B said S3eeney. 8e chort(ed to himse(%2 roc/ing and bo#ncing as
i% he 3ere a (an/y2 bearded2 dr#n/en !o(cano preparing to er#pt 3ith de(ight at his o3n
bri((iance. A,t$s the simp(est tric/ in the 3or(d. ,$(( %ight yo# %or it.B
Shado3 shoo/ his head. A,$(( pass.B
A'o3 there$s a %ine thing2B said S3eeney to the room. A*(d 5ednesday gets himse(% a
bodyg#ard2 and the %e((er$s too scared to p#t #p his %ists2 e!en.B
A, 3on$t %ight yo#2B agreed Shado3.
S3eeney s3ayed and s3eated. 8e %idd(ed 3ith the pea/ o% his baseba(( cap. hen he p#((ed one
o% his coins o#t o% the air and p(aced it on the tab(e. A+ea( go(d2 i% yo# 3ere 3ondering2B said
S3eeney. A5in or (ose-and yo#$(( (ose-it$s yo#rs i% yo# %ight me. A big %e((o3 (i/e
yo#-3ho$d$a tho#ght yo#$d be a %#c/en co3ard:B
A8e$s a(ready said he 3on$t %ight yo#2B said 5ednesday. AGo a3ay2 6ad S3eeney. a/e yo#r
beer and (ea!e #s in peace.B
S3eeney too/ a step c(oser to 5ednesday. A4a(( me a %ree(oader2 3i(( yo#2 yo# doomed o(d
creat#re: 9o# co(dCb(ooded2 heart(ess o(d treeChanger.B 8is %ace 3as t#rning a deep2 angry red.
5ednesday p#t o#t his hands2 pa(ms #p2 paci%ic. A)oo(ishness2 S3eeney. 5atch 3here yo# p#t
yo#r 3ords.B
S3eeney g(ared at him. hen he said2 3ith the gra!ity o% the !ery dr#n/2 A9o#$!e hired a
co3ard. 5hat 3o#(d he do i% , h#rt yo#2 do yo# thin/:B
5ednesday t#rned to Shado3. A,$!e had eno#gh o% this2B he said. ADea( 3ith it.B
Shado3 got to his %eet and (oo/ed #p into 6ad S3eeney$s %ace: ho3 ta(( 3as the man: he
3ondered. A9o#$re bothering #s2B he said. A9o#$re dr#n/. , thin/ yo# o#ght to (ea!e no3.B
A s(o3 smi(e spread o!er S3eeney$s %ace. Ahere2 no32B he said. A@i/e a (itt(e yapping dog2 it$s
%ina((y ready to %ight. 8ey2 e!erybody2B he ca((ed to the room2 Athere$s going to be a (esson
(earned. 5atch thisPB 8e s3#ng a h#ge %ist at Shado3$s %ace. Shado3 Der/ed bac/: S3eeney$s
hand ca#ght him beneath the right eye. 8e sa3 b(otches o% (ight2 and %e(t pain.
And 3ith that2 the %ight began.
S3eeney %o#ght 3itho#t sty(e2 3itho#t science2 3ith nothing b#t enth#siasm %or the %ight itse(%:
h#ge2 barre(ing ro#ndho#se b(o3s that missed as o%ten as they connected.
Shado3 %o#ght de%ensi!e(y2 care%#((y2 b(oc/ing S3eeney$s b(o3s or a!oiding them. 8e became
!ery a3are o% the a#dience aro#nd them. ab(es 3ere p#((ed o#t o% the 3ay 3ith protesting
groans2 ma/ing a space %or the men to spar. Shado3 3as a3are at a(( times o% 5ednesday$s
eyes #pon him2 o% 5ednesday$s h#mor(ess grin. ,t 3as a test2 that 3as ob!io#s2 b#t 3hat /ind
o% a test: ,n prison Shado3 had (earned there 3ere t3o /inds o% %ights: don$t %#c/ 3ith me
%ights2 3here yo# made it as sho3y and impressi!e as yo# co#(d2 and pri!ate %ights2 rea( %ights
3hich 3ere %ast and hard and nasty2 and a(3ays o!er in seconds.
A8ey2 S3eeney2B said Shado32 breath(ess2 A3hy are 3e %ighting:B
A)or the Doy o% it2B said S3eeney2 sober no32 or at (east2 no (onger !isib(y dr#n/. A)or the sheer
#nho(y %#c/en de(ight o% it. 4an$t yo# %ee( the Doy in yo#r o3n !eins2 rising (i/e the sap in the
springtime:B 8is (ip 3as b(eeding. So 3as Shado3$s /n#c/(e.
ASo ho3$d yo# do the coin prod#ction:B as/ed Shado3. 8e s3ayed bac/ and t3isted2 too/ a
b(o3 on his sho#(der intended %or his %ace.
Ao te(( the tr#th2B gr#nted S3eeney2 A, to(d yo# ho3 , did it 3hen %irst 3e spo/e. B#t there$s
none so b(ind-o3P Good oneP-as those 3ho 3i(( not (isten.B
Shado3 Dabbed at S3eeney2 %orcing him bac/ into a tab(e? empty g(asses and ashtrays crashed
to the %(oor. Shado3 co#(d ha!e %inished him o%% then. he man 3as de%ense(ess2 in no position
to be ab(e to do anything2 spra3(ed bac/ as he 3as.
Shado3 g(anced at 5ednesday2 3ho nodded. Shado3 (oo/ed do3n at 6ad S3eeney. AAre 3e
done:B he as/ed. 6ad S3eeney hesitated2 then nodded. Shado3 (et go o% him2 and too/
se!era( steps bac/3ard. S3eeney2 panting2 p#shed himse(% bac/ #p to a standing position.
A'ot on yer assPB he sho#ted. A,t ain$t o!er ti(( , say it isPB hen he grinned2 and thre3 himse(%
%or3ard2 s3inging at Shado3. 8e stepped onto a %a((en iceCc#be2 and his grin t#rned to openC
mo#thed dismay as his %eet 3ent o#t %rom #nder him2 and he %e(( bac/3ard. he bac/ o% his
head hit the barroom %(oor 3ith a de%inite th#d.
Shado3 p#t his /nee into 6ad S3eeney$s chest. A)or the second time2 are 3e done %ighting:B
he as/ed.
A5e may as 3e(( be2 at that2B said S3eeney2 raising his head %rom the %(oor2 A%or the Doy$s gone
o#t o% me no32 (i/e the pee %rom a sma(( boy in a s3imming poo( on a hot day.B And he spat the
b(ood %rom his mo#th and c(osed his eyes and began to snore2 in deep and magni%icent snores.
Somebody c(apped Shado3 on the bac/. 5ednesday p#t a bott(e o% beer into his hand.
,t tasted better than mead.
Shado3 3o/e #p stretched o#t in the bac/ o% a sedan car. he morning s#n 3as da11(ing2 and
his head h#rt. 8e sat #p a3/3ard(y2 r#bbing his eyes.
5ednesday 3as dri!ing. 8e 3as h#mming t#ne(ess(y as he dro!e. 8e had a paper c#p o% co%%ee
in the c#p ho(der. hey 3ere heading a(ong 3hat (oo/ed (i/e an interstate high3ay2 3ith the
cr#ise contro( set to an e!en si&tyC%i!e. he passenger seat 3as empty.
A8o3 are yo# %ee(ing2 this %ine morning:B as/ed 5ednesday2 3itho#t t#rning aro#nd.
A5hat happened to my car:B as/ed Shado3. A,t 3as a renta(.B
A6ad S3eeney too/ it bac/ %or yo#. ,t 3as part o% the dea( the t3o o% yo# c#t (ast night.B
ADea(:B
AA%ter the %ight.B
A)ight:B 8e p#t one hand #p and r#bbed his chee/2 and then he 3inced. 9es2 there had been a
%ight. 8e remembered a ta(( man 3ith a ginger beard2 and the cheering and 3hooping o% an
appreciati!e a#dience. A5ho 3on:B
A9o# don$t remember2 eh:B 5ednesday ch#c/(ed.
A'ot so yo#$d notice2B said Shado3. 4on!ersations %rom the night be%ore began to Dost(e in his
head #ncom%ortab(y. A9o# got any more o% that co%%ee:B
he big man reached beneath the passenger seat and passed bac/ an #nopened bott(e o%
3ater. A8ere. 9o#$(( be dehydrated. his 3i(( he(p more than co%%ee2 %or the moment. 5e$(( stop
at the ne&t gas station and get yo# some brea/%ast. 9o#$(( need to c(ean yo#rse(% #p2 too. 9o#
(oo/ (i/e something the goat dragged in.B
A4at dragged in2B said Shado3.
AGoat2B said 5ednesday. A8#ge ran/ stin/ing goat 3ith big teeth.B
Shado3 #nscre3ed the top o% the 3ater and dran/. Something c(in/ed hea!i(y in his Dac/et
poc/et. 8e p#t his hand into the poc/et and p#((ed o#t a coin the si1e o% a ha(%Cdo((ar. ,t 3as
hea!y2 and a deep ye((o3 in co(or. ,t 3as a(so s(ight(y stic/y. Shado3 pa(med it in his right hand2
c(assic pa(m2 then prod#ced it %rom bet3een his third and %o#rth %ingers. 8e %rontCpa(med it2
ho(ding it bet3een his %irst and his (itt(e %inger2 so it 3as in!isib(e %rom behind2 then s(ipped his
t3o midd(e %ingers #nder it2 pi!oting it smooth(y into a bac/Cpa(m. )ina((y he dropped the coin
bac/ into his (e%t hand2 and he p(aced it into his poc/et.
A5hat the he(( 3as , drin/ing (ast night:B as/ed Shado3. he e!ents o% the night 3ere cro3ding
aro#nd him no32 3itho#t shape2 3itho#t sense2 b#t he /ne3 they 3ere there.
6r. 5ednesday spotted an e&it sign promising a gas station2 and he g#nned the engine. A9o#
don$t remember:B
A'o.B
A9o# 3ere drin/ing mead2B said 5ednesday. 8e grinned a h#ge grin.
6ead.
9es.
Shado3 (eaned bac/ in the seat2 and s#c/ed do3n 3ater %rom the bott(e2 and (et the night
be%ore 3ash o!er him. 6ost o% it2 he remembered. Some o% it2 he didn$t.
,n the gas station Shado3 bo#ght a 4(eanCECEp .it2 3hich contained a ra1or2 a pac/et o%
sha!ing cream2 a comb2 and a disposab(e toothbr#sh pac/ed 3ith a tiny t#be o% toothpaste.
hen he 3a(/ed into the men$s restroom and (oo/ed at himse(% in the mirror.
8e had a br#ise #nder one eye-3hen he prodded it2 e&perimenta((y2 3ith one %inger2 he %o#nd
it h#rt deep(y-and a s3o((en (o3er (ip. 8is hair 3as a tang(e2 and he (oo/ed as i% he had spent
the %irst ha(% o% (ast night %ighting and then the rest o% the night %ast as(eep2 %#((y dressed2 in the
bac/ seat o% a car. inny m#sic p(ayed in the bac/gro#nd: it too/ him some moments to identi%y
it as the Beat(es$ A)oo( on the 8i((.B
Shado3 3ashed his %ace 3ith the restroom$s (iI#id soap2 then he (athered his %ace and sha!ed.
8e 3et his hair and combed it bac/. 8e br#shed his teeth. hen he 3ashed the (ast traces o% the
soap and the toothpaste %rom his %ace 3ith (#/e3arm 3ater. Stared bac/ at his re%(ection:
c(eanCsha!en2 b#t his eyes 3ere sti(( red and p#%%y. 8e (oo/ed o(der than he remembered.
8e 3ondered 3hat @a#ra 3o#(d say 3hen she sa3 him2 and then he remembered that @a#ra
3o#(dn$t say anything e!er again and he sa3 his %ace2 in the mirror2 tremb(e2 b#t on(y %or a
moment.
8e 3ent o#t.
A, (oo/ (i/e shit2B said Shado3.
A*% co#rse yo# do2B agreed 5ednesday.
5ednesday too/ an assortment o% snac/C%ood #p to the cash register2 and paid %or that and
their gas2 changing his mind t3ice abo#t 3hether he 3as doing it 3ith p(astic or 3ith cash2 to
the irritation o% the g#mCche3ing yo#ng (ady behind the ti((. Shado3 3atched as 5ednesday
became increasing(y %(#stered and apo(ogetic. 8e seemed !ery o(d2 s#dden(y. he gir( ga!e him
his cash bac/2 and p#t the p#rchase on the card2 and then ga!e him the card receipt and too/
his cash2 then ret#rned the cash and too/ a di%%erent card. 5ednesday 3as ob!io#s(y on the
!erge o% tears2 an o(d man made he(p(ess by the imp(acab(e p(astic march o% the modern 3or(d.
Shado3 chec/ed o#t the payphone: an o#tCo%Corder sign h#ng on it.
hey 3a(/ed o#t o% the 3arm gas station2 and their breath steamed in the air.
A9o# 3ant me to dri!e:B as/ed Shado3.
A8e(( no2B said 5ednesday.
he %ree3ay s(ipped past them: bro3ning grass meado3s on each side o% them. he trees 3ere
(ea%(ess and dead. 3o b(ac/ birds stared at them %rom a te(egraph 3ire.
A8ey2 5ednesday.B
A5hat:B
Ahe 3ay , sa3 it in there2 yo# ne!er paid %or the gas.B
A*h:B
Ahe 3ay , sa3 it2 she 3o#nd #p paying yo# %or the pri!i(ege o% ha!ing yo# in her gas station.
9o# thin/ she$s %ig#red it o#t yet:B
AShe ne!er 3i((.B
ASo 3hat are yo#: A t3oCbit con artist:B
5ednesday nodded. A9es2B he said. A, s#ppose , am. Among other things.B
8e s3#ng o#t into the (e%t (ane to pass a tr#c/. he s/y 3as a b(ea/ and #ni%orm gray.
A,t$s going to sno32B said Shado3.
A9es.B
AS3eeney. Did he act#a((y sho3 me ho3 he did that tric/ 3ith the go(d coins:B
A*h yes.B
A, can$t remember.B
A,t$(( come bac/. ,t 3as a (ong night.B
Se!era( sma(( sno3%(a/es br#shed the 3indshie(d2 me(ting in seconds.
A9o#r 3i%e$s body is on disp(ay at 5ende(($s )#nera( Par(or at present2B said 5ednesday. Ahen
a%ter (#nch they 3i(( ta/e her %rom there to the gra!eyard %or the interment.B
A8o3 do yo# /no3:B
A, ca((ed ahead 3hi(e yo# 3ere in the Dohn. 9o# /no3 3here 5ende(($s )#nera( Par(or is:B
Shado3 nodded. he sno3%(a/es 3hir(ed and di11ied in %ront o% them.
Ahis is o#r e&it2B said Shado3. he car sto(e o%% the interstate2 and past the c(#ster o% mote(s to
the north o% "ag(e Point.
hree years had passed. 9es. he S#perCY mote( had gone2 torn do3n: in its p(ace 3as a
5endy$s. here 3ere more stop(ights2 #n%ami(iar store%ronts. hey dro!e do3nto3n. Shado3
as/ed 5ednesday to s(o3 as they dro!e past the 6#sc(e )arm. 4@*S"D ,'D"),',"@92 said the handC
(ettered sign on the door2 DE" * B"+"AF"6"'.
@e%t on 6ain Street. Past a ne3 tattoo par(or and the Armed )orces +ecr#itment 4enter2 then
the B#rger .ing2 and2 %ami(iar and #nchanged2 *(sen$s Dr#g Store2 and at (ast the ye((o3Cbric/
%acade o% 5ende(($s )#nera( Par(or. A neon sign in the %ront 3indo3 said 8*ES" *) +"S. B(an/
tombstones stood #nchristened and #ncar!ed in the 3indo3 beneath the sign.
5ednesday p#((ed #p in the par/ing (ot.
ADo yo# 3ant me to come in:B he as/ed.
A'ot partic#(ar(y.B
AGood.B he grin %(ashed2 3itho#t h#mor. Ahere$s b#siness , can be getting on 3ith 3hi(e yo#
say yo#r goodbyes. ,$(( get rooms %or #s at the 6ote( America. 6eet me there 3hen yo#$re
done.B
Shado3 got o#t o% the car2 and 3atched it p#(( a3ay. hen he 3a(/ed in. he dim(y (it corridor
sme((ed o% %(o3ers and o% %#rnit#re po(ish2 3ith D#st the s(ightest tang o% %orma(dehyde and rot
beneath the s#r%ace. At the %ar end 3as the 4hape( o% +est.
Shado3 rea(i1ed that he 3as pa(ming the go(d coin2 mo!ing it comp#(si!e(y %rom a bac/ pa(m to
a %ront pa(m to a Do3ns pa(m2 o!er and o!er. he 3eight 3as reass#ring in his hand.
8is 3i%e$s name 3as on a sheet o% paper beside the door at the %ar end o% the corridor. 8e
3a(/ed into the 4hape( o% +est. Shado3 /ne3 most o% the peop(e in the room: @a#ra$s %ami(y2
her 3or/mates at the tra!e( agency2 se!era( o% her %riends.
hey a(( recogni1ed him. 8e co#(d see it in their %aces. here 3ere no smi(es2 tho#gh2 no he((os.
At the end o% the room 3as a sma(( dais2 and2 on it2 a creamCco(ored cas/et 3ith se!era( disp(ays
o% %(o3ers arranged abo#t it: scar(ets and ye((o3s and 3hites and deep2 b(oody p#rp(es. 8e too/
a step %or3ard. 8e co#(d see @a#ra$s body %rom 3here he 3as standing. 8e did not 3ant to 3a(/
%or3ard? he did not dare to 3a(/ a3ay.
A man in a dar/ s#it-Shado3 g#essed he 3or/ed at the %#nera( home-said2 ASir: 5o#(d yo#
(i/e to sign the condo(ence and remembrance boo/:B and pointed him to a (eatherCbo#nd
boo/2 open on a sma(( (ectern.
8e 3rote S8AD*5 and the date in his precise hand3riting2 then2 s(o3(y2 he 3rote GPEPP9H
beside it2 p#tting o%% 3a(/ing to3ard the end o% the room2 3here the peop(e 3ere2 and the
cas/et2 and the thing in the cream cas/et that 3as no (onger @a#ra.
A sma(( 3oman 3a(/ed in %rom the corridor2 and hesitated. 8er hair 3as a coppery red2 and her
c(othes 3ere e&pensi!e and !ery b(ac/. 5ido3$s 3eeds2 tho#ght Shado32 3ho /ne3 her 3e((:
A#drey B#rton2 +obbie$s 3i%e.
A#drey 3as ho(ding a sprig o% !io(ets2 3rapped at the base 3ith si(!er %oi(. ,t 3as the /ind o%
thing a chi(d 3o#(d ma/e in J#ne2 tho#ght Shado3. B#t !io(ets 3ere o#t o% season.
A#drey (oo/ed direct(y at Shado32 and there 3as no recognition in her eyes. hen she 3a(/ed
across the room2 to @a#ra$s cas/et. Shado3 %o((o3ed her.
@a#ra (ay 3ith her eyes c(osed2 and her arms %o(ded across her chest. She 3ore a conser!ati!e
b(#e s#it he did not recogni1e. 8er (ong bro3n hair 3as o#t o% her eyes. ,t 3as his @a#ra and it
3as not: her repose2 he rea(i1ed2 3as 3hat 3as #nnat#ra(. @a#ra 3as a(3ays s#ch a rest(ess
s(eeper.
A#drey p(aced her sprig o% s#mmer !io(ets on @a#ra$s chest. hen she p#rsed her b(ac/berryC
co(ored (ips2 3or/ed her mo#th %or a moment and spat2 hard2 onto @a#ra$s dead %ace.
he spit ca#ght @a#ra on the chee/2 and began to drip do3n to3ard her ear.
A#drey 3as a(ready 3a(/ing to3ard the door. Shado3 h#rried a%ter her. AA#drey:B he said. his
time she recogni1ed him. 8e 3ondered i% she 3as ta/ing tranI#i(i1ers. 8er !oice 3as distant
and detached.
AShado3: Did yo# escape: *r did they (et yo# o#t:B
A@et me o#t yesterday. ,$m a %ree man2B said Shado3. A5hat the he(( 3as that a(( abo#t:B
She stopped in the dar/ corridor. Ahe !io(ets: hey 3ere a(3ays her %a!orite %(o3er. 5hen 3e
3ere gir(s 3e #sed to pic/ them together.B
A'ot the !io(ets.B
A*h2 that2B she said. She 3iped a spec/ o% something in!isib(e %rom the corner o% her mo#th.
A5e((2 , 3o#(d ha!e tho#ght that 3as ob!io#s.B
A'ot to me2 A#drey.B
Ahey didn$t te(( yo#:B 8er !oice 3as ca(m2 emotion(ess. A9o#r 3i%e died 3ith my h#sband$s
coc/ in her mo#th2 Shado3.B
She t#rned a3ay2 3a(/ed o#t into the par/ing (ot2 and Shado3 3atched her (ea!e.
8e 3ent bac/ into the %#nera( home. Someone had a(ready 3iped a3ay the spit.
'one o% the peop(e at the !ie3ing 3ere ab(e to meet Shado3$s eye. hose 3ho came o!er and
ta(/ed to him did so as (itt(e as they co#(d2 m#mb(ed a3/3ard commiserations and %(ed.
A%ter (#nch-Shado3 ate at the B#rger .ing-3as the b#ria(. @a#ra$s creamCco(ored co%%in 3as
interred in the sma(( nonCdenominationa( cemetery on the edge o% to3n: #n%enced2 a hi((y
3ood(and meado3 %i((ed 3ith b(ac/ granite and 3hite marb(e headstones.
8e rode to the cemetery in the 5ende(($s hearse2 3ith @a#ra$s mother. 6rs. 6c4abe seemed to
%ee( that @a#ra$s death 3as Shado3$s %a#(t. A,% yo#$d been here2B she said2 Athis 3o#(d ne!er
ha!e happened. , don$t /no3 3hy she married yo#. , to(d her. ime and again2 , to(d her. B#t
they don$t (isten to their mothers2 do they:B She stopped2 (oo/ed more c(ose(y at Shado3$s
%ace. A8a!e yo# been %ighting:B
A9es2B he said.
ABarbarian2B she said2 then she set her mo#th2 raised her head so her chins I#i!ered2 and
stared straight ahead o% her.
o Shado3$s s#rprise A#drey B#rton 3as a(so at the %#nera(2 standing to3ard the bac/. he
short ser!ice ended2 the cas/et 3as (o3ered into the co(d gro#nd. he peop(e 3ent a3ay.
Shado3 did not (ea!e. 8e stood there 3ith his hands in his poc/ets2 shi!ering2 staring at the
ho(e in the gro#nd.
Abo!e him the s/y 3as iron gray2 %eat#re(ess and %(at as a mirror. ,t contin#ed to sno32
erratica((y2 in ghostC(i/e t#mb(ing %(a/es.
here 3as something he 3anted to say to @a#ra2 and he 3as prepared to 3ait #nti( he /ne3
3hat it 3as. he 3or(d s(o3(y began to (ose (ight and co(or. Shado3$s %eet 3ere going n#mb2
3hi(e his hands and %ace h#rt %rom the co(d. 8e b#rro3ed his hands into his poc/ets %or
3armth2 and his %ingers c(osed abo#t the go(d coin.
8e 3a(/ed o!er to the gra!e.
Ahis is %or yo#2B he said.
Se!era( sho!e(s o% earth had been emptied onto the cas/et2 b#t the ho(e 3as %ar %rom %#((. 8e
thre3 the go(d coin into the gra!e 3ith @a#ra2 then he p#shed more earth into the ho(e2 to hide
the coin %rom acI#isiti!e gra!ediggers. 8e br#shed the earth %rom his hands2 and said2 AGood
night2 @a#ra.B hen he said2 A,$m sorry.B 8e t#rned his %ace to3ard the (ights o% the to3n2 and
began to 3a(/ bac/ into "ag(e Point.
8is mote( 3as a good t3o mi(es a3ay2 b#t a%ter spending three years in prison he 3as re(ishing
the idea that he co#(d simp(y 3a(/ and 3a(/2 %ore!er i% need be. 8e co#(d /eep 3a(/ing north2
and 3ind #p in A(as/a2 or head so#th2 to 6e&ico and beyond. 8e co#(d 3a(/ to Patagonia2 or to
ierra de( )#ego. he @and o% )ire. 8e tried to remember ho3 it had got its name: he
remembered reading as a boy o% na/ed men2 cro#ched by %ires to /eep 3armQ
A car dre3 #p beside him. he 3indo3 h#mmed do3n.
A9o# 3ant a (i%t2 Shado3:B as/ed A#drey B#rton.
A'o2B he said. A'ot %rom yo#.B
8e contin#ed to 3a(/. A#drey dro!e beside him at three mi(es an ho#r. Sno3%(a/es danced in
the beams o% her head(ights.
A, tho#ght she 3as my best %riend2B said A#drey. A5e$d ta(/ e!ery day. 5hen +obbie and , had
a %ight2 she$d be the %irst one to /no3-3e$d go do3n to 4hiC4hi$s %or margaritas and to ta(/
abo#t 3hat sc#mpots men can be. And a(( the time she 3as %#c/ing him behind my bac/.B
AP(ease go a3ay2 A#drey.B
A, D#st 3ant yo# to /no3 , had good reason %or 3hat , did.B
8e said nothing.
A8eyPB she sho#ted. A8eyP ,$m ta(/ing to yo#PB
Shado3 t#rned. ADo yo# 3ant me to te(( yo# that yo# 3ere right 3hen yo# spit in @a#ra$s %ace:
Do yo# 3ant me to say it didn$t h#rt: *r that 3hat yo# to(d me made me hate her more than ,
miss her: ,t$s not going to happen2 A#drey.B
She dro!e beside him %or another min#te2 not saying anything. hen she said2 ASo2 ho3 3as
prison2 Shado3:B
A,t 3as %ine2B said Shado3. A9o# 3o#(d ha!e %e(t right at home.B
She p#t her %oot do3n on the gas then2 ma/ing the engine roar2 and dro!e on and a3ay.
5ith the head(ights gone2 the 3or(d 3as dar/. 3i(ight %aded into night. Shado3 /ept e&pecting
the act o% 3a(/ing to 3arm him2 to spread 3armth thro#gh his icy hands and %eet. ,t didn$t
happen.
Bac/ in prison2 @o3 .ey @yesmith had once re%erred to the (itt(e prison cemetery o#t behind the
in%irmary as the Bone *rchard2 and the image had ta/en root in Shado3$s mind. hat night he
had dreamed o% an orchard #nder the moon(ight2 o% s/e(eta( 3hite trees2 their branches ending
in bony hands2 their roots going deep do3n into the gra!es. here 3as %r#it that gre3 #pon the
trees in the bone orchard2 in his dream2 and there 3as something !ery dist#rbing abo#t the
%r#it in the dream2 b#t on 3a/ing he co#(d no (onger remember 3hat strange %r#it gre3 on the
trees2 or 3hy he %o#nd it so repe((ent.
4ars passed him. Shado3 3ished that there 3as a side3a(/. 8e tripped on something that he
co#(d not see in the dar/ and spra3(ed into the ditch on the side o% the road2 his right hand
sin/ing into se!era( inches o% co(d m#d. 8e c(imbed to his %eet and 3iped his hands on the (eg o%
his pants. 8e stood there2 a3/3ard(y. 8e had on(y eno#gh time to obser!e that there 3as
someone beside him be%ore something 3et 3as %orced o!er his nose and mo#th2 and he tasted
harsh2 chemica( %#mes.
his time the ditch seemed 3arm and com%orting.
Shado3$s temp(es %e(t as i% they had been reattached to the rest o% his s/#(( 3ith roo%ing nai(s2
and his !ision 3as b(#rred.
8is hands 3ere bo#nd behind his bac/ 3ith 3hat %e(t (i/e some /ind o% straps. 8e 3as in a car2
sitting on (eather #pho(stery. )or a moment he 3ondered i% there 3as something 3rong 3ith
his depth perception and then he #nderstood that2 no2 the other seat rea((y 3as that %ar a3ay.
here 3ere peop(e sitting beside him2 b#t he co#(d not t#rn to (oo/ at them.
he %at yo#ng man at the other end o% the stretch (imo too/ a can o% Diet 4o/e %rom the coc/tai(
bar and popped it open. 8e 3ore a (ong b(ac/ coat2 made o% some si(/y materia(2 and he
appeared bare(y o#t o% his teens: a spattering o% acne g(istened on one chee/. 8e smi(ed 3hen
he sa3 that Shado3 3as a3a/e.
A8e((o2 Shado32B he said. ADon$t %#c/ 3ith me.B
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A, 3on$t. 4an yo# drop me o%% at the 6ote( America2 #p by the
interstate:B
A8it him2B said the yo#ng man to the person on Shado3$s (e%t. A p#nch 3as de(i!ered to
Shado3$s so(ar p(e&#s2 /noc/ing the breath %rom him2 do#b(ing him o!er. 8e straightened #p2
s(o3(y.
A, said don$t %#c/ 3ith me. hat 3as %#c/ing 3ith me. .eep yo#r ans3ers short and to the point
or ,$(( %#c/ing /i(( yo#. *r maybe , 3on$t /i(( yo#. 6aybe ,$(( ha!e the chi(dren brea/ e!ery bone
in yo#r %#c/ing body. here are t3o h#ndred and si& o% them. So don$t %#c/ 3ith me.B
AGot it2B said Shado3.
he cei(ing (ights in the (imo changed co(or %rom !io(et to b(#e then to green and to ye((o3.
A9o#$re 3or/ing %or 5ednesday2B said the yo#ng man.
A9es2B said Shado3.
A5hat the %#c/ is he a%ter: , mean2 3hat$s he doing here: 8e m#st ha!e a p(an. 5hat$s the
game p(an:B
A, started 3or/ing %or 6r. 5ednesday this morning2B said Shado3. A,$m an errand boy. 6aybe a
dri!er2 i% he e!er (ets me dri!e. 5e$!e bare(y e&changed a do1en 3ords.B
A9o#$re saying yo# don$t /no3:B
A,$m saying , don$t /no3.B
he boy stared at him. 8e s3igged some 4o/e %rom the can2 be(ched2 stared some more.
A5o#(d yo# te(( me i% yo# did /no3:B
AProbab(y not2B admitted Shado3. AAs yo# say2 ,$m 3or/ing %or 6r. 5ednesday.B
he boy opened his Dac/et and too/ o#t a si(!er cigarette case %rom an inside poc/et. 8e opened
it2 and o%%ered a cigarette to Shado3. ASmo/e:B
Shado3 tho#ght abo#t as/ing %or his hands to be #ntied2 b#t decided against it. A'o than/
yo#2B he said.
he cigarette appeared to ha!e been handCro((ed2 and 3hen the boy (it it2 3ith a matte b(ac/
0ippo (ighter2 the odor that %i((ed the (imo 3as not tobacco. ,t 3as not pot either2 decided
Shado3. ,t sme((ed a (itt(e (i/e b#rning e(ectrica( parts.
he boy inha(ed deep(y2 then he(d his breath. 8e (et the smo/e tric/(e o#t %rom his mo#th2
p#((ed it bac/ into his nostri(s. Shado3 s#spected that he had practiced that in %ront o% a mirror
%or a 3hi(e be%ore doing it in p#b(ic.
A,% yo#$!e (ied to me2B said the boy2 as i% %rom a (ong 3ay a3ay2 A,$(( %#c/ing /i(( yo#. 9o# /no3
that.B
ASo yo# said.B
he boy too/ another (ong drag on his cigarette. he (ights inside the (imo transm#ted %rom
orange2 to red2 and bac/ to p#rp(e. A9o# say yo#$re staying at the 6ote( America:B 8e tapped
on the dri!er$s 3indo32 behind him. he g(ass 3indo3 (o3ered. A8ey. 6ote( America2 #p by the
interstate. 5e need to drop o%% o#r g#est.B
he dri!er nodded2 and the g(ass rose #p again.
he g(inting %iberCoptic (ights inside the (imo contin#ed to change2 cyc(ing thro#gh their set o%
dim co(ors. ,t seemed to Shado3 that the boy$s eyes 3ere g(inting too2 the green o% an antiI#e
comp#ter monitor.
A9o# te(( 5ednesday this2 man. 9o# te(( him he$s history. 8e$s %orgotten. 8e$s o(d. And he better
accept it. e(( him that 3e are the %#t#re and 3e don$t gi!e a %#c/ abo#t him or anyone (i/e him.
8is time is o!er. 9es: 9o# %#c/ing te(( him that2 man. 8e has been consigned to the D#mpster o%
history 3hi(e peop(e (i/e me ride o#r (imos do3n the s#perhigh3ay o% tomorro3.B
A,$(( te(( him2B said Shado3. 8e 3as beginning to %ee( (ightCheaded. 8e hoped that he 3as not
going to be sic/.
Ae(( him that 3e ha!e %#c/ing reprogrammed rea(ity. e(( him that (ang#age is a !ir#s and that
re(igion is an operating system and that prayers are D#st so m#ch %#c/ing spam. e(( him that or
,$(( %#c/ing /i(( yo#2B said the yo#ng man mi(d(y2 %rom the smo/e.
AGot it2B said Shado3. A9o# can (et me o#t here. , can 3a(/ the rest o% the 3ay.B
he yo#ng man nodded. AGood ta(/ing to yo#2B he said. he smo/e had me((o3ed him. A9o#
sho#(d /no3 that i% 3e do %#c/ing /i(( yo# then 3e$(( D#st de(ete yo#. 9o# got that: *ne c(ic/ and
yo#$re o!er3ritten 3ith random ones and 1eros. Ende(ete is not an option.B 8e tapped on the
3indo3 behind him. A8e$s getting o%% here2B he said. hen he t#rned bac/ to Shado32 pointed
to his cigarette. ASynthetic toadCs/ins2B he said. A9o# /no3 they can synthesi1e b#%otenin
no3:B
he car stopped. he person to Shado3$s right got o#t and he(d the door open %or Shado3.
Shado3 c(imbed o#t a3/3ard(y2 his hands tied behind his bac/. 8e rea(i1ed that he had not yet
got a c(ear (oo/ at either o% the peop(e 3ho had been in the bac/ seat 3ith him. 8e did not
/no3 i% they 3ere men or 3omen2 o(d or yo#ng.
Shado3$s bonds 3ere c#t. he ny(on strips %e(( to the tarmac. Shado3 t#rned aro#nd. he
inside o% the car 3as no3 one 3rithing c(o#d o% smo/e in 3hich t3o (ights g(inted2 copperC
co(ored2 (i/e the bea#ti%#( eyes o% a toad. A,t$s a(( abo#t the dominant %#c/ing paradigm2
Shado3. 'othing e(se is important. And hey2 sorry to hear abo#t yo#r o(d (ady.B
he door c(osed2 and the stretch (imo dro!e o%%2 I#iet(y. Shado3 3as a co#p(e o% h#ndred yards
a3ay %rom his mote(2 and he 3a(/ed there2 breathing the co(d air2 past red and ye((o3 and b(#e
(ights ad!ertising e!ery /ind o% %ast %ood a man co#(d imagine2 as (ong as it 3as a hamb#rger?
and he reached the 6ote( America 3itho#t incident.
48AP"+ 8+""
"!ery ho#r 3o#nds. he (ast one /i((s.-*@D SA9,'G
here 3as a thin yo#ng 3oman behind the co#nter at the 6ote( America. She to(d Shado3 he
had a(ready been chec/ed in by his %riend2 and ga!e him his rectang#(ar p(astic room /ey. She
had pa(e b(onde hair and a rodentC(i/e I#a(ity to her %ace that 3as most apparent 3hen she
(oo/ed s#spicio#s2 and eased 3hen she smi(ed. 6ost o% the time she (oo/ed at Shado32 she
(oo/ed s#spicio#s. She re%#sed to te(( him 5ednesday$s room n#mber2 and insisted on
te(ephoning 5ednesday on the ho#se phone to (et him /no3 his g#est 3as here.
5ednesday came o#t o% a room do3n the ha((2 and bec/oned to Shado3.
A8o3 3as the %#nera(:B he as/ed.
A,t$s o!er2B said Shado3.
Ahat shitty2 h#h: 9o# 3ant to ta(/ abo#t it:B
A'o2B said Shado3.
AGood.B 5ednesday grinned. Aoo m#ch ta(/ing these days. a(/ ta(/ ta(/. his co#ntry 3o#(d
get a(ong m#ch better i% peop(e (earned ho3 to s#%%er in si(ence. 9o# h#ngry:B
AA (itt(e.B
Ahere$s no %ood here. B#t yo# can order a pi11a and they$(( p#t it on the room.B
5ednesday (ed the 3ay bac/ to his room2 3hich 3as across the ha(( %rom Shado3$s. here 3ere
maps a(( o!er the room2 #n%o(ded2 spread o#t on the bed2 taped to the 3a((s. 5ednesday had
dra3n a(( o!er the maps in bright mar/ing pens2 %(#orescent greens and pain%#( pin/s and !i!id
oranges.
A, got hiDac/ed by a %at /id in a (imo2B said Shado3. A8e says to te(( yo# that yo# ha!e been
consigned to the d#ng heap o% history 3hi(e peop(e (i/e him ride in their (imos do3n the
s#perhigh3ays o% (i%e. Something (i/e that.B
A@itt(e snot2B said 5ednesday.
A9o# /no3 him:B
5ednesday shr#gged. A, /no3 3ho he is.B 8e sat do3n2 hea!i(y2 on the room$s on(y chair.
Ahey don$t ha!e a c(#e2B he said. Ahey don$t ha!e a %#c/ing c(#e. 8o3 m#ch (onger do yo#
need to stay in to3n:B
A, don$t /no3. 6aybe another 3ee/. , g#ess , need to 3rap #p @a#ra$s a%%airs. a/e care o% the
apartment2 get rid o% her c(othes2 a(( that. ,t$(( dri!e her mother n#ts2 b#t the 3oman deser!es
it.B
5ednesday nodded his h#ge head. A5e((2 the sooner yo#$re done2 the sooner 3e can mo!e o#t
o% "ag(e Point. Good night.B
Shado3 3a(/ed across the ha((. 8is room 3as a d#p(icate o% 5ednesday$s room2 do3n to the
print o% a b(oody s#nset on the 3a(( abo!e the bed. 8e ordered a cheese and meatba(( pi11a2
then he ran a bath2 po#ring a(( the mote($s (itt(e p(astic bott(es o% shampoo into the 3ater2
ma/ing it %oam.
8e 3as too big to (ie do3n in the batht#b2 b#t he sat in it and (#&#riated as best he co#(d.
Shado3 had promised himse(% a bath 3hen he got o#t o% prison2 and Shado3 /ept his promises.
he pi11a arri!ed short(y a%ter he got o#t o% the bath2 and Shado3 ate it2 3ashing it do3n 3ith a
can o% root beer.
8e t#rned on the te(e!ision2 and 3atched an episode o% Jerry Springer he remembered %rom
be%ore he 3ent to prison. he theme o% the sho3 3as A, 3ant to be a prostit#teB and se!era(
3o#(dCbe 3hores2 most o% them %ema(e2 3ere bro#ght o#t2 sho#ted at and hectored by the
a#dience? then a go(dCdraped pimp came o#t and o%%ered them emp(oyment in his stab(e2 and
an e&Choo/er ran o#t and p(eaded 3ith them a(( to get rea( Dobs. Shado3 t#rned it o%% be%ore
Jerry got to his tho#ght %or the day.
Shado3 (ay in bed2 thin/ing2 his is my %irst bed as a %ree man2 and the tho#ght ga!e him (ess
p(eas#re than he had imagined that it 3o#(d. 8e (e%t the drapes open2 3atched the (ights o% the
cars and o% the %ast %ood Doints thro#gh the 3indo3 g(ass2 com%orted to /no3 there 3as
another 3or(d o#t there2 one he co#(d 3a(/ to any time he 3anted.
Shado3 co#(d ha!e been in his bed at home2 he tho#ght2 in the apartment that he had shared
3ith @a#ra-in the bed that he had shared 3ith @a#ra. B#t the tho#ght o% being there 3itho#t
her2 s#rro#nded by her things2 her scent2 her (i%e2 3as simp(y too pain%#(Q
Don$t go there2 tho#ght Shado3. 8e decided to thin/ abo#t something e(se. 8e tho#ght abo#t
coin tric/s. Shado3 /ne3 that he did not ha!e the persona(ity to be a magician: he co#(d not
3ea!e the stories that 3ere so necessary %or be(ie%2 nor did he 3ish to do card tric/s2 or
prod#ce paper %(o3ers. B#t he (i/ed to manip#(ate coins? he enDoyed the cra%t o% it. 8e started
to (ist the coin !anishes he had mastered2 3hich reminded him o% the coin he had tossed into
@a#ra$s gra!e2 and then2 in his head2 A#drey 3as te((ing him that @a#ra had died 3ith +obbie$s
coc/ in her mo#th2 and once again he %e(t a sma(( h#rt in his chest. ,n his heart.
"!ery ho#r 3o#nds. he (ast one /i((s. 5here had he heard that: 8e co#(d no (onger remember.
8e co#(d %ee(2 some3here deep inside him2 anger and pain b#i(ding2 a /not o% tension at the
base o% his s/#((2 a tightness at the temp(es. 8e breathed in thro#gh his nose2 o#t thro#gh his
mo#th2 %orcing himse(% to (et the tension go.
8e tho#ght o% 5ednesday$s comment and smi(ed2 despite himse(%: Shado3 had heard too many
peop(e te((ing each other not to repress their %ee(ings2 to (et their emotions o#t2 (et the pain go.
Shado3 tho#ght there 3as a (ot to be said %or bott(ing #p emotions. ,% yo# did it (ong eno#gh
and deep eno#gh2 he s#spected2 pretty soon yo# 3o#(dn$t %ee( anything at a((.
S(eep too/ him then2 3itho#t Shado3 noticing.
8e 3as 3a(/ingQ
8e 3as 3a(/ing thro#gh a room bigger than a city2 and e!ery3here he (oo/ed there 3ere
stat#es and car!ings and ro#ghChe3n images. 8e 3as standing beside a stat#e o% a 3omanC(i/e
thing: her na/ed breasts h#ng2 %(at and pend#(o#s on her chest2 aro#nd her 3aist 3as a chain o%
se!ered hands2 both o% her o3n hands he(d sharp /ni!es2 and2 instead o% a head2 rising %rom her
nec/ there 3ere t3in serpents2 their bodies arched2 %acing each other2 ready to attac/. here
3as something pro%o#nd(y dist#rbing abo#t the stat#e2 a deep and !io(ent 3rongness. Shado3
bac/ed a3ay %rom it.
8e began to 3a(/ thro#gh the ha((. he car!ed eyes o% those stat#es that had eyes seemed to
%o((o3 his e!ery step.
,n his dream2 he rea(i1ed that each stat#e had a name b#rning on the %(oor in %ront o% it. he
man 3ith the 3hite hair2 3ith a nec/(ace o% teeth abo#t his nec/2 ho(ding a dr#m2 3as
@e#cotios? the broadChipped 3oman2 3ith monsters dropping %rom the !ast gash bet3een her
(egs2 3as 8#b#r? the ramCheaded man ho(ding the go(den ba(( 3as 8ershe%.
A precise !oice2 %#ssy and e&act2 3as spea/ing to him2 in his dream2 b#t he co#(d see no one.
Ahese are gods 3ho ha!e been %orgotten2 and no3 might as 3e(( be dead. hey can be %o#nd
on(y in dry histories. hey are gone2 a(( gone2 b#t their names and their images remain 3ith #s.B
Shado3 t#rned a corner2 and /ne3 himse(% to be in another room2 e!en !aster than the %irst. ,t
3ent on %#rther than the eye co#(d see. 4(ose to him 3as the s/#(( o% a mammoth2 po(ished and
bro3n2 and a hairy ochre c(oa/2 being 3orn by a sma(( 3oman 3ith a de%ormed (e%t hand. 'e&t
to that 3ere three 3omen2 each car!ed %rom the same granite bo#(der2 Doined at the 3aist:
their %aces had an #n%inished2 hasty (oo/ to them2 a(tho#gh their breasts and genita(ia had been
car!ed 3ith e(aborate care? and there 3as a %(ight(ess bird 3hich Shado3 did not recogni1e2
t3ice his height2 3ith a bea/ made %or rending2 (i/e a !#(t#re$s2 b#t 3ith h#man arms: and on2
and on.
he !oice spo/e once more2 as i% it 3ere addressing a c(ass2 saying2 Ahese are the gods 3ho
ha!e passed o#t o% memory. "!en their names are (ost. he peop(e 3ho 3orshiped them are as
%orgotten as their gods. heir totems are (ong since bro/en and cast do3n. heir (ast priests
died 3itho#t passing on their secrets.
AGods die. And 3hen they tr#(y die they are #nmo#rned and #nremembered. ,deas are more
di%%ic#(t to /i(( than peop(e2 b#t they can be /i((ed2 in the end.B
here 3as a 3hispering noise that began then to r#n thro#gh the ha((2 a (o3 s#s#rr#s that
ca#sed Shado32 in his dream2 to e&perience a chi((ing and ine&p(icab(e %ear. An a((Ceng#(%ing
panic too/ him2 there in the ha((s o% the Gods 3hose !ery e&istence had been
%orgotten-octop#sC%aced gods and gods 3ho 3ere on(y m#mmi%ied hands or %a((ing roc/s or
%orest %iresQ
Shado3 3o/e 3ith his heart Dac/hammering in his chest2 his %orehead c(ammy2 entire(y a3a/e.
he red n#mera(s on the bedside c(oc/ to(d him the time 3as ;:KV A.6. he (ight o% the 6ote(
America sign o#tside shone thro#gh his bedroom 3indo3. Disoriented2 Shado3 got #p and
3a(/ed into the tiny mote( bathroom. 8e pissed 3itho#t t#rning on the (ights2 and ret#rned to
the bedroom. he dream 3as sti(( %resh and !i!id in his mind$s eye2 b#t he co#(d not e&p(ain to
himse(% 3hy it had scared him so.
he (ight that came into the room %rom o#tside 3as not bright2 b#t Shado3$s eyes had become
#sed to the dar/. here 3as a 3oman sitting on the side o% his bed.
8e /ne3 her. 8e 3o#(d ha!e /no3n her in a cro3d o% a tho#sand2 or o% a h#ndred tho#sand.
She sat straight on the side o% his bed. She 3as sti(( 3earing the na!yCb(#e s#it they had b#ried
her in.
8er !oice 3as a 3hisper2 b#t a %ami(iar one. A, g#ess2B said @a#ra2 Ayo#$re going to as/ 3hat ,$m
doing here.B
Shado3 said nothing.
8e sat do3n on the room$s on(y chair2 and2 %ina((y2 as/ed2 ABabe: ,s that yo#:B
A9es2B she said. A,$m co(d2 p#ppy.B
A9o#$re dead2 babe.B
A9es2B she said. A9es. , am.B She patted the bed ne&t to her. A4ome and sit by me2B she said.
A'o2B said Shado3. A, thin/ ,$(( stay right here %or no3. 5e ha!e some #nreso(!ed iss#es to
address.B
A@i/e me being dead:B
APossib(y2 b#t , 3as thin/ing more o% ho3 yo# died. 9o# and +obbie.B
A*h2B she said. Ahat.B
Shado3 co#(d sme((-or perhaps2 he tho#ght2 he simp(y imagined that he sme((ed-an odor o%
rot2 o% %(o3ers and preser!ati!es. 8is 3i%e-his e&C3i%eQno2 he corrected himse(%2 his (ate
3i%eQsat on the bed and stared at him2 #nb(in/ing.
AP#ppy2B she said. A4o#(d yo#-do yo# thin/ yo# co#(d possib(y get me-a cigarette:B
A, tho#ght yo# ga!e them #p.B
A, did2B she said. AB#t ,$m no (onger concerned abo#t the hea(th ris/s. And , thin/ it 3o#(d ca(m
my ner!es. here$s a machine in the (obby.B
Shado3 p#((ed on his Deans and a Cshirt and 3ent2 bare%oot2 into the (obby. he night c(er/ 3as
a midd(eCaged man2 reading a boo/ by John Grisham. Shado3 bo#ght a pac/ o% Firginia S(ims
%rom the machine. 8e as/ed the night c(er/ %or a boo/ o% matches.
he man stared at him2 as/ed %or his room n#mber. Shado3 to(d him. he man nodded. A9o#$re
in a nonCsmo/ing room2B he said. A9o# ma/e s#re yo# open the 3indo32 no3.B 8e passed
Shado3 a boo/ o% matches and a p(astic ashtray 3ith the 6ote( America (ogo on it.
AGot it2B said Shado3.
8e 3ent bac/ into his bedroom. 8e did not t#rn the (ight on. 8is 3i%e 3as sti(( on the bed. She
had stretched o#t no32 on top o% his r#mp(ed co!ers. Shado3 opened the 3indo3 and then
passed her the cigarettes and the matches. 8er %ingers 3ere co(d. She (it a match and he sa3
that her nai(s2 #s#a((y pristine2 3ere battered and che3ed2 and there 3as m#d #nder them.
@a#ra (it the cigarette2 inha(ed2 b(e3 o#t the match. She too/ another p#%%. A, can$t taste it2B she
said. A, don$t thin/ this is doing anything.B
A,$m sorry2B he said.
A6e too2B said @a#ra.
5hen she inha(ed the cigarette tip g(o3ed2 and he 3as ab(e to see her %ace.
ASo2B she said. Ahey (et yo# o#t.B
A9es.B
A8o3 3as prison:B
A4o#(d ha!e been 3orse.B
A9es.B he tip o% the cigarette g(o3ed orange. A,$m sti(( grate%#(. , sho#(d ne!er ha!e got yo#
mi&ed #p in it.B
A5e((2B he said2 A, agreed to do it. , co#(d ha!e said no.B 8e 3ondered 3hy he 3asn$t scared o%
her: 3hy a dream o% a m#se#m co#(d (ea!e him terri%ied2 3hi(e he seemed to be coping 3ith a
3a(/ing corpse 3itho#t %ear.
A9es2B she said. A9o# co#(d ha!e. 9o# big ga(oot.B Smo/e 3reathed her %ace. She 3as !ery
bea#ti%#( in the dim (ight. A9o# 3ant to /no3 abo#t me and +obbie:B
A9es.B ,t 3as @a#ra2 he rea(i1ed. @i!ing or dead2 he co#(dn$t %ear her.
She st#bbed o#t the cigarette in the ashtray. A9o# 3ere in prison2B she said. AAnd , needed
someone to ta(/ to. , needed a sho#(der to cry on. 9o# 3eren$t there. , 3as #pset.B
A,$m sorry.B Shado3 rea(i1ed something 3as di%%erent abo#t her !oice2 and he tried to %ig#re
o#t 3hat it 3as.
A, /no3. So 3e$d meet %or co%%ee. a(/ abo#t 3hat 3e$d do 3hen yo# got o#t o% prison. 8o3
good it 3o#(d be to see yo# again. 8e rea((y (i/ed yo#2 yo# /no3. 8e 3as (oo/ing %or3ard to
gi!ing yo# bac/ yo#r o(d Dob.B
A9es.B
AAnd then A#drey 3ent to !isit her sister %or a 3ee/. his 3as2 oh2 a year2 thirteen months a%ter
yo#$d gone a3ay.B 8er !oice (ac/ed e&pression? each 3ord 3as %(at and d#((2 (i/e pebb(es
dropped2 one by one2 into a deep 3e((. A+obbie came o!er. 5e got dr#n/ together. 5e did it on
the %(oor o% the bedroom. ,t 3as good. ,t 3as rea((y good.B
A, didn$t need to hear that.B
A'o: ,$m sorry. ,t$s harder to pic/ and choose 3hen yo#$re dead. ,t$s (i/e a photograph2 yo#
/no3. ,t doesn$t matter as m#ch.B
A,t matters to me.B
@a#ra (it a second cigarette. 8er mo!ements 3ere %(#id and competent2 not sti%%. Shado3
3ondered2 %or a moment2 i% she 3as dead at a((. Perhaps this 3as some /ind o% e(aborate tric/.
A9es2B she said. A, see that. 5e((2 3e carried on o#r a%%air-a(tho#gh 3e didn$t ca(( it that2 3e
did not ca(( it anything-%or most o% the (ast t3o years.B
A5ere yo# going to (ea!e me %or him:B
A5hy 3o#(d , do that: 9o#$re my big bear. 9o#$re my p#ppy. 9o# did 3hat yo# did %or me. ,
3aited three years %or yo# to come bac/ to me. , (o!e yo#.B
8e stopped himse(% %rom saying , (o!e yo#2 too. 8e 3asn$t going to say that. 'ot any more. ASo
3hat happened the other night:B
Ahe night , 3as /i((ed:B
A9es.B
A5e((2 +obbie and , 3ent o#t to ta(/ abo#t yo#r 3e(comeCbac/ s#rprise party. ,t 3o#(d ha!e
been so good. And , to(d him that 3e 3ere done. )inished. hat no3 that yo# 3ere bac/ that
3as the 3ay it had to be.B
A6m. han/ yo#2 babe.B
A9o#$re 3e(come2 dar(ing.B he ghost o% a smi(e crossed her %ace. A5e got ma#d(in. ,t 3as
s3eet. 5e got st#pid. , got !ery dr#n/. 8e didn$t. 8e had to dri!e. 5e 3ere dri!ing home and ,
anno#nced that , 3as going to gi!e him a goodbye b(o3Dob2 one (ast time 3ith %ee(ing2 and ,
#n1ipped his pants2 and , did.B
ABig mista/e.B
Ae(( me abo#t it. , /noc/ed the gearshi%t 3ith my sho#(der2 and then +obbie 3as trying to p#sh
me o#t o% the 3ay to p#t the car bac/ in gear2 and 3e 3ere s3er!ing2 and there 3as a (o#d
cr#nch and , remember the 3or(d started to ro(( and to spin2 and , tho#ght2 ,$m going to die. ,t
3as !ery dispassionate. , remember that. , 3asn$t scared. And then , don$t remember anything
more.B
here 3as a sme(( (i/e b#rning p(astic. ,t 3as the cigarette2 Shado3 rea(i1ed: it had b#rned
do3n to the %i(ter. @a#ra did not seem to ha!e noticed.
A5hat are yo# doing here2 @a#ra:B
A4an$t a 3i%e come and see her h#sband:B
A9o#$re dead. , 3ent to yo#r %#nera( this a%ternoon.B
A9es.B She stopped ta(/ing2 stared into nothing. Shado3 stood #p and 3a(/ed o!er to her. 8e
too/ the smo(dering cigarette b#tt %rom her %ingers and thre3 it o#t o% the 3indo3.
A5e((:B
8er eyes so#ght his. A, don$t /no3 m#ch more than , did 3hen , 3as a(i!e. 6ost o% the st#%% ,
/no3 no3 that , didn$t /no3 then , can$t p#t into 3ords.B
A'orma((y peop(e 3ho die stay in their gra!es2B said Shado3.
ADo they: Do they rea((y2 p#ppy: , #sed to thin/ they did too. 'o3 ,$m not so s#re. Perhaps.B
She c(imbed o%% the bed and 3a(/ed o!er to the 3indo3. 8er %ace2 in the (ight o% the mote( sign2
3as as bea#ti%#( as it had e!er been. he %ace o% the 3oman he had gone to prison %or.
8is heart h#rt in his chest as i% someone had ta/en it in a %ist and sI#ee1ed. A@a#raQ:B
She did not (oo/ at him. A9o#$!e gotten yo#rse(% mi&ed #p in some bad things2 Shado3. 9o#$re
going to scre3 it #p2 i% someone isn$t there to 3atch o#t %or yo#. ,$m 3atching o#t %or yo#. And
than/ yo# %or my present.B
A5hat present:B
She reached into the poc/et o% her b(o#se2 and p#((ed o#t the go(d coin he had thro3n into the
gra!e ear(ier that day. here 3as sti(( b(ac/ dirt on it. A, may ha!e it p#t on a chain. ,t 3as !ery
s3eet o% yo#.B
A9o#$re 3e(come.B
She t#rned then and (oo/ed at him 3ith eyes that seemed both to see and not to see him. A,
thin/ there are se!era( aspects o% o#r marriage 3e$re going to ha!e to 3or/ on.B
ABabes2B he to(d her. A9o#$re dead.B
Ahat$s one o% those aspects2 ob!io#s(y.B She pa#sed. A*/ay2B she said. A,$m going no3. ,t 3i((
be better i% , go.B And2 nat#ra((y and easi(y2 she t#rned and p#t her hands on Shado3$s
sho#(ders2 and 3ent #p on tiptoes to /iss him goodbye2 as she had a(3ays /issed him goodbye.
A3/3ard(y he bent to /iss her on the chee/2 b#t she mo!ed her mo#th as he did so and p#shed
her (ips against his. 8er breath sme((ed2 %aint(y2 o% mothba((s.
@a#ra$s tong#e %(ic/ered into Shado3$s mo#th. ,t 3as co(d2 and dry2 and it tasted o% cigarettes
and o% bi(e. ,% Shado3 had had any do#bts as to 3hether his 3i%e 3as dead or not2 they ended
then.
8e p#((ed bac/.
A, (o!e yo#2B she said2 simp(y. A,$(( be (oo/ing o#t %or yo#.B She 3a(/ed o!er to the mote( room
door. here 3as a strange taste in his mo#th. AGet some s(eep2 p#ppy2B she to(d him. AAnd stay
o#t o% tro#b(e.B
She opened the door to the ha((. he %(#orescent (ight in the ha((3ay 3as not /ind: beneath it2
@a#ra (oo/ed dead2 b#t then2 it did that to e!ery one.
A9o# co#(d ha!e as/ed me to stay the night2B she said2 in her co(dCstone !oice.
A, don$t thin/ , co#(d2B said Shado3.
A9o# 3i((2 hon2B she said. ABe%ore a(( this is o!er. 9o# 3i((.B She t#rned a3ay %rom him2 and
3a(/ed do3n the corridor.
Shado3 (oo/ed o#t o% the door3ay. he night c(er/ /ept on reading his John Grisham no!e(2 and
bare(y (oo/ed #p as she 3a(/ed past him. here 3as thic/ gra!eyard m#d c(inging to her shoes.
And then she 3as gone.
Shado3 breathed o#t2 a s(o3 sigh. 8is heart 3as po#nding arrhythmica((y in his chest. 8e
3a(/ed across the ha((2 and /noc/ed on 5ednesday$s door. As he /noc/ed he got the 3eirdest
notion: that he 3as being b#%%eted by b(ac/ 3ings2 as i% an enormo#s cro3 3as %(ying thro#gh
him2 o#t into the ha(( and the 3or(d beyond.
5ednesday opened the door. 8e had a 3hite mote( to3e( 3rapped aro#nd his 3aist2 b#t 3as
other3ise na/ed. A5hat the he(( do yo# 3ant:B he as/ed.
ASomething yo# sho#(d /no32B said Shado3. A6aybe it 3as a dream-b#t it 3asn$t-or maybe
, inha(ed some o% the %at /id$s synthetic toadCs/in smo/e2 or probab(y ,$m D#st going madQB
A9eah2 yeah. Spit it o#t2B said 5ednesday. A,$m /ind o% in the midd(e o% something here.B
Shado3 g(anced into the room. 8e co#(d see someone in the bed2 3atching him. A sheet p#((ed
#p o!er sma(( breasts. Pa(e b(onde hair2 something rattish abo#t the %ace. he gir( %rom the
mote( des/. 8e (o3ered his !oice. A, D#st sa3 my 3i%e2B he said. AShe 3as in my room.B
AA ghost2 yo# mean: 9o# sa3 a ghost:B
A'o. 'ot a ghost. She 3as so(id. ,t 3as her. She$s dead a(( right2 b#t it 3asn$t any /ind o% a
ghost. , to#ched her. She /issed me.B
A, see.B 5ednesday darted a (oo/ at the 3oman in the bed. ABe right bac/2 m$dear2B he said.
hey crossed the ha(( to Shado3$s room. 5ednesday t#rned on the (amps. 8e (oo/ed at the
cigarette b#tt in the ashtray. 8e scratched his chest. 8is nipp(es 3ere dar/2 o(dCman nipp(es2
and his chest hair 3as gri11(ed. here 3as a 3hite scar do3n one side o% his torso. 8e sni%%ed
the air. hen he shr#gged.
A*/ay2B he said. ASo yo#r dead 3i%e sho3ed #p. 9o# scared:B
AA (itt(e.B
AFery 3ise. he dead a(3ays gi!e me the screaming mimis. Anything e(se:B
A,$m ready to (ea!e "ag(e Point. @a#ra$s mother can sort o#t the apartment2 a(( that. She hates
me any3ay. ,$m ready to go 3hen yo# are.B
5ednesday smi(ed. AGood ne3s2 my boy. 5e$(( (ea!e in the morning. 'o32 yo# sho#(d get
some s(eep. , ha!e some scotch in my room2 i% yo# need he(p s(eeping. 9es:B
A'o. ,$(( be %ine.B
Ahen do not dist#rb me %#rther. , ha!e a (ong night ahead o% me.B
A'o s(eep:B as/ed Shado32 smi(ing.
A, don$t s(eep. ,t$s o!errated. A bad habit , do my best to a!oid-in company2 3here!er
possib(e2 and the yo#ng (ady may go o%% the boi( i% , don$t get bac/ to her.B
AGood night2B said Shado3.
A"&act(y2B said 5ednesday2 and he c(osed the door as he 3ent o#t.
Shado3 sat do3n on the bed. he sme(( o% cigarettes and preser!ati!es (ingered in the air. 8e
3ished that he 3ere mo#rning @a#ra: it seemed more appropriate than being tro#b(ed by her
or2 he admitted it to himse(% no3 that she had gone2 D#st a (itt(e scared by her. ,t 3as time to
mo#rn. 8e t#rned the (ights o#t2 and (ay on the bed2 and tho#ght o% @a#ra as she 3as be%ore he
3ent to prison. 8e remembered their marriage 3hen they 3ere yo#ng and happy and st#pid
and #nab(e to /eep their hands o%% each other.
,t had been a !ery (ong time since Shado3 had cried2 so (ong he tho#ght he had %orgotten ho3.
8e had not e!en cried 3hen his mother died. B#t he began to cry then2 in pain%#(2 (#rching sobs.
8e missed @a#ra and the days that 3ere %ore!er gone.
)or the %irst time since he 3as a sma(( boy2 Shado3 cried himse(% to s(eep.
4oming to America
Y;V A.D.
hey na!igated the green sea by the stars and by the shore2 and 3hen the shore 3as on(y a
memory and the night s/y 3as o!ercast and dar/ they na!igated by %aith2 and they ca((ed on the
a((C%ather to bring them sa%e(y to (and once more.
A bad Do#rney they had o% it2 their %ingers n#mb and 3ith a shi!er in their bones that not e!en
3ine co#(d b#rn o%%. hey 3o#(d 3a/e in the morning to see that the rime had %rosted their
beards2 and2 #nti( the s#n 3armed them2 they (oo/ed (i/e o(d men2 3hiteCbearded be%ore their
time.
eeth 3ere (oosening and eyes 3ere deepCs#n/en in their soc/ets 3hen they made (and%a(( on
the green (and to the 5est. he men said2 A5e are %ar2 %ar %rom o#r homes and o#r hearths2 %ar
%rom the seas 3e /no3 and the (ands 3e (o!e. 8ere on the edge o% the 3or(d 3e 3i(( be
%orgotten by o#r gods.B
heir (eader c(ambered to the top o% a great roc/2 and he moc/ed them %or their (ac/ o% %aith.
Ahe a((C%ather made the 3or(d2B he sho#ted. A8e b#i(t it 3ith his hands %rom the shattered
bones and the %(esh o% 9mir2 his grand%ather. 8e p(aced 9mir$s brains in the s/y as c(o#ds2 and
his sa(t b(ood became the seas 3e crossed. ,% he made the 3or(d2 do yo# not rea(i1e that he
created this (and as 3e((: And i% 3e die here as men2 sha(( 3e not be recei!ed into his ha((:B
And the men cheered and (a#ghed. hey set to2 3ith a 3i((2 to b#i(d a ha(( o#t o% sp(it trees and
m#d2 inside a sma(( stoc/ade o% sharpened (ogs2 a(tho#gh as %ar as they /ne3 they 3ere the
on(y men in the ne3 (and.
*n the day that the ha(( 3as %inished there 3as a storm: the s/y at midday became as dar/ as
night2 and the s/y 3as rent 3ith %or/s o% 3hite %(ame2 and the th#nderCcrashes 3ere so (o#d
that the men 3ere a(most dea%ened by them2 and the ship$s cat they had bro#ght 3ith them %or
good %ort#ne hid beneath their beached (ongboat. he storm 3as hard eno#gh and !icio#s
eno#gh that the men (a#ghed and c(apped each other on the bac/2 and they said2 Ahe
th#nderer is here 3ith #s2 in this distant (and2B and they ga!e than/s2 and reDoiced2 and they
dran/ #nti( they 3ere ree(ing.
,n the smo/y dar/ness o% their ha((2 that night2 the bard sang them the o(d songs. 8e sang o%
*din2 the a((C%ather2 3ho 3as sacri%iced to himse(% as bra!e(y and as nob(y as others 3ere
sacri%iced to him. 8e sang o% the nine days that the a((C%ather h#ng %rom the 3or(dCtree2 his side
pierced and dripping %rom the spearCpoint Gat this point his song became2 %or a moment2 a
screamH2 and he sang them a(( the things the a((C%ather had (earned in his agony: nine names2
and nine r#nes2 and t3iceCnine charms. 5hen he to(d them o% the spear piercing *din$s side2
the bard shrie/ed in pain2 as the a((C%ather himse(% had ca((ed o#t in his agony2 and a(( the men
shi!ered2 imagining his pain.
hey %o#nd the scrae(ing the %o((o3ing day2 3hich 3as the a((C%ather$s o3n day. 8e 3as a sma((
man2 his (ong hair b(ac/ as a cro3$s 3ing2 his s/in the co(or o% rich red c(ay. 8e spo/e in 3ords
none o% them co#(d #nderstand2 not e!en their bard2 3ho had been on a ship that had sai(ed
thro#gh the pi((ars o% 8erc#(es2 and 3ho co#(d spea/ the trader$s pidgin men spo/e a(( across
the 6editerranean. he stranger 3as dressed in %eathers and in %#rs2 and there 3ere sma((
bones braided into his (ong hair.
hey (ed him into their encampment2 and they ga!e him roasted meat to eat2 and strong drin/
to I#ench his thirst. hey (a#ghed rioto#s(y at the man as he st#mb(ed and sang2 at the 3ay his
head ro((ed and (o((ed2 and this on (ess than a drin/ingChorn o% mead. hey ga!e him more
drin/2 and soon eno#gh he (ay beneath the tab(e 3ith his head c#r(ed #nder his arm.
hen they pic/ed him #p2 a man at each sho#(der2 a man at each (eg2 carried him at sho#(der
height2 the %o#r men ma/ing him an eightC(egged horse2 and they carried him at the head o% a
procession to an ash tree on the hi(( o!er(oo/ing the bay2 3here they p#t a rope aro#nd his
nec/ and h#ng him high in the 3ind2 their trib#te to the a((C%ather2 the ga((o3s (ord. he
scrae(ing$s body s3#ng in the 3ind2 his %ace b(ac/ening2 his tong#e protr#ding2 his eyes
popping2 his penis hard eno#gh to hang a (eather he(met on2 3hi(e the men cheered and
sho#ted and (a#ghed2 pro#d to be sending their sacri%ice to the 8ea!ens.
And2 the ne&t day2 3hen t3o h#ge ra!ens (anded #pon the scrae(ing$s corpse2 one on each
sho#(der2 and commenced to pec/ at its chee/s and eyes2 the men /ne3 their sacri%ice had
been accepted.
,t 3as a (ong 3inter2 and they 3ere h#ngry2 b#t they 3ere cheered by the tho#ght that2 3hen
spring came2 they 3o#(d send the boat bac/ to the north(ands2 and it 3o#(d bring sett(ers2 and
bring 3omen. As the 3eather became co(der2 and the days became shorter2 some o% the men
too/ to searching %or the scrae(ing !i((age2 hoping to %ind %ood2 and 3omen. hey %o#nd nothing2
sa!e %or the p(aces 3here %ires had been2 3here sma(( encampments had been abandoned.
*ne mid3inter$s day2 3hen the s#n 3as as distant and co(d as a d#(( si(!er coin2 they sa3 that
the remains o% the scrae(ing$s body had been remo!ed %rom the ash tree. hat a%ternoon it
began to sno32 in h#ge2 s(o3 %(a/es.
he men %rom the north(ands c(osed the gates o% their encampment2 retreated behind their
3ooden 3a((.
he scrae(ing 3ar party %e(( #pon them that night: %i!e h#ndred men to thirty. hey c(imbed the
3a((2 and2 o!er the %o((o3ing se!en days2 they /i((ed each o% the thirty men2 in thirty di%%erent
3ays. And the sai(ors 3ere %orgotten2 by history and their peop(e.
he 3a(( they tore do3n2 and the !i((age they b#rned. he (ongboat2 #psideCdo3n and p#((ed
high on the shing(e2 they a(so b#rned2 hoping that the pa(e strangers had b#t one boat2 and that
by b#rning it they 3ere ens#ring that no other 'orthmen 3o#(d come to their shores.
,t 3as more than a h#ndred years be%ore @ei% the )ort#nate2 son o% "ri/ the +ed2 redisco!ered
that (and2 3hich he 3o#(d ca(( Fine(and. 8is gods 3ere a(ready 3aiting %or him 3hen he arri!ed:
yr2 oneChanded2 and gray *din ga((o3sCgod2 and hor o% the th#nders.
hey 3ere there.
hey 3ere 3aiting.
48AP"+ )*E+
@et the 6idnight Specia(Shine its (ight on me@et the 6idnight Specia(Shine its e!erC(o!in$ (ight on
me-A8" 6,D',G8 SP"4,A@2B +AD,,*'A@ S*'G
Shado3 and 5ednesday ate brea/%ast at a 4o#ntry .itchen across the street %rom their mote(.
,t 3as eight in the morning2 and the 3or(d 3as misty and chi((.
A9o# sti(( ready to (ea!e "ag(e Point:B as/ed 5ednesday2 at the brea/%ast bar. A, ha!e some
ca((s to ma/e2 i% yo# are. )riday today. )riday$s a %ree day. A 3oman$s day. Sat#rday tomorro3.
6#ch to do on Sat#rday.B
A,$m ready2B said Shado3. A'othing /eeping me here.B
5ednesday heaped his p(ate high 3ith se!era( /inds o% brea/%ast meats. Shado3 too/ some
me(on2 a bage(2 and a pac/et o% cream cheese. hey 3ent and sat do3n in a booth.
Ahat 3as some dream yo# had (ast night2B said 5ednesday.
A9es2B said Shado3. A,t 3as.B @a#ra$s m#ddy %ootprints had been !isib(e on the mote( carpet
3hen he got #p that morning2 (eading %rom his bedroom to the (obby and o#t the door.
ASo2B said 5ednesday. A5hy$d they ca(( yo# Shado3:B
Shado3 shr#gged. A,t$s a name2B he said. *#tside the p(ate g(ass the 3or(d in the mist had
become a penci( dra3ing e&ec#ted in a do1en di%%erent grays 3ith2 here and there2 a sm#dge o%
e(ectric red or p#re 3hite. A8o3$d yo# (ose yo#r eye:B
5ednesday sho!e(ed ha(% a do1en pieces o% bacon into his mo#th2 che3ed2 3iped the %at %rom
his (ips 3ith the bac/ o% his hand. ADidn$t (ose it2B he said. A, sti(( /no3 e&act(y 3here it is.B
ASo 3hat$s the p(an:B
5ednesday (oo/ed tho#ght%#(. 8e ate se!era( !i!id pin/ s(ices o% ham2 pic/ed a %ragment o%
meat %rom his beard2 dropped it onto his p(ate. AP(an is as %o((o3s. *n Sat#rday night2 3hich2 as
, ha!e a(ready remar/ed2 is tomorro32 3e sha(( be meeting 3ith a n#mber o% persons
preeminent in their respecti!e %ie(ds-do not (et their demeanor intimidate yo#. 5e sha(( meet
at one o% the most important p(aces in the entire co#ntry. A%ter3ard 3e sha(( 3ine and dine
them. here 3i(( be2 at a g#ess2 thirty or %orty o% them. Perhaps more. , need to en(ist them in
my c#rrent enterprise.B
AAnd 3here is the most important p(ace in the co#ntry:B
A*ne o% them2 m$boy. , said one o% them. *pinions are D#sti%iab(y di!ided. , ha!e sent 3ord to
my co((eag#es. 5e$(( stop o%% in 4hicago on the 3ay2 as , need to pic/ #p some money.
"ntertaining2 in the manner 3e sha(( need to entertain2 3i(( ta/e more ready cash than , happen
to ha!e a!ai(ab(e. hen on to 6adison.B
A, see.B
A'o2 yo# don$t. B#t a(( 3i(( become c(ear in time.B
5ednesday paid and they (e%t2 3a(/ed bac/ across the road to the mote( par/ing (ot.
5ednesday tossed Shado3 the car /eys. 8e dro!e do3n to the %ree3ay and o#t o% to3n.
A9o# going to miss it:B as/ed 5ednesday. 8e 3as sorting thro#gh a %o(der %i((ed 3ith maps.
Ahe to3n: 'o. oo many @a#ra memories. , didn$t rea((y e!er ha!e a (i%e here. , 3as ne!er in
one p(ace too (ong as a /id2 and , didn$t get here #nti( , 3as in my t3enties. So this to3n is
@a#ra$s.B
A@et$s hope she stays here2B said 5ednesday.
A,t 3as a dream2B said Shado3. A+emember.B
Ahat$s good2B said 5ednesday. A8ea(thy attit#de to ha!e. Did yo# %#c/ her (ast night:B
Shado3 too/ a breath. hen2 Ahat is none o% yo#r damn b#siness. And no.B
ADid yo# 3ant to:B
Shado3 said nothing at a((. 8e dro!e north2 to3ard 4hicago. 5ednesday ch#c/(ed2 and began
to pore o!er his maps2 #n%o(ding and re%o(ding them2 ma/ing occasiona( notes on a ye((o3 (ega(
pad 3ith a (arge si(!er ba((point pen.
"!ent#a((y he 3as %inished. 8e p#t his pen a3ay2 p#t the %o(der on the bac/ seat. Ahe best
thing abo#t the states 3e$re heading %or2B said 5ednesday2 A6innesota2 5isconsin2 a(( aro#nd
there2 is it has the /ind o% 3omen , (i/ed 3hen , 3as yo#nger. Pa(eCs/inned and b(#eCeyed2 hair
so %air it$s a(most 3hite2 3ineCco(ored (ips2 and ro#nd2 %#(( breasts 3ith the !eins r#nning
thro#gh them (i/e a good cheese.B
A*n(y 3hen yo# 3ere yo#nger:B as/ed Shado3. A@oo/ed (i/e yo# 3ere doing pretty good (ast
night.B
A9es.B 5ednesday smi(ed. A5o#(d yo# (i/e to /no3 the secret o% my s#ccess:B
A9o# pay them:B
A'othing so cr#de. 'o2 the secret is charm. P#re and simp(e.B
A4harm2 h#h: 5e((2 (i/e they say2 yo# either got it or yo# ain$t.B
A4harms can be (earnt2B said 5ednesday.
ASo 3here are 3e going:B as/ed Shado3.
Ahere$s an o(d %riend o% mine 3e need to ta(/ to. 8e$s one o% the peop(e 3ho$(( be coming to
the getCtogether. *(d man2 no3. 8e$s e&pecting #s %or dinner.B
hey dro!e north and 3est2 to3ard 4hicago.
A5hate!er$s happening 3ith @a#ra2B said Shado32 brea/ing the si(ence. A,s it yo#r %a#(t: Did
yo# ma/e it happen:B
A'o2B said 5ednesday.
A@i/e the /id in the car as/ed me: 3o#(d yo# te(( me i% it 3as:B
A,$m as p#11(ed as yo# are.B
Shado3 t#ned the radio to an o(dies station2 and (istened to songs that 3ere c#rrent be%ore he
3as born. Bob Dy(an sang abo#t a hard rain that 3as going to %a((2 and Shado3 3ondered i% that
rain had %a((en yet2 or i% it 3as something that 3as sti(( going to happen. he road ahead o%
them 3as empty and the ice crysta(s on the aspha(t g(ittered (i/e diamonds in the morning s#n.
4hicago happened s(o3(y2 (i/e a migraine. )irst they 3ere dri!ing thro#gh co#ntryside2 then2
imperceptib(y2 the occasiona( to3n became a (o3 s#b#rban spra3(2 and the spra3( became the
city.
hey par/ed o#tside a sI#at b(ac/ bro3nstone. he side3a(/ 3as c(ear o% sno3. hey 3a(/ed to
the (obby. 5ednesday pressed the top b#tton on the go#ged meta( intercom bo&. 'othing
happened. 8e pressed it again. hen2 e&perimenta((y2 he began to press the other b#ttons2 %or
other tenants2 3ith no response.
A,t$s dead2B said a ga#nt o(d 3oman2 coming do3n the steps. ADoesn$t 3or/. 5e ca(( the s#per2
as/ him 3hen he going to %i&2 3hen he going to mend the heating2 he does not care2 goes to
Ari1ona %or the 3inter %or his chest.B 8er accent 3as thic/2 "astern "#ropean2 Shado3 g#essed.
5ednesday bo3ed (o3. A0orya2 my dear2 may , say ho3 #n#tterab(y bea#ti%#( yo# (oo/: A
radiant creat#re. 9o# ha!e not aged.B
he o(d 3oman g(ared at him. A8e don$t 3ant to see yo#. , don$t 3ant to see yo# neither. 9o#
bad ne3s.B
Ahat$s beca#se , don$t come i% it isn$t important.B
he 3oman sni%%ed. She carried an empty string shopping bag2 and 3ore an o(d red coat2
b#ttoned #p to her chin2 and2 perched on her gray hair2 a green !e(!et hat that 3as2 in
appearance2 a (itt(e bit %(o3erpot2 a (itt(e bit breadC(oa%. She (oo/ed at Shado3 s#spicio#s(y.
A5ho is the big man:B she as/ed 5ednesday. AAnother one o% yo#r m#rderers:B
A9o# do me a deep disser!ice2 good (ady. his gent(eman is ca((ed Shado3. 8e is 3or/ing %or
me2 yes2 b#t on yo#r beha(%. Shado32 may , introd#ce yo# to the (o!e(y 6iss 0orya
Fechernyaya.B
AGood to meet yo#2B said Shado3.
BirdC(i/e2 the o(d 3oman peered #p at him. AShado32B she said. AA good name. 5hen the
shado3s are (ong2 that is my time. And yo# are the (ong shado3.B She (oo/ed him #p and do3n2
then she smi(ed. A9o# may /iss my hand2B she said2 and e&tended a co(d hand to him.
Shado3 bent do3n and /issed her thin hand. She had a (arge amber ring on her midd(e %inger.
AGood boy2B she said. A, am going to b#y groceries. 9o# see2 , am the on(y one o% #s 3ho brings
in any money. he other t3o cannot ma/e money %ort#neCte((ing. his is beca#se they on(y te((
the tr#th2 and the tr#th is not 3hat peop(e 3ant to hear. ,t is a bad thing2 and it tro#b(es
peop(e2 so they do not come bac/. B#t , can (ie to them2 te(( them 3hat they 3ant to hear. , te((
the pretty %ort#nes. So , bring home the bread. Do yo# thin/ yo# 3i(( be here %or s#pper:B
A, 3o#(d hope so2B said 5ednesday.
Ahen yo# had better gi!e me some money to b#y more %ood2B she said. A, am pro#d2 b#t , am
not st#pid. he others are pro#der than , am2 and he is the pro#dest o% a((. So gi!e me money
and do not te(( them that yo# gi!e me money.B
5ednesday opened his 3a((et2 and reached in. 8e too/ o#t a t3enty. 0orya Fechernyaya
p(#c/ed it %rom his %ingers2 and 3aited. 8e too/ o#t another t3enty and ga!e it to her.
A,s good2B she said. A5e 3i(( %eed yo# (i/e princes. @i/e 3e 3o#(d %eed o#r o3n %ather. 'o32 go
#p the stairs to the top. 0orya Etrennyaya is a3a/e2 b#t o#r other sister is sti(( as(eep2 so do not
be ma/ing too m#ch noise2 3hen yo# get to the top.B
Shado3 and 5ednesday c(imbed the dar/ stairs. he (anding t3o stories #p 3as ha(%C%i((ed 3ith
b(ac/ p(astic garbage bags and it sme((ed o% rotting !egetab(es.
AAre they gypsies:B as/ed Shado3.
A0orya and her %ami(y: 'ot at a((. hey$re not +om. hey$re +#ssian. S(a!s2 , be(ie!e.B
AB#t she does %ort#neCte((ing.B
A@ots o% peop(e do %ort#neCte((ing. , dabb(e in it myse(%.B 5ednesday 3as panting as they 3ent
#p the %ina( %(ight o% stairs. A,$m o#t o% condition.B
he (anding at the top o% the stairs ended in a sing(e door painted red2 3ith a peepho(e in it.
5ednesday /noc/ed at the door. here 3as no response. 8e /noc/ed again2 (o#der this time.
A*/ayP */ayP , heard yo#P , heard yo#PB he so#nd o% (oc/s being #ndone2 o% bo(ts being p#((ed2
the ratt(e o% a chain. he red door opened a crac/.
A5ho is it:B A man$s !oice2 o(d and cigaretteCro#ghened.
AAn o(d %riend2 41ernobog. 5ith an associate.B
he door opened as %ar as the sec#rity chain 3o#(d a((o3. Shado3 co#(d see a gray %ace2 in the
shado3s2 peering o#t at them. A5hat do yo# 3ant2 Grimnir:B
A,nitia((y2 simp(y the p(eas#re o% yo#r company. And , ha!e in%ormation to share. 5hat$s that
phraseQoh yes. 9o# may (earn something to yo#r ad!antage.B
he door opened a(( the 3ay. he man in the d#sty bathrobe 3as short2 3ith ironCgray hair and
craggy %eat#res. 8e 3ore gray pinstripe pants2 shiny %rom age2 and s(ippers. 8e he(d an
#n%i(tered cigarette 3ith sI#areCtipped %ingers2 s#c/ing the tip 3hi(e /eeping it c#pped in his
%ist-(i/e a con!ict2 tho#ght Shado32 or a so(dier. 8e e&tended his (e%t hand to 5ednesday.
A5e(come then2 Grimnir.B
Ahey ca(( me 5ednesday these days2B he said2 sha/ing the o(d man$s hand.
A narro3 smi(e? a %(ash o% ye((o3 teeth. A9es2B he said. AFery %#nny. And this is:B
Ahis is my associate. Shado32 meet 6r. 41ernobog.B
A5e(( met2B said 41ernobog. 8e shoo/ Shado3$s (e%t hand 3ith his o3n. 8is hands 3ere ro#gh
and ca((#sed2 and the tips o% his %ingers 3ere as ye((o3 as i% they had been dipped in iodine.
A8o3 do yo# do2 6r. 41ernobog.B
A, do o(d. 6y g#ts ache2 and my bac/ h#rts2 and , co#gh my chest apart e!ery morning.B
A5hy yo# are standing at the door:B as/ed a 3oman$s !oice. Shado3 (oo/ed o!er 41ernobog$s
sho#(der2 at the o(d 3oman standing behind him. She 3as sma((er and %rai(er than her sister2
b#t her hair 3as (ong and sti(( go(den. A, am 0orya Etrennyaya2B she said. A9o# m#st not stand
there in the ha((. 9o# m#st come in2 go thro#gh to the sitting room2 thro#gh there2 , 3i(( bring
yo# co%%ee2 go2 go in2 thro#gh there.B
hro#gh the door3ay into an apartment that sme((ed (i/e o!erCboi(ed cabbage and catCbo& and
#n%i(tered %oreign cigarettes2 and they 3ere #shered thro#gh a tiny ha((3ay past se!era( c(osed
doors to the sitting room at the %ar end o% the corridor2 and 3ere seated on a h#ge o(d
horsehair so%a2 dist#rbing an e(der(y gray cat in the process2 3ho stretched2 stood #p2 and
3a(/ed2 sti%%(y2 to a distant part o% the so%a2 3here he (ay do3n2 3ari(y stared at each o% them in
t#rn2 then c(osed one eye and 3ent bac/ to s(eep. 41ernobog sat in an armchair across %rom
them.
0orya Etrennyaya %o#nd an empty ashtray and p(aced it beside 41ernobog. A8o3 yo# 3ant yo#r
co%%ee:B she as/ed her g#ests. A8ere 3e ta/e it b(ac/ as night2 s3eet as sin.B
Ahat$(( be %ine2 ma$am2B said Shado3. 8e (oo/ed o#t o% the 3indo32 at the b#i(dings across the
street.
0orya Etrennyaya 3ent o#t. 41ernobog stared at her as she (e%t. Ahat$s a good 3oman2B he
said. A'ot (i/e her sisters. *ne o% them is a harpy2 the other2 a(( she does is s(eep.B 8e p#t his
s(ippered %eet #p on a (ong2 (o3 co%%ee tab(e2 a chess board inset in the midd(e2 cigarette b#rns
and m#g rings on its s#r%ace.
A,s she yo#r 3i%e:B as/ed Shado3.
AShe$s nobody$s 3i%e.B he o(d man sat in si(ence %or a moment2 (oo/ing do3n at his ro#gh
hands. A'o. 5e are a(( re(ati!es. 5e come o!er here together2 (ong time ago.B
)rom the poc/et o% his bathrobe2 41ernobog prod#ced a pac/ o% #n%i(tered cigarettes. Shado3
did not recogni1e the brand. 5ednesday p#((ed o#t a narro3 go(d (ighter %rom the poc/et o% his
pa(e s#it2 and (it the o(d man$s cigarette. A)irst 3e come to 'e3 9or/2B said 41ernobog. AA(( o#r
co#ntrymen go to 'e3 9or/. hen2 3e come o#t here2 to 4hicago. "!erything got !ery bad. ,n
the o(d co#ntry2 they had near(y %orgotten me. 8ere2 , am a bad memory no one 3ants to
remember. 9o# /no3 3hat , did 3hen , got to 4hicago:B
A'o2B said Shado3.
A, get a Dob in the meat b#siness. *n the /i(( %(oor. 5hen the steer comes #p the ramp2 , 3as a
/noc/er. 9o# /no3 3hy 3e are ca((ed /noc/ers: ,s beca#se 3e ta/e the s(edgehammer and 3e
/noc/ the co3 do3n 3ith it. BamP ,t ta/es strength in the arms. 9es: hen the shac/(er chains
the bee% #p2 ha#(s it #p2 then they c#t the throat. hey drain the b(ood %irst be%ore they c#t the
head o%%. 5e 3ere the strongest2 the /noc/ers.B 8e p#shed #p the s(ee!e o% his bathrobe2
%(e&ed his #pper arm to disp(ay the m#sc(es sti(( !isib(e #nder the o(d s/in. A,s not D#st strong
tho#gh. here 3as an art to it. o the b(o3. *ther3ise the co3 is D#st st#nned2 or angry. hen2
in the %i%ties2 they gi!e #s the bo(t g#n. 9o# p#t it to the %orehead2 bamP BamP 'o3 yo# thin/2
anybody can /i((. 'ot so.B 8e mimed p#tting a meta( bo(t thro#gh a co3$s head. A,t sti(( ta/es
s/i((.B 8e smi(ed at the memory2 disp(aying an ironCco(ored tooth.
ADon$t te(( them co3C/i((ing stories.B 0orya Etrennyaya carried in their co%%ee on a red 3ooden
tray. Sma(( bright(y ename(ed c#ps %i((ed 3ith a bro3n (iI#id so dar/ it 3as a(most b(ac/. She
ga!e them each a c#p2 then sat beside 41ernobog.
A0orya Fechernyaya is doing shopping2B she said. AShe 3i(( be soon bac/.B
A5e met her do3nstairs2B said Shado3. AShe says she te((s %ort#nes.B
A9es2B said her sister. A,n the t3i(ight2 that is the time %or (ies. , do not te(( good (ies2 so , am a
poor %ort#neCte((er. And o#r sister2 0orya Po(#nochnaya2 she can te(( no (ies at a((.B
he co%%ee 3as e!en s3eeter and stronger than Shado3 had e&pected.
Shado3 e&c#sed himse(% to #se the bathroom-a cramped2 c(osetC(i/e room near the %ront
door2 h#ng 3ith se!era( bro3nCspotted %ramed photographs. ,t 3as ear(y a%ternoon2 b#t
a(ready the day(ight 3as beginning to %ade. 8e heard !oices raised %rom do3n the ha((. 8e
3ashed his hands in icyCco(d 3ater 3ith a sic/(yCsme((ing s(i!er o% pin/ soap.
41ernobog 3as standing in the ha(( as Shado3 came o#t.
A9o# bring tro#b(ePB he 3as sho#ting. A'othing b#t tro#b(eP , 3i(( not (istenP 9o# 3i(( get o#t o%
my ho#sePB
5ednesday 3as sti(( sitting on the so%a2 sipping his co%%ee2 stro/ing the gray cat. 0orya
Etrennyaya stood on the thin carpet2 one hand ner!o#s(y t3ining in and o#t o% her (ong ye((o3
hair.
A,s there a prob(em:B as/ed Shado3.
A8e is the prob(emPB sho#ted 41ernobog. A8e isP 9o# te(( him that there is nothing 3i(( ma/e
me he(p himP , 3ant him to goP , 3ant him o#t o% hereP Both o% yo# goPB
AP(ease2B said 0orya Etrennyaya2 Ap(ease be I#iet2 yo# 3a/e #p 0orya Po(#nochnaya.B
A9o# are (i/e him2 yo# 3ant me to Doin his madnessPB sho#ted 41ernobog. 8e (oo/ed as i% he
3as on the !erge o% tears. A pi((ar o% ash t#mb(ed %rom his cigarette onto the threadbare ha((
carpet.
5ednesday stood #p2 3a(/ed o!er to 41ernobog. 8e rested his hand on 41ernobog$s sho#(der.
A@isten2B he said2 peaceab(y. A)irst(y2 it$s not madness. ,t$s the on(y 3ay. Second(y2 e!eryone 3i((
be there. 9o# 3o#(d not 3ant to be (e%t o#t2 3o#(d yo#:B
A9o# /no3 3ho , am2B said 41ernobog. A9o# /no3 3hat these hands ha!e done. 9o# 3ant my
brother2 not me. And he$s gone.B
A door in the ha((3ay opened2 and a s(eepy %ema(e !oice said2 A,s something 3rong:B
A'othing is 3rong2 my sister2B said 0orya Etrennyaya. AGo bac/ to s(eep.B hen she t#rned to
41ernobog. ASee: See 3hat yo# do 3ith a(( yo#r sho#ting: 9o# go bac/ in there and sit do3n.
SitPB 41ernobog (oo/ed as i% he 3ere abo#t to protest? and then the %ight 3ent o#t o% him. 8e
(oo/ed %rai(2 s#dden(y: %rai(2 and (one(y.
he three men 3ent bac/ into the shabby sitting room. here 3as a bro3n nicotine ring aro#nd
that room that ended abo#t a %oot %rom the cei(ing2 (i/e the tideC(ine in an o(d batht#b.
A,t doesn$t ha!e to be %or yo#2B said 5ednesday to 41ernobog2 #n%a1ed. A,% it is %or yo#r
brother2 it$s %or yo# as 3e((. hat$s one p(ace yo# d#a(istic types ha!e it o!er the rest o% #s2 eh:B
41ernobog said nothing.
Aa(/ing o% Bie(ebog2 ha!e yo# heard anything %rom him:B
41ernobog shoo/ his head. hen he spo/e2 staring do3n at the threadbare carpet. A'one o% #s
ha!e heard o% him. , am a(most %orgotten2 b#t sti((2 they remember me a (itt(e2 here and in the
o(d co#ntry.B 8e (oo/ed #p at Shado3. ADo yo# ha!e a brother:B
A'o2B said Shado3. A'ot that , /no3 o%.B
A, ha!e a brother. hey say2 yo# p#t #s together2 3e are (i/e one person2 yo# /no3: 5hen 3e
are yo#ng2 his hair2 it is !ery b(ond2 !ery (ight2 and peop(e say2 he is the good one. And my hair it
is !ery dar/2 dar/er than yo#rs e!en2 and peop(e say , am the rog#e2 yo# /no3: , am the bad
one. And no3 time passes2 and my hair is gray. 8is hair2 too2 , thin/2 is gray. And yo# (oo/ at #s2
yo# 3o#(d not /no3 3ho 3as (ight2 3ho 3as dar/.B
A5ere yo# c(ose:B as/ed Shado3.
A4(ose:B as/ed 41ernobog. A'o. 5e 3ere not c(ose. 8o3 co#(d 3e be: 5e cared abo#t s#ch
di%%erent things.B
here 3as a c(atter %rom the end o% the ha((2 and 0orya Fechernyaya came in. AS#pper in one
ho#r2B she said. hen she 3ent o#t.
41ernobog sighed. AShe thin/s she is a good coo/2B he said. AShe 3as bro#ght #p2 there 3ere
ser!ants to coo/. 'o32 there are no ser!ants. here is nothing.B
A'ot nothing2B said 5ednesday. A'e!er nothing.B
A9o#2B said 41ernobog. A, sha(( not (isten to yo#.B 8e t#rned to Shado3. ADo yo# p(ay
chec/ers:B he as/ed.
A9es2B said Shado3.
AGood. 9o# sha(( p(ay chec/ers 3ith me2B he said2 ta/ing a 3ooden bo& o% pieces %rom the
mante(piece2 and sha/ing them o#t onto the tab(e. A, sha(( p(ay b(ac/.B
5ednesday to#ched Shado3$s arm. A9o# don$t ha!e to do this2 yo# /no32B he said.
A'ot a prob(em. , 3ant to2B said Shado3. 5ednesday shr#gged2 and pic/ed #p an o(d copy o%
the +eader$s Digest %rom a sma(( pi(e o% ye((o3ing maga1ines on the 3indo3si((. 41ernobog$s
bro3n %ingers %inished arranging the pieces on the sI#ares2 and the game began.
,n the days that 3ere to come2 Shado3 o%ten %o#nd himse(% remembering that game. Some
nights he dreamed o% it. 8is %(at2 ro#nd pieces 3ere the co(or o% o(d2 dirty 3ood2 nomina((y
3hite. 41ernobog$s 3ere a d#((2 %aded b(ac/. Shado3 3as the %irst to mo!e. ,n his dreams2 there
3as no con!ersation as they p(ayed2 D#st the (o#d c(ic/ as the pieces 3ere p#t do3n2 or the hiss
o% 3ood against 3ood as they 3ere s(id %rom sI#are to adDoining sI#are.
)or the %irst ha(%Cdo1en mo!es each o% the men s(ipped pieces o#t onto the board2 into the
center2 (ea!ing the bac/ ro3s #nto#ched. here 3ere pa#ses bet3een the mo!es2 (ong2
chessC(i/e pa#ses2 3hi(e each man 3atched2 and tho#ght.
Shado3 had p(ayed chec/ers in prison: it passed the time. 8e had p(ayed chess2 too2 b#t he 3as
not temperamenta((y s#ited to chess. 8e did not (i/e p(anning ahead. 8e pre%erred pic/ing the
per%ect mo!e %or the moment. 9o# co#(d 3in in chec/ers (i/e that2 sometimes.
here 3as a c(ic/2 as 41ernobog pic/ed #p a b(ac/ piece and D#mped it o!er one o% Shado3$s
3hite pieces2 p(acing it on the sI#are on the other side. he o(d man pic/ed #p Shado3$s 3hite
piece and p#t it on the tab(e at the side o% the board.
A)irst b(ood. 9o# ha!e (ost2B said 41ernobog. Ahe game is done.B
A'o2B said Shado3. AGame$s got a (ong 3ay to go yet.B
Ahen 3o#(d yo# care %or a 3ager: A (itt(e side bet2 to ma/e it more interesting:B
A'o2B said 5ednesday2 3itho#t (oo/ing #p %rom a A8#mor in Eni%ormB co(#mn. A8e 3o#(dn$t.B
A, am not p(aying 3ith yo#2 o(d man. , p(ay 3ith him. So2 yo# 3ant to bet on the game2 6ister
Shado3:B
A5hat 3ere yo# t3o arg#ing abo#t2 be%ore:B as/ed Shado3.
41ernobog raised a craggy eyebro3. A9o#r master 3ants me to come 3ith him. o he(p him
3ith his nonsense. , 3o#(d rather die.B
A9o# 3ant to ma/e a bet. */ay. ,% , 3in2 yo# come 3ith #s.B
he o(d man p#rsed his (ips. APerhaps2B he said. AB#t on(y i% yo# ta/e my %or%eit2 3hen yo#
(ose.B
AAnd that is:B
here 3as no change in 41ernobog$s e&pression. A,% , 3in2 , get to /noc/ yo#r brains o#t. 5ith
the s(edgehammer. )irst yo# go do3n on yo#r /nees. hen , hit yo# a b(o3 3ith it2 so yo# don$t
get #p again.B Shado3 (oo/ed at the man$s o(d %ace2 trying to read him. 8e 3as not Do/ing2
Shado3 3as certain o% that: there 3as a h#nger there %or something2 %or pain2 or death or
retrib#tion.
5ednesday c(osed the +eader$s Digest. Ahis is getting ridic#(o#s2B he said. A, 3as 3rong to
come here. Shado32 3e$re (ea!ing.B he gray cat2 dist#rbed2 got to its %eet and (eapt onto the
tab(e beside the chec/ers game. ,t stared at the pieces2 then (eapt do3n onto the %(oor and2 tai(
he(d high2 it sta(/ed %rom the room.
A'o2B said Shado3. 8e 3as not scared o% dying. A%ter a((2 it 3as not as i% he had anything (e%t to
(i!e %or. A,t$s %ine. , accept. ,% yo# 3in the game2 yo# get the chance to /noc/ my brains o#t 3ith
one b(o3 o% yo#r s(edgehammer.B And he mo!ed his ne&t 3hite piece to the adDoining sI#are
on the edge o% the board.
'othing more 3as said2 b#t 5ednesday did not pic/ #p his +eader$s Digest again. 8e 3atched
the game 3ith his g(ass eye and his tr#e eye2 3ith an e&pression that betrayed nothing.
41ernobog too/ another o% Shado3$s pieces. Shado3 too/ t3o o% 41ernobog$s. )rom the
corridor came the sme(( o% #n%ami(iar %oods coo/ing. 5hi(e not a(( o% the sme((s 3ere
appeti1ing2 Shado3 rea(i1ed s#dden(y ho3 h#ngry he 3as.
he t3o men mo!ed their pieces2 b(ac/ and 3hite2 t#rn and t#rnCabo#t. A %(#rry o% pieces ta/en2
a b(ossoming o% t3oCpieceChigh /ings: no (onger %orced to mo!e on(y %or3ard on the board2 a
side3ays s(ip at a time2 the /ings co#(d mo!e %or3ard or bac/2 3hich made them do#b(y
dangero#s. hey had reached the %#rthest ro32 and co#(d go 3here they 3anted. 41ernobog
had three /ings2 Shado3 had t3o.
41ernobog mo!ed one o% his /ings aro#nd the board2 e(iminating Shado3$s remaining pieces2
3hi(e #sing the other t3o /ings to /eep Shado3$s pieces pinned do3n.
And then 41ernobog made a %o#rth /ing2 and ret#rned do3n the board to Shado3$s t3o /ings2
and2 #nsmi(ing2 too/ them both. And that 3as that.
ASo2B said 41ernobog. A, get to /noc/ o#t yo#r brains. And yo# 3i(( go on yo#r /nees 3i((ing(y. ,s
good.B 8e reached o#t an o(d hand2 and patted Shado3$s arm 3ith it.
A5e$!e sti(( got time be%ore dinner$s ready2B said Shado3. A9o# 3ant another game: Same
terms:B
41ernobog (it another cigarette2 %rom a /itchen bo& o% matches. A8o3 can it be same terms:
9o# 3ant , sho#(d /i(( yo# t3ice:B
A+ight no32 yo# ha!e one b(o32 that$s a((. 9o# to(d me yo#rse(% that it$s not D#st strength2 it$s
s/i(( too. his 3ay2 i% yo# 3in this game2 yo# get t3o b(o3s to my head.B
41ernobog g(o3ered. A*ne b(o32 is a(( it ta/es2 one b(o3. hat is the art.B 8e patted his #pper
right arm2 3here the m#sc(es 3ere2 3ith his (e%t2 scattering gray ash %rom the cigarette in his
(e%t hand.
A,t$s been a (ong time. ,% yo#$!e (ost yo#r s/i(( yo# might simp(y br#ise me. 8o3 (ong has it been
since yo# s3#ng a /i((ing hammer in the stoc/Cyards: hirty years: )orty:B
41ernobog said nothing. 8is c(osed mo#th 3as a gray s(ash across his %ace. 8e tapped his %ingers
on the 3ooden tab(e2 dr#mming o#t a rhythm 3ith them. hen he p#shed the t3entyC%o#r
chec/ers pieces bac/ to their home sI#ares on the board.
AP(ay2B he said. AAgain2 yo# are (ight. , am dar/.B
Shado3 p#shed his %irst piece o#t. 41ernobog p#shed one o% his o3n pieces %or3ard. And it
occ#rred to Shado3 that 41ernobog 3as going to try to p(ay the same game again2 the one that
he had D#st 3on2 that this 3o#(d be his (imitation.
his time Shado3 p(ayed rec/(ess(y. 8e snatched tiny opport#nities2 mo!ed 3itho#t thin/ing2
3itho#t a pa#se to consider. And this time2 as he p(ayed2 Shado3 smi(ed? and 3hene!er
41ernobog mo!ed a piece2 Shado3 smi(ed 3ider.
Soon2 41ernobog 3as s(amming his pieces do3n as he mo!ed them2 banging them do3n on the
3ooden tab(e so hard that the remaining pieces shi!ered on their b(ac/ sI#ares.
Ahere2B said 41ernobog2 ta/ing one o% Shado3$s men 3ith a crash2 s(amming the b(ac/ piece
do3n. Ahere. 5hat do yo# say to that:B
Shado3 said nothing: he simp(y smi(ed2 and D#mped the piece that 41ernobog had p#t do3n2
and another2 and another2 and a %o#rth2 c(earing the center o% the board o% b(ac/ pieces. 8e
too/ a 3hite piece %rom the pi(e beside the board and /inged his man.
A%ter that2 it 3as D#st a moppingC#p e&ercise: another hand%#( o% mo!es2 and the game 3as
done.
Shado3 said2 ABest o% three:B
41ernobog simp(y stared at him2 his gray eyes (i/e points o% stee(. And then he (a#ghed2 c(apped
his hands on Shado3$s sho#(ders. A, (i/e yo#PB he e&c(aimed. A9o# ha!e ba((s.B
hen 0orya Etrennyaya p#t her head aro#nd the door to te(( them that dinner 3as ready2 and
they sho#(d c(ear their game a3ay2 and p#t the tab(ec(oth do3n on the tab(e.
A5e ha!e no dining room2B she said2 A, am sorry. 5e eat in here.B
Ser!ing dishes 3ere p(aced on the tab(e. "ach o% the diners 3as gi!en a sma(( painted tray on
3hich 3as some tarnished c#t(ery2 to p(ace on his or her (ap.
0orya Fechernyaya too/ %i!e 3ooden bo3(s and p(aced an #npee(ed boi(ed potato in each2 then
(ad(ed in a hea(thy ser!ing o% a %erocio#s(y crimson borscht. She p(opped a spoon%#( o% 3hite
so#r cream in2 and handed the bo3(s to each o% them.
A, tho#ght there 3ere si& o% #s2B said Shado3.
A0orya Po(#nochnaya is sti(( as(eep2B said 0orya Fechernyaya. A5e /eep her %ood in the
re%rigerator. 5hen she 3a/es2 she 3i(( eat.B
he borscht 3as !inegary2 and tasted (i/e pic/(ed beets. he boi(ed potato 3as mea(y.
he ne&t co#rse 3as a (eathery pot roast2 accompanied by greens o% some
description-a(tho#gh they had been boi(ed so (ong and so thoro#gh(y that they 3ere no
(onger2 by any stretch o% the imagination2 greens2 and 3ere in %act 3e(( on their 3ay to
becoming bro3ns.
hen there 3ere cabbage (ea!es st#%%ed 3ith gro#nd meat and rice2 cabbage (ea!es o% s#ch a
to#ghness that they 3ere a(most impossib(e to c#t 3itho#t spattering gro#nd meat and rice a((
o!er the carpet. Shado3 p#shed his aro#nd his p(ate.
A5e p(ayed chec/ers2B said 41ernobog2 hac/ing himse(% another (#mp o% pot roast. Ahe yo#ng
man and me. 8e 3on a game2 , 3on a game. Beca#se he 3on a game2 , ha!e agreed to go 3ith
him and 5ednesday2 and he(p them in their madness. And beca#se , 3on a game2 3hen this is
a(( done2 , get to /i(( the yo#ng man2 3ith a b(o3 o% a hammer.B
he t3o 0oryas nodded gra!e(y. AS#ch a pity2B said 0orya Fechernyaya. A,n my %ort#ne %or yo#2 ,
sho#(d ha!e said yo# 3o#(d ha!e a (ong (i%e and a happy one2 3ith many chi(dren.B
Ahat is 3hy yo# are a good %ort#neCte((er2B said 0orya Etrennyaya. She (oo/ed s(eepy2 as i% it
3ere an e%%ort %or her to be #p so (ate. A9o# te(( the best (ies.B
,t 3as a (ong mea(2 and at the end o% it2 Shado3 3as sti(( h#ngry. Prison %ood had been pretty
bad2 and prison %ood 3as better than this.
AGood %ood2B said 5ednesday2 3ho had c(eaned his p(ate 3ith e!ery e!idence o% enDoyment. A,
than/ yo#2 (adies. And no32 , am a%raid that it is inc#mbent #pon #s to as/ yo# to recommend
to #s a %ine hote( in the neighborhood.B
0orya Fechernyaya (oo/ed o%%ended at this. A5hy sho#(d yo# go to a hote(:B she said. A5e are
not yo#r %riends:B
A, co#(dn$t p#t yo# to any tro#b(eQB said 5ednesday.
A,s no tro#b(e2B said 0orya Etrennyaya2 one hand p(aying 3ith her incongr#o#s(y go(den hair2
and she ya3ned.
A9o# can s(eep in Bie(ebog$s room2B said 0orya Fechernyaya2 pointing to 5ednesday. A,s
empty. And %or yo#2 yo#ng man2 , ma/e #p a bed on so%a. 9o# 3i(( be more com%ortab(e than in
%eather bed. , s3ear.B
Ahat 3o#(d be rea((y /ind o% yo#2B said 5ednesday. A5e accept.B
AAnd yo# pay me on(y no more than 3hat yo# pay %or hote(2B said 0orya Fechernyaya2 3ith a
tri#mphant toss o% her head. AA h#ndred do((ars.B
Ahirty2B said 5ednesday.
A)i%ty.B
AhirtyC%i!e.B
A)ortyC%i!e.B
A)orty.B
A,s good. )ortyC%i!e do((ar.B 0orya Fechernyaya reached across the tab(e and shoo/
5ednesday$s hand. hen she began to c(ean the pots o%% the tab(e. 0orya Etrennyaya ya3ned
so h#ge(y Shado3 3orried that she might dis(ocate her Da32 and anno#nced that she 3as going
to bed be%ore she %e(( as(eep 3ith her head in the pie2 and she said good night to them a((.
Shado3 he(ped 0orya Fechernyaya to ta/e the p(ates and dishes into the (itt(e /itchen. o his
s#rprise there 3as an e(der(y dish3ashing machine beneath the sin/2 and he %i((ed it. 0orya
Fechernyaya (oo/ed o!er his sho#(der2 t#tted2 and remo!ed the 3ooden borscht bo3(s.
Ahose2 in the sin/2B she to(d him.
ASorry.B
A,s not to 3orry. 'o32 bac/ in there2 3e ha!e pie2B she said2 and she too/ the pie %rom the
o!en.
he pie-it 3as an app(e pie-had been bo#ght in a store and o!enC3armed2 and 3as !ery2
!ery good indeed. he %o#r o% them ate it 3ith ice cream2 and then 0orya Fechernyaya made
e!eryone go o#t o% the sitting room2 and made #p a !ery %ineC(oo/ing bed on the so%a %or
Shado3.
5ednesday spo/e to Shado3 as they stood in the corridor.
A5hat yo# did in there2 3ith the chec/ers game2B he said.
A9es:B
Ahat 3as good. Fery2 !ery st#pid o% yo#. B#t good. S(eep sa%e.B
Shado3 br#shed his teeth and 3ashed his %ace in the co(d 3ater o% the (itt(e bathroom2 and
then 3a(/ed bac/ do3n the ha(( to the sitting room2 t#rned o#t the (ight2 and 3as as(eep be%ore
his head to#ched the pi((o3.
here 3ere e&p(osions in Shado3$s dream: he 3as dri!ing a tr#c/ thro#gh a mine%ie(d2 and
bombs 3ere going o%% on each side o% him. he 3indshie(d shattered and he %e(t 3arm b(ood
r#nning do3n his %ace.
Someone 3as shooting at him.
A b#((et p#nct#red his (#ng2 a b#((et shattered his spine2 another hit his sho#(der. 8e %e(t each
b#((et stri/e. 8e co((apsed across the steering 3hee(.
he (ast e&p(osion ended in dar/ness.
, m#st be dreaming2 tho#ght Shado32 a(one in the dar/ness. , thin/ , D#st died. 8e remembered
hearing and be(ie!ing2 as a chi(d2 that i% yo# died in yo#r dreams2 yo# 3o#(d die in rea( (i%e. 8e
did not %ee( dead. 8e opened his eyes2 e&perimenta((y.
here 3as a 3oman in the (itt(e sitting room2 standing against the 3indo32 3ith her bac/ to
him. 8is heart missed a ha(%Cbeat2 and he said2 A@a#ra:B
She t#rned2 %ramed by the moon(ight. A,$m sorry2B she said. A, did not mean to 3a/e yo#.B She
had a so%t2 "astern "#ropean accent. A, 3i(( go.B
A'o2 it$s o/ay2B said Shado3. A9o# didn$t 3a/e me. , had a dream.B
A9es2B she said. A9o# 3ere crying o#t2 and moaning. Part o% me 3anted to 3a/e yo#2 b#t ,
tho#ght2 no2 , sho#(d (ea!e him.B
8er hair 3as pa(e and co(or(ess in the moon$s thin (ight. She 3ore a thin 3hite cotton
nightgo3n2 3ith a high2 (ace nec/2 and a hem that s3ept the gro#nd. Shado3 sat #p2 entire(y
a3a/e. A9o# are 0orya Po(#QB 8e hesitated. Ahe sister 3ho 3as as(eep.B
A, am 0orya Po(#nochnaya2 yes. And yo# are ca((ed Shado32 yes: hat 3as 3hat 0orya
Fechernyaya to(d me2 3hen , 3o/e.B
A9es. 5hat 3ere yo# (oo/ing at2 o#t there:B
She (oo/ed at him2 then she bec/oned him to Doin her by the 3indo3. She t#rned her bac/
3hi(e he p#((ed on his Deans. 8e 3a(/ed o!er to her. ,t seemed a (ong 3a(/2 %or s#ch a sma((
room.
8e co#(d not te(( her age. 8er s/in 3as #n(ined2 her eyes 3ere dar/2 her (ashes 3ere (ong2 her
hair 3as to her 3aist2 and 3hite. he moon(ight drained co(ors into ghosts o% themse(!es. She
3as ta((er than either o% her sisters.
She pointed #p into the night s/y. A, 3as (oo/ing at that2B she said2 pointing to the Big Dipper.
ASee:B
AErsa 6aDor2B he said. Ahe Great Bear.B
Ahat is one 3ay o% (oo/ing at it2B she said. AB#t it is not the 3ay %rom 3here , come %rom. , am
going to sit on the roo%. 5o#(d yo# (i/e to come 3ith me:B
A, g#ess2B said Shado3.
A,s good2B she said.
She (i%ted the 3indo3 and c(ambered2 bare%oot2 o#t onto the %ire escape. A %ree1ing 3ind b(e3
thro#gh the 3indo3. Something 3as bothering Shado32 b#t he did not /no3 3hat it 3as? he
hesitated2 then p#((ed on his s3eater2 soc/s2 and shoes and %o((o3ed her o#t onto the r#sting
%ire escape. She 3as 3aiting %or him. 8is breath steamed in the chi((y air. 8e 3atched her bare
%eet pad #p the icy meta( steps2 and %o((o3ed her #p to the roo%.
he 3ind g#sted co(d2 %(attening her nightgo3n against her body2 and Shado3 became
#ncom%ortab(y a3are that 0orya Po(#nochnaya 3as 3earing nothing at a(( #nderneath.
A9o# don$t mind the co(d:B he said2 as they reached the top o% the %ire escape2 and the 3ind
3hipped his 3ords a3ay.
ASorry:B
She bent her %ace c(ose to his. 8er breath 3as s3eet.
A, said2 doesn$t the co(d bother yo#:B
,n rep(y2 she he(d #p a %inger: 5ait. She stepped2 (ight(y2 o!er the side o% the b#i(ding and onto
the %(at roo%. Shado3 stepped o!er a (itt(e more c(#msi(y2 and %o((o3ed her across the roo%2 to
the shado3 o% the 3aterCto3er. here 3as a 3ooden bench 3aiting %or them there2 and she sat
do3n on it2 and he sat do3n beside her.
he 3aterCto3er acted as a 3indbrea/2 %or 3hich Shado3 3as grate%#(. he (ights o% the city
sm#dged the s/y 3ith ye((o32 s3a((o3ing ha(% the stars he had been ab(e to see %rom the open
co#ntry. Sti((2 he co#(d see the Big Dipper and the 'orth Star2 and he %o#nd the three stars o%
*rion$s be(t2 3hich a((o3ed him to see *rion2 3hich he a(3ays sa3 as a man r#nning to /ic/ a
%ootba((-
A'o2B she said. Ahe co(d does not bother me. his time is my time: , co#(d no more %ee(
#ncom%ortab(e in the night than a %ish co#(d %ee( #ncom%ortab(e in the deep 3ater.B
A9o# m#st (i/e the night2B said Shado32 3ishing that he had said something 3iser2 more
pro%o#nd.
A6y sisters are o% their times. 0orya Etrennyaya is o% the da3n. ,n the o(d co#ntry she 3o#(d
3a/e to open the gates2 and (et o#r %ather dri!e his-#m2 , %orget the 3ord2 (i/e a car b#t 3ith
horses:B
A4hariot:B
A8is chariot. *#r %ather 3o#(d ride it o#t. And 0orya Fechernyaya2 she 3o#(d open the gates %or
him at d#s/2 3hen he ret#rned to #s.B
AAnd yo#:B
She pa#sed. 8er (ips 3ere %#((2 b#t !ery pa(e. A, ne!er sa3 o#r %ather. , 3as as(eep.B
A,s it a medica( condition:B
She did not ans3er. he shr#g2 i% she shr#gged2 3as imperceptib(e. ASo. 9o# 3anted to /no3
3hat , 3as (oo/ing at.B
Ahe Big Dipper.B
She raised an arm to point to it2 and the 3ind %(attened her nightgo3n against her body. 8er
nipp(es2 e!ery gooseCb#mp on the areo(ae2 3ere !isib(e momentari(y2 dar/ against the 3hite
cotton. Shado3 shi!ered.
A*din$s 5ain2 they ca(( it. And the Great Bear. 5here 3e come %rom2 3e be(ie!e that is a2 a
thing2 a2 not a god2 b#t (i/e a god2 a bad thing2 chained #p in those stars. ,% it escapes2 it 3i(( eat
the 3ho(e o% e!erything. And there are three sisters 3ho m#st 3atch the s/y2 a(( the day2 a(( the
night. ,% he escapes2 the thing in the stars2 the 3or(d is o!er. P%P2 (i/e that.B
AAnd peop(e be(ie!e that:B
Ahey did. A (ong time ago.B
AAnd yo# 3ere (oo/ing to see i% yo# co#(d see the monster in the stars:B
ASomething (i/e that. 9es.B
8e smi(ed. ,% it 3ere not %or the co(d2 he decided2 he 3o#(d ha!e tho#ght he 3as dreaming.
"!erything %e(t so m#ch (i/e a dream.
A4an , as/ ho3 o(d yo# are: 9o#r sisters seem so m#ch o(der.B
She nodded her head. A, am the yo#ngest. 0orya Etrennyaya 3as born in the morning2 and
0orya Fechernyaya 3as born in the e!ening2 and , 3as born at midnight. , am the midnight
sister: 0orya Po(#nochnaya. Are yo# married:B
A6y 3i%e is dead. She died (ast 3ee/ in a car accident. ,t 3as her %#nera( yesterday.B
A,$m so sorry.B
AShe came to see me (ast night.B ,t 3as not hard to say2 in the dar/ness and the moon(ight? it
3as not as #nthin/ab(e as it 3as by day(ight.
ADid yo# as/ her 3hat she 3anted:B
A'o. 'ot rea((y.B
APerhaps yo# sho#(d. ,t is the 3isest thing to as/ the dead. Sometimes they 3i(( te(( yo#. 0orya
Fechernyaya te((s me that yo# p(ayed chec/ers 3ith 41ernobog.B
A9es. 8e 3on the right to /noc/ in my s/#(( 3ith a s(edge.B
A,n the o(d days2 they 3o#(d ta/e peop(e #p to the top o% the mo#ntains. o the high p(aces.
hey 3o#(d smash the bac/ o% their s/#((s 3ith a roc/. )or 41ernobog.B
Shado3 g(anced abo#t. 'o2 they 3ere a(one on the roo%.
0orya Po(#nochnaya (a#ghed. ASi((y2 he is not here. And yo# 3on a game a(so. 8e may not stri/e
his b(o3 #nti( this is a(( o!er. 8e said he 3o#(d not. And yo# 3i(( /no3. @i/e the co3s he /i((ed.
hey a(3ays /no32 %irst. *ther3ise2 3hat is the point:B
A, %ee(2B Shado3 to(d her2 A(i/e ,$m in a 3or(d 3ith its o3n sense o% (ogic. ,ts o3n r#(es. @i/e
3hen yo#$re in a dream2 and yo# /no3 there are r#(es yo# m#stn$t brea/2 b#t yo# don$t /no3
3hat they are or 3hat they mean. , ha!e no idea 3hat 3e$re ta(/ing abo#t2 or 3hat happened
today2 or pretty m#ch anything since , got o#t o% Dai(. ,$m D#st going a(ong 3ith it2 yo# /no3:B
A, /no32B she said. She he(d his hand2 3ith a hand that 3as icy co(d. A9o# 3ere gi!en protection
once2 b#t yo# (ost it a(ready. 9o# ga!e it a3ay. 9o# had the s#n in yo#r hand. And that is (i%e
itse(%. A(( , can gi!e yo# is m#ch 3ea/er protection. he da#ghter2 not the %ather. B#t a(( he(ps.
9es:B 8er 3hite hair b(e3 abo#t her %ace in the chi((y 3ind2 and Shado3 /ne3 that it 3as time
to go bac/ inside.
ADo , ha!e to %ight yo#: *r p(ay chec/ers:B he as/ed.
A9o# do not e!en ha!e to /iss me2B she to(d him. AJ#st ta/e the moon.B
A8o3:B
Aa/e the moon.B
A, don$t #nderstand.B
A5atch2B said 0orya Po(#nochnaya. She raised her (e%t hand and he(d it in %ront o% the moon2 so
that her %ore%inger and th#mb seemed to be grasping it. hen2 in one smooth mo!ement2 she
p(#c/ed at it. )or a moment2 it (oo/ed (i/e she had ta/en the moon %rom the s/y2 b#t then
Shado3 sa3 that the moon shone sti((2 and 0orya Po(#nochnaya opened her hand to disp(ay a
si(!er @ibertyChead do((ar resting bet3een %inger and th#mb.
Ahat 3as bea#ti%#((y done2B said Shado3. A, didn$t see yo# pa(m it. And , don$t /no3 ho3 yo#
did that (ast bit.B
A, did not pa(m it2B she said. A, too/ it. And no3 , gi!e it to yo#2 to /eep sa%e. 8ere. Don$t gi!e
this one a3ay.B
She p(aced it in his right hand and c(osed his %ingers aro#nd it. he coin 3as co(d in his hand.
0orya Po(#nochnaya (eaned %or3ard2 and c(osed his eyes 3ith her %ingers2 and /issed him2
(ight(y2 once #pon each eye(id.
Shado3 a3o/e on the so%a2 %#((y dressed. A narro3 sha%t o% s#n(ight streamed in thro#gh the
3indo32 ma/ing the d#st motes dance.
8e got o#t o% bed2 and 3a(/ed o!er to the 3indo3. he room seemed m#ch sma((er in the
day(ight.
he thing that had been tro#b(ing him since (ast night came into %oc#s as he (oo/ed o#t and
do3n and across the street. here 3as no %ire escape o#tside this 3indo3: no ba(cony2 no
r#sting meta( steps.
Sti((2 he(d tight in the pa(m o% his hand2 bright and shiny as the day it had been minted2 3as a
;<>> @ibertyChead si(!er do((ar.
A*h. 9o#$re #p2B said 5ednesday2 p#tting his head aro#nd the door. Ahat$s good. 9o# 3ant
co%%ee: 5e$re going to rob a ban/.B
4oming to America
;M>;
he important thing to #nderstand abo#t American history2 3rote 6r. ,bis2 in his (eatherCbo#nd
Do#rna(2 is that it is %ictiona(2 a charcoa(Cs/etched simp(icity %or the chi(dren2 or the easi(y bored.
)or the most part it is #ninspected2 #nimagined2 #ntho#ght2 a representation o% the thing2 and
not the thing itse(%. ,t is a %ine %iction2 he contin#ed2 pa#sing %or a moment to dip his pen in the
in/3e(( and co((ect his tho#ghts2 that America 3as %o#nded by pi(grims2 see/ing the %reedom to
be(ie!e as they 3ished2 that they came to the Americas2 spread and bred and %i((ed the empty
(and.
,n tr#th2 the American co(onies 3ere as m#ch a d#mping gro#nd as an escape2 a %orgetting
p(ace. ,n the days 3here yo# co#(d be hanged in @ondon %rom yb#rn$s trip(eCcro3ned tree %or
the the%t o% t3e(!e pennies2 the Americas became a symbo( o% c(emency2 o% a second chance.
B#t the conditions o% transportation 3ere s#ch that2 %or some2 it 3as easier to ta/e the (eap
%rom the (ea%(ess and dance on nothing #nti( the dancing 3as done. ransportation it 3as
ca((ed: %or %i!e years2 %or ten years2 %or (i%e. hat 3as the sentence.
9o# 3ere so(d to a captain2 and 3o#(d ride in his ship2 cro3ded tight as a s(a!er$s2 to the
co(onies or to the 5est ,ndies? o%% the boat the captain 3o#(d se(( yo# on as an indent#red
ser!ant to one 3ho 3o#(d ta/e the cost o% yo#r s/in o#t in yo#r (abor #nti( the years o% yo#r
indent#re 3ere done. B#t at (east yo# 3ere not 3aiting to hang in an "ng(ish prison G%or in
those days prisons 3ere p(aces 3here yo# stayed #nti( yo# 3ere %reed2 transported2 or hanged:
yo# 3ere not sentenced there %or a termH2 and yo# 3ere %ree to ma/e the best o% yo#r ne3
3or(d. 9o# 3ere a(so %ree to bribe a sea captain to ret#rn yo# to "ng(and be%ore the terms o%
yo#r transportation 3ere o!er and done. Peop(e did. And i% the a#thorities ca#ght yo#
ret#rning %rom transportation-i% an o(d enemy2 or an o(d %riend 3ith a score to sett(e2 sa3 yo#
and peached on yo#-then yo# 3ere hanged 3itho#t a b(in/.
, am reminded2 he contin#ed2 a%ter a short pa#se2 d#ring 3hich he re%i((ed the in/3e(( on his
des/ %rom the bott(e o% #mber in/ %rom the c(oset2 and dipped his pen once more2 o% the (i%e o%
"ssie rego3an2 3ho came %rom a chi((y (itt(e c(i%%Ctop !i((age in 4orn3a((2 in the So#th3est o%
"ng(and2 3here her %ami(y had (i!ed %rom time o#t o% mind. 8er %ather 3as a %isherman2 and it
3as r#mored that he 3as one o% the 3rec/ers-those 3ho 3o#(d hang their (amps high on the
dangero#s coast 3hen the storm 3inds raged2 (#ring ships onto the roc/s2 %or the goods on
shipboard. "ssie$s mother 3as in ser!ice as a coo/ at the sI#ire$s ho#se2 and2 at the age o%
t3e(!e2 "ssie began to 3or/ there2 in the sc#((ery. She 3as a thin (itt(e thing2 3ith 3ide bro3n
eyes and dar/ bro3n hair? and she 3as not a hard 3or/er b#t 3as %ore!er s(ipping o%% and a3ay
to (isten to stories and ta(es2 i% there 3as anyone 3ho 3o#(d te(( them: ta(es o% the pis/ies and
the spriggans2 o% the b(ac/ dogs o% the moors and the sea(C3omen o% the 4hanne(. And2 tho#gh
the sI#ire (a#ghed at s#ch things2 the /itchenC%o(/ a(3ays p#t o#t a china sa#cer o% the
creamiest mi(/ at night2 p#t it o#tside the /itchen door2 %or the pis/ies.
Se!era( years passed2 and "ssie 3as no (onger a thin (itt(e thing: no3 she c#r!ed and bi((o3ed
(i/e the s3e(( o% the green sea2 and her bro3n eyes (a#ghed2 and her chestn#t hair tossed and
c#r(ed. "ssie$s eyes (ighted on Bartho(ome32 the sI#ire$s eighteenCyearCo(d son2 home %rom
+#gby2 and she 3ent at night to the standing stone on the edge o% the 3ood(and2 and she p#t
some bread that Bartho(ome3 had been eating b#t had (e%t #n%inished on the stone2 3rapped
in a c#t strand o% her o3n hair. And on the !ery ne&t day Bartho(ome3 came and ta(/ed to her2
and (oo/ed on her appro!ing(y 3ith his o3n eyes2 the dangero#s b(#e o% a s/y 3hen a storm is
coming2 3hi(e she 3as c(eaning o#t the grate in his bedroom.
8e had s#ch dangero#s eyes2 said "ssie rego3an.
Soon eno#gh Bartho(ome3 3ent #p to *&%ord2 and2 3hen "ssie$s condition became apparent2
she 3as dismissed. B#t the babe 3as sti((born2 and2 as a %a!or to "ssie$s mother2 3ho 3as a !ery
%ine coo/2 the sI#ire$s 3i%e pre!ai(ed #pon her h#sband to ret#rn the %ormer maiden to her
%ormer position in the sc#((ery.
"!en so2 "ssie$s (o!e %or Bartho(ome3 had t#rned to hatred %or his %ami(y2 and 3ithin the year
she too/ %or her ne3 bea# a man %rom a neighboring !i((age2 3ith a bad rep#tation2 3ho 3ent
by the name o% Josiah 8orner. And one night2 3hen the %ami(y s(ept2 "ssie arose in the night and
#nbo(ted the side door2 to (et her (o!er in. 8e ri%(ed the ho#se 3hi(e the %ami(y s(ept on.
S#spicion immediate(y %e(( #pon someone in the ho#se2 %or it 3as apparent that someone m#st
ha!e opened the door G3hich the sI#ire$s 3i%e distinct(y remembered ha!ing bo(ted herse(%H
and someone m#st ha!e /no3n 3here the sI#ire /ept his si(!er p(ate2 and the dra3er in 3hich
he /ept his coins and his promissory notes. Sti((2 "ssie2 by reso(#te(y denying e!erything2 3as
con!icted o% nothing #nti( 6aster Josiah 8orner 3as ca#ght2 in a chand(er$s in "&eter2 passing
one o% the sI#ire$s notes. he sI#ire identi%ied it as his2 and 8orner and "ssie 3ent to tria(.
8orner 3as con!icted at the (oca( assi1es2 and 3as2 as the s(ang o% the time so cr#e((y and so
cas#a((y had it2 t#rned o%%2 b#t the D#dge too/ pity on "ssie2 beca#se o% her age or her chestn#t
hair2 and he sentenced her to se!en years$ transportation. She 3as to be transported on a ship
ca((ed the 'ept#ne2 #nder the command o% one 4aptain 4(ar/e. So "ssie 3ent to the 4aro(inas?
and on the 3ay she concei!ed an a((iance 3ith the se(%same captain2 and pre!ai(ed #pon him to
ret#rn her to "ng(and 3ith him2 as his 3i%e2 and to ta/e her to his mother$s ho#se in @ondon2
3here no man /ne3 her. he Do#rney bac/2 3hen the h#man cargo had been e&changed %or
cotton and tobacco2 3as a peace%#( time2 and a happy one2 %or the captain and his ne3 bride2
3ho 3ere as t3o (o!ebirds or co#rting b#tter%(ies2 #nab(e to cease %rom to#ching each other or
gi!ing each other (itt(e gi%ts and endearments.
5hen they reached @ondon2 4aptain 4(ar/e (odged "ssie 3ith his mother2 3ho treated her in a((
3ays as her son$s ne3 3i%e. "ight 3ee/s (ater2 the 'ept#ne set sai( again2 and the pretty yo#ng
bride 3ith the chestn#t hair 3a!ed her h#sband goodbye %rom doc/side. hen she ret#rned to
her motherCinC(a3$s ho#se2 3here2 the o(d 3oman being absent2 "ssie he(ped herse(% to a
(ength o% si(/2 se!era( go(d coins2 and a si(!er pot in 3hich the o(d 3oman /ept her b#ttons2 and
poc/eting these things "ssie !anished into the ste3s o% @ondon.
*!er the %o((o3ing t3o years "ssie became an accomp(ished shopC(i%ter2 her 3ide s/irts capab(e
o% concea(ing a m#(tit#de o% sins2 consisting chie%(y o% sto(en bo(ts o% si(/ and (ace2 and she (i!ed
(i%e to the %#((. "ssie ga!e than/s %or her escapes %rom her !icissit#des to a(( the creat#res that
she had been to(d o% as a chi(d2 to the pis/ies G3hose in%(#ence2 she 3as certain2 e&tended as %ar
as @ondonH2 and she 3o#(d p#t a 3ooden bo3( o% mi(/ on a 3indo3C(edge each night2 a(tho#gh
her %riends (a#ghed at her? b#t she had the (ast (a#gh2 as her %riends got the po& or the c(ap and
"ssie remained in the pea/ o% hea(th.
She 3as a year shy o% her t3entieth birthday 3hen %ate dea(t her an i((Cb(o3: she sat in the
4rossed )or/s ,nn o%% )(eet Street2 in Be(( 9ard2 3hen she sa3 a yo#ng man enter and seat
himse(% near the %irep(ace2 %resh do3n %rom the Eni!ersity. A*hoP A pigeon ripe %or the
p(#c/ing2B thin/s "ssie to herse(%2 and she sits ne&t to him2 and te((s him 3hat a %ine yo#ng man
he is2 and 3ith one hand she begins to stro/e his /nee2 3hi(e her other hand2 more care%#((y2
goes in search o% his poc/etC3atch. And then he (oo/ed her %#(( in the %ace2 and her heart (eapt
and san/ as eyes the dangero#s b(#e o% the s#mmer s/y be%ore a storm ga1ed bac/ into hers2
and 6aster Bartho(ome3 said her name.
She 3as ta/en to 'e3gate and charged 3ith ret#rning %rom transportation. )o#nd g#i(ty2 "ssie
shoc/ed no one by p(eading her be((y2 a(tho#gh the to3n matrons2 3ho assessed s#ch c(aims
G3hich 3ere #s#a((y sp#rio#sH2 3ere s#rprised 3hen they 3ere %orced to agree that "ssie 3as
indeed 3ith chi(d? a(tho#gh 3ho the %ather 3as2 "ssie dec(ined to say.
8er sentence o% death 3as once more comm#ted to transportation2 this time %or (i%e.
She rode o#t this time on the SeaC6aiden. here 3ere t3o h#ndred transportees on that ship2
pac/ed into the ho(d (i/e so many %at hogs on their 3ay to mar/et. )(#&es and %e!ers ran
rampant? there 3as scarce(y room to sit2 (et a(one to (ie do3n? a 3oman died in chi(dbirth in the
bac/ o% the ho(d2 and2 the peop(e being p#shed in too tight(y to pass her body %or3ard2 she and
the in%ant 3ere %orced o#t o% a sma(( portho(e in the bac/2 direct(y into the choppy gray sea.
"ssie 3as eight months gone2 and it 3as a 3onder she /ept the baby2 b#t /eep it she did.
,n her (i%e e!er a%ter she 3o#(d ha!e nightmares o% her time in that ho(d2 and she 3o#(d 3a/e
#p screaming 3ith the taste and stench o% the p(ace in her throat.
he SeaC6aiden (anded at 'or%o(/ in Firginia2 and "ssie$s indent#re 3as bo#ght by a Asma((
p(anter2B a tobacco %armer named John +ichardson2 %or his 3i%e had died o% the chi(dbirth %e!er
a 3ee/ a%ter gi!ing birth to his da#ghter2 and he had need o% a 3etCn#rse and a maid o% a(( 3or/
#pon his sma((ho(ding.
So "ssie$s baby boy2 3hom she ca((ed Anthony2 a%ter2 she said2 her (ate h#sband his %ather
G/no3ing there 3as none there to contradict her2 and perhaps she had /no3n an Anthony
onceH2 s#c/ed at "ssie$s breast a(ongside o% Phy((ida +ichardson2 and her emp(oyer$s chi(d
a(3ays got %irst s#c/2 so she gre3 into a hea(thy chi(d2 ta(( and strong2 3hi(e "ssie$s son gre3
3ea/ and ric/ety on 3hat 3as (e%t.
And a(ong 3ith the mi(/2 the chi(dren as they gre3 dran/ "ssie$s ta(es: o% the /noc/ers and the
b(#eCcaps 3ho (i!e do3n the mines? o% the B#cca2 the tric/siest spirit o% the (and2 m#ch more
dangero#s than the redCheaded2 sn#bCnosed pis/ies2 %or 3hom the %irst %ish o% the catch 3as
a(3ays (e%t #pon the shing(e2 and %or 3hom a %reshCba/ed (oa% o% bread 3as (e%t in the %ie(d2 at
reaping time2 to ens#re a %ine har!est? she to(d them o% the app(eCtree men-o(d app(e trees
3ho ta(/ed 3hen they had a mind2 and 3ho needed to be p(acated 3ith the %irst cider o% the
crop2 3hich 3as po#red onto their roots as the year t#rned2 i% they 3ere to gi!e yo# a %ine crop
%or the ne&t year. She to(d them2 in her me((i%(#o#s 4ornish dra3(2 3hich trees they sho#(d be
3ary o%2 in the o(d rhyme:
"(m2 he do broodAnd *a/2 he do hate2B#t the 3i((o3Cman goes 3a(/ing2,% yo# stays o#t (ate.
She to(d them a(( these things2 and they be(ie!ed2 beca#se she be(ie!ed.
he %arm prospered2 and "ssie rego3an p(aced a china sa#cer o% mi(/ o#tside the bac/ door2
each night2 %or the pis/ies. And a%ter eight months John +ichardson came aC/noc/ing I#iet(y on
"ssie$s bedroom door2 and as/ed her %or %a!ors o% the /ind a 3oman sho3s a man2 and "ssie
to(d him ho3 shoc/ed and h#rt she 3as2 a poor 3ido3C3oman2 and an indent#red ser!ant no
better than a s(a!e2 to be as/ed to prostit#te herse(% %or a man 3hom she had had so m#ch
respect %or-and an indent#red ser!ant co#(d not marry2 so ho3 he co#(d e!en thin/ to
torment an indent#red transportee gir( so she co#(d not bring herse(% to thin/-and her n#tC
bro3n eyes %i((ed 3ith tears2 s#ch that +ichardson %o#nd himse(% apo(ogi1ing to her2 and the
#pshot o% it 3as that John +ichardson 3o#nd #p2 in that corridor2 o% that hot s#mmer$s night2
going do3n on one /nee to "ssie rego3an and proposing an end to her indent#re and o%%ering
his hand in marriage. 'o32 a(tho#gh she accepted him2 she 3o#(d not s(eep a night 3ith him
#nti( it 3as (ega(2 3here#pon she mo!ed %rom the (itt(e room in the attic to the master
bedroom in the %ront o% the ho#se? and i% some o% )armer +ichardson$s %riends and their 3i!es
c#t him 3hen ne&t they sa3 him in to3n2 many more o% them 3ere o% the opinion that the ne3
6istress +ichardson 3as a damn %ineC(oo/ing 3oman2 and that Johnnie +ichardson had done
I#ite 3e(( %or himse(%.
5ithin a year2 she 3as de(i!ered o% another chi(d2 another boy2 b#t as b(ond as his %ather and
his ha(%Csister2 and they named him John2 a%ter his %ather.
he three chi(dren 3ent to the (oca( ch#rch to hear the tra!e(ing preacher on S#ndays2 and they
3ent to the (itt(e schoo( to (earn their (etters and their n#mbers 3ith the chi(dren o% the other
sma(( %armers? 3hi(e "ssie a(so made s#re they /ne3 the mysteries o% the pis/ies2 3hich 3ere
the most important mysteries there 3ere: redCheaded men2 3ith eyes and c(othes as green as a
ri!er2 3ith t#rnedC#p noses2 %#nny2 sI#inting men 3ho 3o#(d2 i% they got a mind to2 t#rn yo#
and t3ist yo# and (ead yo# o#t o% yo#r 3ay2 #n(ess yo# had sa(t in yo#r poc/et2 or a (itt(e bread.
5hen the chi(dren 3ent o%% to schoo(2 they each o% them carried a (itt(e sa(t in one poc/et2 a
(itt(e bread in the other2 the o(d symbo(s o% (i%e and the earth2 to ma/e s#re they came sa%e(y
home once more2 and they a(3ays did.
he chi(dren gre3 in the (#sh Firginia hi((s2 gre3 ta(( and strong Ga(tho#gh Anthony2 her %irst son2
3as a(3ays 3ea/er2 pa(er2 more prone to disease and bad airsH and the +ichardsons 3ere
happy? and "ssie (o!ed her h#sband as best she co#(d. hey had been married a decade 3hen
John +ichardson de!e(oped a toothache so bad it made him %a(( %rom his horse. hey too/ him
to the nearest to3n2 3here his tooth 3as p#((ed? b#t it 3as too (ate2 and the b(oodCpoisoning
carried him o%%2 b(ac/C%aced and groaning2 and they b#ried him beneath his %a!orite 3i((o3 tree.
he 3ido3 +ichardson 3as (e%t the %arm to manage #nti( +ichardson$s t3o chi(dren 3ere o% age:
she managed the indent#red ser!ants and the s(a!es2 and bro#ght in the tobacco crop2 year in2
year o#t? she po#red cider on the roots o% the app(e trees on 'e3 9ear$s "!e2 and p(aced a (oa%
o% ne3Cba/ed bread in the %ie(ds at har!estCtime2 and she a(3ays (e%t a sa#cer o% mi(/ at the
bac/ door. he %arm %(o#rished2 and the 3ido3 +ichardson gained a rep#tation as a hard
bargainer2 b#t one 3hose crop 3as a(3ays good2 and 3ho ne!er so(d shoddy %or better
merchadise.
So a(( 3ent 3e(( %or another ten years? b#t a%ter that 3as a bad year2 %or Anthony2 her son2 s(e3
Johnnie2 his ha(%Cbrother2 in a %#rio#s I#arre( o!er the %#t#re o% the %arm and the disposition o%
Phy((ida$s hand? and some said he had not meant to /i(( his brother2 and that it 3as a %oo(ish
b(o3 that str#c/ too deep2 and some said other3ise. Anthony %(ed2 (ea!ing "ssie to b#ry her
yo#ngest son beside his %ather. 'o32 some said Anthony %(ed to Boston2 and some said he 3ent
so#th2 to )(orida2 and his mother 3as o% the opinion that he had ta/en ship to "ng(and2 to en(ist
in George$s army and %ight the rebe( Scots. B#t 3ith both sons gone the %arm 3as an empty
p(ace2 and a sad one2 and Phy((ida pined and p(ained as i% her heart had been bro/en2 3hi(e
nothing that her stepmother co#(d say or do 3o#(d p#t a smi(e bac/ on her (ips again.
B#t heartbro/en or not2 they needed a man abo#t the %arm2 and so Phy((ida married 8arry
Soames2 a ship$s carpenter by pro%ession2 3ho had tired o% the sea and 3ho dreamed o% a (i%e
on (and on a %arm (i/e the @inco(nshire %arm #pon 3hich he had gro3n #p. And a(tho#gh the
+ichardsons$ %arm 3as (itt(e eno#gh (i/e that2 8arry Soames %o#nd correspondences eno#gh to
ma/e him happy. )i!e chi(dren 3ere born to Phy((ida and 8arry2 three o% 3hom (i!ed.
he 3ido3 +ichardson missed her sons2 and she missed her h#sband2 a(tho#gh he 3as no3
(itt(e more than a memory o% a %air man 3ho treated her /ind(y. Phy((ida$s chi(dren 3o#(d come
to "ssie %or ta(es2 and she 3o#(d te(( them o% the B(ac/ Dog o% the 6oors2 and o% +a3C8ead and
B(oodyCBones2 or the App(e ree 6an2 b#t they 3ere not interested? they on(y 3anted ta(es o%
Jac/-Jac/ #p the Beansta(/2 or Jac/ GiantC/i((er2 or Jac/ and his 4at and the .ing. She (o!ed
those chi(dren as i% they 3ere her o3n %(esh and b(ood2 a(tho#gh sometimes she 3o#(d ca((
them by the names o% those (ong dead.
,t 3as 6ay2 and she too/ her chair o#t into the /itchen garden2 to pic/ peas and to sh#c/ them
in the s#n(ight2 %or e!en in the (#sh heat o% Firginia the co(d had entered her bones as the %rost
had entered her hair2 and a (itt(e 3armth 3as a %ine thing.
As the 3ido3 +ichardson sh#c/ed the peas 3ith her o(d hands2 she got to thin/ing abo#t ho3
%ine it 3o#(d be to 3a(/ once more on the moors and the sa(ty c(i%%s o% her nati!e 4orn3a((2 and
she tho#ght o% sitting on the shing(e as a (itt(e gir(2 3aiting %or her %ather$s boat to ret#rn %rom
the gray seas. 8er hands2 b(#eC/n#c/(ed and c(#msy2 opened the peaCpods2 %orced the %#(( peas
into an earthen3are bo3(2 and dropped the empty peaCpods onto her aproned (ap. And then
she %o#nd herse(% remembering2 as she had not remembered %or a (ong time2 a (i%e 3e(( (ost:
ho3 she had t3itched p#rses and %i(ched si(/s 3ith her c(e!er %ingers? and no3 she remembers
the 3arden o% 'e3gate te((ing her that it 3o#(d be a good t3e(!e 3ee/s be%ore her case 3o#(d
be heard2 and that she co#(d escape the ga((o3s i% she co#(d p(ead her be((y2 and 3hat a pretty
thing she 3as-and ho3 she had t#rned to the 3a(( and bra!e(y (i%ted her s/irts2 hating herse(%
and hating him2 b#t /no3ing he 3as right? and the %ee( o% the (i%e2 I#ic/ening inside her2 that
meant that she co#(d cheat death %or a (itt(e (ongerQ
A"ssie rego3an:B said the stranger.
he 3ido3 +ichardson (oo/ed #p2 shading her eyes in the 6ay s#nshine. ADo , /no3 yo#:B she
as/ed. She had not heard him approach.
he man 3as dressed a(( in green: d#sty green tre3s2 green Dac/et2 and a dar/ green coat. 8is
hair 3as a carroty red2 and he grinned at her a(( (opsided. here 3as something abo#t the man
that made her happy to (oo/ at him2 and something e(se that 3hispered o% danger. A9o# might
say that yo# /no3 me2B he said.
8e sI#inted do3n at her2 and she sI#inted right bac/ #p at him2 searching his moonC%ace %or a
c(#e to his identity. 8e (oo/ed as yo#ng as one o% her o3n grandchi(dren2 yet he had ca((ed her
by her o(d name2 and there 3as a b#rr in his !oice she /ne3 %rom her chi(dhood2 %rom the roc/s
and the moors o% her home.
A9o#$re a 4ornishman:B she as/ed.
Ahat , am2 a 4o#sin Jac/2B said the redChaired man. A*r rather2 that , 3as2 b#t no3 ,$m here in
this ne3 3or(d2 3here nobody p#ts o#t a(e or mi(/ %or an honest %e((o32 or a (oa% o% bread come
har!est time.B
he o(d 3oman steadied the bo3( o% peas #pon her (ap. A,% yo#$re 3ho , thin/ yo# are2B she
said2 Athen ,$!e no I#arre( 3ith yo#.B ,n the ho#se2 she co#(d hear Phy((ida gr#mb(ing to the
ho#se/eeper.
A'or , 3ith yo#2B said the redChaired %e((o32 a (itt(e sad(y2 Aa(tho#gh it 3as yo# that bro#ght me
here2 yo# and a %e3 (i/e yo#2 into this (and 3ith no time %or magic and no p(ace %or pis/ies and
s#ch %o(/.B
A9o#$!e done me many a good t#rn2B she said.
AGood and i((2B said the sI#inting stranger. A5e$re (i/e the 3ind. 5e b(o3s both 3ays.B
"ssie nodded.
A5i(( yo# ta/e my hand2 "ssie rego3an:B And he reached o#t a hand to her. )rec/(ed it 3as2
and a(tho#gh "ssie$s eyesight 3as going she co#(d see each orange hair on the bac/ o% his hand2
g(o3ing go(den in the a%ternoon s#n(ight. She bit her (ip. hen2 hesitant(y2 she p(aced her b(#eC
/notted hand in his.
She 3as sti(( 3arm 3hen they %o#nd her2 a(tho#gh the (i%e had %(ed her body and on(y ha(% the
peas 3ere she((ed.
48AP"+ ),F"
6adam @i%e$s a piece in b(oomDeath goes dogging e!ery3here:She$s the tenant o% the
room28e$s the r#%%ian on the stair.-5. ". 8"'@"92 A6ADA6 @,)"$S
A P,"4" ,' B@**6B
*n(y 0orya Etrennyaya 3as a3a/e to say goodbye to them2 that Sat#rday morning. She too/
5ednesday$s %ortyC%i!e do((ars and insisted on 3riting him o#t a receipt %or it in 3ide2 (ooping
hand3riting2 on the bac/ o% an e&pired so%tCdrin/ co#pon. She (oo/ed I#ite do((C(i/e in the
morning (ight2 3ith her o(d %ace care%#((y madeC#p and her go(den hair pi(ed high #pon her
head.
5ednesday /issed her hand. Ahan/ yo# %or yo#r hospita(ity2 dear (ady2B he said. A9o# and yo#r
(o!e(y sisters remain as radiant as the s/y itse(%.B
A9o# are a bad o(d man2B she to(d him2 and shoo/ a %inger at him. hen she h#gged him. A.eep
sa%e2B she to(d him. A, 3o#(d not (i/e to hear that yo# 3ere gone %or good.B
A,t 3o#(d distress me eI#a((y2 my dear.B
She shoo/ hands 3ith Shado3. A0orya Po(#nochnaya thin/s !ery high(y o% yo#2B she said. A,
a(so.B
Ahan/ yo#2B said Shado3. Ahan/s %or the dinner.B
She raised an eyebro3 at him. A9o# (i/ed: 9o# m#st come again.B
5ednesday and Shado3 3a(/ed do3n the stairs. Shado3 p#t his hands in his Dac/et poc/ets.
he si(!er do((ar 3as co(d in his hand. ,t 3as bigger and hea!ier than any coins he$d #sed so %ar.
8e c(assicCpa(med it2 (et his hand hang by his side nat#ra((y2 then straightened his hand as the
coin s(ipped do3n to a %rontCpa(m position. ,t %e(t nat#ra( there2 he(d bet3een his %ore%inger
and his (itt(e %inger by the s(ightest o% press#re.
ASmooth(y done2B said 5ednesday.
A,$m D#st (earning2B said Shado3. A, can do a (ot o% the technica( st#%%. he hardest part is ma/ing
peop(e (oo/ at the 3rong hand.B
A,s that so:B
A9es2B said Shado3. A,t$s ca((ed misdirection.B 8e s(ipped his midd(e %ingers #nder the coin2
p#shing it into a bac/ pa(m2 and %#mb(ed his grip on it2 e!erCsoCs(ight(y. he coin dropped %rom
his hand to the stair3e(( 3ith a c(atter and bo#nced do3n ha(% a %(ight o% stairs. 5ednesday
reached do3n and pic/ed it #p.
A9o# cannot a%%ord to be care(ess 3ith peop(e$s gi%ts2B said 5ednesday. ASomething (i/e this2
yo# need to hang on to it. Don$t go thro3ing it abo#t.B 8e e&amined the coin2 (oo/ing %irst at
the eag(e side2 then at the %ace o% @iberty on the ob!erse. AAh2 @ady @iberty. Bea#ti%#(2 is she
not:B 8e tossed the coin to Shado32 3ho pic/ed it %rom the air2 did a s(ide !anish-seeming to
drop it into his (e%t hand 3hi(e act#a((y /eeping it in his right-and then appeared to poc/et it
3ith his (e%t hand. he coin sat in the pa(m o% his right hand2 in p(ain !ie3. ,t %e(t com%orting
there.
A@ady @iberty2B said 5ednesday. A@i/e so many o% the gods that Americans ho(d dear2 a
%oreigner. ,n this case2 a )rench3oman2 a(tho#gh2 in de%erence to American sensibi(ities2 the
)rench co!ered #p her magni%icent bosom on that stat#e they presented to 'e3 9or/. @iberty2B
he contin#ed2 3rin/(ing his nose at the #sed condom that (ay on the bottom %(ight o% steps2
toeing it to the side o% the stairs 3ith distaste. ASomeone co#(d s(ip on that. Brea/ their nec/s2B
he m#ttered2 interr#pting himse(%. A@i/e a banana pee(2 on(y 3ith bad taste and irony thro3n
in.B 8e p#shed open the door2 and the s#n(ight hit them. he 3or(d o#tside 3as co(der than it
had (oo/ed %rom indoors: Shado3 3ondered i% there 3as more sno3 to come. A@iberty2B
boomed 5ednesday2 as they 3a(/ed to his car2 Ais a bitch 3ho m#st be bedded on a mattress
o% corpses.B
A9eah:B said Shado3.
A7#oting2B said 5ednesday. A7#oting someone )rench. hat$s 3ho they ha!e a stat#e to2 in
their 'e3 9or/ harbor: a bitch2 3ho (i/ed to be %#c/ed on the re%#se %rom the t#mbri(. 8o(d
yo#r torch as high as yo# 3ant to2 m$dear2 there$s sti(( rats in yo#r dress and co(d Dism dripping
do3n yo#r (eg.B 8e #n(oc/ed the car2 and pointed Shado3 to the passenger seat.
A, thin/ she$s bea#ti%#(2B said Shado32 ho(ding the coin #p c(ose. @iberty$s si(!er %ace reminded
him a (itt(e o% 0orya Po(#nochnaya.
Ahat2B said 5ednesday2 dri!ing o%%2 Ais the eterna( %o((y o% man. o be chasing a%ter the s3eet
%(esh2 3itho#t rea(i1ing that it is simp(y a pretty co!er %or the bones. 5orm %ood. At night2
yo#$re r#bbing yo#rse(% against 3orm %ood. 'o o%%ense meant.B
Shado3 had ne!er seen 5ednesday I#ite so e&pansi!e. 8is ne3 boss2 he decided2 3ent
thro#gh phases o% e&tro!ersion %o((o3ed by periods o% intense I#iet. ASo yo# aren$t American:B
as/ed Shado3.
A'obody$s American2B said 5ednesday. A'ot origina((y. hat$s my point.B 8e chec/ed his 3atch.
A5e sti(( ha!e se!era( ho#rs to /i(( be%ore the ban/s c(ose. Good Dob (ast night 3ith 41ernobog2
by the 3ay. , 3o#(d ha!e c(osed him on coming e!ent#a((y2 b#t yo# en(isted him more
3ho(ehearted(y than e!er , co#(d ha!e.B
A*n(y beca#se he gets to /i(( me a%ter3ard.B
A'ot necessari(y. As yo# yo#rse(% so 3ise(y pointed o#t2 he$s o(d2 and the /i((ing stro/e might
mere(y (ea!e yo#2 3e((2 para(y1ed %or (i%e2 say. A hope(ess in!a(id. So yo# ha!e m#ch to (oo/
%or3ard to2 sho#(d 6ister 41ernobog s#r!i!e the coming di%%ic#(ties.B
AAnd there is some I#estion abo#t this:B said Shado32 echoing 5ednesday$s manner2 then
hating himse(% %or it.
A)#c/ yes2B said 5ednesday. 8e p#((ed #p in the par/ing (ot o% a ban/. Ahis2B he said2 Ais the
ban/ , sha(( be robbing. hey don$t c(ose %or another %e3 ho#rs. @et$s go in and say he((o.B
8e gest#red to Shado3. +e(#ctant(y2 Shado3 got o#t o% the car and %o((o3ed 5ednesday in. ,%
the o(d man 3as going to do something st#pid2 Shado3 co#(d see no reason 3hy his %ace
sho#(d be on the camera? b#t c#riosity p#((ed him in and he 3a(/ed into the ban/. 8e (oo/ed
do3n at the %(oor2 r#bbed his nose 3ith his hand2 doing his best to /eep his %ace hidden.
ADeposit %orms2 ma$am:B said 5ednesday to the (one te((er.
A*!er there.B
AFery good. And i% , 3ere to need to ma/e a night depositQ:B
ASame %orms.B She smi(ed at him. A9o# /no3 3here the night deposit s(ot is2 hon: @e%t o#t the
main door2 it$s on the 3a((.B
A6y than/s.B
5ednesday pic/ed #p se!era( deposit %orms. 8e grinned a goodbye at the te((er2 and he and
Shado3 3a(/ed o#t.
5ednesday stood there on the side3a(/ %or a moment2 scratching his beard meditati!e(y. hen
he 3a(/ed o!er to the A6 machine2 and to the night sa%e2 set in the side o% the 3a((2 and
inspected them. 8e (ed Shado3 across the road to the s#permar/et2 3here he bo#ght a
choco(ate %#dge Popsic(e %or himse(%2 and a c#p o% hot choco(ate %or Shado3. here 3as a
payphone set in the 3a(( o% the entry3ay2 as yo# 3ent in2 be(o3 a notice board 3ith rooms to
rent2 and p#ppies and /ittens in need o% good homes. 5ednesday 3rote do3n the te(ephone
n#mber o% the payphone. hey crossed the road once more. A5hat 3e need2B said 5ednesday2
s#dden(y2 Ais sno3. A good2 dri!ing2 irritating sno3. hin/ Rsno3$ %or me2 3i(( yo#:B
A8#h:B
A4oncentrate on ma/ing those c(o#ds-the ones o!er there2 in the 3est-ma/ing them bigger
and dar/er. hin/ gray s/ies and dri!ing 3inds coming do3n %rom the arctic. hin/ sno3.B
A, don$t thin/ it 3i(( do any good.B
A'onsense. ,% nothing e(se2 it 3i(( /eep yo#r mind occ#pied2B said 5ednesday2 #n(oc/ing the
car. A.in/o$s ne&t. 8#rry #p.B
Sno32 tho#ght Shado32 in the passenger seat2 sipping his hot choco(ate. 8#ge2 di11ying2
c(#mps and c(#sters o% sno3 %a((ing thro#gh the air2 patches o% 3hite against an ironCgray s/y2
sno3 that to#ches yo#r tong#e 3ith co(d and 3inter2 that /isses yo#r %ace 3ith its hesitant
to#ch be%ore %ree1ing yo# to death. 3e(!e cottonCcandy inches o% sno32 creating a %airyCta(e
3or(d2 ma/ing e!erything #nrecogni1ab(y bea#ti%#(Q
5ednesday 3as ta(/ing to him.
A,$m sorry:B said Shado3.
A, said 3e$re here2B said 5ednesday. A9o# 3ere some3here e(se.B
A, 3as thin/ing abo#t sno32B said Shado3.
,n .in/o$s2 5ednesday set abo#t photocopying the deposit s(ips %rom the ban/. 8e had the
c(er/ instantCprint him t3o sets o% ten b#siness cards. Shado3$s head had beg#n to ache2 and
there 3as an #ncom%ortab(e %ee(ing bet3een his sho#(der b(ades? he 3ondered i% he had s(ept
on it 3rong2 i% it 3as an a3/3ard (egacy o% the night be%ore$s so%a.
5ednesday sat at the comp#ter termina(2 composing a (etter2 and2 3ith the c(er/$s he(p2 ma/ing
se!era( (argeCsi1ed signs.
Sno32 tho#ght Shado3. 8igh in the atmosphere2 per%ect2 tiny crysta(s that %orm abo#t a
min#te piece o% d#st2 each a (aceC(i/e 3or/ o% #niI#e2 si&Csided %racta( art. And the sno3 crysta(s
c(#mp together into %(a/es as they %a((2 co!ering 4hicago in their 3hite p(enty2 inch #pon inchQ
A8ere2B said 5ednesday. 8e handed Shado3 a c#p o% .in/o$s co%%ee2 a ha(%Cdisso(!ed (#mp o%
nonCdairy creamer po3der %(oating on the top. A, thin/ that$s eno#gh2 don$t yo#:B
A"no#gh 3hat:B
A"no#gh sno3. Don$t 3ant to immobi(i1e the city2 do 3e:B
he s/y 3as a #ni%orm batt(eship gray. Sno3 3as coming. 9es.
A, didn$t rea((y do that:B said Shado3. A, mean2 , didn$t. Did ,:B
ADrin/ the co%%ee2B said 5ednesday. A,t$s %o#( st#%%2 b#t it 3i(( ease the headache.B hen he said2
AGood 3or/.B
5ednesday paid the .in/o$s c(er/2 and he carried his signs and (etters and cards o#tside to the
car. 8e opened the tr#n/ o% his car2 p#t the papers in a (arge b(ac/ meta( case o% the /ind
carried by payro(( g#ards2 and c(osed the tr#n/. 8e passed Shado3 a b#siness card.
A5ho2B said Shado32 Ais A. 8addoc/2 Director o% Sec#rity2 A; Sec#rity Ser!ices:B
A9o# are.B
AA. 8addoc/:B
A9es.B
A5hat does the A stand %or:B
AA(%redo: A(phonse: A#g#stine: Ambrose: 9o#r ca(( entire(y.B
A*h. , see.B
A,$m James *$Gorman2B said 5ednesday. AJimmy to my %riends. See: ,$!e got a card too.B
hey got bac/ in the car. 5ednesday said2 A,% yo# can thin/ RA. 8addoc/$ as 3e(( as yo# tho#ght
Rsno32$ 3e sho#(d ha!e p(enty o% (o!e(y money 3ith 3hich to 3ine and dine my %riends o%
tonight.B
AAnd i% 3e$re in Dai( by this e!ening:B
Ahen my %riends 3i(( D#st ha!e to ma/e do 3itho#t #s.B
A,$m not going bac/ to prison.B
A9o# 3on$t be.B
A, tho#ght 3e had agreed that , 3o#(dn$t be doing anything i((ega(.B
A9o# aren$t. Possib(y aiding and abetting2 a (itt(e conspiracy to commit2 %o((o3ed o% co#rse by
recei!ing sto(en money2 b#t tr#st me2 yo#$(( come o#t o% this sme((ing (i/e a rose.B
A,s that be%ore or a%ter yo#r e(der(y S(a!ic 4har(es At(as cr#shes my s/#(( 3ith one b(o3:B
A8is eyesight$s going2B said 5ednesday reass#ring(y. A8e$(( probab(y miss yo# entire(y. 'o32 3e
sti(( ha!e a (itt(e time to /i((-the ban/ c(oses at midday on Sat#rdays2 a%ter a((. 5o#(d yo# (i/e
(#nch:B
A9es2B said Shado3. A,$m star!ing.B
A, /no3 D#st the p(ace2B said 5ednesday. 8e h#mmed as he dro!e2 some cheer%#( song that
Shado3 co#(d not identi%y. Sno3%(a/es began to %a((2 D#st as Shado3 had imagined them2 and he
%e(t strange(y pro#d. 8e /ne32 rationa((y2 that he had nothing to do 3ith the sno32 D#st as he
/ne3 the si(!er do((ar he carried in his poc/et 3as not2 and ne!er had been2 the moon. B#t
sti((Q
hey stopped o#tside a (arge shedC(i/e b#i(ding. A sign said that the A((CEC4anC"at (#nch b#%%et
3as TZ.<<. A, (o!e this p(ace2B said 5ednesday.
AGood %ood:B as/ed Shado3.
A'ot partic#(ar(y2B said 5ednesday. AB#t the ambience is #nmissab(e.B
he ambience that 5ednesday (o!ed2 it t#rned o#t2 once (#nch had been eaten-Shado3 had
the %ried chic/en2 and enDoyed it-3as the b#siness that too/ #p the rear o% the shed: it 3as2
the hanging %(ag across the center o% the room anno#nced2 a Ban/r#pt and @iI#idated Stoc/
4(earance Depot.
5ednesday 3ent o#t to the car2 and reappeared 3ith a sma(( s#itcase2 3hich he too/ into the
men$s room. Shado3 %ig#red he$d (earn soon eno#gh 3hat 5ednesday 3as #p to2 3hether he
3anted to or not2 and so he pro3(ed the (iI#idation ais(es2 staring at the things %or sa(e: bo&es
o% co%%ee A%or #se in air(ine %i(ters on(y2B eenage 6#tant 'inDa #rt(e toys and Uena: 5arrior
Princess harem do((s2 teddy bears that p(ayed patriotic t#nes on the &y(ophone 3hen p(#gged
in2 and other teddy bears that p(ayed seasona( songs on the &y(ophone 3hen p(#gged in2 cans
o% processed meat2 ga(oshes and s#ndry o!ershoes2 marshma((o3s2 Bi(( 4(inton presidentia(
3rist3atches2 arti%icia( miniat#re 4hristmas trees2 sa(t and pepper sha/ers in the shapes o%
anima(s2 body parts2 %r#it and n#ns2 and2 Shado3$s %a!orite2 a AD#st add rea( carrotB sno3man
/it2 3ith p(astic coa( eyes2 a corncob pipe2 and a p(astic hat.
Shado3 tho#ght abo#t ho3 yo# made the moon seem to come o#t o% the s/y and become a
si(!er do((ar2 and 3hat made a 3oman get o#t o% her gra!e and 3a(/ across to3n to ta(/ to yo#.
A,sn$t it a 3onder%#( p(ace:B as/ed 5ednesday 3hen he came o#t o% the men$s room. 8is hands
3ere sti(( 3et2 and he 3as drying them o%% on a hand/erchie%. Ahey$re o#t o% paper to3e(s in
there2B he said. 8e had changed his c(othes. 8e 3as no3 3earing a dar/ b(#e Dac/et2 3ith
matching tro#sers2 a b(#e /nit tie2 a thic/ b(#e s3eater2 a 3hite shirt2 and b(ac/ shoes. 8e
(oo/ed (i/e a sec#rity g#ard2 and Shado3 said so.
A5hat can , possib(y say to that2 yo#ng man2B said 5ednesday2 pic/ing #p a bo& o% %(oating
p(astic aI#ari#m %ish GAhey$(( ne!er %ade-and yo#$(( ne!er ha!e to %eed themPPBH2 Aother than
to congrat#(ate yo# on yo#r perspicacity. 8o3 abo#t Arth#r 8addoc/: Arth#r$s a good name.B
Aoo m#ndane.B
A5e((2 yo#$(( thin/ o% something. here. @et #s ret#rn to to3n. 5e sho#(d be in per%ect time %or
o#r ban/ robbery2 and then , sha(( ha!e a (itt(e spending money.B
A6ost peop(e2B said Shado32 A3o#(d simp(y ta/e it %rom the A6.B
A5hich is2 odd(y eno#gh2 more or (ess e&act(y 3hat , 3as p(anning to do.B
5ednesday par/ed the car in the s#permar/et (ot across the street %rom the ban/. )rom the
tr#n/ o% the car 5ednesday bro#ght o#t the meta( case and a c(ipboard2 and a pair o%
handc#%%s. 8e handc#%%ed the case to his (e%t 3rist. 8e attached the other end o% the c#%% to the
meta( case$s hand(e. he sno3 contin#ed to %a((. hen he p#t a pea/ed b(#e cap on2 and
Fe(croed a patch to the breast poc/et o% his Dac/et. A; S"4E+,9 3as 3ritten on the cap and the
patch. 8e p#t the deposit s(ips on his c(ipboard. hen he s(o#ched. 8e (oo/ed (i/e a retired beat
cop2 and appeared someho3 to ha!e gained himse(% a pa#nch.
A'o32B he said2 Ayo# do a (itt(e shopping in the %ood store2 then hang o#t by the phone. ,%
anyone as/s2 yo#$re 3aiting %or a ca(( %rom yo#r gir(%riend2 3hose car has bro/en do3n.B
ASo 3hy$s she ca((ing me there:B
A8o3 the he(( sho#(d yo# /no3:B
5ednesday p#t on a pair o% %aded pin/ earm#%%s. 8e c(osed the tr#n/. Sno3%(a/es sett(ed on his
dar/ b(#e cap2 and on his earm#%%s.
A8o3 do , (oo/:B he as/ed.
A@#dicro#s2B said Shado3.
A@#dicro#s:B
A*r goo%y2 maybe2B said Shado3.
A6m. Goo%y and (#dicro#s. hat$s good.B 5ednesday smi(ed. he earm#%%s made him appear2
at the same time2 reass#ring2 am#sing2 and2 #(timate(y2 (o!eab(e. 8e strode across the street
and 3a(/ed a(ong the b(oc/ to the ban/ b#i(ding2 3hi(e Shado3 3a(/ed into the s#permar/et
ha(( and 3atched.
5ednesday taped a (arge red *E *) *+D"+ notice to the A6. 8e p#t a red ribbon across the
night deposit s(ot2 and he taped a photocopied sign #p abo!e it. Shado3 read it 3ith
am#sement.
)*+ 9*E+ 4*'F"',"'4"2 it said2 5" A+" 5*+.,'G * 6A." *'G*,'G ,6P+*F"6"'$S. 5" AP*@*G,0" )*+ 8" "6P*+A+9
,'4*'F"',"'4".
hen 5ednesday t#rned aro#nd and %aced the street. 8e (oo/ed co(d and p#tC#pon.
A yo#ng 3oman came o!er to #se the A6. 5ednesday shoo/ his head2 e&p(ained that it 3as
o#t o% order. She c#rsed2 apo(ogi1ed %or c#rsing2 and ran o%%.
A car dre3 #p2 and a man got o#t ho(ding a sma(( gray sac/ and a /ey. Shado3 3atched as
5ednesday apo(ogi1ed to the man2 then made him sign the c(ipboard2 chec/ed his deposit s(ip2
painsta/ing(y 3rote him o#t a receipt and p#11(ed o!er 3hich copy to /eep2 and2 %ina((y2 opened
his big b(ac/ meta( case and p#t the man$s sac/ inside.
he man shi!ered in the sno32 stamping his %eet2 3aiting %or the o(d sec#rity g#ard to be done
3ith this administrati!e nonsense2 so he co#(d (ea!e his ta/ings and get o#t o% the co(d and be
on his 3ay2 then he too/ his receipt and got bac/ into his 3arm car and dro!e o%%.
5ednesday 3a(/ed across the street carrying the meta( case2 and bo#ght himse(% a co%%ee at
the s#permar/et.
AA%ternoon2 yo#ng man2B he said2 3ith an a!#nc#(ar ch#c/(e2 as he passed Shado3. A4o(d
eno#gh %or yo#:B
8e 3a(/ed bac/ across the street2 and too/ gray sac/s and en!e(opes %rom peop(e coming to
deposit their earnings or their ta/ings on this Sat#rday a%ternoon2 a %ine o(d sec#rity man in his
%#nny pin/ earm#%%s.
Shado3 bo#ght some things to read-#r/ey 8#nting2 Peop(e2 and beca#se the co!er pict#re
o% Big%oot 3as so endearing2 the 5ee/(y 5or(d 'e3s-and stared o#t o% the 3indo3.
AAnything , can do to he(p:B as/ed a midd(eCaged b(ac/ man 3ith a 3hite mo#stache. 8e
seemed to be the manager.
Ahan/s2 man2 b#t no. ,$m 3aiting %or a phone ca((. 6y gir(%riend$s car bro/e do3n.B
AProbab(y the battery2B said the man. APeop(e %orget those things on(y (ast three2 maybe %o#r
years. ,t$s not (i/e they cost a %ort#ne.B
Ae(( me abo#t it2B said Shado3.
A8ang in there2 big g#y2B said the manager2 and he 3ent bac/ into the s#permar/et.
he sno3 had t#rned the street scene into the interior o% a sno3g(obe2 per%ect in a(( its detai(s.
Shado3 3atched2 impressed. Enab(e to hear the con!ersations across the street2 he %e(t it 3as
(i/e 3atching a %ine si(ent mo!ie per%ormance2 a(( pantomime and e&pression: the o(d sec#rity
g#ard 3as gr#%%2 earnest-a (itt(e b#mb(ing perhaps2 b#t enormo#s(y 3e((Cmeaning. "!eryone
3ho ga!e him their money 3a(/ed a3ay a (itt(e happier %rom ha!ing met him.
And then the cops dre3 #p o#tside the ban/2 and Shado3$s heart san/. 5ednesday tipped his
cap to them and amb(ed o!er to the po(ice car. 8e said his he((os and shoo/ hands thro#gh the
open 3indo32 and nodded2 then h#nted thro#gh his poc/ets #nti( he %o#nd a b#siness card and
a (etter2 and passed them thro#gh the 3indo3 o% the car. hen he sipped his co%%ee.
he te(ephone rang. Shado3 pic/ed #p the hand piece and did his best to so#nd bored. AA;
Sec#rity Ser!ices2B he said.
A4an , spea/ to A. 8addoc/:B as/ed the cop across the street.
Ahis is Andy 8addoc/ spea/ing2B said Shado3.
A9eah2 6r. 8addoc/2 this is the po(ice2B said the cop in the car across the street. A9o#$!e got a
man at the )irst ,((inois Ban/ on the corner o% 6ar/et and Second.B
AEh2 yeah. hat$s right. Jimmy *$Gorman. And 3hat seems to be the prob(em2 o%%icer: Jim
beha!ing himse(%: 8e$s not been drin/ing:B
A'o prob(em2 sir. 9o#r man is D#st %ine2 sir. J#st 3anted to ma/e certain e!erything 3as in
order.B
A9o# te(( Jim that i% he$s ca#ght drin/ing again2 o%%icer2 he$s %ired. 9o# got that: *#t o% a Dob. *#t
on his ass. 5e ha!e 1ero to(erance at A; Sec#rity.B
A, rea((y don$t thin/ it$s rea((y my p(ace to te(( him that2 sir. 8e$s doing a %ine Dob. 5e$re D#st
concerned beca#se something (i/e this rea((y o#ght to be done by t3o personne(. ,t$s ris/y2
ha!ing one #narmed g#ard dea(ing 3ith s#ch (arge amo#nts o% money.B
Ae(( me abo#t it. *r more to the point2 yo# te(( those cheaps/ates do3n at the )irst ,((inois
abo#t it. hese are my men ,$m p#tting on the (ine2 o%%icer. Good men. 6en (i/e yo#.B Shado3
%o#nd himse(% 3arming to this identity. 8e co#(d %ee( himse(% becoming Andy 8addoc/2 che3ed
cheap cigar in his ashtray2 a stac/ o% paper3or/ to get to this Sat#rday a%ternoon2 a home in
Scha#mb#rg and a mistress in a (itt(e apartment on @a/e Shore Dri!e. A9$/no32 yo# so#nd (i/e a
bright yo#ng man2 o%%icer2 #hQB
A6yerson.B
A*%%icer 6yerson. 9o# need a (itt(e 3ee/end 3or/2 or yo# 3ind #p (ea!ing the %orce2 any
reason2 yo# gi!e #s a ca((. 5e a(3ays need good men. 9o# got my card:B
A9es2 sir.B
A9o# hang on to it2B said Andy 8addoc/. A9o# ca(( me.B
he po(ice car dro!e o%%2 and 5ednesday sh#%%(ed bac/ thro#gh the sno3 to dea( 3ith the sma((
(ine o% peop(e 3ho 3ere 3aiting to gi!e him their money.
AShe o/ay:B as/ed the manager2 p#tting his head aro#nd the door. A9o#r gir(%riend:B
A,t 3as the battery2B said Shado3. A'o3 , D#st got to 3ait.B
A5omen2B said the manager. A, hope yo#rs is 3orth 3aiting %or.B
5inter dar/ness descended2 the a%ternoon s(o3(y graying into night. @ights 3ent on. 6ore
peop(e ga!e 5ednesday their money. S#dden(y2 as i% at some signa( Shado3 co#(d not see2
5ednesday 3a(/ed o!er to the 3a((2 remo!ed the *E *) *+D"+ signs2 and tr#dged across the
s(#shy road2 heading %or the car par/. Shado3 3aited a min#te2 then %o((o3ed him.
5ednesday 3as sitting in the bac/ o% the car. 8e had opened the meta( case and 3as
methodica((y (aying e!erything he had been gi!en o#t on the bac/ seat in neat pi(es.
ADri!e2B he said. A5e$re heading %or the )irst ,((inois Ban/ o!er on State Street.B
A+epeat per%ormance:B as/ed Shado3. A,sn$t that /ind o% p#shing yo#r (#c/:B
A'ot at a((2B said 5ednesday. A5e$re going to do a (itt(e ban/ing.B
5hi(e Shado3 dro!e2 5ednesday sat in the bac/ seat and remo!ed the bi((s %rom the deposit
bags in hand%#(s2 (ea!ing the chec/s and the credit card s(ips2 and ta/ing the cash %rom some2
a(tho#gh not a((2 o% the en!e(opes. 8e dropped the cash bac/ into the meta( case. Shado3
p#((ed #p o#tside the ban/2 stopping the car abo#t %i%ty yards do3n the road2 3e(( o#t o%
camera range. 5ednesday got o#t o% the car2 and p#shed the en!e(opes thro#gh the night
deposit s(ot. hen he opened the night sa%e2 and dropped in the gray bags. 8e c(osed it again.
8e c(imbed into the passenger seat. A9o#$re heading %or ,C<K2B said 5ednesday. A)o((o3 the
signs 3est %or 6adison.B
Shado3 began to dri!e.
5ednesday (oo/ed bac/ at the ban/ they 3ere (ea!ing. Ahere2 my boy2B he said2 cheer%#((y2
Athat 3i(( con%#se e!erything. 'o32 to get the rea((y big money2 yo# need to do that at abo#t
Z:VK on a S#nday morning2 3hen the c(#bs and the bars drop o%% their Sat#rday night$s ta/ings.
8it the right ban/2 the right g#y ma/ing the drop o%%-they tend to pic/ them big and honest2
and sometimes ha!e a co#p(e o% bo#ncers accompany them2 b#t they aren$t necessari(y
smart-and yo# can 3a(/ a3ay 3ith a I#arter o% a mi((ion do((ars %or an e!ening$s 3or/.B
A,% it$s that easy2B said Shado32 Aho3 come e!erybody doesn$t do it:B
A,t$s not an entire(y ris/C%ree occ#pation2B said 5ednesday2 Aespecia((y not at Z:VK in the
morning.B
A9o# mean the cops are more s#spicio#s at Z:VK in the morning:B
A'ot at a((. B#t the bo#ncers are. And things can get a3/3ard.B
8e %(ic/ed thro#gh a shea% o% %i%ties2 added a sma((er stac/ o% t3enties2 3eighed them in his
hand2 then passed them o!er to Shado3. A8ere2B he said. A9o#r %irst 3ee/$s 3ages.B
Shado3 poc/eted the money 3itho#t co#nting it. ASo2 that$s 3hat yo# do:B he as/ed. Ao ma/e
money:B
A+are(y. *n(y 3hen a great dea( o% cash is needed %ast. *n the 3ho(e2 , ma/e my money %rom
peop(e 3ho ne!er /no3 they$!e been ta/en2 and 3ho ne!er comp(ain2 and 3ho 3i(( %reI#ent(y
(ine #p to be ta/en 3hen , come bac/ that 3ay again.B
Ahat S3eeney g#y said yo# 3ere a h#st(er.B
A8e 3as right. B#t that is the (east o% 3hat , am. And the (east o% 3hat , need yo# %or2 Shado3.B
Sno3 sp#n thro#gh their head(ights and into the 3indshie(d as they dro!e thro#gh the
dar/ness. he e%%ect 3as a(most hypnotic.
Ahis is the on(y co#ntry in the 3or(d2B said 5ednesday2 into the sti((ness2 Athat 3orries abo#t
3hat it is.B
A5hat:B
Ahe rest o% them /no3 3hat they are. 'o one e!er needs to go searching %or the heart o%
'or3ay. *r (oo/s %or the so#( o% 6o1ambiI#e. hey /no3 3hat they are.B
AAndQ:B
AJ#st thin/ing o#t (o#d.B
ASo yo#$!e been to (ots o% other co#ntries2 then:B
5ednesday said nothing. Shado3 g(anced at him. A'o2B said 5ednesday2 3ith a sigh. A'o. ,
ne!er ha!e.B
hey stopped %or gas2 and 5ednesday 3ent into the restroom in his sec#rity g#ard Dac/et 3ith
his s#itcase2 and came o#t in a crisp2 pa(e s#it2 bro3n shoes2 and a /neeC(ength bro3n coat that
(oo/ed (i/e it might be ,ta(ian.
ASo 3hen 3e get to 6adison2 3hat then:B
Aa/e 8igh3ay ;Z 3est to Spring Green. 5e$(( be meeting e!eryone at a p(ace ca((ed the 8o#se
on the +oc/. 9o# been there:B
A'o2B said Shado3. AB#t ,$!e seen the signs.B
he signs %or the 8o#se on the +oc/ 3ere a(( aro#nd that part o% the 3or(d: ob(iI#e2 ambig#o#s
signs a(( across ,((inois and 6innesota and 5isconsin2 probab(y as %ar a3ay as ,o3a2 Shado3
s#spected2 signs a(erting yo# to the e&istence o% the 8o#se on the +oc/. Shado3 had seen the
signs2 and 3ondered abo#t them. Did the 8o#se ba(ance peri(o#s(y #pon the +oc/: 5hat 3as
so interesting abo#t the +oc/: Abo#t the 8o#se: 8e had gi!en it a passing tho#ght2 b#t then
%orgotten it. Shado3 3as not in the habit o% !isiting roadside attractions.
hey dro!e past the capito( dome o% 6adison2 another per%ect sno3g(obe scene in the %a((ing
sno32 and then they 3ere o%% the interstate2 and dri!ing do3n co#ntry roads. A%ter a(most an
ho#r o% dri!ing thro#gh to3ns 3ith names (i/e B(ac/ "arth2 they t#rned do3n a narro3
dri!e3ay2 past se!era( enormo#s2 sno3Cd#sted %(o3erpots ent3ined 3ith (i1ardC(i/e dragons.
he treeC(ined par/ing (ot 3as a(most empty.
Ahey$(( be c(osing soon2B said 5ednesday.
ASo 3hat is this p(ace:B as/ed Shado32 as they 3a(/ed thro#gh the par/ing (ot to3ard a (o32
#nimpressi!e 3ooden b#i(ding.
Ahis is a roadside attraction2B said 5ednesday. A*ne o% the %inest. 5hich means it is a p(ace o%
po3er.B
A4ome again:B
A,t$s per%ect(y simp(e2B said 5ednesday. A,n other co#ntries2 o!er the years2 peop(e recogni1ed
the p(aces o% po3er. Sometimes it 3o#(d be a nat#ra( %ormation2 sometimes it 3o#(d D#st be a
p(ace that 3as2 someho32 specia(. hey /ne3 that something important 3as happening there2
that there 3as some %oc#sing point2 some channe(2 some 3indo3 to the ,mmanent. And so
they 3o#(d b#i(d temp(es2 or cathedra(s2 or erect stone circ(es2 orQ3e((2 yo# get the idea.B
Ahere are ch#rches a(( across the States2 tho#gh2B said Shado3.
A,n e!ery to3n. Sometimes on e!ery b(oc/. And abo#t as signi%icant2 in this conte&t2 as dentists$
o%%ices. 'o2 in the ESA2 peop(e sti(( get the ca((2 or some o% them2 and they %ee( themse(!es
being ca((ed to %rom the transcendent !oid2 and they respond to it by b#i(ding a mode( o#t o%
beer bott(es o% some3here they$!e ne!er !isited2 or by erecting a gigantic batCho#se in some
part o% the co#ntry that bats ha!e traditiona((y dec(ined to !isit. +oadside attractions: peop(e
%ee( themse(!es being p#((ed to p(aces 3here2 in other parts o% the 3or(d2 they 3o#(d recogni1e
that part o% themse(!es that is tr#(y transcendent2 and b#y a hot dog and 3a(/ aro#nd2 %ee(ing
satis%ied on a (e!e( they cannot tr#(y describe2 and pro%o#nd(y dissatis%ied on a (e!e( beneath
that.B
A9o# ha!e some pretty 3hac/edCo#t theories2B said Shado3.
A'othing theoretica( abo#t it2 yo#ng man2B said 5ednesday. A9o# sho#(d ha!e %ig#red that o#t
by no3.B
here 3as on(y one tic/et 3indo3 open. A5e stop se((ing tic/ets in ha(% an ho#r2B said the gir(.
A,t ta/es at (east t3o ho#rs to 3a(/ aro#nd2 yo# see.B
5ednesday paid %or their tic/ets in cash.
A5here$s the roc/:B as/ed Shado3.
AEnder the ho#se2B said 5ednesday.
A5here$s the ho#se:B
5ednesday p#t his %inger to his (ips2 and they 3a(/ed %or3ard. )arther in2 a p(ayer piano 3as
p(aying something that 3as intended to ha!e been +a!e($s ABo(ero.B he p(ace seemed to be a
geometrica((y recon%ig#red ;<WKs bache(or pad2 3ith open stone3or/2 pi(e carpeting2 and
magni%icent(y #g(y m#shroomCshaped stained g(ass (ampshades. Ep a 3inding staircase 3as
another room2 %i((ed 3ith /nic//nac/s.
Ahey say this 3as b#i(t by )ran/ @(oyd 5right$s e!i( t3in2B said 5ednesday. A)ran/ @(oyd
5rong.B 8e ch#c/(ed at his Do/e.
A, sa3 that on a Cshirt2B said Shado3.
Ep and do3n more stairs2 and no3 they 3ere in a (ong2 (ong room2 made o% g(ass2 that
protr#ded2 need(e(i/e2 o#t o!er the (ea%(ess b(ac/CandC3hite co#ntryside h#ndreds o% %eet
be(o3 them. Shado3 stood and 3atched the sno3 t#mb(e and spin.
Ahis is the 8o#se on the +oc/:B he as/ed2 p#11(ed.
A6ore or (ess. his is the ,n%inity +oom2 part o% the act#a( ho#se2 a(tho#gh a (ate addition. B#t
no2 my yo#ng %riend2 3e ha!e not scratched the tiniest s#r%ace o% 3hat the ho#se has to o%%er.B
ASo according to yo#r theory2B said Shado32 A5a(t Disney 5or(d 3o#(d be the ho(iest p(ace in
America.B
5ednesday %ro3ned2 and stro/ed his beard. A5a(t Disney bo#ght some orange gro!es in the
midd(e o% )(orida and b#i(t a to#rist to3n on them. 'o magic there o% any /ind2 a(tho#gh , thin/
there might be something rea( in the origina( Disney(and. here may be some po3er there2
a(tho#gh t3isted2 and hard to access. here$s de%inite(y nothing o#t o% the ordinary abo#t
Disney 5or(d. B#t some parts o% )(orida are %i((ed 3ith rea( magic. 9o# D#st ha!e to /eep yo#r
eyes open. Ah2 %or the mermaids o% 5ee/i 5acheeQ)o((o3 me2 this 3ay.B
"!ery3here 3as the so#nd o% m#sic: Dang(ing2 a3/3ard m#sic2 e!erCsoCs(ight(y o%% the beat and
o#t o% time. 5ednesday too/ a %i!eCdo((ar bi(( and p#t it into a change machine2 recei!ing a
hand%#( o% brassCco(ored meta( coins in ret#rn. 8e tossed one to Shado32 3ho ca#ght it2 and2
rea(i1ing that a sma(( boy 3as 3atching him2 he(d it #p bet3een %ore%inger and th#mb and
!anished it. he sma(( boy ran o!er to his mother2 3ho 3as inspecting one o% the #biI#ito#s
Santa 4(a#ses-*F"+ WKKK *' D,SP@A9P the signs said-and he t#gged #rgent(y at the hem o% her
coat.
Shado3 %o((o3ed 5ednesday o#tside brie%(y2 and then %o((o3ed the signs to the Streets o%
9esterday.
A)orty years ago A(e& Jordan-his %ace is on the to/en yo# ha!e pa(med in yo#r right hand2
Shado3-began to b#i(d a ho#se on a high D#t o% roc/ in a %ie(d he did not o3n2 and e!en he
co#(d not ha!e to(d yo# 3hy. And peop(e came to see him b#i(d it-the c#rio#s2 and the
p#11(ed2 and those 3ho 3ere neither and 3ho co#(d not honest(y ha!e to(d yo# 3hy they
came. So he did 3hat any sensib(e American ma(e o% his generation 3o#(d do: he began to
charge them money-nothing m#ch. A nic/e( each2 perhaps. *r a I#arter. And he contin#ed
b#i(ding2 and the peop(e /ept coming.
ASo he too/ those I#arters and nic/e(s and made something e!en bigger and stranger. 8e b#i(t
these 3areho#ses on the (and beneath the ho#se2 and %i((ed them 3ith things %or peop(e to see2
and then the peop(e came to see them. 6i((ions o% peop(e come here e!ery year.B
A5hy:B
B#t 5ednesday simp(y smi(ed2 and they 3a(/ed into the dim(y (it2 treeC(ined Streets o%
9esterday. PrimC(ipped Fictorian china do((s stared in pro%#sion thro#gh d#sty store 3indo3s2
(i/e so many props %rom respectab(e horror %i(ms. 4obb(estones #nder their %eet2 the dar/ness
o% a roo% abo!e their heads2 Dang(ing mechanica( m#sic in the bac/gro#nd. hey passed a g(ass
bo& o% bro/en p#ppets2 and an o!ergro3n go(den m#sic bo& in a g(ass case. hey passed the
dentist$s and the dr#gstore G+"S*+" P*"'49P ES" *$@"A+9$S 6AG'",4A@ B"@PH.
At the end o% the street 3as a (arge g(ass bo& 3ith a %ema(e manneI#in inside it2 dressed as a
gypsy %ort#neCte((er.
A'o32B boomed 5ednesday2 o!er the mechanica( m#sic2 Aat the start o% any I#est or
enterprise it behoo!es #s to cons#(t the 'orns. So (et #s designate this Sybi( o#r Erd2 eh:B 8e
dropped a brassCco(ored 8o#se on the +oc/ coin into the s(ot. 5ith Dagged2 mechanica(
motions2 the gypsy (i%ted her arm and (o3ered it once more. A s(ip o% paper ch#n/ed o#t o% the
s(ot.
5ednesday too/ it2 read it2 gr#nted2 %o(ded it #p2 and p#t it in his poc/et.
AAren$t yo# going to sho3 it to me: ,$(( sho3 yo# mine2B said Shado3.
AA man$s %ort#ne is his o3n a%%air2B said 5ednesday2 sti%%(y. A, 3o#(d not as/ to see yo#rs.B
Shado3 p#t his o3n coin in the s(ot. 8e too/ his s(ip o% paper. 8e read it.
"F"+9 "'D,'G ,S A '"5B"G,'','G.
9*E+ @E4.9 'E6B"+ ,S '*'".
9*E+ @E4.9 4*@*+ ,S D"AD.
6otto: @,." )A8"+2 @,." S*'.
Shado3 made a %ace. 8e %o(ded the %ort#ne #p and p#t it in his inside poc/et.
hey 3ent %#rther in2 do3n a red corridor2 past rooms %i((ed 3ith empty chairs #pon 3hich
rested !io(ins and !io(as and ce((os 3hich p(ayed themse(!es2 or seemed to2 3hen %ed a coin.
.eys depressed2 cymba(s crashed2 pipes b(e3 compressed air into c(arinets and oboes. Shado3
obser!ed2 3ith a 3ry am#sement2 that the bo3s o% the stringed instr#ments2 p(ayed by
mechanica( arms2 ne!er act#a((y to#ched the strings2 3hich 3ere o%ten (oose or missing. 8e
3ondered 3hether a(( the so#nds he heard 3ere made by 3ind and perc#ssion2 or 3hether
there 3ere tapes as 3e((.
hey had 3a(/ed %or 3hat %e(t (i/e se!era( mi(es 3hen they came to a room ca((ed the 6i/ado2
one 3a(( o% 3hich 3as a nineteenthCcent#ry pse#doC*rienta( nightmare2 in 3hich beet(eC
bro3ed mechanica( dr#mmers banged cymba(s and dr#ms 3hi(e staring o#t %rom their dragonC
encr#sted (air. 4#rrent(y2 they 3ere maDestica((y tort#ring SaintCSa[ns$s ADanse 6acabre.B
41ernobog sat on a bench in the 3a(( %acing the 6i/ado machine2 tapping o#t the time 3ith his
%ingers. Pipes %(#ted2 be((s Dang(ed.
5ednesday sat ne&t to him. Shado3 decided to remain standing. 41ernobog e&tended his (e%t
hand2 shoo/ 5ednesday$s2 shoo/ Shado3$s. A5e(( met2B he said. hen he sat bac/2 apparent(y
enDoying the m#sic.
he ADanse 6acabreB came to a tempest#o#s and discordant end. hat a(( the arti%icia(
instr#ments 3ere e!erCsoCs(ight(y o#t o% t#ne added to the other3or(d(iness o% the p(ace. A ne3
piece began.
A8o3 3as yo#r ban/ robbery:B as/ed 41ernobog. A,t 3ent 3e((:B 8e stood2 re(#ctant to (ea!e
the 6i/ado and its th#ndering2 Dang(ing m#sic.
AS(ic/ as a sna/e in a barre( o% b#tter2B said 5ednesday.
A, get a pension %rom the s(a#ghterho#se2B said 41ernobog. A, do not as/ %or more.B
A,t 3on$t (ast %ore!er2B said 5ednesday. A'othing does.B
6ore corridors2 more m#sica( machines. Shado3 became a3are that they 3ere not %o((o3ing
the path thro#gh the rooms intended %or to#rists2 b#t seemed to be %o((o3ing a di%%erent ro#te
o% 5ednesday$s o3n de!ising. hey 3ere going do3n a s(ope2 and Shado32 con%#sed2
3ondered i% they had a(ready been that 3ay.
41ernobog grasped Shado3$s arm. A7#ic/(y2 come here2B he said2 p#((ing him o!er to a (arge
g(ass bo& by a 3a((. ,t contained a diorama o% a tramp as(eep in a ch#rchyard in %ront o% a ch#rch
door. 8" D+E'.A+D$S D+"A6 said the (abe(2 3hich e&p(ained that it 3as a nineteenthCcent#ry pennyC
inCtheCs(ot machine2 origina((y %rom an "ng(ish rai(3ay station. he coin s(ot had been modi%ied
to ta/e the brass 8o#se on the +oc/ coins.
AP#t in the money2B said 41ernobog.
A5hy:B as/ed Shado3.
A9o# m#st see. , sho3 yo#.B
Shado3 inserted his coin. he dr#n/ in the gra!eyard raised his bott(e to his (ips. *ne o% the
gra!estones %(ipped o!er2 re!ea(ing a grasping corpse? a headstone t#rned aro#nd2 %(o3ers
rep(aced by a grinning s/#((. A 3raith appeared on the right o% the ch#rch2 3hi(e on the (e%t o%
the ch#rch something 3ith a ha(%Cg(impsed pointed2 #nsett(ing(y birdC(i/e %ace2 a pa(e2 Boschian
nightmare2 g(ided smooth(y %rom a headstone into the shado3s and 3as gone. hen the ch#rch
door opened2 a priest came o#t2 and the ghosts2 ha#nts2 and corpses !anished2 and on(y the
priest and the dr#n/ 3ere (e%t a(one in the gra!eyard. he priest (oo/ed do3n at the dr#n/
disdain%#((y2 and bac/ed thro#gh the open door2 3hich c(osed behind him2 (ea!ing the dr#n/ on
his o3n.
he c(oc/3or/ story 3as deep(y #nsett(ing. 6#ch more #nsett(ing2 tho#ght Shado32 than
c(oc/3or/ has any right to be.
A9o# /no3 3hy , sho3 that to yo#:B as/ed 41ernobog.
A'o.B
Ahat is the 3or(d as it is. hat is the rea( 3or(d. ,t is there2 in that bo&.B
hey 3andered thro#gh a b(oodCco(ored room %i((ed 3ith o(d theatrica( organs2 h#ge organ
pipes2 and 3hat appeared to be enormo#s copper bre3ing !ats2 (iberated %rom a bre3ery.
A5here are 3e going:B as/ed Shado3.
Ahe caro#se(2B said 41ernobog.
AB#t 3e$!e passed signs to the caro#se( a do1en times a(ready.B
A8e goes his 3ay. 5e tra!e( a spira(. he I#ic/est 3ay is sometimes the (ongest.B
Shado3$s %eet 3ere beginning to h#rt2 and he %o#nd this sentiment to be e&treme(y #n(i/e(y.
A mechanica( machine p(ayed A*ctop#s$s GardenB in a room that 3ent #p %or many stories2 the
center o% 3hich 3as %i((ed entire(y 3ith a rep(ica o% a great b(ac/ 3ha(eC(i/e beast2 3ith a (i%eC
si1ed rep(ica o% a boat in its !ast %iberg(ass mo#th. hey passed on %rom there to a ra!e( 8a((2
3here they sa3 the car co!ered 3ith ti(es2 and the %#nctioning +#be Go(dberg chic/en de!ice
and the r#sting B#rma Sha!e ads on the 3a((.
@i%e is 8ard,t$s oi( and ro#b(e.eep yo#r Ja3(ine)ree %rom St#bb(eB#rma Sha!e
read one2 and
8e #ndertoo/ to o!erta/ehe road 3as on a bend)rom no3 on the Enderta/er,s his on(y
%riendB#rma Sha!e
and they 3ere at the bottom o% a ramp no32 3ith an iceCcream shop in %ront o% them. ,t 3as
nomina((y open2 b#t the gir( 3ashing do3n the s#r%aces had a c(osed (oo/ on her %ace2 so they
3a(/ed past it into the pi11eriaCca%eteria2 empty b#t %or an e(der(y b(ac/ man 3earing a bright
chec/ s#it and canaryCye((o3 g(o!es. 8e 3as a sma(( man2 the /ind o% (itt(e o(d man 3ho (oo/ed
as i% the passing o% the years had shr#n/ him2 eating an enormo#s2 manyCscooped iceCcream
s#ndae2 drin/ing a s#persi1ed m#g o% co%%ee. A b(ac/ cigari((o 3as b#rning in the ashtray in %ront
o% him.
Ahree co%%ees2B said 5ednesday to Shado3. 8e 3ent to the restroom.
Shado3 bo#ght the co%%ees and too/ them o!er to 41ernobog2 3ho 3as sitting 3ith the o(d
b(ac/ man2 and 3as smo/ing a cigarette s#rreptitio#s(y2 as i% he 3ere scared o% being ca#ght.
he other man2 happi(y toying 3ith his s#ndae2 most(y ignored his cigari((o2 b#t as Shado3
approached he pic/ed it #p2 inha(ed deep(y2 and b(e3 t3o smo/e rings-%irst one (arge one2
then another2 sma((er one2 3hich passed neat(y thro#gh the %irst-and he grinned2 as i% he 3ere
astonishing(y p(eased 3ith himse(%.
AShado32 this is 6ister 'ancy2B said 41ernobog.
he o(d man got to his %eet2 and thr#st o#t his ye((o3Cg(o!ed right hand. AGood to meet yo#2B
he said 3ith a da11(ing smi(e. A, /no3 3ho yo# m#st be. 9o#$re 3or/ing %or the o(d oneCeye
bastard2 aren$t yo#:B here 3as a %aint t3ang in his !oice2 a hint o% a patois that might ha!e
been 5est ,ndian.
A, 3or/ %or 6ister 5ednesday2B said Shado3. A9es. P(ease2 sit do3n.B
41ernobog inha(ed on his cigarette.
A, thin/2B he prono#nced2 g(oomi(y2 Athat o#r /ind2 3e (i/e the cigarettes so m#ch beca#se they
remind #s o% the o%%erings that once they b#rned %or #s2 the smo/e rising #p as they so#ght o#r
appro!a( or o#r %a!or.B
Ahey ne!er ga!e me nothin$ (i/e that2B said 'ancy. ABest , co#(d hope %or 3as a pi(e o% %r#it to
eat2 maybe c#rry goat2 something s(o3 and co(d and ta(( to drin/2 and a big o(d highCtitty
3oman to /eep me company.B 8e grinned 3hite teeth2 and 3in/ed at Shado3.
Ahese days2B said 41ernobog2 his e&pression #nchanged2 A3e ha!e nothing.B
A5e((2 , don$t get any3here near as m#ch %r#it as , #sed to2B said 6r. 'ancy2 his eyes shining.
AB#t there sti(( ain$t nothing o#t there in the 3or(d %or my money that can beat a big o(d highC
titty 3oman. Some %o(/ yo# ta(/ to2 they say it$s the booty yo# got to inspect at %irst2 b#t ,$m
here to te(( yo# that it$s the titties that sti(( cran/ my engine on a co(d morning.B 'ancy began to
(a#gh2 a 3hee1ing2 ratt(ing2 goodCnat#red (a#gh2 and Shado3 %o#nd himse(% (i/ing the o(d man
despite himse(%.
5ednesday ret#rned %rom the restroom2 and shoo/ hands 3ith 'ancy. AShado32 yo# 3ant
something to eat: A s(ice o% pi11a: *r a sand3ich:B
A,$m not h#ngry2B said Shado3.
A@et me te(( yo# somethin$2B said 6r. 'ancy. A,t can be a (ong time bet3een mea(s. Someone
o%%ers yo# %ood2 yo# say yes. ,$m no (onger yo#ng as , 3as2 b#t , can te(( yo# this2 yo# ne!er say
no to the opport#nity to piss2 to eat2 or to get ha(% an ho#r$s sh#tCeye. 9o# %o((o3 me:B
A9es. B#t ,$m rea((y not h#ngry.B
A9o#$re a big one2B said 'ancy2 staring into Shado3$s (ightCgray eyes 3ith o(d eyes the co(or o%
mahogany2 Aa ta(( drin/ o% 3ater2 b#t , got to te(( yo#2 yo# don$t (oo/ too bright. , got a son2
st#pid as a man 3ho bo#ght his st#pid at a t3oC%orCone sa(e2 and yo# remind me o% him.B
A,% yo# don$t mind2 ,$(( ta/e that as a comp(iment2B said Shado3.
ABeing ca((ed d#mb as a man 3ho s(ept (ate the mornin$ they handed o#t brains:B
ABeing compared to a member o% yo#r %ami(y.B
6r. 'ancy st#bbed o#t his cigari((o2 then he %(ic/ed an imaginary spec/ o% ash o%% his ye((o3
g(o!es. A9o# may not be the 3orst choice o(d oneCeye co#(d ha!e made2 come to that.B 8e
(oo/ed #p at 5ednesday. A9o# got any idea ho3 many o% #s there$s goin$ to be here tonight:B
A, sent the message o#t to e!eryone , co#(d %ind2B said 5ednesday. A*b!io#s(y not e!eryone is
going to be ab(e to come. And some o% them2B he said 3ith a pointed (oo/ at 41ernobog2 Amight
not 3ant to. B#t , thin/ 3e can con%ident(y e&pect se!era( do1en o% #s. And the 3ord 3i((
tra!e(.B
hey made their 3ay past a disp(ay o% s#its o% armor GAFictorian %a/e2B prono#nced 5ednesday
as they passed the g(assedCin disp(ay2 Amodern %a/e2 t3e(%thCcent#ry he(m on a se!enteenthC
cent#ry reprod#ction2 %i%teenthCcent#ry (e%t ga#nt(etQBH and then 5ednesday p#shed thro#gh
an e&it door2 circ(ed them aro#nd the o#tside o% the b#i(ding GA, can$t be doin$ 3ith a(( these ins
and o#ts2B said 'ancy2 A,$m not as yo#ng as , #sed to be2 and , come %rom 3armer c(imes2BH
a(ong a co!ered 3a(/C3ay2 in thro#gh another e&it door2 and they 3ere in the 4aro#se( room.
4a((iope m#sic p(ayed: a Stra#ss 3a(t12 stirring and occasiona((y discordant. he 3a(( as they
entered 3as h#ng 3ith antiI#e caro#se( horses2 h#ndreds o% them2 some in need o% a (ic/ o%
paint2 others in need o% a good d#sting? abo!e them h#ng do1ens o% 3inged ange(s constr#cted
rather ob!io#s(y %rom %ema(e store 3indo3 manneI#ins? some o% them bared their se&(ess
breasts? some had (ost their 3igs and stared ba(d(y and b(ind(y do3n %rom the dar/ness.
And then there 3as the 4aro#se(.
A sign proc(aimed it 3as the (argest in the 3or(d2 said ho3 m#ch it 3eighed2 ho3 many
tho#sand (ight b#(bs 3ere to be %o#nd in the chande(iers that h#ng %rom it in gothic pro%#sion2
and %orbade anyone %rom c(imbing on it or %rom riding on the anima(s.
And s#ch anima(sP Shado3 stared2 impressed in spite o% himse(%2 at the h#ndreds o% %#((Csi1ed
creat#res 3ho circ(ed on the p(at%orm o% the caro#se(. +ea( creat#res2 imaginary creat#res2 and
trans%ormations o% the t3o: each creat#re 3as di%%erent-he sa3 mermaid and merman2
centa#r and #nicorn2 e(ephants Gone h#ge2 one tinyH2 b#((dog2 %rog and phoeni&2 1ebra2 tiger2
manticore and basi(is/2 s3ans p#((ing a carriage2 a 3hite o&2 a %o&2 t3in 3a(r#ses2 e!en a sea
serpent2 a(( o% them bright(y co(ored and more than rea(: each rode the p(at%orm as the 3a(t1
came to an end and a ne3 3a(t1 began. he caro#se( did not e!en s(o3 do3n.
A5hat$s it %or:B as/ed Shado3. A, mean2 o/ay2 3or(d$s biggest2 h#ndreds o% anima(s2 tho#sands
o% (ight b#(bs2 and it goes aro#nd a(( the time2 and no one e!er rides it.B
A,t$s not there to be ridden2 not by peop(e2B said 5ednesday. A,t$s there to be admired. ,t$s
there to be.B
A@i/e a prayer 3hee( goin$ ro#nd and ro#nd2B said 6r. 'ancy. AAcc#m#(ating po3er.B
ASo 3here are 3e meeting e!eryone:B as/ed Shado3. A, tho#ght yo# said that 3e 3ere
meeting them here. B#t the p(ace is empty.B
5ednesday grinned his scary grin. AShado32B he said. A9o#$re as/ing too many I#estions.
9o#$re paid not to as/ I#estions.B
ASorry.B
A'o32 stand o!er here and he(p #s #p2B said 5ednesday2 and he 3a(/ed o!er to the p(at%orm
on one side2 3ith a description o% the 4aro#se( on it2 and a 3arning that the 4aro#se( 3as not to
be ridden.
Shado3 tho#ght o% saying something2 b#t instead he he(ped them2 one by one2 #p onto the
(edge. 5ednesday seemed pro%o#nd(y hea!y2 41ernobog c(imbed #p himse(%2 on(y #sing
Shado3$s sho#(der to steady himse(%2 'ancy seemed to 3eigh nothing at a((. "ach o% the o(d
men c(imbed o#t onto the (edge2 and then2 3ith a step and a hop2 they 3a(/ed o#t onto the
circ(ing 4aro#se( p(at%orm.
A5e((:B bar/ed 5ednesday. AAren$t yo# coming:B
Shado32 not 3itho#t a certain amo#nt o% hesitation2 and a hasty (oo/ aro#nd %or any 8o#se on
the +oc/ personne( 3ho might be 3atching2 s3#ng himse(% #p onto the (edge beside the
5or(d$s @argest 4aro#se(. Shado3 3as p#11(ed to rea(i1e that he 3as %ar more concerned 3ith
brea/ing the r#(es by c(imbing onto the 4aro#se( than he had been aiding and abetting this
a%ternoon$s ban/ robbery.
"ach o% the o(d men se(ected a mo#nt. 5ednesday c(imbed onto a go(den 3o(%. 41ernobog
c(imbed onto an armored centa#r2 its %ace hidden by a meta( he(met. 'ancy2 ch#c/(ing2
s(ithered #p onto the bac/ o% an enormo#s2 (eaping (ion2 capt#red by the sc#(ptor midCroar. 8e
patted the side o% the (ion. he Stra#ss 3a(t1 carried them aro#nd2 maDestica((y.
5ednesday 3as smi(ing2 and 'ancy 3as (a#ghing de(ighted(y2 an o(d man$s cac/(e2 and e!en the
do#r 41ernobog seemed to be enDoying himse(%. Shado3 %e(t as i% a 3eight 3ere s#dden(y (i%ted
%rom his bac/: three o(d men 3ere enDoying themse(!es2 riding the 3or(d$s biggest caro#se(. So
3hat i% they did a(( get thro3n o#t o% the p(ace: 5asn$t it 3orth it2 3orth anything2 to say that
yo# had ridden on the 5or(d$s @argest 4aro#se(: 5asn$t it 3orth it to ha!e tra!e(ed on one o%
those g(orio#s monsters:
Shado3 inspected a b#((dog2 and a merCcreat#re2 and an e(ephant 3ith a go(den ho3dah2 and
then he c(imbed on the bac/ o% a creat#re 3ith an eag(e$s head and the body o% a tiger2 and
he(d on tight.
he rhythm o% the AB(#e Dan#beB 3a(t1 ripp(ed and rang and sang in his head2 the (ights o% a
tho#sand chande(iers g(inted and prismed2 and %or a heartbeat Shado3 3as a chi(d again2 and
a(( it too/ to ma/e him happy 3as to ride the 4aro#se(: he stayed per%ect(y sti((2 riding his eag(eC
tiger at the center o% e!erything2 and the 3or(d re!o(!ed aro#nd him.
Shado3 heard himse(% (a#gh2 o!er the so#nd o% the m#sic. 8e 3as happy. ,t 3as as i% the (ast
thirtyCsi& ho#rs had ne!er happened2 as i% the (ast three years had not happened2 as i% his (i%e
had e!aporated into the daydream o% a sma(( chi(d2 riding the caro#se( in Go(den Gate Par/ in
San )rancisco2 on his %irst trip bac/ to the States2 a marathon Do#rney by ship and by car2 his
mother standing there2 3atching him pro#d(y2 and himse(% s#c/ing his me(ting Popsic(e2 ho(ding
on tight(y2 hoping that the m#sic 3o#(d ne!er stop2 the caro#se( 3o#(d ne!er s(o32 the ride
3o#(d ne!er end. 8e 3as going aro#nd and aro#nd and aro#nd againQ
hen the (ights 3ent o#t2 and Shado3 sa3 the gods.
48AP"+ S,U
5ide open and #ng#arded stand o#r gates2And thro#gh them passes a 3i(d mot(ey throng.6en
%rom Fo(ga and artar steppes.)eat#re(ess %ig#res %rom the 8oangCho26a(ayan2 Scythian2
e#ton2 .e(t and S(a!2)(ying the *(d 5or(d$s po!erty and scorn?hese bringing 3ith them
#n/no3n gods and rites2hose tiger passions here to stretch their c(a3s2,n street and a((ey 3hat
strange tong#es are these2Accents o% menace in o#r ear2Foices that once the o3er o% Babe(
/ne3.-8*6AS BA,@"9 A@D+,482 AE'GEA+D"D GA"S2B ;YY>
*ne moment Shado3 3as riding the 5or(d$s @argest 4aro#se(2 ho(ding on to his eag(eCheaded
tiger2 and then the red and 3hite (ights o% the 4aro#se( stretched and shi!ered and 3ent o#t2
and he 3as %a((ing thro#gh an ocean o% stars2 3hi(e the mechanica( 3a(t1 3as rep(aced by a
po#nding rhythmic ro(( and crash2 as o% cymba(s or the brea/ers on the shores o% a %ar ocean.
he on(y (ight 3as star(ight2 b#t it i((#minated e!erything 3ith a co(d c(arity. Beneath him his
mo#nt stretched2 and padded2 its 3arm %#r #nder his (e%t hand2 its %eathers beneath his right.
A,t$s a good ride2 isn$t it:B he !oice came %rom behind him2 in its ears and in his mind.
Shado3 t#rned2 s(o3(y2 streaming images o% himse(% as he mo!ed2 %ro1en moments2 each him
capt#red in a %raction o% a second2 e!ery tiny mo!ement (asting %or an in%inite period. he
images that reached his mind made no sense: it 3as (i/e seeing the 3or(d thro#gh the
m#(ti%aceted De3e(ed eyes o% a dragon%(y2 b#t each %acet sa3 something comp(ete(y di%%erent2
and he 3as #nab(e to combine the things he 3as seeing2 or tho#ght he 3as seeing2 into a 3ho(e
that made any sense.
8e 3as (oo/ing at 6r. 'ancy2 an o(d b(ac/ man 3ith a penci( mo#stache2 in his chec/ sports
Dac/et and his (emonCye((o3 g(o!es2 riding a caro#se( (ion as it rose and (o3ered2 high in the air?
and2 at the same time2 in the same p(ace2 he sa3 a De3e(ed spider as high as a horse2 its eyes an
emera(d neb#(a2 str#tting2 staring do3n at him? and sim#(taneo#s(y he 3as (oo/ing at an
e&traordinari(y ta(( man 3ith tea/Cco(ored s/in and three sets o% arms2 3earing a %(o3ing
ostrichC%eather headdress2 his %ace painted 3ith red stripes2 riding an irritated go(den (ion2 t3o
o% his si& hands ho(ding on tight(y to the beast$s mane? and he 3as a(so seeing a yo#ng b(ac/
boy2 dressed in rags2 his (e%t %oot a(( s3o((en and cra3(ing 3ith b(ac/ %(ies? and (ast o% a((2 and
behind a(( these things2 Shado3 3as (oo/ing at a tiny bro3n spider2 hiding #nder a 3ithered
ochre (ea%.
Shado3 sa3 a(( these things2 and he /ne3 they 3ere the same thing.
A,% yo# don$t c(ose yo#r mo#th2B said the many things that 3ere 6r. 'ancy2 Asomethin$s goin$
to %(y in there.B
Shado3 c(osed his mo#th and s3a((o3ed2 hard.
here 3as a 3ooden ha(( on a hi((2 a mi(e or so %rom them. hey 3ere trotting to3ard the ha((2
their mo#nts$ hoo!es and %eet padding noise(ess(y on the dry sand at the sea$s edge.
41ernobog trotted #p on his centa#r. 8e tapped the h#man arm o% his mo#nt. A'one o% this is
tr#(y happening2B he said to Shado3. 8e so#nded miserab(e. A,s a(( in yo#r head. Best not to
thin/ o% it.B
Shado3 sa3 a grayChaired o(d eastC"#ropean immigrant2 3ith a shabby raincoat and one
ironCco(ored tooth2 tr#e. B#t he a(so sa3 a sI#at b(ac/ thing2 dar/er than the dar/ness that
s#rro#nded them2 its eyes t3o b#rning coa(s? and he sa3 a prince2 3ith (ong %(o3ing b(ac/ hair2
and (ong b(ac/ mo#staches2 b(ood on his hands and his %ace2 riding2 na/ed b#t %or a bears/in
o!er his sho#(der2 on a creat#re ha(%Cman2 ha(%Cbeast2 its %ace and torso b(#eCtattooed 3ith
s3ir(s and spira(s.
A5ho are yo#:B as/ed Shado3. A5hat are yo#:B
heir mo#nts padded a(ong the shore. 5a!es bro/e and crashed imp(acab(y on the night beach.
5ednesday g#ided his 3o(%-no3 a h#ge and charcoa(Cgray beast 3ith green eyes-o!er to
Shado3. Shado3$s mo#nt caraco(ed a3ay %rom it2 and Shado3 stro/ed its nec/ and to(d it not
to be a%raid. ,ts tiger tai( s3ished2 aggressi!e(y. ,t occ#rred to Shado3 that there 3as another
3o(%2 a t3in to the one that 5ednesday 3as riding2 /eeping pace 3ith them in the sand d#nes2
D#st a moment o#t o% sight.
ADo yo# /no3 me2 Shado3:B said 5ednesday. 8e rode his 3o(% 3ith his head high. 8is right eye
g(ittered and %(ashed2 his (e%t eye 3as d#((. 8e 3ore a c(oa/2 3ith a deep2 mon/C(i/e co3(2 and
his %ace stared o#t at them %rom the shado3s. A, to(d yo# , 3o#(d te(( yo# my names. his is
3hat they ca(( me. , am ca((ed G(adCo%C5ar2 Grim2 +aider2 and hird. , am *neCeyed. , am ca((ed
8ighest2 and r#eCG#esser. , am Grimnir2 and , am the 8ooded *ne. , am A((C)ather2 and , am
Gond(ir 5andCbearer. , ha!e as many names as there are 3inds2 as many tit(es as there are
3ays to die. 6y ra!ens are 8#ginn and 6#ninn: ho#ght and 6emory? my 3o(!es are )re/i and
Geri? my horse is the ga((o3s.B 3o ghost(yCgray ra!ens2 (i/e transparent s/ins o% birds2 (anded
on 5ednesday$s sho#(ders2 p#shed their bea/s into the side o% 5ednesday$s head as i% tasting
his mind2 and %(apped o#t into the 3or(d once more.
5hat sho#(d , be(ie!e: tho#ght Shado32 and the !oice came bac/ to him %rom some3here
deep beneath the 3or(d2 in a bass r#mb(e: Be(ie!e e!erything.
A*din:B said Shado32 and the 3ind 3hipped the 3ord %rom his (ips.
A*din2B 3hispered 5ednesday2 and the crash o% the brea/ers on the beach o% s/#((s 3as not
(o#d eno#gh to dro3n that 3hisper. A*din2B said 5ednesday2 tasting the so#nd o% the 3ords in
his mo#th. A*din2B said 5ednesday2 his !oice a tri#mphant sho#t that echoed %rom hori1on to
hori1on. 8is name s3e((ed and gre3 and %i((ed the 3or(d (i/e the po#nding o% b(ood in Shado3$s
ears.
And then2 as in a dream2 they 3ere no (onger riding to3ard a distant ha((. hey 3ere a(ready
there2 and their mo#nts 3ere tied in the she(ter beside the ha((.
he ha(( 3as h#ge b#t primiti!e. he roo% 3as thatched2 the 3a((s 3ere 3ooden. here 3as a
%ire b#rning in the center o% the ha((2 and the smo/e st#ng Shado3$s eyes.
A5e sho#(d ha!e done this in my mind2 not in his2B m#ttered 6r. 'ancy to Shado3. A,t 3o#(d
ha!e been 3armer there.B
A5e$re in his mind:B
A6ore or (ess. his is Fa(as/Da(%. ,t$s his o(d ha((.B
Shado3 3as re(ie!ed to see that 'ancy 3as no3 once more an o(d man 3earing ye((o3 g(o!es2
a(tho#gh his shado3 shoo/ and shi!ered and changed in the %(ames o% the %ire2 and 3hat it
changed into 3as not a(3ays entire(y h#man.
here 3ere 3ooden benches against the 3a((s2 and2 sitting on them or standing beside them2
perhaps ten peop(e. hey /ept their distance %rom each other: a mi&ed (ot2 3ho inc(#ded a
dar/Cs/inned2 matron(y 3oman in a red sari2 se!era( shabbyC(oo/ing b#sinessmen2 and others2
too c(ose to the %ire %or Shado3 to be ab(e to ma/e them o#t.
A5here are they:B 3hispered 5ednesday %ierce(y2 to 'ancy. A5e((: 5here are they: here
sho#(d be scores o% #s here. Do1ensPB
A9o# did a(( the in!iting2B said 'ancy. A, thin/ it$s a 3onder yo# got as many here as yo# did. 9o#
thin/ , sho#(d te(( a story2 to start things o%%:B
5ednesday shoo/ his head. A*#t o% the I#estion.B
Ahey don$t (oo/ !ery %riend(y2B said 'ancy. AA story$s a good 3ay o% gettin$ someone on yo#r
side. And yo# don$t ha!e a bard to sing to them.B
A'o stories2B said 5ednesday. A'ot no3. @ater2 there 3i(( be time %or stories. 'ot no3.B
A'o stories. +ight. ,$(( D#st be the 3armC#p man.B And 6r. 'ancy strode o#t into the %ire(ight
3ith an easy smi(e.
A, /no3 3hat yo# are a(( thin/ing2B he said. A9o# are thin/ing2 3hat is 4omp\ Anansi doing2
coming o#t to ta(/ to yo# a((2 3hen the A((C)ather ca((ed yo# a(( here2 D#st (i/e he ca((ed me
here: 5e((2 yo# /no32 sometimes peop(e need reminding o% things. , (oo/ aro#nd 3hen , come
in2 and , tho#ght2 5here$s the rest o% #s: B#t then , tho#ght2 D#st beca#se 3e are %e3 and they
are many2 3e are 3ea/2 and they are po3er%#(2 it does not mean that 3e are (ost.
A9o# /no32 one time , sa3 iger do3n at the 3aterho(e: he had the biggest testic(es o% any
anima(2 and the sharpest c(a3s2 and t3o %ront teeth as (ong as /ni!es and as sharp as b(ades.
And , said to him2 RBrother iger2 yo# go %or a s3im2 ,$(( (oo/ a%ter yo#r ba((s %or yo#.$ 8e 3as so
pro#d o% his ba((s. So he got into the 3aterho(e %or a s3im2 and , p#t his ba((s on2 and (e%t him
my o3n (itt(e spiderCba((s. And then2 yo# /no3 3hat , did: , ran a3ay2 %ast as my (egs 3o#(d
ta/e me.
A, didn$t stop ti(( , got to the ne&t to3n. And , sa3 *(d 6on/ey there. R9o# (oo/in$ mighty %ine2
Anansi2$ said *(d 6on/ey. , said to him2 R9o# /no3 3hat they a(( singin$ in the to3n o!er there:$
R5hat are they singin$:$ he as/s me. Rhey singin$ the %#nniest song2$ , to(d him. hen , did a
dance2 and , sings2
iger$s ba((s2 yeah2, ate iger$s ba((s'o3 ain$t nobody gonna stop me e!er at a(('obody p#t me
#p against the big b(ac/ 3a((4os , ate that iger$s testimonia(s, ate iger$s ba((s.
A*(d 6on/ey he (a#ghs %it to b#st2 ho(ding his side and sha/in$2 and stampin$2 then he starts
singin$2 Riger$s Ba((s2 , ate tiger$s ba((s2$ snappin$ his %ingers2 spinnin$ aro#nd on his t3o %eet.
Rhat$s a %ine song2$ he says2 R,$m going to sing it to a(( my %riends.$ R9o# do that2$ , te(( him2 and ,
head bac/ to the 3atering ho(e.
Ahere$s iger2 do3n by the 3atering ho(e2 3a(/ing #p and do3n2 3ith his tai( s3itchin$ and
s3ishin$ and his ears and the %#r on his nec/ #p as %ar as they can go2 and he$s snappin$ at e!ery
insect comes by 3ith his h#ge o(d saberCteeth2 and his eyes %(ashin$ orange %ire. 8e (oo/s mean
and scary and big2 b#t dang(in$ bet3een his (egs2 there$s the (itt(est ba((s in the (itt(est b(ac/est
most 3rin/(edy ba((Csac/ yo# e!er did see.
AR8ey2 Anansi2$ he says2 3hen he sees me. R9o# 3ere s#pposed to be g#arding my ba((s 3hi(e ,
3ent s3imming. B#t 3hen , got o#t o% the s3imming ho(e2 there 3as nothing on the side o% the
ban/ b#t these (itt(e b(ac/ shri!e(edC#p goodC%orCnothing spider ba((s ,$m 3earing.$
AR, done my best2$ , te((s him2 Rb#t it 3as those mon/eys2 they come by and eat yo#r ba((s a(( #p2
and 3hen , te(( them o%%2 then they p#((ed o%% my o3n (itt(e ba((s. And , 3as so ashamed , ran
a3ay.$
AR9o# a (iar2 Anansi2$ says iger. R,$m going to eat yo#r (i!er.$ B#t then he hears the mon/eys
coming %rom their to3n to the 3atering ho(e. A do1en happy mon/eys2 boppin$ do3n the path2
c(ic/in$ their %ingers and singin$ as (o#d as they co#(d sing2
iger$s ba((s2 yeah2, ate iger$s ba((s'o3 ain$t nobody gonna stop me e!er at a(('obody p#t me
#p against the big b(ac/ 3a((4os , ate that iger$s testimonia(s, ate iger$s ba((s.
AAnd iger2 he gro3(s2 and he roars and he$s o%% into the %orest a%ter them2 and the mon/eys
screech and head %or the highest trees. And , scratch my nice ne3 big ba((s2 and damn they %e(t
good hangin$ bet3een my s/inny (egs2 and , 3a(/ on home. And e!en today2 iger /eeps chasin$
mon/eys. So yo# a(( remember: D#st beca#se yo#$re sma((2 doesn$t mean yo# got no po3er.B
6r. 'ancy smi(ed2 and bo3ed his head2 and spread his hands2 accepting the app(a#se and
(a#ghter (i/e a pro2 and then he t#rned and 3a(/ed bac/ to 3here Shado3 and 41ernobog 3ere
standing.
A, tho#ght , said no stories2B said 5ednesday.
A9o# ca(( that a story:B said 'ancy. A, bare(y c(eared my throat. J#st 3armed them #p %or yo#.
Go /noc/ them dead.B
5ednesday 3a(/ed o#t into the %ire(ight2 a big o(d man 3ith a g(ass eye in a bro3n s#it and an
o(d Armani coat. 8e stood there2 (oo/ing at the peop(e on the 3ooden benches2 saying nothing
%or (onger than Shado3 co#(d be(ie!e someone co#(d com%ortab(y say nothing. And2 %ina((y2 he
spo/e.
A9o# /no3 me2B he said. A9o# a(( /no3 me. Some o% yo# ha!e no ca#se to (o!e me2 and ,$m not
s#re , can b(ame yo# %or that2 b#t (o!e me or not2 yo# /no3 me.B
here 3as a r#st(ing2 a stir among the peop(e on the benches.
A,$!e been here (onger than most o% yo#. @i/e the rest o% yo#2 , %ig#red 3e co#(d get by on 3hat
3e got. 'ot eno#gh to ma/e #s happy2 b#t eno#gh to /eep going.
Ahat may not be the case any more. here$s a storm coming2 and it$s not a storm o% o#r
ma/ing.B
8e pa#sed. 'o3 he stepped %or3ard2 and %o(ded his arms across his chest.
A5hen the peop(e came to America they bro#ght #s 3ith them. hey bro#ght me2 and @o/i and
hor2 Anansi and the @ionCGod2 @eprecha#ns and 4(#racans and Banshees2 .#bera and )ra#
8o((e and Ashtaroth2 and they bro#ght yo#. 5e rode here in their minds2 and 3e too/ root. 5e
tra!e(ed 3ith the sett(ers to the ne3 (ands across the ocean.
Ahe (and is !ast. Soon eno#gh2 o#r peop(e abandoned #s2 remembered #s on(y as creat#res o%
the o(d (and2 as things that had not come 3ith them to the ne3. *#r tr#e be(ie!ers passed on2
or stopped be(ie!ing2 and 3e 3ere (e%t2 (ost and scared and dispossessed2 to get by on 3hat
(itt(e smidgens o% 3orship or be(ie% 3e co#(d %ind. And to get by as best 3e co#(d.
ASo that$s 3hat 3e$!e done2 gotten by2 o#t on the edges o% things2 3here no one 3as 3atching
#s too c(ose(y.
A5e ha!e2 (et #s %ace it and admit it2 (itt(e in%(#ence. 5e prey on them2 and 3e ta/e %rom them2
and 3e get by? 3e strip and 3e 3hore and 3e drin/ too m#ch? 3e p#mp gas and 3e stea( and
3e cheat and 3e e&ist in the crac/s at the edges o% society. *(d gods2 here in this ne3 (and
3itho#t gods.B
5ednesday pa#sed. 8e (oo/ed %rom one to another o% his (isteners2 gra!e and statesman(i/e.
hey stared bac/ at him impassi!e(y2 their %aces mas/(i/e and #nreadab(e. 5ednesday c(eared
his throat2 and he spat2 hard2 into the %ire. ,t %(ared and %(amed2 i((#minating the inside o% the
ha((.
A'o32 as a(( o% yo# 3i(( ha!e had reason ap(enty to disco!er %or yo#rse(!es2 there are ne3 gods
gro3ing in America2 c(inging to gro3ing /nots o% be(ie%: gods o% creditCcard and %ree3ay2 o%
internet and te(ephone2 o% radio and hospita( and te(e!ision2 gods o% p(astic and o% beeper and
o% neon. Pro#d gods2 %at and %oo(ish creat#res2 p#%%ed #p 3ith their o3n ne3ness and
importance.
Ahey are a3are o% #s2 and they %ear #s2 and they hate #s2B said *din. A9o# are %oo(ing
yo#rse(!es i% yo# be(ie!e other3ise. hey 3i(( destroy #s2 i% they can. ,t is time %or #s to band
together. ,t is time %or #s to act.B
he o(d 3oman in the red sari stepped into the %ire(ight. *n her %orehead 3as a sma(( dar/ b(#e
De3e(. She said2 A9o# ca((ed #s here %or this nonsense:B And then she snorted2 a snort o%
ming(ed am#sement and irritation.
5ednesday$s bro3s (o3ered. A, ca((ed yo# here2 yes. B#t this is sense2 6amaCDi2 not nonsense.
"!en a chi(d co#(d see that.B
ASo , am a chi(d2 am ,:B She 3agged a %inger at him. A, 3as o(d in .a(ighat be%ore yo# 3ere
dreamed o%2 yo# %oo(ish man. , am a chi(d: hen , am a chi(d2 %or there is nothing in yo#r
%oo(ish ta(/ to see.B
Again2 a moment o% do#b(eC!ision: Shado3 sa3 the o(d 3oman2 her dar/ %ace pinched 3ith age
and disappro!a(2 b#t behind her he sa3 something h#ge2 a na/ed 3oman 3ith s/in as b(ac/ as a
ne3 (eather Dac/et2 and (ips and tong#e the bright red o% arteria( b(ood. Aro#nd her nec/ 3ere
s/#((s2 and her many hands he(d /ni!es2 and s3ords2 and se!ered heads.
A, did not ca(( yo# a chi(d2 6amaCDi2B said 5ednesday2 peaceab(y. AB#t it seems se(%Ce!ident-B
Ahe on(y thing that seems se(%Ce!ident2B said the o(d 3oman2 pointing Gas behind her2 thro#gh
her2 abo!e her2 a b(ac/ %inger2 sharpCta(oned2 pointed in echoH2 Ais yo#r o3n desire %or g(ory.
5e$!e (i!ed in peace in this co#ntry %or a (ong time. Some o% #s do better than others2 , agree. ,
do 3e((. Bac/ in ,ndia2 there is an incarnation o% me 3ho does m#ch better2 b#t so be it. , am
not en!io#s. ,$!e 3atched the ne3 ones rise2 and ,$!e 3atched them %a(( again.B 8er hand %e(( to
her side. Shado3 sa3 that the others 3ere (oo/ing at her2 a mi&t#re o% e&pressions-respect2
am#sement2 embarrassment-in their eyes. Ahey 3orshiped the rai(roads here2 on(y a b(in/ o%
an eye ago. And no3 the iron gods are as %orgotten as the emera(d h#ntersQB
A6a/e yo#r point2 6amaCDi2B said 5ednesday.
A6y point:B 8er nostri(s %(ared. he corners o% her mo#th t#rned do3n. A,-and , am ob!io#s(y
on(y a chi(d-say that 3e 3ait. 5e do nothing. 5e don$t /no3 that they mean #s harm.B
AAnd 3i(( yo# sti(( co#nse( 3aiting 3hen they come in the night and they /i(( yo#2 or they ta/e
yo# a3ay:B
8er e&pression 3as disdain%#( and am#sed: it 3as a(( in the (ips and the eyebro3s and the set o%
the nose. A,% they try s#ch a thing2B she said2 Athey 3i(( %ind me hard to catch2 and harder sti(( to
/i((.B
A sI#at yo#ng man sitting on the bench behind her harr#mphed %or attention2 then said2 3ith a
booming !oice2 AA((C)ather2 my peop(e are com%ortab(e. 5e ma/e the best o% 3hat 3e ha!e. ,%
this 3ar o% yo#rs goes against #s2 3e co#(d (ose e!erything.B
5ednesday said2 A9o# ha!e a(ready (ost e!erything. , am o%%ering yo# the chance to ta/e
something bac/.B
he %ire b(a1ed high as he spo/e2 i((#minating the %aces o% the a#dience.
, don$t rea((y be(ie!e2 Shado3 tho#ght. , don$t be(ie!e any o% this. 6aybe ,$m sti(( %i%teen. 6om$s
sti(( a(i!e and , ha!en$t e!en met @a#ra yet. "!erything that$s happened so %ar has been some
/ind o% especia((y !i!id dream. And yet he co#(d not be(ie!e that either. A(( 3e ha!e to be(ie!e
3ith is o#r senses: the too(s 3e #se to percei!e the 3or(d2 o#r sight2 o#r to#ch2 o#r memory. ,%
they (ie to #s2 then nothing can be tr#sted. And e!en i% 3e do not be(ie!e2 then sti(( 3e cannot
tra!e( in any other 3ay than the road o#r senses sho3 #s? and 3e m#st 3a(/ that road to the
end.
hen the %ire b#rned o#t2 and there 3as dar/ness in Fa(as/Da(%2 *din$s 8a((.
A'o3 3hat:B 3hispered Shado3.
A'o3 3e go bac/ to the 4aro#se( room2B m#ttered 6r. 'ancy2 Aand o(d *neC"ye b#ys #s a((
dinner2 greases some pa(ms2 /isses some babies2 and no one says the GC3ord any more.B
AGC3ord:B
AGods. 5hat 3ere yo# doin$ the day they handed o#t brains2 boy2 any3ay:B
ASomeone 3as te((ing a story abo#t stea(ing a tiger$s ba((s2 and , had to stop and %ind o#t ho3 it
ended.B
6r. 'ancy ch#c/(ed.
AB#t nothing 3as reso(!ed. 'obody agreed to anything.B
A8e$s 3or/ing them s(o3(y. 8e$(( (and $em one at a time. 9o#$(( see. hey$(( come aro#nd in the
end.B
Shado3 co#(d %ee( that a 3ind 3as coming #p %rom some3here2 stirring his hair2 to#ching his
%ace2 p#((ing at him.
hey 3ere standing in the room o% the biggest 4aro#se( in the 3or(d2 (istening to Ahe "mperor
5a(t1.B
here 3as a gro#p o% peop(e2 to#rists by the (oo/ o% them2 ta(/ing 3ith 5ednesday o!er at the
other side o% the room2 by the 3a(( co!ered 3ith a(( the 3ooden caro#se( horses: as many
peop(e as there had been shado3y %ig#res in 5ednesday$s 8a((. Ahro#gh here2B boomed
5ednesday2 and he (ed them thro#gh the on(y e&it2 %ormed to (oo/ (i/e the gaping mo#th o% a
h#ge monster2 its sharp teeth ready to rend them a(( to s(i!ers. 8e mo!ed among them (i/e a
po(itician2 caDo(ing2 enco#raging2 smi(ing2 gent(y disagreeing2 paci%ying.
ADid that happen:B as/ed Shado3.
ADid 3hat happen2 shitC%orCbrains:B as/ed 6r. 'ancy.
Ahe ha((. he %ire. iger ba((s. +iding the 4aro#se(.B
A8ec/2 nobody$s a((o3ed to ride the 4aro#se(. Didn$t yo# see the signs: 'o3 h#sh.B
he monster$s mo#th (ed to the *rgan +oom2 3hich p#11(ed Shado3-hadn$t they a(ready
come thro#gh that 3ay: ,t 3as no (ess strange the second time. 5ednesday (ed them a(( #p
some stairs2 past (i%eCsi1ed mode(s o% the %o#r horsemen o% the apoca(ypse hanging %rom the
cei(ing2 and they %o((o3ed the signs to an ear(y e&it.
Shado3 and 'ancy bro#ght #p the rear. And then they 3ere o#t o% the 8o#se on the +oc/2
3a(/ing past the gi%t store and heading bac/ into the par/ing (ot.
APity 3e had to (ea!e be%ore the end2B said 6r. 'ancy. A, 3as /ind o% hoping to see the biggest
arti%icia( orchestra in the 3ho(e 3or(d.B
A,$!e seen it2B said 41ernobog. A,t$s not so m#ch.B
he resta#rant 3as a big and barnC(i/e str#ct#re2 ten min#tes #p the road. 5ednesday had to(d
each o% his g#ests that tonight$s dinner 3as on him2 and had organi1ed rides to the resta#rant
%or any o% them that didn$t ha!e their o3n transportation.
Shado3 3ondered ho3 they had gotten to the 8o#se on the +oc/ 3itho#t their o3n
transportation2 and ho3 they 3ere going to get a3ay again2 b#t he said nothing. ,t seemed the
smartest thing to say.
Shado3 had a car%#( o% 5ednesday$s g#ests to %erry to the resta#rant: the 3oman in the red
sari sat in the %ront seat beside him. here 3ere t3o men in the bac/ seat: a pec#(iarC(oo/ing
yo#ng man 3hose name Shado3 had not proper(y ca#ght2 b#t tho#ght might be "(!is2 and
another man2 in a dar/ s#it2 3ho Shado3 co#(d not remember.
8e had stood beside the man as he got into the car2 had opened and c(osed the door %or him2
and 3as #nab(e to remember anything abo#t him. 8e t#rned aro#nd in the dri!er$s seat and
(oo/ed at him2 care%#((y noting his %ace2 his hair2 his c(othes2 ma/ing certain he 3o#(d /no3 him
i% he met him again2 and t#rned bac/ to start the car2 to %ind that the man had s(ipped %rom his
mind. An impression o% 3ea(th 3as (e%t behind2 b#t nothing more.
,$m tired2 tho#ght Shado3. 8e g(anced to his right and sn#c/ a g(ance at the ,ndian 3oman. 8e
noted the tiny si(!er nec/(ace o% s/#((s that circ(ed her nec/2 her charm brace(et o% heads and
hands that Dang(ed2 (i/e tiny be((s2 3hen she mo!ed. here 3as a dar/ b(#e De3e( on her
%orehead. She sme((ed o% spices2 o% cardamom and n#tmeg and %(o3ers. 8er hair 3as pepperC
andCsa(t2 and she smi(ed 3hen she sa3 him (oo/ at her.
A9o# ca(( me 6amaCDi2B she said.
A, am Shado32 6amaCDi2B said Shado3.
AAnd 3hat do yo# thin/ o% yo#r emp(oyer$s p(ans2 6ister Shado3:B
8e s(o3ed2 as a (arge b(ac/ tr#c/ sped past2 o!erta/ing them 3ith a spray o% s(#sh. A, don$t as/2
he don$t te((2B he said.
A,% yo# as/ me2 he 3ants a (ast stand. 8e 3ants #s to go o#t in a b(a1e o% g(ory. hat$s 3hat he
3ants. And 3e are o(d eno#gh2 or st#pid eno#gh2 that maybe some o% #s 3i(( say yes.B
A,t$s not my Dob to as/ I#estions2 6amaCDi2B said Shado3. he inside o% the car %i((ed 3ith her
tin/(ing (a#ghter.
he man in the bac/ seat-not the pec#(iarC(oo/ing yo#ng man2 the other one-said something2
and Shado3 rep(ied to him2 b#t a moment (ater he 3as damned i% he co#(d remember 3hat
had been said.
he pec#(iarC(oo/ing yo#ng man had said nothing2 b#t no3 he started to h#m to himse(%2 a
deep2 me(odic2 bass h#mming that made the interior o% the car !ibrate and ratt(e and b#11.
he pec#(iarC(oo/ing man 3as o% a!erage height2 b#t o% an odd shape: Shado3 had heard o%
men 3ho 3ere barre(Cchested be%ore2 b#t had no image to accompany the metaphor. his man
3as barre(Cchested2 and he had (egs (i/e2 yes2 (i/e treeCtr#n/s2 and hands (i/e2 e&act(y2 hamC
hoc/s. 8e 3ore a b(ac/ par/a 3ith a hood2 se!era( s3eaters2 thic/ d#ngarees2 and2
incongr#o#s(y2 in the 3inter and 3ith those c(othes2 a pair o% 3hite tennis shoes2 3hich 3ere
the same si1e and shape as shoe bo&es. 8is %ingers resemb(ed sa#sages2 3ith %(at2 sI#aredCo%%
%ingertips.
Ahat$s some h#m yo# got2B said Shado3 %rom the dri!er$s seat.
ASorry2B said the pec#(iar yo#ng man2 in a deep2 deep !oice2 embarrassed. 8e stopped
h#mming.
A'o2 , enDoyed it2B said Shado3. ADon$t stop.B
he pec#(iar yo#ng man hesitated2 then commenced to h#m once more2 his !oice as deep and
re!erberant as be%ore. his time there 3ere 3ords interspersed in the h#mming. ADo3n do3n
do3n2B he sang2 so deep(y that the 3indo3s ratt(ed. ADo3n do3n do3n2 do3n do3n2 do3n
do3n.B
4hristmas (ights 3ere draped across the ea!es o% e!ery ho#se and b#i(ding that they dro!e past.
hey ranged %rom discreet go(den (ights that dripped t3in/(es to giant disp(ays o% sno3men and
teddy bears and m#(tico(ored stars.
Shado3 p#((ed #p at the resta#rant and he (et his passengers o%% by the %ront door2 then he got
bac/ into the car. 8e 3o#(d par/ it at the bac/ o% the par/ing (ot. 8e 3anted to ma/e the short
3a(/ bac/ to the resta#rant on his o3n2 in the co(d2 to c(ear his head.
8e par/ed the car beside a b(ac/ tr#c/. 8e 3ondered i% it 3as the same one that had sped past
him ear(ier.
8e c(osed the car door2 and stood there in the par/ing (ot2 his breath steaming.
,nside the resta#rant2 Shado3 co#(d imagine 5ednesday a(ready sitting a(( his g#ests do3n
aro#nd a big tab(e2 3or/ing the room. Shado3 3ondered 3hether he had rea((y had .a(i in the
%ront o% his car2 3ondered 3hat he had been dri!ing in the bac/Q
A8ey2 b#d2 yo# got a match:B said a !oice that 3as ha(%C%ami(iar2 and Shado3 t#rned to
apo(ogi1e and say no2 he didn$t ha!e a match2 b#t the g#n barre( hit him o!er the (e%t eye2 and
he started to %a((. 8e p#t o#t an arm to steady himse(% as he 3ent do3n. Someone p#shed
something so%t into his mo#th2 to stop him crying o#t2 and taped it into position: easy2 practiced
mo!es2 (i/e a b#tcher g#tting a chic/en.
Shado3 tried to sho#t2 to 3arn 5ednesday2 to 3arn them a((2 b#t nothing came o#t o% his
mo#th b#t a m#%%(ed noise.
Ahe I#arry are a(( inside2B said the ha(%C%ami(iar !oice. A"!eryone in position:B A crac/(e o% a
!oice2 ha(%Ca#dib(e thro#gh a radio. A@et$s mo!e in and ro#nd them a(( #p.B
A5hat abo#t the big g#y:B said another !oice.
APac/age him #p2 ta/e him o#t2B said the %irst !oice.
hey p#t a bagC(i/e hood o!er Shado3$s head2 and bo#nd his 3rists and an/(es 3ith tape2 and
p#t him in the bac/ o% a tr#c/2 and dro!e him a3ay.
here 3ere no 3indo3s in the tiny room in 3hich they had (oc/ed Shado3. here 3as a p(astic
chair2 a (ight3eight %o(ding tab(e2 and a b#c/et 3ith a co!er on it2 3hich ser!ed Shado3 as a
ma/eshi%t toi(et. here 3as a(so a si&C%ootC(ong strip o% ye((o3 %oam on the %(oor2 and a thin
b(an/et 3ith a (ongCsinceCcr#sted bro3n stain in the center: b(ood or shit or %ood2 Shado3
didn$t /no3 and didn$t care to in!estigate. here 3as a na/ed b#(b behind a meta( gri((e high in
the room2 b#t no (ight s3itch that Shado3 had been ab(e to %ind. he (ight 3as a(3ays on. here
3as no door hand(e on his side o% the door.
8e 3as h#ngry.
he %irst thing he had done2 3hen the spoo/s had p#shed him into the room2 a%ter they$d
ripped o%% the tape %rom his an/(es and 3rists and mo#th and (e%t him a(one2 3as to 3a(/
aro#nd the room and inspect it2 care%#((y. 8e tapped the 3a((s. hey so#nded d#((y meta((ic.
here 3as a sma(( !enti(ation grid at the top o% the room. he door 3as so#nd(y (oc/ed.
8e 3as b(eeding abo!e the (e%t eyebro3 in a s(o3 oo1e. 8is head ached.
he %(oor 3as #ncarpeted. 8e tapped it. ,t 3as made o% the same meta( as the 3a((s.
8e too/ the top o%% the b#c/et2 pissed in it2 and co!ered it once more. According to his 3atch
on(y %o#r ho#rs had passed since the raid on the resta#rant.
8is 3a((et 3as gone2 b#t they had (e%t him his coins.
8e sat on the chair2 at the cardCtab(e. he tab(e 3as co!ered 3ith a cigaretteCb#rned green
bai1e. Shado3 practiced appearing to p#sh coins thro#gh the tab(e. hen he too/ t3o I#arters
and made #p a Point(ess 4oin ric/.
8e concea(ed a I#arter in his right pa(m2 and open(y disp(ayed the other I#arter in his (e%t
hand2 bet3een %inger and th#mb. hen he appeared to ta/e the I#arter %rom his (e%t hand2
3hi(e act#a((y (etting it drop bac/ into his (e%t hand. 8e opened his right hand to disp(ay the
I#arter that had been there a(( a(ong.
he thing abo#t coin manip#(ation 3as that it too/ a(( Shado3$s head to do it? or rather2 he
co#(d not do it i% he 3as angry or #pset2 so the action o% practicing an i((#sion2 e!en one 3ith no
possib(e #se on its o3n-consider2 he had e&pended an enormo#s amo#nt o% e%%ort and s/i(( to
ma/e it appear that he had mo!ed a I#arter %rom one hand to the other2 something that it
ta/es no s/i(( 3hate!er to do %or rea(-ca(med him2 c(eared his mind o% t#rmoi( and %ear.
8e began a tric/ e!en more point(ess: a oneChanded ha(%Cdo((arCtoCpenny trans%ormation2 b#t
3ith his t3o I#arters. "ach o% the coins 3as a(ternate(y concea(ed and re!ea(ed as the tric/
progressed: he began 3ith one I#arter !isib(e2 he(d bet3een the tips o% his %ore%ingers2 the
other hidden hori1onta((y in the %or/ o% his th#mb2 a Do3ns pa(m. 8e raised his hand to his
mo#th and b(e3 on the coin2 3hi(e s(ipping the !isib(e I#arter onto the tip o% his third %inger
and p#shing it into a c(assic pa(m2 as the %irst t3o %ingers too/ the hidden I#arter o#t o% the
Do3ns pa(m and presented it. he e%%ect 3as that he disp(ayed a I#arter in his hand2 raised it
to his mo#th2 b(e3 on it2 and (o3ered it again2 disp(aying the same I#arter a(( the 3hi(e.
8e did it o!er and o!er and o!er again.
8e 3ondered i% they 3ere going to /i(( him2 and his hand tremb(ed2 D#st a (itt(e2 and one o% the
I#arters dropped %rom his %ingertip onto the stained green bai1e o% the card tab(e.
And then2 beca#se he D#st co#(dn$t do it any more2 he p#t the coins a3ay2 and too/ o#t the
@ibertyChead do((ar that 0orya Po(#nochnaya had gi!en him2 and he(d on to it tight(y2 and
3aited.
At three in the morning2 by his 3atch2 the spoo/s ret#rned to interrogate him. 3o men in dar/
s#its2 3ith dar/ hair and shiny b(ac/ shoes. Spoo/s. *ne 3as sI#areCDa3ed2 3ideCsho#(dered2
great hair2 (oo/ed (i/e he had p(ayed %ootba(( in high schoo(2 bad(y bitten %ingernai(s2 the other
had a receding hair(ine2 si(!erCrimmed ro#nd g(asses2 manic#red nai(s. 5hi(e they (oo/ed
nothing a(i/e2 Shado3 %o#nd himse(% s#specting that2 on some (e!e(2 possib(y ce((#(ar2 the t3o
men 3ere identica(. hey stood on each side o% the card tab(e2 (oo/ing do3n at him.
A8o3 (ong ha!e yo# been 3or/ing %or 4argo2 sir:B as/ed one.
A, don$t /no3 3hat that is2B said Shado3.
A8e ca((s himse(% 5ednesday. Grimm. *(%ather. *(d g#y. 9o#$!e been seen 3ith him2 sir.B
A,$!e been 3or/ing %or him %or three days.B
ADon$t (ie to #s2 sir2B said the spoo/ 3ith the g(asses.
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A, 3on$t. B#t it$s sti(( three days.B
he c(eanCDa3ed spoo/ reached do3n and t3isted Shado3$s ear bet3een %inger and th#mb. 8e
sI#ee1ed as he t3isted. he pain 3as intense. A5e to(d yo# not to (ie to #s2 sir2B he said2 mi(d(y.
hen he (et go.
"ach o% the spoo/s had a g#nCb#(ge #nder his Dac/et. Shado3 did not hit the man bac/. 8e
pretended he 3as bac/ in prison. Do yo#r o3n time2 tho#ght Shado3. Don$t te(( them
anything they don$t /no3 a(ready. Don$t as/ I#estions.
Ahese are dangero#s peop(e yo#$re pa((ing aro#nd 3ith2 sir2B said the spoo/ 3ith g(asses. A9o#
3i(( be doing yo#r co#ntry a ser!ice by t#rning state$s e!idence.B 8e smi(ed2 sympathetica((y:
,$m the good cop2 said the smi(e.
A, see2B said Shado3.
AAnd i% yo# don$t 3ant to he(p #s2 sir2B said the c(eanCDa3ed spoo/2 Ayo# can see 3hat 3e$re (i/e
3hen 3e$re not happy.B 8e hit Shado3 in the stomach again2 3ith his %ist. ,t 3asn$t tort#re2
Shado3 tho#ght2 D#st p#nct#ation: ,$m the bad cop. 8e retched in pain.
A, 3o#(d (i/e to ma/e yo# happy2B said Shado32 as soon as he co#(d spea/.
AA(( 3e as/ is yo#r cooperation2 sir.B
A4an , as/QB gasped Shado3 GDon$t as/ I#estions2 he tho#ght2 b#t it 3as too (ate2 the 3ords
3ere a(ready spo/enH2 Acan , as/ 3ho ,$(( be cooperating 3ith:B
A9o# 3ant #s to te(( yo# o#r names:B as/ed the c(eanCDa3ed spoo/. A9o# ha!e to be o#t o% yo#r
mind.B
A'o2 he$s got a point2B said the spoo/ 3ith g(asses. A,t may ma/e it easier %or him to re(ate to
#s.B 8e (oo/ed at Shado3 and smi(ed (i/e a man ad!ertising toothpaste. A8i. ,$m 6ister Stone2
sir. 6y co((eag#e is 6ister 5ood.B
AAct#a((y2B said Shado32 A, meant2 3hat agency are yo# 3ith: 4,A: )B,:B
Stone shoo/ his head. A4hee. ,t$s not as easy as that2 any more2 sir. hings D#st aren$t that
simp(e.B
Ahe pri!ate sector2B said 5ood2 Athe p#b(ic sector. 9o# /no3. here$s a (ot o% interp(ay these
days.B
AB#t , can ass#re yo#2B said Stone2 3ith another smi(ey smi(e2 A3e are the good g#ys. Are yo#
h#ngry2 sir:B 8e reached into a poc/et o% his Dac/et2 p#((ed o#t a Snic/ers bar. A8ere. A gi%t.B
Ahan/s2B said Shado3. 8e #n3rapped the Snic/ers bar and ate it.
A, g#ess yo#$d (i/e something to drin/ 3ith that. 4o%%ee: Beer:B
A5ater2 p(ease2B said Shado3.
Stone 3a(/ed to the door2 /noc/ed on it. 8e said something to the g#ard on the other side o%
the door2 3ho nodded and ret#rned a min#te (ater 3ith a po(ystyrene c#p %i((ed 3ith co(d
3ater.
A4,A2B said 5ood. 8e shoo/ his head2 r#e%#((y. Ahose bo1os. 8ey2 Stone. , heard a ne3 4,A
Do/e. */ay: ho3 can 3e be s#re the 4,A 3asn$t in!o(!ed in the .ennedy assassination:B
A, don$t /no32B said Stone. A8o3 can 3e be s#re:B
A8e$s dead2 isn$t he:B said 5ood.
hey both (a#ghed.
A)ee(ing better no32 sir:B as/ed Stone.
A, g#ess.B
ASo 3hy don$t yo# te(( #s 3hat happened this e!ening2 sir:B
A5e did some to#rist st#%%. 5ent to the 8o#se on the +oc/. 5ent o#t %or some %ood. 9o# /no3
the rest.B
Stone sighed2 hea!i(y. 5ood shoo/ his head2 as i% disappointed2 and /ic/ed Shado3 in the
/neecap. he pain 3as e&cr#ciating. hen 5ood p#shed a %ist s(o3(y into Shado3$s bac/2 D#st
abo!e the right /idney2 and he t3isted his %ist2 and the pain 3as 3orse %or Shado3 than the
pain in his /nee.
,$m bigger than either o% them2 he tho#ght. , can ta/e them. B#t they 3ere armed? and e!en i%
he-someho3-/i((ed or s#bd#ed them both2 he$d sti(( be (oc/ed in the ce(( 3ith them. GB#t
he$d ha!e a g#n. 8e$d ha!e t3o g#ns.H G'o.H
5ood 3as /eeping his hands a3ay %rom Shado3$s %ace. 'o mar/s. 'othing permanent: D#st
%ists and %eet on his torso and /nees. ,t h#rt2 and Shado3 c(#tched the @iberty do((ar tight in the
pa(m o% his hand2 and 3aited %or it to be o!er.
And a%ter %ar too (ong a time the beating ended.
A5e$(( see yo# in a co#p(e o% ho#rs2 sir2B said Stone. A9o# /no32 5oody rea((y hated to ha!e to
do that. 5e$re reasonab(e men. @i/e , said2 3e are the good g#ys. 9o#$re on the 3rong side.
6eantime2 3hy don$t yo# try to get a (itt(e s(eep:B
A9o# better start ta/ing #s serio#s(y2B said 5ood.
A5oody$s got a point there2 sir2B said Stone. Ahin/ abo#t it.B
he door s(ammed c(osed behind them. Shado3 3ondered i% they 3o#(d t#rn o#t the (ight2 b#t
they didn$t2 and it b(a1ed into the room (i/e a co(d eye. Shado3 cra3(ed across the %(oor to the
ye((o3 %oamCr#bber pad and c(imbed onto it2 p#((ing the thin b(an/et o!er himse(%2 and he
c(osed his eyes2 and he he(d on to nothing2 and he he(d on to dreams.
ime passed.
8e 3as %i%teen again2 and his mother 3as dying2 and she 3as trying to te(( him something !ery
important2 and he co#(dn$t #nderstand her. 8e mo!ed in his s(eep and a sha%t o% pain mo!ed
him %rom ha(%Cs(eep to ha(%C3a/ing2 and he 3inced.
Shado3 shi!ered #nder the thin b(an/et. 8is right arm co!ered his eyes2 b(oc/ing o#t the (ight
o% the b#(b. 8e 3ondered 3hether 5ednesday and the others 3ere sti(( at (iberty2 i% they 3ere
e!en sti(( a(i!e. 8e hoped that they 3ere.
he si(!er do((ar remained co(d in his (e%t hand. 8e co#(d %ee( it there2 as it had been d#ring the
beating. 8e 3ondered id(y 3hy it did not 3arm to his body temperat#re. 8a(%Cas(eep2 no32 and
ha(%Cde(irio#s2 the coin2 and the idea o% @iberty2 and the moon2 and 0orya Po(#nochnaya
someho3 became intert3ined in one 3o!en beam o% si(!er (ight that shone %rom the depths to
the hea!ens2 and he rode the si(!er beam #p and a3ay %rom the heartache and the %ear2 a3ay
%rom the pain and2 b(essed(y2 bac/ into dreamsQ
)rom %ar a3ay he co#(d hear some /ind o% noise2 b#t it 3as too (ate to thin/ abo#t it: he
be(onged to s(eep no3.
A ha(%Ctho#ght: he hoped it 3as not peop(e coming to 3a/e him #p2 to hit him or to sho#t at
him. And then2 he noticed 3ith p(eas#re2 he 3as rea((y as(eep2 and no (onger co(d.
Somebody some3here 3as sho#ting %or he(p2 in his dream or o#t o% it.
Shado3 ro((ed o!er on the %oam r#bber2 %inding ne3 p(aces that h#rt as he ro((ed2 hoping that
he had not 3o/en %#((y and re(ie!ed to %ind s(eep 3as en%o(ding him once more.
Someone 3as sha/ing his sho#(der.
8e 3anted to as/ them not to 3a/e him2 to (et him s(eep and (ea!e him be2 b#t it came o#t as a
gr#nt.
AP#ppy:B said @a#ra. A9o# ha!e to 3a/e #p. P(ease 3a/e #p2 hon.B
And there 3as a moment$s gent(e re(ie%. 8e had had s#ch a strange dream2 o% prisons and conC
men and do3nCatChee( gods2 and no3 @a#ra 3as 3a/ing him to te(( him it 3as time %or 3or/2
and perhaps there 3o#(d be time eno#gh be%ore 3or/ to stea( some co%%ee and a /iss2 or more
than a /iss? and he p#t o#t his hand to to#ch her.
8er %(esh 3as co(d as ice2 and stic/y.
Shado3 opened his eyes.
A5here did a(( the b(ood come %rom:B he as/ed.
A*ther peop(e2B she said. A,t$s not mine. ,$m %i((ed 3ith %orma(dehyde2 mi&ed 3ith g(ycerin and
(ano(in.B
A5hich other peop(e:B he as/ed.
Ahe g#ards2B she said. A,t$s o/ay. , /i((ed them. 9o# better mo!e. , don$t thin/ , ga!e anyone a
chance to raise the a(arm. a/e a coat %rom o#t there2 or yo#$(( %ree1e yo#r b#tt o%%.B
A9o# /i((ed them:B
She shr#gged2 and ha(%Csmi(ed2 a3/3ard(y. 8er hands (oo/ed as i% she had been %ingerCpainting2
composing a pict#re that had been e&ec#ted so(e(y in crimsons2 and there 3ere sp(ashes and
spatters on her %ace and c(othes Gthe same b(#e s#it in 3hich she had been b#riedH that made
Shado3 thin/ o% Jac/son Po((oc/2 beca#se it 3as (ess prob(ematic to thin/ o% Jac/son Po((oc/
than to accept the a(ternati!e.
A,t$s easier to /i(( peop(e2 3hen yo#$re dead yo#rse(%2B she to(d him. A, mean2 it$s not s#ch a big
dea(. 9o#$re not so preD#diced any more.B
A,t$s sti(( a big dea( to me2B said Shado3.
A9o# 3ant to stay here #nti( the morning cre3 comes:B she said. A9o# can i% yo# (i/e. , tho#ght
yo#$d (i/e to get o#t o% here.B
Ahey$(( thin/ , did it2B he said2 st#pid(y.
A6aybe2B she said. AP#t on a coat2 hon. 9o#$(( %ree1e.B
8e 3a(/ed o#t into the corridor. At the end o% the corridor 3as a g#ardroom. ,n the g#ardroom
3ere %o#r dead men: three g#ards2 and the man 3ho had ca((ed himse(% Stone. 8is %riend 3as
no3here to be seen. )rom the b(oodCco(ored s/idCmar/s on the %(oor2 t3o o% them had been
dragged into the g#ardroom2 and dropped onto the %(oor.
Shado3$s coat 3as hanging %rom the coat rac/. 8is 3a((et 3as sti(( in the inside poc/et2
apparent(y #nto#ched. @a#ra p#((ed open a co#p(e o% cardboard bo&es2 %i((ed 3ith candy bars.
he g#ards2 no3 he co#(d see them proper(y2 3ere 3earing dar/ camo#%(age #ni%orms2 b#t
there 3ere no o%%icia( tags on them2 nothing to say %or 3hom they 3ere 3or/ing. hey might
ha!e been 3ee/end d#c/ h#nters2 dressed %or the shoot.
@a#ra reached o#t her co(d hand2 and sI#ee1ed Shado3$s hand in hers. She had the go(d coin
he had gi!en her aro#nd her nec/2 on a go(den chain.
Ahat (oo/s nice2B he said.
Ahan/s.B She smi(ed2 pretti(y.
A5hat abo#t the others:B he as/ed. A5ednesday2 and the rest o% them: 5here are they:B
@a#ra passed him a hand%#( o% candy bars2 and he %i((ed his poc/ets 3ith them.
Ahere 3asn$t anybody e(se here. A (ot o% empty ce((s2 and one 3ith yo# in it. *h2 and one o%
the men had gone into the ce(( do3n there to Dac/ o%% 3ith a maga1ine. 8e got s#ch a shoc/.B
A9o# /i((ed him 3hi(e he 3as Der/ing himse(% o%%:B
She shr#gged. A, g#ess2B she said2 #ncom%ortab(y. A, 3as 3orried they 3ere h#rting yo#.
Someone has to 3atch o#t %or yo#2 and , to(d yo# , 3o#(d2 didn$t ,: 8ere2 ta/e these.B hey
3ere chemica( handCand %oot3armers: thin pads-yo# bro/e the sea( and they heated #p to a
(itt(e abo!e body temperat#re and stayed that 3ay %or ho#rs. Shado3 poc/eted them.
A@oo/ o#t %or me. 9es2B he said2 Ayo# did.B
She reached o#t a %inger2 stro/ed him abo!e his (e%t eyebro3. A9o#$re h#rt2B she said.
A,$m o/ay2B he said.
8e opened a meta( door in the 3a((. ,t s3#ng open s(o3(y. here 3as a %o#rC%oot drop to the
gro#nd2 and he s3#ng himse(% do3n to 3hat %e(t (i/e gra!e(. 8e pic/ed #p @a#ra by the 3aist2
s3#ng her do3n2 as he #sed to s3ing her2 easi(y2 3itho#t a second tho#ghtQ
he moon came o#t %rom behind a thic/ c(o#d. ,t 3as (o3 on the hori1on2 ready to set2 b#t the
(ight it cast onto the sno3 3as eno#gh to see by.
hey had emerged %rom 3hat t#rned o#t to be the b(ac/Cpainted meta( car o% a (ong %reight
train2 par/ed or abandoned in a 3ood(and siding. he series o% cars 3ent on as %ar as he co#(d
see2 into the trees and a3ay. *% co#rse he had been on a train. 8e sho#(d ha!e /no3n.
A8o3 the he(( did yo# %ind me here:B he as/ed his dead 3i%e.
She shoo/ her head s(o3(y2 am#sed. A9o# shine (i/e a beacon in a dar/ 3or(d2B she to(d him. A,t
3asn$t that hard. 'o32B she to(d him2 Ayo# need to go. J#st go. Go as %ar and as %ast as yo# can.
Don$t #se yo#r credit cards and yo# sho#(d be %ine.B
A5here sho#(d , go:B
She p#shed a hand thro#gh her matted hair2 %(ic/ing it bac/ o#t o% her eyes. Ahe road$s that
3ay2B she to(d him. ADo 3hate!er yo# can. Stea( a car i% yo# ha!e to. Go so#th.B
A@a#ra2B he said2 and hesitated. ADo yo# /no3 3hat$s going on: Do yo# /no3 3ho these peop(e
are: 5ho did yo# /i((:B
A9eah2B she said. A, thin/ , /no3.B
A, o3e yo#2B said Shado3. A,$d sti(( be in there i% it 3asn$t %or yo#. , don$t thin/ they had
anything good p(anned %or me.B
A'o2B she said. A, don$t thin/ they did.B
hey 3a(/ed a3ay %rom the empty train cars. Shado3 3ondered abo#t the other trains he$d
seen2 b(an/ 3indo3(ess meta( cars 3hich 3ent on %or mi(e a%ter mi(e hooting their (one(y 3ay
thro#gh the night. 8is %ingers c(osed aro#nd the @iberty do((ar in his poc/et2 and he
remembered 0orya Po(#nochnaya2 and the 3ay she had (oo/ed at him in the moon(ight. Did
yo# as/ her 3hat she 3anted:Q,t is the 3isest thing to as/ the dead. Sometimes they 3i(( te((
yo#.
A@a#raQ5hat do yo# 3ant:B he as/ed.
A9o# rea((y 3ant to /no3:B
A9es. P(ease.B
@a#ra (oo/ed #p at him 3ith dead b(#e eyes. A, 3ant to be a(i!e again2B she said. A'ot in this
ha(%C(i%e. , 3ant to be rea((y a(i!e. , 3ant to %ee( my heart p#mping in my chest again. , 3ant to
%ee( b(ood mo!ing thro#gh me-hot2 and sa(ty2 and rea(. ,t$s 3eird2 yo# don$t thin/ yo# can %ee(
it2 the b(ood2 b#t be(ie!e me2 3hen it stops %(o3ing2 yo#$(( /no3.B She r#bbed her eyes2
sm#dging her %ace 3ith red %rom the mess on her hands. A@oo/2 , don$t /no3 3hy this
happened to me. B#t it$s hard. 9o# /no3 3hy dead peop(e on(y go o#t at night2 p#ppy:
Beca#se it$s easier to pass %or rea(2 in the dar/. And , don$t 3ant to ha!e to pass. , 3ant to be
a(i!e.B
A, don$t #nderstand 3hat yo# 3ant me to do.B
A6a/e it happen2 hon. 9o#$(( %ig#re it o#t. , /no3 yo# 3i((.B
A*/ay2B he said. A,$(( try. And i% , do %ig#re it o#t2 ho3 do , %ind yo#:B
B#t she 3as gone2 and there 3as nothing (e%t in the 3ood(and b#t a gent(e gray in the s/y to
sho3 him 3here east 3as2 and on the bitter December 3ind a (one(y 3ai( that might ha!e been
the cry o% the (ast night bird or the ca(( o% the %irst bird o% da3n.
Shado3 set his %ace to the so#th2 and he began to 3a(/.
48AP"+ S"F"'
As the 8ind# gods are Aimmorta(B on(y in a !ery partic#(ar sense-%or they are born and they
die-they e&perience most o% the great h#man di(emmas and o%ten seem to di%%er %rom morta(s
in a %e3 tri!ia( detai(sQand %rom demons e!en (ess. 9et they are regarded by the 8ind#s as a
c(ass o% beings by de%inition tota((y di%%erent %rom any other? they are symbo(s in a 3ay that no
h#man being2 ho3e!er Aarchetypa(B his (i%e story2 can e!er be. hey are actors p(aying parts that
are rea( on(y %or #s? they are the mas/s behind 3hich 3e see o#r o3n %aces.-5"'D9 D*',G"+
*$)@A8"+92 ,'+*DE4,*'2
8,'DE 698S GP"'GE,' B**.S2 ;<MNH
Shado3 had been 3a(/ing so#th2 or 3hat he hoped 3as more or (ess so#th2 %or se!era( ho#rs2
heading a(ong a narro3 and #nmar/ed road thro#gh the 3oods some3here in2 he imagined2
so#thern 5isconsin. Se!era( Deeps came do3n the road to3ard him at one point2 head(ights
b(a1ing2 and he d#c/ed 3e(( bac/ into the trees #nti( they had passed. he ear(y morning mist
h#ng at 3aist (e!e(. he cars 3ere b(ac/.
5hen2 thirty min#tes (ater2 he heard the noise o% distant he(icopters coming %rom the 3est2 he
str#c/ o#t a3ay %rom the timber trai( and into the 3oods. here 3ere t3o he(icopters2 and he
(ay2 cro#ched in a ho((o3 beneath a %a((en tree2 and (istened to them pass o!er. As they mo!ed
a3ay2 he (oo/ed o#t and (oo/ed #p2 %or one hasty g(ance at the gray 3inter s/y. 8e 3as satis%ied
to obser!e that the he(icopters 3ere painted a matte b(ac/. 8e 3aited beneath the tree #nti(
the noise o% the he(icopters 3as comp(ete(y gone.
Ender the trees the sno3 3as (itt(e more than a d#sting2 3hich cr#nched #nder%oot. 8e 3as
deep(y grate%#( %or the chemica( handC and %eet3armers2 3hich /ept his e&tremities %rom
%ree1ing. Beyond that2 he 3as n#mb: heartCn#mb2 mindCn#mb2 so#(Cn#mb. And the n#mbness2
he rea(i1ed2 3ent a (ong 3ay do3n2 and a (ong 3ay bac/.
So 3hat do , 3ant: he as/ed himse(%. 8e co#(dn$t ans3er2 so he D#st /ept on 3a(/ing2 a step at
a time2 on and on thro#gh the 3oods. rees (oo/ed %ami(iar2 moments o% (andscape 3ere
per%ect(y d\D]C!#ed. 4o#(d he be 3a(/ing in circ(es: 6aybe he 3o#(d D#st 3a(/ and 3a(/ and
3a(/ #nti( the 3armers and the candy bars ran o#t and then sit do3n and ne!er get #p again.
8e reached a (arge stream2 o% the /ind the (oca(s ca((ed a cree/ and prono#nced cric/2 and
decided to %o((o3 it. Streams (ed to ri!ers2 ri!ers a(( (ed to the 6ississippi2 and i% he /ept
3a(/ing2 or sto(e a boat or b#i(t a ra%t2 e!ent#a((y he$d get to 'e3 *r(eans2 3here it 3as 3arm2
an idea 3hich seemed both com%orting and #n(i/e(y.
here 3ere no more he(icopters. 8e had the %ee(ing that the ones that had passed o!erhead
had been c(eaning #p the mess at the %reight train siding2 not h#nting %or him2 other3ise they
3o#(d ha!e ret#rned? there 3o#(d ha!e been trac/er dogs and sirens and the 3ho(e
parapherna(ia o% p#rs#it. ,nstead2 there 3as nothing.
5hat did he 3ant: 'ot to get ca#ght. 'ot to get b(amed %or the deaths o% the men on the
train. A,t 3asn$t me2B he heard himse(% saying2 Ait 3as my dead 3i%e.B 8e co#(d imagine the
e&pressions on the %aces o% the (a3 o%%icers. hen peop(e co#(d arg#e abo#t 3hether he 3as
cra1y or not 3hi(e he 3ent to the chairQ
8e 3ondered 3hether 5isconsin had the death pena(ty. 8e 3ondered 3hether that 3o#(d
matter. 8e 3anted to #nderstand 3hat 3as going on-and to %ind o#t ho3 it 3as a(( going to
end. And %ina((y2 prod#cing a ha(%Cr#e%#( grin2 he rea(i1ed that most o% a(( he 3anted e!erything
to be norma(. 8e 3anted ne!er to ha!e gone to prison2 %or @a#ra to sti(( be a(i!e2 %or none o%
this e!er to ha!e happened.
A,$m a%raid that$s not e&act(y an option2 m$boy2B he tho#ght to himse(%2 in 5ednesday$s gr#%%
!oice2 and he nodded agreement. 'ot an option. 9o# b#rned yo#r bridges. So /eep 3a(/ing. Do
yo#r o3n timeQ
A distant 3oodpec/er dr#mmed against a rotten (og.
Shado3 became a3are o% eyes on him: a hand%#( o% red cardina(s stared at him %rom a s/e(eta(
e(der b#sh2 then ret#rned to pec/ing at the c(#sters o% b(ac/ e(derberries. hey (oo/ed (i/e the
i((#strations in the Songbirds o% 'orth America ca(endar. 8e heard the birds$ !ideoCarcade tri((s
and 1aps and 3hoops %o((o3 him a(ong the side o% the cree/. "!ent#a((y2 they %aded a3ay.
he dead %a3n (ay in a g(ade in the shado3 o% a hi((2 and a b(ac/ bird the si1e o% a sma(( dog 3as
pic/ing at its side 3ith a (arge2 3ic/ed bea/2 rending and tearing gobbets o% red meat %rom the
corpse. ,ts eyes 3ere gone2 b#t its head 3as #nto#ched2 and 3hite %a3nCspots 3ere !isib(e on
its r#mp. Shado3 3ondered ho3 it had died.
he b(ac/ bird coc/ed its head onto one side2 and then said2 in a !oice (i/e stones being str#c/2
A9o# shado3 man.B
A,$m Shado32B said Shado3. he bird hopped #p onto the %a3n$s r#mp2 raised its head2 r#%%(ed
its cro3n and nec/ %eathers. ,t 3as enormo#s and its eyes 3ere b(ac/ beads. here 3as
something intimidating abo#t a bird that si1e2 this c(ose.
ASays he 3i(( see yo# in .ayCro2B to//ed the ra!en. Shado3 3ondered 3hich o% *din$s ra!ens
this 3as: 8#ginn or 6#ninn: 6emory or ho#ght.
A.ayCro:B he as/ed.
A,n "gypt.B
A8o3 am , going to go to "gypt:B
A)o((o3 6ississippi. Go so#th. )ind Jac/a(.B
A@oo/2B said Shado32 A, don$t 3ant to seem (i/e ,$mQJes#s2 (oo/QB 8e pa#sed. +egro#ped. 8e
3as co(d2 standing in a 3ood2 ta(/ing to a big b(ac/ bird 3ho 3as c#rrent(y br#nching on Bambi.
A*/ay. 5hat ,$m trying to say is2 , don$t 3ant mysteries.B
A6ysteries2B agreed the bird2 he(p%#((y.
A5hat , 3ant is e&p(anations. Jac/a( in .ayCro. his does not he(p me. ,t$s a (ine %rom a bad spy
thri((er.B
AJac/a(. )riend. o/. .ayCro.B
ASo yo# said. ,$d (i/e a (itt(e more in%ormation than that.B
he bird ha(%Ct#rned2 and p#((ed another b(oody strip o% ra3 !enison %rom the %a3n$s ribs. hen
it %(e3 o%% into the trees2 the red strip dang(ing %rom its bea/ (i/e a (ong2 b(oody 3orm.
A8eyP 4an yo# at (east get me bac/ to a rea( road:B ca((ed Shado3.
he ra!en %(e3 #p and a3ay. Shado3 (oo/ed at the corpse o% the baby deer. 8e decided that i%
he 3ere a rea( 3oodsman2 he 3o#(d s(ice o%% a stea/ and gri(( it o!er a 3ood %ire. ,nstead2 he sat
on a %a((en tree and ate a Snic/ers bar and /ne3 that he rea((y 3asn$t a rea( 3oodsman.
he ra!en ca3ed %rom the edge o% the c(earing.
A9o# 3ant me to %o((o3 yo#:B as/ed Shado3. A*r has immy %a((en do3n another 3e((:B he
bird ca3ed again2 impatient(y. Shado3 started 3a(/ing to3ard it. ,t 3aited #nti( he 3as c(ose2
then %(apped hea!i(y into another tree2 heading some3hat to the (e%t o% the 3ay Shado3 had
origina((y been going.
A8ey2B said Shado3. A8#ginn or 6#ninn2 or 3hoe!er yo# are.B
he bird t#rned2 head tipped2 s#spicio#s(y2 on one side2 and it stared at him 3ith bright eyes.
ASay R'e!ermore2$B said Shado3.
A)#c/ yo#2B said the ra!en. ,t said nothing e(se as they 3ent thro#gh the 3ood(and together2
the ra!en in the (ead and %(ying %rom tree to tree2 the man stomping hea!i(y thro#gh the
#ndergro3th trying to catch #p.
he s/y 3as a #ni%orm gray. ,t 3as a(most midday.
,n ha(% an ho#r they reached a b(ac/top road on the edge o% a to3n2 and the ra!en %(e3 bac/
into the 3ood. Shado3 obser!ed a 4#(!er$s )ro1en 4#stard B#tterB#rgers sign2 and2 ne&t to it2 a
gas station. 8e 3ent into the 4#(!er$s2 3hich 3as empty o% c#stomers. here 3as a /een yo#ng
man 3ith a sha!en head behind the cash register. Shado3 ordered t3o B#tterB#rgers and
%rench %ries. hen he 3ent into the restroom to c(ean #p. 8e (oo/ed a rea( mess. 8e did an
in!entory o% the contents o% his poc/ets: he had a %e3 coins2 inc(#ding the si(!er @iberty do((ar2 a
disposab(e toothbr#sh and toothpaste2 three Snic/ers bars2 %i!e chemica( heater pads2 a 3a((et
G3ith nothing more in it than his dri!er$s (icense and a credit card-he 3ondered ho3 m#ch
(onger the credit card had to (i!eH2 and in the coat$s inside poc/et2 a tho#sand do((ars in %i%ties
and t3enties2 his ta/e %rom yesterday$s ban/ Dob. 8e 3ashed his %ace and hands in hot 3ater2
s(ic/ed do3n his dar/ hair2 then 3ent bac/ into the resta#rant and ate his b#rgers and %ries2 and
dran/ his co%%ee.
8e 3ent bac/ to the co#nter. A9o# 3ant %ro1en c#stard:B as/ed the /een yo#ng man.
A'o. 'o than/s. ,s there any3here aro#nd here , co#(d rent a car: 6y car died2 bac/ do3n the
road a 3ay.B
he yo#ng man scratched his headCst#bb(e. A'ot aro#nd here2 mister. ,% yo#r car died yo# co#(d
ca(( rip(eCA. *r ta(/ to the gas station ne&t door abo#t a to3.B
AA %ine idea2B said Shado3. Ahan/s.B
8e 3a(/ed across the me(ting sno32 %rom the 4#(!er$s par/ing (ot to the gas station. 8e bo#ght
candy bars and bee% Der/y stic/s and more chemica( handCand %eet3armers.
AAny3here hereabo#ts , co#(d rent a car:B he as/ed the 3oman behind the cash register. She
3as immense(y p(#mp2 and bespectac(ed2 and 3as de(ighted to ha!e someone to ta(/ to.
A@et me thin/2B she said. A5e$re /ind o% o#t o% the 3ay here. hey do that /ind o% thing o!er in
6adison. 5here yo# going:B
A.ayCro2B he said. A5here!er that is.B
A, /no3 3here that is2B she said. A8and me that map %rom that rac/ o!er there.B Shado3
passed her a p(asticCcoated map o% ,((inois. She #n%o(ded it2 then pointed in tri#mph to the
bottommost corner o% the state. Ahere it is.B
A4airo:B
Ahat$s ho3 they prono#nce the one in "gypt. he one in @itt(e "gypt2 they ca(( that one .ayro.
hey got a hebes do3n there2 a(( sorts. 6y sisterCinC(a3 comes %rom hebes. , as/ed her abo#t
the one in "gypt2 she (oo/ed at me as i% , had a scre3 (oose.B he 3oman ch#c/(ed (i/e a drain.
AAny pyramids:B he city 3as %i!e h#ndred mi(es a3ay2 a(most direct(y so#th.
A'ot that they e!er to(d me. hey ca(( it @itt(e "gypt beca#se bac/2 oh2 mebbe a h#ndred2
h#ndred and %i%ty years bac/2 there 3as a %amine a(( o!er. 4rops %ai(ed. B#t they didn$t %ai( do3n
there. So e!eryone 3ent there to b#y %ood. @i/e in the Bib(e. Joseph and the echnico(or
Dreamcoat. *%% 3e go to "gypt2 badCaCboom.B
ASo i% yo# 3ere me2 and yo# needed to get there2 ho3 3o#(d yo# go:B as/ed Shado3.
ADri!e.B
A4ar died a %e3 mi(es do3n the road. ,t 3as a pieceashit i% yo#$(( pardon my (ang#age2B said
Shado3.
APeeC*hC"sses2B she said. A9#p. hat$s 3hat my brotherCinC(a3 ca((s $em. 8e b#ys and se((s cars
in a sma(( 3ay. 8e$(( ca(( me #p2 say2 R6attie2 , D#st so(d another PeeC*hC"ss.$ Say2 maybe he$d be
interested in yo#r o(d car. )or scrap or something.B
A,t be(ongs to my boss2B said Shado32 s#rprising himse(% 3ith the %(#ency and ease o% his (ies. A,
need to ca(( him2 so he can come pic/ it #p.B A tho#ght str#c/ him. A9o#r brotherCinC(a32 is he
aro#nd here:B
A8e$s in 6#scoda. en min#tes so#th o% here. J#st o!er the ri!er. 5hy:B
A5e((2 does he ha!e a PeeC*hC"ss he$d (i/e to se(( me %or2 mm2 %i!e2 si& h#ndred b#c/s:B
She smi(ed s3eet(y. A6ister2 he doesn$t ha!e a car on that bac/ (ot yo# co#(dn$t b#y 3ith a %#((
tan/ o% gas %or %i!e h#ndred do((ars. B#t don$t yo# te(( him , said so.B
A5o#(d yo# ca(( him:B as/ed Shado3.
A,$m 3ay ahead o% yo#2B she to(d him2 and she pic/ed #p the phone. A8on: ,t$s 6attie. 9o# get
o!er here this min#te. , got a man here 3ants to b#y a car.B
he piece o% shit he chose 3as a ;<YV 4he!y 'o!a2 3hich he bo#ght2 3ith a %#(( tan/ o% gas2 %or
%o#r h#ndred and %i%ty do((ars. ,t had a(most a I#arter o% a mi((ion mi(es on the c(oc/2 and
sme((ed %aint(y o% bo#rbon2 tobacco2 and more strong(y o% something that reminded Shado3 o%
bananas. 8e co#(dn$t te(( 3hat co(or it 3as2 #nder the dirt and the sno3. Sti((2 o% a(( the !ehic(es
in 6attie$s brotherCinC(a3$s bac/ (ot2 it 3as the on(y one that (oo/ed (i/e it might ta/e him %i!e
h#ndred mi(es.
he dea( 3as done in cash2 and 6attie$s brotherCinC(a3 ne!er as/ed %or Shado3$s name or
socia( sec#rity n#mber or %or anything e&cept the money.
Shado3 dro!e 3est2 then so#th2 3ith %i!e h#ndred and %i%ty do((ars in his poc/et2 /eeping o%%
the interstate. he piece o% shit had a radio2 b#t nothing happened 3hen he t#rned it on. A sign
said he$d (e%t 5isconsin and 3as no3 in ,((inois. 8e passed a stripCmining 3or/s2 h#ge b(#e arc
(ights b#rning in the dim mid3inter day(ight.
8e stopped and ate (#nch at a p(ace ca((ed 6om$s2 catching them D#st be%ore they c(osed %or the
a%ternoon. he %ood 3as o/ay.
"ach to3n he passed thro#gh had an e&tra sign #p beside the sign te((ing him that he 3as no3
entering *#r o3n Gpop. M>KH. he e&tra sign anno#nced that the to3n$s EnderC;Zs team 3as
the third r#nnerC#p in the interstate 8#ndredC9ard Sprint2 or that the to3n 3as the home o%
the ,((inois Gir(s$ EnderC;Ws 5rest(ing semi%ina(ist.
8e dro!e on2 head nodding2 %ee(ing more drained and e&ha#sted 3ith e!ery min#te that
passed. 8e ran a stop(ight2 and 3as near(y sides3iped by a 3oman in a Dodge. As soon as he
got o#t into open co#ntry he p#((ed o%% onto an empty tractor path on the side o% the road2 and
he par/ed by a sno3Cspotted st#bb(y %ie(d in 3hich a s(o3 procession o% %at b(ac/ 3i(d t#r/eys
3a(/ed (i/e a (ine o% mo#rners? he t#rned o%% the engine2 stretched o#t in the bac/ seat2 and %e((
as(eep.
Dar/ness? a sensation o% %a((ing-as i% he 3ere t#mb(ing do3n a great ho(e2 (i/e A(ice. 8e %e(( %or
a h#ndred years into dar/ness. )aces passed him2 s3imming o#t o% the b(ac/2 then each %ace
3as ripped #p and a3ay be%ore he co#(d to#ch itQ
Abr#pt(y2 and 3itho#t transition2 he 3as not %a((ing. 'o3 he 3as in a ca!e2 and he 3as no
(onger a(one. Shado3 stared into %ami(iar eyes: h#ge2 (iI#id b(ac/ eyes. hey b(in/ed.
Ender the earth: yes. 8e remembered this p(ace. he stin/ o% 3et co3. )ire(ight %(ic/ered on the
3et ca!e 3a((s2 i((#minating the b#%%a(o head2 the man$s body2 s/in the co(or o% bric/ c(ay.
A4an$t yo# peop(e (ea!e me be:B as/ed Shado3. A, D#st 3ant to s(eep.B
he b#%%a(o man nodded2 s(o3(y. 8is (ips did not mo!e2 b#t a !oice in Shado3$s head said2
A5here are yo# going2 Shado3:B
A4airo.B
A5hy:B
A5here e(se ha!e , got to go: ,t$s 3here 5ednesday 3ants me to go. , dran/ his mead.B ,n
Shado3$s dream2 3ith the po3er o% dreamC(ogic behind it2 the ob(igation seemed #narg#ab(e:
he dran/ 5ednesday$s mead three times2 and sea(ed the pact-3hat other choice o% action did
he ha!e:
he b#%%a(oCheaded man reached a hand into the %ire2 stirring the embers and the bro/en
branches into a b(a1e. Ahe storm is coming2B he said. 'o3 there 3as ash on his hands2 and he
3iped it onto his hair(ess chest2 (ea!ing sootCb(ac/ strea/s.
ASo yo# peop(e /eep te((ing me. 4an , as/ yo# a I#estion:B
here 3as a pa#se. A %(y sett(ed on the %#rry %orehead. he b#%%a(o man %(ic/ed it a3ay. AAs/.B
A,s this tr#e: Are these peop(e rea((y gods: ,t$s a(( soQB 8e pa#sed. hen he said2 AEn(i/e(y2B
3hich 3as not e&act(y the 3ord he had been going %or b#t seemed to be the best he co#(d do.
A5hat are gods:B as/ed the b#%%a(o man.
A, don$t /no32B said Shado3.
here 3as a tapping2 re(ent(ess and d#((. Shado3 3aited %or the b#%%a(o man to say something
more2 to e&p(ain 3hat gods 3ere2 to e&p(ain the 3ho(e tang(ed nightmare that his (i%e seemed
to ha!e become. 8e 3as co(d. he %ire no (onger b#rned.
ap. ap. ap.
Shado3 opened his eyes2 and2 groggi(y2 sat #p. 8e 3as %ree1ing2 and the s/y o#tside the car 3as
the deep (#minescent p#rp(e that di!ides the d#s/ %rom the night.
ap. ap. Someone said2 A8ey2 mister2B and Shado3 t#rned his head. he someone 3as
standing beside the car2 no more than a dar/er shape against the dar/(ing s/y. Shado3 reached
o#t a hand and cran/ed do3n the 3indo3 a %e3 inches. 8e made se!era( 3a/ingC#p noises2 and
then he said2 A8i.B
A9o# a(( right: 9o# sic/: 9o# been drin/ing:B he !oice 3as high-a 3oman$s or a boy$s.
A,$m %ine2B said Shado3. A8o(d on.B 8e opened the door2 and got o#t2 stretching his aching
(imbs and nec/ as he did so. hen he r#bbed his hands together2 to get the b(ood circ#(ating
and to 3arm them #p.
A5hoa. 9o#$re pretty big.B
Ahat$s 3hat they te(( me2B said Shado3. A5ho are yo#:B
A,$m Sam2B said the !oice.
ABoy Sam or gir( Sam:B
AGir(CSam. , #sed to be Sammi 3ith an i2 and ,$d do a smi(ey %ace o!er the i2 b#t then , got
comp(ete(y sic/ o% it beca#se (i/e abso(#te(y e!erybody 3as doing it2 so , stopped.B
A*/ay2 gir(CSam. 9o# go o!er there2 and (oo/ o#t at the road.B
A5hy: Are yo# a cra1ed /i((er or something:B
A'o2B said Shado32 A, need to ta/e a (ea/ and ,$d (i/e D#st the sma((est amo#nt o% pri!acy.B
A*h. +ight. */ay. Got it. 'o prob(em. , am so 3ith yo#. , can$t e!en pee i% there$s someone in
the ne&t sta((. 6aDor shy b(adder syndrome.B
A'o32 p(ease.B
She 3a(/ed to the %ar side o% the car2 and Shado3 too/ a %e3 steps c(oser to the %ie(d2 #n1ipped
his Deans2 and pissed against a %encepost %or a !ery (ong time. 8e 3a(/ed bac/ to the car. he
(ast o% the g(oaming had become night.
A9o# sti(( there:B he as/ed.
A9es2B she said. A9o# m#st ha!e a b(adder (i/e @a/e "rie. , thin/ empires rose and %e(( in the time
it too/ yo# to pee. , co#(d hear it the 3ho(e time.B
Ahan/ yo#. Do yo# 3ant something:B
A5e((2 , 3anted to see i% yo# 3ere o/ay. , mean2 i% yo# 3ere dead or something , 3o#(d ha!e
ca((ed the cops. B#t the 3indo3s 3ere /ind o% %ogged #p so , tho#ght2 3e((2 he$s probab(y sti((
a(i!e.B
A9o# (i!e aro#nd here:B
A'ope. 8itchhi/ing do3n %rom 6adison.B
Ahat$s not sa%e.B
A,$!e done it %i!e times a year %or three years no3. ,$m sti(( a(i!e. 5here are yo# headed:B
A,$m going as %ar as 4airo.B
Ahan/ yo#2B she said. A,$m going to "( Paso. Staying 3ith my a#nt %or the ho(idays.B
A, can$t ta/e yo# a(( the 3ay2B said Shado3.
A'ot "( Paso2 e&as. he other one2 in ,((inois. ,t$s a %e3 ho#rs so#th. 9o# /no3 3here yo# are
no3:B
A'o2B said Shado3. A, ha!e no idea. Some3here on 8igh3ay )i%tyCt3o:B
Ahe ne&t to3n$s Per#2B said Sam. A'ot the one in Per#. he one in ,((inois. @et me sme(( yo#.
Bend do3n.B Shado3 bent do3n2 and the gir( sni%%ed his %ace. A*/ay. , don$t sme(( boo1e. 9o#
can dri!e. @et$s go.B
A5hat ma/es yo# thin/ ,$m gi!ing yo# a ride:B
ABeca#se ,$m a damse( in distress2B she said2 Aand yo# are a /night in 3hate!er. A rea((y dirty
car. 9o# /no3 someone 3rote 5ash 6eP on yo#r rear 3indshie(d:B Shado3 got into the car
and opened the passenger door. he (ight that goes on in cars 3hen the %ront door is opened
did not go on in this car.
A'o2B he said2 A, didn$t.B
She c(imbed in. A,t 3as me2B she said. A, 3rote it. 5hi(e there 3as sti(( eno#gh (ight to see.B
Shado3 started the car2 t#rned on the head(ights2 and headed bac/ onto the road. A@e%t2B said
Sam he(p%#((y. Shado3 t#rned (e%t2 and he dro!e. A%ter se!era( min#tes the heater started to
3or/2 and b(essed 3armth %i((ed the car.
A9o# ha!en$t said anything yet2B said Sam. ASay something.B
AAre yo# h#man:B as/ed Shado3. AAn honestCtoCgoodness2 bornCo%CmanCandC3oman2 (i!ing
breathing h#man being:B
AS#re2B she said.
A*/ay. J#st chec/ing. So 3hat 3o#(d yo# (i/e me to say:B
ASomething to reass#re me2 at this point. , s#dden(y ha!e that oh shit ,$m in the 3rong car 3ith
a cra1y man %ee(ing.B
A9eah2B he said. A,$!e had that one. 5hat 3o#(d yo# %ind reass#ring:B
AJ#st te(( me yo#$re not an escaped con!ict or a mass m#rderer or something.B
8e tho#ght %or a moment. A9o# /no32 ,$m rea((y not.B
A9o# had to thin/ abo#t it tho#gh2 didn$t yo#:B
ADone my time. 'e!er /i((ed anybody.B
A*h.B
hey entered a sma(( to3n2 (it #p by street(ights and b(in/ing 4hristmas decorations2 and
Shado3 g(anced to his right. he gir( had a tang(e o% short dar/ hair and a %ace that 3as both
attracti!e and2 he decided2 %aint(y mannish: her %eat#res might ha!e been chise(ed o#t o% roc/.
She 3as (oo/ing at him.
A5hat 3ere yo# in prison %or:B
A, h#rt a co#p(e o% peop(e rea( bad. , got angry.B
ADid they deser!e it:B
Shado3 tho#ght %or a moment. A, tho#ght so at the time.B
A5o#(d yo# do it again:B
A8e((2 no. , (ost three years o% my (i%e in there.B
A6m. 9o# got ,ndian b(ood in yo#:B
A'ot that , /no3 o%.B
A9o# (oo/ed (i/e it2 3as a((.B
ASorry to disappoint yo#.B
AS$o/ay. 9o# h#ngry:B
Shado3 nodded. A, co#(d eat2B he said.
Ahere$s a good p(ace D#st past the ne&t set o% (ights. Good %ood. 4heap2 too.B
Shado3 p#((ed #p in the par/ing (ot. hey got o#t o% the car. 8e didn$t bother to (oc/ it2
a(tho#gh he poc/eted the /eys. 8e p#((ed o#t some coins to b#y a ne3spaper. A4an yo# a%%ord
to eat here:B he as/ed.
A9eah2B she said2 raising her chin. A, can pay %or myse(%.B
Shado3 nodded. Ae(( yo# 3hat. ,$(( toss yo# %or it2B he said. A8eads yo# pay %or my dinner2 tai(s2
, pay %or yo#rs.B
A@et me see the coin %irst2B she said2 s#spicio#s(y. A, had an #nc(e had a do#b(eCheaded
I#arter.B
She inspected it2 satis%ied herse(% there 3as nothing strange abo#t the I#arter. Shado3 p(aced
the coin headC#p on his th#mb and cheated the toss2 so it 3obb(ed and (oo/ed (i/e it 3as
spinning2 then he ca#ght it and %(ipped it o!er onto the bac/ o% his (e%t hand2 and #nco!ered it
3ith his right2 in %ront o% her.
Aai(s2B she said2 happi(y. ADinner$s on yo#.B
A9#p2B he said. A9o# can$t 3in them a((.B
Shado3 ordered the meat(oa%2 Sam ordered (asagna. Shado3 %(ipped thro#gh the ne3spaper to
see i% there 3as anything in it abo#t dead men in a %reight train. here 3asn$t. he on(y story o%
interest 3as on the co!er: cro3s in record n#mbers 3ere in%esting the to3n. @oca( %armers
3anted to hang dead cro3s aro#nd the to3n on p#b(ic b#i(dings to %righten the others a3ay?
ornitho(ogists said that it 3o#(dn$t 3or/2 that the (i!ing cro3s 3o#(d simp(y eat the dead ones.
he (oca(s 3ere imp(acab(e. A5hen they see the corpses o% their %riends2B said a spo/esman2
Athey$(( /no3 that 3e don$t 3ant them here.B
he %ood 3as good2 and it came mo#nded on steaming p(ates2 more than any one person co#(d
eat.
ASo 3hat$s in 4airo:B as/ed Sam2 3ith her mo#th %#((.
A'o idea. , got a message %rom my boss saying he needs me do3n there.B
A5hat do yo# do:B
A,$m an errand boy.B
She smi(ed. A5e((2B she said2 Ayo# aren$t 6a%ia2 not (oo/ing (i/e that and dri!ing that piece o%
shit. 5hy does yo#r car sme(( (i/e bananas2 any3ay:B
8e shr#gged2 carried on eating.
Sam narro3ed her eyes. A6aybe yo#$re a banana sm#gg(er2B she said. A9o# ha!en$t as/ed me
3hat , do yet.B
A, %ig#re yo#$re at schoo(.B
AE5 6adison.B
A5here yo# are #ndo#bted(y st#dying art history2 3omen$s st#dies2 and probab(y casting yo#r
o3n bron1es. And yo# probab(y 3or/ in a co%%ee ho#se to he(p co!er the rent.B
She p#t do3n her %or/2 nostri(s %(aring2 eyes 3ide. A8o3 the %#c/ did yo# do that:B
A5hat: 'o3 yo# say2 no2 act#a((y ,$m st#dying +omance (ang#ages and ornitho(ogy.B
ASo yo#$re saying that 3as a (#c/y g#ess or something:B
A5hat 3as:B
She stared at him 3ith dar/ eyes. A9o# are one pec#(iar g#y2 6isterQ, don$t /no3 yo#r name.B
Ahey ca(( me Shado32B he said.
She t3isted her mo#th 3ry(y2 as i% she 3ere tasting something she dis(i/ed. She stopped ta(/ing2
p#t her head do3n2 %inished her (asagna.
ADo yo# /no3 3hy it$s ca((ed "gypt:B as/ed Shado32 3hen Sam %inished eating.
ADo3n 4airo 3ay: 9eah. ,t$s in the de(ta o% the *hio and the 6ississippi. @i/e 4airo in "gypt2 in
the 'i(e de(ta.B
Ahat ma/es sense.B
She sat bac/ in her chair2 ordered co%%ee and choco(ate cream pie2 ran a hand thro#gh her b(ac/
hair. A9o# married2 6r. Shado3:B And then2 as he hesitated2 AGee. , D#st as/ed another tric/y
I#estion2 didn$t ,:B
Ahey b#ried her on h#rsday2B he said2 pic/ing his 3ords 3ith care. AShe 3as /i((ed in a car
crash.B
A*h. God. Jes#s. ,$m sorry.B
A6e too.B
An a3/3ard pa#se. A6y ha(%Csister (ost her /id2 my nephe32 end o% (ast year. ,t$s ro#gh.B
A9eah. ,t is. 5hat did he die o%:B
She sipped her co%%ee. A5e don$t /no3. 5e don$t e!en rea((y /no3 that he$s dead. 8e D#st
!anished. B#t he 3as on(y thirteen. ,t 3as the midd(e o% (ast 3inter. 6y sister 3as pretty bro/en
#p abo#t it.B
A5ere there any2 any c(#es:B 8e so#nded (i/e a F cop. 8e tried again. ADid they s#spect %o#(
p(ay:B hat so#nded 3orse.
Ahey s#spected my nonCc#stodia( assho(e brotherCinC(a32 his %ather. 5ho 3as assho(e eno#gh
to ha!e sto(en him a3ay. Probab(y did. B#t this is in a (itt(e to3n in the 'orth3oods. @o!e(y2
s3eet2 pretty (itt(e to3n 3here no one e!er (oc/s their doors.B She sighed2 shoo/ her head. She
he(d her co%%ee c#p in both hands. hen she (oo/ed #p at him2 changing the s#bDect. A8o3 did
yo# /no3 , cast bron1es:B
A@#c/y g#ess. ,t 3as D#st something to say.B
AAre yo# s#re yo# aren$t part ,ndian:B
A'ot that , /no3. ,t$s possib(e. , ne!er met my %ather. , g#ess my ma 3o#(d ha!e to(d me i% he
3as 'ati!e American2 tho#gh. 6aybe.B
Again the mo#thCt3ist. Sam ga!e #p ha(%3ay thro#gh her choco(ate cream pie: the s(ice 3as
ha(% the si1e o% her head. She p#shed the p(ate across the tab(e to Shado3. A9o# 3ant:B 8e
smi(ed2 said2 AS#re2B and %inished it o%%.
he 3aitress handed them the chec/2 and Shado3 paid.
Ahan/s2B said Sam.
,t 3as getting co(der no3. he car co#ghed a co#p(e o% times be%ore it started. Shado3 dro!e
bac/ onto the road2 and /ept going so#th. A9o# e!er read a g#y named 8erodot#s:B he as/ed.
AJes#s. 5hat:B
A8erodot#s. 9o# e!er read his 8istories:B
A9o# /no32B she said2 dreami(y2 A, don$t get it. , don$t get ho3 yo# ta(/2 or the 3ords yo# #se or
anything. *ne moment yo#$re a big d#mb g#y2 the ne&t yo#$re reading my %riggin$ mind2 and
the ne&t 3e$re ta(/ing abo#t 8erodot#s. So no. , ha!e not read 8erodot#s. ,$!e heard abo#t
him. 6aybe on 'P+. ,sn$t he the one they ca(( the %ather o% (ies:B
A, tho#ght that 3as the De!i(.B
A9eah2 him too. B#t they 3ere ta(/ing abo#t 8erodot#s saying there 3ere giant ants and
gryphons g#arding go(d mines2 and ho3 he made this st#%% #p.B
A, don$t thin/ so. 8e 3rote 3hat he$d been to(d. ,t$s (i/e2 he$s 3riting these histories. And
they$re most(y pretty good histories. @oads o% 3eird (itt(e detai(s-(i/e2 did yo# /no32 in "gypt2 i%
a partic#(ar(y bea#ti%#( gir(2 or the 3i%e o% a (ord or 3hate!er2 died2 they 3o#(dn$t send her to
the emba(mer %or three days: hey$d (et her body spoi( in the heat %irst.B
A5hy: *h2 ho(d on. */ay2 , thin/ , /no3 3hy. *h2 that$s disg#sting.B
AAnd there$re batt(es in there2 a(( sorts o% norma( things. And then there are the gods. Some g#y
is r#nning bac/ to report on the o#tcome o% a batt(e and he$s r#nning and r#nning2 and he sees
Pan in a g(ade. And Pan says2 Re(( them to b#i(d me a temp(e here.$ So he says o/ay2 and r#ns
the rest o% the 3ay bac/. And he reports the batt(e ne3s2 and then says2 R*h2 and by the 3ay2
Pan 3ants yo# to b#i(d him a temp(e.$ ,t$s rea((y matterCo%C%act2 yo# /no3:B
ASo there are stories 3ith gods in them. 5hat are yo# trying to say: hat these g#ys had
ha((#cinations:B
A'o2B said Shado3. Ahat$s not it.B
She che3ed a hangnai(. A, read some boo/ abo#t brains2B she said. A6y roommate had it and
she /ept 3a!ing it aro#nd. ,t 3as (i/e2 ho3 %i!e tho#sand years ago the (obes o% the brain %#sed
and be%ore that peop(e tho#ght 3hen the right (obe o% the brain said anything it 3as the !oice
o% some god te((ing them 3hat to do. ,t$s D#st brains.B
A, (i/e my theory better2B said Shado3.
A5hat$s yo#r theory:B
Ahat bac/ then peop(e #sed to r#n into the gods %rom time to time.B
A*h.B Si(ence: on(y the ratt(ing o% the car2 the roar o% the engine2 the gro3(ing o% the
m#%%(er-3hich did not so#nd hea(thy. hen2 ADo yo# thin/ they$re sti(( there:B
A5here:B
AGreece. "gypt. he is(ands. hose p(aces. Do yo# thin/ i% yo# 3a(/ed 3here those peop(e
3a(/ed yo#$d see the gods:B
A6aybe. B#t , don$t thin/ peop(e$d /no3 that 3as 3hat they$d seen.B
A, bet it$s (i/e space a(iens2B she said. Ahese days2 peop(e see space a(iens. Bac/ then they sa3
gods. 6aybe the space a(iens come %rom the right side o% the brain.B
A, don$t thin/ the gods e!er ga!e recta( probes2B said Shado3. AAnd they didn$t m#ti(ate catt(e
themse(!es. hey got peop(e to do it %or them.B
She ch#c/(ed. hey dro!e in si(ence %or a %e3 min#tes2 and then she said2 A8ey2 that reminds
me o% my %a!orite god story2 %rom 4omparati!e +e(igion ;K;. 9o# 3ant to hear it:B
AS#re2B said Shado3.
A*/ay. his is one abo#t *din. he 'orse god. 9o# /no3: here 3as some Fi/ing /ing on a
Fi/ing ship-this 3as bac/ in the Fi/ing times2 ob!io#s(y-and they 3ere beca(med2 so he says
he$(( sacri%ice one o% his men to *din i% *din 3i(( send them a 3ind2 and get them to (and. */ay.
he 3ind comes #p2 and they get to (and. So2 on (and2 they dra3 (ots to %ig#re o#t 3ho gets
sacri%iced-and it$s the /ing himse(%. 5e((2 he$s not happy abo#t this2 b#t they %ig#re o#t that
they can hang him in e%%igy and not h#rt him. hey ta/e a ca(%$s intestines and (oop them (oose(y
aro#nd the g#y$s nec/2 and they tie the other end to a thin branch2 and they ta/e a reed instead
o% a spear and po/e him 3ith it and go2 R*/ay2 yo#$!e been
h#ng$-hanged:-3hate!er-Ryo#$!e been sacri%iced to *din.$B
he road c#r!ed: Another o3n2 pop. VKK2 home o% the r#nnerC#p to the State EnderC;>s
speedCs/ating championship2 t3o h#ge giant economyCsi1ed %#nera( par(ors on each side o% the
road2 and ho3 many %#nera( par(ors do yo# need2 Shado3 3ondered2 3hen yo# on(y ha!e
three h#ndred peop(eQ:
A*/ay. As soon as they say *din$s name2 the reed trans%orms into a spear and stabs the g#y in
the side2 the ca(% intestines become a thic/ rope2 the branch becomes a bo#gh o% a tree2 and the
tree p#((s #p2 and the gro#nd drops a3ay2 and the /ing is (e%t hanging there to die 3ith a 3o#nd
in his side and his %ace going b(ac/. "nd o% story. 5hite peop(e ha!e some %#c/edC#p gods2
6ister Shado3.B
A9es2B said Shado3. A9o#$re not 3hite:B
A,$m a 4hero/ee2B she said.
A)#((Cb(ooded:B
A'ope. *n(y %o#r pints. 6y mom 3as 3hite. 6y dad 3as a rea( reser!ation ,ndian. 8e came o#t
this 3ay2 e!ent#a((y married my mom2 had me2 then 3hen they sp(it he 3ent bac/ to
*/(ahoma.B
A8e 3ent bac/ to the reser!ation:B
A'o. 8e borro3ed money and opened a aco Be(( /noc/Co%% ca((ed aco Bi(($s. 8e does o/ay. 8e
doesn$t (i/e me. Says ,$m ha(%Cbreed.B
A,$m sorry.B
A8e$s a Der/. ,$m pro#d o% my ,ndian b(ood. ,t he(ps pay my co((ege t#ition. 8e((2 one day it$((
probab(y he(p get me a Dob2 i% , can$t se(( my bron1es.B
Ahere$s a(3ays that2B said Shado3.
8e stopped in "( Paso2 ,@ Gpop. >2NKKH2 to (et Sam o#t at a do3nCatChee( ho#se on the edge o%
the to3n. A (arge 3ireC%ramed mode( o% a reindeer co!ered in t3in/(ing (ights stood in the %ront
yard. A9o# 3ant to come in:B she as/ed. A6y a#nt 3o#(d gi!e yo# a co%%ee.B
A'o2B he said. A,$!e got to /eep mo!ing.B
She smi(ed at him2 (oo/ing s#dden(y2 and %or the %irst time2 !#(nerab(e. She patted him on the
arm. A9o#$re %#c/ed #p2 mister. B#t yo#$re coo(.B
A, be(ie!e that$s 3hat they ca(( the h#man condition2B said Shado3. Ahan/s %or the company.B
A'o prob(em2B she said. A,% yo# see any gods on the road to 4airo2 yo# ma/e s#re and say hi to
them %rom me.B She got o#t o% the car2 and 3ent to the door o% the ho#se. She pressed a
doorbe(( and stood there at the door2 3itho#t (oo/ing bac/. Shado3 3aited #nti( the door 3as
opened and she 3as sa%e(y inside be%ore he p#t his %oot do3n and headed bac/ %or the
high3ay. 8e passed thro#gh 'orma(2 and B(oomington2 and @a3nda(e.
At e(e!en that night Shado3 started sha/ing. 8e 3as D#st entering 6idd(eto3n. 8e decided he
needed s(eep2 or D#st not to dri!e any (onger2 and he p#((ed #p in %ront o% a 'ight$s ,nn2 paid
thirtyC%i!e do((ars2 cash in ad!ance2 %or his gro#ndC%(oor room2 and 3ent into the bathroom. A
sad coc/roach (ay on its bac/ in the midd(e o% the ti(ed %(oor. Shado3 too/ a to3e( and c(eaned
o%% the inside o% the t#b 3ith it2 then ran a bath. ,n the main room he too/ o%% his c(othes and
p#t them on the bed. he br#ises on his torso 3ere dar/ and !i!id. 8e sat in the bath2 3atching
the co(or o% the bath3ater change. hen2 na/ed2 he 3ashed his soc/s and brie%s and Cshirt in
the basin2 3r#ng them o#t and h#ng them on the c(othes(ine that p#((ed o#t %rom the 3a((
abo!e the batht#b. 8e (e%t the coc/roach 3here it 3as2 o#t o% respect %or the dead.
Shado3 c(imbed into the bed. 8e 3ondered abo#t 3atching an ad#(t mo!ie2 b#t the payCperC
!ie3 de!ice by the phone needed a credit card. hen again2 he 3as not con!inced that it 3o#(d
ma/e him %ee( any better to 3atch other peop(e ha!e se& that he 3asn$t ha!ing. 8e t#rned on
the F %or company2 pressed the S(eep b#tton on the remote three times2 3hich 3o#(d ma/e
the F set t#rn itse(% o%% a#tomatica((y in %ortyC%i!e min#tes2 by 3hich time he %ig#red he$d be
%ast as(eep. ,t 3as a I#arter to midnight.
he pict#re 3as mote(C%#11y2 and the co(ors s3am across the screen. 8e %(ipped %rom (ate sho3
to (ate sho3 in the te(e!is#a( 3aste(and2 #nab(e to %oc#s. Someone 3as demonstrating
something that did something in the /itchen2 and rep(aced a do1en other /itchen #tensi(s2 none
o% 3hich Shado3 possessed. )(ip. A man in a s#it e&p(ained that these 3ere the end times and
that Jes#s-a %o#rCor %i!eCsy((ab(e 3ord the 3ay the man prono#nced it-3o#(d ma/e Shado3$s
b#siness prosper and thri!e i% Shado3 sent him money. )(ip: an episode o% 6XAXSX8 ended
and a Dic/ Fan Dy/e episode began.
Shado3 hadn$t seen an episode o% he Dic/ Fan Dy/e Sho3 %or years2 b#t there 3as something
com%orting abo#t the ;<WN b(ac/CandC3hite 3or(d it painted2 and he p#t the channe( changer
do3n beside the bed2 and t#rned o%% the bedside (ight. 8e 3atched the sho32 eyes s(o3(y
c(osing2 a3are that something 3as odd. 8e had not seen many episodes o% he Dic/ Fan Dy/e
Sho32 so he 3as not s#rprised that it 3as an episode he co#(d not remember seeing be%ore.
5hat he %o#nd strange 3as the tone.
A(( the reg#(ars 3ere concerned abo#t +ob$s drin/ing: he 3as missing days at 3or/. hey 3ent
to his home: he had (oc/ed himse(% in the bedroom2 and had to be pers#aded to come o#t: he
3as staggering dr#n/2 b#t sti(( pretty %#nny. 8is %riends2 p(ayed by 6orey Amsterdam and +ose
6arie2 (e%t a%ter getting some good gags in. hen2 3hen +ob$s 3i%e 3ent to remonstrate 3ith
him2 he hit her2 hard2 in the %ace. She sat do3n on the %(oor and began to cry2 not in that
%amo#s 6ary y(er 6oore 3ai(2 b#t in sma((2 he(p(ess sobs2 h#gging herse(% and 3hispering2
ADon$t hit me2 p(ease2 ,$(( do anything2 D#st don$t hit me any more.B
A5hat the %#c/ is this:B said Shado32 a(o#d.
he pict#re disso(!ed into phosphorCdot %#11. 5hen it came bac/2 he Dic/ Fan Dy/e Sho3
had2 ine&p(icab(y2 become , @o!e @#cy. @#cy 3as trying to pers#ade +ic/y to (et her rep(ace their
o(d icebo& 3ith a ne3 re%rigerator. 5hen he (e%t2 ho3e!er2 she 3a(/ed o!er to the co#ch and
sat do3n2 crossing her an/(es2 resting her hands in her (ap2 and staring o#t patient(y in b(ac/
and 3hite across the years.
AShado3:B she said. A5e need to ta(/.B
Shado3 said nothing. She opened her p#rse and too/ o#t a cigarette2 (it it 3ith an e&pensi!e
si(!er (ighter2 p#t the (ighter a3ay. A,$m ta(/ing to yo#2B she said. A5e((:B
Ahis is cra1y2B said Shado3.
A@i/e the rest o% yo#r (i%e is sane: Gi!e me a %#c/ing brea/.B
A5hate!er. @#ci((e Ba(( ta(/ing to me %rom the F is 3eirder by se!era( orders o% magnit#de
than anything that$s happened to me so %ar2B said Shado3.
A,t$s not @#ci((e Ba((. ,t$s @#cy +icardo. And yo# /no3 something-,$m not e!en her. ,t$s D#st an
easy 3ay to (oo/2 gi!en the conte&t. hat$s a((.B She shi%ted #ncom%ortab(y on the so%a.
A5ho are yo#:B as/ed Shado3.
A*/ay2B she said. AGood I#estion. ,$m the idiot bo&. ,$m the F. ,$m the a((Cseeing eye and the
3or(d o% the cathode ray. ,$m the boob t#be. ,$m the (itt(e shrine the %ami(y gathers to adore.B
A9o#$re the te(e!ision: *r someone in the te(e!ision:B
Ahe F$s the a(tar. ,$m 3hat peop(e are sacri%icing to.B
A5hat do they sacri%ice:B as/ed Shado3.
Aheir time2 most(y2B said @#cy. ASometimes each other.B She raised t3o %ingers2 b(e3 imaginary
g#n smo/e %rom the tips. hen she 3in/ed2 a big o(d , @o!e @#cy 3in/.
A9o#$re a god:B said Shado3.
@#cy smir/ed2 and too/ a (adyC(i/e p#%% o% her cigarette. A9o# co#(d say that2B she said.
ASam says hi2B said Shado3.
A5hat: 5ho$s Sam: 5hat are yo# ta(/ing abo#t:B
Shado3 (oo/ed at his 3atch. ,t 3as t3entyC%i!e past t3e(!e. ADoesn$t matter2B he said. ASo2
@#cyConCtheCF. 5hat do 3e need to ta(/ abo#t: oo many peop(e ha!e needed to ta(/
recent(y. 'orma((y it ends 3ith someone hitting me.B
he camera mo!ed in %or a c(oseC#p: @#cy (oo/ed concerned2 her (ips p#rsed. A, hate that. , hate
that peop(e 3ere h#rting yo#2 Shado3. ,$d ne!er do that2 honey. 'o2 , 3ant to o%%er yo# a Dob.B
ADoing 3hat:B
A5or/ing %or me. ,$m rea((y sorry. , heard abo#t the tro#b(e yo# had 3ith the Spoo/sho32 and ,
3as impressed 3ith ho3 yo# dea(t 3ith it. "%%icient2 noCnonsense2 e%%ecti!e. 5ho$d$!e tho#ght
yo# had it in yo#: hey are rea((y pissed.B
A+ea((y:B
Ahey #nderestimated yo#2 s3eetheart. 'ot a mista/e ,$m going to ma/e. , 3ant yo# in my
camp.B She stood #p2 3a(/ed to3ard the camera. A@oo/ at it (i/e this2 Shado3: 3e are the
coming thing. 5e$re shopping ma((s-yo#r %riends are crappy roadside attractions. 8e((2 3e$re
on(ine ma((s2 3hi(e yo#r %riends are sitting by the side o% the high3ay se((ing homegro3n
prod#ce %rom a garden cart. 'o-they aren$t e!en %r#it se((ers. B#ggyC3hip !endors.
5ha(eboneCcorset repairers. 5e are no3 and tomorro3. 9o#r %riends aren$t e!en yesterday
any more.B
,t 3as a strange(y %ami(iar speech. Shado3 as/ed2 ADid yo# e!er meet a %at /id in a (imo:B
She spread her hands and ro((ed her eyes comica((y2 %#nny @#cy +icardo 3ashing her hands o% a
disaster. Ahe technica( boy: 9o# met the technica( boy: @oo/2 he$s a good /id. 8e$s one o% #s.
8e$s D#st not good 3ith peop(e he doesn$t /no3. 5hen yo#$re 3or/ing %or #s2 yo#$(( see ho3
ama1ing he is.B
AAnd i% , don$t 3ant to 3or/ %or yo#2 ,C@o!eC@#cy:B
here 3as a /noc/ on the door o% @#cy$s apartment2 and +ic/y$s !oice co#(d be heard o%%Cstage2
as/ing @ooCcy 3hat 3as /eepin$ her so (ong2 they 3as d#e do3n at the c(#b in the ne&t scene? a
%(ash o% irritation to#ched @#cy$s cartoonish %ace. A8e((2B she said. A@oo/2 3hate!er the o(d g#ys
are paying yo#2 , can pay yo# do#b(e. reb(e. A h#ndred times. 5hate!er they$re gi!ing yo#2 ,
can gi!e yo# so m#ch more.B She smi(ed2 a per%ect2 rog#ish2 @#cy +icardo smi(e. A9o# name it2
honey. 5hat do yo# need:B She began to #ndo the b#ttons o% her b(o#se. A8ey2B she said. A9o#
e!er 3anted to see @#cy$s tits:B
he screen 3ent b(ac/. he s(eep %#nction had /ic/ed in and the set t#rned itse(% o%%. Shado3
(oo/ed at his 3atch: it 3as ha(% past midnight. A'ot rea((y2B said Shado3.
8e ro((ed o!er in bed and c(osed his eyes. ,t occ#rred to him that the reason he (i/ed
5ednesday and 6r. 'ancy and the rest o% them better than their opposition 3as pretty
straight%or3ard: they might be dirty2 and cheap2 and their %ood might taste (i/e shit2 b#t at (east
they didn$t spea/ in c(ich\s.
And he 3o#(d ta/e a roadside attraction2 no matter ho3 cheap2 ho3 croo/ed2 or ho3 sad2 o!er
a shopping ma((2 any day.
6orning %o#nd Shado3 bac/ on the road2 dri!ing thro#gh a gent(y #nd#(ating bro3n (andscape
o% 3inter grass and (ea%(ess trees. he (ast o% the sno3 had !anished. 8e %i((ed #p the tan/ o% the
piece o% shit in a to3n 3hich 3as home to the r#nnerC#p o% the State 5omen$s EnderC;Ws
threeCh#ndredCmeter dash2 and2 hoping that the dirt 3asn$t a(( that 3as ho(ding it together2 he
ran the car thro#gh the gas station car 3ash2 and 3as s#rprised to disco!er that the car 3as2
3hen c(ean2 against a(( reason2 3hite2 and pretty m#ch %ree o% r#st. 8e dro!e on.
he s/y 3as impossib(y b(#e2 and 3hite ind#stria( smo/e rising %rom %actory chimneys 3as
%ro1en in the s/y2 (i/e a photograph. A ha3/ (a#nched itse(% %rom a dead tree and %(e3 to3ard
him2 3ings strobing in the s#n(ight (i/e a series o% stopCmotion photographs.
At some point he %o#nd himse(% heading into "ast St. @o#is. 8e attempted to a!oid it and
instead %o#nd himse(% dri!ing thro#gh 3hat appeared to be a redC(ight district in an ind#stria(
par/. "ighteenC3hee(ers and h#ge rigs 3ere par/ed o#tside b#i(dings that (oo/ed (i/e
temporary 3areho#ses2 that c(aimed to be >Z 8*E+ '," 4@EBs and2 in one case2 8" B"S P"AP S8*5 ,'
*5'. Shado3 shoo/ his head2 and dro!e on. @a#ra had (o!ed to dance2 c(othed or na/ed Gand2
on se!era( memorab(e e!enings2 mo!ing %rom one state to the otherH2 and he had (o!ed to
3atch her.
@#nch 3as a sand3ich and a can o% 4o/e in a to3n ca((ed +ed B#d.
8e passed a !a((ey %i((ed 3ith the 3rec/age o% tho#sands o% ye((o3 b#((do1ers2 tractors and
4aterpi((ars. 8e 3ondered i% this 3as the b#((do1ers$ gra!eyard2 3here the b#((do1ers 3ent to
die.
8e dro!e past the PopCaCop @o#nge. 8e dro!e thro#gh 4hester GA8ome o% PopeyeBH. 8e
noticed that the ho#ses had started to gain pi((ars o#t %ront2 that e!en the shabbiest2 thinnest
ho#se no3 had its 3hite pi((ars2 proc(aiming it2 in someone$s eyes2 a mansion. 8e dro!e o!er a
big2 m#ddy ri!er2 and (a#ghed o#t (o#d 3hen he sa3 that the name o% it2 according to the sign2
3as the Big 6#ddy +i!er. 8e sa3 a co!ering o% bro3n /#d1# o!er three 3interCdead trees2
t3isting them into strange2 a(most h#man shapes: they co#(d ha!e been 3itches2 three bent o(d
crones ready to re!ea( his %ort#ne.
8e dro!e a(ongside the 6ississippi. Shado3 had ne!er seen the 'i(e2 b#t there 3as a b(inding
a%ternoon s#n b#rning on the 3ide bro3n ri!er 3hich made him thin/ o% the m#ddy e&panse o%
the 'i(e: not the 'i(e as it is no32 b#t as it 3as (ong ago2 %(o3ing (i/e an artery thro#gh the
papyr#s marshes2 home to cobra and Dac/a( and 3i(d co3Q
A road sign pointed to hebes.
he road 3as b#i(t #p abo#t t3e(!e %eet2 so he 3as dri!ing abo!e the marshes. 4(#mps and
c(#sters o% birds in %(ight 3ere I#esting bac/ and %orth2 b(ac/ dots against the b(#e s/y2 mo!ing
in some /ind o% desperate Bro3nian motion.
,n the (ate a%ternoon the s#n began to (o3er2 gi(ding the 3or(d in e(%C(ight2 a thic/ 3arm
c#stardy (ight that made the 3or(d %ee( #nearth(y and more than rea(2 and it 3as in this (ight
that Shado3 passed the sign te((ing him he 3as 'o3 "ntering 8istorica( 4airo. 8e dro!e #nder a
bridge and %o#nd himse(% in a sma(( port to3n. he imposing str#ct#re o% the 4airo co#rtho#se
and the e!en more imposing c#stoms ho#se (oo/ed (i/e enormo#s %resh(y ba/ed coo/ies in the
syr#py go(d o% the (ight at the end o% the day.
8e par/ed his car in a side street and 3a(/ed to the emban/ment at the edge o% a ri!er2 #ns#re
3hether he 3as ga1ing at the *hio or the 6ississippi. A sma(( bro3n cat nosed and sprang
among the trashcans at the bac/ o% a b#i(ding2 and the (ight made e!en the garbage magica(.
A (one seag#(( 3as g(iding a(ong the ri!er$s edge2 %(ipping a 3ing to correct itse(% as it 3ent.
Shado3 rea(i1ed that he 3as not a(one. A sma(( gir(2 3earing o(d tennis shoes on her %eet and a
man$s gray 3oo(en s3eater as a dress2 3as standing on the side3a(/2 ten %eet a3ay %rom him2
staring at him 3ith the somber gra!ity o% a si&CyearCo(d. 8er hair 3as b(ac/2 and straight2 and
(ong? her s/in 3as as bro3n as the ri!er.
8e grinned at her. She stared bac/ at him2 de%iant(y.
here 3as a sI#ea( and a yo3( %rom the 3ater%ront2 and the (itt(e bro3n cat shot a3ay %rom a
spi((ed garbage can2 p#rs#ed by a (ongCm#11(ed b(ac/ dog. he cat sc#rried #nder a car.
A8ey2B said Shado3 to the gir(. A9o# e!er seen in!isib(e po3der be%ore:B
She hesitated. hen she shoo/ her head.
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A5e((2 3atch this.B Shado3 p#((ed o#t a I#arter 3ith his (e%t hand2 he(d it
#p2 ti(ting it %rom one side to another2 then appeared to toss it into his right hand2 c(osing his
hand hard on nothing2 and p#tting the hand %or3ard. A'o32B he said2 A, D#st ta/e some in!isib(e
po3der %rom my poc/etB-and he reached his (e%t hand into his breast poc/et2 dropping the
I#arter into the poc/et as he did so-Aand , sprin/(e it on the hand 3ith the coinB-and he
mimed sprin/(ing2 -Aand (oo/-no3 the I#arter$s in!isib(e too.B 8e opened his empty right
hand2 and2 in astonishment2 his empty (e%t hand as 3e((.
he (itt(e gir( D#st stared.
Shado3 shr#gged and p#t his hands bac/ in his poc/ets2 (oading a I#arter in one hand2 a
%o(dedC#p %i!eCdo((ar bi(( in the other. 8e 3as going to prod#ce them %rom the air2 and then gi!e
the gir( the %i!e b#c/s: she (oo/ed (i/e she needed it. A8ey2B he said2 A3e$!e got an a#dience.B
he b(ac/ dog and the (itt(e bro3n cat 3ere 3atching him as 3e((2 %(an/ing the gir(2 (oo/ing #p at
him intent(y. he dog$s h#ge ears 3ere pric/ed #p2 gi!ing it a comica((y a(ert e&pression. A
craneC(i/e man 3ith go(dCrimmed spectac(es 3as coming #p the side3a(/ to3ard them2 peering
%rom side to side as i% he 3ere (oo/ing %or something. Shado3 3ondered i% he 3as the dog$s
o3ner.
A5hat did yo# thin/:B Shado3 as/ed the dog2 trying to p#t the (itt(e gir( at her ease. A5as that
coo(:B
he b(ac/ dog (ic/ed its (ong sno#t. hen it said2 in a deep2 dry !oice2 A, sa3 8arry 8o#dini once2
and be(ie!e me2 man2 yo# are no 8arry 8o#dini.B
he (itt(e gir( (oo/ed at the anima(s2 she (oo/ed #p at Shado32 and then she ran o%%2 her %eet
po#nding the side3a(/ as i% a(( the po3ers o% he(( 3ere a%ter her. he t3o anima(s 3atched her
go. he craneC(i/e man had reached the dog. 8e (eaned do3n and scratched its high2 pointed
ears.
A4ome on2B said the man in the go(dCrimmed spectac(es to the dog. A,t 3as on(y a coin tric/. ,t$s
not (i/e he 3as doing an #nder3ater escape.B
A'ot yet2B said the dog. AB#t he 3i((.B he go(den (ight 3as done2 and the gray o% t3i(ight had
beg#n.
Shado3 dropped the coin and the %o(ded bi(( bac/ into his poc/et. A*/ay2B he said. A5hich one
o% yo# is Jac/a(:B
AEse yo#r eyes2B said the b(ac/ dog 3ith the (ong sno#t. Ahis 3ay.B ,t began to amb(e a(ong the
side3a(/2 beside the man in the go(dCrimmed g(asses2 and2 a%ter a moment$s hesitation2 Shado3
%o((o3ed them. he cat 3as no3here to be seen. hey reached a (arge o(d b#i(ding on a ro3 o%
boardedC#p ho#ses.
he sign beside the door said ,B,S A'D JA47E"@. A )A6,@9 ),+6. )E'"+A@ PA+@*+. S,'4" ;YWV.
A,$m 6ister ,bis2B said the man in the go(dCrimmed g(asses. A, thin/ , sho#(d b#y yo# a spot o%
s#pper. ,$m a%raid my %riend here has some 3or/ that needs doing.B
Some3here in America
'e3 9or/ scares Sa(im2 and so he c(#tches his samp(e case protecti!e(y 3ith both hands2
ho(ding it to his chest. 8e is scared o% b(ac/ peop(e2 the 3ay they stare at him2 and he is scared
o% the Je3s2 the ones dressed a(( in b(ac/ 3ith hats and beards and side c#r(s he can identi%y and
ho3 many others that he cannot? he is scared o% the sheer I#antity o% the peop(e2 a(( shapes
and si1es o% peop(e2 as they spi(( %rom their high2 high2 %i(thy b#i(dings onto the side3a(/s? he is
scared o% the hon/ing h#((aba(oo o% the tra%%ic2 and he is e!en scared o% the air2 3hich sme((s
both dirty and s3eet2 and nothing at a(( (i/e the air o% *man.
Sa(im has been in 'e3 9or/2 in America2 %or a 3ee/. "ach day he !isits t3o2 perhaps three
di%%erent o%%ices2 opens his samp(e case2 sho3s them the copper trin/ets2 the rings and bott(es
and tiny %(ash(ights2 the mode(s o% the "mpire State B#i(ding2 the Stat#e o% @iberty2 the "i%%e(
o3er2 g(eaming in copper inside? each night he 3rites a %a& to his brotherCinC(a32 )#ad2 at
home in 6#scat2 te((ing him that he has ta/en no orders2 or2 on one happy day2 that he had
ta/en se!era( orders Gb#t2 as Sa(im is pain%#((y a3are2 not yet eno#gh e!en to co!er his air%are
and hote( bi((H.
)or reasons Sa(im does not #nderstand2 his brotherCinC(a3$s b#siness partners ha!e boo/ed him
into the Paramo#nt 8ote( on )ortyCsi&th Street. 8e %inds it con%#sing2 c(a#strophobic2 e&pensi!e2
a(ien.
)#ad is Sa(im$s sister$s h#sband. 8e is not a rich man2 b#t he is the coCo3ner o% a sma(( trin/et
%actory2 ma/ing /nic//nac/s %rom copper2 brooches and rings and brace(ets and stat#es.
"!erything is made %or e&port2 to other Arab co#ntries2 to "#rope2 to America.
Sa(im has been 3or/ing %or )#ad %or si& months. )#ad scares him a (itt(e. he tone o% )#ad$s
%a&es is becoming harsher. ,n the e!ening2 Sa(im sits in his hote( room2 reading his 7#r$an2
te((ing himse(% that this 3i(( pass2 that his stay in this strange 3or(d is (imited and %inite.
8is brotherCinC(a3 ga!e him a tho#sand do((ars %or misce((aneo#s tra!e(ing e&penses and the
money2 3hich seemed so h#ge a s#m 3hen %irst he sa3 it2 is e!aporating %aster than Sa(im can
be(ie!e. 5hen he %irst arri!ed2 scared o% being seen as a cheap Arab2 he tipped e!eryone2
handing e&tra do((ar bi((s to e!eryone he enco#ntered? and then he decided that he 3as being
ta/en ad!antage o%2 that perhaps they 3ere e!en (a#ghing at him2 and he stopped tipping
entire(y.
*n his %irst and on(y Do#rney by s#b3ay he got (ost and con%#sed2 and missed his appointment?
no3 he ta/es ta&is on(y 3hen he has to2 and the rest o% the time he 3a(/s. 8e st#mb(es into
o!erheated o%%ices2 his chee/s n#mb %rom the co(d o#tside2 s3eating beneath his coat2 shoes
soa/ed by s(#sh? and 3hen the 3inds b(o3 do3n the a!en#es G3hich r#n %rom north to so#th2
as the streets r#n 3est to east2 a(( so simp(e2 and Sa(im a(3ays /no3s 3here to %ace 6eccaH he
%ee(s a co(d on his e&posed s/in that is so intense it is (i/e being str#c/.
8e ne!er eats at the hote( G%or 3hi(e the hote( bi(( is being co!ered by )#ad$s b#siness partners2
he m#st pay %or his o3n %oodH? instead he b#ys %ood at %a(a%e( ho#ses and at (itt(e %ood stores2
sm#gg(es it #p to the hote( beneath his coat %or days be%ore he rea(i1es that no one cares. And
e!en then he %ee(s strange abo#t carrying the bags o% %ood into the dim(y (it e(e!ators GSa(im
a(3ays has to bend and sI#int to %ind the b#tton to press to ta/e him to his %(oorH and #p to the
tiny 3hite room in 3hich he stays.
Sa(im is #pset. he %a& that 3as 3aiting %or him 3hen he 3o/e this morning 3as c#rt2 and
a(ternate(y chiding2 stern2 and disappointed: Sa(im 3as (etting them do3n-his sister2 )#ad2
)#ad$s b#siness partners2 the S#(tanate o% *man2 the 3ho(e Arab 3or(d. En(ess he 3as ab(e to
get the orders2 )#ad 3o#(d no (onger consider it his ob(igation to emp(oy Sa(im. hey depended
#pon him. 8is hote( 3as too e&pensi!e. 5hat 3as Sa(im doing 3ith their money2 (i!ing (i/e a
s#(tan in America: Sa(im read the %a& in his room G3hich has a(3ays been too hot and sti%(ing2 so
(ast night he opened a 3indo32 and 3as no3 too co(dH and sat there %or a time2 his %ace %ro1en
into an e&pression o% comp(ete misery.
hen Sa(im 3a(/ed do3nto3n2 ho(ding his samp(e case as i% it contained diamonds and r#bies2
tr#dging thro#gh the co(d %or b(oc/ a%ter b(oc/ #nti(2 on Broad3ay and 'ineteenth Street2 he
%inds a sI#at b#i(ding o!er a @a#ndromat and 3a(/s #p the stairs to the %o#rth %(oor2 to the
o%%ice o% Pang(oba( ,mports.
he o%%ice is dingy2 b#t he /no3s that Pang(oba( hand(es a(most ha(% o% the ornamenta(
so#!enirs that enter the E.S. %rom the )ar "ast. A rea( order2 a signi%icant order2 %rom Pang(oba(
co#(d redeem Sa(im$s Do#rney2 co#(d ma/e the di%%erence bet3een %ai(#re and s#ccess2 so Sa(im
sits on an #ncom%ortab(e 3ooden chair in an o#ter o%%ice2 his samp(e case ba(anced on his (ap2
staring at the midd(eCaged 3oman 3ith her hair dyed too bright a red 3ho sits behind the des/2
b(o3ing her nose on .(eene& a%ter .(eene&. A%ter she b(o3s her nose she 3ipes it2 and drops
the .(eene& into the trash.
Sa(im got there at ;K:VK A.6.2 ha(% an ho#r be%ore his appointment. 'o3 he sits there2 %(#shed
and shi!ering2 3ondering i% he is r#nning a %e!er. he time tic/s by so s(o3(y.
Sa(im (oo/s at his 3atch. hen he c(ears his throat.
he 3oman behind the des/ g(ares at him. A9es:B she says. ,t so#nds (i/e 9ed.
A,t is e(e!en thirtyC%i!e2B says Sa(im.
he 3oman g(ances at the c(oc/ on the 3a((2 and says2 A9ed2B again. A,d id.B
A6y appointment 3as %or e(e!en2B says Sa(im 3ith a p(acating smi(e.
A6ister B(anding /no3s yo#$re here2B she te((s him2 repro!ing(y. Bidter B(addig dode yo#$re
here.
Sa(im pic/s #p an o(d copy o% the 'e3 9or/ Post %rom the tab(e. 8e spea/s "ng(ish better than
he reads it2 and he p#11(es his 3ay thro#gh the stories (i/e a man doing a cross3ord p#11(e. 8e
3aits2 a p(#mp yo#ng man 3ith the eyes o% a h#rt p#ppy2 g(ancing %rom his 3atch to his
ne3spaper to the c(oc/ on the 3a((.
At t3e(!e thirty se!era( men come o#t %rom the inner o%%ice. hey ta(/ (o#d(y2 Dabbering a3ay to
each other in American. *ne o% them2 a big2 pa#nchy man2 has a cigar2 #n(it2 in his mo#th. 8e
g(ances at Sa(im as he comes o#t. 8e te((s the 3oman behind the des/ to try the D#ice o% a
(emon2 and 1inc2 as his sister s3ears by 1inc2 and !itamin 4. She promises him that she 3i((2 and
gi!es him se!era( en!e(opes. 8e poc/ets them and then he2 and the other men2 go o#t into the
ha((. he so#nd o% their (a#ghter disappears do3n the stair3e((.
,t is one o$c(oc/. he 3oman behind the des/ opens a dra3er and ta/es o#t a bro3n paper bag2
%rom 3hich she remo!es se!era( sand3iches2 an app(e2 and a 6i(/y 5ay. She a(so ta/es o#t a
sma(( p(astic bott(e o% %resh(y sI#ee1ed orange D#ice.
A"&c#se me2B says Sa(im2 Ab#t can yo# perhaps ca(( 6ister B(anding and te(( him that , am sti((
3aiting:B
She (oo/s #p at him as i% s#rprised to see that he is sti(( there2 as i% they ha!e not been sitting
%i!e %eet apart %or t3o and a ha(% ho#rs. A8e$s at (#nch2B she says. 8e$d ad d#dge.
Sa(im /no3s2 /no3s deep do3n in his g#t2 that B(anding 3as the man 3ith the #n(it cigar.
A5hen 3i(( he be bac/:B
She shr#gs2 ta/es a bite o% her sand3ich. A8e$s b#sy 3ith appointments %or the rest o% the day2B
she says. 8e$d biddy 3id abboidmeds %or the red ob the day.
A5i(( he see me2 then2 3hen he comes bac/:B as/s Sa(im.
She shr#gs2 and b(o3s her nose.
Sa(im is h#ngry2 increasing(y so2 and %r#strated2 and po3er(ess.
At three o$c(oc/ the 3oman (oo/s at him and says2 A8e 3ode be g#bbig bag.B
A"&c#se:B
ABidder B(addig. 8e 3ode be g#bbig bag today.B
A4an , ma/e an appointment %or tomorro3:B
She 3ipes her nose. A9o# hab to teddephode. Appoidbeds od(y by teddephode.B
A, see2B says Sa(im. And then he smi(es: a sa(esman2 )#ad had to(d him many times be%ore he
(e%t 6#scat2 is na/ed in America 3itho#t his smi(e. Aomorro3 , 3i(( te(ephone2B he says. 8e
ta/es his samp(e case2 and he 3a(/s do3n the many stairs to the street2 3here the %ree1ing rain
is t#rning to s(eet. Sa(im contemp(ates the (ong2 co(d 3a(/ bac/ to the )ortyCsi&th Street hote(2
and the 3eight o% the samp(e case2 then he steps to the edge o% the side3a(/ and 3a!es at
e!ery ye((o3 cab that approaches2 3hether the (ight on top is on or o%%2 and e!ery cab dri!es
past him.
*ne o% them acce(erates as it passes? a 3hee( di!es into a 3aterC%i((ed potho(e2 spraying
%ree1ing m#ddy 3ater o!er Sa(im$s pants and coat. )or a moment2 he contemp(ates thro3ing
himse(% in %ront o% one o% the (#mbering cars2 and then he rea(i1es that his brotherCinC(a3 3o#(d
be more concerned 3ith the %ate o% the samp(e case than that o% Sa(im himse(%2 and that he
3o#(d bring grie% to no one b#t his be(o!ed sister2 )#ad$s 3i%e G%or Sa(im had a(3ays been a
s(ight embarrassment to his %ather and mother2 and his romantic enco#nters had a(3ays2 o%
necessity2 been both brie% and re(ati!e(y anonymo#sH: a(so2 he do#bts that any o% the cars is
going %ast eno#gh act#a((y to end his (i%e.
A battered ye((o3 ta&i dra3s #p beside him and2 grate%#( to be ab(e to abandon his train o%
tho#ght2 Sa(im gets in.
he bac/ seat is patched 3ith gray d#ct tape? the ha(%Copen P(e&ig(as barrier is co!ered 3ith
notices 3arning him not to smo/e2 te((ing him ho3 m#ch to pay to the !ario#s airports. he
recorded !oice o% somebody %amo#s he has ne!er heard o% te((s him to remember to 3ear his
seatbe(t.
Ahe Paramo#nt 8ote(2 p(ease2B says Sa(im.
he cab dri!er gr#nts2 and p#((s a3ay %rom the c#rb2 into the tra%%ic. 8e is #nsha!en2 and he
3ears a thic/2 d#stCco(ored s3eater2 and b(ac/ p(astic s#ng(asses. he 3eather is gray2 and night
is %a((ing: Sa(im 3onders i% the man has a prob(em 3ith his eyes. he 3ipers smear the street
scene into grays and sm#dged (ights.
)rom no3here2 a tr#c/ p#((s o#t in %ront o% them2 and the cab dri!er s3ears in Arabic2 by the
beard o% the Prophet.
Sa(im stares at the name on the dashboard2 b#t he cannot ma/e it o#t %rom here. A8o3 (ong
ha!e yo# been dri!ing a cab2 my %riend:B he as/s the man2 in Arabic.
Aen years2B says the dri!er2 in the same (ang#age. A5here are yo# %rom:B
A6#scat2B says Sa(im. A,n *man.B
A)rom *man. , ha!e been in *man. ,t 3as a (ong time ago. 8a!e yo# heard o% the city o% Ebar:B
as/s the ta&i dri!er.
A,ndeed , ha!e2B says Sa(im. Ahe @ost 4ity o% o3ers. hey %o#nd it in the desert %i!e2 ten years
ago2 , do not remember e&act(y. 5ere yo# 3ith the e&pedition that e&ca!ated it:B
ASomething (i/e that. ,t 3as a good city2B says the ta&i dri!er. A*n most nights there 3o#(d be
three2 maybe %o#r tho#sand peop(e camped there: e!ery tra!e(er 3o#(d rest at Ebar2 and the
m#sic 3o#(d p(ay2 and the 3ine 3o#(d %(o3 (i/e 3ater and the 3ater 3o#(d %(o3 as 3e((2 3hich
3as 3hy the city e&isted.B
Ahat is 3hat , ha!e heard2B says Sa(im. AAnd it perished2 3hat2 a tho#sand years ago: 3o
tho#sand:B
he ta&i dri!er says nothing. hey are stopped at a red tra%%ic (ight. he (ight t#rns green2 b#t
the ta&i dri!er does not mo!e2 despite the immediate discordant b(are o% horns behind them.
8esitant(y2 Sa(im reaches thro#gh the ho(e in the P(e&ig(as and he to#ches the dri!er on the
sho#(der. he man$s head Der/s #p2 3ith a start2 and he p#ts his %oot do3n on the gas2 (#rching
them across the intersection.
A)#c/shit%#c/%#c/2B he says2 in "ng(ish.
A9o# m#st be !ery tired2 my %riend2B says Sa(im.
A, ha!e been dri!ing this A((ahC%orgotten ta&i %or thirty ho#rs2B says the dri!er. A,t is too m#ch.
Be%ore that2 , s(eep %or %i!e ho#rs2 and , dro!e %o#rteen ho#rs be%ore that. 5e are shorthanded2
be%ore 4hristmas.B
A, hope yo# ha!e made a (ot o% money2B says Sa(im.
he dri!er sighs. A'ot m#ch. his morning , dro!e a man %rom )i%tyC%irst Street to 'e3ar/
airport. 5hen 3e got there2 he ran o%% into the airport2 and , co#(d not %ind him again. A %i%tyC
do((ar %are gone2 and , had to pay the to((s on the 3ay bac/ myse(%.B
Sa(im nods. A, had to spend today 3aiting to see a man 3ho 3i(( not see me. 6y brotherCinC(a3
hates me. , ha!e been in America %or a 3ee/2 and it has done nothing b#t eat my money. , se((
nothing.B
A5hat do yo# se((:B
AShit2B says Sa(im. A5orth(ess ge3ga3s and ba#b(es and to#rist trin/ets. 8orrib(e2 cheap2
%oo(ish2 #g(y shit.B
he ta&i dri!er 3renches the 3hee( to the right2 s3ings aro#nd something2 dri!es on. Sa(im
3onders ho3 he can see to dri!e2 bet3een the rain2 the night2 and the thic/ s#ng(asses.
A9o# try to se(( shit:B
A9es2B says Sa(im2 thri((ed and horri%ied that he has spo/en the tr#th abo#t his brotherCinC(a3$s
samp(es.
AAnd they 3i(( not b#y it:B
A'o.B
AStrange. 9o# (oo/ at the stores here2 that is a(( they se((.B
Sa(im smi(es ner!o#s(y.
A tr#c/ is b(oc/ing the street in %ront o% them: a redC%aced cop standing in %ront o% it 3a!es and
sho#ts and points them do3n the nearest street.
A5e 3i(( go o!er to "ighth A!en#e2 come #pto3n that 3ay2B says the ta&i dri!er. hey t#rn onto
the street2 3here the tra%%ic has stopped comp(ete(y. here is a cacophony o% horns2 b#t the
cars do not mo!e.
he dri!er s3ays in his seat. 8is chin begins to descend to his chest2 one2 t3o2 three times. hen
he begins2 gent(y2 to snore. Sa(im reaches o#t to 3a/e the man2 hoping that he is doing the right
thing. As he sha/es his sho#(der the dri!er mo!es2 and Sa(im$s hand br#shes the man$s %ace2
/noc/ing the man$s s#ng(asses %rom his %ace onto his (ap.
he ta&i dri!er opens his eyes and reaches %or2 and rep(aces2 the b(ac/ p(astic s#ng(asses2 b#t it
is too (ate. Sa(im has seen his eyes.
he car cra3(s %or3ard in the rain. he n#mbers on the meter increase.
AAre yo# going to /i(( me:B as/s Sa(im.
he ta&i dri!er$s (ips are pressed together. Sa(im 3atches his %ace in the dri!er$s mirror.
A'o2B says the dri!er.
he car stops again. he rain patters on the roo%.
Sa(im begins to spea/. A6y grandmother s3ore that she had seen an i%rit2 or perhaps a marid2
(ate one e!ening2 on the edge o% the desert. 5e to(d her that it 3as D#st a sandstorm2 a (itt(e
3ind2 b#t she said no2 she sa3 its %ace2 and its eyes2 (i/e yo#rs2 3ere b#rning %(ames.B
he dri!er smi(es2 b#t his eyes are hidden behind the b(ac/ p(astic g(asses2 and Sa(im cannot te((
3hether there is any h#mor in that smi(e or not. Ahe grandmothers came here too2B he says.
AAre there many Dinn in 'e3 9or/:B as/s Sa(im.
A'o. 'ot many o% #s.B
Ahere are the ange(s2 and there are men2 3ho A((ah made %rom m#d2 and then there are the
peop(e o% the %ire2 the Dinn2B says Sa(im.
APeop(e /no3 nothing abo#t my peop(e here2B says the dri!er. Ahey thin/ 3e grant 3ishes. ,% ,
co#(d grant 3ishes do yo# thin/ , 3o#(d be dri!ing a cab:B
A, do not #nderstand.B
he ta&i dri!er seems g(oomy. Sa(im 3atches his %ace in the mirror as he spea/s2 staring at the
i%rit$s dar/ (ips.
Ahey be(ie!e that 3e grant 3ishes. 5hy do they be(ie!e that: , s(eep in one stin/ing room in
Broo/(yn. , dri!e this ta&i %or any stin/ing %rea/ 3ho has the money to ride in it2 and %or some
3ho don$t. , dri!e them 3here they need to go2 and sometimes they tip me. Sometimes they
pay me.B 8is (o3er (ip began to tremb(e. he i%rit seemed on edge. A*ne o% them shat on the
bac/ seat once. , had to c(ean it be%ore , co#(d ta/e the cab bac/. 8o3 co#(d he do that: , had to
c(ean the 3et shit %rom the seat. ,s that right:B
Sa(im p#ts o#t a hand2 pats the i%rit$s sho#(der. 8e can %ee( so(id %(esh thro#gh the 3oo( o% the
s3eater. he i%rit raises his hand %rom the 3hee(2 rests it on Sa(im$s hand %or a moment.
Sa(im thin/s o% the desert then: red sands b(o3 a d#stCstorm thro#gh his tho#ghts2 and the
scar(et si(/s o% the tents that s#rro#nded the (ost city o% Ebar %(ap and bi((o3 thro#gh his mind.
hey dri!e #p "ighth A!en#e.
Ahe o(d be(ie!e. hey do not piss into ho(es2 beca#se the Prophet to(d them that Dinn (i!e in
ho(es. hey /no3 that the ange(s thro3 %(aming stars at #s 3hen 3e try to (isten to their
con!ersations. B#t e!en %or the o(d2 3hen they come to this co#ntry 3e are !ery2 !ery %ar a3ay.
Bac/ there2 , did not ha!e to dri!e a cab.B
A, am sorry2B says Sa(im.
A,t is a bad time2B says the dri!er. AA storm is coming. ,t scares me. , 3o#(d do anything to get
a3ay.B
he t3o o% them say nothing more on their 3ay bac/ to the hote(.
5hen Sa(im gets o#t o% the cab he gi!es the i%rit a t3entyCdo((ar bi((2 te((s him to /eep the
change. hen2 3ith a s#dden b#rst o% co#rage2 he te((s him his room n#mber. he ta&i dri!er
says nothing in rep(y. A yo#ng 3oman c(ambers into the bac/ o% the cab2 and it p#((s o#t into
the co(d and the rain.
Si& o$c(oc/ in the e!ening. Sa(im has not yet 3ritten the %a& to his brotherCinC(a3. 8e goes o#t
into the rain2 b#ys himse(% this night$s /ebab and %rench %ries. ,t has on(y been a 3ee/2 b#t he
%ee(s that he is becoming hea!ier2 ro#nder2 so%tening in this co#ntry o% 'e3 9or/.
5hen he comes bac/ to the hote( he is s#rprised to see the ta&i dri!er standing in the (obby2
hands deep into his poc/ets. 8e is staring at a disp(ay o% b(ac/CandC3hite postcards. 5hen he
sees Sa(im he smi(es2 se(%Cconscio#s(y. A, ca((ed yo#r room2B he says2 Ab#t there 3as no ans3er.
So , tho#ght , 3o#(d 3ait.B
Sa(im smi(es a(so2 and to#ches the man$s arm. A, am here2B he says.
ogether they enter the dim2 greenC(it e(e!ator2 ascend to the %i%th %(oor ho(ding hands. he i%rit
as/s i% he may #se Sa(im$s bathroom. A, %ee( !ery dirty2B he says. Sa(im nods. 8e sits on the bed2
3hich %i((s most o% the sma(( 3hite room2 and (istens to the so#nd o% the sho3er r#nning. Sa(im
ta/es o%% his shoes2 his soc/s2 and then the rest o% his c(othes.
he ta&i dri!er comes o#t o% the sho3er2 3et2 3ith a to3e( 3rapped abo#t his midCsection. 8e
is not 3earing his s#ng(asses2 and in the dim room his eyes b#rn 3ith scar(et %(ames.
Sa(im b(in/s bac/ tears. A, 3ish yo# co#(d see 3hat , see2B he says.
A, do not grant 3ishes2B 3hispers the i%rit2 dropping his to3e( and p#shing Sa(im gent(y2 b#t
irresistib(y2 do3n onto the bed.
,t is an ho#r or more be%ore the i%rit comes2 thr#sting and grinding into Sa(im$s mo#th. Sa(im has
a(ready come t3ice in this time. he Dinn$s semen tastes strange2 %iery2 and it b#rns Sa(im$s
throat.
Sa(im goes to the bathroom2 3ashes o#t his mo#th. 5hen he ret#rns to the bedroom the ta&i
dri!er is a(ready as(eep in the 3hite bed2 snoring peace%#((y. Sa(im c(imbs into the bed beside
him2 c#dd(es c(ose to the i%rit2 imagining the desert on his s/in.
As he starts to %a(( as(eep he rea(i1es that he sti(( has not 3ritten his %a& to )#ad2 and he %ee(s
g#i(ty. Deep inside he %ee(s empty and a(one: he reaches o#t2 rests his hand on the i%rit$s
t#mescent coc/ and2 com%orted2 he s(eeps.
hey 3a/e in the sma(( ho#rs2 mo!ing against each other2 and they ma/e (o!e again. At one
point Sa(im rea(i1es that he is crying2 and the i%rit is /issing a3ay his tears 3ith b#rning (ips.
A5hat is yo#r name:B Sa(im as/s the ta&i dri!er.
Ahere is a name on my dri!ing permit2 b#t it is not mine2B the i%rit says.
A%ter3ard2 Sa(im co#(d not remember 3here the se& had stopped and the dreams began.
5hen Sa(im 3a/es2 the co(d s#n creeping into the 3hite room2 he is a(one.
A(so2 he disco!ers2 his samp(e case is gone2 a(( the bott(es and rings and so#!enir copper
%(ash(ights2 a(( gone2 a(ong 3ith his s#itcase2 his 3a((et2 his passport2 and his air tic/ets bac/ to
*man.
8e %inds a pair o% Deans2 the Cshirt2 and the d#stCco(ored 3oo(en s3eater discarded on the
%(oor. Beneath them he %inds a dri!er$s (icense in the name o% ,brahim bin ,rem2 a ta&i permit in
the same name2 and a ring o% /eys 3ith an address 3ritten on a piece o% paper attached to
them in "ng(ish. he photographs on the (icense and the permit ,D do not (oo/ m#ch (i/e Sa(im2
b#t then2 they did not (oo/ m#ch (i/e the i%rit.
he te(ephone rings: it is the %ront des/ ca((ing to point o#t that Sa(im has a(ready chec/ed o#t2
and his g#est needs to (ea!e soon so that they can ser!ice the room2 to get it ready %or another
occ#pant.
A, do not grant 3ishes2B says Sa(im2 tasting the 3ay the 3ords shape themse(!es in his mo#th.
8e %ee(s strange(y (ightCheaded as he dresses.
'e3 9or/ is !ery simp(e: the a!en#es r#n north to so#th2 the streets r#n 3est to east. 8o3 hard
can it be: he as/s himse(%.
8e tosses the car /eys into the air and catches them. hen he p#ts on the b(ac/ p(astic
s#ng(asses he %o#nd in the poc/ets2 and (ea!es the hote( room to go and (oo/ %or his cab.
48AP"+ ",G8
8e said the dead had so#(s2 b#t 3hen , as/ed him8o3 that co#(d be-, tho#ght the dead 3ere
so#(s28e bro/e my trance. Don$t that ma/e yo# s#spicio#shat there$s something the dead are
/eeping bac/:9es2 there$s something the dead are /eeping bac/.-+*B"+ )+*S2 A5* 5,48"SB
he 3ee/ be%ore 4hristmas is o%ten a I#iet one in a %#nera( par(or2 Shado3 (earned2 o!er
s#pper. 6r. ,bis e&p(ained it to him. Ahe (ingering ones are ho(ding on %or one %ina( 4hristmas2B
said 6r. ,bis2 Aor e!en %or 'e3 9ear$s2 3hi(e the others2 the ones %or 3hom other peop(e$s Do((ity
and ce(ebration 3i(( pro!e too pain%#(2 ha!e not yet been tipped o!er the edge by that (ast
sho3ing o% ,t$s a 5onder%#( @i%e2 ha!e not I#ite enco#ntered the %ina( stra32 or sho#(d , say2
the %ina( sprig o% ho((y that brea/s not the came($s b#t the reindeer$s bac/.B And he made a
(itt(e noise as he said it2 ha(% smir/2 ha(% snort2 3hich s#ggested that he had D#st #ttered a 3e((C
honed phrase o% 3hich he 3as partic#(ar(y %ond.
,bis and JacI#e( 3as a sma((2 %ami(yCo3ned %#nera( home: one o% the (ast tr#(y independent
%#nera( homes in the area2 or so 6r. ,bis maintained. A6ost %ie(ds o% h#man merchandising
!a(#e nation3ide brand identities2B he said. 6r. ,bis spo/e in e&p(anations: a gent(e2 earnest
(ect#ring that p#t Shado3 in mind o% a co((ege pro%essor 3ho #sed to 3or/ o#t at the 6#sc(e
)arm and 3ho co#(d not ta(/2 co#(d on(y disco#rse2 e&po#nd2 e&p(ain. Shado3 had %ig#red o#t
3ithin the %irst %e3 min#tes o% meeting 6r. ,bis that his e&pected part in any con!ersation 3ith
the %#nera( director 3as to say as (itt(e as possib(e. hey 3ere sitting in a sma(( resta#rant2 t3o
b(oc/s %rom ,bis and JacI#e($s %#nera( home. Shado3$s s#pper consisted o% an a((Cday %#((
brea/%ast-it came 3ith h#sh p#ppies-3hi(e 6r. ,bis pic/ed and pec/ed at a s(ice o%
co%%eeca/e. Ahis2 , be(ie!e2 is beca#se peop(e (i/e to /no3 3hat they are getting ahead o% time.
h#s 6cDona(d$s2 5a(C6art2 ). 5. 5oo(3orth Go% b(essed memoryH: storeCbrands maintained
and !isib(e across the entire co#ntry. 5here!er yo# go2 yo# 3i(( get something that is2 3ith
sma(( regiona( !ariations2 the same.
A,n the %ie(d o% %#nera( homes2 ho3e!er2 things are2 per%orce2 di%%erent. 9o# need to %ee( that
yo# are getting sma((Cto3n persona( ser!ice %rom someone 3ho has a ca((ing to the pro%ession.
9o# 3ant persona( attention to yo# and yo#r (o!ed one in a time o% great (oss. 9o# 3ish to
/no3 that yo#r grie% is happening on a (oca( (e!e(2 not on a nationa( one. B#t in a(( branches o%
ind#stry-and death is an ind#stry2 my yo#ng %riend2 ma/e no mista/e abo#t that-one ma/es
one$s money %rom operating in b#(/2 %rom b#ying in I#antity2 %rom centra(i1ing one$s
operations. ,t$s not pretty2 b#t it$s tr#e. ro#b(e is2 no one 3ants to /no3 that their (o!ed ones
are tra!e(ing in a coo(erC!an to some big o(d con!erted 3areho#se 3here they may ha!e
t3enty2 %i%ty2 a h#ndred cada!ers on the go. 'o2 sir. )o(/s 3ant to thin/ they$re going to a %ami(y
concern2 some3here they$(( be treated 3ith respect by someone 3ho$(( tip his hat to them i% he
sees them in the street.B
6r. ,bis 3ore a hat. ,t 3as a sober bro3n hat that matched his sober bro3n b(a1er and his
sober bro3n %ace. Sma(( go(dCrimmed g(asses perched on his nose. ,n Shado3$s memory 6r.
,bis 3as a short man? 3hene!er he 3o#(d stand beside him2 Shado3 3o#(d redisco!er that 6r.
,bis 3as 3e(( o!er si& %eet in height2 3ith a craneC(i/e stoop.
ASo 3hen the big companies come in they b#y the name o% the company2 they pay the %#nera(
directors to stay on2 they create the apparency o% di!ersity. B#t that is mere(y the tip o% the
gra!estone. ,n rea(ity2 they are as (oca( as B#rger .ing. 'o32 %or o#r o3n reasons2 3e are tr#(y
an independent. 5e do a(( o#r o3n emba(ming2 and it$s the %inest emba(ming in the co#ntry2
a(tho#gh nobody /no3s it b#t #s. 5e don$t do cremations2 tho#gh. 5e co#(d ma/e more
money i% 3e had o#r o3n crematori#m2 b#t it goes against 3hat 3e$re good at. 5hat my
b#siness partner says is2 i% the @ord gi!es yo# a ta(ent or a s/i((2 yo# ha!e an ob(igation to #se it
as best yo# can. Don$t yo# agree:B
ASo#nds good to me2B said Shado3.
Ahe @ord ga!e my b#siness partner dominion o!er the dead2 D#st as he ga!e me s/i(( 3ith
3ords. )ine things2 3ords. , 3rite boo/s o% ta(es2 yo# /no3. 'othing (iterary. J#st %or my o3n
am#sement. Acco#nts o% (i!es.B 8e pa#sed. By the time Shado3 rea(i1ed that he sho#(d ha!e
as/ed i% he might be a((o3ed to read one2 the moment had passed. AAny3ay2 3hat 3e gi!e
them here is contin#ity: there$s been an ,bis and JacI#e( in b#siness here %or a(most t3o
h#ndred years. 5e 3eren$t a(3ays %#nera( directors2 tho#gh. 5e #sed to be morticians2 and
be%ore that2 #nderta/ers.B
AAnd be%ore that:B
A5e((2B said 6r. ,bis2 smi(ing D#st a (itt(e sm#g(y2 A3e go bac/ a !ery (ong 3ay. *% co#rse2 it
3asn$t #nti( a%ter the 5ar Bet3een the States that 3e %o#nd o#r niche here. hat 3as 3hen 3e
became the %#nera( par(or %or the co(ored %o(/s hereabo#ts. Be%ore that no one tho#ght o% #s as
co(ored-%oreign maybe2 e&otic and dar/2 b#t not co(ored. *nce the 3ar 3as done2 pretty soon2
no one co#(d remember a time 3hen 3e 3eren$t percei!ed as b(ac/. 6y b#siness partner2 he$s
a(3ays had dar/er s/in than mine. ,t 3as an easy transition. 6ost(y yo# are 3hat they thin/ yo#
are. ,t$s D#st strange 3hen they ta(/ abo#t A%ricanCAmericans. 6a/es me thin/ o% the peop(e
%rom P#nt2 *phir2 '#bia. 5e ne!er tho#ght o% o#rse(!es as A%ricans-3e 3ere the peop(e o%
the 'i(e.B
ASo yo# 3ere "gyptians2B said Shado3.
6r. ,bis p#shed his (o3er (ip #p3ard2 then (et his head bob %rom side to side2 as i% it 3ere on a
spring2 3eighing the p(#ses and min#ses2 seeing things %rom both points o% !ie3. A5e((2 yes and
no. R"gyptians$ ma/es me thin/ o% the %o(/ 3ho (i!e there no3. he ones 3ho b#i(t their cities
o!er o#r gra!eyards and pa(aces. Do they (oo/ (i/e me:B
Shado3 shr#gged. 8e$d seen b(ac/ g#ys 3ho (oo/ed (i/e 6r. ,bis. 8e$d seen 3hite g#ys 3ith
tans 3ho (oo/ed (i/e 6r. ,bis.
A8o3 3as yo#r co%%eeCca/e:B as/ed the 3aitress2 re%i((ing their co%%ees.
ABest , e!er had2B said 6r. ,bis. A9o# gi!e my best to yo#r ma.B
A,$(( do that2B she said2 and b#st(ed a3ay.
A9o# don$t 3ant to as/ a%ter the hea(th o% anyone2 i% yo#$re a %#nera( director. hey thin/
maybe yo#$re sco#ting %or b#siness2B said 6r. ,bis2 in an #ndertone. ASha(( 3e see i% yo#r room
is ready:B
heir breath steamed in the night air. 4hristmas (ights t3in/(ed in the 3indo3s o% the stores
they passed. A,t$s good o% yo#2 p#tting me #p2B said Shado3. A, appreciate it.B
A5e o3e yo#r emp(oyer a n#mber o% %a!ors. And @ord /no3s2 3e ha!e the room. ,t$s a big o(d
ho#se. here #sed to be more o% #s2 yo# /no3. 'o3 it$s D#st the three o% #s. 9o# 3on$t be in the
3ay.B
AAny idea ho3 (ong ,$m meant to stay 3ith yo#:B
6r. ,bis shoo/ his head. A8e didn$t say. B#t 3e are happy to ha!e yo# here2 and 3e can %ind yo#
3or/. ,% yo# are not sI#eamish. ,% yo# treat the dead 3ith respect.B
ASo2B as/ed Shado32 A3hat are yo# peop(e doing here in 4airo: 5as it D#st the name or
something:B
A'o. 'ot at a((. Act#a((y this region ta/es its names %rom #s2 a(tho#gh peop(e bare(y /no3 it. ,t
3as a trading post bac/ in the o(d days.B
A)rontier times:B
A9o# might ca(( it that2B said 6r. ,bis. A"!ening2 6i11 SimmonsP And a merry 4hristmas to yo#
tooP he %o(/ 3ho bro#ght me here came #p the 6ississippi a (ong time bac/.B
Shado3 stopped in the street2 and stared. AAre yo# trying to te(( me that ancient "gyptians
came here to trade %i!e tho#sand years ago:B
6r. ,bis said nothing2 b#t he smir/ed (o#d(y. hen he said2 Ahree tho#sand %i!e h#ndred and
thirty years ago. Gi!e or ta/e.B
A*/ay2B said Shado3. A,$(( b#y it2 , g#ess. 5hat 3ere they trading:B
A'ot m#ch2B said 6r. ,bis. AAnima( s/ins. Some %ood. 4opper %rom the mines in the #pper
penins#(a. he 3ho(e thing 3as rather a disappointment. 'ot 3orth the e%%ort. hey stayed
here (ong eno#gh to be(ie!e in #s2 to sacri%ice to #s2 and %or a hand%#( o% the traders to die o%
%e!er and be b#ried here2 (ea!ing #s behind them.B 8e stopped dead in the midd(e o% the
side3a(/2 t#rned aro#nd s(o3(y2 arms e&tended. Ahis co#ntry has been Grand 4entra( Station
%or ten tho#sand years or more. 9o# say to me2 3hat abo#t 4o(#mb#s:B
AS#re2B said Shado32 ob(iging(y. A5hat abo#t him:B
A4o(#mb#s did 3hat peop(e had been doing %or tho#sands o% years. here$s nothing specia(
abo#t coming to America. ,$!e been 3riting stories abo#t it2 %rom time to time.B hey began to
3a(/ again.
Ar#e stories:B
AEp to a point2 yes. ,$(( (et yo# read one or t3o2 i% yo# (i/e. ,t$s a(( there %or anyone 3ho has eyes
to see it. Persona((y-and this is spea/ing as a s#bscriber to Scienti%ic American2 here-, %ee(
!ery sorry %or the pro%essiona(s 3hene!er they %ind another con%#sing s/#((2 something that
be(onged to the 3rong sort o% peop(e2 or 3hene!er they %ind stat#es or arti%acts that con%#se
them-%or they$(( ta(/ abo#t the odd2 b#t they 3on$t ta(/ abo#t the impossib(e2 3hich is 3here ,
%ee( sorry %or them2 %or as soon as something becomes impossib(e it s(ips(ides o#t o% be(ie%
entire(y2 3hether it$s tr#e or not. , mean2 here$s a s/#(( that sho3s the Ain#2 the Japanese
aborigina( race2 3ere in America nine tho#sand years ago. 8ere$s another that sho3s there
3ere Po(ynesians in 4a(i%ornia near(y t3o tho#sand years (ater. And a(( the scientists m#tter and
p#11(e o!er 3ho$s descended %rom 3hom2 missing the point entire(y. 8ea!en /no3s 3hat$((
happen i% they e!er act#a((y %ind the 8opi emergence t#nne(s. hat$(( sha/e a %e3 things #p2 yo#
D#st 3ait.
ADid the ,rish come to America in the dar/ ages2 yo# as/ me: *% co#rse they did2 and the 5e(sh2
and the Fi/ings2 3hi(e the A%ricans %rom the 3est coast-3hat in (ater days they ca((ed the s(a!e
coast or the i!ory coast-they 3ere trading 3ith So#th America2 and the 4hinese !isited *regon
a co#p(e o% times: they ca((ed it )# Sang. he BasI#e estab(ished their secret sacred %ishing
gro#nds o%% the coast o% 'e3%o#nd(and t3e(!e h#ndred years bac/. 'o32 , s#ppose yo#$re
going to say2 b#t2 6ister ,bis2 these peop(e 3ere primiti!es2 they didn$t ha!e radio contro(s and
!itamin pi((s and Det airp(anes.B
Shado3 hadn$t said anything2 and hadn$t p(anned to say anything2 b#t he %e(t it 3as reI#ired o%
him2 so he said2 A5e((2 3eren$t they:B he (ast dead (ea!es o% the a#t#mn crac/(ed #nder%oot2
3interCcrisp.
Ahe misconception is that men didn$t tra!e( (ong distances in boats be%ore the days o%
4o(#mb#s. 9et 'e3 0ea(and and ahiti and co#nt(ess Paci%ic is(ands 3ere sett(ed by peop(e in
boats 3hose na!igation s/i((s 3o#(d ha!e p#t 4o(#mb#s to shame? and the 3ea(th o% A%rica 3as
%rom trading2 a(tho#gh that 3as most(y to the "ast2 to ,ndia and 4hina. 6y peop(e2 the 'i(e %o(/2
3e disco!ered ear(y on that a reed boat 3i(( ta/e yo# aro#nd the 3or(d2 i% yo# ha!e the
patience and eno#gh Dars o% s3eet 3ater. 9o# see2 the biggest prob(em 3ith coming to America
in the o(d days 3as that there 3asn$t a (ot here that anyone 3anted to trade2 and it 3as m#ch
too %ar a3ay.B
hey had reached a (arge ho#se2 b#i(t in the sty(e peop(e ca((ed 7#een Anne. Shado3 3ondered
3ho 7#een Anne 3as2 and 3hy she had been so %ond o% Addams )ami(ySsty(e ho#ses. ,t 3as
the on(y b#i(ding on the b(oc/ that 3asn$t (oc/ed #p 3ith boardedCo!er 3indo3s. hey 3ent
thro#gh the gate and 3a(/ed aro#nd the bac/ o% the b#i(ding.
hro#gh (arge do#b(e doors2 3hich 6r. ,bis #n(oc/ed 3ith a /ey %rom his /eychain2 and they
3ere in a (arge2 #nheated room2 occ#pied by t3o peop(e: a !ery ta((2 dar/Cs/inned man2 ho(ding
a (arge meta( sca(pe(2 and a dead gir( in her (ate teens2 (ying on a (ong2 porce(ain obDect that
resemb(ed both a tab(e and a sin/.
here 3ere se!era( photographs o% the dead gir( pinned #p on a cor/Cboard on the 3a(( abo!e
the body. She 3as smi(ing in one2 a high schoo( head shot. ,n another she 3as standing in a (ine
3ith three other gir(s? they 3ere 3earing 3hat might ha!e been prom dresses2 and her b(ac/
hair 3as tied abo!e her head in an intricate /notC3or/.
4o(d on the porce(ain2 her hair 3as do3n2 (oose aro#nd her sho#(ders2 and matted 3ith dried
b(ood.
Ahis is my partner2 6ister JacI#e(2B said ,bis.
A5e met a(ready2B said JacI#e(. A)orgi!e me i% , don$t sha/e hands.B
Shado3 (oo/ed do3n at the gir( on the tab(e. A5hat happened to her:B he as/ed.
APoor taste in boy%riends2B said JacI#e(.
A,t$s not a(3ays %ata(2B said 6r. ,bis2 3ith a sigh. Ahis time it 3as. 8e 3as dr#n/2 and he had a
/ni%e2 and she to(d him that she tho#ght she 3as pregnant. 8e didn$t be(ie!e it 3as his.B
AShe 3as stabbedQ2B said 6r. JacI#e(2 and he co#nted. here 3as a c(ic/ as he stepped on a
%oots3itch2 t#rning on a sma(( Dictaphone on a nearby tab(e. A)i!e times. here are three /ni%e
3o#nds in the (e%t anterior chest 3a((. he %irst is bet3een the %o#rth and %i%th intercosta(
spaces at the media( border o% the (e%t breast2 t3o point t3o centimeters in (ength? the second
and third are thro#gh the in%erior portion o% the (e%t midCbreast penetrating at the si&th
interspace2 o!er(apping2 and meas#ring three centimeters. here is one 3o#nd t3o
centimeters (ong in the #pper anterior (e%t chest in the second interspace2 and one 3o#nd %i!e
centimeters (ong and a ma&im#m o% one point si& centimeters deep in the anteromedia( (e%t
de(toid2 a s(ashing inD#ry. A(( the chest 3o#nds are deep penetrating inD#ries. here are no other
!isib(e 3o#nds e&terna((y.B 8e re(eased press#re %rom the %oot s3itch. Shado3 noticed a sma((
microphone dang(ing abo!e the emba(ming tab(e by its cord.
ASo yo#$re the coroner as 3e((:B as/ed Shado3.
A4oroner$s a po(itica( appointment aro#nd here2B said ,bis. A8is Dob is to /ic/ the corpse. ,% it
doesn$t /ic/ him bac/2 he signs the death certi%icate. JacI#e($s 3hat they ca(( a prosector. 8e
3or/s %or the co#nty medica( e&aminer. 8e does a#topsies2 and sa!es tiss#e samp(es %or
ana(ysis. 8e$s a(ready photographed her 3o#nds.B
JacI#e( ignored them. 8e too/ a big sca(pe( and made a deep incision in a (arge F 3hich began
at both co((arbones and met at the bottom o% her breastbone2 and then he t#rned the F into a
92 another deep incision that contin#ed %rom her breastbone to her p#bis. 8e pic/ed #p 3hat
(oo/ed (i/e a sma((2 hea!y chrome dri(( 3ith a meda((ionCsi1ed ro#nd sa3 b(ade at the b#siness
end. 8e t#rned it on2 and c#t thro#gh the ribs at both sides o% her breastbone.
he gir( opened (i/e a p#rse.
Shado3 s#dden(y 3as a3are o% a mi(d b#t #np(easant(y penetrating2 p#ngent2 meaty sme((.
A, tho#ght it 3o#(d sme(( 3orse2B said Shado3.
AShe$s pretty %resh2B said JacI#e(. AAnd the intestines 3eren$t pierced2 so it doesn$t sme(( o%
shit.B
Shado3 %o#nd himse(% (oo/ing a3ay2 not %rom re!#(sion2 as he 3o#(d ha!e e&pected2 b#t %rom a
strange desire to gi!e the gir( some pri!acy. ,t 3o#(d be hard to be na/eder than this open
thing.
JacI#e( tied o%% the intestines2 g(istening and sna/e(i/e in her be((y2 be(o3 the stomach and
deep in the pe(!is. 8e ran them thro#gh his %ingers2 %oot a%ter %oot o% them2 described them as
Anorma(B to the microphone2 p#t them in a b#c/et on the %(oor. 8e s#c/ed a(( the b(ood o#t o%
her chest 3ith a !ac##m p#mp2 and meas#red the !o(#me. hen he inspected the inside o% her
chest. 8e said to the microphone2 Ahere are three (acerations in the pericardi#m2 3hich is
%i((ed 3ith c(otted and (iI#e%ied b(ood.B
JacI#e( grasped her heart2 c#t it at its top2 t#rned it abo#t in his hand2 e&amining it. 8e stepped
on his s3itch and said2 Ahere are t3o ( acerations o% the myocardi#m? a oneCpointC%i!eC
centimeter (aceration in the right !entric(e and a oneCpointCeightCcentimeter (aceration
penetrating the (e%t !entric(e.B
JacI#e( remo!ed each (#ng. he (e%t (#ng had been stabbed and 3as ha(% co((apsed. 8e 3eighed
them2 and the heart2 and he photographed the 3o#nds. )rom each (#ng he s(iced a sma(( piece
o% tiss#e2 3hich he p(aced into a Dar.
A)orma(dehyde2B 3hispered 6r. ,bis2 he(p%#((y.
JacI#e( contin#ed to ta(/ to the microphone2 describing 3hat he 3as doing2 3hat he sa32 as he
remo!ed the gir($s (i!er2 the stomach2 sp(een2 pancreas2 both /idneys2 the #ter#s and the
o!aries.
8e 3eighed each organ2 reported them as norma( and #ninD#red. )rom each organ he too/ a
sma(( s(ice and p#t it into a Dar o% %orma(dehyde.
)rom the heart2 the (i!er2 and %rom one o% the /idneys2 he c#t an additiona( s(ice. hese pieces
he che3ed2 s(o3(y2 ma/ing them (ast2 and ate 3hi(e he 3or/ed.
Someho3 it seemed to Shado3 a good thing %or him to do: respect%#(2 not obscene.
ASo yo# 3ant to stay here 3ith #s %or a spe((:B said JacI#e(2 masticating the s(ice o% the gir($s
heart.
A,% yo#$(( ha!e me2B said Shado3.
A4ertain(y 3e$(( ha!e yo#2B said 6r. ,bis. A'o reasons 3hy not and p(enty o% reasons 3hy. 9o#$((
be #nder o#r protection as (ong as yo#$re here.B
A, hope yo# don$t mind s(eeping #nder the same roo% as the dead2B said JacI#e(.
Shado3 tho#ght o% the to#ch o% @a#ra$s (ips2 bitter and co(d. A'o2B he said. A'ot as (ong as they
stay dead2 anyho3.B
JacI#e( t#rned and (oo/ed at him 3ith dar/ bro3n eyes as I#i11ica( and co(d as a desert dog$s.
Ahey stay dead here2B 3as a(( he said.
ASeems to me2B said Shado3. ASeems to me that the dead come bac/ pretty easy.B
A'ot at a((2B said ,bis. A"!en 1ombies2 they ma/e them o#t o% the (i!ing2 yo# /no3. A (itt(e
po3der2 a (itt(e chanting2 a (itt(e p#sh2 and yo# ha!e a 1ombie. hey (i!e2 b#t they be(ie!e they
are dead. B#t to tr#(y bring the dead bac/ to (i%e2 in their bodies. hat ta/es po3er.B 8e
hesitates2 then2 A,n the o(d (and2 in the o(d days2 it 3as easier then.B
A9o# co#(d bind the /a o% a man to his body %or %i!e tho#sand years2B said JacI#e(. ABinding or
(oosing. B#t that 3as a (ong time ago.B 8e too/ a(( the organs that he had remo!ed and
rep(aced them2 respect%#((y2 in the body ca!ity. 8e rep(aced the intestines and the breastbone
and p#((ed the s/in edges near each other. hen he too/ a thic/ need(e and thread and2 3ith
de%t2 I#ic/ stro/es2 he se3ed it #p2 (i/e a man stitching a baseba((: the cada!er trans%ormed
%rom meat into gir( once again.
A, need a beer2B said JacI#e(. 8e p#((ed o%% his r#bber g(o!es and dropped them into the bin. 8e
dropped his dar/ bro3n o!era((s into a hamper. hen he too/ the cardboard tray o% Dars %i((ed
3ith (itt(e red and bro3n and p#rp(e s(ices o% the organs. A4oming:B
hey 3a(/ed #p the bac/ stairs to the /itchen. ,t 3as bro3n and 3hite2 a sober and respectab(e
room that (oo/ed to Shado3 as i% it had (ast been decorated in ;<>K. here 3as a h#ge
.e(!inator ratt(ing to itse(% by one 3a((. JacI#e( opened the .e(!inator$s door2 p#t the p(astic
Dars 3ith their s(i!ers o% sp(een2 o% /idney2 o% (i!er2 o% heart2 inside. 8e too/ o#t three bro3n
bott(es. ,bis opened a g(assC%ronted c#pboard2 remo!ed three ta(( g(asses. hen he gest#red %or
Shado3 to sit do3n at the /itchen tab(e.
,bis po#red the beer and passed a g(ass to Shado32 a g(ass to JacI#e(. ,t 3as a %ine beer2 bitter
and dar/.
AGood beer2B said Shado3.
A5e bre3 it o#rse(!es2B said ,bis. A,n the o(d days the 3omen did the bre3ing. hey 3ere better
bre3ers than 3e are. B#t no3 it is on(y the three o% #s here. 6e2 him2 and her.B 8e gest#red
to3ard the sma(( bro3n cat2 %ast as(eep in a catCbas/et in the corner o% the room. Ahere 3ere
more o% #s2 in the beginning. B#t Set (e%t #s to e&p(ore2 3hat2 t3o h#ndred years ago: 6#st be2
by no3. 5e got a postcard %rom him %rom San )rancisco in ;<KN2 ;<KW. hen nothing. 5hi(e
poor 8or#sQB 8e trai(ed o%%2 in a sigh2 and shoo/ his head.
A, sti(( see him2 on occasion2B said JacI#e(. A*n my 3ay to a pic/#p.B 8e sipped his beer.
A,$(( 3or/ %or my /eep2B said Shado3. A5hi(e ,$m here. 9o# te(( me 3hat yo# need doing2 and ,$((
do it.B
A5e$(( %ind 3or/ %or yo#2B agreed JacI#e(.
he sma(( bro3n cat opened her eyes and stretched to her %eet. She padded across the /itchen
%(oor and p#shed at Shado3$s boot 3ith her head. 8e p#t do3n his (e%t hand and scratched her
%orehead and the bac/ o% her ears and the scr#%% o% her nec/. She arched ecstatica((y2 then
sprang into his (ap2 p#shed herse(% #p against his chest2 and to#ched her co(d nose to his. hen
she c#r(ed #p in his (ap and 3ent bac/ to s(eep. 8e p#t his hand do3n to stro/e her: her %#r 3as
so%t2 and she 3as 3arm and p(easant in his (ap: she acted (i/e she 3as in the sa%est p(ace in the
3or(d2 and Shado3 %e(t com%orted.
he beer (e%t a p(easant b#11 in Shado3$s head.
A9o#r room is at the top o% the stairs2 by the bathroom2B said JacI#e(. A9o#r 3or/ c(othes 3i((
be hanging in the c(oset-yo#$(( see. 9o#$(( 3ant to 3ash #p and sha!e %irst2 , g#ess.B
Shado3 did. 8e sho3ered standing in the castCiron t#b and he sha!ed2 !ery ner!o#s(y2 3ith a
straight ra1or that JacI#e( (oaned him. ,t 3as obscene(y sharp2 and had a motherCo%Cpear(
hand(e2 and Shado3 s#spected it 3as #s#a((y #sed to gi!e dead men their %ina( sha!e. 8e had
ne!er #sed a straight ra1or be%ore2 b#t he did not c#t himse(%. 8e 3ashed o%% the sha!ing cream2
(oo/ed at himse(% na/ed in the %(yCspec/ed bathroom mirror. 8e 3as br#ised: %resh br#ises on
his chest and arms o!er(aying the %ading br#ises that 6ad S3eeney had (e%t him. 8e (oo/ed at
his 3et2 b(ac/ hair and the dar/ gray eyes 3hich (oo/ed bac/ mistr#st%#((y %rom the mirror at
him2 (oo/ed at the mar/s on his co%%eeCco(ored s/in.
And then2 as i% someone e(se 3ere ho(ding his hand2 he raised the straight ra1or2 p(aced it2
b(ade open2 against his throat.
,t 3o#(d be a 3ay o#t2 he tho#ght. An easy 3ay o#t. And i% there$s anyone 3ho$d simp(y ta/e it
in their stride2 3ho$d D#st c(ean #p the mess and get on 3ith things2 it$s the t3o g#ys sitting
do3nstairs at the /itchen tab(e drin/ing their beer. 'o more 3orries. 'o more @a#ra. 'o more
mysteries and conspiracies. 'o more bad dreams. J#st peace and I#iet and rest %ore!er. *ne
c(ean s(ash2 ear to ear. hat$s a(( it$(( ta/e.
8e stood there 3ith the ra1or against his throat. A tiny sm#dge o% b(ood came %rom the p(ace
3here the b(ade to#ched the s/in. 8e had not e!en noticed a c#t. See2 he to(d himse(%2 and he
co#(d a(most hear the 3ords being 3hispered in his ear. ,t$s pain(ess. oo sharp to h#rt. ,$(( be
gone be%ore , /no3 it.
hen the door to the bathroom s3#ng open2 D#st a %e3 inches2 eno#gh %or the (itt(e bro3n cat
to p#t her head aro#nd the door%rame and A6rr:B #p at him2 c#rio#s(y.
A8ey2B he said to the cat. A, tho#ght , (oc/ed that door.B
8e c(osed the c#tCthroat ra1or2 p#t it do3n on the side o% the sin/2 dabbed at his tiny c#t 3ith a
toi(et paper s3ab. hen he 3rapped a to3e( aro#nd his 3aist and 3ent into the bedroom ne&t
door.
8is bedroom2 (i/e the /itchen2 seemed to ha!e been decorated some time in the ;<>Ks: there
3as a 3ashstand and a pitcher beside the chest o% dra3ers and mirror. he room itse(% sme((ed
%aint(y m#sty2 as i% it 3as too in%reI#ent(y aired2 and the sheets o% the bed seemed %aint(y damp
3hen he to#ched them.
Someone had a(ready (aid o#t c(othes %or him on the bed: a b(ac/ s#it2 3hite shirt2 b(ac/ tie2
3hite #ndershirt and #nderpants2 b(ac/ soc/s. B(ac/ shoes sat on the 3orn Persian carpet
beside the bed.
8e dressed himse(%. he c(othes 3ere o% good I#a(ity2 a(tho#gh none o% them 3ere ne3. 8e
3ondered 3ho they had be(onged to. 5as he 3earing a dead man$s soc/s: 5o#(d he be
stepping into a dead man$s shoes: hen he p#t the c(othes on and (oo/ed at himse(% in the
mirror. he c(othes %it per%ect(y: there 3as not e!en the stretching aro#nd the chest or the
shortness in the arms he had e&pected. 8e adD#sted the tie in the mirror and no3 it seemed to
him that his re%(ection 3as smi(ing at him2 sardonica((y. 8e scratched the side o% his nose2 3as
act#a((y re(ie!ed 3hen his re%(ection did the same.
'o3 it seemed inconcei!ab(e to him that he had e!er tho#ght o% c#tting his throat. 8is
re%(ection contin#ed to smi(e as he adD#sted his tie.
A8ey2B he said to it2 Ayo# /no3 something that , don$t:B and immediate(y %e(t %oo(ish.
he door crea/ed open and the cat s(ipped bet3een the doorpost and the door and padded
across the room2 then #p on the 3indo3si((. A8ey2B he said to the cat. A, did sh#t that door. ,
/no3 , sh#t that door.B She (oo/ed at him2 interested. 8er eyes 3ere dar/ ye((o32 the co(or o%
amber. hen she D#mped do3n %rom the si((2 onto the bed2 3here she 3rapped herse(% into a
c#r( o% %#r and 3ent bac/ to s(eep2 a circ(e o% cat #pon the o(d co#nterpane.
Shado3 (e%t the bedroom door open2 so the cat co#(d (ea!e and the room air a (itt(e2 and he
3a(/ed do3nstairs. he stairs crea/ed and gr#mb(ed as he 3a(/ed do3n them2 protesting his
3eight2 as i% they D#st 3anted to be (e%t in peace.
ADamn yo# (oo/ good2B said JacI#e(. 8e 3as 3aiting at the bottom o% the stairs2 and 3as no3
himse(% dressed in a b(ac/ s#it2 simi(ar to Shado3$s. A9o# e!er dri!en a hearse:B
A'o.B
A)irst time %or e!erything2 then2B said JacI#e(. A,t$s par/ed o#t %ront.B
An o(d 3oman had died. 8er name had been @i(a Goodchi(d. At 6r. JacI#e($s direction2 Shado3
carried the %o(ded a(#min#m g#rney #p the narro3 stairs to her bedroom and #n%o(ded it ne&t
to her bed. 8e too/ o#t a trans(#cent b(#e p(astic body bag2 (aid it ne&t to the dead 3oman on
the bed2 and #n1ipped it open. She 3ore a pin/ nightgo3n and a I#i(ted robe. Shado3 (i%ted
her and 3rapped her2 %ragi(e and a(most 3eight(ess2 in a b(an/et2 and p(aced it onto the bag. 8e
1ipped the bag sh#t and p#t it on the g#rney. 5hi(e Shado3 did this2 JacI#e( ta(/ed to a !ery
o(d man 3ho had2 3hen she 3as a(i!e2 been married to @i(a Goodchi(d. *r rather2 JacI#e(
(istened 3hi(e the o(d man ta(/ed. As Shado3 had 1ipped 6rs. Goodchi(d a3ay the o(d man had
been e&p(aining ho3 #ngrate%#( his chi(dren had been2 and grandchi(dren too2 tho#gh that
3asn$t their %a#(t2 that 3as their parents$2 the app(e didn$t %a(( %ar %rom the tree2 and he tho#ght
he$d raised them better than that.
Shado3 and JacI#e( 3hee(ed the (oaded g#rney to the narro3 %(ight o% stairs. he o(d man
%o((o3ed them2 sti(( ta(/ing2 most(y abo#t money2 and greed2 and ingratit#de. 8e 3ore bedroom
s(ippers. Shado3 carried the hea!ier bottom end o% the g#rney do3n the stairs and o#t onto
the street2 then he 3hee(ed it a(ong the icy side3a(/ to the hearse. JacI#e( opened the hearse$s
rear door. Shado3 hesitated2 and JacI#e( said2 AJ#st p#sh it on in there. he s#pports$(( %o(d #p
o#t o% the 3ay.B Shado3 p#shed the g#rney2 and the s#pports snapped #p2 the 3hee(s rotated2
and the g#rney ro((ed right on to the %(oor o% the hearse. JacI#e( sho3ed him ho3 to strap it in
sec#re(y2 and Shado3 c(osed #p the hearse 3hi(e JacI#e( (istened to the o(d man 3ho had been
married to @i(a Goodchi(d2 #nmind%#( o% the co(d2 an o(d man in his s(ippers and his bathrobe o#t
on the 3intry side3a(/ te((ing JacI#e( ho3 his chi(dren 3ere !#(t#res2 no better than ho!ering
!#(t#res2 3aiting to ta/e 3hat (itt(e he and @i(a had scraped together2 and ho3 the t3o o% them
had %(ed to St. @o#is2 to 6emphis2 to 6iami2 and ho3 they 3o#nd #p in 4airo2 and ho3 re(ie!ed
he 3as that @i(a had not died in a n#rsing home2 ho3 scared he 3as that he 3o#(d.
hey 3a(/ed the o(d man bac/ into the ho#se2 #p the stairs to his room. A sma(( F set droned
%rom one corner o% the co#p(e$s bedroom. As Shado3 passed it he noticed that the ne3sreader
3as grinning and 3in/ing at him. 5hen he 3as s#re that no one 3as (oo/ing in his direction he
ga!e the set the %inger.
Ahey$!e got no money2B said JacI#e( 3hen they 3ere bac/ in the hearse. A8e$(( come in to see
,bis tomorro3. 8e$(( choose the cheapest %#nera(. 8er %riends 3i(( pers#ade him to do her right2
gi!e her a proper sendo%% in the %ront room2 , e&pect. B#t he$(( gr#mb(e. Got no money. 'obody
aro#nd here$s got money these days. Any3ay2 he$(( be dead in si& months. A year at the
o#tside.B
Sno3%(a/es t#mb(ed and dri%ted in %ront o% the head(ights. he sno3 3as coming so#th. Shado3
said2 A,s he sic/:B
A,t ain$t that. 5omen s#r!i!e their men. 6en-men (i/e him-don$t (i!e (ong 3hen their
3omen are gone. 9o#$(( see-he$(( D#st start 3andering2 a(( the %ami(iar things are going to be
gone 3ith her. 8e gets tired and he %ades and then he gi!es #p and then he$s gone. 6aybe
pne#monia 3i(( ta/e him or maybe it$(( be cancer2 or maybe his heart 3i(( stop. *(d age2 and a((
the %ight gone o#t o% yo#. hen yo# die.B
Shado3 tho#ght. A8ey2 JacI#e(:B
A9eah.B
ADo yo# be(ie!e in the so#(:B ,t 3asn$t I#ite the I#estion he had been going to as/2 and it too/
him by s#rprise to hear it coming %rom his mo#th. 8e had intended to say something (ess direct2
b#t there 3as nothing (ess direct that he co#(d say.
ADepends. Bac/ in my day2 3e had it a(( set #p. 9o# (ine #p 3hen yo# die2 and yo# ans3er %or
yo#r e!i( deeds and %or yo#r good deeds2 and i% yo#r e!i( deeds o#t3eighed a %eather2 3e$d
%eed yo#r so#( and yo#r heart to Ammet2 the "ater o% So#(s.B
A8e m#st ha!e eaten a (ot o% peop(e.B
A'ot as many as yo#$d thin/. ,t 3as a rea((y hea!y %eather. 5e had it made specia(. 9o# had to
be pretty damn e!i( to tip the sca(es on that baby. Stop here2 that gas station. 5e$(( p#t in a %e3
ga((ons.B
he streets 3ere I#iet2 in the 3ay that streets on(y are 3hen the %irst sno3 %a((s. A,t$s going to
be a 3hite 4hristmas2B said Shado3 as he p#mped the gas.
A9#p. Shit. hat boy 3as one (#c/y son o% a !irgin.B
AJes#s:B
A@#c/y2 (#c/y g#y. 8e co#(d %a(( in a cesspit and come #p sme((ing (i/e roses. 8e((2 it$s not e!en
his birthday2 yo# /no3 that: 8e too/ it %rom 6ithras. 9o# r#n into 6ithras yet: +ed cap. 'ice
/id.B
A'o2 , don$t thin/ so.B
A5e((Q,$!e ne!er seen 6ithras aro#nd here. 8e 3as an army brat. 6aybe he$s bac/ in the
6idd(e "ast2 ta/ing it easy2 b#t , e&pect he$s probab(y gone by no3. ,t happens. *ne day e!ery
so(dier in the empire has to sho3er in the b(ood o% yo#r sacri%icia( b#((. he ne&t they don$t
e!en remember yo#r birthday.B
S3ish 3ent the 3indshie(d 3ipers2 p#shing the sno3 to the side2 b#nching the %(a/es #p into
/nots and s3ir(s o% c(ear ice.
A tra%%ic (ight t#rned momentari(y ye((o3 and then red2 and Shado3 p#t his %oot on the bra/e.
he hearse %ishtai(ed and s3#ng aro#nd on the empty road be%ore it stopped.
he (ight t#rned green. Shado3 too/ the hearse #p to ten mi(es per ho#r2 3hich seemed
eno#gh on the s(ippery roads. ,t 3as per%ect(y happy cr#ising in second gear: he g#essed it m#st
ha!e spent a (ot o% its time at that speed2 ho(ding #p tra%%ic.
Ahat$s good2B said JacI#e(. ASo2 yeah2 Jes#s does pretty good o!er here. B#t , met a g#y 3ho
said he sa3 him hitchhi/ing by the side o% the road in A%ghanistan and nobody 3as stopping to
gi!e him a ride. 9o# /no3: ,t a(( depends on 3here yo# are.B
A, thin/ a rea( storm$s coming2B said Shado3. 8e 3as ta(/ing abo#t the 3eather.
JacI#e(2 3hen2 e!ent#a((y2 he began to ans3er2 3asn$t ta(/ing abo#t the 3eather at a((. A9o#
(oo/ at me and ,bis2B he said. A5e$(( be o#t o% b#siness in a %e3 years. 5e got sa!ings p#t aside
%or the (ean years2 b#t the (ean years ha!e been here %or a (ong 3hi(e2 and e!ery year they D#st
get (eaner. 8or#s is cra1y2 rea((y b#g%#c/ cra1y2 spends a(( his time as a ha3/2 eats road/i((2 3hat
/ind o% a (i%e is that: 9o#$!e seen Bast. And 3e$re in better shape than most o% them. At (east
3e$!e got a (itt(e be(ie% to be going a(ong 3ith. 6ost o% the s#c/ers o#t there ha!e bare(y got
that. ,t$s (i/e the %#nera( b#siness-the big g#ys are going to b#y yo# #p one day2 (i/e it or not2
beca#se they$re bigger and more e%%icient and beca#se they 3or/. )ighting$s not going to
change a damned thing2 beca#se 3e (ost this partic#(ar batt(e 3hen 3e came to this green (and
a h#ndred years ago or a tho#sand or ten tho#sand. 5e arri!ed and America D#st didn$t care
that 3e$d arri!ed. So 3e get bo#ght o#t2 or 3e press on2 or 3e hit the road. So2 yes. 9o#$re
right. he storm$s coming.B
Shado3 t#rned onto the street 3here the ho#ses 3ere2 a(( b#t one o% them2 dead2 their
3indo3s b(ind and boarded. Aa/e the bac/ a((ey2B said JacI#e(.
8e bac/ed the hearse #p #nti( it 3as a(most to#ching the do#b(e doors at the rear o% the ho#se.
,bis opened the hearse2 and the mort#ary doors2 and Shado3 #nb#c/(ed the g#rney and p#((ed
it o#t. he 3hee(ed s#pports rotated and dropped as they c(eared the b#mper. 8e 3hee(ed the
g#rney to the emba(ming tab(e. 8e pic/ed #p @i(a Goodchi(d2 crad(ing her in her opaI#e bag (i/e
a s(eeping chi(d2 and p(aced her care%#((y on the tab(e in the chi((y mort#ary2 as i% he 3ere a%raid
to 3a/e her.
A9o# /no32 , ha!e a trans%er board2B said JacI#e(. A9o# don$t ha!e to carry her.B
AAin$t nothing2B said Shado3. 8e 3as starting to so#nd more (i/e JacI#e(. A,$m a big g#y. ,t
doesn$t bother me.B
As a /id Shado3 had been sma(( %or his age2 a(( e(bo3s and /nees. he on(y photograph o%
Shado3 as a /id that @a#ra had (i/ed eno#gh to %rame sho3ed a serio#s chi(d 3ith #nr#(y hair
and dar/ eyes standing beside a tab(e2 (aden high 3ith ca/es and coo/ies. Shado3 tho#ght the
pict#re might ha!e been ta/en at an embassy 4hristmas party2 as he had been dressed in a
bo3tie and his best c(othes2 as one might dress a do((. 8e 3as (oo/ing so(emn(y o#t at the ad#(t
3or(d that s#rro#nded him.
hey had mo!ed too m#ch2 his mother and Shado32 %irst aro#nd "#rope2 %rom embassy to
embassy2 3here his mother had 3or/ed as a comm#nicator in the )oreign Ser!ice2 transcribing
and sending c(assi%ied te(egrams across the 3or(d2 and then2 3hen he 3as eight years o(d2 bac/
to the E.S.2 3here his mother2 no3 too sporadica((y sic/ to ho(d do3n a steady Dob2 had mo!ed
%rom city to city rest(ess(y spending a year here or a year there2 temping 3hen she 3as 3e((
eno#gh. hey ne!er spent (ong eno#gh in any p(ace %or Shado3 to ma/e %riends2 to %ee( at
home2 to re(a&. And Shado3 had been a sma(( chi(dQ
8e had gro3n so %ast. ,n the spring o% his thirteenth year the (oca( /ids had been pic/ing on him2
goading him into %ights they /ne3 they co#(d not %ai( to 3in and a%ter 3hich Shado3 3o#(d r#n2
angry and o%ten 3eeping2 to the boys$ room to 3ash the m#d or the b(ood %rom his %ace be%ore
anyone co#(d see it. hen came s#mmer2 a (ong2 magica(2 thirteenth s#mmer2 3hich he spent
/eeping o#t o% the 3ay o% the bigger /ids2 s3imming in the (oca( poo(2 reading (ibrary boo/s at
poo(side. At the start o% the s#mmer he co#(d bare(y s3im. By the end o% A#g#st he 3as
s3imming (ength a%ter (ength in an easy cra3(2 di!ing %rom the high board2 ripening to a deep
bro3n %rom the s#n and the 3ater. ,n September2 he had ret#rned to schoo( to disco!er that
the boys 3ho had made him miserab(e 3ere sma((2 so%t things no (onger capab(e o% #psetting
him. he t3o 3ho tried it 3ere ta#ght better manners2 hard and %ast and pain%#((y2 and Shado3
%o#nd that he had rede%ined himse(%: he co#(d no (onger be a I#iet /id2 doing his best to remain
#nobtr#si!e(y at the bac/ o% things. 8e 3as too big %or that2 too ob!io#s. By the end o% the year
he 3as on the s3imming team and on the 3eightC(i%ting team2 and the coach 3as co#rting him
%or the triath(on team. 8e (i/ed being big and strong. ,t ga!e him an identity. 8e$d been a shy2
I#iet2 boo/ish /id2 and that had been pain%#(? no3 he 3as a big d#mb g#y2 and nobody
e&pected him to be ab(e to do anything more than mo!e a so%a into the ne&t room on his o3n.
'obody #nti( @a#ra2 any3ay.
6r. ,bis had prepared dinner: rice and boi(ed greens %or himse(% and 6r. JacI#e(. A, am not a
meat eater2B he e&p(ained2 A3hi(e JacI#e( gets a(( the meat he needs in the co#rse o% his 3or/.B
Beside Shado3$s p(ace 3as a carton o% chic/en pieces %rom .)42 and a bott(e o% beer.
here 3as more chic/en than Shado3 co#(d eat2 and he shared the (e%to!ers 3ith the cat2
remo!ing the s/in and cr#sty coating then shredding the meat %or her 3ith his %ingers.
Ahere 3as a g#y in prison named Jac/son2B said Shado32 as he ate2 A3or/ed in the prison
(ibrary. 8e to(d me that they changed the name %rom .ent#c/y )ried 4hic/en to .)4 beca#se
they don$t ser!e rea( chic/en any more. ,t$s become this genetica((y modi%ied m#tant thing2 (i/e
a giant centipede 3ith no head2 D#st segment a%ter segment o% (egs and breasts and 3ings. ,t$s
%ed thro#gh n#trient t#bes. his g#y said the go!ernment 3o#(dn$t (et them #se the 3ord
chic/en.B
6r. ,bis raised his eyebro3s. A9o# thin/ that$s tr#e:B
A'ope. 'o32 my o(d ce((mate2 @o3 .ey2 he said they changed the name beca#se the 3ord %ried
had become a bad 3ord. 6aybe they 3anted peop(e to thin/ that the chic/en coo/ed itse(%.B
A%ter dinner JacI#e( e&c#sed himse(% and 3ent do3n to the mort#ary. ,bis 3ent to his st#dy to
3rite. Shado3 sat in the /itchen %or a (itt(e (onger2 %eeding %ragments o% chic/en breast to the
(itt(e bro3n cat2 sipping his beer. 5hen the beer and the chic/en 3ere gone2 he 3ashed #p the
p(ates and c#t(ery2 p#t them on the rac/ to dry2 and 3ent #pstairs.
8e too/ a bath in the c(a3C%ooted batht#b2 br#shed his teeth 3ith his disposab(e toothbr#sh
and toothpaste. omorro32 he decided2 he 3o#(d b#y a ne3 toothbr#sh.
5hen he ret#rned to the bedroom the (itt(e bro3n cat 3as once more as(eep at the bottom o%
the bed2 c#r(ed into a %#r crescent. ,n the midd(e dra3er o% the !anity he %o#nd se!era( pairs o%
striped cotton paDamas. hey (oo/ed se!enty years o(d2 b#t sme((ed %resh2 and he p#((ed on a
pair 3hich2 (i/e the b(ac/ s#it2 %itted him as i% they had been tai(ored %or him.
here 3as a sma(( stac/ o% +eader$s Digests on the (itt(e tab(e beside the bed2 none o% them
dated (ater than 6arch ;<WK. Jac/son2 the (ibrary g#y-the same one 3ho had s3orn to the
tr#th o% the .ent#c/y )ried 6#tant 4hic/en 4reat#re story2 3ho had to(d him the story o% the
b(ac/ %reight trains that the go!ernment #ses to ha#( po(itica( prisoners o%% to Secret 'orthern
4a(i%ornian 4oncentration 4amps2 mo!ing across the co#ntry in the dead o% the night-Jac/son
had a(so to(d him that the 4,A #sed the +eader$s Digest as a %ront %or their branch o%%ices
aro#nd the 3or(d. 8e said that e!ery +eader$s Digest o%%ice in e!ery co#ntry 3as rea((y 4,A.
AA Do/e2B said the (ate 6r. 5ood2 in Shado3$s memory. A8o3 can 3e be s#re the 4,A 3asn$t
in!o(!ed in the .ennedy assassination:B Shado3 crac/ed the 3indo3 open a %e3
inches-eno#gh %or %resh air to get in2 eno#gh %or the cat to be ab(e to get o#t onto the ba(cony
o#tside.
8e t#rned on the bedside (amp2 c(imbed into bed and read %or a (itt(e2 trying to t#rn o%% his
mind2 to get the (ast %e3 days o#t o% his head2 pic/ing the d#((estC(oo/ing artic(es in the d#((estC
(oo/ing Digests. 8e noticed he 3as %a((ing as(eep ha(%3ay thro#gh A, Am John$s Pancreas.B 8e
bare(y had time eno#gh to t#rn o#t the bedside (ight and p#t his head do3n on the pi((o3
be%ore his eyes c(osed %or the night.
@ater he 3as ne!er ab(e to reco((ect the seI#ences and detai(s o% that dream: attempts to
remember it prod#ced nothing more than a tang(e o% dar/ images2 #ndere&posed in the
dar/room o% his mind. here 3as a gir(. 8e had met her some3here2 and no3 they 3ere
3a(/ing across a bridge. ,t spanned a sma(( (a/e2 in the midd(e o% a to3n. he 3ind 3as r#%%(ing
the s#r%ace o% the (a/e2 ma/ing 3a!es tipped 3ith 3hitecaps2 3hich seemed to Shado3 to be
tiny hands reaching %or him.
-Do3n there2 said the 3oman. She 3as 3earing a (eopardCprint s/irt 3hich %(apped and
tossed in the 3ind2 and the %(esh bet3een the top o% her stoc/ings and her s/irt 3as creamy
and so%t and in his dream2 on the bridge2 be%ore God and the 3or(d2 Shado3 3ent do3n to his
/nees in %ront o% her2 b#rying his head in her crotch2 drin/ing in the into&icating D#ng(e %ema(e
scent o% her. 8e became a3are2 in his dream2 o% his erection in rea( (i%e2 a rigid2 po#nding2
monstro#s thing as pain%#( in its hardness as the erections he$d had as a boy2 3hen he 3as
crashing into p#berty 3ith no idea o% 3hat the #nprompted rigidities 3ere2 /no3ing on(y that
they scared him.
8e p#((ed a3ay and (oo/ed #p3ard2 and sti(( he co#(d not see her %ace. B#t his mo#th 3as
see/ing hers and her (ips 3ere so%t against his2 and his hands 3ere c#pping her breasts2 and
then they 3ere r#nning across the satin smoothness o% her s/in2 p#shing into and parting the
%#rs that hid her 3aist2 s(iding into the 3onder%#( c(e%t o% her 3hich 3armed and 3etted and
parted %or him2 opening to his hand (i/e a %(o3er.
he 3oman p#rred against him ecstatica((y2 her hand mo!ing do3n to the hardness o% him and
sI#ee1ing it. 8e p#shed the bed sheets a3ay and ro((ed on top o% her2 his hand parting her
thighs2 her hand g#iding him bet3een her (egs2 3here one thr#st2 one magica( p#shQ
'o3 he 3as bac/ in his o(d prison ce(( 3ith her2 and he 3as /issing her deep(y. She 3rapped her
arms tight(y aro#nd him2 c(amped her (egs abo#t his (egs to ho(d him tight2 so he co#(d not p#((
o#t2 not e!en i% he 3anted to.
'e!er had he /issed (ips so so%t. 8e had not /no3n that there 3ere (ips so so%t in the 3ho(e
3or(d. 8er tong#e2 tho#gh2 3as sandpaperCro#gh as it s(ipped against his.
-5ho are yo#: he as/ed.
She made no ans3er2 D#st p#shed him onto his bac/ and2 in one (ithe mo!ement2 stradd(ed him
and began to ride him. 'o2 not to ride him: to insin#ate herse(% against him in series o% si(/enC
smooth 3a!es2 each more po3er%#( than the one be%ore2 stro/es and beats and rhythms 3hich
crashed against his mind and his body D#st as the 3indC3a!es on the (a/e sp(ashed against the
shore. 8er nai(s 3ere need(eCsharp and they pierced his sides2 ra/ing them2 b#t he %e(t no pain2
on(y p(eas#re2 e!erything 3as transm#ted by some a(chemy into moments o% #tter p(eas#re.
8e str#gg(ed to %ind himse(%2 str#gg(ed to ta(/2 his head no3 %i((ed 3ith sand d#nes and desert
3inds.
-5ho are yo#: he as/ed again2 gasping %or the 3ords.
She stared at him 3ith eyes the co(or o% dar/ amber2 then (o3ered her mo#th to his and /issed
him 3ith a passion2 /issed him so comp(ete(y and so deep(y that there2 on the bridge o!er the
(a/e2 in his prison ce((2 in the bed in the 4airo %#nera( home2 he a(most came. 8e rode the
sensation (i/e a /ite riding a h#rricane2 3i((ing it not to crest2 not to e&p(ode2 3anting it ne!er to
end. 8e p#((ed it #nder contro(. 8e had to 3arn her.
-6y 3i%e2 @a#ra. She 3i(( /i(( yo#.
-'ot me2 she said.
A %ragment o% nonsense b#bb(ed #p %rom some3here in his mind: in medie!a( days it 3as said
that a 3oman on top d#ring coit#s 3o#(d concei!e a bishop. hat 3as 3hat they ca((ed it: trying
%or a bishopQ
8e 3anted to /no3 her name2 b#t he dared not as/ her a third time2 and she p#shed her chest
against his2 and he co#(d %ee( the hard n#bs o% her nipp(es against his chest2 and she 3as
sI#ee1ing him2 someho3 sI#ee1ing him do3n there deep inside her and this time he co#(d
not ride it or s#r% it2 this time it pic/ed him #p and sp#n and t#mb(ed him a3ay2 and he 3as
arching #p2 p#shing into her as deep(y as he co#(d imagine2 as i% they 3ere2 in some 3ay2 part o%
the same creat#re2 tasting2 drin/ing2 ho(ding2 3antingQ
-@et it happen2 she said2 her !oice a throaty %e(ine gro3(. Gi!e it to me. @et it happen. And he
came2 spasming and disso(!ing2 the bac/ o% his mind itse(% (iI#e%ying then s#b(imating s(o3(y
%rom one state to the ne&t.
Some3here in there2 at the end o% it2 he too/ a breath2 a c(ear dra#ght o% air he %e(t a(( the 3ay
do3n to the depths o% his (#ngs2 and he /ne3 that he had been ho(ding his breath %or a (ong
time no3. hree years2 at (east. Perhaps e!en (onger.
-'o3 rest2 she said2 and she /issed his eye(ids 3ith her so%t (ips. @et it go. @et it a(( go.
he s(eep he s(ept a%ter that 3as deep and dream(ess and com%orting2 and Shado3 di!ed deep
and embraced it.
he (ight 3as strange. ,t 3as-he chec/ed his 3atch-si& %ortyC%i!e A.6.2 and sti(( dar/ o#tside2
b#t the room 3as %i((ed 3ith a pa(e b(#e dimness. 8e c(imbed o#t o% bed. 8e 3as certain that he
had been 3earing paDamas 3hen he 3ent to bed2 b#t no3 he 3as na/ed2 and the air 3as co(d
on his s/in. 8e 3a(/ed to the 3indo3 and c(osed it.
here had been a sno3storm in the night: si& inches had %a((en2 perhaps more. he corner o%
the to3n that Shado3 co#(d see %rom his 3indo32 dirty and r#nCdo3n2 had been trans%ormed
into some3here c(ean and di%%erent: these ho#ses 3ere not abandoned and %orgotten2 they
3ere %rosted into e(egance. he streets had !anished comp(ete(y2 (ost beneath a 3hite %ie(d o%
sno3.
here 3as an idea that ho!ered at the edge o% his perception. Something abo#t transience. ,t
%(ic/ered and 3as gone.
8e co#(d see as 3e(( as i% it 3ere %#(( day(ight.
,n the mirror2 Shado3 noticed something strange. 8e stepped c(oser2 and stared2 p#11(ed. A((
his br#ises had !anished. 8e to#ched his side2 pressing %irm(y 3ith his %ingertips2 %ee(ing %or one
o% the deep pains that to(d him he had enco#ntered 6r. Stone and 6r. 5ood2 h#nting %or the
greening b(ossoms o% br#ise that 6ad S3eeney had gi%ted him 3ith2 and %inding nothing. 8is
%ace 3as c(ear and #nmar/ed. 8is sides2 ho3e!er2 and his bac/ Ghe t3isted to e&amine itH 3ere
scratched 3ith 3hat (oo/ed (i/e c(a3 mar/s.
8e hadn$t dreamed it2 then. 'ot entire(y.
Shado3 opened the dra3ers2 and p#t on 3hat he %o#nd: an ancient pair o% b(#eCdenim @e!is2 a
shirt2 a thic/ b(#e s3eater2 and a b(ac/ #nderta/er$s coat he %o#nd hanging in the 3ardrobe at
the bac/ o% the room. 8e 3ondered again 3ho the c(othes had be(onged to.
8e 3ore his o3n o(d shoes.
he ho#se 3as sti(( as(eep. 8e crept thro#gh it2 3i((ing the %(oorboards not to crea/2 and then he
3as o#tside Go#t thro#gh the %ront door2 not the mort#ary2 not this morning2 not 3hen he
didn$t ha!e toH2 and he 3a(/ed thro#gh the sno32 his %eet (ea!ing deep prints in the !irgin sno32
his steps cr#nching as they p#shed the so%t sno3 deep onto the side3a(/. ,t 3as (ighter o#t
than it had seemed %rom inside the ho#se2 and the sno3 re%(ected the (ight %rom the s/y.
A%ter %i%teen min#tes 3a(/ing2 Shado3 came to a bridge2 3ith a big sign on the side o% it 3arning
him he 3as no3 (ea!ing historica( 4airo. A man stood #nder the bridge2 ta(( and gang(ing2
s#c/ing on a cigarette and shi!ering contin#a((y. Shado3 tho#ght he recogni1ed the man2 b#t
the (ight on the sno3 3as p(aying tric/s on his eyes2 and he 3a(/ed c(oser and c(oser in order to
be s#re. he man 3ore a patched denim Dac/et and a baseba(( cap.
And then2 #nder the bridge in the 3inter dar/ness he 3as c(ose eno#gh to see the p#rp(e
sm#dge o% br#ise aro#nd the man$s eye2 and he said2 AGood morning2 6ad S3eeney.B
he 3or(d 3as so I#iet. 'ot e!en cars dist#rbed the sno3bo#nd si(ence.
A8ey2 man2B said 6ad S3eeney. 8e did not (oo/ #p. he cigarette had been ro((ed by hand.
Shado3 3ondered i% the man 3as smo/ing a Doint. 'o2 the sme(( 3as tobacco.
A9o# /eep hanging o#t #nder bridges2 6ad S3eeney2B said Shado32 Apeop(e gonna thin/ yo#$re
a tro((.B
his time 6ad S3eeney (oo/ed #p. Shado3 co#(d see the 3hites o% his eyes a(( aro#nd his irises.
he man (oo/ed scared. A, 3as (oo/in$ %or yo#2B he said. A9o# gotta he(p me2 man. , %#c/ed #p
bigCtime.B 8e s#c/ed on his handCro((ed cigarette2 p#((ed it a3ay %rom his mo#th. he cigarette
paper st#c/ to his (o3er (ip2 and the cigarette %e(( apart2 spi((ing its contents onto his ginger
beard and do3n the %ront o% his %i(thy Cshirt. 6ad S3eeney br#shed it o%%2 con!#(si!e(y2 3ith
b(ac/ened hands2 as i% it 3ere a dangero#s insect.
A6y reso#rces are pretty m#ch tapped o#t2 6ad S3eeney2B said Shado3. AB#t 3hy don$t yo#
te(( me 3hat it is yo# need. 9o# 3ant me to get yo# a co%%ee:B
6ad S3eeney shoo/ his head. 8e too/ o#t a tobacco po#ch and papers %rom the poc/et o% his
denim Dac/et and began to ro(( himse(% another cigarette. 8is beard brist(ed and his mo#th
mo!ed as he did this2 a(tho#gh no 3ords 3ere said a(o#d. 8e (ic/ed the adhesi!e side o% the
cigarette paper and ro((ed it bet3een his %ingers. he res#(t (oo/ed on(y distant(y (i/e a
cigarette. hen he said2 A$6 not a tro((. Shit. hose bastards$re %#c/en mean.B
A, /no3 yo#$re not a tro((2 S3eeney2B said Shado32 gent(y2 hoping that he did not so#nd as i% he
3ere patroni1ing the man. A8o3 can , he(p yo#:B
6ad S3eeney %(ic/ed his 0ippo2 and the %irst inch o% his cigarette %(amed and then s#bsided to
ash. A9o# remember , sho3ed yo# ho3 to get a coin: 9o# remember:B
A9es2B said Shado3. 8e sa3 the go(d coin in his mind$s eye2 3atched it t#mb(e into @a#ra$s
cas/et2 sa3 it g(itter aro#nd her nec/. A, remember.B
A9o# too/ the 3rong coin2 man.B
A car approached the g(oom beneath the bridge2 b(inding them 3ith its (ights. ,t s(o3ed as it
passed them2 then stopped2 and a 3indo3 s(id do3n. A"!erything o/ay here2 gent(emen:B
A"!erything$s D#st peachy than/ yo#2 o%%icer2B said Shado3. AJ#st o#t %or a morning 3a(/.B
A*/ay no32B said the cop. 8e did not (oo/ as i% he be(ie!ed that e!erything 3as o/ay. 8e
3aited. Shado3 p#t a hand on 6ad S3eeney$s sho#(der2 and 3a(/ed him %or3ard2 o#t o% to3n2
a3ay %rom the po(ice car. 8e heard the 3indo3 h#m c(osed2 b#t the car remained 3here it 3as.
Shado3 3a(/ed. 6ad S3eeney 3a(/ed2 and sometimes he staggered. hey passed a sign saying
)EE+" 4,9. Shado3 imagined a city o% spires and )ran/ +. Pa#( to3ers2 a(( g(eaming in gent(e
primary co(ors2 b#bb(eCdomed airCcars %(itting %rom to3er to to3er (i/e g(ittering ho!er%(ies.
hat 3as )#t#re 4ity and someho3 Shado3 didn$t thin/ it 3as e!er going to be b#i(t in 4airo.
he po(ice car cr#ised past them s(o3(y2 then t#rned2 and 3ent bac/ into the city2 acce(erating
do3n the sno3y road.
A'o32 3hy don$t yo# te(( me 3hat$s tro#b(ing yo#2B said Shado3.
A, did it (i/e he said. , did it a(( (i/e he said2 b#t , ga!e yo# the 3rong coin. ,t 3asn$t meant to be
that coin. hat$s %or roya(ty. 9o# see: , sho#(dn$t e!en ha!e been ab(e to ta/e it. hat$s the coin
yo#$d gi!e to the .ing o% America himse(%. 'ot some pissant bastard (i/e yo# or me. And no3
,$m in big tro#b(e. J#st gi!e me the coin bac/2 man. 9o#$(( ne!er see me again2 i% yo# do2 ,
s3earto%#c/enBran2 o/ay: , s3ear by the years , spent in the %#c/en trees.B
A9o# did it (i/e 3ho said2 S3eeney:B
AGrimnir. he d#de yo# ca(( 5ednesday. 9o# /no3 3ho he is: 5ho he rea((y is:B
A9eah. , g#ess.B
here 3as a panic/ed (oo/ in the ,rishman$s cra1y b(#e eyes. A,t 3as nothing bad. 'othing yo#
can-nothing bad. 8e D#st to(d me to be there at that bar and to pic/ a %ight 3ith yo#. 8e said
he 3anted to see 3hat yo# 3ere made o%.B
A8e te(( yo# to do anything e(se:B
S3eeney shi!ered and t3itched? Shado3 tho#ght it 3as the co(d %or a moment2 then /ne3
3here he$d seen that sh#ddering shi!er be%ore. ,n prison: it 3as a D#n/ie shi!er. S3eeney 3as in
3ithdra3a( %rom something2 and Shado3 3o#(d ha!e been 3i((ing to bet it 3as heroin. A D#n/ie
(eprecha#n: 6ad S3eeney pinched o%% the b#rning head o% his cigarette2 dropped it on the
gro#nd2 p#t the #n%inished ye((o3ing rest o% it into his poc/et. 8e r#bbed his %i(thy %ingers
together2 breathed on them to try and r#b 3armth into them. 8is !oice 3as a 3hine no3.
A@isten2 D#st gi!e me the %#c/en coin2 man. 5hat do yo# 3ant it %or: 8#h: 8ey2 yo# /no3
there$s more 3here that came %rom. ,$(( gi!e yo# another2 D#st as good. 8e((2 ,$(( gi!e yo# a
shit(oad2 man.B
8e too/ o%% his %i(thy baseba(( cap-then2 3ith his right hand2 he stro/ed the air2 prod#cing a
(arge go(den coin. 8e dropped it into his cap. And then he too/ another %rom a 3isp o% breath
steam2 and another2 catching and grabbing them %rom the sti(( morning air #nti( the baseba((
cap 3as brimming 3ith them and S3eeney 3as %orced to ho(d it 3ith both hands.
8e e&tended the baseba(( cap %i((ed 3ith go(d to Shado3. A8ere2B he said. Aa/e them2 man. J#st
gi!e me bac/ the coin , ga!e to yo#.B Shado3 (oo/ed do3n at the cap2 3ondered ho3 m#ch its
contents 3o#(d be 3orth.
A5here am , going to spend those coins2 6ad S3eeney:B Shado3 as/ed. AAre there a (ot o%
p(aces yo# can t#rn yo#r go(d into cash:B
8e tho#ght the ,rishman 3as going to hit him %or a moment2 b#t the moment passed and 6ad
S3eeney D#st stood there2 ho(ding o#t his go(dC%i((ed cap 3ith both hands (i/e *(i!er 3ist. And
then tears s3e((ed in his b(#e eyes and began to spi(( do3n his chee/s. 8e too/ the cap and p#t
it-no3 empty o% e!erything e&cept a greasy s3eatband-bac/ o!er his thinning sca(p. A9o#
gotta2 man2B he 3as saying. ADidn$t , sho3 yo# ho3 to do it: , sho3ed yo# ho3 to ta/e coins
%rom the hoard. , sho3ed yo# 3here the hoard 3as. he treas#re o% the s#n. J#st gi!e me that
%irst coin bac/. ,t didn$t be(ong to me.B
A, don$t ha!e it any more.B
6ad S3eeney$s tears stopped2 and spots o% co(or appeared in his chee/s. A9o#2 yo# %#c/en-B
he said2 and then the 3ords %ai(ed him and his mo#th opened and c(osed2 so#nd(ess(y.
A,$m te((ing yo# the tr#th2B said Shado3. A,$m sorry. ,% , had it2 ,$d gi!e it bac/ to yo#. B#t , ga!e it
a3ay.B
S3eeney$s %i(thy hands c(amped on Shado3$s sho#(ders2 and the pa(e b(#e eyes stared into his.
he tears had made strea/s in the dirt on 6ad S3eeney$s %ace. AShit2B he said. Shado3 co#(d
sme(( tobacco and sta(e beer and 3his/eyCs3eat. A9o#$re te((ing the tr#th2 yo# %#c/er. Ga!e it
a3ay and %ree(y and o% yo#r o3n 3i((. Damn yo#r dar/ eyes2 yo# ga!e it aC%#c/enC3ay.B
A,$m sorry.B Shado3 remembered the 3hispering th#mp the coin had made as it (anded in
@a#ra$s cas/et.
ASorry or not2 ,$m damned and ,$m doomed.B he tears 3ere %(o3ing once more2 and c(ear snot
began to r#n %rom the man$s nose. 8is 3ords disso(!ed2 then2 into sy((ab(es 3hich ne!er I#ite
congea(ed together into 3ords. ABahCbahCbahCbahCbah2B he said. A6#hCm#hCm#hCm#hCm#h.B
8e 3iped his nose and his eyes on his s(ee!es2 m#ddying his %ace into strange patterns2 3iping
the snot a(( o!er his beard and mo#stache.
Shado3 sI#ee1ed 6ad S3eeney$s #pper arm in an a3/3ard ma(e gest#re. ,$m here2 it said.
A$3ere better , had ne!er been concei!ed2B said 6ad S3eeney2 at (ength. hen he (oo/ed #p.
Ahe %e((o3 yo# ga!e it to. 5o#(d he gi!e it bac/:B
A,t$s a 3oman. And , don$t /no3 3here she is. B#t no2 , don$t be(ie!e she 3o#(d.B
S3eeney sighed2 mo#rn%#((y. A5hen , 3as b#t a yo#ng p#p2B he said2 Athere 3as a 3oman ,
met2 #nder the stars2 3ho (et me p(ay 3ith her b#bbies2 and she to(d me my %ort#ne. She to(d
me that , 3o#(d be #ndone and abandoned 3est o% the s#nrise2 and that a dead 3oman$s
ba#b(e 3o#(d sea( my %ate. And , (a#ghed and po#red more bar(ey 3ine and p(ayed 3ith her
b#bbies some more2 and , /issed her %#(( on her pretty (ips. hose 3ere the good days-the %irst
o% the gray mon/s had not yet come to o#r (and2 nor had they ridden the green sea to
3est3ard. And no3.B 8e stopped2 midCsentence. 8is head t#rned and he %oc#sed on Shado3.
A9o# sho#(dn$t tr#st him2B he said2 reproach%#((y.
A5ho:B
A5ednesday. 9o# m#stn$t tr#st him.B
A, don$t ha!e to tr#st him. , 3or/ %or him.B
ADo yo# remember ho3 to do it:B
A5hat:B Shado3 %e(t he 3as ha!ing a con!ersation 3ith ha(% a do1en di%%erent peop(e. he se(%C
sty(ed (eprecha#n sp#ttered and D#mped %rom persona to persona2 %rom theme to theme2 as i%
the remaining c(#sters o% brain ce((s 3ere igniting2 %(aming2 and then going o#t %or good.
Ahe coins2 man. he coins. , sho3ed yo#2 remember:B 8e raised t3o %ingers to his %ace2 stared
at them2 then p#((ed a go(d coin %rom his mo#th. 8e tossed the coin to Shado32 3ho stretched
o#t a hand to catch it2 b#t no coin reached him.
A, 3as dr#n/2B said Shado3. A, don$t remember.B
S3eeney st#mb(ed across the road. ,t 3as (ight no3 and the 3or(d 3as 3hite and gray. Shado3
%o((o3ed him. S3eeney 3a(/ed in a (ong2 (oping stride2 as i% he 3ere a(3ays %a((ing2 b#t his (egs
3ere there to stop him2 to prope( him into another st#mb(e. 5hen they reached the bridge2 he
he(d on to the bric/s 3ith one hand2 and t#rned and said2 A9o# got a %e3 b#c/s: , don$t need
m#ch. J#st eno#gh %or a tic/et o#t o% this p(ace. 3enty b#c/s 3i(( do me %ine. 9o# got a
t3enty: J#st a (o#sy t3enty:B
A5here can yo# go on a t3entyCdo((ar b#sCtic/et:B as/ed Shado3.
A, can get o#t o% here2B said S3eeney. A, can get a3ay be%ore the storm hits. A3ay %rom a 3or(d
in 3hich opiates ha!e become the re(igion o% the masses. A3ay %rom.B 8e stopped2 3iped his
nose on the side o% his hand2 then 3iped his hand on his s(ee!e.
Shado3 reached into his Deans2 p#((ed o#t a t3enty and passed it to S3eeney. A8ere.B
S3eeney cr#mp(ed it #p and p#shed it deep into the breast poc/et o% his oi(Cstained denim
Dac/et2 #nder the se3Con patch sho3ing t3o !#(t#res on a dead branch and2 bare(y (egib(e
beneath them2 the 3ords PA,"'4" 69 ASSP ,$6 G*,'G * .,@@ S*6"8,'GP 8e nodded. Ahat$(( get me 3here ,
need to go2B he said.
8e (eaned against the bric/2 %#mb(ed in his poc/ets #nti( he %o#nd the #n%inished st#b o%
cigarette he had abandoned ear(ier. 8e (it it care%#((y2 trying not to b#rn his %ingers or his beard.
A,$(( te(( yo# something2B he said2 as i% he had said nothing that day. A9o#$re 3a(/ing on ga((o3s
gro#nd2 and there$s a hempen rope aro#nd yo#r nec/ and a ra!enCbird on each sho#(der2
3aiting %or yo#r eyes2 and the ga((o3s tree has deep roots2 %or it stretches %rom hea!en to he((2
and o#r 3or(d is on(y the branch %rom 3hich the rope is s3inging.B 8e stopped. A,$(( rest here a
spe((2B he said2 cro#ching do3n2 his bac/ resting against the b(ac/ bric/3or/.
AGood (#c/2B said Shado3.
A8e((2 ,$m %#c/ed2B said 6ad S3eeney. A5hate!er. han/s.B
Shado3 3a(/ed bac/ to3ard the to3n. ,t 3as Y:KK A.6. and 4airo 3as 3a/ing (i/e a tired beast.
8e g(anced bac/ to the bridge2 and sa3 S3eeney$s pa(e %ace2 striped 3ith tears and dirt2
3atching him go.
,t 3as the (ast time Shado3 sa3 6ad S3eeney a(i!e.
he brie% 3inter days (eading #p to 4hristmas 3ere (i/e moments o% (ight bet3een the 3inter
dar/nesses2 and they %(ed %ast in the ho#se o% the dead.
,t 3as the t3entyCthird o% December2 and JacI#e( and ,bis$s p(ayed host to a 3a/e %or @i(a
Goodchi(d. B#st(ing 3omen %i((ed the /itchen 3ith t#bs and 3ith sa#cepans and 3ith s/i((ets
and 3ith #pper3are2 and the deceased 3as (aid o#t in her cas/et in the %#nera( home$s %ront
room 3ith hotho#se %(o3ers aro#nd her. here 3as a tab(e on the other side o% the room (aden
high 3ith co(es(a3 and beans and cornmea( h#sh p#ppies and chic/en and ribs and b(ac/Ceyed
peas2 and by midCa%ternoon the ho#se 3as %i((ed 3ith peop(e 3eeping and (a#ghing and sha/ing
hands 3ith the minister2 e!erything being I#iet(y organi1ed and o!erseen by the soberCs#ited
6essrs. JacI#e( and ,bis. he b#ria( 3o#(d be on the %o((o3ing morning.
5hen the te(ephone in the ha(( rang Git 3as Ba/e(ite and b(ac/ and had an honestCtoCgoodness
rotary dia( on the %rontH 6r. ,bis ans3ered. hen he too/ Shado3 aside. Ahat 3as the po(ice2B
he said. A4an yo# ma/e a pic/#p:B
AS#re.B
ABe discreet. 8ere.B 8e 3rote do3n an address on a s(ip o% paper2 then passed it to Shado32
3ho read the address2 3ritten in per%ect copperp(ate hand3riting2 and then %o(ded it #p and
p#t it in his poc/et. Ahere$(( be a po(ice car2B ,bis added.
Shado3 3ent o#t bac/ and got the hearse. 6r. JacI#e( and 6r. ,bis had each made a point2
indi!id#a((y2 o% e&p(aining that2 rea((y2 the hearse sho#(d on(y be #sed %or %#nera(s2 and they had
a !an that they #sed to co((ect bodies2 b#t the !an 3as being repaired2 had been %or three
3ee/s no32 and co#(d he be !ery care%#( 3ith the hearse: Shado3 dro!e care%#((y do3n the
street. he sno3p(o3s had c(eaned the roads by no32 b#t he 3as com%ortab(e dri!ing s(o3(y. ,t
seemed right to go s(o3 in a hearse2 a(tho#gh he co#(d bare(y remember the (ast time he had
seen a hearse on the streets. Death had !anished %rom the streets o% America2 tho#ght Shado3?
no3 it happened in hospita( rooms and in amb#(ances. 5e m#st not start(e the (i!ing2 tho#ght
Shado3. 6r. ,bis had to(d him that they mo!e the dead abo#t in some hospita(s on the (o3er
(e!e( o% apparent(y empty co!ered g#rneys2 the deceased tra!e(ing their o3n paths in their o3n
co!ered 3ays.
A dar/ b(#e po(ice cr#iser 3as par/ed on a side street2 and Shado3 p#((ed #p the hearse behind
it. here 3ere t3o cops inside the cr#iser2 drin/ing their co%%ee %rom thermos tops. hey had
the engine r#nning to /eep 3arm. Shado3 tapped on the side 3indo3.
A9eah:B
A,$m %rom the %#nera( home2B said Shado3.
A5e$re 3aiting %or the medica( e&aminer2B said the cop. Shado3 3ondered i% it 3as the same
man 3ho had spo/en to him #nder the bridge. he cop2 3ho 3as b(ac/2 got o#t o% the car2
(ea!ing his co((eag#e in the dri!er$s seat2 and 3a(/ed Shado3 bac/ to a D#mpster. 6ad
S3eeney 3as sitting in the sno3 beside the D#mpster. here 3as an empty green bott(e in his
(ap2 a d#sting o% sno3 and ice on his %ace and baseba(( cap and sho#(ders. 8e didn$t b(in/.
ADead 3ino2B said the cop.
A@oo/s (i/e it2B said Shado3.
ADon$t to#ch anything yet2B said the cop. A6edica( e&aminer sho#(d be here any time no3. 9o#
as/ me2 the g#y dran/ himse(% into a st#por and %ro1e his ass.B
A9es2B agreed Shado3. Ahat$s certain(y 3hat it (oo/s (i/e.B
8e sI#atted do3n and (oo/ed at the bott(e in 6ad S3eeney$s (ap. Jameson ,rish 3his/ey: a
t3entyCdo((ar tic/et o#t o% this p(ace. A sma(( green 'issan p#((ed #p2 and a harassed midd(eC
aged man 3ith sandy hair and a sandy mo#stache got o#t2 3a(/ed o!er. 8e to#ched the
corpse$s nec/. 8e /ic/s the corpse2 tho#ght Shado32 and i% it doesn$t /ic/ him bac/Q
A8e$s dead2B said the medica( e&aminer. AAny ,D:B
A8e$s a John Doe2B said the cop.
he medica( e&aminer (oo/ed at Shado3. A9o# 3or/ing %or JacI#e( and ,bis:B he as/ed.
A9es2B said Shado3.
Ae(( JacI#e( to get denta(s and prints %or ,D and identity photos. 5e don$t need a post. 8e
sho#(d D#st dra3 b(ood %or to&ico(ogy. Got that: Do yo# 3ant me to 3rite it do3n %or yo#:B
A'o2B said Shado3. A,t$s %ine. , can remember.B
he man sco3(ed %(eeting(y2 then p#((ed a b#siness card %rom his 3a((et2 scribb(ed on it2 and
ga!e it to Shado32 saying2 AGi!e this to JacI#e(.B hen the medica( e&aminer said A6erry
4hristmasB to e!eryone2 and 3as on his 3ay. he cops /ept the empty bott(e.
Shado3 signed %or the John Doe and p#t it on the g#rney. he body 3as pretty sti%%2 and
Shado3 co#(dn$t get it o#t o% a sitting position. 8e %idd(ed 3ith the g#rney2 and %o#nd o#t that
he co#(d prop #p one end. 8e strapped John Doe2 sitting2 to the g#rney and p#t him in the bac/
o% the hearse2 %acing %or3ard. 6ight as 3e(( gi!e him a good ride. 8e c(osed the rear c#rtains.
hen he dro!e bac/ to the %#nera( home.
he hearse 3as stopped at a tra%%ic (ight-the same (ights he$d %ishtai(ed at2 se!era( nights
ear(ier-3hen Shado3 heard a !oice croa/2 AAnd it$s a %ine 3a/e ,$(( be 3anting2 3ith the best
o% e!erything2 and bea#ti%#( 3omen shedding tears and their c(othes in their distress2 and bra!e
men (amenting and te((ing %ine ta(es o% me in my great days.B
A9o#$re dead2 6ad S3eeney2B said Shado3. A9o# ta/e 3hat yo#$re gi!en 3hen yo#$re dead.B
AAye2 that , sha((2B sighed the dead man sitting in the bac/ o% the hearse. he D#n/ie 3hine had
!anished %rom his !oice no32 rep(aced 3ith a resigned %(atness2 as i% the 3ords 3ere being
broadcast %rom a (ong2 (ong 3ay a3ay2 dead 3ords being sent o#t on a dead %reI#ency.
he (ight t#rned green and Shado3 p#t his %oot gent(y do3n on the gas.
AB#t gi!e me a 3a/e tonight2 nonethe(ess2B said 6ad S3eeney. ASet me a p(ace at tab(e2 and
gi!e me a stin/ing dr#n/ 3a/e tonight. 9o# /i((ed me2 Shado32 yo# o3e me that m#ch.B
A, ne!er /i((ed yo#2 6ad S3eeney2B said Shado3. ,t$s t3enty do((ars2 he tho#ght2 %or a tic/et
o#t o% here. A,t 3as the drin/ and the co(d /i((ed yo#2 not me.B
here 3as no rep(y2 and there 3as si(ence in the car %or the rest o% the Do#rney. A%ter he par/ed
at the bac/2 Shado3 3hee(ed the g#rney o#t o% the hearse and into the mort#ary. 8e
manhand(ed 6ad S3eeney onto the emba(ming tab(e as i% he 3ere ha#(ing a side o% bee%.
8e co!ered the John Doe 3ith a sheet and (e%t him there2 3ith the paper3or/ beside him. As he
3ent #p the bac/ stairs he tho#ght he heard a !oice2 I#iet and m#ted2 (i/e a radio p(aying in a
distant room2 3hich said2 AAnd 3hat 3o#(d drin/ or co(d be doing /i((ing me2 a (eprecha#n o%
the b(ood: 'o2 it 3as yo# (osing the (itt(e go(den s#n /i((ed me2 Shado32 /i((ed me dead as s#re
as 3ater$s 3et and days are (ong and a %riend 3i(( a(3ays disappoint yo# in the end.B
Shado3 3anted to point o#t to 6ad S3eeney that that 3as a /ind o% bitter phi(osophy2 b#t he
s#spected it 3as the being dead that made yo# bitter.
8e 3ent #pstairs to the main ho#se2 3here a n#mber o% midd(eCaged 3omen 3ere p#tting
Saran 3rap on cassero(e dishes2 popping the #pper3are tops onto p(astic pots o% coo(ing %ried
potatoes and macaroni and cheese.
6r. Goodchi(d2 the h#sband o% the deceased2 had 6r. ,bis against a 3a((2 and 3as te((ing him
ho3 he /ne3 none o% his chi(dren 3o#(d come o#t to pay their respects to their mother. he
app(e don$t %a(( %ar %rom the tree2 he to(d anyone 3ho 3o#(d (isten to him. he app(e don$t %a((
%ar %rom the tree.
hat e!ening Shado3 (aid an e&tra p(ace at the tab(e. 8e p#t a g(ass at each p(ace2 and a ne3
bott(e o% Jameson Go(d in the midd(e o% the tab(e. ,t 3as the most e&pensi!e ,rish 3his/ey they
so(d at the (iI#or store. A%ter they ate Ga (arge p(atter o% (e%to!ers (e%t %or them by the midd(eC
aged 3omenH Shado3 po#red a genero#s tot into each g(ass-his2 ,bis$s2 JacI#e($s and 6ad
S3eeney$s.
ASo 3hat i% he$s sitting on a g#rney in the ce((ar2B said Shado32 as he po#red2 Aon his 3ay to a
pa#per$s gra!e: onight 3e$(( toast him2 and gi!e him the 3a/e he 3anted.B
Shado3 raised his g(ass to the empty p(ace at the tab(e. A, on(y met 6ad S3eeney t3ice2 a(i!e2B
he said. Ahe %irst time , tho#ght he 3as a 3or(dCc(ass Der/ 3ith the de!i( in him. he second
time , tho#ght he 3as a maDor %#c/#p and , ga!e him the money to /i(( himse(%. 8e sho3ed me a
coin tric/ , don$t remember ho3 to do2 ga!e me some br#ises2 and c(aimed he 3as a
(eprecha#n. +est in peace2 6ad S3eeney.B 8e sipped the 3his/ey2 (etting the smo/y taste
e!aporate in his mo#th. he other t3o dran/2 toasting the empty chair a(ong 3ith him.
6r. ,bis reached into an inside poc/et and p#((ed o#t a noteboo/2 3hich he %(ipped thro#gh
#nti( he %o#nd the appropriate page2 and he read o#t a s#mmari1ed !ersion o% 6ad S3eeney$s
(i%e.
According to 6r. ,bis2 6ad S3eeney had started his (i%e as the g#ardian o% a sacred roc/ in a
sma(( ,rish g(ade2 o!er three tho#sand years ago. 6r. ,bis to(d them o% 6ad S3eeney$s (o!e
a%%airs2 his enmities2 the madness that ga!e him his po3er GAa (ater !ersion o% the ta(e is sti((
to(d2 a(tho#gh the sacred nat#re2 and the antiI#ity2 o% m#ch o% the !erse has (ong been
%orgottenBH2 the 3orship and adoration in his o3n (and that s(o3(y transm#ted into a g#arded
respect and then2 %ina((y2 into am#sement? he to(d them the story o% the gir( %rom Bantry 3ho
came to the 'e3 5or(d2 and 3ho bro#ght her be(ie% in 6ad S3eeney the (eprecha#n 3ith her2
%or hadn$t she seen him o% a night2 do3n by the poo(2 and hadn$t he smi(ed at her and ca((ed her
by her o3n tr#e name: She had become a re%#gee2 in the ho(d o% a ship o% peop(e 3ho had
3atched their potatoes t#rn to b(ac/ s(#dge in the gro#nd2 3ho had 3atched %riends and (o!ers
die o% h#nger2 3ho dreamed o% a (and o% %#(( stomachs. he gir( %rom Bantry Bay dreamed2
speci%ica((y2 o% a city 3here a gir( 3o#(d be ab(e to earn eno#gh to bring her %ami(y o!er to the
'e3 5or(d. 6any o% the ,rish coming in to America tho#ght o% themse(!es as 4atho(ics2 e!en i%
they /ne3 nothing o% the catechism2 e!en i% a(( they /ne3 o% re(igion 3as the Bean Sidhe2 the
banshee2 3ho came to 3ai( at the 3a((s o% a ho#se 3here death soon 3o#(d be2 and Saint Bride2
3ho 3as once Bridget o% the t3o sisters Geach o% the three 3as a Brigid2 each 3as the same
3omanH2 and ta(es o% )inn2 o% *is^n2 o% 4onan the Ba(d-e!en o% the (eprecha#ns2 the (itt(e
peop(e Gand 3as that not the biggest Do/e o% the ,rish2 %or the (eprecha#ns in their day 3ere the
ta((est o% the mo#nd %o(/HQ
A(( this and more 6r. ,bis to(d them in the /itchen that night. 8is shado3 on the 3a(( 3as
stretched and birdC(i/e2 and as the 3his/ey %(o3ed Shado3 imagined it the head o% a h#ge
3ater%o3(2 bea/ (ong and c#r!ed2 and it 3as some3here in the midd(e o% the second g(ass that
6ad S3eeney himse(% began to thro3 both detai(s and irre(e!ancies into ,bis$s narrati!e
GAQs#ch a gir( she 3as2 3ith breasts creamCco(ored and spac/(ed 3ith %rec/(es2 3ith the tips o%
them the rich reddish pin/ o% the s#nrise on a day 3hen it$(( be b#c/eting do3n be%ore noon
b#t g(orio#s again by s#pperQBH and then S3eeney 3as trying2 3ith both hands2 to e&p(ain the
history o% the gods in ,re(and2 3a!e a%ter 3a!e o% them as they came in %rom Ga#( and %rom
Spain and %rom e!ery damn p(ace2 each 3a!e o% them trans%orming the (ast gods into tro((s and
%airies and e!ery damn creat#re #nti( 8o(y 6other 4h#rch herse(% arri!ed and e!ery god in
,re(and 3as trans%ormed into a %airy or a saint or a dead /ing 3itho#t so m#ch as a byCyo#rC
(ea!eQ
6r. ,bis po(ished his go(dCrimmed spectac(es and e&p(ained-en#nciating e!en more c(ear(y and
precise(y than #s#a(2 so Shado3 /ne3 he 3as dr#n/ Ghis 3ords and the s3eat that beaded on
his %orehead in that chi((y ho#se 3ere the on(y indications o% thisH-3ith %ore%inger 3agging2
e&p(ained that he 3as an artist and that his ta(es sho#(d not be seen as (itera( constr#cts b#t as
imaginati!e reCcreations2 tr#er than the tr#th2 and 6ad S3eeney said2 A,$(( sho3 yo# an
imaginati!e reCcreation2 my %ist imaginati!e(y reCcreating yo#r %#c/en %ace %or starters2B and 6r.
JacI#e( bared his teeth and gro3(ed at S3eeney2 the gro3( o% a h#ge dog 3ho$s not (oo/ing %or
a %ight b#t can a(3ays %inish one by ripping o#t yo#r throat2 and S3eeney too/ the message and
sat do3n and po#red himse(% another g(ass o% 3his/ey.
A8a!e yo# remembered ho3 , do my (itt(e coin tric/:B he as/ed Shado3 3ith a grin.
A, ha!e not.B
A,% yo# can g#ess ho3 , did it2B said 6ad S3eeney2 his (ips p#rp(e2 his b(#e eyes bec(o#ded2 A,$((
te(( yo# i% yo# get 3arm.B
A,t$s not a pa(m is it:B as/ed Shado3.
A,t is not.B
A,s it a gadget o% some /ind: Something #p yo#r s(ee!e or e(se3here that shoots the coins #p
%or yo# to catch: *r a coin on a 3ire that s3ings in %ront o% and behind yo#r hand:B
A,t is not that neither. 6ore 3his/ey2 anybody:B
A, read in a boo/ abo#t a 3ay o% doing the 6iser$s Dream 3ith (ate& co!ering the pa(m o% yo#r
hand2 ma/ing a s/inCco(ored po#ch %or the coins to hide behind.B
Ahis is a sad 3a/e %or Great S3eeney 3ho %(e3 (i/e a bird across a(( o% ,re(and and ate
3atercress in his madness: to be dead and #nmo#rned sa!e %or a bird2 a dog2 and an idiot. 'o2 it
is not a po#ch.B
A5e((2 that$s pretty m#ch it %or ideas2B said Shado3. A, e&pect yo# D#st ta/e them o#t o%
no3here.B ,t 3as meant to be sarcasm2 b#t then he sa3 the e&pression on S3eeney$s %ace.
A9o# do2B he said. A9o# do ta/e them %rom no3here.B
A5e((2 not e&act(y no3here2B said 6ad S3eeney. AB#t no3 yo#$re getting the idea. 9o# ta/e
them %rom the hoard.B
Ahe hoard2B said Shado32 starting to remember. A9es.B
A9o# D#st ha!e to ho(d it in yo#r mind2 and it$s yo#rs to ta/e %rom. he s#n$s treas#re. ,t$s there
in those moments 3hen the 3or(d ma/es a rainbo3. ,t$s there in the moment o% ec(ipse and the
moment o% the storm.B
And he sho3ed Shado3 ho3 to do the thing.
his time Shado3 got it.
Shado3$s head ached and po#nded2 and his tong#e tasted and %e(t (i/e %(ypaper. 8e sI#inted at
the g(are o% the day(ight. 8e had %a((en as(eep 3ith his head on the /itchen tab(e. 8e 3as %#((y
dressed2 a(tho#gh he had at some point ta/en o%% his b(ac/ tie.
8e 3a(/ed do3nstairs2 to the mort#ary2 and 3as re(ie!ed b#t #ns#rprised to see that John Doe
3as sti(( on the emba(ming tab(e. Shado3 pried the empty bott(e o% Jameson Go(d %rom the
corpse$s rigorCmortised %ingers2 and thre3 it a3ay. 8e co#(d hear someone mo!ing abo#t in the
ho#se abo!e.
6r. 5ednesday 3as sitting at the /itchen tab(e 3hen Shado3 3ent #pstairs. 8e 3as eating
(e%to!er potato sa(ad %rom a #pper3are container 3ith a p(astic spoon. 8e 3ore a dar/ gray
s#it2 a 3hite shirt and a deep gray tie: the morning s#n g(ittered on the si(!er tiepin in the shape
o% a tree. 8e smi(ed at Shado3 3hen he sa3 him.
AAh2 Shado3 m$boy2 good to see yo#$re #p. , tho#ght yo# 3ere going to s(eep %ore!er.B
A6ad S3eeney$s dead2B said Shado3.
ASo , heard2B said 5ednesday. AA great pity. *% co#rse it 3i(( come to a(( o% #s2 in the end.B 8e
t#gged on an imaginary rope2 some3here on the (e!e( o% his ear2 and then Der/ed his nec/ to
one side2 tong#e protr#ding2 eyes b#(ging. As I#ic/ pantomimes 3ent2 it 3as dist#rbing. And
then he (et go o% the rope and smi(ed his %ami(iar grin. A5o#(d yo# (i/e some potato sa(ad:B
A, 3o#(d not.B Shado3 darted a (oo/ aro#nd the /itchen and o#t into the ha((. ADo yo# /no3
3here ,bis and JacI#e( are:B
A,ndeed , do. hey are b#rying 6rs. @i(a Goodchi(d-something that they 3o#(d probab(y ha!e
(i/ed yo#r he(p in doing2 b#t , as/ed them not to 3a/e yo#. 9o# ha!e a (ong dri!e ahead o% yo#.B
A5e$re (ea!ing:B
A5ithin the ho#r.B
A, sho#(d say goodbye.B
AGoodbyes are o!errated. 9o#$(( see them again2 , ha!e no do#bt2 be%ore this a%%air is done
3ith.B
)or the %irst time since that %irst night2 Shado3 obser!ed2 the sma(( bro3n cat 3as c#r(ed #p in
her bas/et. She opened her inc#rio#s amber eyes and 3atched him go.
So Shado3 (e%t the ho#se o% the dead. ,ce sheathed the 3interCb(ac/ b#shes and trees as i%
they$d been ins#(ated2 made into dreams. he path 3as s(ippery.
5ednesday (ed the 3ay to Shado3$s 3hite 4he!y 'o!a2 par/ed o#t on the road. ,t had been
recent(y c(eaned2 and the 5isconsin p(ates had been remo!ed2 rep(aced 3ith 6innesota p(ates.
5ednesday$s (#ggage 3as a(ready stac/ed in the bac/ seat. 5ednesday #n(oc/ed the car 3ith
/eys that 3ere d#p(icates o% the ones Shado3 had in his o3n poc/et.
A,$(( dri!e2B said 5ednesday. A,t$(( be at (east an ho#r be%ore yo#$re good %or anything.B
hey dro!e north2 the 6ississippi on their (e%t2 a 3ide si(!er stream beneath a gray s/y. Shado3
sa32 perched on a (ea%(ess gray tree beside the road2 a h#ge bro3n and 3hite ha3/2 3hich
stared do3n at them 3ith mad eyes as they dro!e to3ard it2 then too/ to the 3ing and rose in
s(o3 and po3er%#( circ(es and2 in moments2 3as o#t o% sight.
Shado3 rea(i1ed it had on(y been a temporary reprie!e2 his time in the ho#se o% the dead? and
a(ready it 3as beginning to %ee( (i/e something that happened to somebody e(se2 a (ong time
ago.
PA+ 5*
6y Ainse(
48AP"+ ','"
'ot to mention mythic creat#res in the r#bb(eQ.-5"'D9 4*P"2 AA P*@,4"6A'$S @*B
As they dro!e o#t o% ,((inois (ate that e!ening2 Shado3 as/ed 5ednesday his %irst I#estion. 8e
sa3 the 5"@4*6" * 5,S4*'S,' sign2 and said2 ASo 3ho 3ere the b#nch that grabbed me in the
par/ing (ot: 6ister 5ood and 6ister Stone: 5ho 3ere they:B
he (ights o% the car i((#minated the 3inter (andscape. 5ednesday had anno#nced that they
3ere not to ta/e %ree3ays beca#se he didn$t /no3 3hose side the %ree3ays 3ere on2 so
Shado3 3as stic/ing to bac/ roads. 8e didn$t mind. 8e 3asn$t e!en s#re that 5ednesday 3as
cra1y.
5ednesday gr#nted. AJ#st spoo/s. 6embers o% the opposition. B(ac/ hats.B
A, thin/2B said Shado32 Athat they thin/ they$re the 3hite hats.B
A*% co#rse they do. here$s ne!er been a tr#e 3ar that 3asn$t %o#ght bet3een t3o sets o%
peop(e 3ho 3ere certain they 3ere in the right. he rea((y dangero#s peop(e be(ie!e that they
are doing 3hate!er they are doing so(e(y and on(y beca#se it is 3itho#t I#estion the right thing
to do. And that is 3hat ma/es them dangero#s.B
AAnd yo#:B as/ed Shado3. A5hy are yo# doing 3hat yo#$re doing:B
ABeca#se , 3ant to2B said 5ednesday. And then he grinned. ASo that$s a(( right.B
Shado3 said2 A8o3 did yo# a(( get a3ay: *r did yo# a(( get a3ay:B
A5e did2B said 5ednesday. AA(tho#gh it 3as a c(ose thing. ,% they$d not stopped to grab yo#2
they might ha!e ta/en the (ot o% #s. ,t con!inced se!era( o% the peop(e 3ho had been sitting on
the %ence that , might not be comp(ete(y cra1y.B
ASo ho3 did yo# get o#t:B
5ednesday shoo/ his head. A, don$t pay yo# to as/ I#estions2B he said. A,$!e to(d yo# be%ore.B
Shado3 shr#gged.
hey spent the night in a S#per Y mote(2 so#th o% @a 4rosse.
4hristmas Day 3as spent on the road2 dri!ing north and east. he %arm(and became pine %orest.
he to3ns seemed to come %arther and %arther apart.
hey ate their 4hristmas (#nch (ate in the a%ternoon in a ha((C(i/e %ami(y resta#rant in northern
centra( 5isconsin. Shado3 pic/ed cheer(ess(y at the dry t#r/ey2 DamCs3eet red (#mps o%
cranberry sa#ce2 to#ghCasC3ood roasted potatoes and the !io(ent(y green canned peas. )rom
the 3ay he attac/ed it2 and the 3ay he smac/ed his (ips2 5ednesday seemed to be enDoying the
%ood. As the mea( progressed he became positi!e(y e&pansi!e-ta(/ing2 Do/ing2 and2 3hene!er
she came c(ose eno#gh2 %(irting 3ith the 3aitress2 a thin b(onde gir( 3ho (oo/ed scarce(y o(d
eno#gh to ha!e dropped o#t o% high schoo(.
A"&c#se me2 m$dear2 b#t might , tro#b(e yo# %or another c#p o% yo#r de(ight%#( hot choco(ate:
And , tr#st yo# 3on$t thin/ me too %or3ard i% , say 3hat a mighti(y %etching and becoming dress
that is. )esti!e2 yet c(assy.B
he 3aitress2 3ho 3ore a bright red and green s/irt edged 3ith g(ittering si(!er tinse(2 gigg(ed
and co(ored and smi(ed happi(y2 and 3ent o%% to get 5ednesday another m#g o% hot choco(ate.
A)etching2B said 5ednesday2 tho#ght%#((y2 3atching her go. ABecoming2B he said. Shado3 did
not thin/ he 3as ta(/ing abo#t the dress. 5ednesday sho!e(ed the %ina( s(ice o% t#r/ey into his
mo#th2 %(ic/ed at his beard 3ith his nap/in2 and p#shed his p(ate %or3ard. AAaah. Good.B 8e
(oo/ed aro#nd him2 at the %ami(y resta#rant. ,n the bac/gro#nd a tape o% 4hristmas songs 3as
p(aying: the (itt(e dr#mmer boy had no gi%ts to bring2 par#papomCpom2 rapappom pom2
rapappom pom.
ASome things may change2B said 5ednesday2 abr#pt(y. APeop(e2 ho3e!erQpeop(e stay the
same. Some gri%ts (ast %ore!er2 others are s3a((o3ed soon eno#gh by time and by the 3or(d. 6y
%a!orite gri%t o% a(( is no (onger practica(. Sti((2 a s#rprising n#mber o% gri%ts are time(ess-the
Spanish Prisoner2 the Pigeon Drop2 the )a3ney +ig Gthat$s the Pigeon Drop b#t 3ith a go(d ring
instead o% a 3a((etH2 the )idd(e GameQB
A,$!e ne!er heard o% the )idd(e Game2B said Shado3. A, thin/ ,$!e heard o% the others. 6y o(d
ce((mate said he$d act#a((y done the Spanish Prisoner. 8e 3as a gri%ter.B
AAh2B said 5ednesday2 and his (e%t eye spar/(ed. Ahe )idd(e Game 3as a %ine and 3onder%#(
con. ,n its p#rest %orm it is a t3oCman gri%t. ,t trades on c#pidity and greed2 as a(( great gri%ts do.
9o# can a(3ays cheat an honest man2 b#t it ta/es more 3or/. So. 5e are in a hote(2 or an inn2
or a %ine resta#rant2 and2 dining there2 3e %ind a man-shabby2 b#t shabby gentee(2 not do3nC
atChee( b#t certain(y do3n on his (#c/. 5e sha(( ca(( him Abraham. And 3hen the time comes to
sett(e his bi((-not a h#ge bi((2 yo# #nderstand2 %i%ty2 se!entyC%i!e do((ars-an embarrassmentP
5here is his 3a((et: Good @ord2 he m#st ha!e (e%t it at a %riend$s2 not %ar a3ay. 8e sha(( go and
obtain his 3a((et %orth3ithP B#t here2 mine host2 says Abraham2 ta/e this o(d %idd(e o% mine %or
sec#rity. ,t$s o(d2 as yo# can see2 b#t it$s ho3 , ma/e my (i!ing.B
5ednesday$s smi(e 3hen he sa3 the 3aitress approaching 3as h#ge and predatory. AAh2 the
hot choco(ateP Bro#ght to me by my 4hristmas Ange(P e(( me2 my dear2 co#(d , ha!e some
more o% yo#r de(icio#s bread 3hen yo# get a moment:B
he 3aitress-3hat 3as she2 Shado3 3ondered: si&teen2 se!enteen:-(oo/ed at the %(oor and
her chee/s %(#shed crimson. She p#t do3n the choco(ate 3ith sha/ing hands and retreated to
the edge o% the room2 by the s(o3(y rotating disp(ay o% pies2 3here she stopped and stared at
5ednesday. hen she s(ipped into the /itchen2 to %etch 5ednesday his bread.
ASo. he !io(in-o(d2 #nI#estionab(y2 perhaps e!en a (itt(e battered-is p(aced a3ay in its case2
and o#r temporari(y impec#nio#s Abraham sets o%% in search o% his 3a((et. B#t a 3e((Cdressed
gent(eman2 on(y D#st done 3ith his o3n dinner2 has been obser!ing this e&change2 and no3 he
approaches o#r host: co#(d he2 perchance2 inspect the !io(in that honest Abraham (e%t behind:
A4ertain(y he can. *#r host hands it o!er2 and the 3e((Cdressed man-(et #s ca(( him
Barrington-opens his mo#th 3ide2 then remembers himse(% and c(oses it2 e&amines the !io(in
re!erentia((y2 (i/e a man 3ho has been permitted into a ho(y sanct#m to e&amine the bones o% a
prophet. R5hy2$ he says2 Rthis is-it m#st be-no2 it cannot be-b#t yes2 there it is-my (ordP
B#t this is #nbe(ie!ab(ePB and he points to the ma/er$s mar/2 on a strip o% bro3ning paper
inside the !io(in-b#t sti((2 he says2 e!en 3itho#t it he 3o#(d ha!e /no3n it by the co(or o% the
!arnish2 by the scro((2 by the shape.
A'o3 Barrington reaches inside his poc/et and prod#ces an engra!ed b#siness card2
proc(aiming him to be a preeminent dea(er in rare and antiI#e m#sica( instr#ments. RSo this
!io(in is rare:$ as/s mine host. R,ndeed it is2$ says Barrington2 sti(( admiring it 3ith a3e2 Rand
3orth in e&cess o% a h#ndred tho#sand do((ars2 #n(ess , miss my g#ess. "!en as a dea(er in s#ch
things , 3o#(d pay %i%ty-no2 se!entyC%i!e tho#sand do((ars2 good cash money %or s#ch an
e&I#isite piece. , ha!e a man on the 5est 4oast 3ho 3o#(d b#y it tomorro32 sight #nseen2 3ith
one te(egram2 and pay 3hate!er , as/ed %or it.$ And then he cons#(ts his 3atch2 and his %ace
%a((s. R6y train-$ he says. R, ha!e scarce(y eno#gh time to catch my trainP Good sir2 3hen the
o3ner o% this inestimab(e instr#ment sho#(d ret#rn2 p(ease gi!e him my card2 %or2 a(as2 , m#st
be a3ay.$ And 3ith that2 Barrington (ea!es2 a man 3ho /no3s that time and the train 3ait %or
no man.
A6ine host e&amines the !io(in2 c#riosity ming(ing 3ith c#pidity in his !eins2 and a p(an begins
to b#bb(e #p thro#gh his mind. B#t the min#tes go by2 and Abraham does not ret#rn. And no3
it is (ate2 and thro#gh the door2 shabby b#t pro#d2 comes o#r Abraham2 o#r %idd(eCp(ayer2 and
he ho(ds in his hands a 3a((et2 a 3a((et that has seen better days2 a 3a((et that has ne!er
contained more than a h#ndred do((ars on its best day2 and %rom it he ta/es the money to pay
%or his mea( or his stay2 and he as/s %or the ret#rn o% his !io(in.
A6ine host p#ts the %idd(e in its case on the co#nter2 and Abraham ta/es it (i/e a mother
crad(ing her chi(d. Re(( me2$ says the host G3ith the engra!ed card o% a man 3ho$(( pay %i%ty
tho#sand do((ars2 good cash money2 b#rning in his inside breast poc/etH2 Rho3 m#ch is a !io(in
(i/e this 3orth: )or my niece has a yearning on her to p(ay the %idd(e2 and it$s her birthday
coming #p in a 3ee/ or so.$
ARSe(( this %idd(e:$ says Abraham. R, co#(d ne!er se(( her. ,$!e had her %or t3enty years , ha!e2
%idd(ed a(( o!er the co#ntry 3ith her. And to te(( the tr#th2 she cost me a(( o% %i!e h#ndred
do((ars bac/ 3hen , bo#ght her.$
A6ine host /eeps the smi(e %rom his %ace. R)i!e h#ndred do((ars: 5hat i% , 3ere to o%%er yo# a
tho#sand do((ars %or it2 here and no3:$
Ahe %idd(e p(ayer (oo/s de(ighted2 then crest%a((en2 and he says2 RB#t (ordy2 ,$m a %idd(e p(ayer2
sir2 it$s a(( , /no3 ho3 to do. his %idd(e /no3s me and she (o!es me2 and my %ingers /no3 her
so 3e(( , co#(d p(ay an air #pon her in the dar/. 5here 3i(( , %ind another that so#nds so %ine: A
tho#sand do((ars is good money2 b#t this is my (i!e(ihood. 'ot a tho#sand do((ars2 not %or %i!e
tho#sand.B
A6ine host sees his pro%its shrin/ing2 b#t this is b#siness2 and yo# m#st spend money to ma/e
money. R"ight tho#sand do((ars2$ he says. R,t$s not 3orth that2 b#t ,$!e ta/en a %ancy to it2 and ,
do (o!e and ind#(ge my niece.$
AAbraham is a(most in tears at the tho#ght o% (osing his be(o!ed %idd(e2 b#t ho3 can he say no
to eight tho#sand do((ars:-especia((y 3hen mine host goes to the 3a(( sa%e2 and remo!es not
eight b#t nine tho#sand do((ars2 a(( neat(y banded and ready to be s(ipped into the %idd(e
p(ayer$s threadbare poc/et. R9o#$re a good man2$ he te((s his host. R9o#$re a saintP B#t yo# m#st
s3ear to ta/e care o% my gir(P$ and2 re(#ctant(y2 he hands o!er his !io(in.B
AB#t 3hat i% mine host simp(y hands o!er Barrington$s card and te((s Abraham that he$s come
into some good %ort#ne:B as/ed Shado3.
Ahen 3e$re o#t the cost o% t3o dinners2B said 5ednesday. 8e 3iped the remaining gra!y and
(e%to!ers %rom his p(ate 3ith a s(ice o% bread2 3hich he ate 3ith (ipCsmac/ing re(ish.
A@et me see i% ,$!e got it straight2B said Shado3. ASo Abraham (ea!es2 nine tho#sand do((ars the
richer2 and in the par/ing (ot by the train station he and Barrington meet #p. hey sp(it the
money2 get into Barrington$s 6ode( A )ord and head %or the ne&t to3n. , g#ess in the tr#n/ o%
that car they m#st ha!e a bo& %i((ed 3ith h#ndredCdo((ar !io(ins.B
A, persona((y made it a point o% honor ne!er to pay more than %i!e do((ars %or any o% them2B said
5ednesday. hen he t#rned to the ho!ering 3aitress. A'o32 my dear2 rega(e #s 3ith yo#r
description o% the s#mpt#o#s desserts a!ai(ab(e to #s on this2 o#r @ord$s nata( day.B 8e stared
at her-it 3as a(most a (eer-as i% nothing that she co#(d o%%er him 3o#(d be as toothsome a
morse( as herse(%. Shado3 %e(t deep(y #ncom%ortab(e: it 3as (i/e 3atching an o(d 3o(% sta(/ing a
%a3n too yo#ng to /no3 that i% it did not r#n2 and r#n no32 it 3o#(d 3ind #p in a distant g(ade
3ith its bones pic/ed c(ean by the ra!ens.
he gir( b(#shed once more and to(d them that dessert 3as app(e pie2 app(e pie ] (a
mode-Ahat$s 3ith a scoop o% !ani((a ice creamB-4hristmas 4a/e2 4hristmas 4a/e ] (a mode2
or a red and green 3hipped p#dding. 5ednesday stared into her eyes and to(d her that he
3o#(d try the 4hristmas 4a/e ] (a mode. Shado3 passed.
A'o32 as gri%ts go2B said 5ednesday2 Athe )idd(e Game goes bac/ three h#ndred years or more.
And i% yo# pic/ yo#r chic/en correct(y yo# co#(d sti(( p(ay it tomorro3 any3here in America.B
A, tho#ght yo# said that yo#r %a!orite gri%t 3as no (onger practica(2B said Shado3.
A, did indeed. 8o3e!er2 that is not my %a!orite. ,t 3as %ine and enDoyab(e2 b#t not my %a!orite.
'o2 my %a!orite 3as one they ca((ed the Bishop Game. ,t had e!erything: e&citement2
s#bter%#ge2 portabi(ity2 s#rprise. Perhaps2 , thin/ %rom time to time2 perhaps 3ith a (itt(e
modi%ication2 it mightQB 8e tho#ght %or a moment2 then shoo/ his head. A'o. ,ts time has
passed. ,t is2 (et #s say2 ;<>K2 in a city o% medi#m to (arge si1e-4hicago2 perhaps2 or 'e3 9or/2
or Phi(ade(phia. 5e are in a De3e(er$s empori#m. A man dressed as a c(ergyman-and not D#st
any c(ergyman2 b#t a bishop2 in his p#rp(e-enters and pic/s o#t a nec/(ace2 a gorgeo#s and
g(orio#s con%ection o% diamonds and pear(s2 and pays %or it 3ith a do1en o% the crispest
h#ndredCdo((ar bi((s.
Ahere$s a sm#dge o% green in/ on the topmost bi(( and the store o3ner2 apo(ogetica((y b#t
%irm(y2 sends the stac/ o% bi((s to the ban/ on the corner to be chec/ed. Soon eno#gh2 the store
c(er/ ret#rns 3ith the bi((s. he ban/ says they are none o% them co#nter%eit. he o3ner
apo(ogi1es again2 and the bishop is most gracio#s2 he 3e(( #nderstands the prob(em2 there are
s#ch (a3(ess and #ngod(y types in the 3or(d today2 s#ch immora(ity and (e3dness abroad in the
3or(d-and shame(ess 3omen2 and no3 that the #nder3or(d has cra3(ed o#t o% the g#tter and
come to (i!e on the screens o% the pict#re pa(aces 3hat more co#(d anyone e&pect: And the
nec/(ace is p(aced in its case2 and the store o3ner does his best not to ponder 3hy a bishop o%
the ch#rch 3o#(d be p#rchasing a t3e(!eCh#ndredCdo((ar diamond nec/(ace2 nor 3hy he 3o#(d
be paying good cash money %or it.
Ahe bishop bids him a hearty %are3e((2 and 3a(/s o#t on the street2 on(y %or a hea!y hand to
descend on his sho#(der. R5hy2 Soapy2 ye1 spa(peen2 #p to yo#r o(d tric/s are yo#:$ and a broad
beat cop 3ith an honest ,rish %ace 3a(/s the bishop bac/ into the De3e(ry store.
ARBeggin$ yo#r pardon2 b#t has this man D#st bo#ght anything %rom yo#:$ as/s the cop. R4ertain(y
not2$ says the bishop. Re(( him , ha!e not.$ R,ndeed he has2$ says the De3e(er. R8e bo#ght a pear(
and diamond nec/(ace %rom me-paid %or it in cash as 3e((.$ R5o#(d yo# ha!e the bi((s a!ai(ab(e2
sir:$ as/s the cop.
ASo the De3e(er ta/es the t3e(!e h#ndredCdo((ar bi((s %rom the cash register and hands them to
the cop2 3ho ho(ds them #p to the (ight and sha/es his head in 3onder. R*h2 Soapy2 Soapy2$ he
says2 Rthese are the %inest that yo#$!e made yetP 9o#$re a cra%tsman2 that yo# areP$
AA se(%Csatis%ied smi(e spreads across the bishop$s %ace. R9o# can$t pro!e nothing2$ says the
bishop. RAnd the ban/ said that they 3ere on the (e!e(. ,t$s the rea( green st#%%.$ R,$m s#re they
did2$ agrees the cop on the beat2 Rb#t , do#bt that the ban/ had been 3arned that Soapy
Sy(!ester 3as in to3n2 nor o% the I#a(ity o% the h#ndredCdo((ar bi((s he$d been passing in Den!er
and in St. @o#is.$ And 3ith that he reaches into the bishop$s poc/et and p#((s o#t the nec/(ace.
A3e(!e h#ndred do((ars$ 3orth o% diamonds and pear(s in e&change %or %i%ty cents$ 3orth o%
paper and in/2$ says the po(iceman2 3ho is ob!io#s(y a phi(osopher at heart. RAnd passing
yo#rse(% o%% as a man o% the ch#rch. 9o# sho#(d be ashamed2$ he says2 as he c(aps the handc#%%s
on the bishop2 3ho is ob!io#s(y no bishop2 and he marches him a3ay2 b#t not be%ore he gi!es
the De3e(er a receipt %or both the nec/(ace and the t3e(!e h#ndred co#nter%eit do((ars. ,t$s
e!idence2 a%ter a((.B
A5as it rea((y co#nter%eit:B as/ed Shado3.
A*% co#rse notP )resh ban/notes2 straight %rom the ban/2 on(y 3ith a th#mbprint and a sm#dge
o% green in/ on a co#p(e o% them to ma/e them a (itt(e more interesting.B
Shado3 sipped his co%%ee. ,t 3as 3orse than prison co%%ee. ASo the cop 3as ob!io#s(y no cop.
And the nec/(ace:B
A"!idence2B said 5ednesday. 8e #nscre3ed the top %rom the sa(tCsha/er2 po#red a (itt(e heap
o% sa(t on the tab(e. AB#t the De3e(er gets a receipt2 and ass#rance that he$(( get the nec/(ace
straight bac/ as soon as Soapy comes to tria(. 8e is congrat#(ated on being a good citi1en2 and
he 3atches2 pro#d(y2 a(ready thin/ing o% the ta(e he$(( ha!e to te(( at the ne&t meeting o% the
*dd%e((o3s tomorro3 night2 as the po(iceman marches the man pretending to be a bishop o#t
o% the store2 t3e(!e h#ndred do((ars in one poc/et2 a t3e(!eCh#ndredCdo((ar diamond nec/(ace
in the other2 on their 3ay to a po(ice station that$(( ne!er see hide nor hair o% either o% them.B
he 3aitress had ret#rned to c(ear the tab(e. Ae(( me2 my dear2B said 5ednesday. AAre yo#
married:B
She shoo/ her head.
AAstonishing that a yo#ng (ady o% s#ch (o!e(iness has not yet been snapped #p.B 8e 3as
dood(ing 3ith his %ingernai( in the spi((ed sa(t2 ma/ing sI#at2 b(oc/y r#neC(i/e shapes. he
3aitress stood passi!e(y beside him2 reminding Shado3 (ess o% a %a3n and more o% a yo#ng
rabbit ca#ght in an eighteenC3hee(er$s head(ights2 %ro1en in %ear and indecision.
5ednesday (o3ered his !oice2 so m#ch so that Shado32 on(y across the tab(e2 co#(d bare(y hear
him. A5hat time do yo# get o%% 3or/:B
A'ine2B she said2 and s3a((o3ed. A'ine thirty (atest.B
AAnd 3hat is the %inest mote( in this area:B
Ahere$s a 6ote( W2B she said. A,t$s not m#ch.B
5ednesday to#ched the bac/ o% her hand2 %(eeting(y2 3ith the tips o% his %ingers2 (ea!ing cr#mbs
o% sa(t on her s/in. She made no attempt to 3ipe them o%%. Ao #s2B he said2 his !oice an a(most
ina#dib(e r#mb(e2 Ait sha(( be a p(eas#reCpa(ace.B
he 3aitress (oo/ed at him. She bit her thin (ips2 hesitated2 then nodded and %(ed %or the
/itchen.
A4$mon2B said Shado3. AShe (oo/s bare(y (ega(.B
A,$!e ne!er been o!er(y concerned abo#t (ega(ity2B 5ednesday to(d him. A'ot as (ong as , get
3hat , 3ant. Sometimes the nights are (ong and co(d. And , need her2 not as an end in herse(%2
b#t to 3a/e me #p a (itt(e. "!en .ing Da!id /ne3 that there is one easy prescription to get
3arm b(ood %(o3ing thro#gh an o(d %rame: ta/e one !irgin2 ca(( me in the morning.B
Shado3 ca#ght himse(% 3ondering i% the gir( on night d#ty in the hote( bac/ in "ag(e Point had
been a !irgin. ADon$t yo# e!er 3orry abo#t disease:B he as/ed. A5hat i% yo# /noc/ her #p:
5hat i% she$s got a brother:B
A'o2B said 5ednesday. A, don$t 3orry abo#t diseases. , don$t catch them. Peop(e (i/e me a!oid
them. En%ort#nate(y2 %or the most part peop(e (i/e me %ire b(an/s2 so there$s not a great dea( o%
interbreeding. ,t #sed to happen in the o(d days. 'o3adays2 it$s possib(e2 b#t so #n(i/e(y as to
be a(most #nimaginab(e. So no 3orries there. And many gir(s ha!e brothers2 and %athers. Some
e!en ha!e h#sbands. ,t$s not my prob(em. 'inetyCnine times o#t o% a h#ndred2 ,$!e (e%t to3n
a(ready.B
ASo 3e$re staying here %or the night:B
5ednesday r#bbed his chin. A, sha(( stay in the 6ote( W2B he said. hen he p#t his hand into his
coat poc/et. 8e p#((ed o#t a %rontCdoor /ey2 bron1eCco(ored2 3ith a card tag attached on 3hich
3as typed an address: NK> '*+8+,DG" +D2 AP _V. A9o#2 on the other hand2 ha!e an apartment
3aiting %or yo#2 in a city %ar %rom here.B 5ednesday c(osed his eyes %or a moment. hen he
opened them2 gray and g(eaming and %ractiona((y mismatched2 and he said2 Ahe Greyho#nd
b#s 3i(( be coming thro#gh to3n in t3enty min#tes. ,t stops at the gas station. 8ere$s yo#r
tic/et.B 8e p#((ed o#t a %o(ded b#s tic/et2 passed it across the tab(e. Shado3 pic/ed it #p and
(oo/ed at it.
A5ho$s 6i/e Ainse(:B he as/ed. hat 3as the name on the tic/et.
A9o# are. 8appy 4hristmas.B
AAnd 3here$s @a/eside:B
A9o#r happy home in the months to come. And no32 beca#se good things come in threesQB 8e
too/ a sma((2 gi%tC3rapped pac/age %rom his poc/et2 p#shed it across the tab(e. ,t sat beside the
/etch#p bott(e 3ith the b(ac/ smears o% dried /etch#p on the top. Shado3 made no mo!e to
ta/e it.
A5e((:B
+e(#ctant(y2 Shado3 tore open the red 3rapping paper2 to re!ea( a %a3nCco(ored ca(%s/in 3a((et2
shiny %rom #se. ,t 3as ob!io#s(y somebody$s 3a((et. ,nside the 3a((et 3as a dri!er$s (icense 3ith
Shado3$s photograph on it2 in the name o% 6ichae( Ainse(2 3ith a 6i(3a#/ee address2 a
6aster4ard %or 6. Ainse(2 and t3enty crisp %i%tyCdo((ar bi((s. Shado3 c(osed the 3a((et2 p#t it
into an inside poc/et.
Ahan/s2B he said.
Ahin/ o% it as a 4hristmas bon#s. 'o32 (et me 3a(/ yo# do3n to the Greyho#nd. , sha(( 3a!e to
yo# as yo# ride the gray dog north.B
hey 3a(/ed o#tside the resta#rant. Shado3 %o#nd it hard to be(ie!e ho3 m#ch co(der it had
gotten in the (ast %e3 ho#rs. ,t %e(t too co(d to sno32 no3. Aggressi!e(y co(d. his 3as a bad
3inter.
A8ey. 5ednesday. Both o% the scams yo# 3ere te((ing me abo#t-the !io(in scam and the
bishop one2 the bishop and the cop-B 8e hesitated2 trying to %orm his tho#ght2 to bring it into
%oc#s.
A5hat o% them:B
hen he had it. Ahey$re both t3oCman scams. *ne g#y on each side. Did yo# #sed to ha!e a
partner:B Shado3$s breath came in c(o#ds. 8e promised himse(% that 3hen he got to @a/eside
he 3o#(d spend some o% his 4hristmas bon#s on the 3armest2 thic/est 3inter coat that money
co#(d b#y.
A9es2B said 5ednesday. A9es. , had a partner. A D#nior partner. B#t2 a(as2 those days are gone.
here$s the gas station2 and there2 #n(ess my eye decei!es me2 is the b#s.B ,t 3as a(ready
signa(ing its t#rn into the par/ing (ot. A9o#r address is on the /ey2B said 5ednesday. A,% anyone
as/s2 , am yo#r #nc(e2 and , sha(( be reDoicing in the #n(i/e(y name o% "merson Borson. Sett(e in2
in @a/eside2 nephe3 Ainse(. ,$(( come %or yo# 3ithin the 3ee/. 5e sha(( be tra!e(ing together.
Fisiting the peop(e , ha!e to !isit. ,n the meantime2 /eep yo#r head do3n and stay o#t o%
tro#b(e.B
A6y car-:B said Shado3.
A,$(( ta/e good care o% it. 8a!e a good time in @a/eside2B said 5ednesday. 8e thr#st o#t his
hand2 and Shado3 shoo/ it. 5ednesday$s hand 3as co(der than a corpse$s.
AJes#s2B said Shado3. A9o#$re co(d.B
Ahen the sooner , am ma/ing the t3oCbac/ed beast 3ith the (itt(e hotsyCtotsy (ass %rom the
resta#rant in a bac/ room o% the 6ote( W2 the better.B And he reached o#t his other hand and
sI#ee1ed Shado3$s sho#(der.
Shado3 e&perienced a di11ying moment o% do#b(e !ision: he sa3 the gri11(ed man %acing him2
sI#ee1ing his sho#(der2 b#t he sa3 something e(se: so many 3inters2 h#ndreds and h#ndreds o%
3inters2 and a gray man in a broadCbrimmed hat 3a(/ing %rom sett(ement to sett(ement2
(eaning on his sta%%2 staring in thro#gh 3indo3s at the %ire(ight2 at a Doy and a b#rning (i%e he
3o#(d ne!er be ab(e to to#ch2 ne!er e!en be ab(e to %ee(Q
AGo2B said 5ednesday2 his !oice a reass#ring gro3(. AA(( is 3e((2 and a(( is 3e((2 and a(( sha(( be
3e((.B
Shado3 sho3ed his tic/et to the dri!er. A8e(( o% a day to be tra!e(ing2B she said. And then she
added2 3ith a certain grim satis%action2 A6erry 4hristmas.B
he b#s 3as a(most empty. A5hen 3i(( 3e get in to @a/eside:B as/ed Shado3.
A3o ho#rs. 6aybe a bit more2B said the dri!er. Ahey say there$s a co(d snap coming.B She
th#mbed a s3itch and the doors c(osed 3ith a hiss and a th#mp.
Shado3 3a(/ed ha(%3ay do3n the b#s2 p#t the seat bac/ as %ar as it 3o#(d go2 and he started to
thin/. he motion o% the b#s and the 3armth combined to (#(( him2 and be%ore he 3as a3are
that he 3as becoming s(eepy2 he 3as as(eep.
,n the earth2 and #nder the earth. he mar/s on the 3a(( 3ere the red o% 3et c(ay: hand prints2
%ingerCmar/s and2 here and there2 cr#de representations o% anima(s and peop(e and birds.
he %ire sti(( b#rned and the b#%%a(o man sti(( sat on the other side o% the %ire2 staring at Shado3
3ith h#ge eyes2 eyes (i/e poo(s o% dar/ m#d. he b#%%a(o (ips2 %ringed 3ith matted bro3n hair2
did not mo!e as the b#%%a(o !oice said2 A5e((2 Shado3: Do yo# be(ie!e yet:B
A, don$t /no32B said Shado3. 8is mo#th had not mo!ed either2 he obser!ed. 5hate!er 3ords
3ere passing bet3een the t3o o% them 3ere not being spo/en2 not in any 3ay that Shado3
#nderstood speech. AAre yo# rea(:B
ABe(ie!e2B said the b#%%a(o man.
AAre yo#QB Shado3 hesitated2 and then he as/ed2 AAre yo# a god too:B
he b#%%a(o man reached one hand into the %(ames o% the %ire and he p#((ed o#t a b#rning
brand. 8e he(d the brand in the midd(e. B(#e and ye((o3 %(ames (ic/ed his red hand2 b#t they did
not b#rn.
Ahis is not a (and %or gods2B said the b#%%a(o man. B#t it 3as not the b#%%a(o man ta(/ing any
more2 Shado3 /ne32 in his dream: it 3as the %ire spea/ing2 the crac/(ing and the b#rning o% the
%(ame itse(% that spo/e to Shado3 in the dar/ p(ace #nder the earth.
Ahis (and 3as bro#ght #p %rom the depths o% the ocean by a di!er2B said the %ire. A,t 3as sp#n
%rom its o3n s#bstance by a spider. ,t 3as shat by a ra!en. ,t is the body o% a %a((en %ather2
3hose bones are mo#ntains2 3hose eyes are (a/es.
Ahis is a (and o% dreams and %ire2B said the %(ame.
he b#%%a(o man p#t the brand bac/ on the %ire.
A5hy are yo# te((ing me this st#%%:B said Shado3. A,$m not important. ,$m not anything. , 3as an
o/ay physica( trainer2 a rea((y (o#sy sma((time croo/ and maybe not so good a h#sband as ,
tho#ght , 3asQB 8e trai(ed o%%.
A8o3 do , he(p @a#ra:B Shado3 as/ed the b#%%a(o man. AShe 3ants to be a(i!e again. , said ,$d
he(p her. , o3e her that.B
he b#%%a(o man said nothing. 8e pointed #p 3ith his sootCb(ac/ened pa(m %acing Shado32 his
inde& %inger pointing to3ard the roo% o% the ca!e. Shado3$s eyes %o((o3ed. here 3as a thin2
3intry (ight2 coming %rom a tiny opening %ar abo!e.
AEp there:B as/ed Shado32 3ishing that one o% his I#estions 3o#(d be ans3ered. A,$m
s#pposed to go #p there:B
he dream too/ him then2 the idea becoming the thing itse(%2 and Shado3 3as cr#shed into the
roc/ and earth. 8e 3as (i/e a mo(e2 trying to p#sh thro#gh the earth2 (i/e a badger2 c(imbing
thro#gh the earth2 (i/e a gro#ndhog2 p#shing the earth o#t o% his 3ay2 (i/e a bear2 b#t the earth
3as too hard2 too dense2 and his breath 3as coming in gasps2 and soon he co#(d go no %#rther2
dig and c(imb no more2 and he /ne3 then that he 3o#(d die2 some3here in the deep p(ace
beneath the 3or(d.
8is o3n strength 3as not eno#gh. 8is e%%orts became 3ea/er. 8e /ne3 that tho#gh his body
3as riding in a hot b#s thro#gh co(d 3oods i% he stopped breathing here2 beneath the 3or(d2 he
3o#(d stop breathing there as 3e((2 that e!en no3 his breath 3as coming in sha((o3 panting
gasps.
8e str#gg(ed and he p#shed2 e!er more 3ea/(y2 each mo!ement #sing precio#s air. 8e 3as
trapped: co#(d go no %#rther2 and co#(d not ret#rn the 3ay that he had come.
A'o3 bargain2B said a !oice in his mind. ,t might ha!e been his o3n !oice. 8e co#(d not te((.
A5hat do , ha!e to bargain 3ith:B Shado3 as/ed. A, ha!e nothing.B
8e co#(d taste the c(ay no32 thic/ and m#dCgritty in his mo#th? he co#(d taste the sharp minera(
tang o% the roc/s that s#rro#nded him.
And then Shado3 said2 A"&cept myse(%. , ha!e myse(%2 don$t ,:B
,t seemed as i% e!erything 3as ho(ding its breath-not D#st Shado32 b#t the 3ho(e 3or(d #nder
the earth2 e!ery 3orm2 e!ery cre!ice2 e!ery ca!ern2 ho(ding its breath.
A, o%%er myse(%2B he said.
he response 3as immediate. he roc/s and the earth that had s#rro#nded him began to p#sh
do3n on Shado32 sI#ee1ed him so hard that the (ast o#nce o% air in his (#ngs 3as cr#shed o#t
o% him. he press#re became pain2 p#shing him on e!ery side2 and he %e(t he 3as being mashed2
a %ern becoming coa(. 8e reached the 1enith o% pain and h#ng there2 cresting2 /no3ing that he
co#(d ta/e no more2 that no one co#(d ta/e more than this2 and at that moment the spasm
eased and Shado3 co#(d breathe again. he (ight abo!e him had gro3n (arger.
8e 3as being p#shed to3ard the s#r%ace.
As the ne&t earthCspasm hit2 Shado3 tried to ride 3ith it. his time he %e(t himse(% being p#shed
#p3ard2 the press#re o% the earth p#shing him o#t2 e&pe((ing him2 p#shing him c(oser to the
(ight. And then a moment %or a breath.
he spasms too/ him and roc/ed him2 each harder2 each more pain%#( than the one be%ore it.
8e ro((ed and 3rithed thro#gh the earth2 and no3 his %ace 3as p#shed against the opening2 a
gap in the roc/ scarce(y (arger than the span o% his hand2 thro#gh 3hich a m#ted gray (ight
came2 and air2 b(essed air.
he pain2 on that (ast a3%#( contraction2 3as impossib(e to be(ie!e as he %e(t himse(% being
sI#ee1ed2 cr#shed and p#shed thro#gh that #nyie(ding roc/ gap2 his bones shattering2 his %(esh
becoming something shape(ess and sna/e(i/e2 and as his mo#th and r#ined head c(eared the
ho(e he began to scream2 in %ear and pain.
8e 3ondered2 as he screamed2 3hether2 bac/ in the 3a/ing 3or(d2 he 3as a(so screaming-i%
he 3ere screaming in his s(eep bac/ on the dar/ened b#s.
And as that %ina( spasm ended Shado3 3as on the gro#nd2 his %ingers c(#tching the red earth2
grate%#( on(y that the pain 3as o!er and he co#(d breathe once more2 deep (#ng%#(s o% 3arm2
e!ening air.
8e p#((ed himse(% into a sitting position2 3iped the earth %rom his %ace 3ith his hand and (oo/ed
#p at the s/y. ,t 3as t3i(ight2 a (ong2 p#rp(e t3i(ight2 and the stars 3ere coming o#t2 one by one2
stars so m#ch brighter and more !i!id than any stars he had e!er seen or imagined.
ASoon2B said the crac/(ing !oice o% the %(ame2 coming %rom behind him2 Athey 3i(( %a((. Soon they
3i(( %a(( and the star peop(e 3i(( meet the earth peop(e. here 3i(( be heroes among them2 and
men 3ho 3i(( s(ay monsters and bring /no3(edge2 b#t none o% them 3i(( be gods. his is a poor
p(ace %or gods.B
A b(ast o% air2 shoc/ing in its co(dness2 to#ched his %ace. ,t 3as (i/e being do#sed in ice 3ater. 8e
co#(d hear the dri!er$s !oice saying that they 3ere in Pine3ood2 anyone 3ho needs a cigarette
or 3ants to stretch their (egs2 3e$(( be stopping here %or ten min#tes then 3e$(( be bac/ on the
road.
Shado3 st#mb(ed o%% the b#s. hey 3ere par/ed o#tside another r#ra( gas station2 a(most
identica( to the one they had (e%t. he dri!er 3as he(ping a co#p(e o% teenage gir(s onto the b#s2
p#tting their s#itcases a3ay in the (#ggage compartment.
A8ey2B the dri!er said2 3hen she sa3 Shado3. A9o#$re getting o%% at @a/eside2 right:B
Shado3 agreed2 s(eepi(y2 that he 3as.
A8ec/2 that$s a good to3n2B said the b#sCdri!er. A, thin/ sometimes that i% , 3ere D#st going to
pac/ it a(( in2 ,$d mo!e to @a/eside. Prettiest to3n ,$!e e!er seen. 9o#$!e (i!ed there (ong:B
A6y %irst !isit.B
A9o# ha!e a pasty at 6abe($s %or me2 yo# hear:B
Shado3 decided not to as/ %or c(ari%ication. Ae(( me2B said Shado32 A3as , ta(/ing in my s(eep:B
A,% yo# 3ere2 , didn$t hear yo#.B She (oo/ed at her 3atch. ABac/ on the b#s. ,$(( ca(( yo# 3hen 3e
get to @a/eside.B
he t3o gir(s-he do#bted that either o% them 3as m#ch more than %o#rteen years o(d-3ho
had got on in Pine3ood 3ere no3 in the seat in %ront o% him. hey 3ere %riends2 Shado3
decided2 ea!esdropping 3itho#t meaning to2 not sisters. *ne o% them /ne3 a(most nothing
abo#t se&2 b#t /ne3 a (ot abo#t anima(s2 he(ped o#t or spent a (ot o% time at some /ind o%
anima( she(ter2 3hi(e the other 3as not interested in anima(s2 b#t2 armed 3ith a h#ndred tidbits
g(eaned %rom the ,nternet and %rom daytime te(e!ision2 tho#ght she /ne3 a great dea( abo#t
h#man se&#a(ity. Shado3 (istened 3ith a horri%ied and am#sed %ascination to the one 3ho
tho#ght she 3as 3ise in the 3ays o% the 3or(d detai( the precise mechanics o% #sing A(/aC
Se(t1er tab(ets to enhance ora( se&.
8e (istened to both o% them-the gir( 3ho (i/ed anima(s2 and the one 3ho /ne3 3hy A(/aC
Se(t1er ga!e yo# more ora( bang %or yo#r b#c/ than2 (i/e2 e!en A(toids-dishing the dirt on the
c#rrent 6iss @a/eside2 3ho had2 (i/e2 e!erybody /ne32 on(y gotten her greasy hands on the
coronet and sash by %(irtin$ #p to the D#dges.
Shado3 started to t#ne them o#t2 b(an/ed e!erything e&cept the noise o% the road2 and no3
on(y %ragments o% con!ersation 3o#(d come bac/ e!ery no3 and again.
Go(die is2 (i/e2 s#ch a good dog2 and he 3as a p#rebred retrie!er2 i% on(y my dad 3o#(d say o/ay2
he 3ags his tai( 3hene!er he sees me.
,t$s 4hristmas2 he has to (et me #se the sno3mobi(e.
9o# can 3rite yo#r name 3ith yo#r tong#e on the side o% his thing.
, miss Sandy.
9eah2 , miss Sandy too.
Si& inches tonight they said2 b#t they D#st ma/e it #p2 they ma/e #p the 3eather and nobody
e!er ca((s them on itQ
And then the bra/es o% the b#s 3ere hissing and the dri!er 3as sho#ting A@a/esidePB and the
doors c(#n/ed open. Shado3 %o((o3ed the gir(s o#t into the %(ood(it par/ing (ot o% a !ideo store
and tanning sa(on that %#nctioned2 Shado3 g#essed2 as @a/eside$s Greyho#nd station. he air
3as dread%#((y co(d2 b#t it 3as a %resh co(d. ,t 3o/e him #p. 8e stared at the (ights o% the to3n
to the so#th and the 3est2 and the pa(e e&panse o% a %ro1en (a/e to the east.
he gir(s 3ere standing in the (ot2 stamping and b(o3ing on their hands dramatica((y. *ne o%
them2 the yo#nger one2 sn#c/ a (oo/ at Shado32 smi(ed a3/3ard(y 3hen she rea(i1ed that he
had seen her do so.
A6erry 4hristmas2B said Shado3. ,t seemed (i/e a sa%e thing to say.
A9eah2B said the other gir(2 perhaps a year or so o(der than the %irst2 Amerry 4hristmas to yo#
too.B She had carroty red hair and a sn#b nose co!ered 3ith a h#ndred tho#sand %rec/(es.
A'ice to3n yo# got here2B said Shado3.
A5e (i/e it2B said the yo#nger one. She 3as the one 3ho (i/ed anima(s. She ga!e Shado3 a shy
grin2 re!ea(ing b(#e r#bberCband braces stretching across her %ront teeth. A9o# (oo/ (i/e
somebody2B she to(d him2 gra!e(y. AAre yo# somebody$s brother or somebody$s son or
something:B
A9o# are s#ch a spa12 A(ison2B said her %riend. A"!erybody$s somebody$s son or brother or
something.B
Ahat 3asn$t 3hat , meant2B said A(ison. 8ead(ights %ramed them a(( %or one bri((iant 3hite
moment. Behind the head(ights 3as a station 3agon 3ith a mother in it2 and in moments it
too/ the gir(s and their bags a3ay2 (ea!ing Shado3 standing a(one in the par/ing (ot.
A9o#ng man: Anything , can do %or yo#:B he o(d man 3as (oc/ing #p the !ideo store. 8e
poc/eted his /eys. AStore ain$t open 4hristmas2B he to(d Shado3 cheer%#((y. AB#t , come do3n
to meet the b#s. 6a/e s#re e!erything 3as o/ay. 4o#(dn$t (i!e 3ith myse(% i% some poor so#($d
%o#nd $emse(!es stranded on 4hristmas Day.B 8e 3as c(ose eno#gh that Shado3 co#(d see his
%ace: o(d b#t contented2 the %ace o% a man 3ho had sipped (i%e$s !inegar and %o#nd it2 by and
(arge2 to be most(y 3his/ey2 and good 3his/ey at that.
A5e((2 yo# co#(d gi!e me the n#mber o% the (oca( ta&i company2B said Shado3.
A, co#(d2B said the o(d man2 do#bt%#((y2 Ab#t om$(( be in his bed this time o% night2 and e!en i%
yo# co#(d ro#se him yo#$(( get no satis%action-, sa3 him do3n at the B#c/ Stops 8ere ear(ier
this e!ening2 and he 3as !ery merry. Fery merry indeed. 5here is it yo#$re aiming to go:B
Shado3 sho3ed him the address tag on the door /ey.
A5e((2B he said2 Athat$s a tenC2 mebbe a t3entyCmin#te 3a(/ o!er the bridge and aro#nd. B#t it$s
no %#n 3hen it$s this co(d2 and 3hen yo# don$t /no3 3here yo#$re going it a(3ays seems
(onger-yo# e!er notice that: )irst time ta/es %ore!er2 and then e!er a%ter it$s o!er in a %(ash:B
A9es2B said Shado3. A,$!e ne!er tho#ght o% it (i/e that. B#t , g#ess it$s tr#e.B
he o(d man nodded. 8is %ace crac/ed into a grin. A5hat the hec/2 it$s 4hristmas. ,$(( r#n yo#
o!er there in essie.B
Aessie:B said Shado32 and then he said2 A, mean2 than/ yo#.B
A9o#$re 3e(come.B
Shado3 %o((o3ed the o(d man to the road2 3here a h#ge o(d roadster 3as par/ed. ,t (oo/ed (i/e
something that gangsters might ha!e been pro#d to dri!e in the +oaring 3enties2 r#nning
boards and a((. ,t 3as a deep dar/ co(or #nder the sodi#m (ights that might ha!e been red and
might ha!e been green. Ahis is essie2B the o(d man said. AAin$t she a bea#t:B 8e patted her
proprietari(y2 3here the hood c#r!ed #p and arched o!er the %ront nearside 3hee(.
A5hat ma/e is she:B as/ed Shado3.
AShe$s a 5endt Phoeni&. 5endt 3ent #nder in $V;2 name 3as bo#ght by 4hrys(er2 b#t they
ne!er made any more 5endts. 8ar!ey 5endt2 3ho %o#nded the company2 3as a (oca( boy.
5ent o#t to 4a(i%ornia2 /i((ed himse(% in2 oh2 ;<Z;2 $Z>. Great tragedy.B
he car sme((ed o% (eather and o(d cigarette smo/e-not a %resh sme((2 b#t as i% eno#gh peop(e
had smo/ed eno#gh cigarettes and cigars in the car o!er the years that the sme(( o% b#rning
tobacco had become part o% the %abric o% the car. he o(d man t#rned the /ey in the ignition
and essie started %irst time.
Aomorro32B he to(d Shado32 Ashe goes into the garage. ,$(( co!er her 3ith a d#st sheet2 and
that$s 3here she$(( stay #nti( spring. r#th o% the matter is2 , sho#(dn$t be dri!ing her right no32
3ith the sno3 on the gro#nd.B
ADoesn$t she ride 3e(( in sno3:B
A+ides D#st %ine. ,t$s the sa(t they p#t on the roads to me(t the sno3. +#sts these o(d bea#ties
%aster than yo# co#(d be(ie!e. 9o# 3ant to go door to door2 or 3o#(d yo# (i/e the moon(ight
grand to#r o% the to3n:B
A, don$t 3ant to tro#b(e yo#-B
A,t$s no tro#b(e. 9o# get to be my age2 yo#$re grate%#( %or the (east 3in/ o% s(eep. ,$m (#c/y i% ,
get %i!e ho#rs a night no3adays-3a/e #p and my mind is D#st t#rning and t#rning. 5here are
my manners: 6y name$s 8in1e(mann. ,$d say2 ca(( me +ichie2 b#t ro#nd here %o(/s 3ho /no3
me D#st ca(( me p(ain 8in1e(mann. ,$d sha/e yo#r hand2 b#t , need t3o hands to dri!e essie. She
/no3s 3hen ,$m not paying attention.B
A6i/e Ainse(2B said Shado3. AP(eased to meet yo#2 8in1e(mann.B
ASo 3e$(( go ro#nd the (a/e. Grand to#r2B said 8in1e(mann.
6ain Street2 3hich they 3ere on2 3as a pretty street2 e!en at night2 and it (oo/ed o(dC%ashioned
in the best sense o% the 3ord-as i%2 %or a h#ndred years2 peop(e had been caring %or that street
and they had not been in a h#rry to (ose anything they (i/ed.
8in1e(mann pointed o#t the to3n$s t3o resta#rants as they passed them Ga German resta#rant
and 3hat he described as AGree/2 'or3egian2 bit o% e!erything2 and a popo!er at e!ery p(ateBH?
he pointed o#t the ba/ery and the boo/store GA5hat , say is2 a to3n isn$t a to3n 3itho#t a
boo/store. ,t may ca(( itse(% a to3n2 b#t #n(ess it$s got a boo/store2 it /no3s it$s not %oo(in$ a
so#(BH. 8e s(o3ed essie as they passed the (ibrary so Shado3 co#(d get a good (oo/ at it.
AntiI#e gas(ights %(ic/ered o!er the door3ay-8in1e(mann pro#d(y ca((ed Shado3$s attention
to them. AB#i(t in the ;YMKs by John 8enning2 (oca( (#mber baron. 8e 3anted it ca((ed the
8enning 6emoria( @ibrary2 b#t 3hen he died they started ca((ing it the @a/eside @ibrary2 and ,
g#ess it$(( be the @a/eside @ibrary no3 #nti( the end o% time. ,sn$t it a dream:B 8e co#(dn$t ha!e
been pro#der o% it i% he had b#i(t it himse(%. he b#i(ding reminded Shado3 o% a cast(e2 and he
said so. Ahat$s right2B agreed 8in1e(mann. A#rrets and a((. 8enning 3anted it to (oo/ (i/e that
on the o#tside. ,nside they sti(( ha!e a(( the origina( pine she(!ing. 6iriam Sh#(t1 3ants to tear
the insides o#t and moderni1e2 b#t it$s on the register o% historic p(aces2 and there$s not a damn
thing she can do.B
hey dro!e aro#nd the so#th side o% the (a/e. he to3n circ(ed the (a/e2 3hich 3as a thirtyC%oot
drop be(o3 the (e!e( o% the road. Shado3 co#(d see the patches o% 3hite ice d#((ing the s#r%ace
o% the (a/e 3ith2 here and there2 a shiny patch o% 3ater re%(ecting the (ights o% the to3n.
A@oo/s (i/e it$s %ree1ing o!er2B he said.
A,t$s been %ro1en o!er %or a month no32B said 8in1e(mann. Ahe d#(( spots are sno3dri%ts and
the shiny spots are ice. ,t %ro1e D#st a%ter han/sgi!ing in one co(d night2 %ro1e smooth as g(ass.
9o# do m#ch iceC%ishing2 6r. Ainse(:B
A'e!er.B
ABest thing a man can do. ,t$s not the %ish yo# catch2 it$s the peace o% mind that yo# ta/e home
at the end o% the day.B
A,$(( remember that.B Shado3 peered do3n at the (a/e thro#gh essie$s 3indo3. A4an yo#
act#a((y 3a(/ on it a(ready:B
A9o# can 3a(/ on it. Dri!e on it too2 b#t , 3o#(dn$t 3ant to ris/ it yet. ,t$s been co(d #p here %or
si& 3ee/s2B said 8in1e(mann. AB#t yo# a(so got to a((o3 that things %ree1e harder and %aster #p
here in northern 5isconsin than they do most anyp(ace e(se there is. , 3as o#t h#nting
once-h#nting %or deer2 and this 3as oh2 thirty2 %orty years bac/2 and , shot at a b#c/2 missed
him and sent him r#nning o%% thro#gh the 3oods-this 3as o!er acrost the north end o% the
(a/e2 #p near 3here yo#$(( be (i!ing2 6i/e. 'o3 he 3as the %inest b#c/ , e!er did see2 t3enty
point2 big as a sma(( horse2 no (ie. 'o32 ,$m yo#nger and %eistier bac/ then than , am no32 and
tho#gh it had started sno3ing be%ore 8a((o3een that year2 no3 it 3as han/sgi!ing and there
3as c(ean sno3 on the gro#nd2 %resh as anything2 and , co#(d see the b#c/$s %ootprints. ,t
(oo/ed to me (i/e the big %e((o3 3as heading %or the (a/e in a panic.
A5e((2 on(y a damn %oo( tries to r#n do3n a b#c/2 b#t there am ,2 a damn %oo(2 r#nning a%ter
him2 and there he is2 standing in the (a/e2 in oh2 eight2 nine inches o% 3ater2 and he$s D#st
(oo/ing at me. hat !ery moment2 the s#n goes behind a c(o#d2 and the %ree1e
comes-temperat#re m#st ha!e %a((en thirty degrees in ten min#tes2 not a 3ord o% a (ie. And
that o(d stag2 he gets ready to r#n2 and he can$t mo!e. 8e$s %ro1en into the ice.
A6e2 , D#st 3a(/ o!er to him s(o3(y. 9o# can see he 3ants to r#n2 b#t he$s iced in and it D#st isn$t
going to happen. B#t there$s no 3ay , can bring myse(% to shoot a de%ense(ess critter 3hen he
can$t get a3ay-3hat /ind o% man 3o#(d , be i% , done that2 heh: So , ta/es my shotg#n and ,
%ires o%% one she((2 straight #p into the air.
A5e(( the noise and the shoc/ is eno#gh to ma/e that b#c/ D#st abo#t D#mp o#t o% his s/in2 and
seein$ that his (egs are iced in2 that$s D#st 3hat he proceeds to do. 8e (ea!es his hide and his
ant(ers st#c/ to the ice2 3hi(e he charges bac/ into the 3oods2 pin/ as a ne3born mo#se and
shi!ering %it to b#st.
A, %e(t bad eno#gh %or that o(d b#c/ that , ta(/ed the @a/eside @adies .nitting 4irc(e into ma/ing
him something 3arm to 3ear a(( the 3inter2 and they /nitted him an a((Co!er oneCpiece 3oo(en
s#it2 so he 3o#(dn$t %ree1e to death. 4o#rse the Do/e 3as on #s2 beca#se they /nitted him a s#it
o% bright orange 3oo( so no h#nter e!er shot at it. 8#nters in these parts 3ear orange at
h#nting season2B he added2 he(p%#((y. AAnd i% yo# thin/ there$s a 3ord o% a (ie in that2 , can
pro!e it to yo#. ,$!e got the ant(ers #p on my rec room 3a(( to this day.B
Shado3 (a#ghed2 and the o(d man smi(ed the satis%ied smi(e o% a master cra%tsman. hey p#((ed
#p o#tside a bric/ b#i(ding 3ith a (arge 3ooden dec/2 %rom 3hich go(den ho(iday (ights h#ng
and t3in/(ed in!iting(y.
Ahat$s )i!eCohCt3o2B said 8in1e(mann. AApartment three 3o#(d be on the top %(oor2 ro#nd the
other side2 o!er(oo/ing the (a/e. here yo# go2 6i/e.B
Ahan/ yo#2 6r. 8in1e(mann. 4an , gi!e yo# anything to3ard gas:B
AJ#st 8in1e(mann. And yo# don$t o3e me a penny. 6erry 4hristmas %rom me and %rom essie.B
AAre yo# s#re yo# 3on$t accept anything:B
he o(d man scratched his chin. Ae(( yo# 3hat2B he said. ASometime in the ne&t 3ee/ or so ,$((
come by and se(( yo# some tic/ets. )or o#r ra%%(e. 4harity. )or no32 yo#ng man2 yo# can be
getting on to bed.B
Shado3 smi(ed. A6erry 4hristmas2 8in1e(mann2B he said.
he o(d man shoo/ Shado3$s hand 3ith one redC/n#c/(ed hand. ,t %e(t as hard and as ca((#sed
as an oa/ branch. A'o32 yo# 3atch the path as yo# go #p there2 it$s going to be s(ippery. , can
see yo#r door %rom here2 at the side there2 see it: ,$(( D#st 3ait in the car do3n here #nti( yo#$re
sa%e(y inside. 9o# D#st gi!e me the th#mbsC#p 3hen yo#$re in o/ay2 and ,$(( dri!e o%%.B
8e /ept the 5endt id(ing #nti( Shado3 3as sa%e(y #p the 3ooden steps on the side o% the
ho#se2 and had opened the apartment door 3ith his /ey. he door to the apartment s3#ng
open. Shado3 made a th#mbsC#p sign and the o(d man in the 5endt-essie2 tho#ght
Shado32 and the tho#ght o% a car 3ith a name made him smi(e one more time-8in1e(mann
and essie s3#ng aro#nd and made their 3ay bac/ across the bridge.
Shado3 sh#t the %ront door. he room 3as %ree1ing. ,t sme((ed o% peop(e 3ho had gone a3ay to
(i!e other (i!es2 and o% a(( they had eaten and dreamed. 8e %o#nd the thermostat and cran/ed it
#p to MK degrees. 8e 3ent into the tiny /itchen2 chec/ed the dra3ers2 opened the
a!ocadoCco(ored re%rigerator2 b#t it 3as empty. 'o s#rprise there. At (east the %ridge sme((ed
c(ean inside2 not m#sty.
here 3as a sma(( bedroom 3ith a bare mattress in it2 beside the /itchen2 ne&t to an e!en tinier
bathroom that 3as most(y sho3er sta((. An aged cigarette b#tt %(oated in the toi(et bo3(2
staining the 3ater bro3n. Shado3 %(#shed it a3ay.
8e %o#nd sheets and b(an/ets in a c(oset2 and made the bed. hen he too/ o%% his shoes2 his
Dac/et and his 3atch2 and he c(imbed into the bed %#((y dressed2 3ondering ho3 (ong it 3o#(d
ta/e him to get 3arm.
he (ights 3ere o%%2 and there 3as si(ence2 most(y2 nothing b#t the h#m o% the re%rigerator2 and
some3here in the b#i(ding2 a radio p(aying. 8e (ay there in the dar/ness2 3ondering i% he had
s(ept himse(% o#t on the Greyho#nd2 i% the h#nger and the co(d and the ne3 bed and the
cra1iness o% the (ast %e3 3ee/s 3o#(d combine to /eep him a3a/e that night.
,n the sti((ness he heard something snap (i/e a shot. A branch2 he tho#ght2 or the ice. ,t 3as
%ree1ing o#t there.
8e 3ondered ho3 (ong he 3o#(d ha!e to 3ait #nti( 5ednesday came %or him. A day: A 3ee/:
8o3e!er (ong he had2 he /ne3 he had to %oc#s on something in the meantime. 8e 3o#(d start
to 3or/ o#t again2 he decided2 and practice his coin s(eights and pa(ms #nti( he 3as smooth as
anything GPractice a(( yo#r tric/s2 somebody 3hispered inside his head2 in a !oice that 3as not
his o3n2 a(( o% them b#t one2 not the tric/ that poor dead 6ad S3eeney sho3ed yo#2 dead o%
e&pos#re and the co(d and o% being %orgotten and s#rp(#s to reI#irements2 not that tric/. *h not
that oneH.
B#t this 3as a good to3n. 8e co#(d %ee( it.
8e tho#ght o% his dream2 i% it had been a dream2 that %irst night in 4airo. 8e tho#ght o%
0oryaQ3hat the he(( 3as her name: he midnight sister. And then he tho#ght o% @a#raQ
,t 3as as i% thin/ing o% her opened a 3indo3 in his mind. 8e co#(d see her. 8e co#(d2 someho32
see her.
She 3as in "ag(e Point2 in the bac/yard o#tside her mother$s big ho#se.
She stood in the co(d2 3hich she did not %ee( any more2 or 3hich she %e(t a(( the time2 she stood
o#tside the ho#se that her mother had bo#ght in ;<Y< 3ith the ins#rance money a%ter @a#ra$s
%ather2 8ar!ey 6c4abe2 had passed on2 a heart attac/ 3hi(e straining on the can2 and she 3as
staring in2 her co(d hands pressed against the g(ass2 her breath not %ogging it2 not at a((2
3atching her mother2 and her sister and her sister$s chi(dren and h#sband in %rom e&as2 home
%or 4hristmas. *#t in the dar/ness2 that 3as 3here @a#ra 3as2 #nab(e not to (oo/.
ears pric/(ed in Shado3$s eyes2 and he ro((ed o!er in his bed.
5ednesday2 he tho#ght2 and 3ith D#st a tho#ght a 3indo3 opened and he 3as 3atching %rom
a corner o% the room in the 6ote( W2 3atching t3o %ig#res thr#sting and ro((ing in the semiC
dar/ness.
8e %e(t (i/e a Peeping om2 t#rned his tho#ghts a3ay2 3i((ed them to come bac/ to him. 8e
co#(d imagine h#ge b(ac/ 3ings po#nding thro#gh the night to3ard him2 he co#(d see the (a/e
spread o#t be(o3 him as the 3ind b(e3 do3n %rom the Arctic2 breathed its co(d on the (and2
%orcing any remaining (iI#ids to become so(id2 prying Dac/C%rost %ingers a h#ndred times co(der
than the %ingers o% any corpse.
Shado3$s breath came sha((o3(y no32 and he 3as no (onger co(d. 8e co#(d hear a 3ind rising2 a
bitter screaming aro#nd the ho#se2 and %or a moment he tho#ght he co#(d hear 3ords on the
3ind.
,% he 3as going to be any3here2 he might as 3e(( be here2 he tho#ght2 and then he s(ept.
6ean3hi(e. A 4on!ersation.
Dingdong.
A6i1 4ro3:B
A9es.B
A9o# are Samantha B(ac/ 4ro3:B
A9es.B
ADo yo# mind i% 3e as/ yo# a %e3 I#estions2 ma$am:B
A9eah. , do2 act#a((y.B
Ahere$s no need to ta/e that attit#de2 ma$am.B
AAre yo# cops: 5hat are yo#:B
A6y name is o3n. 6y co((eag#e here is 6ister +oad. 5e$re in!estigating the disappearance o%
t3o o% o#r associates.B
A5hat 3ere their names:B
A,$m sorry:B
Ae(( me their names. , 3ant to /no3 3hat they 3ere ca((ed. 9o#r associates. e(( me their
names and maybe ,$(( he(p yo#.B
AQ*/ay. heir names 3ere 6ister Stone2 and 6ister 5ood. 'o32 can 3e as/ yo# some
I#estions:B
ADo yo# g#ys D#st see things and pic/ names: R*h2 yo# be 6ister Side3a(/2 he$s 6ister 4arpet2
say he((o to 6ister Airp(ane$:B
AFery %#nny2 yo#ng (ady. )irst I#estion: 3e need to /no3 i% yo#$!e seen this man. 8ere. 9o# can
ho(d the photograph.B
A5hoa. Straight on and pro%i(e2 3ith n#mbers on the bottomQand big. 8e$s c#te2 tho#gh. 5hat
did he do:B
A8e 3as mi&ed #p in a sma((Cto3n ban/ robbery2 as a dri!er2 some years ago. 8is t3o co((eag#es
decided to /eep a(( the (oot %or themse(!es and ran o#t on him. 8e got angry. )o#nd them.
4ame c(ose to /i((ing them 3ith his hands. he state c#t a dea( 3ith the men he h#rt: they
testi%ied and got a s#spended sentence2 Shado3 here got si& years. 8e ser!ed three. 9o# as/
me2 g#ys (i/e that2 they sho#(d D#st (oc/ them #p and thro3 a3ay the /ey.B
A,$!e ne!er heard anyone say that in rea( (i%e2 yo# /no3. 'ot o#t (o#d.B
ASay 3hat2 6i1 4ro3:B
A@oot. ,t$s not a 3ord yo# e!er hear peop(e say. 6aybe in mo!ies peop(e say it. 'ot %or rea(.B
Ahis isn$t a mo!ie2 6i1 4ro3.B
AB(ac/ 4ro3. ,t$s 6i1 B(ac/ 4ro3. 6y %riends ca(( me Sam.B
AGot it2 Sam. 'o3 abo#t this man-B
AB#t yo# aren$t my %riends. 9o# can ca(( me 6i1 B(ac/ 4ro3.B
A@isten2 yo# snotCnosed (itt(e-B
A,t$s o/ay2 6ister +oad. Sam here-pardon2 ma$am2-, mean2 6i1 B(ac/ 4ro3 3ants to he(p #s.
She$s a (a3Cabiding citi1en.B
A6a$am2 3e /no3 yo# he(ped Shado3. 9o# 3ere seen 3ith him2 in a 3hite 4he!y 'o!a. 8e
ga!e yo# a ride. 8e bo#ght yo# dinner. Did he say anything that co#(d he(p #s in o#r
in!estigation: 3o o% o#r best men ha!e !anished.B
A, ne!er met him.B
A9o# met him. P(ease don$t ma/e the mista/e o% thin/ing 3e$re st#pid. 5e aren$t st#pid.B
A6m. , meet a (ot o% peop(e. 6aybe , met him and %orgot a(ready.B
A6a$am2 it rea((y is to yo#r ad!antage to cooperate 3ith #s.B
A*ther3ise2 yo#$(( ha!e to introd#ce me to yo#r %riends 6ister h#mbscre3s and 6ister
Pentotha(:B
A6a$am2 yo# aren$t ma/ing this any easier on yo#rse(%.B
AGee. ,$m sorry. 'o32 is there anything e(se: 4os ,$m going to say Rb#hCbye no3$ and c(ose the
door and , %ig#re yo# t3o are going to go and get into 6ister 4ar and dri!e a3ay.B
A9o#r (ac/ o% cooperation has been noted2 ma$am.B
AB#hCbye no3.B
4(ic/.
48AP"+ "'
,$(( te(( yo# a(( my secretsB#t , (ie abo#t my pastSo send me o%% to bed %or e!ermore-*6 5A,S2
AA'G* ,@@ 8"9$+" S*+"B
A 3ho(e (i%e in dar/ness2 s#rro#nded by %i(th2 that 3as 3hat Shado3 dreamed2 his %irst night in
@a/eside. A chi(d$s (i%e2 (ong ago and %ar a3ay2 in a (and across the ocean2 in the (ands 3here the
s#n rose. B#t this (i%e contained no s#nrises2 on(y dimness by day and b(indness by night.
'obody spo/e to him. 8e heard h#man !oices2 %rom o#tside2 b#t he co#(d #nderstand h#man
speech no better than he #nderstood the ho3(ing o% the o3(s or the ye(ps o% dogs. 8e
remembered2 or tho#ght he remembered2 one night2 ha(% a (i%etime ago2 3hen one o% the big
peop(e had entered2 I#iet(y2 and had not c#%%ed him or %ed him2 b#t had pic/ed him #p to her
breast and embraced him. She sme((ed good. She had made crooning noises. 8ot drops o% 3ater
had %a((en %rom her %ace to his. 8e had been scared2 and had 3ai(ed (o#d(y in his %ear.
She p#t him do3n on the stra32 h#rried(y2 and (e%t the h#t2 %astening the door behind her.
8e remembered that moment2 and he treas#red it2 D#st as he remembered the s3eetness o% a
cabbageCheart2 the tart taste o% p(#ms2 the cr#nch o% app(es2 the greasy de(ight o% roasted %ish.
And no3 he sa3 the %aces in the %ire(ight2 a(( o% them (oo/ing at him as he 3as (ed o#t %rom the
h#t %or the %irst time2 3hich 3as the on(y time. So that 3as 3hat peop(e (oo/ed (i/e. +aised in
dar/ness2 he had ne!er seen %aces. "!erything 3as so ne3. So strange. he bon%ire (ight h#rt his
eyes. hey p#((ed on the rope aro#nd his nec/2 to (ead him to the space bet3een the t3o
bon%ires2 3here the man 3aited %or him.
And 3hen the %irst b(ade 3as raised in the %ire(ight2 3hat a cheer 3ent #p %rom the cro3d and
the chi(d %rom the dar/ness began to (a#gh and (a#gh 3ith them2 in de(ight and in %reedom.
And then the b(ade came do3n.
Shado3 opened his eyes and rea(i1ed that he 3as h#ngry and co(d2 in an apartment 3ith a (ayer
o% ice c(o#ding the inside o% the 3indo3 g(ass. 8is %ro1en breath2 he tho#ght. 8e got o#t o% bed2
p(eased he did not ha!e to get dressed. 8e scraped at a 3indo3 3ith a %ingernai( as he passed2
%e(t the ice co((ect #nder the nai(2 then me(t to 3ater.
8e tried to remember his dream2 b#t remembered nothing b#t misery and dar/ness.
8e p#t on his shoes. 8e %ig#red he 3o#(d 3a(/ into the to3n center2 3a(/ across the bridge
across the northern end o% the (a/e2 i% he had the geography o% the to3n right. 8e p#t on his
thin Dac/et2 remembering his promise to himse(% that he 3o#(d b#y a 3arm 3inter coat2 opened
the apartment door and stepped o#t onto the 3ooden dec/. he co(d too/ his breath a3ay: he
breathed in2 and %e(t e!ery hair in his nostri(s %ree1e into rigidity. he dec/ ga!e him a %ine !ie3
o% the (a/e2 irreg#(ar patches o% gray s#rro#nded by an e&panse o% 3hite.
8e 3ondered ho3 co(d it 3as. he co(d snap had come2 that 3as %or s#re. ,t co#(d not be m#ch
abo!e 1ero2 and it 3o#(d not be a p(easant 3a(/2 b#t he 3as certain he co#(d ma/e it into to3n
3itho#t too m#ch tro#b(e. 5hat did 8in1e(mann say (ast night-a tenCmin#te 3a(/: And
Shado3 3as a big man. 8e 3o#(d 3a(/ bris/(y and /eep himse(% 3arm.
8e set o%% so#th2 heading %or the bridge.
Soon he began to co#gh2 a dry2 thin co#gh2 as the bitter(y co(d air to#ched his (#ngs. Soon his
ears and %ace and (ips h#rt2 and then his %eet h#rt. 8e thr#st his #ng(o!ed hands deep into his
coat poc/ets2 c(enched his %ingers together trying to %ind some 3armth. 8e %o#nd himse(%
remembering @o3 .ey @yesmith$s ta(( ta(es o% the 6innesota 3inters-partic#(ar(y the one
abo#t a h#nter treed by a bear d#ring a hard %ree1e 3ho too/ o#t his dic/ and pissed an arching
ye((o3 stream o% steaming #rine that 3as a(ready %ro1en hard be%ore it hit the gro#nd2 then s(id
do3n the roc/Chard %ro1enCpissCpo(e to %reedom. A 3ry smi(e at the memory and another dry2
pain%#( co#gh.
Step a%ter step a%ter step. 8e g(anced bac/. he apartment b#i(ding 3as not as %ar a3ay as he
had e&pected.
his 3a(/2 he decided2 3as a mista/e. B#t he 3as a(ready three or %o#r min#tes %rom the
apartment2 and the bridge o!er the (a/e 3as in sight. ,t made as m#ch sense to press on as to
go home Gand then 3hat: 4a(( a ta&i on the dead phone: 5ait %or spring: 8e had no %ood in the
apartment2 he reminded himse(%H.
8e /ept 3a(/ing2 re!ising his estimates o% the temperat#re do3n3ard as he 3a(/ed. 6in#s ;K:
6in#s >K: 6in#s ZK2 maybe2 that strange point on the thermometer 3hen 4e(si#s and
)ahrenheit say the same thing. Probab(y not that co(d. B#t then there 3as 3ind chi((2 and the
3ind 3as no3 hard and steady and contin#o#s2 b(o3ing o!er the (a/e2 coming do3n %rom the
Arctic across 4anada.
8e remembered2 en!io#s(y2 the chemica( handCand %oot3armers he had ta/en %rom the men in
the b(ac/ train. 8e 3ished he had them no3.
en more min#tes o% 3a(/ing2 he g#essed2 and the bridge seemed to be no nearer. 8e 3as too
co(d to shi!er. 8is eyes h#rt. his 3as not simp(y co(d: this 3as science %iction. his 3as a story
set on the dar/ side o% 6erc#ry2 bac/ 3hen they tho#ght 6erc#ry had a dar/ side. his 3as
some3here o#t on roc/y P(#to2 3here the s#n is D#st another star2 shining on(y a (itt(e more
bright(y in the dar/ness. his2 tho#ght Shado32 is D#st a hair a3ay %rom the p(aces 3here air
comes in b#c/ets and po#rs D#st (i/e beer.
he occasiona( cars that roared past him seemed #nrea(: spaceships2 (itt(e %ree1eCdried
pac/ages o% meta( and g(ass2 inhabited by peop(e dressed more 3arm(y than he 3as. An o(d
song his mother had (o!ed2 A5inter 5onder(and2B began to r#n thro#gh his head2 and he
h#mmed it thro#gh c(osed (ips2 /ept pace to it as he 3a(/ed.
8e had (ost a(( sensation in his %eet. 8e (oo/ed do3n at his b(ac/ (eather shoes2 at the thin
cotton soc/s2 and began2 serio#s(y2 to 3orry abo#t %rostbite.
his 3as beyond a Do/e. his had mo!ed beyond %oo(ishness2 s(ipped o!er the (ine into gen#ine
t3entyC%o#rC/arat Jes#sC4hristC,C%#c/edC#pCbigCtime territory. 8is c(othes might as 3e(( ha!e
been netting or (ace: the 3ind b(e3 thro#gh him2 %ro1e his bones and the marro3 in his bones2
%ro1e the (ashes o% his eyes2 %ro1e the 3arm p(ace #nder his ba((s2 3hich 3ere retreating into his
pe(!ic ca!ity.
.eep 3a(/ing2 he to(d himse(%. .eep 3a(/ing. , can stop and drin/ a pai( o% air 3hen , get home.
A Beat(es song started in his head2 and he adD#sted his pace to match it. ,t 3as on(y 3hen he
got to the chor#s that he rea(i1ed that he 3as h#mming A8e(pPB
8e 3as a(most at the bridge no3. hen he had to 3a(/ across it2 and he 3o#(d sti(( be another
ten min#tes %rom the stores on the 3est o% the (a/e-maybe a (itt(e moreQ
A dar/ car passed him2 stopped2 then re!ersed in a %oggy c(o#d o% e&ha#st smo/e and came to a
ha(t beside him. A 3indo3 s(id do3n2 and the ha1e and steam %rom the 3indo3 mi&ed 3ith the
e&ha#st to %orm a dragon$s breath that s#rro#nded the car. A"!erything o/ay here:B said a cop
inside.
Shado3$s %irst2 a#tomatic instinct 3as to say 9#p2 e!erything$s D#st %ine and DimCdandy than/
yo#2 o%%icer2 nothing$s happening here. 6o!e on. 'othing to see. B#t it 3as too (ate %or that2 and
he started to say2 A, thin/ ,$m %ree1ing. , 3as 3a(/ing into @a/eside to b#y %ood and c(othes2 b#t ,
#nderestimated the (ength o% the 3a(/B-he 3as that %ar thro#gh the sentence in his head2
3hen he rea(i1ed that a(( that had come o#t 3as A)C%C%ree1ing2B and a chattering noise2 and he
said2 ASo sCsorry. 4o(d. Sorry.B
he cop p#((ed open the bac/ door o% the car2 and said2 A9o# get in there this moment and
3arm yo#rse(% #p2 o/ay:B Shado3 c(imbed in grate%#((y2 and he sat in the bac/ and r#bbed his
hands together2 trying not to 3orry abo#t %rostbitten toes. he cop got bac/ in the dri!er$s seat.
Shado3 stared at him thro#gh the meta( gri((e. Shado3 tried not to thin/ abo#t the (ast time
he$d been in the bac/ o% a po(ice car2 or to notice that there 3ere no door hand(es in the bac/2
and to concentrate instead on r#bbing (i%e bac/ into his hands. 8is %ace h#rt and his red %ingers
h#rt2 and no32 in the 3armth2 his toes 3ere starting to h#rt once more. hat 3as2 Shado3
%ig#red2 a good sign.
he cop p#t the car in dri!e and mo!ed o%%. A9o# /no32 that 3as2B he said2 not t#rning to (oo/
at Shado32 D#st ta(/ing a (itt(e (o#der2 Ai% yo#$(( pardon me saying so2 a rea( st#pid thing to do.
9o# didn$t hear any o% the 3eather ad!isories: ,t$s min#s thirty o#t there. God a(one /no3s
3hat the 3ind chi(( is2 min#s si&ty2 min#s se!enty2 a(tho#gh , %ig#re 3hen yo#$re do3n at min#s
thirty2 3ind chi(($s the (east o% yo#r 3orries.B
Ahan/s2B said Shado3. Ahan/s %or stopping. Fery2 !ery grate%#(.B
A5oman in +hine(ander 3ent o#t this morning to %i(( her bird %eeder in her robe and carpet
s(ippers and she %ro1e2 (itera((y %ro1e2 to the side3a(/. She$s in intensi!e care no3. ,t 3as on the
radio this morning. 9o#$re ne3 in to3n.B ,t 3as a(most a I#estion2 b#t the man /ne3 the
ans3er a(ready.
A, came in on the Greyho#nd (ast night. )ig#red today ,$d b#y myse(% some 3arm c(othes2 %ood2
and a car. 5asn$t e&pecting this co(d.B
A9eah2B said the cop. A,t too/ me by s#rprise as 3e((. , 3as too b#sy 3orrying abo#t g(oba(
3arming. ,$m 4had 6#((igan. ,$m the chie% o% po(ice here in @a/eside.B
A6i/e Ainse(.B
A8i2 6i/e. )ee(ing any better:B
AA (itt(e2 yes.B
ASo 3here 3o#(d yo# (i/e me to ta/e yo# %irst:B
Shado3 p#t his hands do3n to the hot air stream2 pain%#( on his %ingers2 then he p#((ed them
a3ay. @et it happen in its o3n time. A4an yo# D#st drop me o%% in the to3n center:B
A5o#(dn$t hear o% it. @ong as yo# don$t need me to dri!e a geta3ay car %or yo#r ban/ robbery
,$(( happi(y ta/e yo# 3here!er yo# need to go. hin/ o% it as the to3n 3e(come 3agon.B
A5here 3o#(d yo# s#ggest 3e start:B
A9o# on(y mo!ed in (ast night.B
Ahat$s right.B
A9o# eaten brea/%ast yet:B
A'ot yet.B
A5e((2 that seems (i/e a hec/ o% a good starting p(ace to me2B said 6#((igan.
hey 3ere o!er the bridge no32 and entering the north3est side o% the to3n. Ahis is 6ain
Street2B said 6#((igan2 Aand this2B he said2 crossing 6ain Street and t#rning right2 Ais the to3n
sI#are.B
"!en in the 3inter the to3n sI#are 3as impressi!e2 b#t Shado3 /ne3 that this p(ace 3as
meant to be seen in s#mmer: it 3o#(d be a riot o% co(or2 o% poppies and irises and %(o3ers o%
e!ery /ind2 and the c(#mp o% birch trees in one corner 3o#(d be a green and si(!er bo3er. 'o3
it 3as a co(or(ess p(ace2 bea#ti%#( in a s/e(eta( 3ay2 the band she(( empty2 the %o#ntain t#rned
o%% %or the 3inter2 the bro3nstone city ha(( capped by 3hite sno3.
AQand this2B conc(#ded 4had 6#((igan2 bringing the car to a stop o#tside a high g(assC%ronted
o(d b#i(ding on the 3est o% the sI#are2 Ais 6abe($s.B
8e got o#t o% the car2 opened the rear door %or Shado3. he t3o men p#t their heads do3n
against the co(d and the 3ind2 and h#rried across the side3a(/ and into a 3arm room2 %ragrant
3ith the sme((s o% ne3Cba/ed bread2 o% pastry and so#p and bacon.
he p(ace 3as a(most empty. 6#((igan sat do3n at a tab(e and Shado3 sat opposite him. 8e
s#spected that 6#((igan 3as doing this to get a %ee( %or the stranger in to3n. hen again2 the
po(ice chie% might simp(y be 3hat he appeared: %riend(y2 he(p%#(2 good.
A 3oman b#st(ed o!er to their tab(e2 not %at b#t big2 a big 3oman in her si&ties2 her hair
bott(eCbron1e.
A8e((o2 4had2B she said. A9o#$(( 3ant a hot choco(ate 3hi(e yo#$re thin/ing.B She handed them
t3o (aminated men#s.
A'o cream on the top2 tho#gh2B he agreed. A6abe( /no3s me too 3e((2B he said to Shado3.
A5hat$(( it be2 pa(:B
A8ot choco(ate so#nds great2B said Shado3. AAnd ,$m happy to ha!e the 3hipped cream on the
top.B
Ahat$s good2B said 6abe(. A@i!e dangero#s(y2 hon. Are yo# going to introd#ce me2 4had: ,s this
yo#ng man a ne3 o%%icer:B
A'ot yet2B said 4had 6#((igan2 3ith a %(ash o% 3hite teeth. Ahis is 6i/e Ainse(. 8e mo!ed to
@a/eside (ast night. 'o32 i% yo#$(( e&c#se me.B 8e got #p2 3a(/ed to the bac/ o% the room2
thro#gh the door mar/ed P*,'"+S. ,t 3as ne&t to a door mar/ed S""+S.
A9o#$re the ne3 man in the apartment #p on 'orthridge +oad. he o(d Pi(sen p(ace. *h yes2B
she said2 happi(y2 A, /no3 D#st 3ho yo# are. 8in1e(mann 3as by this morning %or his morning
pasty2 he to(d me a(( abo#t yo#. 9o# boys on(y ha!ing hot choco(ate or yo# 3ant to (oo/ at the
brea/%ast men#:B
ABrea/%ast %or me2B said Shado3. A5hat$s good:B
A"!erything$s good2B said 6abe(. A, ma/e it. B#t this is the %#rthest so#th and east o% the yoopie
yo# can get pasties2 and they are partic#(ar(y good. 5arming and %i((ing too. 6y specia(ty.B
Shado3 had no idea 3hat a pasty 3as2 b#t he said that 3o#(d be %ine2 and in a %e3 moments
6abe( ret#rned 3ith a p(ate 3ith 3hat (oo/ed (i/e a %o(dedCo!er pie on it. he (o3er ha(% 3as
3rapped in a paper nap/in. Shado3 pic/ed it #p 3ith the nap/in and bit into it: it 3as 3arm
and %i((ed 3ith meat2 potatoes2 carrots2 onions. A)irst pasty ,$!e e!er had2B he said. A,t$s rea(
good.B
Ahey$re a yoopie thing2B she to(d him. A6ost(y yo# need to be at (east #p ,ron3ood 3ay to get
one. he 4ornish men 3ho came o!er to 3or/ the iron mines bro#ght them o!er.B
A9oopie:B
AEpper Penins#(a. EP. 9oopie. 5here the 9oopers come %rom. ,t$s the (itt(e ch#n/ o% 6ichigan
to the northeast.B
he chie% o% po(ice came bac/. 8e pic/ed #p the hot choco(ate and s(#rped it. A6abe(2B he said2
Aare yo# %orcing this nice yo#ng man to eat one o% yo#r pasties:B
A,t$s good2B said Shado3. ,t 3as2 too-a sa!ory de(ight 3rapped in hot pastry.
Ahey go straight to the be((y2B said 4had 6#((igan2 patting his o3n stomach. A, 3arn yo#. */ay.
So2 yo# need a car:B 5ith his par/a o%%2 he 3as re!ea(ed as a (an/y man 3ith a ro#nd2 app(eC
be((y g#t on him. 8e (oo/ed harassed and competent2 more (i/e an engineer than a cop.
Shado3 nodded2 mo#th %#((.
A+ight. , made some ca((s. J#stin @iebo3it1$s se((ing his Deep2 3ants %o#r tho#sand do((ars %or it2
3i(( sett(e %or three. he G#nthers ha!e had their oyota Z+#nner %or sa(e %or eight months2
#g(y sono%abitch2 b#t at this point they$d probab(y pay yo# to ta/e it o#t o% their dri!e3ay. And
i% yo# don$t care abo#t #g(y2 it$s got to be a great dea(. , #sed the phone in the men$s room2 (e%t
a message %or 6issy G#nther do3n at @a/eside +ea(ty2 b#t she 3asn$t in yet2 probab(y getting
her hair done do3n at Shei(a$s.B
he pasty remained good as Shado3 che3ed his 3ay thro#gh it. ,t 3as astonishing(y %i((ing.
AStic/CtoCyo#rCribs %ood2B as his mother 3o#(d ha!e said. AStic/s to yo#r sides.B
ASo2B said 4hie% o% Po(ice 4had 6#((igan2 3iping the hot choco(ate %oam %rom aro#nd his (ips. A,
%ig#re 3e stop o%% ne&t at 8enning$s )arm and 8ome S#pp(ies2 get yo# a rea( 3inter 3ardrobe2
s3ing by Da!e$s )inest )ood2 so yo# can %i(( yo#r (arder2 then ,$(( drop yo# #p by @a/eside +ea(ty.
,% yo# can p#t do3n a tho#sand #p %ront %or the car they$(( be happy2 other3ise %i!e h#ndred a
month %or %o#r months sho#(d see them o/ay. ,t$s an #g(y car2 (i/e , said2 b#t i% the /id hadn$t
painted it p#rp(e it$d be a tenCtho#sandCdo((ar car2 and re(iab(e2 and yo#$(( need something (i/e
that to get aro#nd this 3inter2 yo# as/ me.B
Ahis is !ery good o% yo#2B said Shado3. AB#t sho#(dn$t yo# be o#t catching crimina(s2 not
he(ping ne3comers: 'ot that ,$m comp(aining2 yo# #nderstand.B
6abe( ch#c/(ed. A5e a(( te(( him that2B she said.
6#((igan shr#gged. A,t$s a good to3n2B he said2 simp(y. A'ot m#ch tro#b(e. 9o#$(( a(3ays get
someone speeding 3ithin city (imits-3hich is a good thing2 as tra%%ic tic/ets pay my 3ages.
)riday2 Sat#rday nights yo# get some Der/ 3ho gets dr#n/ and beats on a spo#se-and that one
can go both 3ays2 be(ie!e me. 6en and 3omen. And , (earned 3hen , 3as on the %orce in Green
Bay2 ,$d rather attend a ban/ robbery than a domestic in a big city. B#t o#t here things are
I#iet. hey ca(( me o#t 3hen someone$s (oc/ed their /eys in their !ehic(e. Bar/ing dogs. "!ery
year there$s a co#p(e o% high schoo( /ids ca#ght 3ith 3eed behind the b(eachers. Biggest po(ice
case 3e$!e had here in %i!e years 3as 3hen Dan Sch3art1 got dr#n/ and shot #p his o3n trai(er2
then he 3ent on the r#n2 do3n 6ain Street2 in his 3hee(chair2 3a!ing this darn shotg#n2
sho#ting that he 3o#(d shoot anyone 3ho got in his 3ay2 that no one 3o#(d stop him %rom
getting to the interstate. , thin/ he 3as on his 3ay to 5ashington to shoot the president. , sti((
(a#gh 3hene!er , thin/ o% Dan heading do3n the interstate in that 3hee(chair o% his 3ith the
b#mper stic/er on the bac/. 69 JEF"',@" D"@,'7E"' ,S S4+"5,'G 9*E+ 8*'*+ SED"'. 9o# remember2 6abe(:B
She nodded2 (ips p#rsed. She did not seem to %ind it as %#nny as 6#((igan did.
A5hat did yo# do:B as/ed Shado3.
A, ta(/ed to him. 8e ga!e me the shotg#n. S(ept it o%% do3n at the Dai(. Dan$s not a bad g#y2 he
3as D#st dr#n/ and #pset.B
Shado3 paid %or his o3n brea/%ast and2 o!er 4had 6#((igan$s ha(%hearted protests2 both hot
choco(ates.
8enning$s )arm and 8ome 3as a 3areho#seCsi1ed b#i(ding on the so#th o% the to3n that so(d
e!erything %rom tractors to toys Gthe toys2 a(ong 3ith the 4hristmas ornaments2 3ere a(ready
on sa(eH. he store 3as b#st(ing 3ith postC4hristmas shoppers. Shado3 recogni1ed the yo#nger
o% the gir(s 3ho had sat in %ront o% him on the b#s. She 3as trai(ing a%ter her parents. 8e 3a!ed
at her and she ga!e him a hesitant2 b(#eCr#bberCbanded smi(e. Shado3 3ondered id(y 3hat
she$d (oo/ (i/e in ten years$ time.
Probab(y as bea#ti%#( as the gir( at the 8enning$s )arm and 8ome chec/o#t co#nter2 3ho
scanned in his p#rchases 3ith a chattering handChe(d g#n2 capab(e2 Shado3 had no do#bt2 o%
ringing #p a tractor i% someone dro!e it thro#gh.
Aen pairs o% (ong #nder3ear:B said the gir(. AStoc/ing #p2 h#h:B She (oo/ed (i/e a mo!ie
star(et.
Shado3 %e(t %o#rteen again2 and tong#eCtied and %oo(ish. 8e said nothing 3hi(e she rang #p the
therma( boots2 the g(o!es2 the s3eaters2 and the gooseCdo3nC%i((ed coat.
8e had no 3ish to p#t the credit card that 5ednesday had gi!en him to the test2 not 3ith 4hie%
o% Po(ice 6#((igan standing he(p%#((y beside him2 so he paid %or e!erything in cash. hen he too/
his bags into the men$s restroom2 and came o#t 3earing many o% his p#rchases.
A@oo/ing good2 big %e((a2B said 6#((igan.
AAt (east ,$m 3arm2B said Shado32 and o#tside2 in the par/ing (ot2 a(tho#gh the 3ind b#rned
co(d on the s/in o% his %ace2 the rest o% him 3as 3arm eno#gh. At 6#((igan$s in!itation2 he p#t
his shopping bags in the bac/ o% the po(ice car2 and rode in the passenger seat2 in the %ront.
ASo2 3hat do yo# do2 6ister Ainse(:B as/ed the chie% o% po(ice. ABig g#y (i/e yo#. 5hat$s yo#r
pro%ession2 and 3i(( yo# be practicing it in @a/eside:B
Shado3$s heart began to po#nd2 b#t his !oice 3as steady. A, 3or/ %or my #nc(e. 8e b#ys and
se((s st#%% a(( o!er the co#ntry. , D#st do the hea!y (i%ting.B
ADoes he pay 3e((:B
A,$m %ami(y. 8e /no3s ,$m not going to rip him o%%2 and ,$m (earning a (itt(e abo#t the trade on
the 3ay. Enti( , %ig#re o#t 3hat it is , rea((y 3ant to do.B ,t 3as coming o#t o% him 3ith
con!iction2 smooth as a sna/e. 8e /ne3 e!erything abo#t big 6i/e Ainse( in that moment2 and
he (i/ed 6i/e Ainse(. 6i/e Ainse( had none o% the prob(ems that Shado3 had. Ainse( had ne!er
been married. 6i/e Ainse( had ne!er been interrogated on a %reight train by 6r. 5ood and 6r.
Stone. e(e!isions did not spea/ to 6i/e Ainse( G9o# 3ant to see @#cy$s tits: as/ed a !oice in his
head.H 6i/e Ainse( didn$t ha!e bad dreams2 or be(ie!e that there 3as a storm coming.
8e %i((ed his shopping bas/et at Da!e$s )inest )oods2 doing 3hat he tho#ght o% as a gasCstation
stop-mi(/2 eggs2 bread2 app(es2 cheese2 coo/ies. J#st some %ood. 8e$d do a rea( one (ater. As
Shado3 mo!ed aro#nd2 4had 6#((igan said he((o to peop(e and introd#ced Shado3 to them.
Ahis is 6i/e Ainse(2 he$s ta/en the empty apartment at the o(d Pi(sen p(ace. Ep aro#nd the
bac/2B he$d say. Shado3 ga!e #p trying to remember names. 8e D#st shoo/ hands 3ith peop(e
and smi(ed2 s3eating a (itt(e2 #ncom%ortab(e in his ins#(ated (ayers in the hot store.
4had 6#((igan dro!e Shado3 across the street to @a/eside +ea(ty. 6issy G#nther2 her hair
%resh(y set and (acI#ered2 did not need an introd#ction-she /ne3 e&act(y 3ho 6i/e Ainse(
3as. 5hy that nice 6r. Borson2 his #nc(e "merson2 s#ch a nice man2 he$d been by2 3hat2 abo#t
si&2 eight 3ee/s ago no32 and rented the apartment #p at the o(d Pi(sen p(ace2 and 3asn$t the
!ie3 D#st to die %or #p there: 5e((2 honey2 D#st 3ait #nti( the spring2 and 3e$re so (#c/y2 so
many o% the (a/es in this part o% the 3or(d go bright green %rom the a(gae in the s#mmer2 it
3o#(d t#rn yo#r stomach2 b#t o#r (a/e2 3e((2 come %o#rth o% J#(y yo# co#(d sti(( practica((y drin/
it2 and 6r. Borson had paid %or a 3ho(e year$s (ease in ad!ance2 and as %or the oyota Z+#nner2
she co#(dn$t be(ie!e that 4had 6#((igan sti(( remembered it2 and yes2 she$d be de(ighted to get
rid o% it. e(( the tr#th2 she$d pretty m#ch resigned herse(% to gi!ing it to 8in1e(mann as this
year$s /(#n/er and D#st ta/ing the ta& 3riteCo%%2 not that the car 3as a /(#n/er2 %ar %rom it2 no2 it
3as her son$s car be%ore he 3ent to schoo( in Green Bay2 and2 3e((2 he$d painted it p#rp(e one
day and2 haCha2 she certain(y hoped that 6i/e Ainse( (i/ed p#rp(e2 that 3as a(( she had to say2
and i% he didn$t she 3o#(dn$t b(ame himQ
4hie% o% Po(ice 6#((igan e&c#sed himse(% near the midd(e o% this (itany. A@oo/s (i/e they need me
bac/ at the o%%ice2 good meeting yo#2 6i/e2B he said2 and he mo!ed Shado3$s shopping bags
into the bac/ o% 6issy G#nther$s station 3agon.
6issy dro!e Shado3 bac/ to her p(ace2 3here2 in the dri!e2 he sa3 an e(der(y SEF. he b(o3n
sno3 had b(eached ha(% o% it to a b(inding 3hite2 3hi(e the rest o% it 3as painted the /ind o%
drippy p#rp(e that someone 3o#(d need to be !ery stoned2 !ery o%ten2 to e!en begin to be ab(e
to %ind attracti!e.
Sti((2 the car started #p on the %irst try2 and the heater 3or/ed2 a(tho#gh it too/ a(most ten
min#tes o% r#nning the engine 3ith the heater on %#(( be%ore it e!en started to change the
interior o% the car %rom #nbearab(y co(d to mere(y chi((y. 5hi(e this 3as happening2 6issy
G#nther too/ Shado3 into her /itchen-e&c#se the mess2 b#t the (itt(e ones D#st (ea!e their
toys a(( o!er a%ter 4hristmas and she D#st doesn$t ha!e the heart2 3o#(d he care %or some
(e%to!er t#r/ey dinner: @ast year they did goose b#t this year it 3as a big o(d t#r/ey2 3e((2
co%%ee then2 3on$t ta/e a moment to bre3 a %resh pot-and Shado3 too/ a (arge red toy car o%%
a 3indo3 seat and sat do3n2 3hi(e 6issy G#nther as/ed i% he had met his neighbors yet2 and
Shado3 con%essed that he hadn$t.
here 3ere2 he 3as in%ormed2 3hi(e the co%%ee dripped and bre3ed2 %o#r other inhabitants o%
his apartment b#i(ding-bac/ 3hen it 3as the Pi(sen p(ace the Pi(sens (i!ed in the do3nstairs
%(at and rented o#t the #pper t3o %(ats2 no3 their apartment2 that 3as the do3nstairs one and
that 3as ta/en by a co#p(e o% yo#ng men2 6r. 8o(1 and 6r. 'eiman2 they act#a((y are a co#p(e
and 3hen she said co#p(e2 6r. Ainse(2 hea!ens2 3e ha!e a(( /inds here2 more than one /ind o%
tree in the %orest2 a(tho#gh most(y those /ind o% peop(e 3ind #p in 6adison or the 3in 4ities2
b#t tr#th to te((2 nobody here gi!es it a second tho#ght. hey$re in .ey 5est %or the 3inter2
they$(( be bac/ in Apri(2 he$(( meet them then. he thing abo#t @a/eside is that it$s a good to3n.
'o3 ne&t door to 6r. Ainse(2 that$s 6arg#erite *(sen and her (itt(e boy2 a s3eet (ady2 s3eet2
s3eet (ady2 b#t she$s had a hard (i%e2 sti(( s3eet as pie2 and she 3or/s %or the @a/eside 'e3s.
'ot the most e&citing ne3spaper in the 3or(d2 b#t tr#th to te(( 6issy G#nther tho#ght that 3as
probab(y the 3ay most %o(/ aro#nd here (i/ed it.
*h2 she said2 and po#red him co%%ee2 she D#st 3ished that 6r. Ainse( co#(d see the to3n in the
s#mmer or (ate in the spring2 3hen the (i(acs and the app(e and the cherry b(ossoms 3ere o#t2
she tho#ght there 3as nothing (i/e it %or bea#ty2 nothing (i/e it any3here in the 3or(d.
Shado3 ga!e her a %i!eCh#ndredCdo((ar deposit2 and he c(imbed #p into the car and started to
bac/ it #p2 o#t o% her %ront yard and onto the dri!e3ay proper. 6issy G#nther tapped on his
%ront 3indo3. Ahis is %or yo#2B she said. A, near(y %orgot.B She handed him a b#%% en!e(ope.
A,t$s /ind o% a gag. 5e had them printed #p a %e3 years bac/. 9o# don$t ha!e to (oo/ at it no3.B
8e than/ed her2 and dro!e2 ca#tio#s(y2 bac/ into the to3n. 8e too/ the road that ran aro#nd
the (a/e. 8e 3ished he co#(d see it in the spring2 or the s#mmer2 or the %a((: it 3o#(d be !ery
bea#ti%#(2 he had no do#bt o% that.
,n ten min#tes he 3as home.
8e par/ed the car o#t on the street and 3a(/ed #p the o#tside steps to his co(d apartment. 8e
#npac/ed his shopping2 p#t the %ood into the c#pboards and the %ridge2 and then he opened the
en!e(ope 6issy G#nther had gi!en him.
,t contained a passport. B(#e2 (aminated co!er and2 inside2 a proc(amation that 6ichae( Ainse(
Ghis name hand3ritten in 6issy G#nther$s precise hand3ritingH 3as a citi1en o% @a/eside. here
3as a map o% the to3n on the ne&t page. he rest o% it 3as %i((ed 3ith disco#nt co#pons %or
!ario#s (oca( stores.
A, thin/ , may (i/e it here2B said Shado32 a(o#d. 8e (oo/ed o#t o% the icy 3indo3 at the %ro1en
(a/e. A,% it e!er 3arms #p.B
here 3as a bang at the %ront door at aro#nd >:KK P.6. Shado3 had been practicing the S#c/er
Fanish 3ith a I#arter2 tossing it %rom one hand to the other #ndetectab(y. 8is hands 3ere co(d
eno#gh and c(#msy eno#gh that he /ept dropping the coin onto the tab(e2 and the /noc/ at the
door made him drop it again.
8e 3ent to the door and opened it.
A moment o% p#re %ear: the man at the door 3ore a b(ac/ mas/ 3hich co!ered the (o3er ha(% o%
his %ace. ,t 3as the /ind o% mas/ that a ban/ robber might 3ear on F2 or a seria( /i((er %rom a
cheap mo!ie might 3ear to scare his !ictims. he top o% the man$s head 3as co!ered by a b(ac/
/nit cap.
Sti((2 the man 3as sma((er and s(ighter than Shado32 and he did not appear to be armed. And he
3ore a bright p(aid coat2 o% the /ind that seria( /i((ers norma((y a!oid.
A,h hihe(han2B said the !isitor.
A8#h:B
he man p#((ed the mas/ do3n3ard2 re!ea(ing 8in1e(mann$s cheer%#( %ace. A, said2 it$s
8in1e(mann. 9o# /no32 , don$t /no3 3hat 3e did be%ore they came #p 3ith these mas/s. 5e((2
, do remember 3hat 3e did. hic/ /nitted caps that 3ent a(( aro#nd yo#r %ace2 and scar!es and
yo# don$t 3ant to /no3 3hat e(se. , thin/ it$s a mirac(e 3hat they come #p 3ith these days. ,
may be an o(d man2 b#t ,$m not going to gr#mb(e abo#t progress2 not me.B
8e %inished this speech by thr#sting a bas/et at Shado32 %i((ed high 3ith (oca( cheeses2 bott(es2
Dars2 and se!era( sma(( sa(amis that proc(aimed themse(!es to be !enison s#mmer sa#sage2 and
by coming inside. A6erry Day a%ter 4hristmas2B he said. 8is nose and ears and chee/s 3ere red
as raspberries2 mas/ or no mas/. A, hear yo# a(ready ate a 3ho(e one o% 6abe($s pasties.
Bro#ght yo# a %e3 things.B
Ahat$s !ery /ind o% yo#2B said Shado3.
A.ind2 nothing. ,$m going to stic/ it to yo# ne&t 3ee/ %or the ra%%(e. he chamber o% commerce
r#ns it2 and , r#n the chamber o% commerce. @ast year 3e raised a(most se!enteen tho#sand
do((ars %or the chi(dren$s 3ard o% @a/eside 8ospita(.B
A5e((2 3hy don$t yo# p#t me do3n %or a tic/et no3:B
A,t don$t start #nti( the day the /(#n/er hits the ice2B said 8in1e(mann. 8e (oo/ed o#t o%
Shado3$s 3indo3 to3ard the (a/e. A4o(d o#t there. 6#st ha!e dropped %i%ty degrees (ast
night.B
A,t happened rea((y %ast2B agreed Shado3.
A5e #sed to pray %or %ree1es (i/e this bac/ in the o(d days2B said 8in1e(mann. A6y daddy to(d
me. 5hen the sett(ers 3ere %irst coming into these parts2 %arming peop(e and (#mber peop(e2
(ong be%ore e!er the mining peop(e came o#t2 a(tho#gh the mines ne!er rea((y happened in this
co#nty2 3hich they co#(d ha!e done2 %or there$s iron eno#gh #nder thereQB
A9o#$d pray %or days (i/e this:B interr#pted Shado3.
A5e((2 yah2 it 3as the on(y 3ay the sett(ers s#r!i!ed bac/ then. 5eren$t eno#gh %ood %or
e!eryone2 and yo# co#(dn$t D#st go do3n to Da!e$s and %i(( #p yo#r shopping tro((ey in the o(d
days2 no2 sir. So my grampa32 he got to thin/ing2 and 3hen a rea((y co(d day (i/e this come
a(ong he$d ta/e my gramma32 and the /ids2 my #nc(e and my a#nt and my daddy-he 3as the
yo#ngest-and the ser!ing gir( and the hired man2 and he$d go do3n 3ith them to the cree/2
gi!e $em a (itt(e r#mCandCherbs drin/2 it 3as a recipe he$d got %rom the o(d co#ntry2 then he$d
po#r cree/ 3ater o!er them. 4o#rse they$d %ree1e in seconds2 sti%% and b(#e as so many
popsic(es. 8e$d ha#( them to a trench they$d a(ready d#g and %i((ed 3ith stra32 and he$d stac/
$em do3n there2 one by one2 (i/e so m#ch cord3ood in the trench2 and he$d pac/ stra3 aro#nd
them2 then he$d co!er the top o% the trench 3ith t3oCb$C%o#rs to /eep the critters o#t-in those
days there 3ere 3o(!es and bears and a(( sorts yo# ne!er see any more aro#nd here2 no hodags
tho#gh2 that$s D#st a story abo#t the hodags and , 3o#(dn$t e!er stretch yo#r cred#(ity by te((ing
yo# no stories2 no2 sir2-he$d co!er the trench 3ith t3oCb$C%o#rs and the ne&t sno3%a(( 3o#(d
co!er it #p comp(ete(y2 sa!e %or the %(ag he$d p(anted to sho3 him 3here the trench 3as.
Ahen my grampa3 3o#(d ride thro#gh the 3inter in com%ort and ne!er ha!e to 3orry abo#t
r#nning o#t o% %ood or o#t o% %#e(. And 3hen he sa3 that the tr#e spring 3as coming he$d go to
the %(ag2 and he$d dig his 3ay do3n thro#gh the sno32 and he$d mo!e the t3oCb$C%o#rs2 and
he$d carry them in one by one and set the %ami(y in %ront o% the %ire to tha3. 'obody e!er
minded e&cept one o% the hired men 3ho (ost ha(% an ear to a %ami(y o% mice 3ho nibb(ed it o%%
one time my grampa3 didn$t p#sh those t3oCb$C%o#rs a(( the 3ay c(osed. *% co#rse2 in those
days 3e had rea( 3inters. 9o# co#(d do that bac/ then. hese p#ssy 3inters 3e get no3adays
it don$t hard(y get co(d eno#gh.B
A'o:B as/ed Shado3. 8e 3as p(aying straightCman2 and enDoying it enormo#s(y.
A'ot since the 3inter o% $Z< and yo#$d be too yo#ng to remember that one. hat 3as a 3inter.
, see yo# bo#ght yo#rse(% a !eeChic(e.B
A9#p. 5hat do yo# thin/:B
Ar#th to te((2 , ne!er (i/ed that G#nther boy. , had a tro#t stream do3n in the 3oods a 3ay2 on
bac/ o% my property2 3ay bac/2 3e(( it$s to3n (and b#t ,$d p#t do3n stones in the ri!er2 made
(itt(e poo(s and p(aces 3here the tro#t (i/ed to (i!e. 4a#ght me some bea#ties too-one %e((o3
m#st ha!e been pretty m#ch thirty inches (ong2 and that (itt(e G#nther soCan$Cso he /ic/ed
do3n each o% the poo(s and threatened to report me to the D'+. 'o3 he$s in Green Bay2 and
soon eno#gh he$(( be bac/ here. ,% there 3ere any D#stice in the 3or(d he$d$!e gone o%% into the
3or(d as a 3inter r#na3ay2 b#t nope2 stic/s (i/e a coc/(eb#rr to a 3oo(en !est.B 8e began to
arrange the contents o% Shado3$s 3e(come bas/et on the co#nter. Ahis is .atherine
Po3derma/er$s crab app(e De((y. She$s been gi!ing me a pot %or 4hristmas %or (onger than yo#$!e
been a(i!e2 and the sad tr#th is ,$!e ne!er opened a one. hey$re do3n in my basement2 %orty2
%i%ty pots. 6aybe ,$(( open one and disco!er that , (i/e the st#%%. 6eantime2 here$s a pot %or yo#.
6aybe yo#$(( (i/e it.B
Shado3 p#t the Dar a3ay in the %ridge2 a(ong 3ith the other presents that 8in1e(mann had
bro#ght him. A5hat$s this:B he as/ed2 ho(ding #p a ta((2 #n(abe(ed bott(e %i((ed 3ith a greenish
b#ttery s#bstance.
A*(i!e oi(. hat$s ho3 it (oo/s 3hen it gets this co(d. Don$t 3orry2 it$(( coo/ #p %ine.B
A*/ay. 5hat are 3inter r#na3ays:B
A6m.B he o(d man p#shed his 3oo(en cap abo!e his ears2 r#bbed his temp(e 3ith a pin/
%ore%inger. A5e((2 it ain$t #niI#e to @a/eside-3e$re a good to3n2 better than most2 b#t 3e$re
not per%ect. Some 3inters2 3e((2 maybe a /id gets a bit stirCcra1y2 3hen it gets so co(d that yo#
can$t go o#t2 and the sno3$s so dry that yo# can$t ma/e so m#ch as a sno3ba(( 3itho#t it
cr#mb(ing a3ayQB
Ahey r#n o%%:B
he o(d man nodded2 gra!e(y. A, b(ame the te(e!ision2 sho3ing a(( the /ids things they$(( ne!er
ha!e-Da((as and Dynasty and Be!er(y 8i((s and 8a3aii )i!eC*2 a(( o% that nonsense. ,$!e not
had a te(e!ision since the %a(( o% $YV2 e&cept %or a b(ac/CandC3hite set , /eep in the c(oset %or i%
%o(/ come in %rom o#t o% to3n and there$s a big game on.B
A4an , get yo# anything2 8in1e(mann:B
A'ot co%%ee. Gi!es me heartb#rn. J#st 3ater.B 8in1e(mann shoo/ his head. ABiggest prob(em in
this part o% the 3or(d is po!erty. 'ot the po!erty 3e had in the Depression b#t something more
inQ3hat$s the 3ord2 means it creeps in at the edges2 (i/e coc/CaCroaches:B
A,nsidio#s:B
A9eah. ,nsidio#s. @ogging$s dead. 6ining$s dead. o#rists don$t dri!e %#rther north than the
De((s2 $cept %or a hand%#( o% h#nters and some /ids going to camp on the (a/es-and they aren$t
spending their money in the to3ns.B
A@a/eside seems /ind o% prospero#s2 tho#gh.B
he o(d man$s b(#e eyes b(in/ed. AAnd be(ie!e me2 it ta/es a (ot o% 3or/2B he said. A8ard 3or/.
B#t this is a good to3n2 and a(( the 3or/ a(( the peop(e here p#t into it is 3orth3hi(e. 'ot that
my %ami(y 3eren$t poor as /ids. As/ me ho3 poor 3e 3as as /ids.B
Shado3 p#t on his straightCman %ace and said2 A8o3 poor 3ere yo# as /ids2 6ister
8in1e(mann:B
AJ#st 8in1e(mann2 6i/e. 5e 3ere so poor that 3e co#(dn$t a%%ord a %ire. 4ome 'e3 9ear$s "!e
my %ather 3o#(d s#c/ on a peppermint2 and #s /ids2 3e$d stand aro#nd 3ith o#r hands
o#tstretched2 bas/ing in the g(o3.B
Shado3 made a rimCshot noise. 8in1e(mann p#t on his s/iCmas/ and did #p his h#ge p(aid coat2
p#((ed o#t his car /eys %rom his poc/et and then2 (ast o% a((2 p#((ed on his great g(o!es. A9o# get
too bored #p here2 yo# D#st come do3n to the store and as/ %or me. ,$(( sho3 yo# my co((ection
o% handCtied %ishing %(ies. Bore yo# so m#ch that getting bac/ here 3i(( be a re(ie%.B 8is !oice 3as
m#%%(ed2 b#t a#dib(e.
A,$(( do that2B said Shado3 3ith a smi(e. A8o3$s essie:B
A8ibernating. She$(( be o#t in the spring. 9o# ta/e care no32 6ister Ainse(.B And he c(osed the
door behind him as he (e%t.
he apartment gre3 e!er co(der.
Shado3 p#t on his coat and his g(o!es. hen he p#t on his boots. 8e co#(d hard(y see thro#gh
the 3indo3s no3 %or the ice on the inside o% the panes 3hich t#rned the !ie3 o% the (a/e into
an abstract image.
8is breath 3as c(o#ding in the air.
8e 3ent o#t o% his apartment onto the 3ooden dec/ and /noc/ed on the door ne&t door. 8e
heard a 3oman$s !oice sho#ting at someone to %or hea!en$s sa/e sh#t #p and t#rn that
te(e!ision do3n-a /id he tho#ght2 ad#(ts don$t sho#t (i/e that at other ad#(ts2 not 3ith that
tone in their !oice. he door opened and a tired 3oman 3ith !ery (ong2 !ery b(ac/ hair 3as
staring at him 3ari(y.
A9es:B
A8o3 do yo# do2 ma$am. ,$m 6i/e Ainse(. ,$m yo#r ne&tCdoor neighbor.B
8er e&pression did not change2 not by a hair. A9es:B
A6a$am. ,t$s %ree1ing in my apartment. here$s a (itt(e heat coming o#t o% the grate2 b#t it$s not
3arming the p(ace #p2 not at a((.B
She (oo/ed him #p and do3n2 then a ghost o% a smi(e to#ched the edges o% her (ips and she
said2 A4ome in2 then. ,% yo# don$t there$(( be no heat in here2 either.B
8e stepped inside her apartment. P(astic2 m#(tico(ored toys 3ere stre3n a(( o!er the %(oor.
here 3ere sma(( heaps o% torn 4hristmas 3rapping paper by the 3a((. A sma(( boy sat inches
a3ay %rom the te(e!ision set2 a !ideo o% the Disney 8erc#(es p(aying2 an animated satyr
stomping and sho#ting his 3ay across the screen. Shado3 /ept his bac/ to the F set.
A*/ay2B she said. Ahis is 3hat yo# do. )irst yo# sea( the 3indo3s2 yo# can b#y the st#%% do3n
at 8enning$s2 it$s D#st (i/e Saran 3rap b#t %or 3indo3s. ape it to the 3indo3s2 then i% yo# 3ant
to get %ancy yo# r#n a b(o3Cdryer on it2 it stays there the 3ho(e 3inter. hat stops the heat
(ea!ing thro#gh the 3indo3s. hen yo# b#y a space heater or t3o. he b#i(ding$s %#rnace is o(d2
and it can$t cope 3ith the rea( co(d. 5e$!e had some easy 3inters recent(y2 , s#ppose 3e sho#(d
be grate%#(.B hen she p#t o#t her hand. A6arg#erite *(sen.B
AGood to meet yo#2B said Shado3. 8e p#((ed o%% a g(o!e and they shoo/ hands. A9o# /no32
ma$am2 ,$d a(3ays tho#ght o% *(sens as being b(onder than yo#.B
A6y e&Ch#sband 3as as b(ond as they came. Pin/ and b(ond. 4o#(dn$t tan at g#npoint.B
A6issy G#nther to(d me yo# 3rite %or the (oca( paper.B
A6issy G#nther te((s e!erybody e!erything. , don$t see 3hy 3e need a (oca( paper 3ith 6issy
G#nther aro#nd.B She nodded. A9es. Some ne3s reporting here and there2 b#t my editor 3rites
most o% the ne3s. , 3rite the nat#re co(#mn2 the gardening co(#mn2 an opinion co(#mn e!ery
S#nday and the R'e3s )rom the 4omm#nity$ co(#mn 3hich te((s2 in mindCn#mbing detai(2 3ho
3ent to dinner 3ith 3ho %or %i%teen mi(es aro#nd. *r is that 3hom:B
A5hom2B said Shado32 be%ore he co#(d stop himse(%. A,t$s the obDecti!e case.B
She (oo/ed at him 3ith her b(ac/ eyes2 and Shado3 e&perienced a moment o% p#re d\D] !#. ,$!e
been here be%ore2 he tho#ght.
'o2 she reminds me o% someone.
AAny3ay2 that$s ho3 yo# heat #p yo#r apartment2B she said.
Ahan/ yo#2B said Shado3. A5hen it$s 3arm yo# and yo#r (itt(e one m#st come o!er.B
A8is name$s @eon2B she said. AGood meeting yo#2 6isterQ,$m sorryQB
AAinse(2B said Shado3. A6i/e Ainse(.B
AAnd 3hat sort o% a name is Ainse(:B she as/ed.
Shado3 had no idea. A6y name2B he said. A,$m a%raid , 3as ne!er !ery interested in %ami(y
history.B
A'or3egian2 maybe:B she said.
A5e 3ere ne!er c(ose2B he said. hen he remembered Enc(e "merson Borson2 and added2 A*n
that side2 any3ay.B
By the time that 6r. 5ednesday arri!ed2 Shado3 had p#t c(ear p(astic sheeting across a(( the
3indo3s and had one space heater r#nning in the main room and one in the bedroom at the
bac/. ,t 3as practica((y co1y.
A5hat the he(( is that p#rp(e piece o% shit yo#$re dri!ing:B as/ed 5ednesday2 by 3ay o%
greeting.
A5e((2B said Shado32 Ayo# dro!e o%% 3ith my 3hite piece o% shit. 5here is it2 by the 3ay:B
A, traded it in in D#(#th2B said 5ednesday. A9o# can$t be too care%#(. Don$t 3orry-yo#$(( get
yo#r share 3hen a(( this is done.B
A5hat am , doing here:B as/ed Shado3. A,n @a/eside2 , mean. 'ot in the 3or(d.B
5ednesday smi(ed his smi(e2 the one that made Shado3 3ant to hit him. A9o#$re (i!ing here
beca#se it$s the (ast p(ace they$(( (oo/ %or yo#. , can /eep yo# o#t o% sight here.B
ABy they yo# mean the b(ac/ hats:B
A"&act(y. ,$m a%raid the 8o#se on the +oc/ is no3 o#t o% bo#nds. ,t$s a (itt(e di%%ic#(t2 b#t 3e$((
cope. 'o3 it$s D#st stamping o#r %eet and %(agC3a!ing2 caraco(e and sa#nter #nti( the action
starts-a (itt(e (ater than any o% #s e&pected. , thin/ they$(( ho(d o%% #nti( spring. 'othing big can
happen #nti( then.B
A8o3 come:B
ABeca#se they may babb(e on abo#t microCmi((iseconds and !irt#a( 3or(ds and paradigm shi%ts
and 3hatCha!eCyo#2 b#t they sti(( inhabit this p(anet and are sti(( bo#nd by the cyc(e o% the year.
hese are the dead months. A !ictory in these months is a dead !ictory.B
A, ha!e no idea 3hat yo#$re ta(/ing abo#t2B said Shado3. hat 3as not entire(y tr#e. 8e had a
!ag#e idea2 and he hoped it 3as 3rong.
A,t$s going to be a bad 3inter2 and yo# and , are going to #se o#r time as 3ise(y as 3e can. 5e
sha(( ra((y o#r troops and pic/ o#r batt(egro#nd.B
A*/ay2B said Shado3. 8e /ne3 that 5ednesday 3as te((ing him the tr#th2 or a part o% a tr#th.
5ar 3as coming. 'o2 that 3as not it: the 3ar had a(ready beg#n. he batt(e 3as coming. A6ad
S3eeney said that he 3as 3or/ing %or yo# 3hen 3e met him that %irst night. 8e said that
be%ore he died.B
AAnd 3o#(d , ha!e 3anted to emp(oy someone 3ho co#(d not e!en best a sad case (i/e that in a
bar %ight: B#t ne!er %ear2 yo#$!e repaid my %aith in yo# a do1en times o!er. 8a!e yo# e!er been
to @as Fegas:B
A@as Fegas2 'e!ada:B
Ahat$s the one.B
A'o.B
A5e$re %(ying in there %rom 6adison (ater tonight2 on a gent(eman$s redCeye2 a charter p(ane %or
8igh +o((ers. ,$!e con!inced them that 3e sho#(d be on it.B
ADon$t yo# e!er get tired o% (ying:B as/ed Shado3. 8e said it gent(y2 c#rio#s(y.
A'ot in the s(ightest. Any3ay2 it$s tr#e. 5e are p(aying %or the highest sta/es o% a((. ,t sho#(dn$t
ta/e #s more than a co#p(e o% ho#rs to get to 6adison2 the roads are c(ear. So (oc/ yo#r door
and t#rn o%% the heaters. ,t 3o#(d be a terrib(e thing i% yo# b#rned do3n the ho#se in yo#r
absence.B
A5ho are 3e going to see in @as Fegas:B
5ednesday to(d him.
Shado3 t#rned o%% the heaters2 pac/ed some c(othes into an o!ernight bag2 then t#rned bac/ to
5ednesday and said2 A@oo/2 , %ee( /ind o% st#pid. , /no3 yo# D#st to(d me 3ho 3e$re going to
see2 b#t , d#nno. , D#st had a brainC%art or something. ,t$s gone. 5ho is it again:B
5ednesday to(d him once more.
his time Shado3 a(most had it. he name 3as there on the tip o% his mind. 8e 3ished he$d
been paying c(oser attention 3hen 5ednesday to(d him. 8e (et it go.
A5ho$s dri!ing:B he as/ed 5ednesday.
A9o# are2B said 5ednesday. hey 3a(/ed o#t o% the ho#se2 do3n the 3ooden stairs and the icy
path to 3here a b(ac/ @inco(n to3n car 3as par/ed.
Shado3 dro!e.
"ntering the casino one is beset at e!ery side by in!itation-in!itations s#ch that it 3o#(d ta/e a
man o% stone2 heart(ess2 mind(ess2 and c#rio#s(y de!oid o% a!arice2 to dec(ine them. @isten: a
machine g#n ratt(e o% si(!er coins as they t#mb(e and sp#rt do3n into a s(ot machine tray and
o!er%(o3 onto monogrammed carpets is rep(aced by the siren c(angor o% the s(ots2 the Dang(ing2
b(ippeting chor#s s3a((o3ed by the h#ge room2 m#ted to a com%orting bac/gro#nd chatter by
the time one reaches the card tab(es2 the distant so#nds on(y (o#d eno#gh to /eep the
adrena(ine %(o3ing thro#gh the gamb(ers$ !eins.
here is a secret that the casinos possess2 a secret they ho(d and g#ard and pri1e2 the ho(iest o%
their mysteries. )or most peop(e do not gamb(e to 3in money2 a%ter a((2 a(tho#gh that is 3hat is
ad!ertised2 so(d2 c(aimed and dreamed. B#t that is mere(y the easy (ie that a((o3s the gamb(ers
to (ie to themse(!es2 the big (ie that gets them thro#gh the enormo#s2 e!erCopen2 3e(coming
doors.
he secret is this: peop(e gamb(e to (ose money. hey come to the casinos %or the moment in
3hich they %ee( a(i!e2 to ride the spinning 3hee( and t#rn 3ith the cards and (ose themse(!es2
3ith the coins2 in the s(ots. hey 3ant to /no3 they matter. hey may brag abo#t the nights
they 3on2 the money they too/ %rom the casino2 b#t they treas#re2 secret(y treas#re2 the times
they (ost. ,t$s a sacri%ice2 o% sorts.
he money %(o3s thro#gh the casino in an #ninterr#pted stream o% green and si(!er2 streaming
%rom hand to hand2 %rom gamb(er to cro#pier2 to cashier2 to the management2 to sec#rity2 %ina((y
ending #p in the 8o(y o% 8o(ies2 the innermost sanct#m2 the 4o#nting +oom. And it is here2 in the
co#nting room o% this casino2 that yo# come to rest2 here2 3here the greenbac/s are sorted2
stac/ed2 inde&ed2 here in a space that is s(o3(y becoming red#ndant as more and more o% the
money that %(o3s thro#gh the casino is imaginary: an e(ectrica( seI#ence o% ons and o%%s2
seI#ences that %(o3 do3n te(ephone (ines.
,n the 4o#nting +oom yo# see three men2 co#nting money #nder the g(assy stare o% the cameras
they can see2 the insecti(e ga1es o% the tiny cameras they cannot see. D#ring the co#rse o% one
shi%t each o% the men co#nts more money than he 3i(( see in a(( the pay pac/ets o% his (i%e. "ach
man2 3hen he s(eeps2 dreams o% co#nting money2 o% stac/s and paper bands and n#mbers 3hich
c(imb ine!itab(y2 3hich are sorted and (ost. "ach o% the three men has id(y 3ondered2 not (ess
than once a 3ee/2 ho3 to e!ade the casino$s sec#rity systems and r#n o%% 3ith as m#ch money
as he co#(d ha#(? and2 re(#ctant(y2 each man has inspected the dream and %o#nd it impractica(2
has sett(ed %or a steady paychec/2 a!oided the t3in specters o% prison and an #nmar/ed gra!e.
And here2 in the sanct#m sanctor#m2 there are the three men 3ho co#nt the money2 and there
are the g#ards 3ho 3atch and 3ho bring money and ta/e it a3ay? and then there is another
person. 8is charcoa(Cgray s#it is immac#(ate2 his hair is dar/2 he is c(eanCsha!en2 and his %ace2
and his demeanor2 are2 in e!ery sense2 %orgettab(e. 'one o% the other men has e!en obser!ed
that he is there2 or i% they ha!e noticed him2 they ha!e %orgotten him on the instant.
As the shi%t ends the doors are opened2 and the man in the charcoa( s#it (ea!es the room and
3a(/s2 3ith the g#ards2 thro#gh the corridors2 their %eet sh#shing a(ong the monogrammed
carpets. he money2 in strongbo&es2 is 3hee(ed to an interior (oading bay2 3here it is (oaded into
armored cars. As the ramp door s3ings open2 to a((o3 the armored car o#t onto the ear(y
streets o% @as Fegas2 the man in the charcoa( s#it 3a(/s2 #nnoticed2 thro#gh the door3ay2 and
sa#nters #p the ramp2 o#t onto the side3a(/. 8e does not e!en g(ance #p to see the imitation o%
'e3 9or/ on his (e%t.
@as Fegas has become a chi(d$s pict#re boo/ dream o% a city-here a storyboo/ cast(e2 there a
sphin&C%(an/ed b(ac/ pyramid beaming 3hite (ight into the dar/ness as a (anding beam %or
E)*s2 and e!ery3here neon orac(es and t3isting screens predict happiness and good %ort#ne2
anno#nce singers and comedians and magicians in residence or on their 3ay2 and the (ights
a(3ays %(ash and bec/on and ca((. *nce e!ery ho#r a !o(cano er#pts in (ight and %(ame. *nce
e!ery ho#r a pirate ship sin/s a man o$ 3ar.
he man in the charcoa( s#it amb(es com%ortab(y a(ong the side3a(/2 %ee(ing the %(o3 o% the
money thro#gh the to3n. ,n the s#mmer the streets are ba/ing2 and each store door3ay he
passes breathes 3intry A/4 o#t into the s3eaty 3armth and chi((s the s3eat on his %ace. 'o32 in
the desert 3inter2 there$s a dry co(d2 3hich he appreciates. ,n his mind the mo!ement o% money
%orms a %ine (atticeC3or/2 a threeCdimensiona( cat$sCcrad(e o% (ight and motion. 5hat he %inds
attracti!e abo#t this desert city is the speed o% mo!ement2 the 3ay the money mo!es %rom p(ace
to p(ace and hand to hand: it$s a r#sh %or him2 a high2 and it p#((s him (i/e an addict to the street.
A ta&i %o((o3s him s(o3(y do3n the street2 /eeping its distance. 8e does not notice it? it does not
occ#r to him to notice it: he is so rare(y noticed himse(% that he %inds the concept that he co#(d
be being %o((o3ed a(most inconcei!ab(e.
,t$s %o#r in the morning2 and he %inds himse(% dra3n to a hote( and casino that has been o#t o%
sty(e %or thirty years2 sti(( r#nning #nti( tomorro3 or si& months %rom no3 3hen they$(( imp(ode it
and /noc/ it do3n and b#i(d a p(eas#re pa(ace 3here it 3as2 and %orget it %ore!er. 'obody
/no3s him2 nobody remembers him2 b#t the (obby bar is tac/y and I#iet2 and the air is b(#e 3ith
o(d cigarette smo/e and someone$s abo#t to drop se!era( mi((ion do((ars on a po/er game in a
pri!ate room #pstairs. he man in the charcoa( s#it sett(es himse(% in the bar se!era( %(oors
be(o3 the game2 and is ignored by a 3aitress. A 6#1a/ !ersion o% A5hy 4an$t 8e Be 9o#B is
p(aying2 a(most s#b(imina((y. )i!e "(!is Pres(ey impersonators2 each man 3earing a di%%erent
co(ored D#mps#it2 3atch a (ateCnight rer#n o% a %ootba(( game on the bar F.
A big man in a (ight gray s#it sits at the man in the charcoa( s#it$s tab(e2 and2 noticing him e!en
i% she does not notice the man in the charcoa( s#it2 the 3aitress2 3ho is too thin to be pretty2 too
ob!io#s(y anorectic to 3or/ @#&or or the ropicana2 and 3ho is co#nting the min#tes #nti( she
gets o%% 3or/2 comes straight o!er and smi(es. 8e grins 3ide(y at her. A9o#$re (oo/ing a treat
tonight2 m$dear2 a %ine sight %or these poor o(d eyes2B he says2 and2 scenting a (arge tip2 she
smi(es broad(y at him. he man in the (ight gray s#it orders a Jac/ Danie($s %or himse(% and a
@aphroaig and 3ater %or the man in the charcoa( s#it sitting beside him.
A9o# /no32B says the man in the (ight gray s#it2 3hen his drin/ arri!es2 Athe %inest (ine o% poetry
e!er #ttered in the history o% this 3ho(e damn co#ntry 3as said by 4anada Bi(( Jones in ;YNV2 in
Baton +o#ge2 3hi(e he 3as being robbed b(ind in a croo/ed game o% %aro. George De!o(2 3ho
3as2 (i/e 4anada Bi((2 not a man 3ho 3as a!erse to %(eecing the odd s#c/er2 dre3 Bi(( aside and
as/ed him i% he co#(dn$t see that the game 3as croo/ed. And 4anada Bi(( sighed2 and shr#gged
his sho#(ders2 and said2 R, /no3. B#t it$s the on(y game in to3n.$ And he 3ent bac/ to the game.B
Dar/ eyes stare at the man in the (ight gray s#it distr#st%#((y. he man in the charcoa( s#it says
something in rep(y. he man in the (ight s#it2 3ho has a graying reddish beard2 sha/es his head.
A@oo/2B he says2 A,$m sorry abo#t 3hat 3ent do3n in 5isconsin. B#t , got yo# a(( o#t sa%e(y2
didn$t ,: 'o one 3as h#rt.B
he man in the dar/ s#it sips his @aphroaig and 3ater2 sa!oring the marshy taste2 the bodyCinC
theCbog I#a(ity o% the 3his/y. 8e as/s a I#estion.
A, don$t /no3. "!erything$s mo!ing %aster than , e&pected. "!eryone$s got a hardCon %or the /id ,
hired to r#n errands-,$!e got him o#tside2 3aiting in the ta&i. Are yo# sti(( in:B
he man in the dar/ s#it rep(ies.
he bearded man sha/es his head. AShe$s not been seen %or t3o h#ndred years. ,% she isn$t dead
she$s ta/en herse(% o#t o% the pict#re.B
Something e(se is said.
A@oo/2B says the bearded man2 /noc/ing bac/ his Jac/ Danie($s. A9o# come in2 be there 3hen 3e
need yo#2 and ,$(( ta/e care o% yo#. 5haddayo# 3ant: Soma: , can get yo# a bott(e o% Soma.
he rea( st#%%.B
he man in the dar/ s#it stares. hen he nods his head2 re(#ctant(y2 and ma/es a comment.
A*% co#rse , am2B says the bearded man2 smi(ing (i/e a /ni%e. A5hat do yo# e&pect: B#t (oo/ at it
this 3ay: it$s the on(y game in to3n.B 8e reaches o#t a pa3C(i/e hand and sha/es the other
man$s 3e((Cmanic#red hand. hen he 3a(/s a3ay.
he thin 3aitress comes o!er2 p#11(ed: there$s no3 on(y one man at the corner tab(e2 a sharp(y
dressed man 3ith dar/ hair in a charcoa(Cgray s#it. A9o# doing o/ay:B she as/s. A,s yo#r %riend
coming bac/:B
he man 3ith the dar/ hair sighs2 and e&p(ains that his %riend 3on$t be coming bac/2 and th#s
she 3on$t be paid %or her time2 or %or her tro#b(e. And then2 seeing the h#rt in her eyes2 and
ta/ing pity on her2 he e&amines the go(den threads in his mind2 3atches the matri&2 %o((o3s the
money #nti( he spots a node2 and te((s her that i% she$s o#tside reas#re ,s(and at W:KK A.6.2 thirty
min#tes a%ter she gets o%% 3or/2 she$(( meet an onco(ogist %rom Den!er 3ho 3i(( D#st ha!e 3on
TZK2KKK at a craps tab(e2 and 3i(( need a mentor2 a partner2 someone to he(p him dispose o% it
a(( in the %ortyCeight ho#rs be%ore he gets on the p(ane home.
he 3ords e!aporate in the 3aitress$s mind2 b#t they (ea!e her happy. She sighs and notes that
the g#ys in the corner ha!e done a r#nner2 and ha!e not e!en tipped her? and it occ#rs to her
that2 instead o% dri!ing straight home 3hen she gets o%% shi%t2 she$s going to dri!e o!er to
reas#re ,s(and? b#t she 3o#(d ne!er2 i% yo# as/ed her2 be ab(e to te(( yo# 3hy.
So 3ho 3as that g#y yo# 3ere seeing:B as/ed Shado3 as they 3a(/ed bac/ do3n the @as Fegas
conco#rse. here 3ere s(ot machines in the airport. "!en at this time o% the morning peop(e
stood in %ront o% them2 %eeding them coins. Shado3 3ondered i% there 3ere those 3ho ne!er
(e%t the airport2 3ho got o%% their p(anes2 3a(/ed a(ong the Jet3ay into the airport b#i(ding and
stopped there2 trapped by the spinning images and the %(ashing (ights? peop(e 3ho 3o#(d stay
in the airport #nti( they had %ed their (ast I#arter to the machines2 and then 3o#(d t#rn aro#nd
and get onto the p(ane bac/ home.
8e g#essed it m#st ha!e happened. 8e s#spected that there 3asn$t m#ch that hadn$t
happened in @as Fegas at some point or other. And America 3as so damn big that 3ith so many
peop(e there 3as a(3ays bo#nd to be somebody.
And then he rea(i1ed that he had 1oned o#t D#st as 5ednesday had been te((ing him 3ho the
man in the dar/ s#it they had %o((o3ed in the ta&i had been2 and he had missed it.
ASo he$s in2B said 5ednesday. A,t$(( cost me a bott(e o% Soma2 tho#gh.B
A5hat$s Soma:B
A,t$s a drin/.B hey 3a(/ed onto the charter p(ane2 empty b#t %or them and a trio o% corporate
big spenders 3ho needed to be bac/ in 4hicago by the start o% the ne&t b#siness day.
5ednesday got com%ortab(e2 ordered himse(% a Jac/ Danie($s. A6y /ind o% peop(e see yo#r /ind
o% peop(eQB 8e hesitated. A,t$s (i/e bees and honey. "ach bee ma/es on(y a tiny2 tiny drop o%
honey. ,t ta/es tho#sands o% them2 mi((ions perhaps2 a(( 3or/ing together to ma/e the pot o%
honey yo# ha!e on yo#r brea/%ast tab(e. 'o3 imagine that yo# co#(d eat nothing b#t honey.
hat$s 3hat it$s (i/e %or my /ind o% peop(eQ3e %eed on be(ie%2 on prayers2 on (o!e. ,t ta/es a (ot
o% peop(e be(ie!ing D#st the tiniest bit to s#stain #s. hat$s 3hat 3e need2 instead o% %ood.
Be(ie%.B
AAnd Soma isQB
Ao ta/e the ana(ogy %#rther2 it$s honey 3ine. 6ead.B 8e ch#c/(ed. A,t$s a drin/. 4oncentrated
prayer and be(ie%2 disti((ed into a potent (iI#e#r.B
hey 3ere some3here o!er 'ebras/a eating an #nimpressi!e inC%(ight brea/%ast 3hen Shado3
said2 A6y 3i%e.B
Ahe dead one.B
A@a#ra. She doesn$t 3ant to be dead. She to(d me. A%ter she got me a3ay %rom the g#ys on the
train.B
Ahe action o% a %ine 3i%e. )reeing yo# %rom d#rance !i(e and m#rdering those 3ho 3o#(d ha!e
harmed yo#. 9o# sho#(d treas#re her2 'ephe3 Ainse(.B
AShe 3ants to be rea((y a(i!e. 'ot one o% the 3a(/ing dead2 or 3hate!er she is. She 3ants to (i!e
again. 4an 3e do that: ,s that possib(e:B
5ednesday said nothing %or (ong eno#gh that Shado3 started to 3onder i% he had heard the
I#estion2 or i% he had2 possib(y2 %a((en as(eep 3ith his eyes open. hen he said2 staring ahead o%
him as he ta(/ed2 A, /no3 a charm that can c#re pain and sic/ness2 and (i%t the grie% %rom the
heart o% the grie!ing.
A, /no3 a charm that 3i(( hea( 3ith a to#ch.
A, /no3 a charm that 3i(( t#rn aside the 3eapons o% an enemy.
A, /no3 another charm to %ree myse(% %rom a(( bonds and (oc/s.
AA %i%th charm: , can catch a b#((et in %(ight and ta/e no harm %rom it.B
8is 3ords 3ere I#iet2 #rgent. Gone 3as the hectoring tone2 gone 3as the grin. 5ednesday
spo/e as i% he 3ere reciting the 3ords o% a re(igio#s rit#a(2 as i% he 3ere spea/ing something
dar/ and pain%#(.
AA si&th: spe((s sent to h#rt me 3i(( h#rt on(y the sender.
AA se!enth charm , /no3: , can I#ench a %ire simp(y by (oo/ing at it.
AAn eighth: i% any man hates me2 , can 3in his %riendship.
AA ninth: , can sing the 3ind to s(eep and ca(m a storm %or (ong eno#gh to bring a ship to shore.
Ahose 3ere the %irst nine charms , (earned. 'ine nights , h#ng on the bare tree2 my side
pierced 3ith a spear$s point. , s3ayed and b(e3 in the co(d 3inds and the hot 3inds2 3itho#t
%ood2 3itho#t 3ater2 a sacri%ice o% myse(% to myse(%2 and the 3or(ds opened to me.
A)or a tenth charm2 , (earned to dispe( 3itches2 to spin them aro#nd in the s/ies so that they
3i(( ne!er %ind their 3ay bac/ to their o3n doors again.
AAn e(e!enth: i% , sing it 3hen a batt(e rages it can ta/e 3arriors thro#gh the t#m#(t #nscathed
and #nh#rt2 and bring them sa%e(y bac/ to their hearth and their home.
AA t3e(%th charm , /no3: i% , see a hanged man , can bring him do3n %rom the ga((o3s to
3hisper to #s a(( he remembers.
AA thirteenth: i% , sprin/(e 3ater on a chi(d$s head2 that chi(d 3i(( not %a(( in batt(e.
AA %o#rteenth: , /no3 the names o% a(( the gods. "!ery damned one o% them.
AA %i%teenth: , ha!e a dream o% po3er2 o% g(ory2 and o% 3isdom2 and , can ma/e peop(e be(ie!e
my dreams.B
8is !oice 3as so (o3 no3 that Shado3 had to strain to hear it o!er the p(ane$s engine noise.
AA si&teenth charm , /no3: i% , need (o!e , can t#rn the mind and heart o% any 3oman.
AA se!enteenth2 that no 3oman , 3ant 3i(( e!er 3ant another.
AAnd , /no3 an eighteenth charm2 and that charm is the greatest o% a((2 and that charm , can te((
to no man2 %or a secret that no one /no3s b#t yo# is the most po3er%#( secret there can e!er
be.B
8e sighed2 and then stopped ta(/ing.
Shado3 co#(d %ee( his s/in cra3(. ,t 3as as i% he had D#st seen a door open to another p(ace2
some3here 3or(ds a3ay 3here hanged men b(e3 in the 3ind at e!ery crossroads2 3here
3itches shrie/ed o!erhead in the night.
A@a#ra2B 3as a(( he said.
5ednesday t#rned his head2 stared into Shado3$s pa(e gray eyes 3ith his o3n. A, can$t ma/e
her (i!e again2B he said. A, don$t e!en /no3 3hy she isn$t as dead as she o#ght to be.B
A, thin/ , did it2B said Shado3. A,t 3as my %a#(t.B
5ednesday raised a b#shy eyebro3.
A6ad S3eeney ga!e me a go(den coin2 bac/ 3hen he sho3ed me ho3 to do that tric/. )rom
3hat he said2 he ga!e me the 3rong coin. 5hat he ga!e me 3as something more po3er%#( than
3hat he tho#ght he 3as gi!ing me. , passed it on to @a#ra.B
5ednesday gr#nted2 (o3ered his chin to his chest2 %ro3ned. hen he sat bac/. Ahat co#(d do
it2B he said. AAnd no2 , can$t he(p yo#. 5hat yo# do in yo#r o3n time is yo#r o3n a%%air2 o%
co#rse.B
A5hat2B as/ed Shado32 Ais that s#pposed to mean:B
A,t means that , can$t stop yo# %rom h#nting eag(e stones or th#nderbirds. B#t , 3o#(d in%inite(y
pre%er that yo# spend yo#r days I#iet(y seI#estered in @a/eside2 o#t o% sight2 and2 , hope2 o#t
o% mind. 5hen things get hairy 3e$(( need a(( hands to the 3hee(.B
8e (oo/ed !ery o(d as he said this2 and %ragi(e2 and his s/in seemed a(most transparent2 and the
%(esh beneath 3as gray.
Shado3 3anted2 3anted !ery m#ch2 to reach o#t and p#t his hand o!er 5ednesday$s gray
hand. 8e 3anted to te(( him that e!erything 3o#(d be o/ay-something that Shado3 did not
%ee(2 b#t that he /ne3 had to be said. here 3ere men in b(ac/ trains o#t there. here 3as a %at
/id in a stretch (imo and there 3ere peop(e in the te(e!ision 3ho did not mean them 3e((.
8e did not to#ch 5ednesday. 8e did not say anything.
@ater2 he 3ondered i% he co#(d ha!e changed things2 i% that gest#re 3o#(d ha!e done any good2
i% it co#(d ha!e a!erted any o% the harm that 3as to come. 8e to(d himse(% it 3o#(dn$t. 8e /ne3
it 3o#(dn$t. B#t sti((2 a%ter3ard2 he 3ished that2 D#st %or a moment on that s(o3 %(ight home2 he
had to#ched 5ednesday$s hand.
he brie% 3inter day(ight 3as a(ready %ading 3hen 5ednesday dropped Shado3 o#tside his
apartment. he %ree1ing temperat#re 3hen Shado3 opened the car door %e(t e!en more
science %ictiona( 3hen compared to @as Fegas.
ADon$t get into any tro#b(e2B said 5ednesday. A.eep yo#r head be(o3 the parapet. 6a/e no
3a!es.B
AA(( at the same time:B
ADon$t get smart 3ith me2 m$boy. 9o# can /eep o#t o% sight in @a/eside. , p#((ed in a big %a!or to
/eep yo# here2 sa%e and so#nd. ,% yo# 3ere in a city they$d get yo#r scent in min#tes.B
A,$(( stay p#t and /eep o#t o% tro#b(e.B Shado3 meant it as he said it. 8e$d had a (i%etime o%
tro#b(e and he 3as ready to (et it go %ore!er. A5hen are yo# coming bac/:B he as/ed.
ASoon2B said 5ednesday2 and he g#nned the @inco(n$s engine2 s(id #p the 3indo3 and dro!e o%%
into the %rigid night.
48AP"+ "@"F"'
hree may /eep a secret2 i% t3o o% them are dead.-B"' )+A'.@,'2 P**+ +,48A+D$S A@6A'A4.
hree co(d days passed. he thermometer ne!er made it #p to the 1ero mar/2 not e!en at
midday. Shado3 3ondered ho3 peop(e had s#r!i!ed this 3eather in the days be%ore e(ectricity2
be%ore therma( %ace mas/s and (ight3eight therma( #nder3ear2 be%ore easy tra!e(.
8e 3as do3n at the Fideo2 anning2 Bait2 and ac/(e store2 being sho3n 8in1e(mann$s handC
tied tro#t %(ies. hey 3ere more interesting than he had e&pected: co(or%#( %a/es o% (i%e2 made o%
%eather and thread2 each 3ith a hoo/ hidden inside it.
8e as/ed 8in1e(mann.
A)or rea(:B as/ed 8in1e(mann.
A)or rea(2B said Shado3.
A5e((2B said the o(der man. ASometimes they didn$t s#r!i!e it2 and they died. @ea/y chimneys
and bad(y !enti(ated sto!es and ranges /i((ed as many peop(e as the co(d. B#t those days 3ere
hard-they$d spend the s#mmer and the %a(( (aying #p the %ood and the %ire3ood %or the
3inter. he 3orst thing o% a(( 3as the madness. , heard on the radio2 they 3ere saying ho3 it
3as to do 3ith the s#n(ight2 ho3 there isn$t eno#gh o% it in the 3inter. 6y daddy2 he said %o(/
D#st 3ent stirCcra1y-3inter madness they ca((ed it. @a/eside a(3ays had it easy2 b#t some o%
the other to3ns aro#nd here2 they had it hard. here 3as a saying sti(( had c#rrency 3hen , 3as
a /id2 that i% the ser!ing gir( hadn$t tried to /i(( yo# by )ebr#ary she hadn$t any bac/bone.
AStoryboo/s 3ere (i/e go(dCd#st-anything yo# co#(d read 3as treas#red2 bac/ be%ore the to3n
had a (ending (ibrary. 5hen my grampa3 got sent a storyboo/ %rom his brother in Ba!aria2 a((
the Germans in to3n met #p in the to3n ha(( to hear him read it2 and the )inns and the ,rish
and the rest o% them2 they$d ma/e the Germans te(( them the stories.
A3enty mi(es so#th o% here2 in Jib3ay2 they %o#nd a 3oman 3a(/ing motherCna/ed in the
3inter 3ith a dead babe at her breast2 and she$d not s#%%er them to ta/e it %rom her.B 8e shoo/
his head meditati!e(y2 c(osed the %(y cabinet 3ith a c(ic/. ABad b#siness. 9o# 3ant a !ideo renta(
card: "!ent#a((y they$(( open a B(oc/b#ster here2 and then 3e$(( soon be o#t o% b#siness. B#t %or
no3 3e got a pretty %air se(ection.B
Shado3 reminded 8in1e(mann that he had no te(e!ision and no F4+. 8e enDoyed 8in1e(mann$s
company-the reminiscences2 the ta(( ta(es2 the gob(in grin o% the o(d man. ,t co#(d ma/e things
a3/3ard bet3een them 3ere Shado3 to admit that te(e!ision had made him #ncom%ortab(e
e!er since it had started to ta(/ to him.
8in1e(mann %ished in a dra3er2 and too/ o#t a tin bo&-by the (oo/ o% it2 it had once been a
4hristmas Bo&2 o% the /ind that contained choco(ates or coo/ies: a mott(ed Santa 4(a#s2 ho(ding
a tray o% 4ocaC4o(a bott(es2 beamed #p %rom its (id. 8in1e(mann eased o%% the meta( top o% the
bo&2 re!ea(ing a noteboo/ and boo/s o% b(an/ tic/ets2 and said2 A8o3 many yo# 3ant me to p#t
yo# do3n %or:B
A8o3 many o% 3hat:B
A.(#n/er tic/ets. She$(( go o#t onto the ice today2 so 3e$!e started se((ing tic/ets. "ach tic/et is
ten do((ars2 %i!e %or %orty2 ten %or se!entyC%i!e. *ne tic/et b#ys yo# %i!e min#tes. *% co#rse 3e
can$t promise it$(( go do3n in yo#r %i!e min#tes2 b#t the person 3ho$s c(osest stands to 3in %i!e
h#ndred b#c/s2 and i% it goes do3n in yo#r %i!e min#tes2 yo# 3in a tho#sand do((ars. he ear(ier
yo# b#y yo#r tic/ets2 the more times aren$t spo/en %or. 9o# 3ant to see the in%o sheet:B
AS#re.B
8in1e(mann handed Shado3 a photocopied sheet. he /(#n/er 3as an o(d car 3ith its engine
and %#e( tan/ remo!ed2 3hich 3o#(d be par/ed o#t on the ice %or the 3inter. Sometime in the
spring the (a/e ice 3o#(d me(t2 and 3hen it 3as too thin to bear the car$s 3eight the car 3o#(d
%a(( into the (a/e. he ear(iest the /(#n/er had e!er t#mb(ed into the (a/e 3as )ebr#ary the
t3entyCse!enth GAhat 3as the 3inter o% ;<<Y. , don$t thin/ yo# co#(d right(y ca(( that a 3inter
at a((BH2 the (atest 3as 6ay the %irst GAhat 3as ;<NK. Seemed that year that the on(y 3ay that
3inter 3o#(d end 3as i% somebody hammered a sta/e thro#gh its heartBH. he beginning o%
Apri( appeared to be the most common time %or the car to sin/-norma((y in midCa%ternoon.
A(( o% the midCa%ternoons in Apri( had a(ready gone2 mar/ed o%% in 8in1e(mann$s (ined noteboo/.
Shado3 bo#ght a t3entyC%i!eCmin#te period on the morning o% 6arch the t3entyCthird2 %rom
<:KK A.6. to <: >N A.6. 8e handed 8in1e(mann %orty do((ars.
A, D#st 3ish e!erybody in to3n 3as as easy a se(( as yo# are2B said 8in1e(mann.
A,t$s a than/Cyo# %or that ride yo# ga!e me that %irst night , 3as in to3n.B
A'o2 6i/e2B said 8in1e(mann. A,t$s %or the chi(dren.B )or a moment he (oo/ed serio#s2 3ith no
trace o% impishness on his creased o(d %ace. A4ome do3n this a%ternoon2 yo# can (end a hand
p#shing the /(#n/er o#t onto the (a/e.B
8e passed Shado3 %i!e b(#e cards2 each 3ith a date and time 3ritten on it in 8in1e(mann$s o(dC
%ashioned hand3riting2 then entered the detai(s o% each in his noteboo/.
A8in1e(mann2B as/ed Shado3. A8a!e yo# e!er heard o% eag(e stones:B
AEp north o% +hine(ander: 'ope2 that$s "ag(e +i!er. 4an$t say , ha!e.B
A8o3 abo#t th#nderbirds:B
A5e((2 there 3as the h#nderbird )raming Ga((ery #p on )i%th Street2 b#t that c(osed do3n. ,$m
not he(ping2 am ,:B
A'ope.B
Ae(( yo# 3hat2 3hy don$t yo# go (oo/ at the (ibrary. Good peop(e2 a(tho#gh they may be /ind o%
distracted by the (ibrary sa(e on this 3ee/. , sho3ed yo# 3here the (ibrary 3as2 didn$t ,:B
Shado3 nodded2 and said so (ong. 8e 3ished he$d tho#ght o% the (ibrary himse(%. 8e got into
the p#rp(e Z+#nner and dro!e so#th on 6ain Street2 %o((o3ing the (a/e aro#nd to the
so#thernmost point2 #nti( he reached the cast(eC(i/e b#i(ding 3hich ho#sed the city (ibrary. 8e
3a(/ed inside. A sign pointed to the basement: @,B+A+9 SA@"2 it said. he (ibrary proper 3as on the
gro#nd %(oor2 and he stamped the sno3 o%% his boots and 3ent in.
A %orbidding 3oman 3ith p#rsed2 crimsonCco(ored (ips as/ed him pointed(y i% she co#(d he(p
him.
A, s#ppose , need a (ibrary card2B he said. AAnd , 3ant to /no3 a(( abo#t th#nderbirds.B
he 3oman had him %i(( o#t a %orm2 then she to(d him it 3o#(d ta/e a 3ee/ #nti( he co#(d be
iss#ed 3ith his card. Shado3 3ondered i% they spent the 3ee/ sending o#t inI#iries to ens#re
that he 3as not 3anted in any other (ibraries across America %or %ai(#re to ret#rn (ibrary boo/s.
8e had /no3n a man in prison 3ho had been imprisoned %or stea(ing (ibrary boo/s.
ASo#nds /ind o% ro#gh2B said Shado32 3hen the man to(d him 3hy he 3as inside.
A8a(% a mi((ion do((ars$ 3orth o% boo/s2B said the man2 pro#d(y. 8is name 3as Gary 6cG#ire.
A6ost(y rare and antiI#e boo/s %rom (ibraries and #ni!ersities. hey %o#nd a 3ho(e storage
(oc/er %i((ed 3ith boo/s %rom %(oor to cei(ing. *pen and sh#t case.B
A5hy did yo# ta/e them:B as/ed Shado3.
A, 3anted them2B said Gary.
AJes#s. 8a(% a mi((ion do((ars$ 3orth o% boo/s.B
Gary %(ashed him a grin2 (o3ered his !oice and said2 Ahat 3as D#st in the storage (oc/er they
%o#nd. hey ne!er %o#nd the garage in San 4(emente 3ith the rea((y good st#%% in it.B
Gary had died in prison2 3hen 3hat the in%irmary had to(d him 3as D#st a ma(ingering2 %ee(ingC
(o#sy /ind o% day t#rned o#t to be a r#pt#red appendi&. 'o32 here in the @a/eside (ibrary2
Shado3 %o#nd himse(% thin/ing abo#t a garage in San 4(emente 3ith bo& a%ter bo& o% rare2
strange and bea#ti%#( boo/s in it rotting a3ay2 a(( o% them bro3ning and 3i(ting and being eaten
by mo(d and insects in the dar/ness2 3aiting %or someone 3ho 3o#(d ne!er come to set them
%ree.
'ati!e American Be(ie%s and raditions 3as on a sing(e she(% in one cast(eC(i/e t#rret. Shado3
p#((ed do3n some boo/s and sat in the 3indo3 seat. ,n se!era( min#tes he had (earned that
th#nderbirds 3ere mythica( gigantic birds 3ho (i!ed on mo#ntaintops2 3ho bro#ght the
(ightning and 3ho %(apped their 3ings to ma/e the th#nder. here 3ere some tribes2 he read2
3ho be(ie!ed that the th#nderbirds had made the 3or(d. Another ha(%Cho#r$s reading did not
t#rn #p anything more2 and he co#(d %ind no mention o% eag(e stones any3here in the boo/s$
inde&es.
Shado3 3as p#tting the (ast o% the boo/s bac/ on the she(% 3hen he became a3are o%
somebody staring at him. Someone sma(( and gra!e 3as pee/ing at him %rom aro#nd the hea!y
she(!es. As he t#rned to (oo/2 the %ace !anished. 8e t#rned his bac/ on the boy2 then g(anced
aro#nd to see that he 3as being 3atched once more.
,n his poc/et 3as the @iberty do((ar. 8e too/ it o#t o% his poc/et2 he(d it #p in his right hand2
ma/ing s#re the boy co#(d see it. 8e %ingerCpa(med it into his (e%t hand2 disp(ayed both hands
empty2 raised his (e%t hand to his mo#th and co#ghed once2 (etting the coin t#mb(e %rom his (e%t
hand into his right.
he boy (oo/ed at him 3ideCeyed and scampered a3ay2 ret#rning a %e3 moments (ater2
dragging an #nsmi(ing 6arg#erite *(sen2 3ho (oo/ed at Shado3 s#spicio#s(y and said2 A8e((o2
6ister Ainse(. @eon says yo# 3ere doing magic %or him.B
AJ#st a (itt(e prestidigitation2 ma$am.B
AP(ease don$t2B she said.
A,$m sorry. , 3as D#st trying to entertain him.B
She shoo/ her head2 ta#t(y. Drop it. Shado3 dropped it. 8e said2 A, ne!er did say than/ yo# %or
yo#r ad!ice abo#t heating the apartment. ,t$s 3arm as toast in there right no3.B
Ahat$s good.B 8er icy e&pression had not beg#n to tha3.
A,t$s a (o!e(y (ibrary2B said Shado3.
A,t$s a bea#ti%#( b#i(ding. B#t the city needs something more e%%icient and (ess bea#ti%#(. 9o#
going to the (ibrary sa(e do3nstairs:B
A, 3asn$t p(anning on it.B
A5e((2 yo# sho#(d. ,t$s %or a good ca#se. 6a/es money %or ne3 boo/s2 c(eans o#t she(% space2
and it$s raising money to p#t in comp#ters %or the chi(dren$s section. B#t the sooner 3e get a
3ho(e ne3 (ibrary b#i(t2 the better.B
A,$(( ma/e a point o% getting do3n there.B
A8ead o#t into the ha(( and then go do3nstairs. Good seeing yo#2 6ister Ainse(.B
A4a(( me 6i/e2B he said.
She said nothing2 D#st too/ @eon$s hand and 3a(/ed the boy o!er to the chi(dren$s section.
AB#t2 6om2B Shado3 heard @eon say2 Ait 3asn$t pressed igitation. ,t 3asn$t. , sa3 it !anish
and then it %e(( o#t o% his nose. , sa3 it.B
An oi( portrait o% Abraham @inco(n ga1ed do3n %rom the 3a(( at him. Shado3 3a(/ed do3n the
marb(e and oa/ steps to the (ibrary basement2 thro#gh a door into a (arge room %i((ed 3ith
tab(es2 each tab(e co!ered 3ith boo/s o% a(( /inds2 indiscriminate(y assorted and promisc#o#s(y
arranged: paperbac/s and hardco!ers2 %iction and nonC%iction2 periodica(s and encyc(opedias a((
side by side #pon the tab(es2 spines #p or spines o#t.
Shado3 3andered to the bac/ o% the room 3here there 3as a tab(e co!ered 3ith o(dC(oo/ing
(eatherCbo#nd boo/s2 each 3ith a (ibrary cata(og n#mber painted in 3hite on the spine. A9o#$re
the %irst person o!er in that corner a(( day2B said the man sitting by the stac/ o% empty bo&es
and bags and the sma((2 open2 meta( cashbo&. A6ost(y %o(/ D#st ta/e the thri((ers and the
chi(dren$s boo/s and the 8ar(eI#in +omances. Jenny .erton2 Danie((e Stee(2 a(( that.B he man
3as reading Agatha 4hristie$s he 6#rder o% +oger Ac/royd. A"!erything on the tab(es is %i%ty
cents a boo/2 or yo# can ta/e three %or a do((ar.B
Shado3 than/ed him and contin#ed to bro3se. 8e %o#nd a copy o% 8erodot#s$s 8istories
bo#nd in pee(ing bro3n (eather. ,t made him thin/ o% the paperbac/ copy he had (e%t behind in
prison. here 3as a boo/ ca((ed Perp(e&ing Par(o#r ,((#sions2 3hich (oo/ed (i/e it might ha!e
some coin e%%ects. 8e carried both the boo/s o!er to the man 3ith the cashbo&.
AB#y one more2 it$s sti(( a do((ar2B said the man. AAnd i% yo# ta/e another boo/ a3ay2 yo#$(( be
doing #s a %a!or. 5e need the she(%Cspace.B
Shado3 3a(/ed bac/ to the o(d (eatherCbo#nd boo/s. 8e decided to (iberate the boo/ that 3as
(east (i/e(y to be bo#ght by anyone e(se2 and %o#nd himse(% #nab(e to decide bet3een 4ommon
Diseases o% the Erinary ract 3ith ,((#strations by a 6edica( Doctor and 6in#tes o% the
@a/eside 4ity 4o#nci( ;YM>S;YYZ. 8e (oo/ed at the i((#strations in the medica( boo/ and decided
that some3here in the to3n there 3as a teenage boy 3ho co#(d #se the boo/ to gross o#t his
%riends. 8e too/ the 6in#tes to the man on the door2 3ho too/ his do((ar and p#t a(( the boo/s
into a Da!e$s )inest )ood bro3n paper sac/.
Shado3 (e%t the (ibrary. 8e had a c(ear !ie3 o% the (a/e2 a(( the 3ay to the northeastern corner.
8e co#(d e!en see his apartment b#i(ding2 a sma(( bro3n bo& on the ban/ #p past the bridge.
And there 3ere men on the ice near the bridge2 %o#r or %i!e o% them2 p#shing a dar/ green car
into the center o% the 3hite (a/e.
A6arch the t3entyCthird2B Shado3 said to the (a/e2 #nder his breath. A'ine A.6. to nine t3entyC
%i!e A.6.B 8e 3ondered i% the (a/e or the /(#n/er co#(d hear him-and i% they 3o#(d pay any
attention to him2 e!en i% they co#(d. 8e do#bted it. ,n Shado3$s 3or(d2 (#c/2 the good /ind2 3as
something that other peop(e had2 not him.
he 3ind b(e3 bitter against his %ace.
*%%icer 4had 6#((igan 3as 3aiting o#tside Shado3$s apartment 3hen he got bac/. Shado3$s
heart began to po#nd 3hen he sa3 the po(ice car2 to re(a& a (itt(e 3hen he obser!ed that the
po(iceman 3as doing paper3or/ in the %ront seat.
8e 3a(/ed o!er to the car2 carrying his paper sac/ o% boo/s.
6#((igan (o3ered his 3indo3. A@ibrary sa(e:B he said.
A9es.B
A, bo#ght a bo& o% +obert @#d(#m boo/s there t3o2 three years bac/. .eep meaning to read
them. 6y co#sin s3ears by the g#y. hese days , %ig#re i% , e!er get marooned on a desert
is(and and , got my bo& o% +obert @#d(#m boo/s 3ith me2 , can catch #p on my reading.B
ASomething partic#(ar , can do %or yo#2 4hie%:B
A'ot a damn thing2 pa(. ho#ght ,$d stop by and see ho3 yo# 3ere sett(ing in. 9o# remember
that 4hinese saying2 R9o# sa!e a man$s (i%e2 yo#$re responsib(e %or him$: 5e((2 ,$m not saying ,
sa!ed yo#r (i%e (ast 3ee/. B#t , sti(( tho#ght , sho#(d chec/ in. 8o3$s the G#nther P#rp(eCmobi(e
doing:B
AGood2B said Shado3. A,t$s good. +#nning %ine.B
AP(eased to hear it.B
A, sa3 my ne&tCdoor neighbor in the (ibrary2B said Shado3. A6i1 *(sen. , 3as 3onderingQB
A5hat cra3(ed #p her b#tt and died:B
A,% yo# 3ant to p#t it (i/e that.B
A@ong story. 9o# 3ant to ride a(ong %or a spe((2 and ,$(( te(( yo# a(( abo#t it.B
Shado3 tho#ght abo#t it %or a moment. A*/ay2B he said. 8e got into the car2 sat in the %ront
passenger seat. 6#((igan dro!e north o% to3n. hen he t#rned o%% his (ights and par/ed beside
the road.
ADarren *(sen met 6arge at E5 Ste!ens Point and he bro#ght her bac/ north to @a/eside. She
3as a Do#rna(ism maDor. 8e 3as st#dying2 shit2 hote( management2 something (i/e that. 5hen
they got here2 Da3s dropped. his 3as2 3hat2 thirteen2 %o#rteen years ago. She 3as so
bea#ti%#(Qthat b(ac/ hairQB 8e pa#sed. ADarren managed the 6ote( America o!er in 4amden2
t3enty mi(es 3est o% here. "&cept nobody e!er seemed to 3ant to stop in 4amden and
e!ent#a((y the mote( c(osed. hey had t3o boys. At that time Sandy 3as e(e!en. he (itt(e
one-@eon is it:-3as D#st a babe in arms.
ADarren *(sen 3asn$t a bra!e man. 8e$d been a good high schoo( %ootba(( p(ayer2 b#t that 3as
the (ast time he 3as %(ying high. 5hate!er. 8e co#(dn$t %ind the co#rage to te(( 6argie that he$d
(ost his Dob. So %or a month2 maybe %or t3o months2 he$d dri!e o%% ear(y in the morning2 come
home (ate in the e!ening comp(aining abo#t the hard day he$d had at the mote(.B
A5hat 3as he doing:B as/ed Shado3.
A6m. 4o#(dn$t say %or certain. , rec/on he 3as dri!ing #p to ,ron3ood2 maybe do3n to Green
Bay. G#ess he started o#t as a Dob h#nter. Pretty soon he 3as drin/ing the time a3ay2 getting
stoned2 more than probab(y meeting the occasiona( 3or/ing gir( %or a (itt(e instant grati%ication.
8e co#(d ha!e been gamb(ing. 5hat , do /no3 %or certain is that he emptied o#t their Doint
acco#nt in abo#t ten 3ee/s. ,t 3as on(y a matter o% time be%ore 6argie %ig#red o#t-there 3e
goPB
8e s3#ng the car o#t2 %(ic/ed on the siren and the (ights2 and scared the day(ights o#t o% a sma((
man 3ith ,o3a p(ates 3ho had D#st come do3n the hi(( at se!enty.
he rog#e ,o3an tic/eted2 6#((igan ret#rned to his story.
A5here 3as ,: */ay. So 6argie /ic/s him o#t2 s#es %or di!orce. ,t t#rned into a !icio#s c#stody
batt(e. hat$s 3hat they ca(( $em 3hen they get into Peop(e maga1ine. Ficio#s 4#stody Batt(e.
A(3ays ma/es me thin/ o% (a3yers 3ith /ni!es and assa#(t 3eapons and brass /n#c/(es. She got
the /ids. Darren got !isitation rights and precio#s (itt(e e(se. 'o32 bac/ then @eon 3as pretty
sma((. Sandy 3as o(der2 a good /id2 the /ind o% boy 3ho 3orships his daddy. 5o#(dn$t (et
6argie say nothing bad abo#t him. hey (ost the ho#se-had a nice p(ace do3n on Danie(s
+oad. She mo!ed into the apartments. 8e (e%t to3n. 4ame bac/ e!ery %e3 months to ma/e
e!erybody miserab(e.
Ahis 3ent on %or a %e3 years. 8e$d come bac/2 spend money on the /ids2 (ea!e 6argie in tears.
6ost o% #s D#st started 3ishing he$d ne!er come bac/ at a((. 8is mom and pop had mo!ed to
)(orida 3hen they retired2 said they co#(dn$t ta/e another 5isconsin 3inter. So (ast year he
came o#t2 said he 3anted to ta/e the boys to )(orida %or 4hristmas. 6argie said not a hope2 to(d
him to get (ost. ,t got pretty #np(easant-at one point , had to go o!er there. Domestic disp#te.
By the time , got there Darren 3as standing in the %ront yard sho#ting st#%%2 the boys 3ere
bare(y ho(ding it together2 6argie 3as crying.
A, to(d Darren he 3as shaping #p %or a night in the ce((s. , tho#ght %or a moment he 3as going to
hit me2 b#t he 3as sober eno#gh not to do that. , ga!e him a ride do3n to the trai(er par/ so#th
o% to3n2 to(d him to shape #p. hat he$d h#rt her eno#ghQ'e&t day he (e%t to3n.B
A3o 3ee/s (ater2 Sandy !anished. Didn$t get onto the schoo( b#s. o(d his best %riend that he$d
be seeing his dad soon2 that Darren 3as bringing him a specia((y coo( present to ma/e #p %or
ha!ing missed 4hristmas in )(orida. 'obody$s seen him since. 'onCc#stodia( /idnappings are the
hardest. ,t$s to#gh to %ind a /id 3ho doesn$t 3ant to be %o#nd2 y$see:B
Shado3 said that he did. 8e sa3 something e(se as 3e((. 4had 6#((igan 3as in (o!e 3ith
6arg#erite *(sen himse(%. 8e 3ondered i% the man /ne3 ho3 ob!io#s it 3as.
6#((igan p#((ed o#t once more2 (ights %(ashing2 and p#((ed o!er some teenagers doing si&ty. 8e
didn$t tic/et them2 AD#st p#t the %ear o% God in them.B
hat e!ening Shado3 sat at the /itchen tab(e trying to %ig#re o#t ho3 to trans%orm a si(!er
do((ar into a penny. ,t 3as a tric/ he had %o#nd in Perp(e&ing Par(o#r ,((#sions b#t the
instr#ctions 3ere in%#riating2 #nhe(p%#(2 and !ag#e. Phrases (i/e Athen !anish the penny in the
#s#a( 3ayB occ#rred e!ery sentence or so. ,n this conte&t2 Shado3 3ondered2 3hat 3as Athe
#s#a( 3ayB: A )rench drop: S(ee!ing it: Sho#ting A*h my god2 (oo/ o#t-a mo#ntain (ionPB and
dropping the coin into his side poc/et 3hi(e the a#dience$s attention 3as di!erted:
8e tossed his si(!er do((ar into the air2 ca#ght it2 remembering the moon and the 3oman 3ho
ga!e it to him2 then he attempted the i((#sion. ,t didn$t seem to 3or/. 8e 3a(/ed into the
bathroom and tried it in %ront o% the mirror2 and con%irmed that he 3as right. he tric/ as
3ritten simp(y didn$t 3or/. 8e sighed2 dropped the coins in his poc/et and sat do3n on the
co#ch. 8e spread the cheap thro3 r#g o!er his (egs and %(ipped open the 6in#tes o% the
@a/eside 4o#nci( ;YM>S;YYZ. he type2 in t3o co(#mns2 3as so sma(( as to be a(most
#nreadab(e. 8e %(ipped thro#gh the boo/2 (oo/ing at the reprod#ctions o% the photographs o%
the period2 at the se!era( incarnations o% the @a/eside city co#nci( therein: (ong sideC3his/ers
and c(ay pipes and battered hats and shiny hats2 3orn 3ith %aces 3hich 3ere2 many o% them2
pec#(iar(y %ami(iar. 8e 3as #ns#rprised to see that the port(y secretary o% the ;YY> city co#nci(
3as a Patric/ 6#((igan: sha!e him2 ma/e him (ose t3enty po#nds and he$d be a dead ringer %or
4had 6#((igan2 his-3hat2 greatCgreatCgrandson: 8e 3ondered i% 8in1e(mann$s pioneer
grand%ather 3as in the photographs2 b#t it did not appear that he had been city co#nci(
materia(. Shado3 tho#ght he had seen a re%erence to a 8in1e(mann in the te&t2 3hi(e %(ipping
%rom photograph to photograph2 b#t it e(#ded him 3hen he (ea%ed bac/ %or it2 and the tiny type
made Shado3$s eyes ache.
8e p#t the boo/ do3n on his chest and rea(i1ed his head 3as nodding. ,t 3o#(d be %oo(ish to %a((
as(eep on the co#ch2 he decided2 sober(y. he bedroom 3as on(y a %e3 %eet a3ay. *n the other
hand2 the bedroom and the bed 3o#(d sti(( be there in %i!e min#tes2 and any3ay2 he 3as not
going to go to s(eep2 on(y to c(ose his eyes %or a momentQ
Dar/ness roared.
8e stood on an open p(ain. Beside him 3as the p(ace %rom 3hich he had once emerged2 %rom
3hich the earth had sI#ee1ed him. Stars 3ere sti(( %a((ing %rom the s/y and each star that
to#ched the red earth became a man or a 3oman. he men had (ong b(ac/ hair and high
chee/bones. he 3omen a(( (oo/ed (i/e 6arg#erite *(sen. hese 3ere the star peop(e.
hey (oo/ed at him 3ith dar/2 pro#d eyes.
Ae(( me abo#t the th#nderbirds2B said Shado3. AP(ease. ,t$s not %or me. ,t$s %or my 3i%e.B
*ne by one they t#rned their bac/s on him2 and as he (ost their %aces they 3ere gone2 one 3ith
the (andscape. B#t the (ast o% them2 her hair strea/ed 3hite on dar/ gray2 pointed be%ore she
t#rned a3ay2 pointed into the 3ineCco(ored s/y.
AAs/ them yo#rse(%2B she said. S#mmer (ightning %(ic/ered2 momentari(y i((#minating the
(andscape %rom hori1on to hori1on.
here 3ere high roc/s near him2 pea/s and spires o% sandstone2 and Shado3 began to c(imb the
nearest. he spire 3as the co(or o% o(d i!ory. 8e grabbed at a handho(d2 and %e(t it s(ice into his
hand. ,t$s bone2 tho#ght Shado3. 'ot stone. ,t$s o(d dry bone.
B#t it 3as a dream2 and in dreams2 sometimes2 yo# ha!e no choices: either there are no
decisions to be made2 or they 3ere made %or yo# (ong be%ore e!er the dream began. Shado3
contin#ed to c(imb2 p#((ing himse(% #p. 8is hands h#rt. Bone popped and cr#shed and
%ragmented #nder his bare %eet2 c#tting them pain%#((y. he 3ind t#gged at him2 and he pressed
himse(% to the spire2 and he contin#ed to c(imb the to3er.
,t 3as made o% on(y one /ind o% bone2 he rea(i1ed2 repeated o!er and o!er. "ach o% the bones
3as dry and ba((C(i/e. )or a moment he had imagined they might be o(d ye((o3 she((s or the eggs
o% some dread%#( bird. B#t another %(are o% (ightning to(d him di%%erent(y: they had ho(es %or eyes2
and they had teeth2 3hich grinned 3itho#t h#mor.
Some3here birds 3ere ca((ing. +ain spattered his %ace.
8e 3as h#ndreds o% %eet abo!e the gro#nd2 c(inging to the side o% the to3er o% s/#((s2 3hi(e
%(ashes o% (ightning b#rned in the 3ings o% the shado3y birds 3ho circ(ed the spire-enormo#s
b(ac/2 condorC(i/e birds2 each 3ith a r#%% o% 3hite at its nec/. hey 3ere h#ge2 grace%#(2 a3%#(
birds2 and the beats o% their 3ings crashed (i/e th#nder on the night air.
hey 3ere circ(ing the spire.
hey m#st be %i%teen2 t3enty %eet %rom 3ingtip to 3ingtip2 tho#ght Shado3.
hen the %irst bird s3#ng o#t o% its g(ide to3ard him2 b(#e (ightning crac/(ing in its 3ings. 8e
p#shed himse(% into a cre!ice o% s/#((s2 ho((o3 eyeCho(es stared at him2 a c(#tter o% i!ory teeth
smi(ed at him2 b#t he /ept c(imbing2 p#((ing himse(% #p the mo#ntain o% s/#((s2 e!ery sharp edge
c#tting into his s/in2 %ee(ing re!#(sion and terror and a3e.
Another bird came at him2 and one handCsi1ed ta(on san/ into his arm.
8e reached o#t and tried to grasp a %eather %rom its 3ing. ,% he ret#rned to his tribe 3itho#t a
th#nderbird$s %eather he 3o#(d be disgraced2 he 3o#(d ne!er be a man2 b#t the bird p#((ed #p2
so that he co#(d not grasp e!en one %eather. he th#nderbird (oosened its grip and s3#ng bac/
onto the 3ind. Shado3 contin#ed to c(imb.
here m#st be a tho#sand s/#((s2 tho#ght Shado3. A tho#sand tho#sand. And not a(( o% them
are h#man. 8e stood at (ast on the top o% the spire2 the great birds2 the th#nderbirds2 circ(ing
him s(o3(y2 na!igating the g#sts o% the storm 3ith tiny %(ic/s o% their 3ings.
8e heard a !oice2 the !oice o% the b#%%a(o man2 ca((ing to him on the 3ind2 te((ing him 3ho the
s/#((s be(onged toQ
he to3er began to t#mb(e2 and the biggest bird2 its eyes the b(inding b(#eC3hite o% %or/ed
(ightning2 p(#mmeted do3n to3ard him in a r#sh o% th#nder2 and Shado3 3as %a((ing2 t#mb(ing
do3n the to3er o% s/#((sQ
he te(ephone shri((ed. Shado3 had not e!en /no3n that it 3as connected. Groggy2 sha/en2 he
pic/ed it #p.
A5hat the %#c/2B sho#ted 5ednesday2 angrier than Shado3 had e!er heard him. A5hat the
a(mighty %(ying %#c/ do yo# thin/ yo# are p(aying at:B
A, 3as as(eep2B said Shado3 into the recei!er2 st#pid(y.
A5hat do yo# thin/ is the %#c/ing point o% stashing yo# in a hiding p(ace (i/e @a/eside2 i% yo#$re
going to raise s#ch a r#c/#s that not e!en a dead man co#(d miss it:B
A, dreamed o% th#nderbirdsQ2B said Shado3. AAnd a to3er. S/#((sQB ,t seemed to him !ery
important to reco#nt his dream.
A, /no3 3hat yo# 3ere dreaming. "!erybody damn 3e(( /no3s 3hat yo# 3ere dreaming. 4hrist
a(mighty. 5hat$s the point in hiding yo#2 i% yo#$re going to start to %#c/ing ad!ertise:B
Shado3 said nothing.
here 3as a pa#se at the other end o% the te(ephone. A,$(( be there in the morning2B said
5ednesday. ,t so#nded (i/e the anger had died do3n. A5e$re going to San )rancisco. he
%(o3ers in yo#r hair are optiona(.B And the (ine 3ent dead.
Shado3 p#t the te(ephone do3n on the carpet2 and sat #p2 sti%%(y. ,t 3as si& A.6. and sti(( nightC
dar/ o#tside. 8e got #p %rom the so%a2 shi!ering. 8e co#(d hear the 3ind as it screamed across
the %ro1en (a/e. And he co#(d hear somebody nearby2 crying2 on(y the thic/ness o% a 3a(( a3ay.
8e 3as certain it 3as 6arg#erite *(sen2 and her sobbing 3as insistent and (o3 and
heartbrea/ing.
Shado3 3a(/ed into the bathroom and pissed2 then 3ent into his bedroom and c(osed the
door2 b(oc/ing o%% the so#nd o% the crying 3oman. *#tside the 3ind ho3(ed and 3ai(ed as i% it2
too2 3as see/ing %or a (ost chi(d2 and he s(ept no more that night.
San )rancisco in Jan#ary 3as #nseasonab(y 3arm2 3arm eno#gh that the s3eat pric/(ed on the
bac/ o% Shado3$s nec/. 5ednesday 3as 3earing a deep b(#e s#it2 and a pair o% go(dCrimmed
spectac(es that made him (oo/ (i/e an entertainment (a3yer.
hey 3ere 3a(/ing a(ong 8aight Street. he street peop(e and the h#st(ers and the moochers
3atched them go by2 and no one shoo/ a paper c#p o% change at them2 no one as/ed them %or
anything at a((.
5ednesday$s Da3 3as set. Shado3 had seen immediate(y that the man 3as sti(( angry2 and had
as/ed no I#estions 3hen the b(ac/ @inco(n to3n car had p#((ed #p o#tside the apartment that
morning. hey had not ta(/ed on the 3ay to the airport. 8e had been re(ie!ed that 5ednesday
3as in %irst c(ass and he 3as bac/ in coach.
'o3 it 3as (ate in the a%ternoon. Shado32 3ho had not been in San )rancisco since he 3as a
boy2 3ho had on(y seen it since then as a bac/gro#nd to mo!ies2 3as astonished at ho3 %ami(iar
it 3as2 ho3 co(or%#( and #niI#e the 3ooden ho#ses2 ho3 steep the hi((s2 ho3 !ery m#ch it
didn$t %ee( (i/e any3here e(se.
A,t$s a(most hard to be(ie!e that this is in the same co#ntry as @a/eside2B he said.
5ednesday g(ared at him. hen he said2 A,t$s not. San )rancisco isn$t in the same co#ntry as
@a/eside any more than 'e3 *r(eans is in the same co#ntry as 'e3 9or/ or 6iami is in the
same co#ntry as 6inneapo(is.B
A,s that so:B said Shado32 mi(d(y.
A,ndeed it is. hey may share certain c#(t#ra( signi%iers-money2 a %edera( go!ernment2
entertainment? it$s the same (and2 ob!io#s(y-b#t the on(y things that gi!e it the i((#sion o%
being one co#ntry are the greenCbac/2 he onight Sho32 and 6cDona(d$s.B hey 3ere
approaching a par/ at the end o% the road. ABe nice to the (ady 3e are !isiting. B#t not too
nice.B
A,$(( be coo(2B said Shado3.
hey stepped onto the grass.
A yo#ng gir(2 no o(der than %o#rteen2 her hair dyed green and orange and pin/2 stared at them
as they 3ent by. She sat beside a dog2 a mongre(2 3ith a piece o% string %or a co((ar and a (eash.
She (oo/ed h#ngrier than the dog did. he dog yapped at them2 then 3agged its tai(.
Shado3 ga!e the gir( a do((ar bi((. She stared at it as i% she 3as not s#re 3hat it 3as. AB#y dog
%ood 3ith it2B Shado3 s#ggested. She nodded2 and smi(ed.
A@et me p#t it b(#nt(y2B said 5ednesday. A9o# m#st be !ery ca#tio#s aro#nd the (ady 3e are
!isiting. She might ta/e a %ancy to yo#2 and that 3o#(d be bad.B
A,s she yo#r gir(%riend or something:B
A'ot %or a(( the (itt(e p(astic toys in 4hina2B said 5ednesday2 agreeab(y. 8is anger seemed to
ha!e dissipated2 or perhaps to ha!e been in!ested %or the %#t#re. Shado3 s#spected that anger
3as the engine that made 5ednesday r#n.
here 3as a 3oman sitting on the grass2 #nder a tree2 3ith a paper tab(ec(oth spread in %ront o%
her2 and a !ariety o% #pper3are dishes on the c(oth.
She 3as-not %at2 no2 %ar %rom %at: 3hat she 3as2 a 3ord that Shado3 had ne!er had ca#se to
#se #nti( no32 3as c#r!aceo#s. 8er hair 3as so %air that it 3as 3hite2 the /ind o% p(atin#mC
b(onde tresses that sho#(d ha!e be(onged to a (ongCdead mo!ie star(et2 her (ips 3ere painted
crimson2 and she (oo/ed to be some3here bet3een t3entyC%i!e and %i%ty.
As they reached her she 3as se(ecting %rom a p(ate o% de!i(ed eggs. She (oo/ed #p as
5ednesday approached her2 and p#t do3n the egg she had chosen2 and 3iped her hand.
A8e((o2 yo# o(d %ra#d2B she said2 b#t she smi(ed as she said it2 and 5ednesday bo3ed (o32 too/
her hand and raised it to his (ips.
8e said2 A9o# (oo/ di!ine.B
A8o3 the he(( e(se sho#(d , (oo/:B she demanded2 s3eet(y. AAny3ay2 yo#$re a (iar. 'e3 *r(eans
3as s#ch a mista/e-, p#t on2 3hat2 thirty po#nds there: , s3ear. , /ne3 , had to (ea!e 3hen ,
started to 3add(e. he tops o% my thighs r#b together 3hen , 3a(/ no32 can yo# be(ie!e that:B
his (ast 3as addressed to Shado3. 8e had no idea 3hat to say in rep(y2 and %e(t a hot %(#sh
s#%%#se his %ace. he 3oman (a#ghed de(ighted(y. A8e$s b(#shingP 5ednesday my s3eet2 yo#
bro#ght me a b(#sher. 8o3 per%ect(y 3onder%#( o% yo#. 5hat$s he ca((ed:B
Ahis is Shado32B said 5ednesday. 8e seemed to be enDoying Shado3$s discom%ort. AShado32
say he((o to "aster.B
Shado3 said something that might ha!e been 8e((o2 and the 3oman smi(ed at him again. 8e
%e(t (i/e he 3as ca#ght in head(ights-the b(inding /ind that poachers #se to %ree1e deer be%ore
they shoot them. 8e co#(d sme(( her per%#me %rom 3here he 3as standing2 an into&icating
mi&t#re o% Dasmine and honeys#c/(e2 o% s3eet mi(/ and %ema(e s/in.
ASo2 ho3$s tric/s:B as/ed 5ednesday.
he 3oman-"aster-(a#ghed a deep and throaty (a#gh2 %#((Cbodied and Doyo#s. 8o3 co#(d yo#
not (i/e someone 3ho (a#ghed (i/e that: A"!erything$s %ine2B she said. A8o3 abo#t yo#2 yo# o(d
3o(%:B
A, 3as hoping to en(ist yo#r assistance.B
A5asting yo#r time.B
AAt (east hear me o#t be%ore dismissing me.B
A'o point. Don$t e!en bother.B
She (oo/ed at Shado3. AP(ease2 sit do3n here and he(p yo#rse(% to some o% this %ood. 8ere2 ta/e
a p(ate and pi(e it high. ,t$s a(( good. "ggs2 roast chic/en2 chic/en c#rry2 chic/en sa(ad2 and o!er
here is (apin-rabbit2 act#a((y2 b#t co(d rabbit is a de(ight2 and in that bo3( o!er there is the
D#gged hare2 3e((2 3hy don$t , D#st %i(( a p(ate %or yo#:B And she did2 ta/ing a p(astic p(ate and
pi(ing it high 3ith %oods and passing it to him. hen she (oo/ed at 5ednesday. AAre yo#
eating:B she as/ed.
A, am at yo#r disposa(2 my dear2B said 5ednesday.
A9o#2B she to(d him2 Aare so %#(( o% shit it$s a 3onder yo#r eyes don$t t#rn bro3n.B She passed
him an empty p(ate. A8e(p yo#rse(%2B she said.
he a%ternoon s#n at her bac/ b#rned her hair into a p(atin#m a#ra. AShado32B she said2
che3ing a chic/en (eg 3ith g#sto. Ahat$s a s3eet name. 5hy do they ca(( yo# Shado3:B
Shado3 (ic/ed his (ips to moisten them. A5hen , 3as a /id2B he said. A5e (i!ed2 my mother and
,2 3e 3ere2 , mean2 she 3as2 3e((2 (i/e a secretary2 at a b#nch o% E.S. embassies2 3e 3ent %rom
city to city a(( o!er 'orthern "#rope. hen she got sic/ and had to ta/e ear(y retirement and 3e
came bac/ to the States. , ne!er /ne3 3hat to say to the other /ids2 so ,$d D#st %ind ad#(ts and
%o((o3 them aro#nd2 not saying anything. , D#st needed the company2 , g#ess. , don$t /no3. ,
3as a sma(( /id.B
A9o# gre32B she said.
A9es2B said Shado3. A, gre3.B
She t#rned bac/ to 5ednesday2 3ho 3as spooning do3n a bo3( o% 3hat (oo/ed (i/e co(d
g#mbo. A,s this the boy 3ho$s got e!erybody so #pset:B
A9o# heard:B
A, /eep my ears pric/ed #p2B she said. hen to Shado32 A9o# /eep o#t o% their 3ay. here are
too many secret societies o#t there2 and they ha!e no (oya(ties and no (o!e. 4ommercia(2
independent2 go!ernment2 they$re a(( in the same boat. hey range %rom the bare(y competent
to the deep(y dangero#s. 8ey2 o(d 3o(%2 , heard a Do/e yo#$d (i/e the other day. 8o3 do yo#
/no3 the 4,A 3asn$t in!o(!ed in the .ennedy assassination:B
A,$!e heard it2B said 5ednesday.
APity.B She t#rned her attention bac/ to Shado3. AB#t the spoo/sho32 the ones yo# met2
they$re something e(se. hey e&ist beca#se e!eryone /no3s they m#st e&ist.B She drained a
paper c#p o% something that (oo/ed (i/e 3hite 3ine2 and then she got to her %eet. AShado3$s a
good name2B she said. A, 3ant a mochaccino. 4ome on.B
She began to 3a(/ a3ay. A5hat abo#t the %ood:B as/ed 5ednesday. A9o# can$t D#st (ea!e it
here.B
She smi(ed at him2 and pointed to the gir( sitting by the dog2 and then e&tended her arms to
ta/e in the 8aight and the 3or(d. A@et it %eed them2B she said2 and she 3a(/ed2 3ith 5ednesday
and Shado3 trai(ing behind her.
A+emember2B she said to 5ednesday2 as they 3a(/ed2 A,$m rich. ,$m doing D#st peachy. 5hy
sho#(d , he(p yo#:B
A9o#$re one o% #s2B he said. A9o#$re as %orgotten and as #n(o!ed and #nremembered as any o%
#s. ,t$s pretty c(ear 3hose side yo# sho#(d be on.B
hey reached a side3a(/ co%%eeho#se2 3ent inside. here 3as on(y one 3aitress2 3ho 3ore her
eyebro3 ring as a mar/ o% caste2 and a 3oman ma/ing co%%ee behind the co#nter. he 3aitress
ad!anced #pon them2 smi(ing a#tomatica((y2 sat them do3n2 too/ their orders.
"aster p#t her s(im hand on the bac/ o% 5ednesday$s sI#are gray hand. A,$m te((ing yo#2B she
said2 A,$m doing %ine. *n my %esti!a( days they sti(( %east on eggs and rabbits2 on candy and on
%(esh2 to represent rebirth and cop#(ation. hey 3ear %(o3ers in their bonnets and they gi!e
each other %(o3ers. hey do it in my name. 6ore and more o% them e!ery year. ,n my name2
o(d 3o(%.B
AAnd yo# 3a& %at and a%%(#ent on their 3orship and their (o!e:B he said2 dry(y.
ADon$t be an assho(e.B S#dden(y she so#nded !ery tired. She sipped her mochaccino.
ASerio#s I#estion2 m$dear. 4ertain(y , 3o#(d agree that mi((ions #pon mi((ions o% them gi!e each
other to/ens in yo#r name2 and that they sti(( practice a(( the rites o% yo#r %esti!a(2 e!en do3n to
h#nting %or hidden eggs. B#t ho3 many o% them /no3 3ho yo# are: "h: "&c#se me2 miss:B his
to their 3aitress.
She said2 A9o# need another espresso:B
A'o2 my dear. , 3as D#st 3ondering i% yo# co#(d so(!e a (itt(e arg#ment 3e 3ere ha!ing o!er
here. 6y %riend and , 3ere disagreeing o!er 3hat the 3ord R"aster$ means. 5o#(d yo# happen
to /no3:B
he gir( stared at him as i% green toads had beg#n to p#sh their 3ay bet3een his (ips. hen she
said2 A, don$t /no3 abo#t any o% that 4hristian st#%%. ,$m a pagan.B
he 3oman behind the co#nter said2 A, thin/ it$s (i/e @atin or something %or R4hrist has risen$
maybe.B
A+ea((y:B said 5ednesday.
A9eah2 s#re2B said the 3oman. A"aster. J#st (i/e the s#n rises in the east2 yo# /no3.B
Ahe risen son. *% co#rse-a most (ogica( s#pposition.B he 3oman smi(ed and ret#rned to her
co%%ee grinder. 5ednesday (oo/ed #p at their 3aitress. A, thin/ , sha(( ha!e another espresso2
i% yo# do not mind. And te(( me2 as a pagan2 3ho do yo# 3orship:B
A5orship:B
Ahat$s right. , imagine yo# m#st ha!e a pretty 3ideCopen %ie(d. So to 3hom do yo# set #p yo#r
ho#seho(d a(tar: o 3hom do yo# bo3 do3n: o 3hom do yo# pray at da3n and at d#s/:B
8er (ips described se!era( shapes 3itho#t saying anything be%ore she said2 Ahe %ema(e
princip(e. ,t$s an empo3erment thing. 9o# /no3.B
A,ndeed. And this %ema(e princip(e o% yo#rs. Does she ha!e a name:B
AShe$s the goddess 3ithin #s a((2B said the gir( 3ith the eyebro3 ring2 co(or rising to her chee/.
AShe doesn$t need a name.B
AAh2B said 5ednesday2 3ith a 3ide mon/ey grin2 Aso do yo# ha!e mighty bacchana(s in her
honor: Do yo# drin/ b(ood 3ine #nder the %#(( moon2 3hi(e scar(et cand(es b#rn in si(!er
cand(eho(ders: Do yo# step na/ed into the seaC%oam2 chanting ecstatica((y to yo#r name(ess
goddess 3hi(e the 3a!es (ic/ at yo#r (egs2 (apping yo#r thighs (i/e the tong#es o% a tho#sand
(eopards:B
A9o#$re ma/ing %#n o% me2B she said. A5e don$t do any o% that st#%% yo# 3ere saying.B She too/
a deep breath. Shado3 s#spected she 3as co#nting to ten. AAny more co%%ees here: Another
mochaccino %or yo#2 ma$am:B 8er smi(e 3as a (ot (i/e the one she had greeted them 3ith 3hen
they had entered.
hey shoo/ their heads2 and the 3aitress t#rned to greet another c#stomer.
Ahere2B said 5ednesday2 Ais one 3ho Rdoes not ha!e the %aith and 3i(( not ha!e the %#n.$
4hesterton. Pagan indeed. So. Sha(( 3e go o#t onto the street2 "aster my dear2 and repeat the
e&ercise: )ind o#t ho3 many passersCby /no3 that their "aster %esti!a( ta/es its name %rom
"ostre o% the Da3n: @et$s see-, ha!e it. 5e sha(( as/ a h#ndred peop(e. )or e!ery one that
/no3s the tr#th2 yo# may c#t o%% one o% my %ingers2 and 3hen , r#n o#t o% them2 toes? %or e!ery
t3enty 3ho don$t /no3 yo# spend a night ma/ing (o!e to me. And the odds are certain(y in
yo#r %a!or here-this is San )rancisco2 a%ter a((. here are heathens and pagans and 5iccans
ap(enty on these precipito#s streets.B
8er green eyes (oo/ed at 5ednesday. hey 3ere2 Shado3 decided2 the e&act same co(or as a
(ea% in spring 3ith the s#n shining thro#gh it. She said nothing.
A5e co#(d try it2B contin#ed 5ednesday. AB#t , 3o#(d end #p 3ith ten %ingers2 ten toes2 and
%i!e nights in yo#r bed. So don$t te(( me they 3orship yo# and /eep yo#r %esti!a( day. hey
mo#th yo#r name2 b#t it has no meaning to them. 'othing at a((.B
ears stood o#t in her eyes. A, /no3 that2B she said2 I#iet(y. A,$m not a %oo(.B
A'o2B said 5ednesday. A9o#$re not.B
8e$s p#shed her too %ar2 tho#ght Shado3.
5ednesday (oo/ed do3n2 ashamed. A,$m sorry2B he said. Shado3 co#(d hear the rea( sincerity in
his !oice. A5e need yo#. 5e need yo#r energy. 5e need yo#r po3er. 5i(( yo# %ight beside #s
3hen the storm comes:B
She hesitated. She had a chain o% b(#e %orgetCmeCnots tattooed aro#nd her (e%t 3rist.
A9es2B she said2 a%ter a 3hi(e. A, g#ess , 3i((.B
5ednesday /issed his %inger2 to#ched it to her chee/. hen he ca((ed their 3aitress o!er and
paid %or their co%%ees2 co#nting o#t the money care%#((y2 %o(ding it o!er 3ith the chec/ and
presenting it to her.
As she 3a(/ed a3ay2 Shado3 said2 A6a$am: "&c#se me: , thin/ yo# dropped this.B 8e pic/ed #p
a tenCdo((ar bi(( %rom the %(oor.
A'o2B she said2 (oo/ing at the 3rapped bi((s in her hand.
A, sa3 it %a((2 ma$am2B said Shado32 po(ite(y. A9o# sho#(d co#nt them.B
She co#nted the money in her hand2 (oo/ed p#11(ed and said2 AJes#s. 9o#$re right. ,$m sorry.B
She too/ the tenCdo((ar bi(( %rom Shado32 and 3a(/ed a3ay.
"aster 3a(/ed o#t onto the side3a(/ 3ith them. he (ight 3as D#st starting to %ade. She nodded
to 5ednesday2 then she to#ched Shado3$s hand and said2 A5hat did yo# dream abo#t2 (ast
night:B
Ah#nderbirds2B he said. AA mo#ntain o% s/#((s.B
She nodded. AAnd do yo# /no3 3hose s/#((s they 3ere:B
Ahere 3as a !oice2B he said. A,n my dream. ,t to(d me.B
She nodded and 3aited.
8e said2 A,t said they 3ere mine. *(d s/#((s o% mine. ho#sands and tho#sands o% them.B
She (oo/ed at 5ednesday2 and said2 A, thin/ this one$s a /eeper.B She smi(ed her bright smi(e.
hen she patted Shado3$s arm and 3a(/ed a3ay do3n the side3a(/. 8e 3atched her go2
trying-and %ai(ing-not to thin/ o% her thighs r#bbing together as she 3a(/ed.
,n the ta&i on the 3ay to the airport2 5ednesday t#rned to Shado3. A5hat the he(( 3as that
b#siness 3ith the ten do((ars abo#t:B
A9o# shortchanged her. ,t comes o#t o% her 3ages i% she$s short.B
A5hat the he(( do yo# care:B 5ednesday seemed gen#ine(y irate.
Shado3 tho#ght %or a moment. hen he said2 A5e((2 , 3o#(dn$t 3ant anyone to do it to me. She
hadn$t done anything 3rong.B
A'o:B 5ednesday stared o%% into the midd(eCdistance2 and said2 A5hen she 3as se!en years o(d
she sh#t a /itten in a c(oset. She (istened to it me3 %or se!era( days. 5hen it ceased to me32
she too/ it o#t o% the c(oset2 p#t it into a shoebo&2 and b#ried it in the bac/ yard. She 3anted to
b#ry something. She consistent(y stea(s %rom e!ery3here she 3or/s. Sma(( amo#nts2 #s#a((y.
@ast year she !isited her grandmother in the n#rsing home to 3hich the o(d 3oman is con%ined.
She too/ an antiI#e go(d 3atch %rom her grandmother$s bedside tab(e2 and then 3ent pro3(ing
thro#gh se!era( o% the other rooms2 stea(ing sma(( I#antities o% money and persona( e%%ects
%rom the t3i(ight %o(/ in their go(den years. 5hen she got home she did not /no3 3hat to do
3ith her spoi(s2 scared someone 3o#(d come a%ter her2 so she thre3 e!erything a3ay e&cept
the cash.B
A, get the idea2B said Shado3.
AShe a(so has asymptomatic gonorrhea2B said 5ednesday. AShe s#spects she might be in%ected
b#t does nothing abo#t it. 5hen her (ast boy%riend acc#sed her o% ha!ing gi!en him a disease
she 3as h#rt2 o%%ended2 and re%#sed to see him again.B
Ahis isn$t necessary2B said Shado3. A, said , get the idea. 9o# co#(d do this to anyone2 co#(dn$t
yo#: e(( me bad things abo#t them.B
A*% co#rse2B agreed 5ednesday. Ahey a(( do the same things. hey may thin/ their sins are
origina(2 b#t %or the most part they are petty and repetiti!e.B
AAnd that ma/es it o/ay %or yo# to stea( ten b#c/s %rom her:B
5ednesday paid the ta&i and the t3o men 3a(/ed into the airport2 3andered #p to their gate.
Boarding had not yet beg#n. 5ednesday said2 A5hat the he(( e(se can , do: hey don$t
sacri%ice rams or b#((s to me. hey don$t send me the so#(s o% /i((ers and s(a!es2 ga((o3sCh#ng
and ra!enCpic/ed. hey made me. hey %orgot me. 'o3 , ta/e a (itt(e bac/ %rom them. ,sn$t
that %air:B
A6y mom #sed to say2 R@i%e isn$t %air2$B said Shado3.
A*% co#rse she did2B said 5ednesday. A,t$s one o% those things that moms say2 right #p there
3ith R,% a(( yo#r %riends D#mped o%% a c(i%% 3o#(d yo# do it too:$B
A9o# sti%%ed that gir( %or ten b#c/s2 , s(ipped her ten b#c/s2B said Shado32 dogged(y. A,t 3as the
right thing to do2 and , did it.B
Someone anno#nced that their p(ane 3as boarding. 5ednesday stood #p. A6ay yo#r choices
a(3ays be so c(ear2B he said2 and once again2 he so#nded tota((y sincere.
,t$s tr#e 3hat they say2 tho#ght Shado3. ,% yo# can %a/e sincerity2 yo#$!e got it made.
he co(d snap 3as easing 3hen 5ednesday dropped Shado3 o%%2 in the sma(( ho#rs o% the
morning. ,t 3as sti(( obscene(y co(d in @a/eside2 b#t it 3as no (onger impossib(y co(d. he (ighted
sign on the side o% the 6`, Ban/ %(ashed a(ternate(y V:VK A.6. and CNa ) as they dro!e thro#gh
the to3n.
,t 3as <:VK A.6. 3hen 4hie% o% Po(ice 4had 6#((igan /noc/ed on the apartment door and as/ed
Shado3 i% he /ne3 a gir( named A(ison 6cGo!ern.
A, don$t thin/ so2B said Shado32 s(eepi(y.
Ahis is her pict#re2B said 6#((igan. ,t 3as a high schoo( photograph. Shado3 recogni1ed the
person in the pict#re immediate(y: the gir( 3ith the b(#e r#bberCband braces on her teeth2 the
one 3ho had been (earning a(( abo#t the ora( #ses o% A(/aCSe(t1er %rom her %riend.
A*h yeah. */ay. She 3as on the b#s 3hen , came into to3n.B
A5here 3ere yo# yesterday2 6ister Ainse(:B
Shado3 %e(t his 3or(d begin to spin a3ay %rom him. 8e /ne3 he had nothing to %ee( g#i(ty abo#t
G9o#$re a paro(eC!io(ating %e(on (i!ing #nder an ass#med name2 3hispered a ca(m !oice in his
mind. ,sn$t that eno#gh:H.
ASan )rancisco2B he said. A4a(i%ornia. 8e(ping my #nc(e transport a %o#rCposter bed.B
A9o# got any 3ay o% pro!ing it: ic/et st#bs: Anything (i/e that:B
AS#re.B 8e had both his boarding pass st#bs in his bac/ poc/et2 p#((ed them o#t. A5hat$s going
on:B
4had 6#((igan e&amined the boarding passes. AA(ison 6cGo!ern$s !anished. She he(ped o#t #p
at the @a/eside 8#mane Society. )eed anima(s2 3a(/ dogs. She$d come o#t %or a %e3 ho#rs a%ter
schoo(. *ne o% those anima( /ids. So. Do((y .nop%2 3ho r#ns the 8#mane Society2 she$d a(3ays
r#n her home 3hen they c(osed #p %or the night. 9esterday A(ison ne!er got there.B
AShe$s !anished.B
A9#p. 8er parents ca((ed #s (ast night. Si((y /id #sed to hitchhi/e #p to the 8#mane Society. ,t$s
o#t on 4o#nty 52 pretty iso(ated. 8er parents to(d her not to2 b#t this isn$t the /ind o% p(ace
3here things happenQpeop(e here don$t (oc/ their doors2 yo# /no3: And yo# can$t te(( /ids. So2
(oo/ at the photo again.B
A(ison 6cGo!ern 3as smi(ing. he r#bber bands on her teeth in the photograph 3ere red2 not
b(#e.
A9o# can honest(y say yo# didn$t /idnap her2 rape her2 m#rder her2 anything (i/e that:B
A, 3as in San )rancisco. And , 3o#(dn$t do that shit.B
Ahat 3as 3hat , %ig#red2 pa(. So yo# 3ant to come he(p #s (oo/ %or her:B
A6e:B
A9o#. 5e$!e had the .C< g#ys o#t this morning-nothing so %ar.B 8e sighed. A8ec/2 6i/e. , D#st
hope she t#rns #p in the 3in 4ities 3ith some dopey boy%riend.B
A9o# thin/ it$s (i/e(y:B
A, thin/ it$s possib(e. 9o# 3ant to Doin the h#nting party:B
Shado3 remembered seeing the gir( in 8enning$s )arm and 8ome S#pp(ies2 the %(ash o% a shy
b(#eCbraced smi(e2 ho3 bea#ti%#( he had /no3n she 3as going to be one day. A,$(( come2B he
said.
here 3ere t3o do1en men and 3omen 3aiting in the (obby o% the %ire station. Shado3
recogni1ed 8in1e(mann2 and se!era( other %aces (oo/ed %ami(iar. here 3ere se!era( po(ice
o%%icers2 dressed in b(#e2 and some men and 3omen %rom the @#mber 4o#nty sheri%%$s
department2 dressed in bro3n.
4had 6#((igan to(d them 3hat A(ison 3as 3earing 3hen she !anished Ga scar(et sno3s#it2 green
g(o!es2 b(#e 3oo(en hat #nder the hood o% her sno3s#itH and di!ided the !o(#nteers into
gro#ps o% three. Shado32 8in1e(mann2 and a man named Brogan comprised one o% the gro#ps.
hey 3ere reminded ho3 short the day(ight period 3as2 to(d that i%2 god %orbid2 they %o#nd
A(ison$s body they 3ere not repeat not to dist#rb anything2 D#st to radio bac/ %or he(p2 b#t that
i% she 3as a(i!e they 3ere to /eep her 3arm #nti( he(p came.
hey 3ere dropped o%% o#t on 4o#nty 5.
8in1e(mann2 Brogan and Shado3 3a(/ed a(ong the edge o% a %ro1en cree/. "ach gro#p o% three
had been iss#ed a sma(( handChe(d 3a(/ieCta(/ie be%ore they (e%t.
he c(o#d co!er 3as (o32 and the 3or(d 3as gray. 'o sno3 had %a((en in the (ast thirtyCsi&
ho#rs. )ootprints stood o#t in the g(ittering cr#st o% the crisp sno3.
Brogan (oo/ed (i/e a retired army co(one(2 3ith his s(im mo#stache and 3hite temp(es. 8e dro!e
them2 to(d Shado3 he 3as a retired high schoo( principa(. A, too/ ear(y retirement 3hen , sa3 ,
3asn$t getting any yo#nger. hese days , sti(( teach a (itt(e2 do the schoo( p(ay-that 3as a(3ays
the high point o% the year anyho3-and no3 , h#nt a (itt(e and ha!e a cabin do3n on Pi/e @a/e2
spend too m#ch time there.B As they set o#t Brogan said2 A*n the one hand2 , hope 3e %ind her.
*n the other2 i% she$s going to be %o#nd2 ,$d be !ery grate%#( i% it 3as someone e(se 3ho got to
%ind her2 and not #s. 9o# /no3 3hat , mean:B
Shado3 /ne3 e&act(y 3hat he meant.
he three men did not ta(/ m#ch. hey 3a(/ed2 (oo/ing %or a red sno3s#it2 or green g(o!es2 or a
b(#e hat2 or a 3hite body. 'o3 and again Brogan2 3ho had the 3a(/ieCta(/ie2 3o#(d chec/ in
3ith 4had 6#((igan.
At (#nchtime they sat 3ith the rest o% the search party on a commandeered schoo( b#s and ate
hot dogs and dran/ hot so#p. Someone pointed o#t a redCtai(ed ha3/ in a bare tree2 and
someone e(se said that it (oo/ed more (i/e a %a(con2 b#t it %(e3 a3ay and the arg#ment 3as
abandoned.
8in1e(mann to(d them a story abo#t his grand%ather$s tr#mpet2 and ho3 he tried p(aying it
d#ring a co(d snap2 and the 3eather 3as so co(d o#tside by the barn2 3here his grand%ather had
gone to practice2 that no m#sic came o#t.
Ahen a%ter he came inside he p#t the tr#mpet do3n by the 3oodCsto!e to tha3. 5e((2 the
%ami(y$re a(( in bed that night and s#dden(y the #n%ro1en t#nes start coming o#t o% that
tr#mpet. Scared my grandmother so m#ch she near(y had /ittens.B
he a%ternoon 3as end(ess2 #n%r#it%#(2 and depressing. he day(ight %aded s(o3(y: distances
co((apsed and the 3or(d t#rned indigo and the 3ind b(e3 co(d eno#gh to b#rn the s/in on yo#r
%ace. 5hen it 3as too dar/ to contin#e2 6#((igan radioed to them to ca(( it o%% %or the e!ening2
and they 3ere pic/ed #p and dri!en bac/ to the %ire station.
,n the b(oc/ ne&t to the %ire station 3as the B#c/ Stops 8ere a!ern2 and that 3as 3here most
o% the searchers 3o#nd #p. hey 3ere e&ha#sted and dispirited2 ta(/ing to each other o% the
ba(d eag(e that had circ(ed them2 ho3 co(d it had become2 ho3 more than (i/e(y A(ison 3o#(d
sho3 #p in a day or so2 no idea o% ho3 m#ch tro#b(e she$d ca#sed e!eryone.
A9o# sho#(dn$t thin/ bad(y o% the to3n beca#se o% this2B said Brogan. A,t is a good to3n.B
A@a/eside2B said a trim 3oman 3hose name Shado3 had %orgotten2 i% e!er they$d been
introd#ced2 Ais the best to3n in the 'orth3oods. 9o# /no3 ho3 many peop(e are #nemp(oyed
in @a/eside:B
A'o2B said Shado3.
A@ess than t3enty2B she said. Ahere$s o!er %i!e tho#sand peop(e (i!e in and aro#nd this to3n.
5e may not be rich2 b#t e!eryone$s 3or/ing. ,t$s not (i/e the mining to3ns #p in the
northeast-most o% them are ghost to3ns no3. here 3ere %arming to3ns that 3ere /i((ed by
the %a((ing cost o% mi(/2 or the (o3 price o% hogs. 9o# /no3 3hat the biggest ca#se o% #nnat#ra(
death is among %armers in the 6id3est:B
AS#icide:B Shado3 ha1arded.
She (oo/ed a(most disappointed. A9eah. hat$s it. hey /i(( themse(!es.B She shoo/ her head.
hen she contin#ed2 Ahere are too many to3ns hereabo#ts that on(y e&ist %or the h#nters and
the !acationers2 to3ns that D#st ta/e their money and send them home 3ith their trophies and
their b#g bites. hen there are the company to3ns2 3here e!erything$s D#st h#n/yCdory #nti(
5a(C6art re(ocates their distrib#tion center or V6 stops man#%act#ring 4D cases there or
3hate!er and s#dden(y there$s a boat(oad o% %o(/s 3ho can$t pay their mortgages. ,$m sorry2 ,
didn$t catch yo#r name.B
AAinse(2B said Shado3. A6i/e Ainse(.B he beer he 3as drin/ing 3as a (oca( bre32 made 3ith
spring 3ater. ,t 3as good.
A,$m 4a((ie .nop%2B she said. ADo((y$s sister.B 8er %ace 3as sti(( r#ddy %rom the co(d. ASo 3hat ,$m
saying is that @a/eside$s (#c/y. 5e$!e got a (itt(e o% e!erything here-%arm2 (ight ind#stry2
to#rism2 cra%ts. Good schoo(s.B
Shado3 (oo/ed at her in p#11(ement. here 3as something empty at the bottom o% a(( her
3ords. ,t 3as as i% he 3ere (istening to a sa(esman2 a good sa(esman2 3ho be(ie!ed in his
prod#ct2 b#t sti(( 3anted to ma/e s#re yo# 3ent home 3ith a(( the br#shes or the %#(( set o%
encyc(opedias. Perhaps she co#(d see it in his %ace. She said2 A,$m sorry. 5hen yo# (o!e
something yo# D#st don$t 3ant to stop ta(/ing abo#t it. 5hat do yo# do2 6ister Ainse(:B
A8ea!y (i%ting2B said Shado3. A6y #nc(e b#ys and se((s antiI#es a(( o!er the co#ntry. 8e #ses me
to mo!e big2 hea!y things. 5itho#t brea/ing them too bad(y. ,t$s a good Dob2 b#t not steady
3or/.B A b(ac/ cat2 the bar mascot2 3o#nd bet3een Shado3$s (egs2 r#bbing its %orehead on his
boot. ,t (eapt #p beside him onto the bench and 3ent to s(eep.
AAt (east yo# get to tra!e(2B said Brogan. A9o# do anything e(se:B
A9o# got eight I#arters on yo#:B as/ed Shado3. Brogan %#mb(ed %or his change. 8e %o#nd %i!e
I#arters2 p#shed them across the tab(e to Shado3. 4a((ie .nop% prod#ced another three
I#arters.
8e (aid o#t the coins2 %o#r in each ro3. hen2 3ith scarce(y a %#mb(e2 he did the 4oins hro#gh
the ab(e2 appearing to drop ha(% the coins thro#gh the 3ood o% the tab(e2 %rom his (e%t hand
into his right.
A%ter that2 he too/ a(( eight coins in his right hand2 an empty 3ater g(ass in his (e%t2 co!ered the
g(ass 3ith a nap/in and appeared to ma/e the coins !anish one by one %rom his right hand and
(and in the g(ass beneath the nap/in 3ith an a#dib(e c(in/. )ina((y2 he opened his right hand to
sho3 it 3as empty2 then s3ept the nap/in a3ay to sho3 the coins in the g(ass.
8e ret#rned their coins-three to 4a((ie2 %i!e to Brogan-then too/ a I#arter bac/ %rom
Brogan$s hand2 (ea!ing %o#r coins. 8e b(e3 on it2 and it 3as a penny2 3hich he ga!e to Brogan2
3ho co#nted his I#arters and 3as d#mb%o#nded to %ind that he sti(( had a(( %i!e in his hand.
A9o#$re a 8o#dini2B cac/(ed 8in1e(mann in de(ight. Ahat$s 3hat yo# arePB
AJ#st an amate#r2B said Shado3. A,$!e got a (ong 3ay to go.B Sti((2 he %e(t a smidgen o% pride. ,t
had2 he rea(i1ed2 been his %irst ad#(t a#dience.
8e stopped at the %ood store on the 3ay home to b#y a carton o% mi(/. he gingerChaired gir( on
the chec/o#t co#nter (oo/ed %ami(iar2 and her eyes 3ere redCrimmed %rom crying. 8er %ace 3as
one big %rec/(e.
A, /no3 yo#2B said Shado3. A9o#$re-B And he 3as abo#t to say the A(/aCSe(t1er gir(2 b#t bit it
bac/ and %inished2 A9o#$re A(ison$s %riend. )rom the b#s. , hope she$s going to be o/ay.B
She sni%%ed and nodded. A6e too.B She b(e3 her nose on a tiss#e2 hard2 and p#shed it bac/ into
her s(ee!e.
8er badge said 8,P ,$6 S*P8,"P AS. 6" 8*5 9*E 4A' @*S" >K @BS. ,' VK DA9SP
A, spent today (oo/ing %or her. 'o (#c/ yet.B
Sophie nodded2 b(in/ed bac/ tears. She 3a!ed the mi(/ carton in %ront o% a scanner and it
chirped its price at them. Shado3 passed her t3o do((ars.
A,$m (ea!ing this %#c/ing to3n2B said the gir( in a s#dden2 cho/ed !oice. A,$m going to (i!e 3ith
my mom in Ash(and. A(ison$s gone. Sandy *(sen 3ent (ast year. Jo 6ing the year be%ore that.
5hat i% it$s me ne&t year:B
A, tho#ght Sandy *(sen 3as ta/en by his %ather.B
A9es2B said the gir(2 bitter(y. A,$m s#re he 3as. And Jo 6ing 3ent o#t to 4a(i%ornia2 and Sarah
@indI#ist got (ost on a trai( hi/e and they ne!er %o#nd her. 5hate!er. , 3ant to go to Ash(and.B
She too/ a deep breath and he(d it %or a moment. hen she smi(ed at him. here 3as nothing
insincere abo#t that smi(e. ,t 3as D#st the smi(e o% someone 3ho /ne3 that it 3as her Dob to
smi(e 3hen she ga!e someone their change2 and as she p#t Shado3$s change and receipt into
his hand she to(d him to ha!e a nice day. hen she t#rned to the 3oman 3ith the %#(( shopping
cart behind him and began to #n(oadCandCscan. A boy no o(der than Sophie sa#ntered o!er to
bag the groceries.
Shado3 too/ his mi(/ and dro!e a3ay2 past the gas station and the /(#n/er on the ice2 and o!er
the bridge and home.
4oming to America
;MMY
here 3as a gir(2 and her #nc(e so(d her2 3rote 6r. ,bis in his per%ect copperp(ate hand3riting.
hat is the ta(e? the rest is detai(.
here are stories that are tr#e2 in 3hich each indi!id#a($s ta(e is #niI#e and tragic2 and the
3orst o% the tragedy is that 3e ha!e heard it be%ore2 and 3e cannot a((o3 o#rse(!es to %ee( it
too deep(y. 5e b#i(d a she(( aro#nd it (i/e an oyster dea(ing 3ith a pain%#( partic(e o% grit2
coating it 3ith smooth pear( (ayers in order to cope. his is ho3 3e 3a(/ and ta(/ and %#nction2
day in2 day o#t2 imm#ne to others$ pain and (oss. ,% it 3ere to to#ch #s it 3o#(d cripp(e #s or
ma/e saints o% #s? b#t2 %or the most part2 it does not to#ch #s. 5e cannot a((o3 it to.
onight2 as yo# eat2 re%(ect i% yo# can: there are chi(dren star!ing in the 3or(d2 star!ing in
n#mbers (arger than the mind can easi(y ho(d2 #p in the big n#mbers 3here an error o% a mi((ion
here2 a mi((ion there2 can be %orgi!en. ,t may be #ncom%ortab(e %or yo# to re%(ect #pon this or it
may not2 b#t sti((2 yo# 3i(( eat.
here are acco#nts 3hich2 i% 3e open o#r hearts to them2 3i(( c#t #s too deep(y. @oo/-here is a
good man2 good by his o3n (ights and the (ights o% his %riends: he is %aith%#( and tr#e to his 3i%e2
he adores and (a!ishes attention on his (itt(e chi(dren2 he cares abo#t his co#ntry2 he does his
Dob p#ncti(io#s(y2 as best he can. So2 e%%icient(y and goodCnat#red(y2 he e&terminates Je3s: he
appreciates the m#sic that p(ays in the bac/gro#nd to paci%y them? he ad!ises the Je3s not to
%orget their identi%ication n#mbers as they go into the sho3ers-many peop(e2 he te((s them2
%orget their n#mbers2 and ta/e the 3rong c(othes2 3hen they come o#t o% the sho3ers. his
ca(ms the Je3s: there 3i(( be (i%e2 they ass#re themse(!es2 a%ter the sho3ers. And they are
3rong. *#r man s#per!ises the detai( ta/ing the bodies to the o!ens? and i% there is anything he
%ee(s bad abo#t2 it is that he sti(( a((o3s the gassing o% !ermin to a%%ect him. 5ere he a tr#(y
good man2 he /no3s2 he 3o#(d %ee( nothing b#t Doy2 as the earth is c(eansed o% its pests.
@ea!e him? he c#ts too deep. 8e is too c(ose to #s and it h#rts.
here 3as a gir(2 and her #nc(e so(d her. P#t (i/e that it seems so simp(e.
'o man2 proc(aimed Donne2 is an ,s(and2 and he 3as 3rong. ,% 3e 3ere not is(ands2 3e 3o#(d
be (ost2 dro3ned in each others$ tragedies. 5e are ins#(ated Ga 3ord that means2 (itera((y2
remember2 made into an is(andH %rom the tragedy o% others2 by o#r is(and nat#re2 and by the
repetiti!e shape and %orm o% the stories. 5e /no3 the shape2 and the shape does not change.
here 3as a h#man being 3ho 3as born2 (i!ed2 and then2 by some means or other2 died. here.
9o# may %i(( in the detai(s %rom yo#r o3n e&perience. As #norigina( as any other ta(e2 as #niI#e
as any other (i%e. @i!es are sno3%(a/es-#niI#e in detai(2 %orming patterns 3e ha!e seen be%ore2
b#t as (i/e one another as peas in a pod Gand ha!e yo# e!er (oo/ed at peas in a pod: , mean2
rea((y (oo/ed at them: here$s not a chance yo#$d mista/e one %or another2 a%ter a min#te$s
c(ose inspection.H
5e need indi!id#a( stories. 5itho#t indi!id#a(s 3e see on(y n#mbers: a tho#sand dead2 a
h#ndred tho#sand dead2 Acas#a(ties may rise to a mi((ion.B 5ith indi!id#a( stories2 the statistics
become peop(e-b#t e!en that is a (ie2 %or the peop(e contin#e to s#%%er in n#mbers that
themse(!es are n#mbing and meaning(ess. @oo/2 see the chi(d$s s3o((en2 s3o((en be((y2 and the
%(ies that cra3( at the corners o% his eyes2 his s/e(eta( (imbs: 3i(( it ma/e it easier %or yo# to
/no3 his name2 his age2 his dreams2 his %ears: o see him %rom the inside: And i% it does2 are 3e
not doing a disser!ice to his sister2 3ho (ies in the searing d#st beside him2 a distorted2
distended caricat#re o% a h#man chi(d: And there2 i% 3e %ee( %or them2 are they no3 more
important to #s than a tho#sand other chi(dren to#ched by the same %amine2 a tho#sand other
yo#ng (i!es 3ho 3i(( soon be %ood %or the %(ies$ o3n myriad sI#irming chi(dren:
5e dra3 o#r (ines aro#nd these moments o% pain2 and remain #pon o#r is(ands2 and they
cannot h#rt #s. hey are co!ered 3ith a smooth2 sa%e2 nacreo#s (ayer to (et them s(ip2 pear(C(i/e2
%rom o#r so#(s 3itho#t rea( pain.
)iction a((o3s #s to s(ide into these other heads2 these other p(aces2 and (oo/ o#t thro#gh other
eyes. And then in the ta(e 3e stop be%ore 3e die2 or 3e die !icario#s(y and #nharmed2 and in
the 3or(d beyond the ta(e 3e t#rn the page or c(ose the boo/2 and 3e res#me o#r (i!es.
A (i%e2 3hich is2 (i/e any other2 #n(i/e any other.
And the simp(e tr#th is this: there 3as a gir( and her #nc(e so(d her.
his is 3hat they #sed to say2 3here the gir( came %rom: no man may be certain 3ho %athered a
chi(d2 b#t the mother2 ah2 that yo# co#(d be certain o%. @ineage and property 3as something
that mo!ed in the matri(inea( (ine2 b#t po3er remained in the hands o% the men: a man had
comp(ete o3nership o% his sister$s chi(dren.
here 3as a 3ar in that p(ace2 and it 3as a sma(( 3ar2 no more than a s/irmish bet3een the
men o% t3o ri!a( !i((ages. ,t 3as a(most an arg#ment. *ne !i((age 3on the arg#ment2 one !i((age
(ost it.
@i%e as a commodity2 peop(e as possessions. "ns(a!ement had been part o% the c#(t#re o% those
parts %or tho#sands o% years. he Arab s(a!ers had destroyed the (ast o% the great /ingdoms o%
"ast A%rica2 3hi(e the 5est A%rican nations had destroyed each other.
here 3as nothing #nto3ard or #n#s#a( abo#t their #nc(e se((ing the t3ins2 a(tho#gh t3ins
3ere considered magica( beings2 and their #nc(e 3as scared o% them2 scared eno#gh that he did
not te(( them that they 3ere to be so(d in case they harmed his shado3 and /i((ed him. hey
3ere t3e(!e years o(d. She 3as ca((ed 5#t#t#2 the messenger bird? he 3as ca((ed Agas#2 the
name o% a dead /ing. hey 3ere hea(thy chi(dren2 and2 beca#se they 3ere t3ins2 ma(e and
%ema(e2 they 3ere to(d many things abo#t the gods2 and beca#se they 3ere t3ins they (istened
to the things that they 3ere to(d2 and they remembered.
heir #nc(e 3as a %at and (a1y man. ,% he had o3ned more catt(e2 perhaps he 3o#(d ha!e gi!en
#p one o% his catt(e instead o% the chi(dren2 b#t he did not. 8e so(d the t3ins. "no#gh o% him: he
sha(( not enter %#rther into this narrati!e. 5e %o((o3 the t3ins.
hey 3ere marched2 3ith se!era( other s(a!es ta/en or so(d in the 3ar2 %or a do1en mi(es to a
sma(( o#tpost. 8ere they 3ere traded2 and the t3ins2 a(ong 3ith thirteen others2 3ere bo#ght
by si& men 3ith spears and /ni!es 3ho marched them to the 3est2 to3ard the sea2 and then %or
many mi(es a(ong the coast. here 3ere %i%teen s(a!es no3 a(together2 their hands (oose(y
bo#nd2 tied nec/ to nec/.
5#t#t# as/ed her brother Agas# 3hat 3o#(d happen to them.
A, do not /no32B he said. Agas# 3as a boy 3ho smi(ed o%ten: his teeth 3ere 3hite and per%ect2
and he sho3ed them as he grinned2 his happy smi(es ma/ing 5#t#t# happy in her t#rn. 8e 3as
not smi(ing no3. ,nstead he tried to sho3 bra!ery %or his sister2 his head bac/ and sho#(ders
spread2 as pro#d2 as menacing2 as comica( as a p#ppy 3ith its hac/(es raised.
he man in the (ine behind 5#t#t#2 his chee/s scarred2 said2 Ahey 3i(( se(( #s to the 3hite
de!i(s2 3ho 3i(( ta/e #s to their home across the 3ater.B
AAnd 3hat 3i(( they do to #s there:B demanded 5#t#t#.
he man said nothing.
A5e((:B as/ed 5#t#t#. Agas# tried to dart a g(ance o!er his sho#(der. hey 3ere not a((o3ed to
ta(/ or sing as they 3a(/ed.
A,t is possib(e they 3i(( eat #s2B said the man. Ahat is 3hat , ha!e been to(d. hat is 3hy they
need so many s(a!es. ,t is beca#se they are a(3ays h#ngry.B
5#t#t# began to cry as she 3a(/ed. Agas# said2 ADo not cry2 my sister. hey 3i(( not eat yo#. ,
sha(( protect yo#. *#r gods 3i(( protect yo#.B
B#t 5#t#t# contin#ed to cry2 3a(/ing 3ith a hea!y heart2 %ee(ing pain and anger and %ear as
on(y a chi(d can %ee( it: ra3 and o!er3he(ming. She 3as #nab(e to te(( Agas# that she 3as not
3orried abo#t the 3hite de!i(s eating her. She 3o#(d s#r!i!e2 she 3as certain o% it. She cried
beca#se she 3as scared that they 3o#(d eat her brother2 and she 3as not certain that she co#(d
protect him.
hey reached a trading post2 and they 3ere /ept there %or ten days. ,n the morning o% the tenth
day they 3ere ta/en %rom the h#t in 3hich they had been imprisoned Git had become !ery
cro3ded in the %ina( days2 as men arri!ed %rom %ar a3ay2 some o% them %rom h#ndreds o% mi(es2
bringing their o3n strings and s/eins o% s(a!esH. hey 3ere marched to the harbor2 and 5#t#t#
sa3 the ship that 3as to ta/e them a3ay.
8er %irst tho#ght 3as ho3 big a ship it 3as2 her second that it 3as too sma(( %or a(( o% them to %it
inside. ,t sat (ight(y on the 3ater. he ship$s boat came bac/ and %orth2 %errying the capti!es to
the ship 3here they 3ere manac(ed and arranged in (o3 dec/s by sai(ors2 some o% 3hom 3ere
bric/Cred or tan s/inned2 3ith strange pointy noses and beards that made them (oo/ (i/e beasts.
Se!era( o% the sai(ors (oo/ed (i/e her o3n peop(e2 (i/e the men 3ho had marched her to the
coast. he men and the 3omen and the chi(dren 3ere separated2 %orced into di%%erent areas on
the s(a!e dec/. here 3ere too many s(a!es %or the ship to ho(d easi(y2 so another do1en men
3ere chained #p on the dec/ in the open2 beneath the p(aces 3here the cre3 3o#(d s(ing their
hammoc/s.
5#t#t# 3as p#t in 3ith the chi(dren2 not 3ith the 3omen? and she 3as not chained2 mere(y
(oc/ed in. Agas#2 her brother2 3as %orced in 3ith the men2 in chains2 pac/ed (i/e herrings. ,t
stan/ #nder that dec/2 a(tho#gh the cre3 had scr#bbed it do3n since their (ast cargo. ,t 3as a
stin/ that had entered the 3ood: the sme(( o% %ear and bi(e and diarrhea and death2 o% %e!er and
madness and hate. 5#t#t# sat in the hot ho(d 3ith the other chi(dren. She co#(d %ee( the
chi(dren on each side o% her s3eating. A 3a!e t#mb(ed a sma(( boy into her2 hard2 and he
apo(ogi1ed in a tong#e that 5#t#t# did not recogni1e. She tried to smi(e at him in the semiC
dar/ness.
he ship set sai(. 'o3 it rode hea!y in the 3ater.
5#t#t# 3ondered abo#t the p(ace the 3hite men came %rom Ga(tho#gh none o% them 3ere
tr#(y 3hite: seaCb#rned and s#nb#rned they 3ere2 and their s/ins 3ere dar/H. 5ere they so
short o% %ood that they had to send a(( the 3ay to her (and %or peop(e to eat: *r 3as it that she
3as to be a de(icacy2 a rare treat %or a peop(e 3ho had eaten so many things that on(y b(ac/C
s/inned %(esh in their coo/ pots made their mo#ths 3ater:
*n the second day o#t o% port the ship hit a sI#a((2 not a bad one2 b#t the ship$s dec/s (#rched
and t#mb(ed2 and the sme(( o% !omit Doined the mi&ed sme((s o% #rine and (iI#id %eces and %earC
s3eat. +ain po#red do3n on them in b#c/et(oads %rom the air gratings set in the cei(ing o% the
s(a!e dec/.
A 3ee/ into the !oyage2 and 3e(( o#t o% sight o% (and2 the s(a!es 3ere a((o3ed o#t o% irons. hey
3ere 3arned that any disobedience2 any tro#b(e2 and they 3o#(d be p#nished more than they
had e!er imagined.
,n the morning the capti!es 3ere %ed beans and ship$s bisc#its2 and a mo#th%#( each o%
!inegared (ime D#ice2 harsh eno#gh that their %aces 3o#(d t3ist2 and they 3o#(d co#gh and
sp(#tter2 and some o% them 3o#(d moan and 3ai( as the (ime D#ice 3as spooned o#t. hey co#(d
not spit it o#t2 tho#gh: i% they 3ere ca#ght spitting or dribb(ing it o#t they 3ere (ashed or
beaten.
he night bro#ght them sa(ted bee%. ,t tasted #np(easant2 and there 3as a rainbo3 sheen to the
gray s#r%ace o% the meat. hat 3as at the start o% the !oyage. As the !oyage contin#ed2 the
meat gre3 3orse.
5hen they co#(d2 5#t#t# and Agas# 3o#(d h#dd(e together2 ta(/ing o% their mother and their
home and their p(ay%e((o3s. Sometimes 5#t#t# 3o#(d te(( Agas# the stories their mother had
to(d them2 (i/e those o% "(egba2 the tric/iest o% the gods2 3ho 3as Great 6a3#$s eyes and ears
in the 3or(d2 3ho too/ messages to 6a3# and bro#ght bac/ 6a3#$s rep(ies.
,n the e!enings2 to 3hi(e a3ay the monotony o% the !oyage2 the sai(ors 3o#(d ma/e the s(a!es
sing %or them and dance the dances o% their nati!e (ands.
5#t#t# 3as (#c/y that she had been p#t in 3ith the chi(dren. he chi(dren 3ere pac/ed in
tight(y and ignored? the 3omen 3ere not a(3ays so %ort#nate. *n some s(a!e ships the %ema(e
s(a!es 3ere raped repeated(y and contin#a((y by the cre32 simp(y as an #nspo/en perI#isite o%
the !oyage. his 3as not one o% those ships2 3hich is not to say that there 3ere no rapes.
A h#ndred men2 3omen and chi(dren died on that !oyage and 3ere dropped o!er the side? and
some o% the capti!es 3ho 3ere dropped o!er the side had not yet died2 b#t the green chi(( o%
the ocean coo(ed their %ina( %e!er and they 3ent do3n %(ai(ing2 cho/ing2 (ost.
5#t#t# and Agas# 3ere tra!e(ing on a D#tch ship2 b#t they did not /no3 this2 and it might as
easi(y ha!e been British2 or Port#g#ese2 or Spanish2 or )rench.
he b(ac/ cre3men on the ship2 their s/ins e!en dar/er than 5#t#t#$s2 to(d the capti!es 3here
to go2 3hat to do2 3hen to dance. *ne morning 5#t#t# ca#ght one o% the b(ac/ g#ards staring
at her. 5hen she 3as eating2 the man came o!er to her and stared do3n at her2 3itho#t saying
anything.
A5hy do yo# do this:B she as/ed the man. A5hy do yo# ser!e the 3hite de!i(s:B
8e grinned at her as i% her I#estion 3as the %#nniest thing he e!er had heard. hen he (eaned
o!er2 so his (ips 3ere a(most br#shing her ears2 so his hot breath on her ear made her s#dden(y
%ee( sic/. A,% yo# 3ere o(der2B he to(d her2 A, 3o#(d ma/e yo# scream 3ith happiness %rom my
penis. Perhaps , 3i(( do it tonight. , ha!e seen ho3 3e(( yo# dance.B
She (oo/ed at him 3ith her n#tCbro3n eyes and she said2 #n%(inching2 smi(ing e!en2 A,% yo# p#t it
in me do3n there , 3i(( bite it o%% 3ith my teeth do3n there. , am a 3itch gir(2 and , ha!e !ery
sharp teeth do3n there.B She too/ p(eas#re in 3atching his e&pression change. 8e said nothing
and 3a(/ed a3ay.
he 3ords had come o#t o% her mo#th2 b#t they had not been her 3ords: she had not tho#ght
them or made them. 'o2 she rea(i1ed2 those 3ere the 3ords o% "(egba the tric/ster. 6a3# had
made the 3or(d and then2 than/s to "(egba$s tric/ery2 had (ost interest in it. ,t 3as "(egba o% the
c(e!er 3ays and the ironChard erection 3ho had spo/en thro#gh her2 3ho had ridden her %or a
moment2 and that night be%ore she s(ept she ga!e than/s to "(egba.
Se!era( o% the capti!es re%#sed to eat. hey 3ere 3hipped #nti( they p#t %ood into their mo#ths
and s3a((o3ed2 a(tho#gh the 3hipping 3as se!ere eno#gh that t3o men died o% it. Sti((2 no one
e(se on the ship tried to star!e themse(!es to %reedom. A man and a 3oman tried to /i((
themse(!es by (eaping o!er the side. he 3oman s#cceeded. he man 3as resc#ed and he 3as
tied to the mast and (ashed %or the better part o% a day2 #nti( his bac/ ran 3ith b(ood2 and he
3as (e%t there as the day became night. 8e 3as gi!en no %ood to eat2 and nothing to drin/ b#t
his o3n piss. By the third day he 3as ra!ing2 and his head had s3o((en and gro3n so%t2 (i/e an
o(d me(on. 5hen he stopped ra!ing they thre3 him o!er the side. A(so2 %or %i!e days %o((o3ing
the escape attempt the capti!es 3ere ret#rned to their manac(es and chains.
,t 3as a (ong Do#rney and a bad one %or the capti!es2 and it 3as not p(easant %or the cre32
a(tho#gh they had (earned to harden their hearts to the b#siness2 and pretended to themse(!es
that they 3ere no more than %armers2 ta/ing their (i!estoc/ to the mar/et.
hey made harbor on a p(easant2 ba(my day in Bridgeto3n2 Barbados2 and the capti!es 3ere
carried %rom the ship to the shore in (o3 boats sent o#t %rom the doc/2 and ta/en to the mar/et
sI#are2 3here they 3ere2 by dint o% a certain amo#nt o% sho#ting2 and b(o3s %rom c#dge(s2
arranged into (ines. A 3hist(e b(e32 and the mar/et sI#are %i((ed 3ith men2 po/ing2 prodding2
redC%aced men2 sho#ting2 inspecting2 ca((ing2 appraising2 gr#mb(ing.
5#t#t# and Agas# 3ere separated then. ,t happened so %ast-a big man %orced open Agas#$s
mo#th2 (oo/ed at his teeth2 %e(t his arm m#sc(es2 nodded2 and t3o other men ha#(ed Agas#
a3ay. 8e did not %ight them. 8e (oo/ed at 5#t#t# and ca((ed ABe bra!e2B to her. She nodded2
and then her !ision smeared and b(#rred 3ith tears2 and she 3ai(ed. ogether they 3ere t3ins2
magica(2 po3er%#(. Apart they 3ere t3o chi(dren in pain.
She ne!er sa3 him again b#t once2 and ne!er in (i%e.
his is 3hat happened to Agas#. )irst they too/ him to a seasoning %arm2 3here they 3hipped
him dai(y %or the things he did and didn$t do2 they ta#ght him a smattering o% "ng(ish and they
ga!e him the name o% ,n/y Jac/2 %or the dar/ness o% his s/in. 5hen he ran a3ay they h#nted
him do3n 3ith dogs and bro#ght him bac/2 and c#t o%% a toe 3ith a chise(2 to teach him a (esson
he 3o#(d not %orget. 8e 3o#(d ha!e star!ed himse(% to death2 b#t 3hen he re%#sed to eat his
%ront teeth 3ere bro/en and thin gr#e( 3as %orced into his mo#th2 #nti( he had no choice b#t to
s3a((o3 or to cho/e.
"!en in those times they pre%erred s(a!es born into capti!ity to those bro#ght o!er %rom A%rica.
he %reeCborn s(a!es tried to r#n2 or they tried to die2 and either 3ay2 there 3ent the pro%its.
5hen ,n/y Jac/ 3as si&teen he 3as so(d2 3ith se!era( other s(a!es2 to a s#gar p(antation on St.
Doming#e. hey ca((ed him 8yacinth2 the big2 bro/enCtoothed s(a!e. 8e met an o(d 3oman
%rom his o3n !i((age on that p(antation-she had been a ho#se s(a!e be%ore her %ingers became
too gnar(ed and arthritic-3ho to(d him that the 3hites intentiona((y sp(it #p capti!es %rom the
same to3ns and !i((ages and regions2 to a!oid ins#rrection and re!o(ts. hey did not (i/e it 3hen
s(a!es spo/e to each other in their o3n (ang#ages.
8yacinth (earned some )rench2 and 3as ta#ght a %e3 o% the teachings o% the 4atho(ic 4h#rch.
"ach day he c#t s#gar cane %rom 3e(( be%ore the s#n rose #nti( a%ter the s#n had set.
8e %athered se!era( chi(dren. 8e 3ent 3ith the other s(a!es2 in the sma(( ho#rs o% the night2 to
the 3oods2 a(tho#gh it 3as %orbidden2 to dance the 4a(inda2 to sing to Damba((aC5edo2 the
serpent god2 in the %orm o% a b(ac/ sna/e. 8e sang to "(egba2 to *g#2 Shango2 0a/a2 and to many
others2 a(( the gods the capti!es had bro#ght 3ith them to the is(and2 bro#ght in their minds
and their secret hearts.
he s(a!es on the s#gar p(antations o% St. Doming#e rare(y (i!ed more than a decade. he %ree
time they 3ere gi!en-t3o ho#rs in the heat o% noon2 and %i!e ho#rs in the dar/ o% the night
G%rom e(e!en #nti( %o#rH-3as a(so the on(y time they had to gro3 and tend the %ood they
3o#(d eat G%or they 3ere not %ed by their masters2 mere(y gi!en sma(( p(ots o% (and to c#(ti!ate2
3ith 3hich to %eed themse(!esH2 and it 3as a(so the time they had to s(eep and to dream. "!en
so2 they 3o#(d ta/e that time and they 3o#(d gather and dance2 and sing and 3orship. he soi(
o% St. Doming#e 3as a %erti(e soi( and the gods o% Dahomey and the 4ongo and the 'iger p#t
do3n thic/ roots there and gre3 (#sh and h#ge and deep2 and they promised %reedom to those
3ho 3orshiped them at night in the gro!es.
8yacinth 3as t3entyC%i!e years o% age 3hen a spider bit the bac/ o% his right hand. he bite
became in%ected and the %(esh on the bac/ o% his hand 3as necrotic: soon eno#gh his 3ho(e
arm 3as s3o((en and p#rp(e2 and the hand stan/. ,t throbbed and it b#rned.
hey ga!e him cr#de r#m to drin/2 and they heated the b(ade o% a machete in the %ire #nti( it
g(o3ed red and 3hite. hey c#t his arm o%% at the sho#(der 3ith a sa32 and they ca#teri1ed it
3ith the b#rning b(ade. 8e (ay in a %e!er %or a 3ee/. hen he ret#rned to 3or/.
he oneCarmed s(a!e ca((ed 8yacinth too/ part in the s(a!e re!o(t o% ;M<;.
"(egba himse(% too/ possession o% 8yacinth in the gro!e2 riding him as a 3hite man rode a
horse2 and spo/e thro#gh him. 8e remembered (itt(e o% 3hat 3as said2 b#t the others 3ho
3ere 3ith him to(d him that he had promised them %reedom %rom their capti!ity. 8e
remembered on(y his erection2 rodC(i/e and pain%#(? and raising both hands-the one he had2
and the one he no (onger possessed-to the moon.
A pig 3as /i((ed2 and the men and the 3omen o% that p(antation dran/ the hot b(ood o% the pig2
p(edging themse(!es and binding themse(!es into a brotherhood. hey s3ore that they 3ere an
army o% %reedom2 p(edged themse(!es once more to the gods o% a(( the (ands %rom 3hich they
had been dragged as p(#nder.
A,% 3e die in batt(e 3ith the 3hites2B they to(d each other2 A3e 3i(( be reborn in A%rica2 in o#r
homes2 in o#r o3n tribes.B
here 3as another 8yacinth in the #prising2 so they no3 ca((ed Agas# by the name o% Big *neC
Arm. 8e %o#ght2 he 3orshiped2 he sacri%iced2 he p(anned. 8e sa3 his %riends and his (o!ers
/i((ed2 and he /ept %ighting.
hey %o#ght %or t3e(!e years2 a maddening2 b(oody str#gg(e 3ith the p(antation o3ners2 3ith
the troops bro#ght o!er %rom )rance. hey %o#ght2 and they /ept %ighting2 and2 impossib(y2 they
3on.
*n Jan#ary the %irst2 ;YKZ2 the independence o% St. Doming#e2 soon to be /no3n to the 3or(d
as the +ep#b(ic o% 8aiti2 3as dec(ared. Big *neCArm did not (i!e to see it. 8e had died in A#g#st
;YK>2 bayoneted by a )rench so(dier.
At the precise moment o% the death o% Big *neCArm G3ho had once been ca((ed 8yacinth2 and
be%ore that2 ,n/y Jac/2 and 3ho 3as %ore!er in his heart Agas#H2 his sister2 3hom he had /no3n
as 5#t#t#2 3ho had been ca((ed 6ary on her %irst p(antation in the 4aro(inas2 and Daisy 3hen
she had become a ho#se s(a!e2 and S#/ey 3hen she 3as so(d to the @a!ere %ami(y do3n the
ri!er in 'e3 *r(eans2 %e(t the co(d bayonet s(ide bet3een her ribs and started to scream and
3eep #ncontro((ab(y. 8er t3in da#ghters 3o/e and began to ho3(. hey 3ere creamCandC
co%%ee co(ored2 her ne3 babies2 not (i/e the b(ac/ chi(dren she had borne 3hen she 3as on the
p(antation and (itt(e more than a gir( herse(%-chi(dren she had not seen since they 3ere %i%teen
and ten years o(d. he midd(e gir( had been dead %or a year2 3hen she 3as so(d a3ay %rom
them.
S#/ey had been 3hipped many times since she had come ashore-once2 sa(t had been r#bbed
into the 3o#nds2 on another occasion she had been 3hipped so hard and %or so (ong that she
co#(d not sit2 or a((o3 anything to to#ch her bac/2 %or se!era( days. She had been raped se!era(
times 3hen yo#nger: by b(ac/ men 3ho had been ordered to share her 3ooden pa(ette2 and by
3hite men. She had been chained. She had not 3ept then2 tho#gh. Since her brother had been
ta/en %rom her she had on(y 3ept once. ,t 3as in 'orth 4aro(ina2 3hen she had seen the %ood
%or the s(a!e chi(dren and the dogs po#red into the same tro#gh2 and she had seen her (itt(e
chi(dren scrabb(ing 3ith the dogs %or the scraps. She sa3 that happen one day-and she had
seen it be%ore2 e!ery day on that p(antation2 and she 3o#(d see it again many times be%ore she
(e%t-she sa3 it that one day and it bro/e her heart.
She had been bea#ti%#( %or a 3hi(e. hen the years o% pain had ta/en their to((2 and she 3as no
(onger bea#ti%#(. 8er %ace 3as (ined2 and there 3as too m#ch pain in those bro3n eyes.
"(e!en years ear(ier2 3hen she 3as t3entyC%i!e2 her right arm had 3ithered. 'one o% the 3hite
%o(/ had /no3n 3hat to ma/e o% it. he %(esh seemed to me(t %rom the bones2 and no3 her right
arm h#ng by her side2 (itt(e more than a s/e(eta( arm co!ered in s/in2 and a(most immobi(e.
A%ter this she had become a ho#seCs(a!e.
he 4asterton %ami(y2 3ho had o3ned the p(antation2 3ere impressed by her coo/ing and
ho#se s/i((s2 b#t 6rs. 4asterton %o#nd the 3ithered arm #nsett(ing2 and so she 3as so(d to the
@a!ere %ami(y2 3ho 3ere o#t %or a year %rom @o#isiana: 6. @a!ere 3as a %at2 cheer%#( man2 3ho
3as in need o% a coo/ and a maid o% a(( 3or/2 and 3ho 3as not in the s(ightest rep#(sed by the
s(a!e Daisy$s 3ithered arm. 5hen2 a year (ater2 they ret#rned to @o#isiana2 s(a!e S#/ey 3ent
3ith them.
,n 'e3 *r(eans the 3omen came to her2 and the men a(so2 to b#y c#res and (o!e charms and
(itt(e %etishes2 b(ac/ %o(/s2 yes2 o% co#rse2 b#t 3hite %o(/s too. he @a!ere %ami(y t#rned a b(ind
eye to it. Perhaps they enDoyed the prestige o% ha!ing a s(a!e 3ho 3as %eared and respected.
hey 3o#(d not2 ho3e!er2 se(( her her %reedom.
S#/ey 3ent into the bayo# (ate at night2 and she danced the 4a(inda and the Bambo#(a. @i/e the
dancers o% St. Doming#e and the dancers o% her nati!e (and2 the dancers in the bayo# had a
b(ac/ sna/e as their !o#don? e!en so2 the gods o% her home(and and o% the other A%rican
nations did not possess her peop(e as they had possessed her brother and the %o(/ o% St.
Doming#e. She 3o#(d sti(( in!o/e them and ca(( their names2 to beg them %or %a!ors.
She (istened 3hen the 3hite %o(/ spo/e o% the re!o(t in St. Domingo Gas they ca((ed itH2 and ho3
it 3as doomed to %ai(-Ahin/ o% itP A canniba( (andPB-and then she obser!ed that they no
(onger spo/e o% it.
Soon2 it seemed to her that they pretended that there ne!er had been a p(ace ca((ed St.
Domingo2 and as %or 8aiti2 the 3ord 3as ne!er mentioned. ,t 3as as i% the 3ho(e American
nation had decided that they co#(d2 by an e%%ort o% be(ie%2 command a goodCsi1ed 4aribbean
is(and to no (onger e&ist mere(y by 3i((ing it so.
A generation o% @a!ere chi(dren gre3 #p #nder S#/ey$s 3atch%#( eye. he yo#ngest2 #nab(e to
say AS#/eyB as a chi(d2 had ca((ed her 6ama 0o#1o#2 and the name had st#c/. 'o3 the year 3as
;Y>;2 and S#/ey 3as in her midC%i%ties. She (oo/ed m#ch o(der.
She /ne3 more o% the secrets than o(d Sanit\ D\d\2 3ho so(d candies in %ront o% the 4abi(do2
more than 6arie Sa(opp\2 3ho ca((ed herse(% the !oodoo I#een: both 3ere %ree 3omen o%
co(or2 3hi(e 6ama 0o#1o# 3as a s(a!e2 and 3o#(d die a s(a!e2 or so her master had said.
he yo#ng 3oman 3ho came to her to %ind 3hat had happened to her h#sband sty(ed herse(%
the 5ido3 Paris. She 3as highCbreasted and yo#ng and pro#d. She had A%rican b(ood in her2
and "#ropean b(ood2 and ,ndian b(ood. 8er s/in 3as reddish2 her hair 3as a g(eaming b(ac/. 8er
eyes 3ere b(ac/ and ha#ghty. 8er h#sband2 JacI#es Paris2 3as2 perhaps2 dead. 8e 3as threeC
I#arters 3hite as these things 3ere ca(c#(ated2 and the bastard o% a onceCpro#d %ami(y2 one o%
the many immigrants 3ho had %(ed %rom St. Domingo2 and as %reeborn as his stri/ing yo#ng
3i%e.
A6y JacI#es. ,s he dead:B as/ed the 5ido3 Paris. She 3as a hairCdresser 3ho 3ent %rom home
to home2 arranging the coi%%#res o% the e(egant (adies o% 'e3 *r(eans be%ore their demanding
socia( engagements.
6ama 0o#1o# cons#(ted the bones2 then shoo/ her head. A8e is 3ith a 3hite 3oman2
some3here north o% here2B she said. AA 3hite 3oman 3ith go(den hair. 8e is a(i!e.B his 3as
not magic. ,t 3as common /no3(edge in 'e3 *r(eans D#st 3ith 3hom JacI#es Paris had r#n o%%2
and the co(or o% her hair.
6ama 0o#1o# 3as s#rprised to rea(i1e that the 5ido3 Paris did not a(ready /no3 that JacI#es
3as stic/ing his I#adroon (itt(e pipi into a pin/Cs/inned gir( #p in 4o(%a& e!ery night. 5e((2 on
the nights that he 3as not so dr#n/ he co#(d #se it %or nothing better than pissing. Perhaps she
did /no3. Perhaps she had another reason %or coming.
he 5ido3 Paris came to see the o(d s(a!e 3oman one or t3o times a 3ee/. A%ter a month she
bro#ght gi%ts %or the o(d 3oman: hair ribbons2 and a seedCca/e2 and a b(ac/ rooster.
A6ama 0o#1o#2B said the gir(2 Ait is time %or yo# to teach me 3hat yo# /no3.B
A9es2B said 6ama 0o#1o#2 3ho /ne3 3hich 3ay the 3ind b(e3. And besides2 the 5ido3 Paris
had con%essed that she had been born 3ith 3ebbed toes2 3hich meant that she 3as a t3in and
she had /i((ed her t3in in the 3omb. 5hat choice did 6ama 0o#1o# ha!e:
She ta#ght the gir( that t3o n#tmegs h#ng #pon a string aro#nd the nec/ #nti( the string brea/s
3i(( c#re heart m#rm#rs2 3hi(e a pigeon that has ne!er %(o3n2 c#t open and (aid on the patient$s
head2 3i(( dra3 a %e!er. She sho3ed her ho3 to ma/e a 3ishing bag2 a sma(( (eather bag
containing thirteen pennies2 nine cotton seeds and the brist(es o% a b(ac/ hog2 and ho3 to r#b
the bag to ma/e 3ishes come tr#e.
he 5ido3 Paris (earned e!erything that 6ama 0o#1o# to(d her. She had no rea( interest in the
gods2 tho#gh. 'ot rea((y. 8er interests 3ere in the practica(ities. She 3as de(ighted to (earn that
i% yo# dip a (i!e %rog in honey and p(ace it in an ants$ nest2 then2 3hen the bones are c(eaned
and 3hite2 a c(ose e&amination 3i(( re!ea( a %(at2 heartCshaped bone2 and another 3ith a hoo/
on it: the bone 3ith the hoo/ on it m#st be hoo/ed onto the garment o% the one yo# 3ish to
(o!e yo#2 3hi(e the heartCshaped bone m#st be /ept sa%e(y G%or i% it is (ost2 yo#r (o!ed one 3i((
t#rn on yo# (i/e an angry dogH. ,n%a((ib(y2 i% yo# do this2 the one yo# (o!e 3i(( be yo#rs.
She (earned that dried sna/e po3der2 p(aced in the %ace po3der o% an enemy2 3i(( prod#ce
b(indness2 and that an enemy can be made to dro3n herse(% by ta/ing a piece o% her
#nder3ear2 t#rning it inside o#t2 and b#rying it at midnight #nder a bric/.
6ama 0o#1o# sho3ed the 5ido3 Paris the 5or(d 5onder +oot2 the great and the (itt(e roots
o% John the 4onI#eror2 she sho3ed her dragon$s b(ood2 and !a(erian and %i!eC%inger grass. She
sho3ed her ho3 to bre3 3asteCa3ay tea2 and %o((o3Cme 3ater and %aireCShingo 3ater.
A(( these things and more 6ama 0o#1o# sho3ed the 5ido3 Paris. Sti((2 it 3as disappointing %or
the o(d 3oman. She did her best to teach her the hidden tr#ths2 the deep /no3(edge2 to te(( her
o% "(egba2 o% 6a3#2 o% AidoC83edo the !o#don serpent2 and the rest2 b#t the 5ido3 Paris G,
sha(( no3 te(( yo# the name she 3as born 3ith2 and the name she (ater made %amo#s: it 3as
6arie @a!ea#. B#t this 3as not the great 6arie @a!ea#2 the one yo# ha!e heard o%2 this 3as her
mother2 3ho e!ent#a((y became the 5ido3 G(apionH2 she had no interest in the gods o% the
distant (and. ,% St. Domingo had been a (#sh b(ac/ earth %or the A%rican gods to gro3 in2 this
(and2 3ith its corn and its me(ons2 its cra3%ish and its cotton2 3as barren and in%erti(e.
AShe does not 3ant to /no32B comp(ained 6ama 0o#1o# to 4(\mentine2 her con%idant2 3ho
too/ in the 3ashing %or many o% the ho#ses in that district2 3ashing their c#rtains and co!er(ets.
4(\mentine had a b(ossom o% b#rns on her chee/2 and one o% her chi(dren had been sca(ded to
death 3hen a copper o!ert#rned.
Ahen do not teach her2B says 4(\mentine.
A, teach her2 b#t she does not see 3hat is !a(#ab(e-a(( she sees is 3hat she can do 3ith it. ,
gi!e her diamonds2 b#t she cares on(y %or pretty g(ass. , gi!e her a demiCbo#tei((e o% the best
c(aret and she drin/s ri!er 3ater. , gi!e her I#ai( and she 3ishes to eat on(y rat.B
Ahen 3hy do yo# persist:B as/s 4(\mentine.
6ama 0o#1o# shr#gs her thin sho#(ders2 ca#sing her 3ithered arm to sha/e.
She cannot ans3er. She co#(d say that she teaches beca#se she is grate%#( to be a(i!e2 and she
is: she has seen too many die. She co#(d say that she dreams that one day the s(a!es 3i(( rise2 as
they rose Gand 3ere de%eatedH in @aP(ace2 b#t that she /no3s in her heart that 3itho#t the gods
o% A%rica they 3i(( ne!er o!ercome their 3hite captors2 3i(( ne!er ret#rn to their home(ands.
5hen she 3o/e that terrib(e night a(most t3enty years ear(ier2 and %e(t the co(d stee( bet3een
her ribs2 that 3as 3hen 6ama 0o#1o#$s (i%e had ended. 'o3 she 3as someone 3ho did not
(i!e2 3ho simp(y hated. ,% yo# as/ed her abo#t the hate she 3o#(d ha!e been #nab(e to te(( yo#
abo#t a t3e(!eCyearCo(d gir( on a stin/ing ship: that had scabbed o!er in her mind-there had
been too many 3hippings and beatings2 too many nights in manac(es2 too many partings2 too
m#ch pain. She co#(d ha!e to(d yo# abo#t her son2 tho#gh2 and ho3 his th#mb had been c#t o%%
3hen their master disco!ered the boy 3as ab(e to read and to 3rite. She co#(d ha!e to(d yo# o%
her da#ghter2 t3e(!e years o(d and a(ready eight months pregnant by an o!erseer2 and ho3
they d#g a ho(e in the red earth to ta/e her da#ghter$s pregnant be((y2 and then they 3hipped
her #nti( her bac/ had b(ed. Despite the care%#((y d#g ho(e2 her da#ghter had (ost her baby and
her (i%e on a S#nday morning2 3hen a(( the 3hite %o(/s 3ere in ch#rchQ
oo m#ch pain.
A5orship them2B 6ama 0o#1o# to(d the yo#ng 5ido3 Paris in the bayo#2 one ho#r a%ter
midnight. hey 3ere both na/ed to the 3aist2 s3eating in the h#mid night2 their s/ins gi!en
accents by the 3hite moon(ight.
he 5ido3 Paris$s h#sband JacI#es G3hose o3n death2 three years (ater2 3o#(d ha!e se!era(
remar/ab(e %eat#resH had to(d 6arie a (itt(e abo#t the gods o% St. Domingo2 b#t she did not
care. Po3er came %rom the rit#a(s2 not %rom the gods.
ogether 6ama 0o#1o# and the 5ido3 Paris crooned and stamped and /eened in the s3amp.
hey 3ere singing in the b(ac/sna/es2 the %ree 3oman o% co(or and the s(a!e 3oman 3ith the
3ithered arm.
Ahere is more to it than D#st2 yo# prosper2 yo#r enemies %ai(2B said 6ama 0o#1o#.
6any o% the 3ords o% the ceremonies2 3ords she /ne3 once2 3ords her brother had a(so
/no3n2 these 3ords had %(ed %rom her memory. She to(d pretty 6arie @a!ea# that the 3ords
did not matter2 on(y the t#nes and the beats2 and there2 singing and tapping in the b(ac/sna/es2
in the s3amp2 she has an odd !ision. She sees the beats o% the songs2 the 4a(inda beat2 the
Bambo#(a beat2 a(( the rhythms o% eI#atoria( A%rica spreading s(o3(y across this midnight (and
#nti( the 3ho(e co#ntry shi!ers and s3ings to the beats o% the o(d gods 3hose rea(ms she had
(e%t. And e!en that2 she #nderstands someho32 in the s3amp2 e!en that 3i(( not be eno#gh.
She t#rns to pretty 6arie and sees herse(% thro#gh 6arie$s eyes2 a b(ac/Cs/inned o(d 3oman2
her %ace (ined2 her bony arm hanging (imp(y by her side2 her eyes the eyes o% one 3ho has seen
her chi(dren %ight in the tro#gh %or %ood %rom the dogs. She sa3 herse(%2 and she /ne3 then %or
the %irst time the re!#(sion and the %ear the yo#nger 3oman had %or her.
hen she (a#ghed2 and cro#ched2 and pic/ed #p in her good hand a b(ac/sna/e as ta(( as a
sap(ing and as thic/ as a ship$s rope.
A8ere2B she said. A8ere 3i(( be o#r !o#don.B
She dropped the #nresisting sna/e into a bas/et that ye((o3 6arie 3as carrying.
And then2 in the moon(ight2 the second sight possessed her %or a %ina( time2 and she sa3 her
brother Agas#2 not the t3e(!eCyearCo(d boy she had (ast seen in the Bridgeto3n mar/et so (ong
ago2 b#t a h#ge man2 ba(d and grinning 3ith bro/en teeth2 his bac/ (ined 3ith deep scars. ,n one
hand he he(d a macheteC/ni%e. 8is right arm 3as bare(y a st#mp.
She reached o#t her o3n good (e%t hand.
AStay2 stay a 3hi(e2B she 3hispered. A, 3i(( be there. , 3i(( be 3ith yo# soon.B
And 6arie Paris tho#ght the o(d 3oman 3as spea/ing to her.
48AP"+ 5"@F"
America has in!ested her re(igion as 3e(( as her mora(ity in so#nd incomeCpaying sec#rities. She
has adopted the #nassai(ab(e position o% a nation b(essed beca#se it deser!es to be b(essed? and
her sons2 3hate!er other theo(ogies they may a%%ect or disregard2 s#bscribe #nreser!ed(y to this
nationa( creed.-AG'"S +"PP@,"+2 ,6"S A'D "'D"'4,"S
Shado3 dro!e 3est2 across 5isconsin and 6innesota and into 'orth Da/ota2 3here the sno3C
co!ered hi((s (oo/ed (i/e h#ge s(eeping b#%%a(o2 and he and 5ednesday sa3 nothing b#t nothing
and p(enty o% it %or mi(e a%ter mi(e. hey 3ent so#th2 then2 into So#th Da/ota2 heading %or
reser!ation co#ntry.
5ednesday had traded in the @inco(n to3n car2 3hich Shado3 had (i/ed dri!ing2 %or a (#mbering
and ancient 5innebago2 3hich sme((ed nonCspeci%ica((y b#t per!asi!e(y and #nmista/ab(y o%
ma(e cat2 and 3hich he didn$t enDoy dri!ing at a((.
As they passed their %irst signpost %or 6o#nt +#shmore2 sti(( se!era( h#ndred mi(es a3ay2
5ednesday gr#nted. A'o3 that2B he said2 Ais a ho(y p(ace.B
Shado3 had tho#ght 5ednesday 3as as(eep. 8e said2 A, /no3 it #sed to be sacred to the
,ndians.B
A,t$s a ho(y p(ace2B said 5ednesday. Ahat$s the American 5ay-they need to gi!e peop(e an
e&c#se to come and 3orship. hese days2 peop(e can$t D#st go and see a mo#ntain. h#s2 6ister
G#t1on Borg(#m$s tremendo#s presidentia( %aces. *nce they 3ere car!ed2 permission 3as
granted2 and no3 the peop(e dri!e o#t in their m#(tit#des to see something in the %(esh that
they$!e a(ready seen on a tho#sand postcards.B
A, /ne3 a g#y once. 8e did 3eight training at the 6#sc(e )arm2 years bac/. 8e said that the
Da/ota ,ndians2 the yo#ng men c(imb #p the mo#ntain2 then %orm deathCde%ying h#man chains
o%% the heads2 D#st so that the g#y at the end o% the chain can piss on the president$s nose.B
5ednesday g#%%a3ed. A*h2 %ineP Fery %ineP ,s any speci%ic president the partic#(ar b#tt o% their
ire:B
Shado3 shr#gged. A8e ne!er said.B
6i(es !anished beneath the 3hee(s o% the 5innebago. Shado3 began to imagine that he 3as
staying sti(( 3hi(e the American (andscape mo!ed past them at a steady si&tyCse!en mi(es per
ho#r. A 3intry mist %ogged the edges o% things.
,t 3as midday on the second day o% the dri!e2 and they 3ere a(most there. Shado32 3ho had
been thin/ing2 said2 AA gir( !anished %rom @a/eside (ast 3ee/. 5hen 3e 3ere in San )rancisco.B
A6m:B 5ednesday so#nded bare(y interested.
A.id named A(ison 6cGo!ern. She$s not the %irst /id to !anish there. here ha!e been others.
hey go in the 3intertime.B
5ednesday %#rro3ed his bro3. A,t is a tragedy2 is it not: he (itt(e %aces on the mi(/C
cartons-a(tho#gh , can$t remember the (ast time , sa3 a /id on a mi(/Ccarton-and on the
3a((s o% %ree3ay rest areas. 8a!e yo# seen me: they as/. A deep(y e&istentia( I#estion at the
best o% times. 8a!e yo# seen me: P#(( o%% at the ne&t e&it.B
Shado3 tho#ght he heard a he(icopter pass o!erhead2 b#t the c(o#ds 3ere too (o3 to see
anything.
A5hy did yo# pic/ @a/eside:B as/ed Shado3.
A, to(d yo#. ,t$s a nice I#iet p(ace to hide yo# a3ay. 9o#$re o%% the board there2 #nder the
radar.B
A5hy:B
ABeca#se that$s the 3ay it is. 'o3 hang a (e%t2B said 5ednesday.
Shado3 t#rned (e%t.
Ahere$s something 3rong2B said 5ednesday. A)#c/. Jes#s %#c/ing 4hrist on a bicyc(e. S(o3
do3n2 b#t don$t stop.B
A4are to e(aborate:B
Aro#b(e. Do yo# /no3 any a(ternati!e ro#tes:B
A'ot rea((y. his is my %irst time in So#th Da/ota2B said Shado3. AA(so , don$t /no3 3here 3e$re
going.B
*n the other side o% the hi(( something %(ashed red(y2 sm#dged by the mist.
A+oadb(oc/2B said 5ednesday. 8e p#shed his hand deep(y into %irst one poc/et o% his s#it then
another2 searching %or something.
A, can stop and t#rn aro#nd. ,% 3e had a Deep ,$d go o%%Croad2 b#t the 5innebago$s D#st going to
tip i% , try and dri!e her across that ditch.B
A5e can$t t#rn. hey$re behind #s as 3e((2B said 5ednesday. Aa/e yo#r speed do3n to ten2
%i%teen mi(es per ho#r.B
Shado3 g(anced into the mirror. here 3ere head(ights behind them2 #nder a mi(e bac/. AAre
yo# s#re abo#t this:B he as/ed.
5ednesday snorted. AS#re as eggs is eggs2B he said. AAs the t#r/eyC%armer said 3hen he
hatched his %irst t#rt(e. Ah2 s#ccessPB and %rom the bottom o% a poc/et he prod#ced a sma((
piece o% 3hite cha(/.
8e started to scratch 3ith the cha(/ on the dashboard o% the camper2 ma/ing mar/s as i% he
3ere so(!ing an a(gebraic p#11(e-or perhaps2 Shado3 tho#ght2 as i% he 3ere a hobo2 scratching
(ong messages to the other hobos in hobo code-bad dog here2 dangero#s to3n2 nice 3oman2
so%t Dai( in 3hich to o!ernightQ
A*/ay2B said 5ednesday. A'o3 increase yo#r speed to thirty. And don$t s(o3 do3n %rom that.B
*ne o% the cars behind them t#rned on its (ights and siren and acce(erated to3ard them. ADo
not s(o3 do3n2B repeated 5ednesday. Ahey D#st 3ant #s to s(o3 be%ore 3e get to the
roadb(oc/.B Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
hey crested the hi((. he roadb(oc/ 3as (ess than a I#arter o% a mi(e a3ay. 3e(!e cars
arranged across the road2 and on the side o% the road2 po(ice cars2 and se!era( big b(ac/ SEFs.
Ahere2B said 5ednesday2 and he p#t his cha(/ a3ay. he dashboard o% the 5innebago 3as
no3 co!ered 3ith r#neC(i/e scratchings.
he car 3ith the siren 3as D#st behind them. ,t had s(o3ed to their speed2 and an amp(i%ied
!oice 3as sho#ting2 AP#(( o!erPB Shado3 (oo/ed at 5ednesday.
A#rn right2B said 5ednesday. AJ#st p#(( o%% the road.B
A, can$t ta/e this thing o%%Croad. 5e$(( tip.B
A,t$(( be %ine. a/e a right. 'o3PB
Shado3 p#((ed the 3hee( do3n 3ith his right hand2 and the 5innebago (#rched and Do(ted. )or
a moment he tho#ght he had been correct2 that the camper 3as going to tip2 and then the
3or(d thro#gh the 3indshie(d disso(!ed and shimmered2 (i/e the re%(ection in a c(ear poo( 3hen
the 3ind br#shes the s#r%ace2 and the Da/otas stretched and shi%ted.
he c(o#ds and the mist and the sno3 and the day 3ere gone.
'o3 there 3ere stars o!erhead2 hanging (i/e %ro1en spears o% (ight2 stabbing the night s/y.
APar/ here2B said 5ednesday. A5e can 3a(/ the rest o% the 3ay.B
Shado3 t#rned o%% the engine. 8e 3ent into the bac/ o% the 5innebago2 p#((ed on his coat2 his
Sore( 3inter boots2 and his g(o!es. hen he c(imbed o#t o% the !ehic(e and 3aited. A*/ay2B he
said. A@et$s go.B
5ednesday (oo/ed at him 3ith am#sement and something e(se-irritation perhaps. *r pride.
A5hy don$t yo# arg#e:B as/ed 5ednesday. A5hy don$t yo# e&c(aim that it$s a(( impossib(e:
5hy the he(( do yo# D#st do 3hat , say and ta/e it a(( so %#c/ing ca(m(y:B
ABeca#se yo#$re not paying me to as/ I#estions2B said Shado3. And then he said2 rea(i1ing the
tr#th as the 3ords came o#t o% his mo#th2 AAny3ay2 nothing$s rea((y s#rprised me since @a#ra.B
ASince she came bac/ %rom the dead:B
ASince , (earned she 3as scre3ing +obbie. hat one h#rt. "!erything e(se D#st sits on the
s#r%ace. 5here are 3e going no3:B
5ednesday pointed2 and they began to 3a(/. he gro#nd beneath their %eet 3as roc/ o% some
/ind2 s(ic/ and !o(canic2 occasiona((y g(assy. he air 3as chi((y2 b#t not 3interCco(d. hey
sidestepped their 3ay a3/3ard(y do3n a hi((. here 3as a ro#gh path2 and they %o((o3ed it.
Shado3 (oo/ed do3n to the bottom o% the hi((2 and rea(i1ed that 3hat he 3as (oo/ing at 3as
impossib(e.
A5hat the he(( is that:B as/ed Shado32 b#t 5ednesday to#ched his %inger to his (ips2 shoo/ his
head sharp(y. Si(ence.
,t (oo/ed (i/e a mechanica( spider2 b(#e meta(2 g(ittering @"D (ights2 and it 3as the si1e o% a
tractor. ,t sI#atted at the bottom o% the hi((. Beyond it 3ere an assortment o% bones2 each 3ith
a %(ame beside it (itt(e bigger than a cand(eC%(ame2 %(ic/ering.
5ednesday gest#red %or Shado3 to /eep his distance %rom these obDects. Shado3 too/ an e&tra
step to the side2 3hich 3as a mista/e on that g(assy path2 as his an/(e t3isted and he t#mb(ed
do3n the s(ope as i% he had been dropped2 ro((ing and s(ipping and bo#ncing. 8e grabbed at a
roc/ as he 3ent past2 and the obsidian snag ripped his (eather g(o!e as i% it 3ere paper.
8e came to rest at the bottom o% the hi((2 bet3een the mechanica( spider and the bones.
8e p#t a hand do3n to p#sh himse(% to his %eet2 and %o#nd himse(% to#ching 3hat appeared to
be a thighbone 3ith the pa(m o% his hand2 and he 3asQ
Qstanding in the day(ight2 smo/ing a cigarette2 and (oo/ing at his 3atch. here 3ere cars a((
aro#nd him2 some empty2 some not. 8e 3as 3ishing he had not had that (ast c#p o% co%%ee2 %or
he dear(y needed a piss2 and it 3as starting to become #ncom%ortab(e.
*ne o% the (oca( (a3 en%orcement peop(e came o!er to him2 a big man 3ith %rost in his 3a(r#s
mo#stache. 8e had a(ready %orgotten the man$s name.
A, don$t /no3 ho3 3e co#(d ha!e (ost them2B says @oca( @a3 "n%orcement2 apo(ogetic and
p#11(ed.
A,t 3as an optica( i((#sion2B he rep(ies. A9o# get them in %rea/ 3eather conditions. he mist. ,t
3as a mirage. hey 3ere dri!ing do3n some other road. 5e tho#ght they 3ere on this one.B
@oca( @a3 "n%orcement (oo/s disappointed. A*h. , tho#ght it 3as maybe (i/e an UC)i(es /inda
thing2B he says.
A'othing so e&citing2 ,$m a%raid.B 8e s#%%ers %rom occasiona( hemorrhoids and his ass has D#st
started itching in the 3ay that signa(s that a %(areC#p is coming. 8e 3ants to be bac/ inside the
Be(t3ay. 8e 3ishes there 3as a tree to go and stand behind: the #rge to piss is getting 3orse.
8e drops the cigarette and steps on it.
@oca( @a3 "n%orcement 3a(/s o!er to one o% the po(ice cars and says something to the dri!er.
hey both sha/e their heads.
8e 3onders i% he sho#(d simp(y grit his teeth2 try to imagine that he is in 6a#i 3ith no one e(se
aro#nd2 and piss against the rear 3hee( o% the car. 8e 3ishes he 3eren$t so #tter(y peeCshy2 and
he thin/s maybe he can ho(d it in %or (onger b#t he %inds himse(% remembering a ne3spaper
c(ipping that someone had tac/ed #p in the (o#nge in his %rat ho#se2 thirty years be%ore: the
ca#tionary ta(e o% an o(d man 3ho had been on a (ong b#s ride 3ith a b#sted restCroom2 3ho
had he(d it in2 and2 at the end o% his Do#rney2 needed to be catheteri1ed in order e!er to piss
againQ
hat 3as ridic#(o#s. 8e isn$t that o(d. 8e is going to ce(ebrate his %i%tieth birthday in Apri(2 and
his 3ater3or/s 3or/ D#st %ine. "!erything 3or/s D#st %ine.
8e p#((s o#t his te(ephone2 to#ches the men#2 pages do3n2 and %inds the address entry mar/ed
A@a#ndryB 3hich had am#sed him so m#ch 3hen he typed it in-a re%erence to he 6an %rom
E.'.4.@.".2 and as he (oo/s at it he rea(i1es that it$s not %rom that at a((2 that 3as a tai(or$s2 he$s
thin/ing o% Get Smart2 and he sti(( %ee(s 3eird and s(ight(y embarrassed a%ter a(( these years
abo#t not rea(i1ing it 3as a comedy 3hen he 3as a /id2 and D#st 3anting a shoephoneQ
A 3oman$s !oice on the phone. A9es:B
Ahis is 6ister o3n2 %or 6ister 5or(d.B
A8o(d p(ease. ,$(( see i% he$s a!ai(ab(e.B
here is si(ence. o3n crosses his (egs2 t#gs his be(t higher on his be((y-got to (ose these (ast
ten po#nds-and a3ay %rom his b(adder. hen an #rbane !oice says2 A8e((o2 6ister o3n.B
A5e (ost them2B says o3n. 8e %ee(s a /not o% %r#stration in his g#t: these 3ere the bastards2
the (o#sy dirty sons o% bitches 3ho /i((ed 5oody and Stone2 %or 4hrissa/es. Good men. Good
men. 8e bad(y 3ants to %#c/ 6rs. 5ood2 b#t /no3s it$s sti(( too soon a%ter 5oody$s death to
ma/e a mo!e2 so he is ta/ing her o#t %or dinner e!ery co#p(e o% 3ee/s2 an in!estment in the
%#t#re2 she$s D#st grate%#( %or the attentionQ
A8o3:B
A, don$t /no3. 5e set #p a roadb(oc/2 there 3as no3here they co#(d ha!e gone and they 3ent
there any3ay.B
AJ#st another one o% (i%e$s (itt(e mysteries. 'ot to 3orry. 8a!e yo# ca(med the (oca(s:B
Ao(d $em it 3as an optica( i((#sion.B
Ahey b#y it:B
AProbab(y.B
here 3as something !ery %ami(iar abo#t 6r. 5or(d$s !oice-3hich 3as a strange thing to
thin/2 he$d been 3or/ing %or him direct(y %or t3o years no32 spo/en to him e!ery day2 o%
co#rse there 3as something %ami(iar abo#t his !oice.
Ahey$(( be %ar a3ay by no3.B
ASho#(d 3e send peop(e do3n to the re1 to intercept them:B
A'ot 3orth the aggra!ation. oo many D#risdictiona( iss#es2 and there are on(y so many strings
3e can p#(( in a morning. 5e ha!e p(enty o% time. J#st get bac/ here. ,$!e got my hands %#(( at
this end trying to organi1e the po(icy meeting.B
Aro#b(e:B
A,t$s a pissing contest. ,$!e proposed that 3e ha!e it o#t here. he techies 3ant it in A#stin2 or
maybe San Jose2 the p(ayers 3ant it in 8o((y3ood2 the intangib(es 3ant it on 5a(( Street.
"!erybody 3ants it in their o3n bac/ yard. 'obody$s going to gi!e.B
A9o# need me to do anything:B
A'ot yet. ,$(( gro3( at some o% them2 stro/e others. 9o# /no3 the ro#tine.B
A9es2 sir.B
A4arry on2 o3n.B
he connection is bro/en.
o3n thin/s he sho#(d ha!e had a S5A team to pic/ o%% that %#c/ing 5innebago2 or (andC
mines on the road2 or a tactica( %riggin$ n#/#(er de!ice2 that 3o#(d ha!e sho3ed those bastards
they meant b#siness. ,t 3as (i/e 6r. 5or(d had once said to him2 5e are 3riting the %#t#re in
@etters o% )ire2 and 6r. o3n thin/s that Jes#s 4hrist i% he doesn$t piss no3 he$(( (ose a /idney2
it$(( D#st b#rst2 and it 3as (i/e his pop had said 3hen they 3ere on (ong Do#rneys2 3hen o3n
3as a /id2 o#t on the interstate2 his pop 3o#(d a(3ays say2 A6y bac/ teeth are a%(oat2B and 6r.
o3n co#(d hear that !oice e!en no32 that sharp 9an/ee accent saying2 A, got to ta/e a (ea/
soon. 6y bac/ teeth are a%(oatBQ
Qand it 3as then that Shado3 %e(t a hand opening his o3n hand2 prising it open one %inger at a
time2 o%% the thighbone it 3as c(#tching. 8e no (onger needed to #rinate? that 3as someone
e(se. 8e 3as standing #nder the stars on a g(assy roc/ p(ain2 and the bone 3as do3n on the
gro#nd beside the other bones.
5ednesday made the signa( %or si(ence again. hen he began to 3a(/2 and Shado3 %o((o3ed.
here 3as a crea/ %rom the mechanica( spider2 and 5ednesday %ro1e. Shado3 stopped and
3aited 3ith him. Green (ights %(ic/ered and ran #p and a(ong its side in c(#sters. Shado3 tried
not to breathe too (o#d(y.
8e tho#ght abo#t 3hat had D#st happened. ,t had been (i/e (oo/ing thro#gh a 3indo3 into
someone e(se$s mind. And then he tho#ght2 6r. 5or(d. ,t 3as me 3ho tho#ght his !oice
so#nded %ami(iar. hat 3as my tho#ght2 not o3n$s. hat 3as 3hy that seemed so strange. 8e
tried to identi%y the !oice in his mind2 to p#t it into the category in 3hich it be(onged2 b#t it
e(#ded him.
,t$(( come to me2 tho#ght Shado3. Sooner or (ater2 it$(( come to me.
he green (ights 3ent b(#e2 then red2 then %aded to a d#(( red2 and the spider sett(ed do3n on
its meta((ic ha#nches. 5ednesday began to 3a(/ %or3ard2 a (one(y %ig#re beneath the stars2 in a
broadCbrimmed hat2 his %rayed dar/ c(oa/ g#sting random(y in the no3here 3ind2 his sta%%
tapping on the g(assy roc/ %(oor.
5hen the meta((ic spider 3as on(y a distant g(int in the star(ight2 %ar bac/ on the p(ain2
5ednesday said2 A,t sho#(d be sa%e to spea/2 no3.B
A5here are 3e:B
ABehind the scenes2B said 5ednesday.
ASorry:B
Ahin/ o% it as being behind the scenes. @i/e in a theatre or something. , D#st p#((ed #s o#t o% the
a#dience and no3 3e$re 3a(/ing abo#t bac/stage. ,t$s a shortc#t.B
A5hen , to#ched that bone. , 3as in the mind o% a g#y named o3n. 8e$s 3ith that spoo/sho3.
8e hates #s.B
A9es.B
A8e$s got a boss named 6ister 5or(d. 8e reminds me o% someone2 b#t , don$t /no3 3ho. , 3as
(oo/ing into o3n$s head-or maybe , 3as in his head. ,$m not certain.B
ADo they /no3 3here 3e$re headed:B
A, thin/ they$re ca((ing o%% the h#nt right no3. hey didn$t 3ant to %o((o3 #s to the reser!ation.
Are 3e going to a reser!ation:B
A6aybe.B 5ednesday (eaned on his sta%% %or a moment2 then contin#ed to 3a(/.
A5hat 3as that spider thing:B
AA pattern mani%estation. A search engine.B
AAre they dangero#s:B
A9o# on(y get to be my age by ass#ming the 3orst.B
Shado3 smi(ed. AAnd ho3 o(d 3o#(d that be:B
A*(d as my tong#e2B said 5ednesday. AAnd a %e3 months o(der than my teeth.B
A9o# p(ay yo#r cards so c(ose to yo#r chest2B said Shado32 Athat ,$m not e!en s#re that they$re
rea((y cards at a((.B
5ednesday on(y gr#nted.
"ach hi(( they came to 3as harder to c(imb.
Shado3 began to %ee( headachy. here 3as a po#nding I#a(ity to the star(ight2 something that
resonated 3ith the p#(se in his temp(es and his chest. At the bottom o% the ne&t hi(( he
st#mb(ed2 opened his mo#th to say something and2 3itho#t 3arning2 he !omited.
5ednesday reached into an inside poc/et2 and prod#ced a sma(( hip %(as/. Aa/e a sip o% this2B
he said. A*n(y a sip.B
he (iI#id 3as p#ngent2 and it e!aporated in his mo#th (i/e a good brandy2 a(tho#gh it did not
taste (i/e a(coho(. 5ednesday too/ the %(as/ a3ay2 and poc/eted it. A,t$s not good %or the
a#dience to %ind themse(!es 3a(/ing abo#t bac/stage. hat$s 3hy yo#$re %ee(ing sic/. 5e need
to h#rry to get yo# o#t o% here.B
hey 3a(/ed %aster-5ednesday at a so(id tr#dge2 Shado3 st#mb(ing %rom time to time2 b#t
%ee(ing better %or the drin/2 3hich (e%t his mo#th tasting o% orange pee(2 o% rosemary oi( and
peppermint and c(o!es.
5ednesday too/ his arm. Ahere2B he said2 pointing to t3o identica( hi((oc/s o% %ro1en roc/Cg(ass
to their (e%t. A5a(/ bet3een those t3o mo#nds. 5a(/ beside me.B
hey 3a(/ed2 and the co(d air and bright day(ight smashed into Shado3$s %ace at the same time.
8e stopped2 c(osed his eyes2 da11(ed and (ightCb(inded2 then2 shading his eyes 3ith his hand2 he
opened them once more.
hey 3ere standing ha(%3ay #p a gent(e hi((. he mist had gone2 the day 3as s#nny and chi((2 the
s/y 3as a per%ect b(#e. At the bottom o% the hi(( 3as a gra!e( road2 and a red station 3agon
bo#nced a(ong it (i/e a chi(d$s toy car. A g#st o% 3ood smo/e st#ng Shado3$s %ace2 ma/ing his
eyes tear. he smo/e came %rom a b#i(ding nearby2 3hich (oo/ed as i% someone had pic/ed #p a
mobi(e home and dropped it on the side o% the hi(( thirty years ago. ,t 3as m#ch repaired2
patched2 and2 in p(aces2 added onto: Shado3 3as certain that the ga(!ani1ed tin chimney2 %rom
3hich the 3ood smo/e 3as coming2 3as not part o% the origina( str#ct#re.
As they reached the door it opened2 and a midd(eCaged man 3ith dar/ s/in2 sharp eyes and a
mo#th (i/e a /ni%eCs(ash (oo/ed do3n at them and said2 A"yah2 , heard that there 3ere t3o
3hite men on their 3ay to see me. 3o 3hites in a 5innebago. And , heard that they got (ost2
(i/e 3hite men a(3ays get (ost i% they don$t p#t #p their signs e!ery3here. And no3 (oo/ at
these t3o sorry beasts at the door. 9o# /no3 yo#$re on @a/ota (and:B 8is hair 3as gray2 and
(ong.
ASince 3hen 3ere yo# @a/ota2 yo# o(d %ra#d:B said 5ednesday. 8e 3as 3earing a coat and a
%(apCeared cap2 and a(ready it seemed to Shado3 #n(i/e(y that on(y a %e3 moments ago #nder
the stars he had been 3earing a broadCbrimmed hat and a tattered c(oa/. ASo2 5his/ey Jac/.
9o# sad bastard. ,$m star!ing2 and my %riend here D#st thre3 #p his brea/%ast. Are yo# going to
in!ite #s in:B
5his/ey Jac/ scratched an armpit. 8e 3as 3earing b(#e Deans and an #ndershirt the gray o% his
hair. 8e 3ore moccasins2 and he seemed not to notice the co(d. hen he said2 A, (i/e it here.
4ome in2 3hite men 3ho (ost their 5innebago.B
here 3as more 3ood smo/e in the air inside the trai(er2 and there 3as another man in there2
sitting at a tab(e. he man 3ore stained b#c/s/ins2 and 3as bare%oot. 8is s/in 3as the co(or o%
bar/.
5ednesday seemed de(ighted. A5e((2B he said2 Ait seems o#r de(ay 3as %ort#ito#s. 5his/ey
Jac/ and App(e Johnny. 3o birds 3ith one stone.B
he man at the tab(e2 App(e Johnny2 stared at 5ednesday2 then he reached do3n a hand to his
crotch2 c#pped it and said2 A5rong again. , Des$ chec/ed and , got both o% my stones2 Des$ 3here
they o#ghta be.B 8e (oo/ed #p at Shado32 raised his hand2 pa(m o#t. A,$m John 4hapman. 9o#
don$t mind anything yo#r boss says abo#t me. 8e$s an assho(e. A(3ays 3as an assho(e. A(3ays
goin$ to be an assho(e. Some peop(e is Des$ assho(es2 and that$s an end o% it.B
A6i/e Ainse(2B said Shado3.
4hapman r#bbed his st#bb(y chin. AAinse(2B he said. Ahat$s not a name. B#t it$(( do at a pinch.
5hat do they ca(( yo#:B
AShado3.B
A,$(( ca(( yo# Shado32 then. 8ey2 5his/ey Jac/B-b#t it 3asn$t rea((y 5his/ey Jac/ he 3as
saying2 Shado3 rea(i1ed? too many sy((ab(es-Aho3$s the %ood (oo/ing:B
5his/ey Jac/ too/ a 3ooden spoon and (i%ted the (id o%% a b(ac/ iron pot2 b#bb(ing a3ay on the
range o% the 3oodCb#rning sto!e. A,t$s ready %or eating2B he said.
8e too/ %o#r p(astic bo3(s and spooned the contents o% the pot into the bo3(s2 p#t them do3n
on the tab(e. hen he opened the door2 stepped o#t into the sno32 and p#((ed a p(astic ga((on
D#g %rom the sno3 ban/. 8e bro#ght it inside2 and po#red %o#r (arge g(asses o% a c(o#dy ye((o3C
bro3n (iI#id2 3hich he p#t beside each bo3(. @ast o% a((2 he %o#nd %o#r spoons. 8e sat do3n at
the tab(e 3ith the other men.
5ednesday raised his g(ass s#spicio#s(y. A@oo/s (i/e piss2B he said.
A9o# sti(( drin/ing that st#%%:B as/ed 5his/ey Jac/. A9o# 3hite men are cra1y. his is better.B
hen2 to Shado32 Ahe ste3 is most(y 3i(d t#r/ey. John here bro#ght the app(eDac/.B
A,t$s a so%t app(e cider2B said John 4hapman. A, ne!er be(ie!ed in hard (iI#or. 6a/es men mad.B
he ste3 3as de(icio#s2 and it 3as !ery good app(e cider. Shado3 %orced himse(% to s(o3 do3n2
to che3 his %ood2 not to g#(p it2 b#t he 3as more h#ngry than he 3o#(d ha!e be(ie!ed. 8e
he(ped himse(% to a second bo3( o% the ste3 and a second g(ass o% the cider.
ADame +#mor says that yo#$!e been o#t ta(/ing to a(( manner o% %o(/2 o%%ering them a(( manner
o% things. Says yo#$re ta/in$ the o(d %o(/s on the 3ar path2B said John 4hapman. Shado3 and
5his/ey Jac/ 3ere 3ashing #p2 p#tting the (e%to!er ste3 into #pper3are bo3(s. 5his/ey Jac/
p#t the bo3(s into the sno3dri%ts o#tside his %ront door2 and p#t a mi(/ crate on top o% the
p(ace he$d p#shed them2 so he co#(d %ind them again.
A, thin/ that$s a %air and D#dicio#s s#mmary o% e!ents2B said 5ednesday.
Ahey 3i(( 3in2B said 5his/ey Jac/ %(at(y. Ahey 3on a(ready. 9o# (ost a(ready. @i/e the 3hite
man and my peop(e. hey 3on. And 3hen they (ost2 they made treaties. hen they bro/e the
treaties. And they 3on again. ,$m not %ighting %or another (ost ca#se.B
AAnd it$s no #se yo# (oo/in$ at me2B said John 4hapman2 A%or e!en i% , %o#ght %or yo#-3hich$n ,
3on$t-,$m no #se to yo#. 6angy ratCtai(ed bastards Des$ pic/ed me o%% and c(ean %orgot me.B
8e stopped. hen he said2 APa#( B#nyan.B 8e shoo/ his head s(o3(y and he said it again. APa#(
B#nyan.B Shado3 had ne!er heard t3o s#ch innoc#o#s 3ords made to so#nd so damning.
APa#( B#nyan:B Shado3 said. A5hat did he e!er do:B
A8e too/ #p head space2B said 5his/ey Jac/. 8e b#mmed a cigarette %rom 5ednesday and the
t3o men sat and smo/ed.
A,t$s (i/e the idiots 3ho %ig#re that h#mmingbirds 3orry abo#t their 3eight or tooth decay or
some s#ch nonsense2 maybe they D#st 3ant to spare h#mmingbirds the e!i(s o% s#gar2B
e&p(ained 5ednesday. ASo they %i(( the h#mmingbird %eeders 3ith %#c/ing '#traS3eet. he
birds come to the %eeders and they drin/ it. hen they die2 beca#se their %ood contains no
ca(ories e!en tho#gh their (itt(e t#mmies are %#((. hat$s Pa#( B#nyan %or yo#. 'obody e!er to(d
Pa#( B#nyan stories. 'obody e!er be(ie!ed in Pa#( B#nyan. 8e came staggering o#t o% a 'e3
9or/ ad agency in ;<;K and %i((ed the nation$s myth stomach 3ith empty ca(ories.B
A, (i/e Pa#( B#nyan2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A, 3ent on his ride at the 6a(( o% America2 %e3 years
bac/. 9o# see big o(d Pa#( B#nyan at the top then yo# come crashing do3n. Sp(ash. 8e$s o/ay
by me. , don$t mind that he ne!er e&isted2 means he ne!er c#t do3n any trees. 'ot as good as
p(anting trees tho#gh. hat$s better.B
A9o# said a mo#th%#(2B said Johnny 4hapman.
5ednesday b(e3 a smo/e ring. ,t h#ng in the air (i/e something %rom a 5arner Bros. cartoon2
dissipating s(o3(y in 3isps and c#r(s. ADamn it2 5his/ey Jac/2 that$s not the point and yo# /no3
it.B
A,$m not going to he(p yo#2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A5hen yo# get yo#r ass /ic/ed2 yo# can come
bac/ here and i% ,$m sti(( here ,$(( %eed yo# again. 9o# get the best %ood in the %a((.B
5ednesday said2 AA(( the a(ternati!es are 3orse.B
A9o# ha!e no idea 3hat the a(ternati!es are2B said 5his/ey Jac/. hen he (oo/ed at Shado3.
A9o# are h#nting2B he said. 8is !oice 3as cigaretteCro#ghened2 and it resonated in that space2
smo/y 3ith (ea/ing 3ood smo/e and cigarettes.
A,$m 3or/ing2B said Shado3.
5his/ey Jac/ shoo/ his head. A9o# are a(so h#nting something2B he said. Ahere is a debt that
yo# 3ish to pay.B
Shado3 tho#ght o% @a#ra$s b(#e (ips and the b(ood on her hands2 and he nodded.
A@isten. )o& 3as here %irst2 and his brother 3as the 3o(%. )o& said2 peop(e 3i(( (i!e %ore!er. ,%
they die they 3i(( not die %or (ong. 5o(% said2 no2 peop(e 3i(( die2 peop(e m#st die2 a(( things that
(i!e m#st die2 or they 3i(( spread and co!er the 3or(d2 and eat a(( the sa(mon and the caribo#
and the b#%%a(o2 eat a(( the sI#ash and a(( the corn. 'o3 one day 5o(% died2 and he said to the
%o&2 I#ic/2 bring me bac/ to (i%e. And )o& said2 'o2 the dead m#st stay dead. 9o# con!inced me.
And he 3ept as he said this. B#t he said it2 and it 3as %ina(. 'o3 5o(% r#(es the 3or(d o% the
dead and )o& (i!es a(3ays #nder the s#n and the moon2 and he sti(( mo#rns his brother.B
5ednesday said2 A,% yo# 3on$t p(ay2 yo# 3on$t p(ay. 5e$(( be mo!ing on.B
5his/ey Jac/$s %ace 3as impassi!e. A,$m ta(/ing to this yo#ng man2B he said. A9o# are beyond
he(p. 8e is not.B 8e t#rned bac/ to Shado3. A9o# /no32 yo# cannot come to me here #n(ess ,
3ish it.B
Shado3 rea(i1ed that he did /no3 this. A9es.B
Ae(( me yo#r dream2B said 5his/ey Jac/.
Shado3 said2 A, 3as c(imbing a to3er o% s/#((s. here 3ere h#ge birds %(ying aro#nd it. hey had
(ightning in their 3ings. hey 3ere attac/ing me. he to3er %e((.B
A"!erybody dreams2B said 5ednesday. A4an 3e hit the road:B
A'ot e!erybody dreams o% the 5a/inya#2 the th#nderbirds2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A5e %e(t the
echoes o% it here.B
A, to(d yo#2B said 5ednesday. AJes#s.B
Ahere$s a c(#tch o% th#nderbirds in 5est Firginia2B said 4hapman2 id(y. AA co#p(e o% hens and
an o(d coc/Cbird at (east. here$s a(so a breeding pair in the (and2 they #sed to ca(( it the State o%
)ran/(in2 b#t o(d Ben ne!er got his state2 #p bet3een .ent#c/y and ennessee. 4o#rse2 there
3as ne!er a great n#mber o% them2 e!en at the best o% times.B
5his/ey Jac/ reached o#t a hand the co(or o% the red c(ay2 and he to#ched Shado3$s %ace2
gent(y. 8is irises 3ere (ight bro3n banded 3ith dar/ bro3n2 and in that %ace those eyes seemed
(#mino#s. A"yah2B he said. A,t$s tr#e. ,% yo# h#nt the th#nderbird yo# co#(d bring yo#r 3oman
bac/. B#t she be(ongs to the 3o(%2 in the dead p(aces2 not 3a(/ing the (and.B
A8o3 do yo# /no3:B as/ed Shado3.
5his/ey Jac/$s (ips did not mo!e. A5hat did the B#%%a(o te(( yo#:B
Ao be(ie!e.B
AGood ad!ice. Are yo# going to %o((o3 it:B
A.ind o%. , g#ess.B hey 3ere ta(/ing 3itho#t 3ords2 3itho#t mo#ths2 3itho#t so#nd. Shado3
3ondered i%2 %or the other t3o men in the room2 they 3ere standing2 #nmo!ing2 %or a heartbeat
or %or a %raction o% a heartbeat.
A5hen yo# %ind yo#r tribe2 come bac/ and see me2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A, can he(p.B
A, sha((.B
5his/ey Dac/ (o3ered his hand. hen he t#rned to 5ednesday. AAre yo# going to %etch yo#r 8o
4h#n/:B
A6y 3hat:B
A8o 4h#n/. ,t$s 3hat the 5innebago ca(( themse(!es.B
5ednesday shoo/ his head. A,t$s too ris/y. +etrie!ing it co#(d be prob(ematic. hey$(( be (oo/ing
%or it.B
A,s it sto(en:B
5ednesday (oo/ed a%%ronted. A'ot a bit o% it. he papers are in the g(o!e compartment.B
AAnd the /eys:B
A,$!e got them2B said Shado3.
A6y nephe32 8arry B(#eDay2 has an $Y; B#ic/. 5hy don$t yo# gi!e me the /eys to yo#r camper:
9o# can ta/e his car.B
5ednesday brist(ed. A5hat /ind o% trade is that:B
5his/ey Jac/ shr#gged. A9o# /no3 ho3 hard it 3i(( be to bring bac/ yo#r camper %rom 3here
yo# abandoned it: ,$m doing yo# a %a!or. a/e it or (ea!e it. , don$t care.B 8e c(osed his /ni%eC
3o#nd mo#th.
5ednesday (oo/ed angry2 and then the anger became r#e2 and he said2 AShado32 gi!e the man
the /eys to the 5innebago.B Shado3 passed the car /eys to 5his/ey Jac/.
AJohnny2B said 5his/ey Jac/2 A3i(( yo# ta/e these men do3n to %ind 8arry B(#eDay: e(( him ,
said %or him to gi!e them his car.B
ABe my p(eas#re2B said John 4hapman.
8e got #p and 3a(/ed to the door2 pic/ed #p a sma(( 8essian sac/ sitting ne&t to it2 opened the
door and 3a(/ed o#tside. Shado3 and 5ednesday %o((o3ed him. 5his/ey Jac/ 3aited in the
door3ay. A8ey2B he said to 5ednesday. ADon$t come bac/ here2 yo#. 9o# are not 3e(come.B
5ednesday e&tended his midd(e %inger hea!en3ard. A+otate on this2B he said a%%ab(y.
hey 3a(/ed do3nhi(( thro#gh the sno32 p#shing their 3ay thro#gh the dri%ts. 4hapman 3a(/ed
in %ront2 his bare %eet red against the cr#stCtopped sno3. AAren$t yo# co(d:B as/ed Shado3.
A6y 3i%e 3as 4hocta32B said 4hapman.
AAnd she ta#ght yo# mystica( 3ays to /eep o#t the co(d:B
A'ope. She tho#ght , 3as cra1y2B said 4hapman. AShe #sed t$say2 RJohnny2 3hy don$t yo# Des$
p#t on boots:$B he s(ope o% the hi(( became steeper2 and they 3ere %orced to stop ta(/ing. he
three men st#mb(ed and s(ipped on the sno32 #sing the tr#n/s o% birch trees on the hi((side to
steady themse(!es2 and to stop themse(!es %rom %a((ing. 5hen the gro#nd became s(ight(y more
(e!e(2 4hapman said2 AShe$s dead no32 a$co#rse. 5hen she died , g#ess maybe , 3ent a mite
cra1y. ,t co#(d happen to anyone. ,t co#(d happen to yo#.B 8e c(apped Shado3 on the arm. ABy
Jes#s and Jehosophat2 yo#$re a big man.B
ASo they te(( me2B said Shado3.
hey tr#dged do3n that hi(( %or another ha(% an ho#r2 #nti( they reached the gra!e( road that
3o#nd aro#nd the base o% it2 and the three men began to 3a(/ a(ong it2 to3ard the c(#ster o%
b#i(dings they had seen %rom high on the hi((.
A car s(o3ed and stopped. he 3oman dri!ing it reached o!er2 3o#nd do3n the passenger
3indo32 and said2 A9o# bo1os need a ride:B
A9o# are !ery gracio#s2 madam2B said 5ednesday. A5e$re (oo/ing %or a 6ister 8arry B(#eDay.B
A8e$(( be do3n at the rec ha((2B said the 3oman. She 3as in her %orties2 Shado3 g#essed. AGet
in.B
hey got in. 5ednesday too/ the passenger seat2 John 4hapman and Shado3 c(imbed into the
bac/. Shado3$s (egs 3ere too (ong to sit in the bac/ com%ortab(y2 b#t he did the best he co#(d.
he car Do(ted %or3ard2 do3n the gra!e( road.
ASo 3here did yo# three come %rom:B as/ed the dri!er.
AJ#st !isiting 3ith a %riend2B said 5ednesday.
A@i!es on the hi(( bac/ there2B said Shado3.
A5hat hi((:B she as/ed.
Shado3 (oo/ed bac/ thro#gh the d#sty rear 3indo32 (oo/ing bac/ at the hi((. B#t there 3as no
high hi(( bac/ there? nothing b#t c(o#ds on the p(ains.
A5his/ey Jac/2B he said.
AAh2B she said. A5e ca(( him ,n/tomi here. , thin/ it$s the same g#y. 6y grand%ather #sed to te((
some pretty good stories abo#t him. *% co#rse2 a(( the best o% them 3ere /ind o% dirty.B hey hit
a b#mp in the road2 and the 3oman s3ore. A9o# o/ay bac/ there:B
A9es2 ma$am2B said Johnny 4hapman. 8e 3as ho(ding on to the bac/ seat 3ith both hands.
A+e1 roads2B she said. A9o# get #sed to them.B
AAre they a(( (i/e this:B as/ed Shado3.
APretty m#ch2B said the 3oman. AA(( the ones ro#nd here. And don$t yo# go as/ing abo#t a(( the
money %rom casinos2 beca#se 3ho in their right mind 3ants to come a(( the 3ay o#t here to go
to a casino: 5e don$t see none o% that money o#t here.B
A,$m sorry.B
ADon$t be.B She changed gears 3ith a crash and a groan. A9o# /no3 the 3hite pop#(ation a((
ro#nd here is %a((ing: 9o# go o#t there2 yo# %ind ghost to3ns. 8o3 yo# going to /eep them
do3n on the %arm2 a%ter they seen the 3or(d on their te(e!ision screens: And it$s not 3orth
anyone$s 3hi(e to %arm the Bad(ands anyho3. hey too/ o#r (ands2 they sett(ed here2 no3
they$re (ea!ing. hey go so#th. hey go 3est. 6aybe i% 3e 3ait %or eno#gh o% them to mo!e to
'e3 9or/ and 6iami and @.A. 3e can ta/e the 3ho(e o% the midd(e bac/ 3itho#t a %ight.B
AGood (#c/2B said Shado3.
hey %o#nd 8arry B(#eDay in the rec ha((2 at the poo( tab(e2 doing tric/ shots to impress a gro#p
o% se!era( gir(s. 8e had a b(#e Day tattooed on the bac/ o% his right hand2 and m#(tip(e piercings
in his right ear.
A8o ho/a2 8arry B(#eDay2B said John 4hapman.
A)#c/ o%%2 yo# cra1y bare%oot 3hite ghost2B said 8arry B(#eDay2 con!ersationa((y. A9o# gi!e me
the creeps.B
here 3ere o(der men at the %ar end o% the room2 some o% them p(aying cards2 some o% them
ta(/ing. here 3ere other men2 yo#nger men o% abo#t 8arry B(#eDay$s age2 3aiting %or their t#rn
at the poo( tab(e. ,t 3as a %#((Csi1ed poo( tab(e2 and a rip in the green bai1e on one side had been
repaired 3ith si(!erCgray d#ct tape.
A, got a message %rom yo#r #nc(e2B said 4hapman2 #n%a1ed. A8e says yo#$re to gi!e these t3o
yo#r car.B
here m#st ha!e been thirty2 maybe e!en %orty peop(e in that ha((2 and no3 they 3ere e!ery
one o% them (oo/ing intent(y at their p(aying cards2 or their %eet2 or their %ingernai(s2 and
pretending as hard as they co#(d not to be (istening.
A8e$s not my #nc(e.B
A cigaretteCsmo/e %#g h#ng o!er the ha(( (i/e a cirr#s c(o#d. 4hapman smi(ed 3ide(y2 disp(aying
the 3orst set o% teeth that Shado3 had seen in a h#man mo#th. A9o# 3ant to te(( yo#r #nc(e
that: 8e says yo#$re the on(y reason he stays among the @a/ota.B
A5his/ey Jac/ says a (ot o% things2B said 8arry B(#eDay2 pet#(ant(y. B#t he did not say 5his/ey
Jac/ either. ,t so#nded a(most the same2 to Shado3$s ear2 b#t not I#ite: 5isa/edDa/2 he
tho#ght. hat$s 3hat they$re saying. 'ot 5his/ey Jac/ at a((.
Shado3 said2 A9eah. And one o% the things he said 3as that 3e$re trading o#r 5innebago %or
yo#r B#ic/.B
A, don$t see a 5innebago.B
A8e$(( bring yo# the 5innebago2B said John 4hapman. A9o# /no3 he 3i((.B
8arry B(#eDay attempted a tric/ shot and missed. 8is hand 3as not steady eno#gh. A,$m not the
o(d %o&$s nephe32B said 8arry B(#eDay. A, 3ish he 3o#(dn$t say that to peop(e.B
ABetter a (i!e %o& than a dead 3o(%2B said 5ednesday2 in a !oice so deep it 3as a(most a gro3(.
A'o32 3i(( yo# se(( #s yo#r car:B
8arry B(#eDay shi!ered2 !isib(y and !io(ent(y. AS#re2B he said. AS#re. , 3as on(y /idding. , /id a (ot2
me.B 8e p#t do3n the poo( c#e on the poo( tab(e2 and too/ a thic/ Dac/et2 p#((ing it o#t %rom a
c(#ster o% simi(ar Dac/ets hanging %rom pegs by the door. A@et me get my shit o#t o% the car
%irst2B he said.
8e /ept darting g(ances at 5ednesday2 as i% he 3ere concerned that the o(der man 3as abo#t
to e&p(ode.
8arry B(#eDay$s car 3as par/ed a h#ndred yards a3ay. As they 3a(/ed to3ard it2 they passed a
sma(( 3hite3ashed 4atho(ic ch#rch2 and a %airChaired man in a priest$s co((ar 3ho stared at
them %rom the door3ay as they 3ent past. 8e 3as s#c/ing on a cigarette as i% he did not enDoy
smo/ing it.
AGood day to yo#2 %atherPB ca((ed Johnny 4hapman2 b#t the man in the dogCco((ar made no
rep(y? he cr#shed his cigarette #nder his hee(2 pic/ed #p the b#tt2 and dropped it into the bin
beside the door2 and 3ent inside.
A, to(d yo# not to gi!e him those pamph(ets (ast time yo# 3ere here2B said 8arry B(#eDay.
A,t is he that is in error2 not me2B said 4hapman. A,% he$d Des read the S3edenborg , ga!e him
he$d /no3 that. ,t$d bring (ight into his (i%e.B
8arry B(#eDay$s car 3as missing its side mirrors2 and its tires 3ere the ba(dest Shado3 had e!er
seen: per%ect(y smooth b(ac/ r#bber. 8arry B(#eDay to(d them the car dran/ oi(2 b#t as (ong as
yo# /ept po#ring oi( in2 it 3o#(d D#st /eep r#nning %ore!er2 #n(ess it stopped.
8arry B(#eDay %i((ed a b(ac/ garbage bag 3ith shit %rom the car Gsaid shit inc(#ding se!era( scre3C
top bott(es o% cheap beer2 #n%inished2 a sma(( pac/et o% cannabis resin 3rapped in si(!er %oi( and
bad(y hidden in the car$s ashtray2 a s/#n/Ctai(2 t3o do1en co#ntry and 3estern cassettes and a
battered2 ye((o3ing copy o% Stranger in a Strange @andH. ASorry , 3as Der/ing yo#r chain
be%ore2B said 8arry B(#eDay to 5ednesday2 passing him the car /eys. A9o# /no3 3hen ,$(( get
the 5innebago:B
AAs/ yo#r #nc(e. 8e$s the %#c/ing #sedCcar dea(er2B gro3(ed 5ednesday.
A5isa/edDa/ is not my #nc(e2B said 8arry B(#eDay. 8e too/ his b(ac/ garbage bag and 3ent into
the nearest ho#se2 and c(osed the door behind him.
hey dropped Johnny 4hapman in Sio#& )a((s2 o#tside a 3ho(eC%ood store.
5ednesday said nothing on the dri!e. 8e 3as brooding.
,n a %ami(y resta#rant D#st o#tside St. Pa#( Shado3 pic/ed #p a ne3spaper someone e(se had
p#t do3n. 8e (oo/ed at it once2 then again2 then he sho3ed it to 5ednesday. 5ednesday 3as
in a b(ac/ s#(/2 as he had been since they (e%t 5his/ey Jac/$s p(ace.
A@oo/ at that2B said Shado3.
5ednesday sighed2 and (oo/ed do3n at the paper 3ith an e&pression o% pain2 as i% (o3ering his
head h#rt more than he co#(d p#t into 3ords. A, am2B he said2 Ade(ighted that the airCtra%%ic
contro((ers$ disp#te has been reso(!ed 3itho#t reco#rse to ind#stria( action.B
A'ot that2B said Shado3. A@oo/. ,t says it$s the %o#rteenth o% )ebr#ary.B
A8appy Fa(entine$s Day.B
ASo 3e set o#t Jan#ary the 3hat2 t3entieth2 t3entyC%irst: , 3asn$t /eeping trac/ o% the dates2
b#t it 3as the third 3ee/ o% Jan#ary. 5e 3ere three days on the road2 a(( to(d. So ho3 is it the
%o#rteenth o% )ebr#ary:B
ABeca#se 3e 3a(/ed %or a(most a month2B said 5ednesday. A,n the Bad(ands. Bac/stage.B
A8e(( o% a shortc#t2B said Shado3.
5ednesday p#shed the paper a3ay. A)#c/ing Johnny App(eseed2 a(3ays going on abo#t Pa#(
B#nyan. ,n rea( (i%e 4hapman o3ned %o#rteen app(e orchards. 8e %armed tho#sands o% acres.
9es2 he /ept pace 3ith the 3estern %rontier2 b#t there$s not a story o#t there abo#t him 3ith a
3ord o% tr#th in it2 sa!e that he 3ent a (itt(e cra1y once. B#t it doesn$t matter. @i/e the
ne3spapers #sed to say2 i% the tr#th isn$t big eno#gh2 yo# print the (egend. his co#ntry needs
its (egends. And e!en the (egends don$t be(ie!e it any more.B
AB#t yo# see it.B
A,$m a hasCbeen. 5ho the %#c/ cares abo#t me:B
Shado3 said so%t(y2 A9o#$re a god.B
5ednesday (oo/ed at him sharp(y. 8e seemed to be abo#t to say something2 and then he
s(#mped bac/ in his seat2 and (oo/ed do3n at the men# and said2 ASo:B
A,t$s a good thing to be a god2B said Shado3.
A,s it:B as/ed 5ednesday2 and this time it 3as Shado3 3ho (oo/ed a3ay.
,n a gas station t3entyC%i!e mi(es o#tside @a/eside2 on the 3a(( by the restrooms2 Shado3 sa3 a
homemade photocopied notice: a b(ac/ and 3hite photo o% A(ison 6cGo!ern and the
hand3ritten I#estion 8a!e 9o# Seen 6e: abo!e it. Same yearboo/ photograph: smi(ing
con%ident(y2 a gir( 3ith r#bberCband braces on her top teeth 3ho 3ants to 3or/ 3ith anima(s
3hen she gro3s #p. 8a!e yo# seen me:
Shado3 bo#ght a Snic/ers bar2 a bott(e o% 3ater2 and a copy o% the @a/eside 'e3s. he abo!eC
theC%o(d story2 3ritten by 6arg#erite *(sen2 o#r @a/eside +eporter2 sho3ed a photograph o% a
boy and an o(der man2 o#t on the %ro1en (a/e2 standing by an o#tho#seC(i/e iceC%ishing shac/2
and bet3een them they 3ere ho(ding a big %ish. hey 3ere smi(ing. )ather and Son 4atch
+ecord 'orthern Pi/e. )#(( story inside.
5ednesday 3as dri!ing. 8e said2 A+ead me anything interesting yo# %ind in the paper.B
Shado3 (oo/ed care%#((y2 and he t#rned the pages s(o3(y2 b#t he co#(dn$t %ind anything.
5ednesday dropped him o%% in the dri!e3ay o#tside his apartment. A smo/eCco(ored cat stared
at him %rom the dri!e3ay2 then %(ed 3hen he bent to stro/e it.
Shado3 stopped on the 3ooden dec/ o#tside his apartment and (oo/ed o#t at the (a/e2 dotted
here and there 3ith green and bro3n iceC%ishing h#ts. 6any o% them had cars par/ed beside
them. *n the ice nearer the bridge sat the o(d green /(#n/er2 D#st as it had sat in the
ne3spaper. A6arch the t3entyCthird2B said Shado32 enco#raging(y. A+o#nd nine %i%teen in the
morning. 9o# can do it.B
A'ot a chance2B said a 3oman$s !oice. AApri( third. Si& P.6. hat 3ay the day 3arms #p the ice.B
Shado3 smi(ed. 6arg#erite *(sen 3as 3earing a s/i s#it. She 3as at the %ar end o% the dec/2
re%i((ing the bird %eeder 3ith 3hite b(oc/s o% s#et.
A, read yo#r artic(e in the @a/eside 'e3s on the o3n +ecord 'orthern Pi/e.B
A"&citing2 h#h:B
A5e((2 ed#cationa(2 maybe.B
A, tho#ght yo# 3eren$t coming bac/ to #s2B she said. A9o# 3ere gone %or a 3hi(e2 h#h:B
A6y #nc(e needed me2B said Shado3. Ahe time /ind o% got a3ay %rom #s.B
She p(aced the (ast s#et bric/ in its cage2 and began to %i(( a net soc/ 3ith thist(eCseeds %rom a
p(astic mi(/CD#g. Se!era( go(d%inches2 o(i!e in their 3inter coats2 t3itted impatient(y %rom a
nearby %irCtree.
A, didn$t see anything in the paper abo#t A(ison 6cGo!ern.B
Ahere 3asn$t anything to report. She$s sti(( missing. here 3as a r#mor that someone had seen
her in Detroit2 b#t it t#rned o#t to be a %a(se a(arm.B
APoor /id.B
6arg#erite *(sen scre3ed the top bac/ onto the ga((on D#g. A, hope she$s dead2B she said2
matterCo%C%act(y.
Shado3 3as shoc/ed. A5hy:B
ABeca#se the a(ternati!es are 3orse.B
he go(d%inches hopped %rantica((y %rom branch to branch o% the %irCtree2 impatient %or the
peop(e to be gone. A do3ny 3oodpec/er Doined them.
9o# aren$t thin/ing abo#t A(ison2 tho#ght Shado3. 9o#$re thin/ing o% yo#r son. 9o#$re thin/ing
o% Sandy.
8e remembered someone saying , miss Sandy. 5ho 3as that:
AGood ta(/ing to yo#2B he said.
A9eah2B she said. A9o#2 too.B
)ebr#ary passed in a s#ccession o% short2 gray days. Some days the sno3 %e((2 most days it
didn$t. he 3eather 3armed #p2 and on the good days it got abo!e %ree1ing. Shado3 stayed in
his apartment #nti( it began to %ee( (i/e a prison ce((2 and then2 on the days that 5ednesday did
not need him2 he began to 3a(/.
8e 3o#(d 3a(/ %or m#ch o% the day2 (ong tr#dges o#t o% the to3n. 8e 3a(/ed2 a(one2 #nti( he
reached the nationa( %orest to the north and the 3est2 or the corn %ie(ds and co3 past#res to
the so#th. 8e 3a(/ed the @#mber 4o#nty 5i(derness rai(2 and he 3a(/ed a(ong the o(d rai(road
trac/s2 and he 3a(/ed the bac/ roads. A co#p(e o% times he e!en 3a(/ed a(ong the %ro1en (a/e2
%rom north to so#th. Sometimes he$d see (oca(s or 3inter to#rists or Doggers2 and he$d 3a!e and
say hi. 6ost(y he sa3 nobody at a((2 D#st cro3s and %inches and2 a %e3 times2 he spotted a ha3/
%easting on a road/i(( poss#m or raccoon. *n one memorab(e occasion he 3atched an eag(e
snatch a si(!er %ish %rom the midd(e o% the 5hite Pine +i!er2 the 3ater %ro1en at the edges2 b#t
sti(( r#shing and %(o3ing at the center. he %ish 3rigg(ed and Der/ed in the eag(e$s ta(ons2
g(ittering in the midday s#n? Shado3 imagined the %ish %reeing itse(% and s3imming o%% across
the s/y2 and he smi(ed.
,% he 3a(/ed2 he disco!ered2 he did not ha!e to thin/2 and that 3as D#st the 3ay he (i/ed it?
3hen he tho#ght2 his mind 3ent to p(aces he co#(d not contro(2 p(aces that made him %ee(
#ncom%ortab(e. "&ha#stion 3as the best thing. 5hen he 3as e&ha#sted2 his tho#ghts did not
3ander to @a#ra2 or to the strange dreams2 or to things that 3ere not and co#(d not be. 8e
3o#(d ret#rn home %rom 3a(/ing2 and s(eep 3itho#t di%%ic#(ty and 3itho#t dreaming.
8e ran into Po(ice 4hie% 4had 6#((igan in George$s Barber Shop in the to3n sI#are. Shado3
a(3ays had high hopes %or hairc#ts2 b#t they ne!er (i!ed #p to his e&pectations. A%ter e!ery
hairc#t he (oo/ed more or (ess the same2 on(y 3ith shorter hair. 4had2 seated in the barber$s
chair beside Shado3$s2 seemed s#rprising(y concerned abo#t his o3n appearance. 5hen his
hairc#t 3as %inished he ga1ed grim(y at his re%(ection2 as i% he 3ere preparing to gi!e it a
speeding tic/et.
A,t (oo/s good2B Shado3 to(d him.
A5o#(d it (oo/ good to yo# i% yo# 3ere a 3oman:B
A, g#ess.B
hey 3ent across the sI#are to 6abe($s together2 ordered m#gs o% hot choco(ate. 4had said2
A8ey. 6i/e. 8a!e yo# e!er tho#ght abo#t a career in (a3 en%orcement:B
Shado3 shr#gged. A, can$t say , ha!e2B he said. ASeems (i/e there$s a 3ho(e (ot o% things yo# got
to /no3.B
4had shoo/ his head. A9o# /no3 the main part o% po(ice 3or/2 some3here (i/e this: ,t$s D#st
/eeping yo#r head. Something happens2 somebody$s screaming at yo#2 screaming b(#e m#rder2
yo# simp(y ha!e to be ab(e to say that yo#$re s#re that it$s a(( a mista/e2 and yo#$(( D#st sort it a((
o#t i% they D#st step o#tside I#iet(y. And yo# ha!e to be ab(e to mean it.B
AAnd then yo# sort it o#t:B
A6ost(y2 that$s 3hen yo# p#t handc#%%s on them. B#t yeah2 yo# do 3hat yo# can to sort it o#t.
@et me /no3 i% yo# 3ant a Dob. 5e$re hiring. And yo#$re the /ind o% g#y 3e 3ant.B
A,$(( /eep that in mind2 i% the thing 3ith my #nc(e %a((s thro#gh.B
hey sipped their hot choco(ate. 6#((igan said2 ASay2 6i/e2 3hat 3o#(d yo# do i% yo# had a
co#sin: @i/e a 3ido3. And she started ca((ing yo#:B
A4a((ing yo# ho3:B
A*n the phone. @ong distance. She (i!es o#t o% state.B 8is chee/s crimsoned. A, sa3 her (ast year
at a %ami(y 3edding2 o#t in *regon. She 3as married2 bac/ then2 tho#gh2 , mean2 her h#sband
3as sti(( a(i!e2 and she$s %ami(y. 'ot a %irst co#sin. Pretty distant.B
A9o# got a thing %or her:B
B(#sh. A, don$t /no3 abo#t that.B
A5e(( then2 p#t it another 3ay. Does she ha!e a thing %or yo#:B
A5e((2 she$s said a %e3 things 3hen she ca((ed. She$s a !ery %ineC(oo/ing 3oman.B
ASoQ3hat are yo# going to do abo#t it:B
A, co#(d as/ her o#t here. , co#(d do that2 co#(dn$t ,: She$s /ind o% said she$d (i/e to come #p
here.B
A9o#$re both ad#(ts. ,$d say go %or it.B
4had nodded2 and b(#shed2 and nodded again.
he te(ephone in Shado3$s apartment 3as si(ent and dead. 8e tho#ght abo#t getting it
connected2 b#t co#(d thin/ o% no one he 3anted to ca((. @ate one night he pic/ed it #p and
(istened2 and 3as con!inced that he co#(d hear a 3ind b(o3ing and a distant con!ersation
bet3een a gro#p o% peop(e 3hose !oices 3ere too %aint to disting#ish. 8e said2 A8e((o:B and
A5ho$s there:B b#t there 3as no rep(y2 on(y a s#dden si(ence and then the %ara3ay so#nd o%
(a#ghter2 so %aint he 3as not certain he 3as not imagining it.
Shado3 made more Do#rneys 3ith 5ednesday in the 3ee/s that %o((o3ed.
8e 3aited in the /itchen o% a +hode ,s(and cottage2 and (istened 3hi(e 5ednesday sat in a
dar/ened bedroom and arg#ed 3ith a 3oman 3ho 3o#(d not get o#t o% bed2 nor 3o#(d she (et
5ednesday or Shado3 (oo/ at her %ace. ,n the re%rigerator 3as a p(astic bag %i((ed 3ith cric/ets2
and another %i((ed 3ith the corpses o% baby mice.
,n a roc/ c(#b in Seatt(e Shado3 3atched 5ednesday sho#t his greeting2 o!er the noise o% the
band2 to a yo#ng 3oman 3ith short red hair and b(#eCspira( tattoos. hat ta(/ m#st ha!e gone
3e((2 %or 5ednesday came a3ay %rom it grinning de(ighted(y.
)i!e days (ater Shado3 3as 3aiting in the renta( 3hen 5ednesday 3a(/ed2 sco3(ing2 %rom the
(obby o% an o%%ice b#i(ding in Da((as. 5ednesday s(ammed the car door 3hen he got in2 and sat
there in si(ence2 his %ace red 3ith rage. 8e said2 ADri!e.B hen he said2 A)#c/ing A(banians. @i/e
anybody cares.B
hree days a%ter that they %(e3 to Bo#(der2 3here they had a p(easant (#nch 3ith %i!e yo#ng
Japanese 3omen. ,t 3as a mea( o% p(easantries and po(iteness2 and Shado3 3a(/ed a3ay %rom
it #ns#re o% 3hether anything had been agreed to or decided. 5ednesday2 tho#gh2 seemed
happy eno#gh.
Shado3 had beg#n to (oo/ %or3ard to ret#rning to @a/eside. here 3as a peace there2 and a
3e(come2 that he appreciated.
"ach morning2 3hen he 3as not a3ay 3or/ing %or 5ednesday2 he 3o#(d dri!e across the bridge
to the to3n sI#are. 8e 3o#(d b#y t3o pasties at 6abe($s? he 3o#(d eat one pasty then and
there2 and drin/ a co%%ee. ,% someone had (e%t a ne3spaper o#t he 3o#(d read it2 a(tho#gh he
3as ne!er interested eno#gh in the ne3s to p#rchase a ne3spaper himse(%.
8e 3o#(d poc/et the second pasty2 3rapped in its paper bag2 and eat it %or his (#nch.
8e 3as reading ESA oday one morning 3hen 6abe( said2 A8ey2 6i/e. 5here yo# going
today:B
he s/y 3as pa(e b(#e. he morning mist had (e%t the trees co!ered 3ith hoar%rost. A, don$t
/no32B said Shado3. A6aybe ,$(( 3a(/ the 3i(derness trai( again.B
She re%i((ed his co%%ee. A9o# e!er gone east on 4o#nty 7: ,t$s /ind o% pretty o#t thata3ay. hat$s
the (itt(e road that starts acrost %rom the carpet store on 3entieth A!en#e.B
A'o. 'e!er ha!e.B
A5e((2B she said2 Ait$s /ind o% pretty.B
,t 3as e&treme(y pretty. Shado3 par/ed his car at the edge o% to3n2 and 3a(/ed a(ong the side
o% the road2 a 3inding2 co#ntry road that c#r(ed aro#nd the hi((s to the east o% the to3n. "ach o%
the hi((s 3as co!ered 3ith (ea%(ess map(e trees2 and boneC3hite birches2 and dar/ %irs and pines.
here 3as no %ootpath2 and Shado3 3a(/ed a(ong the midd(e o% the road2 ma/ing %or the side
3hene!er he heard a car.
At one point a sma(( dar/ cat /ept pace 3ith him beside the road. ,t 3as the co(or o% dirt2 3ith
3hite %orepa3s. 8e 3a(/ed o!er to it. ,t did not r#n a3ay.
A8ey2 cat2B said Shado32 #nse(%conscio#s(y.
he cat p#t its head on one side2 (oo/ed #p at him 3ith emera(d eyes. hen it hissed-not at
him2 b#t at something o!er on the side o% the road2 something he co#(d not see.
A"asy2B said Shado3. he cat sta(/ed a3ay across the road2 and !anished into a %ie(d o% o(d
#nhar!ested corn.
Aro#nd the ne&t bend in the road Shado3 came #pon a tiny gra!eyard. he headstones 3ere
3eathered2 a(tho#gh se!era( o% them had sprays o% %resh %(o3ers resting against them. here
3as no 3a(( abo#t the gra!eyard2 and no %ence2 on(y (o3 m#(berry trees2 p(anted at the
margins2 bent o!er 3ith ice and age. Shado3 stepped o!er the pi(edC#p ice and s(#sh at the side
o% the road. here 3ere t3o stone gateposts mar/ing the entry to the gra!eyard2 a(tho#gh
there 3as no gate bet3een them. 8e 3a(/ed into the gra!eyard bet3een the t3o posts.
8e 3andered aro#nd the gra!eyard2 (oo/ing at the headstones. here 3ere no inscriptions (ater
than ;<W<. 8e br#shed the sno3 %rom a so(idC(oo/ing granite ange(2 and he (eaned against it.
8e too/ the paper bag %rom his poc/et2 and remo!ed the pasty %rom it. 8e bro/e o%% the top: it
breathed a %aint 3isp o% steam into the 3intry air. ,t sme((ed rea((y good2 too. 8e bit into it.
Something r#st(ed behind him. 8e tho#ght %or a moment it 3as the cat2 b#t then he sme((ed
per%#me2 and #nder the per%#me2 the scent o% something rotten.
AP(ease don$t (oo/ at me2B she said2 %rom behind him.
A8e((o2 @a#ra2B said Shado3.
8er !oice 3as hesitant2 perhaps2 he tho#ght2 e!en a (itt(e scared. She said2 A8e((o2 p#ppy.B
8e bro/e o%% some pasty. A5o#(d yo# (i/e some:B he as/ed.
She 3as standing immediate(y behind him2 no3. A'o2B she said. A9o# eat it. , don$t eat %ood any
more.B
8e ate his pasty. ,t 3as good. A, 3ant to (oo/ at yo#2B he said.
A9o# 3on$t (i/e it2B she to(d him.
AP(ease:B
She stepped aro#nd the stone ange(. Shado3 (oo/ed at her2 in the day(ight. Some things 3ere
di%%erent and some things 3ere the same. 8er eyes had not changed2 nor had the croo/ed
hope%#(ness o% her smi(e. And she 3as2 !ery ob!io#s(y2 !ery dead. Shado3 %inished his pasty. 8e
stood #p and tipped the cr#mbs o#t o% the paper bag2 then %o(ded it #p and p#t it bac/ into his
poc/et.
he time he had spent in the %#nera( home in 4airo made it easier someho3 %or him to be in
her presence. 8e did not /no3 3hat to say to her.
8er co(d hand so#ght his2 and he sI#ee1ed it gent(y. 8e co#(d %ee( his heart beating in his chest.
8e 3as scared2 and 3hat scared him 3as the norma(ity o% the moment. 8e %e(t so com%ortab(e
3ith her at his side that he 3o#(d ha!e been 3i((ing to stand there %ore!er.
A, miss yo#2B he admitted.
A,$m here2B she said.
Ahat$s 3hen , miss yo# most. 5hen yo#$re here. 5hen yo# aren$t here2 3hen yo#$re D#st a
ghost %rom the past or a dream %rom another (i%e2 it$s easier then.B
She sI#ee1ed his %ingers.
ASo2B he as/ed. A8o3$s death:B
A8ard2B she said. A,t D#st /eeps going.B
She rested her head on his sho#(der2 and it a(most #ndid him. 8e said2 A9o# 3ant to 3a(/ %or a
bit:B
AS#re.B She smi(ed #p at him2 a ner!o#s2 croo/ed smi(e in a dead %ace.
hey 3a(/ed o#t o% the (itt(e gra!eyard2 and made their 3ay bac/ do3n the road2 to3ard the
to3n2 hand in hand. A5here ha!e yo# been:B she as/ed.
A8ere2B he said. A6ost(y.B
ASince 4hristmas2B she said2 A, /ind o% (ost yo#. Sometimes , 3o#(d /no3 3here yo# 3ere2 %or a
%e3 ho#rs2 %or a %e3 days. 9o#$d be a(( o!er. hen yo#$d %ade a3ay again.B
A, 3as in this to3n2B he said. A@a/eside. ,t$s a good (itt(e to3n.B
A*h2B she said.
She no (onger 3ore the b(#e dress in 3hich she had been b#ried. 'o3 she 3ore se!era(
s3eaters2 a (ong2 dar/2 s/irt2 and b#rg#ndy boots. Shado3 commented on them.
@a#ra d#c/ed her head. She smi(ed. AAren$t they great boots: , %o#nd them in this great shoe
store in 4hicago.B
ASo 3hat made yo# decide to come #p %rom 4hicago:B
A*h2 ,$!e not been in 4hicago %or a 3hi(e2 p#ppy. , 3as heading so#th. he co(d 3as bothering
me. 9o#$d thin/ ,$d 3e(come it. B#t it$s something to do 3ith being dead2 , g#ess. 9o# don$t %ee(
it as co(d. 9o# %ee( it as a sort o% nothing2 and 3hen yo#$re dead , g#ess the on(y thing that
yo#$re scared o% is nothing. , 3as going to go to e&as. , p(anned to spend the 3inter in
Ga(!eston. , thin/ , #sed to 3inter in Ga(!eston2 3hen , 3as a /id.B
A, don$t thin/ yo# did2B said Shado3. A9o#$!e ne!er mentioned it be%ore.B
A'o: 6aybe it 3as someone e(se2 then. , don$t /no3. , remember seag#((s-thro3ing bread in
the air %or seag#((s2 h#ndreds o% them2 the 3ho(e s/y becoming nothing b#t seag#((s as they
%(apped their 3ings and snatched the bread %rom the air.B She pa#sed. A,% , didn$t see it2 , g#ess
someone e(se did.B
A car came aro#nd the corner. he dri!er 3a!ed them he((o. Shado3 3a!ed bac/. ,t %e(t
3onder%#((y norma( to 3a(/ 3ith his 3i%e.
Ahis %ee(s good2B said @a#ra2 as i% she 3as reading his mind.
A9es2B said Shado3.
A,$m p(eased it %ee(s good %or yo#2 too. 5hen the ca(( came , had to h#rry bac/. , 3as bare(y into
e&as.B
A4a((:B
She (oo/ed #p at him. Aro#nd her nec/ the go(d coin g(inted. A,t %e(t (i/e a ca((2B she said. A,
started to thin/ abo#t yo#2 abo#t ho3 m#ch more %#n , 3o#(d ha!e 3ith yo# than do3n in
Ga(!eston. Abo#t ho3 m#ch , needed to see yo#. ,t 3as (i/e a h#nger.B
A9o# /ne3 , 3as here2 then:B
A9es.B She stopped. She %ro3ned2 and her #pper teeth pressed into her b(#e (o3er (ip2 biting it
gent(y. She p#t her head on one side and said2 A, did. S#dden(y2 , did. , tho#ght yo# 3ere ca((ing
me2 b#t it 3asn$t yo#2 3as it:B
A'o.B
A9o# didn$t 3ant to see me.B
A,t 3asn$t that.B 8e hesitated. A'o. , didn$t 3ant to see yo#. ,t h#rts too m#ch.B
he sno3 cr#nched beneath their %eet and it g(ittered diamonds as the s#n(ight ca#ght it.
A,t m#st be hard2B said @a#ra2 Anot being a(i!e.B
A9o# mean it$s hard %or yo# to be dead: @oo/2 ,$m sti(( going to %ig#re o#t ho3 to bring yo#
bac/2 proper(y. , thin/ ,$m on the right trac/-B
A'o2B she said. A, mean2 ,$m grate%#(. And , hope yo# rea((y can do it. , did a (ot o% bad st#%%QB
She shoo/ her head. AB#t , 3as ta(/ing abo#t yo#.B
A,$m a(i!e2B said Shado3. A,$m not dead. +emember:B
A9o#$re not dead2B she said. AB#t ,$m not s#re that yo#$re a(i!e2 either. 'ot rea((y.B
his isn$t the 3ay this con!ersation goes2 tho#ght Shado3. his isn$t the 3ay anything goes.
A, (o!e yo#2B she said2 dispassionate(y. A9o#$re my p#ppy. B#t 3hen yo#$re rea((y dead yo# get
to see things c(earer. ,t$s (i/e there isn$t anyone there. 9o# /no3: 9o#$re (i/e this big2 so(id2
manCshaped ho(e in the 3or(d.B She %ro3ned. A"!en 3hen 3e 3ere together. , (o!ed being 3ith
yo# beca#se yo# adored me2 and yo# 3o#(d do anything %or me. B#t sometimes ,$d go into a
room and , 3o#(dn$t thin/ there 3as anybody in there. And ,$d t#rn the (ight on2 or ,$d t#rn the
(ight o%%2 and ,$d rea(i1e that yo# 3ere in there2 sitting on yo#r o3n2 not reading2 not 3atching
F2 not doing anything.B
She h#gged him then2 as i% to ta/e the sting %rom her 3ords2 and she said2 Ahe best thing abo#t
+obbie 3as that he 3as somebody. 8e 3as a Der/ sometimes2 and he co#(d be a Do/e2 and he
(o!ed to ha!e mirrors aro#nd 3hen 3e made (o!e so he co#(d 3atch himse(% %#c/ing me2 b#t he
3as a(i!e2 p#ppy. 8e 3anted things. 8e %i((ed the space.B She stopped2 (oo/ed #p at him2
tipped her head a (itt(e to one side. A,$m sorry. Did , h#rt yo#r %ee(ings:B
8e did not tr#st his !oice not to betray him2 so he simp(y shoo/ his head.
AGood2B she said. Ahat$s good.B
hey 3ere approaching the rest area 3here he had par/ed his car. Shado3 %e(t that he needed
to say something: , (o!e yo#2 or p(ease don$t go2 or ,$m sorry. he /ind o% 3ords yo# #se to
patch a con!ersation that had (#rched2 3itho#t 3arning2 into the dar/ p(aces. ,nstead he said2
A,$m not dead.B
A6aybe not2B she said. AB#t are yo# s#re yo#$re a(i!e:B
A@oo/ at me2B he said.
Ahat$s not an ans3er2B said his dead 3i%e. A9o#$(( /no3 it2 3hen yo# are.B
A5hat no3:B he said.
A5e((2B she said2 A,$!e seen yo# no3. ,$m going so#th again.B
ABac/ to e&as:B
ASome3here 3arm. , don$t care.B
A, ha!e to 3ait here2B said Shado3. AEnti( my boss needs me.B
Ahat$s not (i!ing2B said @a#ra. She sighed? and then she smi(ed2 the same smi(e that had been
ab(e to t#g at his heart no matter ho3 many times he sa3 it. "!ery time she smi(ed at him had
been the %irst time a(( o!er again.
A5i(( , see yo# again:B
She (oo/ed #p at him and she stopped smi(ing. A, g#ess so2B she said. A,n the end. 'othing$s
%inished2 yet2 is it:B
A'o2B he said. A,t$s not.B
8e 3ent to p#t his arm aro#nd her2 b#t she shoo/ her head and p#((ed o#t o% his reach. She sat
do3n on the edge o% a sno3Cco!ered picnic tab(e2 and she 3atched him dri!e a3ay.
,'"+@ED"
he 3ar had beg#n and nobody sa3 it. he storm 3as (o3ering and nobody /ne3 it.
5ars are being %o#ght a(( the time2 3ith the 3or(d o#tside no more the 3iser: the 3ar on crime2
the 3ar on po!erty2 the 3ar on dr#gs. his 3ar 3as sma((er than those2 and h#ger2 and more
se(ecti!e2 b#t it 3as as rea( as any.
A %a((ing girder in 6anhattan c(osed a street %or t3o days. ,t /i((ed t3o pedestrians2 an Arabic
ta&iCdri!er and the ta&iCdri!er$s passenger.
A tr#c/er in Den!er 3as %o#nd dead in his home. he m#rder instr#ment2 a r#bberCgripped
c(a3Cheaded hammer2 had been (e%t on the %(oor beside his corpse. 8is %ace 3as #nto#ched2 b#t
the bac/ o% his head 3as comp(ete(y destroyed2 and se!era( 3ords in a %oreign a(phabet 3ere
3ritten on the bathroom mirror in bro3n (ipstic/.
,n a posta( sorting station in Phoeni&2 Ari1ona2 a man 3ent cra1y2 3ent posta( as they said on
the e!ening ne3s2 and shot erry Ahe ro((B "!ensen2 a morbid(y obese2 a3/3ard man 3ho
(i!ed a(one in a trai(er. Se!era( other peop(e in the sorting station 3ere %ired on2 b#t on(y
"!ensen 3as /i((ed. he man 3ho %ired the shots-%irst tho#ght to be a disgr#nt(ed posta(
3or/er-3as not ca#ght2 and 3as ne!er identi%ied.
A)ran/(y2B said erry Ahe ro((B "!ensen$s s#per!isor2 on the 'e3s at )i!e2 Ai% anyone aro#nd
here 3as gonna go posta(2 3e 3o#(d ha!e %ig#red it 3as gonna be he ro((. */ay 3or/er2 b#t a
3eird g#y. , mean2 yo# ne!er can te((2 h#h:B
hat inter!ie3 3as c#t 3hen the segment 3as repeated2 (ater that e!ening.
A comm#nity o% nine anchorites in 6ontana 3as %o#nd dead. +eporters spec#(ated that it 3as a
mass s#icide2 b#t soon the ca#se o% death 3as reported as carbon mono&ide poisoning %rom an
e(der(y %#rnace.
A (obster tan/ 3as smashed in the (obby o% an At(anta sea%ood resta#rant.
A crypt 3as de%i(ed in the .ey 5est gra!eyard.
An Amtra/ passenger train hit a EPS tr#c/ in ,daho2 /i((ing the dri!er o% the tr#c/. 'o passengers
3ere serio#s(y inD#red.
,t 3as sti(( a co(d 3ar at this stage2 a phony 3ar2 nothing that co#(d be tr#(y 3on or (ost.
he 3ind stirred the branches o% the tree. Spar/s %(e3 %rom the %ire. he storm 3as coming.
he 7#een o% Sheba2 ha(%Cdemon2 they said2 on her %ather$s side2 3itchC3oman2 3iseC3oman
and I#een2 3ho r#(ed Sheba 3hen Sheba 3as the richest (and there e!er 3as2 3hen its spices
and its gems and scented 3oods 3ere ta/en by boat and came(Cbac/ to the corners o% the
earth2 3ho 3as 3orshiped e!en 3hen she 3as a(i!e2 3orshiped as a (i!ing goddess by the
3isest o% /ings2 stands on the side3a(/ o% S#nset Bo#(e!ard at >:KK A.6. staring b(an/(y o#t at
the tra%%ic (i/e a s(#tty p(astic bride on a b(ac/ and neon 3edding ca/e. She stands as i% she o3ns
the side3a(/ and the night that s#rro#nds her.
5hen someone (oo/s straight at her2 her (ips mo!e2 as i% she is ta(/ing to herse(%. 5hen men in
cars dri!e past her she ma/es eyeCcontact and she smi(es. She ignores the men 3ho 3a(/ past
her on the side3a(/ Git happens2 peop(e 3a(/ e!ery3here2 e!en in 5est 8o((y3oodH? she
ignores them2 does her best to pretend that they are not there.
,t$s been a (ong night.
,t$s been a (ong 3ee/2 and a (ong %o#r tho#sand years.
She is pro#d that she o3es nothing to anyone. he other gir(s on the street2 they ha!e pimps2
they ha!e habits2 they ha!e chi(dren2 they ha!e peop(e 3ho ta/e 3hat they ma/e. 'ot her.
here is nothing ho(y (e%t in her pro%ession. 'ot any more.
A 3ee/ ago the rains began in @os Ange(es2 s(ic/ing the streets into road accidents2 cr#mb(ing
the m#d %rom the hi((sides and topp(ing ho#ses into canyons2 3ashing the 3or(d into the
g#tters and storm drains2 dro3ning the b#ms and the home(ess camped do3n in the concrete
channe( o% the ri!er. 5hen the rains come in @os Ange(es they a(3ays ta/e peop(e by s#rprise.
Bi(I#is has spent the (ast 3ee/ inside. Enab(e to stand on the side3a(/2 she has c#r(ed #p in her
bed in the room the co(or o% ra3 (i!er2 (istening to the rain pattering on the meta( bo& o% the
3indo3 air conditioner and p(acing persona(s on the ,nternet. She has (e%t her in!itations on
Ad#(t%riend%inder.com2 @ACescorts.com2 4(assyho((y3oodbabes.com2 has gi!en herse(% an
anonymo#s eCmai( address. She 3as pro#d o% herse(% %or negotiating the ne3 territories2 b#t
remains ner!o#s-she has spent a (ong time a!oiding anything that might resemb(e a paper
trai(. She has ne!er e!en ta/en a sma(( ad in the bac/ pages o% the @A 5ee/(y2 pre%erring to
pic/ o#t her o3n c#stomers2 to %ind by eye and sme(( and to#ch the ones 3ho 3i(( 3orship her
as she needs to be 3orshiped2 the ones 3ho 3i(( (et her ta/e them a(( the 3ayQ
And it occ#rs to her no32 standing and shi!ering on the street corner G%or the (ate )ebr#ary
rains ha!e (e%t o%%2 b#t the chi(( they bro#ght 3ith them remainsH2 that she has a habit as bad as
that o% the smac/ 3hores and the crac/ 3hores2 and this distresses her2 and her (ips begin to
mo!e again. ,% yo# 3ere c(ose eno#gh to her r#byCred (ips yo# 3o#(d hear her say2
A, 3i(( rise no3 and go abo#t the city in the streets2 and in the broad 3ays , 3i(( see/ the one ,
(o!e.B She is 3hispering that2 and she 3hispers2 A, am my be(o!ed$s2 and my be(o!ed is mine.
8e said2 this stat#re o% mine is (i/e to a pa(m tree2 and my breasts (i/e c(#sters o% grapes. 8e said
he 3o#(d come to me then. , am my be(o!ed$s and his desire is on(y to3ard me.B
Bi(I#is hopes that the brea/ in the rains 3i(( bring the Dohns bac/. 6ost o% the year she 3a(/s
the t3o or three b(oc/s on S#nset2 enDoying the coo( @.A. nights. *nce a month she pays o%% a
man named Sabbah2 an o%%icer in the @APD2 3ho rep(aced another o%%icer in the @APD she #sed
to pay o%%2 3ho had !anished. hat man$s name 3as Jerry @eBec2 and his disappearance had
been a mystery to the @APD. 8e had become obsessed 3ith Bi(I#is2 had ta/en to %o((o3ing her
on %oot2 and one a%ternoon she 3o/e2 start(ed by a noise2 and opened the door to her
apartment2 and %o#nd Jerry @eBec in ci!i(ian c(othes /nee(ing and s3aying on the 3orn carpet2
his head bo3ed2 3aiting %or her to come o#t. he noise she had heard 3as the noise o% his
head2 th#mping against her door as he roc/ed bac/ and %orth on his /nees.
She stro/ed his hair and to(d him to come inside2 and (ater she p#t his c(othes into a b(ac/
p(astic garbage bag and tossed them into a D#mpster behind a hote( se!era( b(oc/s a3ay. 8is
g#n and his 3a((et she p#t into a grocery store bag. She po#red #sed co%%ee gro#nds and %ood
3aste on top o% them2 %o(ded the top o% the bag and dropped it into a trashcan at a b#sCstop.
She /ept no so#!enirs.
he orange nightCs/y g(immers to the 3est 3ith distant (ightning2 some3here o#t to sea2 and
Bi(I#is /no3s that the rain 3i(( be starting soon. She sighs. She does not 3ant to be ca#ght in
the rain. She 3i(( ret#rn to her apartment2 she decides2 and ta/e a bath2 and sha!e her (egs2 it
seems to her she is a(3ays sha!ing her (egs2 and s(eep.
ABy night on my bed , so#ght him 3hom my so#( (o!eth2B she 3hispers. A@et him /iss me 3ith
the /isses o% his mo#th. 6y be(o!ed is mine and , am his.B
She begins to 3a(/ #p a sideCstreet2 3a(/ing #p the hi((side to 3here her car is par/ed.
8ead(ights come #p behind her2 s(o3ing as they approach her2 and she t#rns her %ace to the
street and smi(es. he smi(e %ree1es 3hen she sees the car is a 3hite stretch (imo. 6en in
stretch (imos 3ant to %#c/ in stretch (imos2 not in the pri!acy o% Bi(I#is$s shrine. Sti((2 it might be
an in!estment. Something %or the %#t#re.
A tinted 3indo3 h#ms do3n and Bi(I#is 3a(/s o!er to the (imo2 smi(ing. A8ey2 honey2B she says.
A9o# (oo/ing %or something:B
AS3eet (o!ing2B says a !oice %rom the bac/ o% the stretch. She peers inside2 as m#ch as she can
thro#gh the open 3indo3: she /no3s a gir( 3ho got into a stretch 3ith %i!e dr#n/ %ootba((
p(ayers and got h#rt rea( bad2 b#t there$s on(y one Dohn in there that she can see2 and he (oo/s
/ind o% on the yo#ng side. 8e doesn$t %ee( (i/e a 3orshiper2 b#t money2 good money that$s
passed %rom his hand to hers2 that$s an energy in its o3n right-bara/a they ca((ed it2 once on a
time-3hich she can #se and %ran/(y these days2 e!ery (itt(e he(ps.
A8o3 m#ch:B he as/s.
ADepends on 3hat yo# 3ant and ho3 (ong yo# 3ant it %or2B she says. AAnd 3hether yo# can
a%%ord it.B She can sme(( something smo/y dri%ting o#t o% the (imo 3indo3. ,t sme((s (i/e b#rning
3ires and o!erheating circ#it boards. he door is p#shed open %rom inside.
A, can pay %or anything , 3ant2B says the Dohn. She (eans into the car and (oo/s aro#nd. here$s
nobody e(se in there2 D#st the Dohn2 a p#%%yC%aced /id 3ho doesn$t e!en (oo/ o(d eno#gh to
drin/. 'obody e(se2 so she gets in.
A+ich /id2 h#h:B she says.
A+icher than rich2B he te((s her2 edging a(ong the (eather seat to3ards her. 8e mo!es
a3/3ard(y. She smi(es at him.
A6m. 6a/es me hot2 honey2B she te((s him. A9o# m#st be one o% them dotCcoms , read abo#t:B
8e preens then2 p#%%s (i/e a b#((%rog. A9eah. Among other things. ,$m a technica( boy.B he car
mo!es o%%.
ASo2B he says. Ae(( me2 Bi(I#is2 ho3 m#ch D#st to s#c/ my coc/:B
A5hat yo# ca(( me:B
ABi(I#is2B he says2 again. And then he sings2 in a !oice not made %or singing2 A9o# are an
immateria( gir( (i!ing in a materia( 3or(d.B here is something rehearsed abo#t his 3ords2 as i%
he$s practiced this e&change in %ront o% a mirror.
She stops smi(ing2 and her %ace changes2 becomes 3iser2 sharper2 harder. A5hat do yo# 3ant:B
A, to(d yo#. S3eet (o!ing.B
A,$(( gi!e yo# 3hate!er yo# 3ant2B she says. She needs to get o#t o% the (imo. ,t$s mo!ing too
%ast %or her to thro3 herse(% %rom the car2 she %ig#res2 b#t she$(( do it i% she can$t ta(/ her 3ay
o#t o% this. 5hate!er$s happening here2 she doesn$t (i/e it.
A5hat , 3ant. 9es.B 8e pa#ses. 8is tong#e r#ns o!er his (ips. A, 3ant a c(ean 3or(d. , 3ant to
o3n tomorro3. , 3ant e!o(#tion2 de!o(#tion2 and re!o(#tion. , 3ant to mo!e o#r /ind %rom the
%ringes o% the s(ipstream to the higher gro#nd o% the mainstream. 9o# peop(e are #ndergro#nd.
hat$s 3rong. 5e need to ta/e the spot(ight and shine. )ront and center. 9o# peop(e ha!e been
so %ar #ndergro#nd %or so (ong yo#$!e (ost the #se o% yo#r eyes.B
A6y name$s Ayesha2B she says. A, don$t /no3 3hat yo#$re ta(/ing abo#t. here$s another gir( on
that corner2 her name Bi(I#is. 5e co#(d go bac/ to S#nset2 yo# co#(d ha!e both o% #sQB
A*h2 Bi(I#is2B he says2 and he sighs2 theatrica((y. Ahere$s on(y so m#ch be(ie% to go aro#nd.
hey$re reaching the end o% 3hat they can gi!e #s. he credibi(ity gap.B And then he sings2 once
again2 in his t#ne(ess nasa( !oice2 A9o# are an ana(og gir(2 (i!ing in a digita( 3or(d.B he (imo
ta/es a corner too %ast2 and he t#mb(es across the seat into her. he dri!er o% the car is hidden
behind tinted g(ass. An irrationa( con!iction stri/es her2 that nobody is dri!ing the car2 that the
3hite (imo is dri!ing thro#gh Be!er(y 8i((s (i/e 8erbie the @o!e B#g2 #nder its o3n po3er.
hen the Dohn reaches o#t his hand and taps on the tinted g(ass.
he car s(o3s2 and be%ore it has stopped mo!ing Bi(I#is has p#shed open the door and she ha(%C
D#mps2 ha(%C%a((s o#t onto the b(ac/top. She$s on a hi((side road. o the (e%t o% her is a steep hi((2
to the right is a sheer drop. She starts to r#n do3n the road.
he (imo sits there2 #nmo!ing.
,t starts to rain2 and her high hee(s s(ip and t3ist beneath her. She /ic/s them o%% and r#ns2
soa/ed to the s/in2 (oo/ing %or some3here she can get o%% the road. She$s scared. She has
po3er2 tr#e2 b#t it$s h#ngerCmagic2 c#ntCmagic. ,t has /ept her a(i!e in this (and %or so (ong2 tr#e2
b#t %or e!erything e(se that$s not simp(y (i!ing she #ses her sharp eyes and her mind2 her height
and her presence.
here$s a meta( g#ardCrai( at /neeCheight on her right2 to stop cars %rom t#mb(ing o!er the side
o% the hi((2 and no3 the rain is r#nning do3n the hi((Croad t#rning it into a ri!er2 and the so(es o%
her %eet ha!e started to b(eed.
he (ights o% @.A. are spread o#t in %ront o% her2 a t3in/(ing e(ectrica( map o% an imaginary
/ingdom2 the hea!ens (aid o#t right here on earth2 and she /no3s that a(( she needs to be sa%e
is to get o%% the road.
, am b(ac/ b#t come(y2 she mo#ths to the night and the rain. , am the rose o% Sharon2 and the
(i(y o% the !a((eys. Stay me 3ith %(agons2 com%ort me 3ith app(es: %or , am sic/ o% (o!e.
A %or/ o% (ightning b#rns green(y across the night s/y. She (oses her %ooting2 s(ides se!era( %eet2
s/inning her (eg and e(bo32 and she is getting to her %eet 3hen she sees the (ights o% the car
descending the hi(( to3ard her. ,t$s coming do3n too %ast %or sa%ety and she 3onders 3hether
to thro3 herse(% to the right2 3here it co#(d cr#sh her against the hi((side2 or the (e%t2 3here she
might t#mb(e do3n the g#((y2 and she r#ns across the road2 intending to p#sh herse(% #p the
3et earth2 to c(imb2 3hen the 3hite stretch (imo comes %ishtai(ing do3n the s(ic/ hi((side road2
he(( it m#st be doing eighty2 maybe e!en aI#ap(aning on the s#r%ace o% the road2 and she$s
p#shing her hands into a hand%#( o% 3eeds and earth2 and she$s going to get #p and a3ay2 she
/no3s2 3hen the 3et earth cr#mb(es and she t#mb(es bac/ do3n onto the road.
he car hits her 3ith an impact that cr#mp(es the gri((e and tosses her into the air (i/e a g(o!e
p#ppet. She (ands on the road behind the (imo2 and the impact shatters her pe(!is2 %ract#res her
s/#((. 4o(d rain3ater r#ns o!er her %ace.
She begins to c#rse her /i((er: c#rse him si(ent(y2 as she cannot mo!e her (ips. She c#rses him in
3a/ing and in s(eeping2 in (i!ing and in death. She c#rses him as on(y someone 3ho is ha(%C
demon on her %ather$s side can c#rse.
A car door opens. Someone approaches her. A9o# 3ere an ana(og gir(2B he sings again2
t#ne(ess(y2 A(i!ing in a digita( 3or(d.B And then he says2 A9o# %#c/ing madonnas. A(( yo# %#c/ing
madonnas.B 8e 3a(/s a3ay.
he car door s(ams.
he (imo re!erses2 and r#ns bac/ o!er her2 s(o3(y2 %or the %irst time. 8er bones cr#nch beneath
the 3hee(s. hen the (imo comes bac/ do3n the hi(( to3ard her.
5hen2 %ina((y2 it dri!es a3ay2 do3n the hi((2 a(( it (ea!es behind on the road is the smeared red
meat o% road/i((2 bare(y recogni1ab(e as h#man2 and soon e!en that 3i(( be 3ashed a3ay by the
rain.
,'"+@ED" >
A8i2 Samantha.B
A6ags: ,s that yo#:B
A5ho e(se: @eon said that A#ntie Sammy ca((ed 3hen , 3as in the sho3er.B
A5e had a good ta(/. 8e$s s#ch a s3eet /id.B
A9eah. , thin/ ,$(( /eep him.B
A moment o% discom%ort %or both o% them2 bare(y a crac/(e o% a 3hisper o!er the te(ephone
(ines. hen2 ASammy2 ho3$s schoo(:B
Ahey$re gi!ing #s a 3ee/ o%%. Prob(em 3ith the %#rnaces. 8o3 are things in yo#r nec/ o% the
'orth3oods:B
A5e((2 ,$!e got a ne3 ne&tCdoor neighbor. 8e does coin tric/s. he @a/eside 'e3s (etter co(#mn
c#rrent(y %eat#res a b(istering debate on the potentia( re1oning o% the to3n (and do3n by the
o(d cemetery on the so#theast shore o% the (a/e and yo#rs tr#(y has to 3rite a strident editoria(
s#mmari1ing the paper$s position on this 3itho#t o%%ending anybody or in %act gi!ing anyone
any idea 3hat o#r position is.B
ASo#nds (i/e %#n.B
A,t$s not. A(ison 6cGo!ern !anished (ast 3ee/-Ji((y and Stan 6cGo!ern$s o(dest. , don$t thin/
yo# met them. 'ice /id. She babysat %or @eon a %e3 times.B
A mo#th opens to say something2 and it c(oses again2 (ea!ing 3hate!er it 3as to say #nsaid2 and
instead it says2 Ahat$s a3%#(.B
A9es.B
ASoQB And there$s nothing to %o((o3 that 3ith that isn$t going to h#rt2 so she says2 A,s he c#te:B
A5ho:B
Ahe neighbor.B
A8is name$s Ainse(. 6i/e Ainse(. 8e$s o/ay. oo yo#ng %or me. Big g#y2 (oo/sQ3hat$s the 3ord.
Begins 3ith an 6.B
A6ean: 6oody: 6agni%icent: 6arried:B
A short (a#gh2 then2 A9es2 , g#ess he does (oo/ married. , mean2 i% there$s a (oo/ that married
men ha!e2 he /ind o% has it. B#t the 3ord , 3as thin/ing o% 3as me(ancho(y. 8e (oo/s
me(ancho(y.B
AAnd mysterio#s:B
A'ot partic#(ar(y. 5hen he mo!ed in he seemed /inda he(p(ess-he didn$t e!en /no3 to heatC
sea( the 3indo3s. hese days he sti(( (oo/s (i/e he doesn$t /no3 3hat he$s doing here. 5hen
he$s here-he$s here2 then he$s gone again. ,$!e seen him o#t 3a(/ing %rom time to time. 8e$s
no tro#b(e.B
A6aybe he$s a ban/ robber.B
AEhCh#h. J#st 3hat , 3as thin/ing.B
A9o# 3ere not. hat 3as my idea. @isten2 6ags2 ho3 are yo#: Are yo# o/ay:B
A9eah.B
A+ea((y:B
A'o.B
A (ong pa#se then. A,$m coming #p to see yo#.B
ASammy2 no.B
A,t$(( be a%ter the 3ee/end be%ore the %#rnaces are 3or/ing and schoo( starts again. ,t$(( be %#n.
9o# can ma/e #p a bed on the co#ch %or me. And in!ite the mysterio#s neighbor o!er %or dinner
one night.B
ASam2 yo#$re matchma/ing.B
A5ho$s matchma/ing: A%ter 4(a#dineCtheCbitchC%romChe((2 maybe ,$m ready to go bac/ to boys
%or a 3hi(e. , met a nice strange boy 3hen , hitchhi/ed do3n to "( Paso %or 4hristmas.B
A*h. @oo/2 Sam2 yo#$!e got to stop hitchhi/ing.B
A8o3 do yo# thin/ ,$m going to get to @a/eside:B
AA(ison 6cGo!ern 3as hitchhi/ing. "!en in a to3n (i/e this2 it$s not sa%e. ,$(( 3ire yo# the money.
9o# can ta/e the b#s.B
A,$(( be %ine.B
ASammy.B
A*/ay2 6ags. 5ire me the money i% it$(( (et yo# s(eep easier.B
A9o# /no3 it 3i((.B
A*/ay2 bossy big sister. Gi!e @eon a h#g and te(( him A#ntie Sammy$s coming #p and he$s not to
hide his toys in her bed this time.B
A,$(( te(( him. , don$t promise it$(( do any good. So 3hen sho#(d , e&pect yo#:B
Aomorro3 night. 9o# don$t ha!e to meet me at the b#s station-,$(( as/ 8in1e(mann to r#n me
o!er in essie.B
Aoo (ate. essie$s in mothba((s %or the 3inter. B#t 8in1e(mann 3i(( gi!e yo# a ride any3ay. 8e
(i/es yo#. 9o# (isten to his stories.B
A6aybe yo# sho#(d get 8in1e(mann to 3rite yo#r editoria( %or yo#. @et$s see. *n the +e1oning
o% the @and by the *(d 4emetery2 it so happens that in the 3inter o% o#ght three my grampa3
shot a stag do3n by the o(d cemetery by the (a/e. 8e 3as o#t o% b#((ets2 so he #sed a cherryC
stone %rom the (#nch my grandmama had pac/ed %or him. 4reased the s/#(( o% the stag and it
shot o%% (i/e a bat o#t o% hec/. 3o years (ater he 3as do3n that 3ay and he sees this mighty
b#c/ 3ith a spreading cherry tree gro3ing bet3een its ant(ers. 5e((2 he shot it2 and grandmama
made cherry pies eno#gh that they 3ere sti(( eating them come the ne&t )o#rth o% J#(yQB
And they both (a#ghed2 then.
,'"+@ED" V
JA4.S*'F,@@"2 )@*+,DA. >:KK A.6.
Ahe sign says Rhe(p 3anted.$B
A5e$re a(3ays hiring.B
A, can on(y 3or/ the night shi%t. ,s that going to be a prob(em:B
ASho#(dn$t be. , can get yo# an app(ication to %i(( o#t. 9o# e!er 3or/ed in a gas station be%ore:B
A'o. , %ig#re2 ho3 hard can it be:B
A5e((2 it ain$t roc/et science2 that$s %or s#re.B
A,$m ne3 here. , don$t ha!e a te(ephone. 5aiting %or them to p#t it in.B
A, s#re(y /no3 that one. , s#re(y do. hey D#st ma/e yo# 3ait beca#se they can. 9o# /no32
ma$am2 yo# don$t mind my saying this2 b#t yo# do not (oo/ 3e((.B
A, /no3. ,t$s a medica( condition. @oo/s 3orse than it is. 'othing (i%eCthreatening.B
A*/ay. 9o# (ea!e that app(ication 3ith me. 5e are rea((y shorthanded on the (ate shi%t right
no3. +o#nd here 3e ca(( it the 1ombie shi%t. 9o# do it too (ong2 that$s ho3 yo# %ee(. 5e((
no3Qis that @arna:B
A@a#ra.B
A@a#ra. */ay. 5e((2 , hope yo# don$t mind dea(ing 3ith 3eirdos. Beca#se they come o#t at
night.B
A,$m s#re they do. , can cope.B
48AP"+ 8,+""'
8ey2 o(d %riend.5hat do yo# say2 o(d %riend:6a/e it o/ay2 o(d %riend2Gi!e an o(d %riendship a
brea/.5hy so grim: 5e$re going on %ore!er.9o#2 me2 him-too many (i!es are at
sta/eQ-S"P8"' S*'D8",62 A*@D )+,"'DSB
,t 3as Sat#rday morning. Shado3 ans3ered the door.
6arg#erite *(sen 3as there. She did not come in2 D#st stood there in the s#n(ight2 (oo/ing
serio#s. A6ister Ainse(Q:B
A6i/e2 p(ease2B said Shado3.
A6i/e2 yes. 5o#(d yo# (i/e to come o!er %or dinner tonight: Abo#t si&Cish: ,t 3on$t be anything
e&citing2 D#st spaghetti and meatba((s.B
A'ot a prob(em. , (i/e spaghetti and meatba((s.B
A*b!io#s(y2 i% yo# ha!e any other p(ansQB
A, ha!e no other p(ans.B
ASi& o$c(oc/.B
ASho#(d , bring %(o3ers:B
A,% yo# m#st. B#t this is a socia( gest#re. 'ot a romantic one.B She c(osed the door behind her.
8e sho3ered. 8e 3ent %or a short 3a(/2 do3n to the bridge and bac/. he s#n 3as #p2 a
tarnished I#arter in the s/y2 and he 3as s3eating in his coat by the time he got home. ,t had to
be abo!e %ree1ing. 8e dro!e the Z+#nner do3n to Da!e$s )inest )oods and bo#ght a bott(e o%
3ine. ,t 3as a t3entyCdo((ar bott(e2 3hich seemed to Shado3 (i/e some /ind o% g#arantee o%
I#a(ity. 8e didn$t /no3 3ines2 b#t he %ig#red that %or t3enty b#c/s it o#ght to taste good. 8e
bo#ght a 4a(i%ornian 4abernet2 beca#se Shado3 had once seen a b#mper stic/er2 bac/ 3hen he
3as yo#nger and peop(e sti(( had b#mper stic/ers on their cars2 3hich said @,)" ,S A 4AB"+'" and it
had made him (a#gh.
8e bo#ght a p(ant in a pot as a gi%t. Green (ea!es2 no %(o3ers. 'othing remote(y romantic abo#t
that.
8e bo#ght a carton o% mi(/2 3hich he 3o#(d ne!er drin/2 and a se(ection o% %r#it2 3hich he
3o#(d ne!er eat.
hen he dro!e o!er to 6abe($s and bo#ght a sing(e (#nchtime pasty. 6abe($s %ace (it #p 3hen
she sa3 him. ADid 8in1e(mann catch #p 3ith yo#:B
A, didn$t /no3 he 3as (oo/ing %or me.B
A9#p. 5ants to ta/e yo# iceC%ishing. And 4had 6#((igan 3anted to /no3 i% ,$d seen yo# aro#nd.
8is co#sin$s here %rom o#t o% state. She$s a 3ido3. 8is second co#sin2 3hat 3e #sed to ca((
/issing co#sins. S#ch a s3eetheart. 9o#$(( (o!e her.B And she dropped the pasty into a bro3n
paper bag2 t3isted the top o% the bag o!er to /eep the pasty 3arm.
Shado3 dro!e the (ong 3ay home2 eating oneChanded2 the steaming pasty$s pastryCcr#mbs
t#mb(ing onto his Deans and onto the %(oor o% the Z+#nner. 8e passed the (ibrary on the so#th
shore o% the (a/e. ,t 3as a b(ac/ and 3hite to3n in the ice and the sno3. Spring seemed
#nimaginab(y %ar a3ay: the /(#n/er 3o#(d a(3ays sit on the ice2 3ith the iceC%ishing she(ters and
the pic/#p tr#c/s and the sno3mobi(e trac/s.
8e reached his apartment2 par/ed2 3a(/ed #p the dri!e2 #p the 3ooden steps to his apartment.
he go(d%inches and n#thatches on the bird %eeder hard(y ga!e him a g(ance. 8e 3ent inside. 8e
3atered the p(ant2 3ondered 3hether or not to p#t the 3ine into the re%rigerator.
here 3as a (ot o% time to /i(( #nti( si&.
Shado3 3ished he co#(d com%ortab(y 3atch te(e!ision once more. 8e 3anted to be
entertained2 not to ha!e to thin/2 D#st to sit and (et the so#nds and the (ight 3ash o!er him. Do
yo# 3ant to see @#cy$s tits: something 3ith a @#cy !oice 3hispered in his memory2 and he
shoo/ his head2 a(tho#gh there 3as no one there to see him.
8e 3as ner!o#s2 he rea(i1ed. his 3o#(d be his %irst rea( socia( interaction 3ith other
peop(e-norma( peop(e2 not peop(e in Dai(2 not gods or c#(t#re heroes or dreams-since he 3as
%irst arrested2 o!er three years ago. 8e 3o#(d ha!e to ma/e con!ersation2 as 6i/e Ainse(.
8e chec/ed his 3atch. ,t 3as t3oCthirty. 6arg#erite *(sen had to(d him to be there at si&. Did
she mean si& e&act(y: Sho#(d he be there a (itt(e ear(y: A (itt(e (ate: 8e decided2 e!ent#a((y2 to
3a(/ ne&t door at %i!e past si&.
Shado3$s te(ephone rang.
A9eah:B he said.
Ahat$s no 3ay to ans3er the phone2B gro3(ed 5ednesday.
A5hen , get my te(ephone connected ,$(( ans3er it po(ite(y2B said Shado3. A4an , he(p yo#:B
A, don$t /no32B said 5ednesday. here 3as a pa#se. hen he said2 A*rgani1ing gods is (i/e
herding cats into straight (ines. hey don$t ta/e nat#ra((y to it.B here 3as a deadness2 and an
e&ha#stion2 in 5ednesday$s !oice that Shado3 had ne!er heard be%ore.
A5hat$s 3rong:B
A,t$s hard. ,t$s too %#c/ing hard. , don$t /no3 i% this is going to 3or/. 5e might as 3e(( c#t o#r
throats. J#st c#t o#r o3n throats.B
A9o# m#stn$t ta(/ (i/e that.B
A9eah. +ight.B
A5e((2 i% yo# do c#t yo#r throat2B said Shado32 trying to Do((y 5ednesday o#t o% his dar/ness2
Amaybe it 3o#(dn$t e!en h#rt.B
A,t 3o#(d h#rt. "!en %or my /ind2 pain sti(( h#rts. ,% yo# mo!e and act in the materia( 3or(d2 then
the materia( 3or(d acts on yo#. Pain h#rts2 D#st as greed into&icates and (#st b#rns. 5e may not
die easy and 3e s#re as he(( don$t die 3e((2 b#t 3e can die. ,% 3e$re sti(( (o!ed and remembered2
something e(se a 3ho(e (ot (i/e #s comes a(ong and ta/es o#r p(ace and the 3ho(e damn thing
starts a(( o!er again. And i% 3e$re %orgotten2 3e$re done.B
Shado3 did not /no3 3hat to say. 8e said2 ASo 3here are yo# ca((ing %rom:B
A'one o% yo#r goddamn b#siness.B
AAre yo# dr#n/:B
A'ot yet. , D#st /eep thin/ing abo#t hor. 9o# ne!er /ne3 him. Big g#y2 (i/e yo#. Good hearted.
'ot bright2 b#t he$d gi!e yo# the goddamned shirt o%% his bac/ i% yo# as/ed him. And he /i((ed
himse(%. 8e p#t a g#n in his mo#th and b(e3 his head o%% in Phi(ade(phia in ;<V>. 5hat /ind o% a
3ay is that %or a god to die:B
A,$m sorry.B
A9o# don$t gi!e t3o %#c/ing cents2 son. 8e 3as a 3ho(e (ot (i/e yo#. Big and d#mb.B 5ednesday
stopped ta(/ing. 8e co#ghed.
A5hat$s 3rong:B said Shado32 %or the second time.
Ahey got in to#ch.B
A5ho did:B
Ahe opposition.B
AAnd:B
Ahey 3ant to disc#ss a tr#ce. Peace ta(/s. @i!e and (et %#c/ing (i!e.B
ASo 3hat happens no3:B
A'o3 , go and drin/ bad co%%ee 3ith the modern assho(es in a .ansas 4ity 6asonic ha((.B
A*/ay. 9o# going to pic/ me #p2 or sha(( , meet yo# some3here:B
A9o# stay there and yo# /eep yo#r head do3n. Don$t get into any tro#b(e. 9o# hear me:B
AB#t-B
here 3as a c(ic/2 and the (ine 3ent dead and stayed dead. here 3as no dia( tone2 b#t then2
there ne!er 3as.
'othing b#t time to /i((. he con!ersation 3ith 5ednesday had (e%t Shado3 3ith a sense o%
disI#iet. 8e got #p2 intending to go %or a 3a(/2 b#t a(ready the (ight 3as %ading2 and he sat bac/
do3n again.
Shado3 pic/ed #p the 6in#tes o% the @a/eside 4ity 4o#nci( ;YM>S;YYZ and t#rned the pages2
his eyes scanning the tiny print2 not act#a((y reading it2 occasiona((y scanning something that
ca#ght his eye.
,n J#(y o% ;YMZ2 Shado3 (earned2 the city co#nci( 3as concerned abo#t the n#mber o% itinerant
%oreign (oggers arri!ing in the to3n. An opera ho#se 3as to be b#i(t on the corner o% hird
Street and Broad3ay. ,t 3as to be e&pected that the n#isances attendant to the damming o%
6i(( 4ree/ 3o#(d abate once the mi((Cpond had become a (a/e. he co#nci( a#thori1ed the
payment o% se!enty do((ars to 6r. Sam#e( Sam#e(s2 and o% eightyC%i!e do((ars to 6r. 8ei//i
Sa(minen2 in compensation %or their (and and %or the e&penses inc#rred in mo!ing their
domici(es o#t o% the area to be %(ooded.
,t had ne!er occ#rred to Shado3 be%ore that the (a/e 3as manCmade. 5hy ca(( a to3n @a/eside2
3hen the (a/e had beg#n as a dammed mi((Cpond: 8e read on2 to disco!er that a 6r.
8in1e(mann2 origina((y o% 8bdem#h(en in Br#ns3ic/2 3as in charge o% the (a/eCb#i(ding proDect2
and that the city co#nci( had granted him the s#m o% TVMK to3ard the proDect2 any short%a(( to
be made #p by p#b(ic s#bscription. Shado3 tore o%% a strip o% a paper to3e( and p(aced it into
the boo/ as a boo/mar/. 8e co#(d imagine 8in1e(mann$s p(eas#re in seeing the re%erence to his
grand%ather. 8e 3ondered i% the o(d man /ne3 that his %ami(y had been instr#menta( in
b#i(ding the (a/e. Shado3 %(ipped %or3ard thro#gh the boo/2 scanning %or more re%erences to
the (a/eCb#i(ding proDect.
hey had dedicated the (a/e in a ceremony in the spring o% ;YMW2 as a prec#rsor to the to3n$s
centennia( ce(ebrations. A !ote o% than/s to 6r. 8in1e(mann 3as ta/en by the co#nci(.
Shado3 chec/ed his 3atch. ,t 3as %i!e thirty. 8e 3ent into the bathroom2 sha!ed2 combed his
hair. 8e changed his c(othes. Someho3 the %ina( %i%teen min#tes passed. 8e got the 3ine and
the p(ant2 and he 3a(/ed ne&t door.
he door opened as he /noc/ed. 6arg#erite *(sen (oo/ed a(most as ner!o#s as he %e(t. She
too/ the 3ine bott(e and the potted p(ant2 and said than/ yo#. he te(e!ision 3as on2 he
5i1ard o% *1 on !ideo. ,t 3as sti(( in sepia2 and Dorothy 3as sti(( in .ansas2 sitting 3ith her eyes
c(osed in Pro%essor 6ar!e($s 3agon as the o(d %ra#d pretended to read her mind2 and the
t3isterC3ind that 3o#(d tear her a3ay %rom her (i%e 3as approaching. @eon sat in %ront o% the
screen2 p(aying 3ith a toy %ire tr#c/. 5hen he sa3 Shado3 an e&pression o% de(ight to#ched his
%ace? he stood #p and ran2 tripping o!er his %eet in his e&citement2 into a bac/ bedroom2 %rom
3hich he emerged a moment (ater2 tri#mphant(y 3a!ing a I#arter.
A5atch2 6i/e Ainse(PB he sho#ted. hen he c(osed both his hands and he pretended to ta/e the
coin into his right hand2 3hich he opened 3ide. A, made it disappear2 6i/e Ainse(PB
A9o# did2B agreed Shado3. AA%ter 3e$!e eaten2 i% it$s o/ay 3ith yo#r mom2 ,$(( sho3 yo# ho3 to
do it e!en smoother than that.B
ADo it no3 i% yo# 3ant2B said 6arg#erite. A5e$re sti(( 3aiting %or Samantha. , sent her o#t %or
so#r cream. , don$t /no3 3hat$s ta/ing her so (ong.B
And2 as i% that 3as her c#e2 %ootsteps so#nded on the 3ooden dec/2 and somebody sho#(dered
open the %ront door. Shado3 did not recogni1e her at %irst2 then she said2 A, didn$t /no3 i% yo#
3anted the /ind 3ith ca(ories or the /ind that tastes (i/e 3a((paper paste so , 3ent %or the /ind
3ith ca(ories2B and he /ne3 her then: the gir( %rom the road to 4airo.
Ahat$s %ine2B said 6arg#erite. ASam2 this is my neighbor2 6i/e Ainse(. 6i/e2 this is Samantha
B(ac/ 4ro32 my sister.B
, don$t /no3 yo#2 tho#ght Shado3 desperate(y. 9o#$!e ne!er met me be%ore. 5e$re tota(
strangers. 8e tried to remember ho3 he had tho#ght sno32 ho3 easy and (ight that had been:
this 3as desperate. 8e p#t o#t his hand and said2 AP(eased to meetcha.B
She b(in/ed2 (oo/ed #p at his %ace. A moment o% p#11(ement2 then recognition entered her eyes
and c#r!ed the corners o% her mo#th into a grin. A8e((o2B she said.
A,$(( see ho3 the %ood is doing2B said 6arg#erite2 in the ta#t !oice o% someone 3ho b#rns things
in /itchens i% they (ea!e them a(one and #n3atched e!en %or a moment.
Sam too/ o%% her p#%%y coat and her hat. ASo yo#$re the me(ancho(y b#t mysterio#s neighbor2B
she said. A5ho$da th#n/ it:B She /ept her !oice do3n.
AAnd yo#2B he said2 Aare gir( Sam. 4an 3e ta(/ abo#t this (ater:B
A,% yo# promise to te(( me 3hat$s going on.B
ADea(.B
@eon t#gged at the (eg o% Shado3$s pants. A5i(( yo# sho3 me no3:B he as/ed2 and he(d o#t his
I#arter.
A*/ay2B said Shado3. AB#t i% , sho3 yo#2 yo# ha!e to remember that a master magician ne!er
te((s anyone ho3 it$s done.B
A, promise2B said @eon2 gra!e(y.
Shado3 too/ the coin in his (e%t hand2 then mo!ed @eon$s right hand in2 c#pping it in his o3n
hand2 h#ge by comparison2 sho3ing him ho3 to appear to ta/e the coin in his right hand 3hi(e
act#a((y (ea!ing it in Shado3$s (e%t hand. hen he p#t the coin into @eon$s (e%t hand and made
him repeat the mo!ements on his o3n.
A%ter se!era( attempts the boy mastered the mo!e. A'o3 yo# /no3 ha(% o% it2B said Shado3.
ABeca#se the mo!es are on(y ha(% o% it. he other ha(% is this: p#t yo#r attention on the p(ace
3here the coin o#ght to be. @oo/ at the p(ace it$s meant to be. )o((o3 it 3ith yo#r eyes. ,% yo#
act (i/e it$s in yo#r right hand2 no one 3i(( e!en (oo/ at yo#r (e%t hand2 no matter ho3 c(#msy
yo# are.B
Sam 3atched a(( this 3ith her head tipped s(ight(y on one side2 saying nothing.
ADinnerPB ca((ed 6arg#erite2 p#shing her 3ay in %rom the /itchen 3ith a steaming bo3( o%
spaghetti in her hands. A@eon2 go 3ash yo#r hands.B
he %ood 3as good: cr#sty gar(ic bread2 thic/ red sa#ce2 good spicy meatba((s. Shado3
comp(imented 6arg#erite on it.
A*(d %ami(y recipe2B she to(d him2 A%rom the 4orsican side o% the %ami(y.B
A, tho#ght yo# 3ere 'ati!e American.B
ADad$s 4hero/ee2B said Sam. A6ag$s mom$s %ather came %rom 4orsica.B Sam 3as the on(y
person in the room 3ho 3as act#a((y drin/ing the 4abernet. ADad (e%t her 3hen 6ags 3as ten
and he mo!ed across to3n. Si& months a%ter that2 , 3as born. 6om and Dad got married 3hen
the di!orce came thro#gh and , thin/ they tried to ma/e it 3or/ %or a 3hi(e2 and 3hen , 3as ten
he 3ent a3ay. , thin/ he has a tenCyear attention span.B
A5e((2 he$s been o#t in */(ahoma %or ten years2B said 6arg#erite.
A'o32 my mom$s %ami(y 3ere "#ropean Je3ish2B contin#ed Sam2 A%rom one o% those p(aces
that #sed to be comm#nist and no3 are D#st chaos. , thin/ she (i/ed the idea o% being married
to a 4hero/ee. )ry bread and chopped (i!er.B Sam too/ another sip o% the red 3ine.
A8er mom$s a 3i(d 3oman2B said 6arg#erite2 semiCappro!ing(y.
A9o# /no3 3here she is no3:B as/ed Sam. Shado3 shoo/ his head. AShe$s in A#stra(ia. She met
a g#y on the ,nternet2 3ho (i!ed in 8obart. 5hen they met in the %(esh she decided he 3as
act#a((y /ind o% ic/y. B#t she rea((y (i/ed asmania. So she$s (i!ing do3n there2 3ith a 3oman$s
gro#p2 teaching them to bati/ c(oth and things (i/e that. ,sn$t that coo(: At her age:B
Shado3 agreed that it 3as2 and he(ped himse(% to more meatba((s. Sam to(d them ho3 a(( the
aborigina( nati!es o% asmania had been 3iped o#t by the British2 and abo#t the h#man chain
they made across the is(and to catch them 3hich trapped on(y an o(d man and a sic/ boy. She
to(d him ho3 the asmanian tigers2 the thy(acines2 had been /i((ed by %armers2 scared %or their
sheep2 ho3 the po(iticians in the ;<VKs noticed that the thy(acines sho#(d be protected on(y
a%ter the (ast o% them 3as dead. She %inished her second g(ass o% 3ine2 po#red her third.
ASo2 6i/e2B said Sam2 s#dden(y2 her chee/s reddening2 Ate(( #s abo#t yo#r %ami(y. 5hat are the
Ainse(s (i/e:B She 3as smi(ing2 and there 3as mischie% in that smi(e.
A5e$re rea( d#((2B said Shado3. A'one o% #s e!er got as %ar as asmania. So yo#$re at schoo( in
6adison. 5hat$s that (i/e:B
A9o# /no32B she said. A,$m st#dying art history2 3omen$s st#dies2 and casting my o3n
bron1es.B
A5hen , gro3 #p2B said @eon2 A,$m going to do magic. Poo%. 5i(( yo# teach me2 6i/e Ainse(:B
AS#re2B said Shado3. A,% yo#r mom doesn$t mind.B
6arg#erite shr#gged.
Sam said2 AA%ter 3e$!e eaten2 3hi(e yo#$re p#tting @eon to bed2 6ags2 , thin/ ,$m going to get
6i/e to ta/e me to the B#c/ Stops 8ere %or an ho#r or so.B
6arg#erite did not shr#g. 8er head mo!ed2 an eyebro3 raised s(ight(y.
A, thin/ he$s interesting2B said Sam. AAnd 3e ha!e (ots to ta(/ abo#t.B
6arg#erite (oo/ed at Shado32 3ho b#sied himse(% in dabbing an imaginary b(ob o% red sa#ce
%rom his chin 3ith a paper nap/in. A5e((2 yo#$re gro3nC#ps2B she said2 in a tone o% !oice that
did its best to imp(y that they 3eren$t2 and that e!en i% they 3ere they sho#(dn$t be.
A%ter dinner Shado3 he(ped Sam 3ith the 3ashing #p-he dried-and then he did a tric/ %or
@eon2 co#nting pennies into @eon$s pa(m: each time @eon opened his hand and co#nted them
there 3as one (ess coin than he had co#nted in. And as %or the %ina( penny-AAre yo# sI#ee1ing
it: ight(y:B-3hen @eon opened his hand2 he %o#nd it had trans%ormed into a dime. @eon$s
p(ainti!e cries o% A8o3$d yo# do that: 6omma2 ho3$d he do that:B %o((o3ed him o#t into the
ha((.
Sam handed him his coat. A4ome on2B she said. 8er chee/s 3ere %(#shed %rom the 3ine.
*#tside it 3as co(d.
Shado3 stopped in his apartment2 tossed the 6in#tes o% the @a/eside 4ity 4o#nci( into a
p(astic grocery bag and bro#ght it a(ong. 8in1e(mann might be do3n at the B#c/2 and he
3anted to sho3 him the mention o% his grand%ather.
hey 3a(/ed do3n the dri!e side by side.
8e opened the garage door2 and she started to (a#gh. A*migod2B she said2 3hen she sa3 the
Z+#nner. APa#( G#nther$s car. 9o# bo#ght Pa#( G#nther$s car. *migod.B
Shado3 opened the door %or her. hen he 3ent aro#nd and got in. A9o# /no3 the car:B
A5hen , came #p here t3o or three years ago to stay 3ith 6ags. ,t 3as me that pers#aded him
to paint it p#rp(e.B
A*h2B said Shado3. A,t$s good to ha!e someone to b(ame.B
8e dro!e the car o#t onto the street. Got o#t and c(osed the garage door. Got bac/ into the car.
Sam 3as (oo/ing at him odd(y as he got in2 as i% the con%idence had beg#n to (ea/ o#t o% her. 8e
p#t on his seatbe(t2 and she said2 A,$m scared. his 3as a st#pid thing to do2 3asn$t it: Getting
into a car 3ith a psychoC/i((er.B
A, got yo# sa%e home (ast time2B said Shado3.
A9o# /i((ed t3o men2B she said. A9o#$re 3anted by the )eds. And no3 , %ind o#t yo#$re (i!ing
#nder an ass#med name ne&t door to my sister. En(ess 6i/e Ainse( is yo#r rea( name:B
A'o2B said Shado32 and he sighed. A,t$s not.B 8e hated saying it. ,t 3as i% he 3as (etting go o%
something important2 abandoning 6i/e Ainse( by denying him2 as i% he 3ere ta/ing his (ea!e o%
a %riend.
ADid yo# /i(( those men:B
A'o.B
Ahey came to my ho#se2 and said 3e$d been seen together. And this g#y sho3ed me
photographs o% yo#. 5hat 3as his name-6ister 8at: 'o. 6ister o3n. hat 3as him. ,t 3as
(i/e he )#giti!e. B#t , said , hadn$t seen yo#.B
Ahan/ yo#.B
ASo2B she said. Ae(( me 3hat$s going on. ,$(( /eep yo#r secrets i% yo# /eep mine.B
A, don$t /no3 any o% yo#rs2B said Shado3.
A5e((2 yo# /no3 that it 3as my idea to paint this thing p#rp(e2 th#s %orcing Pa#( G#nther to
become s#ch an obDect o% scorn and derision %or se!era( co#nties aro#nd that he 3as %orced to
(ea!e to3n entire(y. 5e 3ere /ind o% stoned2B she admitted.
A, do#bt that bit o% it$s m#ch o% a secret2B said Shado3. A"!eryone in @a/eside m#st ha!e
/no3n. ,t$s a stoner sort o% p#rp(e.B
And then she said2 !ery I#iet2 !ery %ast2 A,% yo#$re going to /i(( me p(ease don$t h#rt me. ,
sho#(dn$t ha!e come here 3ith yo#. , am so d#mb. , am so %#c/ing %#c/ing d#mb. , sho#(d ha!e
r#n a3ay or ca((ed the cops 3hen , %irst sa3 yo#. , can identi%y yo#. Jes#s. , am so d#mb.B
Shado3 sighed. A,$!e ne!er /i((ed anybody. +ea((y. 'o3 ,$m going to ta/e yo# to the B#c/2B he
said. A*r i% yo# gi!e the 3ord2 ,$(( t#rn this car aro#nd and ta/e yo# home. ,$(( b#y yo# a drin/2 i%
yo#$re act#a((y o(d eno#gh to drin/2 and ,$(( b#y yo# a soda i% yo#$re not. hen ,$(( ta/e yo# bac/
to 6arg#erite2 de(i!er yo# sa%e and so#nd2 and hope yo# aren$t going to ca(( the cops.B
here 3as si(ence as they crossed the bridge.
A5ho did /i(( those men:B she as/ed.
A9o# 3o#(dn$t be(ie!e me i% , to(d yo#.B
A, 3o#(d.B She so#nded angry no3. 8e 3ondered i% bringing the 3ine to the dinner had been a
3ise idea. @i%e 3as certain(y not a 4abernet right no3.
A,t$s not easy to be(ie!e.B
A,2B she to(d him2 Acan be(ie!e anything. 9o# ha!e no idea 3hat , can be(ie!e.B
A+ea((y:B
A, can be(ie!e things that are tr#e and , can be(ie!e things that aren$t tr#e and , can be(ie!e
things 3here nobody /no3s i% they$re tr#e or not. , can be(ie!e in Santa 4(a#s and the "aster
B#nny and 6ari(yn 6onroe and the Beat(es and "(!is and 6ister "d. @isten-, be(ie!e that
peop(e are per%ectib(e2 that /no3(edge is in%inite2 that the 3or(d is r#n by secret ban/ing carte(s
and is !isited by a(iens on a reg#(ar basis2 nice ones that (oo/ (i/e 3rin/(edy (em#rs and bad
ones 3ho m#ti(ate catt(e and 3ant o#r 3ater and o#r 3omen. , be(ie!e that the %#t#re s#c/s
and , be(ie!e that the %#t#re roc/s and , be(ie!e that one day 5hite B#%%a(o 5oman is going to
come bac/ and /ic/ e!eryone$s ass. , be(ie!e that a(( men are D#st o!ergro3n boys 3ith deep
prob(ems comm#nicating and that the dec(ine in good se& in America is coincident 3ith the
dec(ine in dri!eCin mo!ie theatres %rom state to state. , be(ie!e that a(( po(iticians are
#nprincip(ed croo/s and , sti(( be(ie!e that they are better than the a(ternati!e. , be(ie!e that
4a(i%ornia is going to sin/ into the sea 3hen the big one comes2 3hi(e )(orida is going to disso(!e
into madness and a((igators and to&ic 3aste. , be(ie!e that antibacteria( soap is destroying o#r
resistance to dirt and disease so that one day 3e$(( a(( be 3iped o#t by the common co(d (i/e
the 6artians in 5ar o% the 5or(ds. , be(ie!e that the greatest poets o% the (ast cent#ry 3ere
"dith Sit3e(( and Don 6arI#is2 that Dade is dried dragon sperm2 and that tho#sands o% years ago
in a %ormer (i%e , 3as a oneCarmed Siberian shaman. , be(ie!e that man/ind$s destiny (ies in the
stars. , be(ie!e that candy rea((y did taste better 3hen , 3as a /id2 that it$s aerodynamica((y
impossib(e %or a b#mb(ebee to %(y2 that (ight is a 3a!e and a partic(e2 that there$s a cat in a bo&
some3here 3ho$s a(i!e and dead at the same time Ga(tho#gh i% they don$t e!er open the bo& to
%eed it it$(( e!ent#a((y D#st be t3o di%%erent /inds o% deadH2 and that there are stars in the
#ni!erse bi((ions o% years o(der than the #ni!erse itse(%. , be(ie!e in a persona( god 3ho cares
abo#t me and 3orries and o!ersees e!erything , do. , be(ie!e in an impersona( god 3ho set the
#ni!erse in motion and 3ent o%% to hang 3ith her gir(%riends and doesn$t e!en /no3 that ,$m
a(i!e. , be(ie!e in an empty and god(ess #ni!erse o% ca#sa( chaos2 bac/gro#nd noise and sheer
b(ind (#c/. , be(ie!e that anyone 3ho says that se& is o!errated D#st hasn$t done it proper(y. ,
be(ie!e that anyone 3ho c(aims to /no3 3hat$s going on 3i(( (ie abo#t the (itt(e things too. ,
be(ie!e in abso(#te honesty and sensib(e socia( (ies. , be(ie!e in a 3oman$s right to choose2 a
baby$s right to (i!e2 that 3hi(e a(( h#man (i%e is sacred there$s nothing 3rong 3ith the death
pena(ty i% yo# can tr#st the (ega( system imp(icit(y2 and that no one b#t a moron 3o#(d e!er
tr#st the (ega( system. , be(ie!e that (i%e is a game2 (i%e is a cr#e( Do/e and that (i%e is 3hat
happens 3hen yo#$re a(i!e and that yo# might as 3e(( (ie bac/ and enDoy it.B She stopped2 o#t
o% breath.
Shado3 a(most too/ his hands o%% the 3hee( to app(a#d. ,nstead he said2 A*/ay. So i% , te(( yo#
3hat ,$!e (earned yo# 3on$t thin/ that ,$m a n#t.B
A6aybe2B she said. Ary me.B
A5o#(d yo# be(ie!e that a(( the gods that peop(e ha!e e!er imagined are sti(( 3ith #s today:B
AQmaybe.B
AAnd that there are ne3 gods o#t there2 gods o% comp#ters and te(ephones and 3hate!er2 and
that they a(( seem to thin/ there isn$t room %or them both in the 3or(d. And that some /ind o%
3ar is /ind o% (i/e(y.B
AAnd these gods /i((ed those t3o men:B
A'o2 my 3i%e /i((ed those t3o men.B
A, tho#ght yo# said yo#r 3i%e 3as dead.B
AShe is.B
AShe /i((ed them be%ore she died2 then:B
AA%ter. Don$t as/.B
She reached #p a hand and %(ic/ed her hair %rom her %orehead.
hey p#((ed #p on 6ain Street2 o#tside the B#c/ Stops 8ere. he sign o!er the 3indo3 sho3ed
a s#rprisedC(oo/ing stag standing on its hind (egs ho(ding a g(ass o% beer. Shado3 got o#t. 8e
grabbed the bag 3ith the boo/ in it2 and got o#t.
A5hy 3o#(d they ha!e a 3ar:B as/ed Sam. A,t seems /ind o% red#ndant. 5hat is there to 3in:B
A, don$t /no32B admitted Shado3.
A,t$s easier to be(ie!e in a(iens than in gods2B said Sam. A6aybe 6ister o3n and 6ister
5hate!er 3ere 6en in B(ac/2 on(y the a(ien /ind.B
A6aybe they 3ere2 at that2B said Shado3.
hey 3ere standing on the side3a(/ o#tside the B#c/ Stops 8ere and Sam stopped. She (oo/ed
#p at Shado32 and her breath h#ng on the night air (i/e a %aint c(o#d. She said2 AJ#st te(( me
yo#$re one o% the good g#ys.B
A, can$t2B said Shado3. A, 3ish , co#(d. B#t ,$m doing my best.B
She (oo/ed #p at him2 and bit her (o3er (ip. hen she nodded. AGood eno#gh2B she said. A,
3on$t t#rn yo# in. 9o# can b#y me a beer.B
Shado3 p#shed the door open %or her2 and they 3ere hit by a b(ast o% heat and m#sic2
en!e(oped by a c(o#d o% 3armth that sme((ed o% beer and hamb#rgers. hey 3ent inside.
Sam 3a!ed at some %riends. Shado3 nodded to a hand%#( o% peop(e 3hose %aces-a(tho#gh not
their names-he remembered %rom the day he had spent searching %or A(ison 6cGo!ern2 or
3ho he had met in 6abe($s in the morning. 4had 6#((igan 3as standing at the bar2 3ith his arm
aro#nd the sho#(ders o% a sma(( redChaired 3oman-the /issing co#sin2 Shado3 %ig#red. 8e
3ondered 3hat she (oo/ed (i/e2 b#t she had her bac/ to him. 4had$s hand raised in a moc/
sa(#te 3hen he sa3 Shado3. Shado3 grinned2 and 3a!ed bac/ at him. Shado3 (oo/ed aro#nd
%or 8in1e(mann2 b#t the o(d man did not seem to be there this e!ening. 8e spied a %ree tab(e at
the bac/ and started 3a(/ing to3ard it.
hen somebody began to scream.
,t 3as a bad scream2 a %#((Cthroated2 seenCaCghost hysterica( scream2 3hich si(enced a((
con!ersation. Shado3 (oo/ed aro#nd2 certain somebody 3as being m#rdered2 and then he
rea(i1ed that a(( the %aces in the bar 3ere t#rning to3ard him. "!en the b(ac/ cat2 3ho s(ept in
the 3indo3 d#ring the day2 3as standing #p on top o% the D#/ebo& 3ith its tai( high and its bac/
arched and 3as staring at Shado3.
ime s(o3ed.
AGet himPB sho#ted a 3oman$s !oice2 par/ed on the !erge o% hysteria. A*h %or god$s sa/e2
somebody stop himP Don$t (et him get a3ayP P(easePB ,t 3as a !oice he /ne3.
'obody mo!ed. hey stared at Shado3. 8e stared bac/ at them.
4had 6#((igan stepped %or3ard2 3a(/ing thro#gh the peop(e. he sma(( 3oman 3a(/ed behind
him 3ari(y2 her eyes 3ide2 as i% she 3as preparing to start screaming once more. Shado3 /ne3
her. *% co#rse he /ne3 her.
4had 3as sti(( ho(ding his beer2 3hich he p#t do3n on a nearby tab(e. 8e said2 A6i/e.B
Shado3 said A4had.B
A#drey B#rton 3as a step behind 4had 6#((igan. 8er %ace 3as 3hite2 and there 3ere tears in
her eyes. She had been screaming. AShado32B she said. A9o# bastard. 9o# m#rdero#s e!i(
bastard.B
AAre yo# s#re that yo# /no3 this man2 hon:B said 4had. 8e (oo/ed #ncom%ortab(e. ,t 3as
ob!io#s that he hoped that 3hate!er 3as happening here 3as a(( some /ind o% case o%
mista/en identity2 something that one day they might be ab(e to (a#gh abo#t.
A#drey B#rton (oo/ed at him incred#(o#s(y. AAre yo# cra1y: 8e 3or/ed %or +obbie %or years.
8is s(#tty 3i%e 3as my best %riend. 8e$s 3anted %or m#rder. , had to ans3er I#estions. 8e$s an
escaped con!ict.B She 3as 3ay o!er the top2 her !oice tremb(ing 3ith s#ppressed hysteria2
sobbing o#t her 3ords (i/e a soap actress going %or a daytime "mmy. .issing co#sins2 tho#ght
Shado32 #nimpressed.
'obody in the bar said a 3ord. 4had 6#((igan (oo/ed #p at Shado3. A,t$s probab(y a mista/e.
,$m s#re 3e can sort this a(( o#t2B he said2 sensib(y. hen he said2 to the bar2 A,t$s a(( %ine.
'othing to 3orry abo#t. 5e can sort this o#t. "!erything$s %ine.B hen2 to Shado3. A@et$s step
o#tside2 6i/e.B 7#iet competence. Shado3 3as impressed.
AS#re2B said Shado3.
8e %e(t a hand to#ch his hand2 and he t#rned to see Sam staring at him. 8e smi(ed do3n at her
as reass#ring(y as he co#(d.
Sam (oo/ed at Shado32 then she (oo/ed aro#nd the bar at the %aces staring at them. She said to
A#drey B#rton2 A, don$t /no3 3ho yo# are. B#t. 9o#. Are. S#ch. A c#nt.B hen she 3ent #p on
tiptoes and p#((ed Shado3 do3n to her2 and /issed him hard on the (ips2 p#shing her mo#th
against his %or 3hat %e(t to Shado3 (i/e se!era( min#tes2 and might ha!e been as (ong as %i!e
seconds in rea(2 c(oc/Ctic/ing time.
,t 3as a strange /iss2 Shado3 tho#ght2 as her (ips pressed against his: it 3asn$t intended %or
him. ,t 3as %or the other peop(e in the bar2 to (et them /no3 that she had pic/ed sides. ,t 3as a
%(agC3a!ing /iss. "!en as she /issed him2 he became certain that she didn$t e!en (i/e him-3e((2
not (i/e that.
Sti((2 there 3as a ta(e he had read once2 (ong ago2 as a sma(( boy: the story o% a tra!e(er 3ho had
s(ipped do3n a c(i%%2 3ith manCeating tigers abo!e him and a (etha( %a(( be(o3 him2 3ho
managed to stop his %a(( ha(%3ay do3n the side o% the c(i%%2 ho(ding on %or dear (i%e. here 3as a
c(#mp o% stra3berries beside him2 and certain death abo!e him and be(o3. 5hat sho#(d he
do: 3ent the I#estion. And the rep(y 3as2 "at the stra3berries.
he story had ne!er made any sense to him as a boy. ,t did no3.
So he c(osed his eyes2 thre3 himse(% into the /iss and e&perienced nothing b#t Sam$s (ips and
the so%tness o% her s/in against his2 s3eet as a 3i(d stra3berry.
A4$mon2 6i/e2B said 4had 6#((igan2 %irm(y. AP(ease. @et$s ta/e it o#tside.B
Sam p#((ed bac/. She (ic/ed her (ips2 and smi(ed2 a smi(e that near(y reached her eyes. A'ot
bad2B she said. A9o# /iss good %or a boy. */ay2 go p(ay o#tside.B hen she t#rned to A#drey
B#rton. AB#t yo#2B she said2 Aare sti(( a c#nt.B
Shado3 tossed Sam his car /eys. She ca#ght them2 oneChanded. 8e 3a(/ed thro#gh the bar2
and stepped o#tside2 %o((o3ed by 4had 6#((igan. A gent(e sno3 had beg#n to %a((2 the %(a/es
spinning do3n into the (ight o% the neon bar sign. A9o# 3ant to ta(/ abo#t this:B as/ed 4had.
AAm , #nder arrest:B as/ed Shado3.
A#drey %o((o3ed them o#t onto the side3a(/. She (oo/ed as i% she 3ere ready to start
screaming again. She said2 her !oice tremb(ing2 A8e /i((ed t3o men2 4had. he )B, came to my
door. 8e$s a psycho. ,$(( come do3n to the station 3ith yo#2 i% yo# 3ant.B
A9o#$!e ca#sed eno#gh tro#b(e2 ma$am2B said Shado3. 8e so#nded tired2 e!en to himse(%.
AP(ease go a3ay.B
A4had: Did yo# hear that: 8e threatened mePB said A#drey.
AGet bac/ inside2 A#drey2B said 4had 6#((igan. She (oo/ed as i% she 3ere abo#t to arg#e2 then
she pressed her (ips together so hard they 3ent 3hite2 and 3ent bac/ into the bar.
A5o#(d yo# (i/e to comment on anything she said:B as/ed 4had 6#((igan.
A,$!e ne!er /i((ed anyone2B said Shado3.
4had nodded. A, be(ie!e yo#2B he said. A,$m s#re 3e can dea( 3ith these a((egations easi(y
eno#gh. ,t$s probab(y nothing. , ha!e to do this. 9o# 3on$t gi!e me any tro#b(e2 3i(( yo#2 6i/e:B
A'o tro#b(e2B said Shado3. Ahis is a(( a mista/e.B
A"&act(y2B said 4had. ASo , %ig#re 3e o#ght to head do3n to my o%%ice and sort it a(( o#t there:B
AAm , #nder arrest:B as/ed Shado32 %or the second time.
A'ope2B said 4had. A'ot #n(ess yo# 3ant to be. , %ig#re2 3e go do3n to my o%%ice together2 yo#
come 3ith me o#t o% a sense o% ci!ic d#ty2 and 3e do 3hate!er 3e can to straighten a(( this
o#t.B
4had patted Shado3 do3n2 %o#nd no 3eapons. hey got into 6#((igan$s car. Again Shado3 sat
in the bac/2 (oo/ing o#t thro#gh the meta( cage. 8e tho#ght2 S*S. 6ayday. 8e(p. 8e tried to
p#sh 6#((igan 3ith his mind2 as he$d once p#shed a cop in 4hicago-his is yo#r o(d %riend 6i/e
Ainse(. 9o# sa!ed his (i%e. Don$t yo# /no3 ho3 si((y this is: 5hy don$t yo# D#st drop the 3ho(e
thing:
A, %ig#re it 3as good to get yo# o#t o% there2B said 4had. AA(( yo# needed 3as some (o#dmo#th
deciding that yo# 3ere A(ison 6cGo!ern$s /i((er and 3e$d$!e had a (ynch mob on o#r hands.B
APoint.B
ASo yo# s#re there$s nothing yo# 3ant to te(( me:B
A'ope. 'othing to say.B
hey 3ere si(ent %or the rest o% the dri!e to the @a/eside po(ice o%%ices. he b#i(ding2 4had said2
as they p#((ed #p o#tside it2 act#a((y be(onged to the co#nty sheri%%$s department. he (oca(
po(ice had a %e3 rooms in there. Pretty soon the co#nty 3o#(d b#i(d something modern. )or
no3 they had to ma/e do 3ith 3hat they had.
hey 3a(/ed inside.
ASho#(d , ca(( a (a3yer:B as/ed Shado3.
A9o# aren$t acc#sed o% anything2B said 6#((igan. AEp to yo#.B hey p#shed thro#gh some s3ing
doors. Aa/e a seat o!er there.B
Shado3 too/ a seat on the 3ooden chair 3ith cigarette b#rns on the side. 8e %e(t st#pid and
n#mb. here 3as a sma(( poster on the notice board2 beside a (arge '* S6*.,'G sign: "'DA'G"+"D
6,SS,'G it said. he photograph 3as A(ison 6cGo!ern$s.
here 3as a 3ooden tab(e2 3ith o(d copies o% Sports ,((#strated and 'e3s3ee/ on it2 3ith the
p(ace on the co!er 3here an address (abe( had been pasted c#t neat(y a3ay. he (ight 3as bad.
he paint on the 3a(( 3as ye((o32 b#t it might once ha!e been 3hite.
A%ter ten min#tes 4had bro#ght him a 3atery c#p o% !ending machine hot choco(ate. A5hat$s in
the bag:B he as/ed. And it 3as on(y then that Shado3 rea(i1ed he 3as sti(( ho(ding the p(astic
bag containing the 6in#tes o% the @a/eside 4ity 4o#nci(.
A*(d boo/2B said Shado3. A9o#r grand%ather$s pict#re$s in here. *r greatCgrand%ather maybe.B
A9eah:B
Shado3 %(ipped thro#gh the boo/ #nti( he %o#nd the portrait o% the to3n co#nci(2 and he
pointed to the man ca((ed 6#((igan. 4had ch#c/(ed. A,% that don$t beat a((2B he said.
6in#tes passed2 and ho#rs2 in that room. Shado3 read t3o o% the Sports ,((#strateds and he
started the 'e3s3ee/. )rom time to time 4had 3o#(d come thro#gh2 chec/ing to see i%
Shado3 needed to #se the restroom2 once to o%%er him a ham ro(( and a sma(( pac/et o% potato
chips.
Ahan/s2B said Shado32 ta/ing them. AAm , #nder arrest:B
4had s#c/ed the air bet3een his teeth. A5e((2B he said2 A3e$(( /no3 pretty soon. ,t doesn$t (oo/
(i/e yo# came by the name 6i/e Ainse( (ega((y. *n the other hand2 yo# can ca(( yo#rse(%
3hate!er yo# 3ant in this state2 i% it$s not %or %ra#d#(ent p#rposes. 9o# D#st hang (oose.B
A4an , ma/e a phone ca((:B
A,s it a (oca( ca((:B
A@ongCdistance.B
A,t$(( sa!e money i% , p#t it on my ca((ing card2 other3ise yo#$(( D#st be %eeding ten b#c/s$ 3orth
o% I#arters into that thing in the ha((.B
S#re2 tho#ght Shado3. And this 3ay yo#$(( /no3 the n#mber , dia(ed2 and yo#$(( probab(y be
(istening in on an e&tension.
Ahat 3o#(d be great2B said Shado3. hey 3ent into an empty o%%ice2 ne&t to 4had$s. he (ight
3as s(ight(y better in there. he n#mber Shado3 ga!e 4had to dia( %or him 3as that o% a %#nera(
home in 4airo2 ,((inois. 4had dia(ed it2 handed Shado3 the recei!er. A,$(( (ea!e yo# in here2B he
said2 and 3ent o#t.
he te(ephone rang se!era( times2 then it 3as pic/ed #p.
AJacI#e( and ,bis. 4an , he(p yo#:B
A8i. 6ister ,bis2 this is 6i/e Ainse(. , he(ped o#t there %or a %e3 days o!er 4hristmas.B
A moment$s hesitation2 then2 A*% co#rse. 6i/e. 8o3 are yo#:B
A'ot great2 6ister ,bis. ,n a patch o% tro#b(e. Abo#t to be arrested. 8oping yo#$d seen my #nc(e
abo#t2 or maybe yo# co#(d get a message to him.B
A, can certain(y as/ aro#nd. 8o(d on2 #h2 6i/e. here$s someone here 3ho 3ishes a 3ord 3ith
yo#.B
he phone 3as passed to somebody2 and then a smo/y %ema(e !oice said2 A8i2 honey. , miss
yo#.B
8e 3as certain he$d ne!er heard that !oice be%ore. B#t he /ne3 her. 8e 3as s#re that he /ne3
herQ
@et it go2 the smo/y !oice 3hispered in his mind2 in a dream. @et it a(( go.
A5ho$s that gir( yo# 3ere /issing2 hon: 9o# trying to ma/e me Dea(o#s:B
A5e$re D#st %riends2B said Shado3. A, thin/ she 3as trying to pro!e a point. 8o3 did yo# /no3
she /issed me:B
A, got eyes 3here!er my %o(/ 3a(/2B she said. A9o# ta/e care no32 honQB here 3as a moment
o% si(ence2 then 6r. ,bis came bac/ on the (ine and said2 A6i/e:B
A9es.B
Ahere$s a prob(em getting ho(d o% yo#r #nc(e. 8e seems to be /ind o% tied #p. B#t ,$(( try and
get a message to yo#r a#nt 'ancy. Best o% (#c/.B he (ine 3ent dead.
Shado3 sat do3n2 e&pecting 4had to ret#rn. 8e sat in the empty o%%ice2 3ishing he had
something to distract him. +e(#ctant(y2 he pic/ed #p the 6in#tes once more2 opened it to
some3here in the midd(e o% the boo/2 and began to read.
An ordinance prohibiting e&pectoration on side3a(/s and on the %(oors o% p#b(ic b#i(dings2 or
thro3ing thereon tobacco in any %orm2 3as introd#ced and passed2 eight to %o#r2 in December
o% ;YMW.
@emmi 8a#ta(a 3as t3e(!e years o(d and had2 Ait 3as %eared2 3andered a3ay in a %it o%
de(iri#mB on December the thirteenth2 ;YMW. AA search being immediate(y e%%ected2 b#t
impeded by the sno3s2 3hich are b(inding.B he co#nci( had !oted #nanimo#s(y to send the
8a#ta(a %ami(y their condo(ences.
he %ire at *(sen$s (i!ery stab(es the %o((o3ing 3ee/ 3as e&ting#ished 3itho#t any inD#ry or (oss
o% (i%e2 h#man or eI#ine.
Shado3 scanned the c(ose(y printed co(#mns. 8e %o#nd no %#rther mention o% @emmi 8a#ta(a.
And then2 on something s(ight(y more than a 3him2 he %(ipped the pages %or3ard to the 3inter
o% ;YMM. 8e %o#nd 3hat he 3as (oo/ing %or mentioned as an aside in the Jan#ary min#tes: Jessie
@o!at2 age not gi!en2 Aa 'egro chi(d2B had !anished on the night o% the t3entyCeighth o%
December. ,t 3as be(ie!ed that she might ha!e been Aabd#cted by tra!e(ing soCca((ed ped(ars2
3ho 3ere r#n o#t o% to3n the pre!io#s 3ee/2 ha!ing been disco!ered to be engaged in certain
(arceno#s acts. hey 3ere said to be ma/ing %or St. Pa#(.B e(egrams had been sent to St. Pa#(2
b#t no res#(ts 3ere reported. 4ondo(ences 3ere not sent to the @o!at %ami(y.
Shado3 3as scanning the min#tes o% 3inter ;YMY 3hen 4had 6#((igan /noc/ed and entered2
(oo/ing shame%aced2 (i/e a chi(d bringing home a bad report card.
A6ister Ainse(2B he said. A6i/e. ,$m tr#(y sorry abo#t this. , appreciate ho3 easy yo#$!e been
abo#t a(( this. Persona((y2 , (i/e yo#. B#t that don$t change anything2 yo# /no3:B
Shado3 said he /ne3.
A, got no choice in the matter2B said 4had2 Ab#t to p(ace yo# #nder arrest %or !io(ating yo#r
paro(e.B hen Po(ice 4hie% 4had 6#((igan read Shado3 his rights. 8e %i((ed o#t some paper3or/.
8e too/ Shado3$s prints. 8e 3a(/ed him do3n the ha(( to the co#nty Dai(2 on the other side o%
the b#i(ding.
here 3as a (ong co#nter and se!era( door3ays on one side o% the room2 t3o ho(ding ce((s and
a door3ay on the other. *ne o% the ce((s 3as occ#pied-a man s(ept on a cement bed #nder a
thin b(an/et. he other 3as empty.
here 3as a s(eepyC(oo/ing 3oman in a bro3n #ni%orm behind the co#nter2 3atching Jay @eno
on a sma(( 3hite portab(e te(e!ision. She too/ the papers %rom 4had2 and signed %or Shado3.
4had h#ng aro#nd2 %i((ed in more papers. he 3oman came aro#nd the co#nter2 patted Shado3
do3n2 too/ a(( his possessions-3a((et2 coins2 %ront door /ey2 boo/2 3atch-and p#t them on
the co#nter2 then ga!e him a p(astic bag 3ith orange c(othes in it and to(d him to go into the
open ce(( and change into them. 8e co#(d /eep his o3n #nder3ear and soc/s. 8e 3ent in and
changed into the orange c(othes and the sho3er %oot3ear. ,t stan/ e!i((y in there. he orange
top he p#((ed o!er his head had @E6B"+ 4*E'9 JA,@ 3ritten on the bac/2 in (arge b(ac/ (etters.
he meta( toi(et in the ce(( had bac/ed #p2 and 3as %i((ed to the brim 3ith a bro3n ste3 o% (iI#id
%eces and so#r2 beerish #rine.
Shado3 came bac/ o#t2 ga!e the 3oman his c(othes2 3hich she p#t into the p(astic bag 3ith the
rest o% his possessions. She had him sign %or them. Shado3 signed %or them as 6i/e Ainse(2
a(tho#gh he %o#nd that he 3as a(ready thin/ing o% 6i/e Ainse( as someone he had (i/ed 3e((
eno#gh in the past b#t 3o#(d no (onger be seeing in the %#t#re. 8e had th#mbed thro#gh the
3a((et be%ore he handed it o!er. A9o# ta/e care o% this2B he had said to the 3oman. A6y 3ho(e
(i%e is in here.B he 3oman too/ the 3a((et %rom him2 and ass#red him that it 3o#(d be sa%e
3ith them. She as/ed 4had i% that 3asn$t tr#e2 and 4had2 (oo/ing #p %rom the (ast o% his
paper3or/2 said @i1 3as te((ing the tr#th2 they$d ne!er (ost a prisoner$s possessions yet.
Shado3 had s(ipped the %o#r h#ndredCdo((ar bi((s that he had pa(med %rom the 3a((et into his
soc/s2 3hen he had changed2 a(ong 3ith the si(!er @iberty do((ar he had pa(med as he had
emptied his poc/ets.
ASay2B Shado3 as/ed2 3hen he came o#t. A5o#(d it be o/ay i% , %inished reading the boo/:B
ASorry2 6i/e. +#(es are r#(es2B said 4had.
@i1 p#t Shado3$s possessions in a bag in the bac/ room. 4had said he$d (ea!e Shado3 in *%%icer
B#te$s capab(e hands. @i1 (oo/ed tired and #nimpressed. 4had (e%t. he te(ephone rang2 and
@i1-*%%icer B#te-ans3ered it. A*/ay2B she said. A*/ay. 'o prob(em. */ay. 'o prob(em. */ay.B
She p#t do3n the phone and made a %ace.
AProb(em:B as/ed Shado3.
A9es. 'ot rea((y. .inda. hey$re sending someone #p %rom 6i(3a#/ee to co((ect yo#. */ay2 do
yo# ha!e any history o% medica( prob(ems2 diabetes2 anything (i/e that:B
A'o2B said Shado3. A'othing (i/e that. 5hy is that a prob(em:B
ABeca#se , got to /eep yo# in here 3ith me %or three ho#rs2B she said. AAnd the ce(( o!er
thereB-she pointed to the ce(( by the door2 3ith the s(eeping man in it-Athat$s occ#pied. 8e$s
on s#icide 3atch. , sho#(dn$t p#t yo# in 3ith him. B#t it$s not 3orth the tro#b(e to sign yo# in to
the co#nty and then sign yo# o#t again.B She shoo/ her head. AAnd yo# don$t 3ant to go in
thereB-she pointed to the empty ce(( in 3hich he$d changed his c(othes-Abeca#se the can is
shot. ,t stin/s in there2 doesn$t it:B
A9es. ,t 3as gross.B
A,t$s common h#manity2 that$s 3hat it is. he sooner 3e get into the ne3 %aci(ities2 it can$t be
too soon %or me. *ne o% the 3omen 3e had in yesterday m#st$!e %(#shed a tampon a3ay. , te((
$em not to. 5e got bins %or that. hey c(og the pipes. "!ery damn tampon do3n that Dohn costs
the co#nty a h#ndred b#c/s in p(#mbers$ %ees. So2 , can /eep yo# o#t here2 i% , c#%% yo#. *r yo#
can go in the ce((.B She (oo/ed at him. A9o#r ca((2B she said.
A,$m not cra1y abo#t them2B he said. AB#t ,$(( ta/e the c#%%s.B
She too/ a pair %rom her #ti(ity be(t2 then patted the semiCa#tomatic in its ho(ster2 as i% to
remind him that it 3as there. A8ands behind yo#r bac/2B she said.
he c#%%s 3ere a tight %it: he had big 3rists. hen she p#t hobb(es on his an/(es2 and sat him
do3n on a bench on the %ar side o% the co#nter2 against the 3a((. A'o32B she said. A9o# don$t
bother me2 and , 3on$t bother yo#.B She ti(ted the te(e!ision so that he co#(d see it.
Ahan/s2B he said.
A5hen 3e get o#r ne3 o%%ices2B she said2 Athere 3on$t be none o% this nonsense.B
he onight Sho3 %inished. Jay and his g#ests grinned the 3or(d good night. An episode o%
4heers began. Shado3 had ne!er rea((y 3atched 4heers. 8e had on(y e!er seen one episode o%
it-the one 3here 4oach$s da#ghter comes to the bar-a(tho#gh he had seen that se!era(
times. Shado3 had noticed that yo# on(y e!er catch one episode o% sho3s yo# don$t 3atch2
o!er and o!er2 years apart? he tho#ght it m#st be some /ind o% cosmic (a3.
*%%icer @i1 B#te sat bac/ in her chair. She 3as not ob!io#s(y do1ing2 b#t she 3as by no means
a3a/e2 so she did not notice 3hen the gang at 4heers stopped ta(/ing and getting o%% oneC(iners
and D#st started staring o#t o% the screen at Shado3.
Diane2 the b(onde barmaid 3ho %ancied herse(% an inte((ect#a(2 3as the %irst to ta(/. AShado32B
she said. A5e 3ere so 3orried abo#t yo#. 9o#$d %a((en o%% the 3or(d. ,t$s so good to see yo#
again-a(beit in bondage and orange co#t#re.B
A5hat , %ig#re2 is2 the thing to do2B ponti%icated barCbore 4(i%%2 Ais to escape in h#nting season2
3hen e!erybody$s 3earing orange any3ay.B
Shado3 said nothing.
AAh2 cat got yo#r tong#e2 , see2B said Diane. A5e((2 yo#$!e (ed #s a merry chasePB
Shado3 (oo/ed a3ay. *%%icer @i1 had beg#n2 gent(y2 to snore. 4ar(a2 the (itt(e 3aitress2 snapped2
A8ey2 Der/C3adP 5e interr#pt this broadcast to sho3 yo# something that$s going to ma/e yo#
piss in yo#r %riggin$ pants. 9o# ready:B
he screen %(ic/ered and 3ent b(ac/. he 3ords A@,F" )""DB p#(sated in 3hite at the bottom
(e%t o% the screen. A s#bd#ed %ema(e !oice said2 in !oiceCo!er2 A,t$s certain(y not too (ate to
change to the 3inning side. B#t yo# /no32 yo# a(so ha!e the %reedom to stay D#st 3here yo#
are. hat$s 3hat it means to be an American. hat$s the mirac(e o% America. )reedom to
be(ie!e means the %reedom to be(ie!e the 3rong thing2 a%ter a((. J#st as %reedom o% speech
gi!es yo# the right to stay si(ent.B
he pict#re no3 sho3ed a street scene. he camera (#rched %or3ard2 in the manner o% handC
he(d !ideo cameras in rea(C(i%e doc#mentaries.
A man 3ith thinning hair2 a tan2 and a %aint(y hangdog e&pression %i((ed the %rame. 8e 3as
standing by a 3a(( sipping a c#p o% co%%ee %rom a p(astic c#p. 8e (oo/ed into the camera and
said2 Aerrorism is too easy a 3ord to bandy abo#t. ,t means that the rea( terrorists hide behind
3ease(C3ords2 (i/e %reedom %ighter2 3hen they are m#rdering sc#m2 p#re and simp(e. ,t
doesn$t ma/e o#r Dob any easier2 b#t at (east 3e /no3 3e$re ma/ing a di%%erence. 5e$re ris/ing
o#r (i!es to ma/e a di%%erence.B
Shado3 recogni1ed the !oice. 8e had been inside the man$s head once. 6r. o3n so#nded
di%%erent %rom inside-his !oice 3as deeper2 more resonant-b#t there 3as no mista/ing it.
he cameras p#((ed bac/ to sho3 that 6r. o3n 3as standing o#tside a bric/ b#i(ding on an
American street. Abo!e the door 3as a setCsI#are and compass %raming the (etter G.
A,n position2B said somebody o%%Cscreen.
A@et$s see i% the cameras inside the ha(( are 3or/ing2B said the %ema(e !oiceCo!er !oice. ,t 3as
the /ind o% reass#ring !oice they #se on commercia(s to try to se(( yo# things on(y peop(e as
smart as yo# are going to ta/e this opport#nity to b#y.
he 3ords @,F" )""D contin#ed to b(in/ at the bottom (e%t o% the screen. 'o3 the pict#re
sho3ed the interior o% a sma(( ha((: the room 3as #nder(it. 3o men sat at a tab(e at the %ar end
o% the room. *ne o% them had his bac/ to the camera. he camera 1oomed in to them
a3/3ard(y2 in a series o% Dagged mo!ements. )or a moment they 3ere o#t o% %oc#s2 and then
they became sharp once more. he man %acing the camera got #p and began to pace2 (i/e a
bear on a chain. ,t 3as 5ednesday. 8e (oo/ed as i%2 on some (e!e(2 he 3as enDoying this. As they
came into %oc#s the so#nd came on 3ith a pop.
he man 3ith his bac/ to the screen 3as saying2 A-3e are o%%ering is the chance to end this2
here and no32 3ith no more b(oodshed2 no more aggression2 no more pain2 no more (oss o% (i%e.
,sn$t that 3orth gi!ing #p a (itt(e:B
5ednesday stopped pacing and t#rned. 8is nostri(s %(ared. A)irst2B he gro3(ed2 Ayo# ha!e to
#nderstand that yo# are as/ing me to spea/ %or a(( o% #s2 %or each and e!ery indi!id#a( in my
position across this co#ntry. 5hich is mani%est(y nonsensica(. hey 3i(( do 3hat they 3i(( do2
and , ha!e no say in it. Second(y2 3hat on earth ma/es yo# thin/ that , be(ie!e that yo# peop(e
are going to /eep yo#r 3ord:B
he man 3ith his bac/ to the camera mo!ed his head. A9o# do yo#rse(% an inD#stice2B he said.
A*b!io#s(y yo# peop(e ha!e no (eaders. B#t yo#$re the one they (isten to. hey pay attention to
yo#2 6ister 4argo. And as %or /eeping my 3ord2 3e((2 these pre(iminary ta(/s are being %i(med
and broadcast (i!e2B and he gest#red bac/ to3ard the camera. ASome o% yo#r peop(e are
3atching as 3e spea/. *thers 3i(( see !ideotapes. *thers 3i(( be to(d2 by those they tr#st. he
camera does not (ie.B
A"!erybody (ies2B said 5ednesday.
Shado3 recogni1ed the !oice o% the man 3ith his bac/ to the camera. ,t 3as 6r. 5or(d2 the one
3ho had spo/en to o3n on the ce(( phone 3hi(e Shado3 3as in o3n$s head.
A9o# don$t be(ie!e2B said 6r. 5or(d2 Athat 3e 3i(( /eep o#r 3ord:B
A, thin/ yo#r promises 3ere made to be bro/en and yo#r oaths to be %ors3orn. B#t , 3i(( /eep
my 3ord.B
ASa%e cond#ct is sa%e cond#ct2B said 6r. 5or(d2 Aand a %(ag o% tr#ce is 3hat 3e agreed. , sho#(d
te(( yo#2 by the 3ay2 that yo#r yo#ng prot\g\ is once more in o#r c#stody.B
5ednesday snorted. A'o2B he said. A8e$s not.B
A5e 3ere disc#ssing the 3ays to dea( 3ith the coming paradigm shi%t. 5e don$t ha!e to be
enemies. Do 3e:B
5ednesday sti(( seemed sha/en. 8e said2 A, 3i(( do 3hate!er is in my po3erQB
Shado3 noticed something strange abo#t the image o% 5ednesday on the te(e!ision screen. A
red g(int b#rned on his (e%t eye2 the g(ass one. he eye b#rned 3ith a scar(et (ight. he g(int (e%t
a phosphorCdot a%terCimage as he mo!ed. 5ednesday seemed #na3are o% it.
A,t$s a big co#ntry2B said 5ednesday2 marsha(ing his tho#ghts. 8e mo!ed his head and the
scar(et g(itterCb(#r s(ipped to his chee/2 a red (aserCpointer dot. hen it edged #p to his g(ass eye
once more. Ahere is room %or-B
here 3as a bang2 m#ted by the te(e!ision spea/ers2 and the side o% 5ednesday$s head
e&p(oded. 8is body t#mb(ed bac/3ard.
6r. 5or(d stood #p2 his bac/ sti(( to the camera2 and 3a(/ed o#t o% shot.
A@et$s see that again2 in s(o3 motion this time2B said the anno#ncer$s !oice2 reass#ring(y.
he 3ords @,F" )""D became +"P@A9. S(o3(y no3 the red (aser pointer traced its bead onto
5ednesday$s g(ass eye2 and once again the side o% his %ace disso(!ed into a c(o#d o% b(ood.
)ree1e %rame.
A9es2 it$s sti(( God$s *3n 4o#ntry2B said the anno#ncer2 a ne3s reporter prono#ncing the %ina(
tag (ine. Ahe on(y I#estion is2 3hich gods:B
Another !oice-Shado3 tho#ght that it 3as 6r. 5or(d$s2 it had that same ha(%C%ami(iar
I#a(ity-said2 A5e no3 ret#rn yo# to yo#r reg#(ar(y sched#(ed programming.B
*n 4heers 4oach ass#red his da#ghter that she 3as tr#(y bea#ti%#(2 D#st (i/e her mother.
he te(ephone rang2 and *%%icer @i1 sat #p 3ith a start. She pic/ed it #p. Said2 A*/ay. */ay. 9es.
*/ay2 ,$(( be o!er there2B p#t the phone do3n and got #p %rom behind the co#nter. She said to
Shado32 ASorry. ,$m going to ha!e to p#t yo# in the ce((. Don$t #se the can. ,% yo# need to go2
press the b#11er by the door2 and ,$(( come do3n as soon as , can and escort yo# to the
restrooms o#t bac/. he @a%ayette sheri%%$s department sho#(d be here to co((ect yo# soon.B
She remo!ed the c#%%s and the hobb(e2 (oc/ed him into the ho(ding ce((. he sme(( 3as 3orse2
no3 that the door 3as c(osed.
Shado3 sat do3n on the concrete bed2 s(ipped the @iberty do((ar %rom his soc/ and began
mo!ing it %rom %inger to pa(m2 %rom position to position2 %rom hand to hand2 his on(y aim to
/eep the coin %rom being seen by anyone 3ho might (oo/ in. 8e 3as passing the time. 8e 3as
n#mb.
8e missed 5ednesday2 then2 s#dden and deep. 8e missed the man$s con%idence2 his attit#de.
8is con!iction.
8e opened his hand2 (oo/ed do3n at @ady @iberty2 a si(!er pro%i(e. 8e c(osed his %ingers o!er the
coin2 he(d it tight(y. 8e 3ondered i% he$d get to be one o% those g#ys 3ho got (i%e %or something
they didn$t do. ,% he e!en made it that %ar. )rom 3hat he$d seen o% 6r. 5or(d and 6r. o3n2
they 3o#(d ha!e (itt(e tro#b(e p#((ing him o#t o% the system. Perhaps he$d s#%%er an #n%ort#nate
accident on the 3ay to the ne&t ho(ding %aci(ity. 8e co#(d be shot 3hi(e ma/ing a brea/ %or it. ,t
did not seem at a(( #n(i/e(y.
here 3as a stir o% acti!ity in the room on the other side o% the g(ass. *%%icer @i1 came bac/ in.
She pressed a b#tton2 a door that Shado3 co#(d not see opened2 and a b(ac/ dep#ty in a bro3n
sheri%%$s #ni%orm entered and 3a(/ed bris/(y o!er to the des/.
Shado3 s(ipped the do((ar coin bac/ into his soc/2 p#shing it do3n to3ard his an/(e.
he ne3 dep#ty handed o!er some papers2 @i1 scanned them and signed. 4had 6#((igan came
in2 said a %e3 3ords to the ne3 man2 then he #n(oc/ed the ce(( door and 3a(/ed inside.
A,t stin/s in here.B
Ae(( me abo#t it.B
A*/ay. )o(/ are here to pic/ yo# #p. Seems yo#$re a matter o% nationa( sec#rity. 9o# /no3
that:B
A,t$(( ma/e a great %rontCpage story %or the @a/eside 'e3s2B said Shado3.
4had (oo/ed at him 3itho#t e&pression. Ahat a dri%ter got pic/ed #p %or paro(e !io(ations: 'ot
m#ch o% a story.B
ASo that$s the 3ay it is:B
Ahat$s 3hat they te(( me2B said 4had 6#((igan. Shado3 p#t his hands in %ront o% him this time2
and 4had c#%%ed him. 4had (oc/ed on the an/(e hobb(es2 and a rod %rom the c#%%s to the
hobb(es.
Shado3 tho#ght2 hey$(( ta/e me o#tside. 6aybe , can ma/e a brea/ %or it2 some /ind o% brea/
%or it2 in hobb(es and c#%%s and (ight3eight orange c(othes2 o#t into the sno32 and e!en as he
tho#ght it he /ne3 ho3 st#pid and hope(ess it 3as.
4had 3a(/ed him o#t into the o%%ice. @i1 had t#rned the F o%% no3. he b(ac/ dep#ty (oo/ed
him o!er. A8e$s a big g#y2B he said to 4had. @i1 passed the ne3 dep#ty the paper bag 3ith
Shado3$s possessions in it2 and he signed %or it.
4had (oo/ed at Shado32 then at the dep#ty. 8e said to the dep#ty2 I#iet(y2 b#t (o#d(y eno#gh
%or Shado3 to hear2 A@oo/. , D#st 3ant to say2 ,$m not com%ortab(e 3ith the 3ay this is
happening.B
he dep#ty nodded. 8is !oice 3as deep2 and c#(t#red: the !oice o% a man 3ho co#(d as easi(y
organi1e a press brie%ing as a massacre. A9o#$(( ha!e to ta/e it #p 3ith the appropriate
a#thorities2 sir. *#r Dob is simp(y to bring him in.B
4had made a so#r %ace. 8e t#rned to Shado3. A*/ay2B said 4had. Ahro#gh that door and into
the sa((y port.B
A5hat:B
A*#t there. 5here the car is.B
@i1 #n(oc/ed the doors. A9o# ma/e s#re that orange #ni%orm comes right bac/ here2B she said to
the dep#ty. Ahe (ast %e(on 3e sent do3n to @a%ayette2 3e ne!er sa3 the #ni%orm again. hey
cost the co#nty money.B hey 3a(/ed Shado3 o#t to the sa((y port2 3here a car 3as 3aiting. ,t
3asn$t a sheri%%$sCdepartment car. ,t 3as a b(ac/ to3n car. Another dep#ty2 a gri11(ed 3hite g#y
3ith a mo#stache2 stood by the car2 smo/ing a cigarette. 8e cr#shed it o#t #nder%oot as they
came c(ose2 and opened the bac/ door %or Shado3.
Shado3 sat do3n2 a3/3ard(y2 his mo!ements hampered by the c#%%s and the hobb(e. here
3as no gri((e bet3een the bac/ and the %ront o% the car.
he t3o dep#ties c(imbed into the %ront o% the car. he b(ac/ dep#ty started the motor. hey
3aited %or the sa((y port door to open.
A4ome on2 come on2B said the b(ac/ dep#ty2 his %ingers dr#mming against the steering 3hee(.
4had 6#((igan tapped on the side 3indo3. he 3hite dep#ty g(anced at the dri!er2 then he
(o3ered the 3indo3. Ahis is 3rong2B said 4had. A, D#st 3anted to say that.B
A9o#r comments ha!e been noted2 and 3i(( be con!eyed to the appropriate a#thorities2B said
the dri!er.
he doors to the o#tside 3or(d opened. he sno3 3as sti(( %a((ing2 di11ying into the car$s
head(ights. he dri!er p#t his %oot on the gas2 and they 3ere heading bac/ do3n the street and
onto 6ain Street.
A9o# heard abo#t 5ednesday:B said the dri!er. 8is !oice so#nded di%%erent2 no32 o(der2 and
%ami(iar. A8e$s dead.B
A9eah. , /no32B said Shado3. A, sa3 it on F.B
Ahose %#c/ers2B said the 3hite o%%icer. ,t 3as the %irst thing he had said2 and his !oice 3as
ro#gh and accented and2 (i/e the dri!er$s2 it 3as a !oice that Shado3 /ne3. A, te(( yo#2 they are
%#c/ers2 those %#c/ers.B
Ahan/s %or coming to get me2B said Shado3.
ADon$t mention it2B said the dri!er. ,n the (ight o% an oncoming car his %ace a(ready (oo/ed o(der.
8e (oo/ed sma((er2 too. he (ast time Shado3 had seen him he had been 3earing (emonCye((o3
g(o!es and a chec/ Dac/et. A5e 3ere in 6i(3a#/ee. Sti(( had to dri!e (i/e demons 3hen ,bis
ca((ed.B
A9o# thin/ 3e (et them (oc/ yo# #p and send yo# to the chair2 3hen ,$m sti(( 3aiting to brea/
yo#r head 3ith my hammer:B as/ed the 3hite dep#ty g(oomi(y2 %#mb(ing in his poc/et %or a
pac/ o% cigarettes. 8is accent 3as east "#ropean.
Ahe rea( shit 3i(( hit the %an in an ho#r or (ess2B said 6r. 'ancy2 (oo/ing more (i/e himse(% 3ith
each moment2 A3hen they rea((y t#rn #p to co((ect yo#. 5e$(( p#(( o!er be%ore 3e get to
8igh3ay NV and get yo# o#t o% those shac/(es and bac/ into yo#r o3n c(othes.B 41ernobog he(d
#p a handc#%% /ey and smi(ed.
A, (i/e the mo#stache2B said Shado3. AS#its yo#.B
41ernobog stro/ed it 3ith a ye((o3ed %inger. Ahan/ yo#.B
A5ednesday2B said Shado3. A,s he rea((y dead: his isn$t some /ind o% tric/ is it:B
8e rea(i1ed that he had been ho(ding on to some /ind o% hope2 %oo(ish tho#gh it 3as. B#t the
e&pression on 'ancy$s %ace to(d him a(( he needed to /no32 and the hope 3as gone.
4oming to America
;Z2KKK B.4.
4o(d it 3as2 and dar/2 3hen the !ision came to her2 %or in the %ar north day(ight 3as a gray dim
time in the midd(e o% the day that came2 and 3ent2 and came again: an inter(#de bet3een
dar/nesses.
hey 3ere not a (arge tribe as these things 3ere co#nted then: nomads o% the 'orthern P(ains.
hey had a god2 3ho 3as the s/#(( o% a mammoth2 and the hide o% a mammoth %ashioned into a
ro#gh c(oa/. '#ny#nnini they ca((ed him. 5hen they 3ere not tra!e(ing2 he rested on a 3ooden
%rame2 at man height.
She 3as the ho(y 3oman o% the tribe2 the /eeper o% its secrets2 and her name 3as Ats#(a2 the
%o&. Ats#(a 3a(/ed be%ore the t3o tribesmen 3ho carried their god on (ong po(es2 draped 3ith
bears/ins2 that it sho#(d not be seen by pro%ane eyes2 nor at times 3hen it 3as not ho(y.
hey roamed the t#ndra2 3ith their tents. he %inest o% the tents 3as made o% caribo#Chide2 and
it 3as the ho(y tent2 and there 3ere %o#r o% them inside it: Ats#(a2 the priestess2 G#g3ei2 the
triba( e(der2 9an#2 the 3ar (eader2 and .a(an#2 the sco#t. She ca((ed them there2 the day a%ter
she had her !ision.
Ats#(a scraped some (ichen into the %ire2 then she thre3 in dried (ea!es 3ith her 3ithered (e%t
hand: they smo/ed2 3ith an eyeCstinging gray smo/e2 and ga!e o%% an odor that 3as sharp and
strange. hen she too/ a 3ooden c#p %rom the 3ooden p(at%orm2 and she passed it to G#g3ei.
he c#p 3as ha(%C%i((ed 3ith a dar/ ye((o3 (iI#id.
Ats#(a had %o#nd the p#ngh m#shrooms-each 3ith se!en spots2 on(y a tr#e ho(y 3oman
co#(d %ind a se!enCspotted m#shroom-and had pic/ed them at the dar/ o% the moon2 and
dried them on a string o% deerCcarti(age.
9esterday2 be%ore she s(ept2 she had eaten the three dried m#shroom caps. 8er dreams had
been con%#sed and %ear%#( things2 o% bright (ights mo!ing %ast2 o% roc/ mo#ntains %i((ed 3ith
(ights spearing #p3ard (i/e icic(es. ,n the night she had 3o/en2 s3eating2 and needing to ma/e
3ater. She sI#atted o!er the 3ooden c#p and %i((ed it 3ith her #rine. hen she p(aced the c#p
o#tside the tent2 in the sno32 and ret#rned to s(eep.
5hen she 3o/e2 she pic/ed the (#mps o% ice o#t %rom the 3ooden c#p2 as her mother had
ta#ght her2 (ea!ing a dar/er2 more concentrated (iI#id behind.
,t 3as this (iI#id she passed aro#nd the s/in tent2 %irst to G#g3ei2 then to 9an# and to .a(an#.
"ach o% them too/ a (arge g#(p o% the (iI#id2 then Ats#(a too/ the %ina( dra#ght. She s3a((o3ed
it2 and po#red 3hat 3as (e%t on the gro#nd in %ront o% their god2 a (ibation to '#ny#nnini.
hey sat in the smo/y tent2 3aiting %or their god to spea/. *#tside2 in the dar/ness2 the 3ind
3ai(ed and breathed.
.a(an#2 the sco#t2 3as a 3oman 3ho dressed and 3a(/ed as a man: she had e!en ta/en Da(ani2
a %o#rteenCyearCo(d maiden2 to be her 3i%e. .a(an# b(in/ed her eyes tight(y2 then she got #p and
3a(/ed o!er to the mammothCs/#((. She p#((ed the mammothChide c(oa/ o!er herse(%2 and
stood so her head 3as inside the mammothCs/#((.
Ahere is e!i( in the (and2B said '#ny#nnini. A"!i(2 s#ch that i% yo# stay here2 in the (and o% yo#r
mothers and yo#r mother$s mothers2 yo# sha(( a(( perish.B
he three (isteners gr#nted.
A,s it the s(a!ers: *r the great 3o(!es:B as/ed G#g3ei2 3hose hair 3as (ong and 3hite2 and
3hose %ace 3as as 3rin/(ed as the gray s/in o% a thorn tree.
A,t is not the s(a!ers2B said '#ny#nnini2 o(d stoneChide. A,t is not the great 3o(!es.B
A,s it a %amine: ,s a %amine coming:B as/ed G#g3ei.
'#ny#nnini 3as si(ent. .a(an# came o#t o% the s/#(( and 3aited 3ith the rest o% them.
G#g3ei p#t on the mammothChide c(oa/ and p#t his head inside the s/#((. A,t is not a %amine as
yo# /no3 it2B said '#ny#nnini2 thro#gh G#g3ei$s mo#th2 Aa(tho#gh a %amine 3i(( %o((o3.B
Ahen 3hat is it:B as/ed 9an#. A, am not a%raid. , 3i(( stand against it. 5e ha!e spears2 and 3e
ha!e thro3ing roc/s. @et a h#ndred mighty 3arriors come against #s2 sti(( 3e sha(( pre!ai(. 5e
sha(( (ead them into the marshes2 and sp(it their s/#((s 3ith o#r roc/s.B
A,t is not a man thing2B said '#ny#nnini2 in G#g3ei$s o(d !oice. A,t 3i(( come %rom the s/ies2 and
none o% yo#r spears or yo#r roc/s 3i(( protect yo#.B
A8o3 can 3e protect o#rse(!es:B as/ed Ats#(a. A, ha!e seen %(ames in the s/ies. , ha!e heard a
noise (o#der than ten th#nderbo(ts. , ha!e seen %orests %(attened and ri!ers boi(.B
AAiQ2B said '#ny#nnini2 b#t he said no more. G#g3ei came o#t o% the s/#((2 bending sti%%(y2 %or
he 3as an o(d man2 and his /n#c/(es 3ere s3o((en and /notted.
here 3as si(ence. Ats#(a thre3 more (ea!es on the %ire2 and the smo/e made their eyes tear.
hen 9an# strode to the mammothChead2 p#t the c(oa/ abo#t his broad sho#(ders2 p#t his head
inside the s/#((. 8is !oice boomed. A9o# m#st Do#rney2B said '#ny#nnini. A9o# m#st tra!e( to
s#nC3ard. 5here the s#n rises2 there yo# 3i(( %ind a ne3 (and2 3here yo# 3i(( be sa%e. ,t 3i(( be
a (ong Do#rney: the moon 3i(( s3e(( and empty2 die and (i!e2 t3ice2 and there 3i(( be s(a!ers and
beasts2 b#t , sha(( g#ide yo# and /eep yo# sa%e2 i% yo# tra!e( to3ard the s#nrise.B
Ats#(a spat on the m#d o% the %(oor2 and said2 A'o.B She co#(d %ee( the god staring at her. A'o2B
she said. A9o# are a bad god to te(( #s this. 5e 3i(( die. 5e 3i(( a(( die2 and then 3ho 3i(( be (e%t
to carry yo# %rom high p(ace to high p(ace2 to raise yo#r tent2 to oi( yo#r great t#s/s 3ith %at:B
he god said nothing. Ats#(a and 9an# e&changed p(aces. Ats#(a$s %ace stared o#t thro#gh the
ye((o3ed mammothCbone.
AAts#(a has no %aith2B said '#ny#nnini in Ats#(a$s !oice. AAts#(a sha(( die be%ore the rest o% yo#
enter the ne3 (and2 b#t the rest o% yo# sha(( (i!e. r#st me: there is a (and to the east that is
man(ess. his (and sha(( be yo#r (and and the (and o% yo#r chi(dren and yo#r chi(dren$s chi(dren2
%or se!en generations2 and se!en se!ens. B#t %or Ats#(a$s %aith(essness2 yo# 3o#(d ha!e /ept it
%ore!er. ,n the morning2 pac/ yo#r tents and yo#r possessions2 and 3a(/ to3ard the s#nrise.B
And G#g3ei and 9an# and .a(an# bo3ed their heads and e&c(aimed at the po3er and 3isdom
o% '#ny#nnini.
he moon s3e((ed and 3aned and s3e((ed and 3aned once more. he peop(e o% the tribe
3a(/ed east2 to3ard the s#nrise2 str#gg(ing thro#gh the icy 3inds2 3hich n#mbed their e&posed
s/in. '#ny#nnini had promised them tr#(y: they (ost no one %rom the tribe on the Do#rney2 sa!e
%or a 3oman in chi(dbirth2 and 3omen in chi(dbirth be(ong to the moon2 not to '#ny#nnini.
hey crossed the (andCbridge.
.a(an# had (e%t them at %irst (ight to sco#t the 3ay. 'o3 the s/y 3as dar/2 and .a(an# had not
ret#rned2 b#t the night s/y 3as a(i!e 3ith (ights2 /notting and %(ic/ering and 3inding2 %(#& and
p#(se2 3hite and green and !io(et and red. Ats#(a and her peop(e had seen the northern (ights
be%ore2 b#t they 3ere sti(( %rightened by them2 and this 3as a disp(ay (i/e they had ne!er seen
be%ore.
.a(an# ret#rned to them2 as the (ights in the s/y %ormed and %(o3ed.
ASometimes2B she said to Ats#(a2 A, %ee( that , co#(d simp(y spread my arms and %a(( into the
s/y.B
Ahat is beca#se yo# are a sco#t2B said Ats#(a2 the priestess. A5hen yo# die2 yo# sha(( %a(( into
the s/y and become a star2 to g#ide #s as yo# g#ide #s in (i%e.B
Ahere are c(i%%s o% ice to the east2 high c(i%%s2B said .a(an#2 her ra!enCb(ac/ hair 3orn (ong2 as a
man 3o#(d 3ear it. A5e can c(imb them2 b#t it 3i(( ta/e many days.B
A9o# sha(( (ead #s sa%e(y2B said Ats#(a. A, sha(( die at the %oot o% the c(i%%2 and that sha(( be the
sacri%ice that ta/es yo# into the ne3 (ands.B
o the 3est o% them2 bac/ in the (ands %rom 3hich they had come2 3here the s#n had set ho#rs
be%ore2 there 3as a %(ash o% sic/(y ye((o3 (ight2 brighter than (ightning2 brighter than day(ight: a
b#rst o% p#re bri((iance that %orced the %o(/ on the (and bridge to co!er their eyes and spit and
e&c(aim. 4hi(dren began to 3ai(.
Ahat is the doom that '#ny#nnini 3arned #s o%2B said G#g3ei the o(d. AS#re(y he is a 3ise god
and a mighty one.B
A8e is the best o% a(( gods2B said .a(an#. A,n o#r ne3 (and 3e sha(( raise him #p on high2 and 3e
sha(( po(ish his t#s/s and s/#(( 3ith %ish oi( and anima( %at2 and 3e sha(( te(( o#r chi(dren2 and o#r
chi(dren$s chi(dren2 and o#r se!enth chi(dren$s chi(dren2 that '#ny#nnini is the mightiest o% a((
gods2 and sha(( ne!er be %orgotten.B
AGods are great2B said Ats#(a2 s(o3(y2 as i% she 3ere comprehending a great secret. AB#t the
heart is greater. )or it is %rom o#r hearts they come2 and to o#r hearts they sha(( ret#rnQB
And there is no te((ing ho3 (ong she might ha!e contin#ed in this b(asphemy2 had it not been
interr#pted in a manner that broo/ed no arg#ment.
he roar that er#pted %rom the 3est 3as so (o#d that ears b(ed2 that they co#(d hear nothing
%or some time2 temporari(y b(inded and dea%ened b#t a(i!e2 /no3ing that they 3ere (#c/ier than
the tribes to the 3est o% them.
A,t is good2B said Ats#(a2 b#t she co#(d not hear the 3ords inside her head.
Ats#(a died at the %oot o% the c(i%%s 3hen the spring s#n 3as at its 1enith. She did not (i!e to see
the 'e3 5or(d2 and the tribe 3a(/ed into those (ands 3ith no ho(y 3oman.
hey sca(ed the c(i%%s2 and they 3ent so#th and 3est2 #nti( they %o#nd a !a((ey 3ith %resh 3ater2
and ri!ers that teemed 3ith si(!er %ish2 and deer that had ne!er seen man be%ore2 and 3ere so
tame it 3as necessary to spit and to apo(ogi1e to their spirits be%ore /i((ing them.
Da(ani ga!e birth to three boys2 and some said that .a(an# had per%ormed the %ina( magic and
co#(d do the manCthing 3ith her bride? 3hi(e others said that o(d G#g3ei 3as not too o(d to
/eep a yo#ng bride company 3hen her h#sband 3as a3ay? and certain(y once G#g3ei died2
Da(ani had no more chi(dren.
And the ice times came and the ice times 3ent2 and the peop(e spread o#t across the (and2 and
%ormed ne3 tribes and chose ne3 totems %or themse(!es: ra!ens and %o&es and gro#nd s(oths
and great cats and b#%%a(o2 each a taboo beast that mar/ed a tribe$s identity2 each beast a god.
he mammoths o% the ne3 (ands 3ere bigger2 and s(o3er2 and more %oo(ish than the
mammoths o% the Siberian p(ains2 and the p#ngh m#shrooms2 3ith their se!en spots2 3ere not
to be %o#nd in the ne3 (ands2 and '#ny#nnini did not spea/ to the tribe any (onger.
And in the days o% the grandchi(dren o% Da(ani and .a(an#$s grandchi(dren2 a band o% 3arriors2
members o% a big and prospero#s tribe2 ret#rning %rom a s(a!ing e&pedition in the north to their
home in the so#th2 %o#nd the !a((ey o% the )irst Peop(e: they /i((ed most o% the men2 and they
too/ the 3omen and many o% the chi(dren capti!e.
*ne o% the chi(dren2 hoping %or c(emency2 too/ them to a ca!e in the hi((s2 in 3hich they %o#nd a
mammothCs/#((2 the tattered remnants o% a mammothCs/in c(oa/2 a 3ooden c#p2 and the
preser!ed head o% Ats#(a the orac(e.
5hi(e some o% the 3arriors o% the ne3 tribe 3ere %or ta/ing the sacred obDects a3ay 3ith them2
stea(ing the gods o% the )irst Peop(e and o3ning their po3er2 others co#nse(ed against it2 saying
that they 3o#(d bring nothing b#t i(( (#c/2 and the ma(ice o% their o3n god G%or these 3ere the
peop(e o% a ra!en tribe2 and ra!ens are Dea(o#s godsH.
So they thre3 the obDects do3n the side o% the hi((2 into a deep ra!ine2 and too/ the s#r!i!ors o%
the )irst Peop(e 3ith them on their (ong Do#rney so#th. And the ra!en tribes2 and the %o& tribes2
gre3 more po3er%#( in the (and2 and soon '#ny#nnini 3as entire(y %orgot.
PA+ 8+""
he 6oment o% the Storm
48AP"+ )*E+""'
Peop(e are in the dar/2 they don$t /no3 3hat to do, had a (itt(e (antern2 oh b#t it got b(o3n o#t
too.,$m reaching o#t my hand. , hope yo# are too., D#st 3ant to be in the dar/ 3ith yo#.-G+"G
B+*5'2 A,' 8" DA+. 5,8 9*EB
hey changed cars at %i!e in the morning2 in 6inneapo(is2 in the airport$s (ongCterm par/ing (ot.
hey dro!e to the top %(oor2 3here the par/ing b#i(ding 3as open to the s/y.
Shado3 too/ the orange #ni%orm and the handc#%%s and (eg hobb(es2 p#t them in the bro3n
paper bag that had brie%(y he(d his possessions2 %o(ded the 3ho(e thing #p and dropped it into a
par/ing (ot garbage can. hey had been 3aiting %or ten min#tes 3hen a barre(Cchested yo#ng
man came o#t o% an airport door and 3a(/ed o!er to them. 8e 3as eating a pac/et o% B#rger
.ing %rench %ries. Shado3 recogni1ed him immediate(y: he had sat in the bac/ o% the car 3hen
they had (e%t the 8o#se on the +oc/2 and h#mmed so deep(y the car had !ibrated. 8e no3
sported a 3hiteCstrea/ed 3inter beard he had not had 3hen they had met at the 8o#se on the
+oc/. ,t made him (oo/ o(der.
he man 3iped the grease %rom his hands onto his s3eater2 e&tended one h#ge hand to
Shado3. A, heard o% the a((C%ather$s death2B he said. Ahey 3i(( pay2 and they 3i(( pay dear(y.B
A5ednesday 3as yo#r %ather:B as/ed Shado3.
A8e 3as the a((C%ather2B said the man. 8is deep !oice ca#ght in his throat. A9o# te(( them2 te((
them a((2 that 3hen 3e are needed my peop(e 3i(( be there.B
41ernobog pic/ed at a %(a/e o% tobacco bet3een his teeth and spat it o#t onto the %ro1en s(#sh.
AAnd ho3 many o% yo# is that: en: 3enty:B
he barre(Cchested man$s beard brist(ed. AAnd aren$t ten o% #s 3orth a h#ndred o% them: 5ho
3o#(d stand against e!en one o% my %o(/2 in a batt(e: B#t there are more o% #s than that2 at the
edges o% the cities. here are a %e3 in the mo#ntains. Some in the 4ats/i((s2 a %e3 (i!ing in the
carny to3ns in )(orida. hey /eep their a&es sharp. hey 3i(( come i% , ca(( them.B
A9o# do that2 "(!is2B said 6r. 'ancy. Shado3 tho#ght he said "(!is2 any3ay2 b#t he co#(dn$t be
s#re. 'ancy had e&changed the dep#ty$s #ni%orm %or a thic/ bro3n cardigan2 cord#roy tro#sers2
and bro3n (oa%ers. A9o# ca(( them. ,t$s 3hat the o(d bastard 3o#(d ha!e 3anted.B
Ahey betrayed him. hey /i((ed him. , (a#ghed at 5ednesday2 b#t , 3as 3rong. 'one o% #s are
sa%e any (onger2B said the man 3ho might ha!e been named "(!is. AB#t yo# can re(y on #s.B 8e
gent(y patted Shado3 on the bac/ and a(most sent him spra3(ing. ,t 3as (i/e being gent(y
patted on the bac/ by a 3rec/ing ba((.
41ernobog had been (oo/ing aro#nd the par/ing (ot. 'o3 he said2 A9o# 3i(( pardon me as/ing2
b#t o#r ne3 !ehic(e is 3hich:B
he barre(Cchested man pointed. Ahere she is2B he said.
41ernobog snorted. Ahat:B
,t 3as a ;<MK F5 b#s. here 3as a rainbo3 deca( in the rear 3indo3.
A,t$s a %ine !ehic(e. And it$s the (ast thing that they$(( be e&pecting yo# to be dri!ing. he (ast
thing they$(( be (oo/ing %or.B
41ernobog 3a(/ed aro#nd the !ehic(e. hen he started to co#gh2 a (#ngCr#mb(ing2 o(dCman2
%i!eCinCtheCmorning2 smo/er$s co#gh. 8e ha3/ed2 and spat2 and p#t his hand to his chest2
massaging a3ay the pain. A9es. he (ast car they 3i(( s#spect. So 3hat happens 3hen the po(ice
p#(( #s o!er2 (oo/ing %or the hippies2 and the dope: "h: 5e are not here to ride the magic b#s.
5e are to b(end in.B
he bearded man #n(oc/ed the door o% the b#s. ASo they ta/e a (oo/ at yo#2 they see yo# aren$t
hippies2 they 3a!e yo# goodbye. ,t$s the per%ect disg#ise. And it$s a(( , co#(d %ind at no notice.B
41ernobog seemed to be ready to arg#e it %#rther2 b#t 6r. 'ancy inter!ened smooth(y. A"(!is2
yo# come thro#gh %or #s. 5e are !ery grate%#(. 'o32 that car needs to get bac/ to 4hicago.B
A5e$(( (ea!e it in B(oomington2B said the bearded man. Ahe 3o(!es 3i(( ta/e care o% it. Don$t
gi!e it another tho#ght.B 8e t#rned bac/ to Shado3. AAgain2 yo# ha!e my sympathy and , share
yo#r pain. Good (#c/. And i% the !igi( %a((s to yo#2 my admiration2 and my sympathy.B 8e
sI#ee1ed Shado3$s hand in sympathy and in %riendship 3ith his o3n catcher$sCmitt %ist. ,t h#rt.
A9o# te(( his corpse 3hen yo# see it. e(( him that A(!iss son o% Finda(% 3i(( /eep the %aith.B
he F5 b#s sme((ed o% patcho#(i2 o% o(d incense and ro((ing tobacco. here 3as a %aded pin/
carpet g(#ed to the %(oor and to the 3a((s.
A5ho 3as that:B as/ed Shado32 as he dro!e them do3n the ramp2 grinding the gears.
AJ#st (i/e he said2 A(!iss son o% Finda(%. 8e$s the /ing o% the d3ar%s. he biggest2 mightiest2
greatest o% a(( the d3ar% %o(/.B
AB#t he$s not a d3ar%2B pointed o#t Shado3. A8e$s 3hat2 %i!e eight: )i!e nine:B
A5hich ma/es him a giant among d3ar%s2B said 41ernobog %rom behind him. Aa((est d3ar% in
America.B
A5hat 3as that abo#t the !igi(:B as/ed Shado3.
he t3o o(d men said nothing. Shado3 g(anced to his right. 6r. 'ancy 3as staring o#t o% the
3indo3.
A5e((: 8e 3as ta(/ing abo#t a !igi(. 9o# heard him.B
41ernobog spo/e #p %rom the bac/ seat. A9o# 3i(( not ha!e to do it2B he said.
ADo 3hat:B
Ahe !igi(. 8e ta(/s too m#ch. A(( the d3ar%s ta(/ and ta(/ and ta(/. And sing. A(( the time2 sing2
sing2 sing. ,s nothing to thin/ o%. Better yo# p#t it o#t o% yo#r mind.B
hey dro!e so#th2 /eeping o%% the %ree3ays GA5e m#st ass#me2B said 6r. 'ancy2 Athat they are
in enemy hands. *r that they are perhaps enemy hands in their o3n rightBH. Dri!ing so#th 3as
(i/e dri!ing %or3ard in time. he sno3s erased2 s(o3(y2 and 3ere comp(ete(y gone by the
%o((o3ing morning 3hen the b#s reached .ent#c/y. 5inter 3as a(ready o!er in .ent#c/y2 and
spring 3as on its 3ay. Shado3 began to 3onder i% there 3ere some /ind o% eI#ation to e&p(ain
it-perhaps e!ery %i%ty mi(es he dro!e so#th he 3as dri!ing a day into the %#t#re.
8e 3o#(d ha!e mentioned his idea to his passengers2 b#t 6r. 'ancy 3as as(eep in the
passenger seat in the %ront2 3hi(e 41ernobog snored #nceasing(y in the bac/.
ime seemed a %(e&ib(e constr#ct at that moment2 an i((#sion he 3as imagining as he dro!e. 8e
%o#nd himse(% becoming pain%#((y a3are o% birds and anima(s: he sa3 the cro3s on the side o%
the road2 or in the b#s$s path2 pic/ing at road/i((? %(ights o% birds 3hee(ed across the s/ies in
patterns that a(most made sense? cats stared at them %rom %ront (a3ns and %enceCposts.
41ernobog snorted and 3o/e2 sitting #p s(o3(y. A, dreamed a strange dream2B he said. A,
dreamed that , am tr#(y Bie(ebog. hat %ore!er the 3or(d imagines that there are t3o o% #s2 the
(ight god and the dar/2 b#t that no3 3e are both o(d2 , %ind it 3as on(y me a(( the time2 gi!ing
them gi%ts2 ta/ing my gi%ts a3ay.B 8e bro/e the %i(ter %rom a @#c/y Stri/e2 p#t it bet3een his (ips
and (it it 3ith his (ighter.
Shado3 3o#nd do3n his 3indo3.
AAren$t yo# 3orried abo#t (#ng cancer:B he said.
A, am cancer2B said 41ernobog. A, do not %righten myse(%.B 8e ch#c/(ed2 and then the ch#c/(e
became a 3hee1e and the 3hee1e t#rned into a co#gh.
'ancy spo/e. A)o(/ (i/e #s don$t get cancer. 5e don$t get arteriosc(erosis or Par/inson$s disease
or syphi(is. 5e$re /ind o% hard to /i((.B
Ahey /i((ed 5ednesday2B said Shado3.
8e p#((ed o!er %or gas2 and then par/ed ne&t door at a resta#rant2 %or an ear(y brea/%ast. As
they entered2 the payphone in the entrance began to Dang(e. hey 3a(/ed past it 3itho#t
ans3ering it2 and it stopped ringing.
hey ga!e their orders to an e(der(y 3oman 3ith a 3orried smi(e2 3ho had been sitting reading
a paperbac/ copy o% 5hat 6y 8eart 6eant by Jenny .erton. he te(ephone began to ring
once more. he 3oman sighed2 then 3a(/ed bac/ and o!er to the phone2 pic/ed it #p2 said2
A9es.B hen she (oo/ed bac/ at the room2 said2 A9ep. @oo/s (i/e they are. 9o# D#st ho(d the (ine
no32B and 3a(/ed o!er to 6r. 'ancy.
A,t$s %or yo#2B she said.
A*/ay2B said 6r. 'ancy. A'o32 ma$am2 yo# ma/e s#re those %ries are rea( crisp no3. hin/
b#rnt.B 8e 3a(/ed o!er to the payphone.
Ahis is he2B he said.
AAnd 3hat ma/es yo# thin/ ,$m d#mb eno#gh to tr#st yo#:B he said.
A, can %ind it2B he said. A, /no3 3here it is.B
A9es2B he said. A5e 3ant it. 9o# /no3 3e 3ant it. And , /no3 yo# 3ant to get rid o% it. So don$t
gi!e me any shit.B
8e p#t do3n the te(ephone2 came bac/ to the tab(e.
A5ho 3as it:B as/ed Shado3.
ADidn$t say.B
A5hat did they 3ant:B
Ahey 3ere o%%erin$ #s a tr#ce2 3hi(e they hand o!er the body.B
Ahey (ie2B said 41ernobog. Ahey 3ant to (#re #s in2 and then they 3i(( /i(( #s. 5hat they did to
5ednesday. ,s 3hat , a(3ays #sed to do2B he added2 3ith g(oomy pride. APromise them
anything2 b#t do 3hat yo# 3i((.B
A,t$s on ne#tra( territory2B said 'ancy. Ar#(y ne#tra(.B
41ernobog ch#c/(ed. ,t so#nded (i/e a meta( ba(( ratt(ing in a dry s/#((. A, #sed to say that a(so.
4ome to a ne#tra( p(ace2 , 3o#(d say2 and then in the night 3e 3o#(d rise #p and /i(( them a((.
hose 3ere the good days.B
6r. 'ancy shr#gged. 8e cr#nched do3n on his dar/ bro3n %rench %ries2 grinned his appro!a(.
A6mCmm. hese are %ine %ries2B he said.
A5e can$t tr#st those peop(e2B said Shado3.
A@isten2 ,$m o(der than yo# and ,$m smarter than yo# and ,$m better (oo/in$ than yo#2B said 6r.
'ancy2 th#mping the bottom o% the /etch#p bott(e2 b(obbing /etch#p o!er his b#rnt %ries. A, can
get more p#ssy in an a%ternoon than yo#$(( get in a year. , can dance (i/e an ange(2 %ight (i/e a
cornered bear2 p(an better than a %o&2 sing (i/e a nightinga(eQB
AAnd yo#r point here isQ:B
'ancy$s bro3n eyes ga1ed into Shado3$s. AAnd they need to get rid o% the body as m#ch as 3e
need to ta/e it.B
41ernobog said2 Ahere is no s#ch ne#tra( p(ace.B
Ahere$s one2B said 6r. 'ancy. A,t$s the center.B
41ernobog shoo/ his head abr#pt(y. A'o. hey 3o#(d not meet #s there. hey can do nothing to
#s2 there. ,t is a bad p(ace %or a(( o% #s.B
Ahat$s D#st 3hy they$!e proposed to ma/e the hando!er at the center.B
41ernobog seemed to thin/ abo#t this %or a 3hi(e. And then he said2 APerhaps.B
A5hen 3e get bac/ on the road2B said Shado32 Ayo# can dri!e. , need to s(eep.B
Determining the e&act center o% anything can be prob(ematic at best. 5ith (i!ing
things-peop(e2 %or e&amp(e2 or continents-the prob(em becomes one o% intangib(es: 5hat is
the center o% a man: 5hat is the center o% a dream: And in the case o% the continenta( Enited
States2 sho#(d one co#nt A(as/a 3hen one attempts to %ind the center: *r 8a3aii:
As the t3entieth cent#ry began2 they made a h#ge mode( o% the ESA2 the (o3er %ortyCeight
states2 o#t o% cardboard2 and to %ind the center they ba(anced it on a pin2 #nti( they %o#nd the
sing(e p(ace it ba(anced.
'ear as anyone co#(d %ig#re it o#t2 the e&act center o% the continenta( Enited States 3as
se!era( mi(es %rom @ebanon2 in Smith 4o#nty2 .ansas2 on Johnny Grib$s hog %arm. By the ;<VKs2
the peop(e o% @ebanon 3ere a(( ready to p#t a mon#ment #p in the midd(e o% the hog %arm2 b#t
Johnny Grib said that he didn$t 3ant mi((ions o% to#rists coming in and tramping a(( o!er and
#psetting the hogs2 and the (oca(s %ig#red he had a point2 so they p#t the mon#ment to the
geographica( center o% the Enited States t3o mi(es north o% the to3n. hey b#i(t a par/2 and a
stone mon#ment to p#t in the par/2 and p#t a brass p(aI#e to go on the mon#ment to te(( yo#
that yo# 3ere indeed (oo/ing at the e&act geographic center o% the Enited States o% America.
hey b(ac/topped the road %rom the to3n to the (itt(e par/2 and2 certain o% the in%(#& o% to#rists
D#st 3aiting to come to @ebanon2 they e!en b#i(t a mote( by the mon#ment. hey bro#ght in a
(itt(e mobi(e chape( as 3e((2 and too/ o%% the 3hee(s. hen they 3aited %or the to#rists and the
ho(idayma/ers to come: a(( the peop(e 3ho 3anted to te(( the 3or(d they$d been at the center
o% America2 and mar!e(ed2 and prayed.
he to#rists did not come. 'obody came.
,t$s a sad (itt(e par/2 no32 3ith a mobi(e chape( in it a (itt(e bigger than an iceC%ishing h#t that
3o#(dn$t %it a sma(( %#nera( party2 and a mote( 3hose 3indo3s (oo/ (i/e dead eyes.
A5hich is 3hy2B conc(#ded 6r. 'ancy2 as they dro!e into 8#mans!i((e2 6isso#ri Gpop. ;2KYZH2
Athe e&act center o% America is a tiny r#nCdo3n par/2 an empty ch#rch2 a pi(e o% stones2 and a
dere(ict mote(.B
A8og %arm2B said 41ernobog. A9o# D#st said that the rea( center o% America 3as a hog %arm.B
Ahis isn$t abo#t 3hat is2B said 6r. 'ancy. A,t$s abo#t 3hat peop(e thin/ is. ,t$s a(( imaginary
any3ay. hat$s 3hy it$s important. Peop(e on(y %ight o!er imaginary things.B
A6y /ind o% peop(e:B as/ed Shado3. A*r yo#r /ind o% peop(e:B
'ancy said nothing. 41ernobog made a noise that might ha!e been a ch#c/(e2 might ha!e been
a snort.
Shado3 tried to get com%ortab(e in the bac/ o% the b#s. 8e had s(ept a (itt(e2 b#t on(y a (itt(e. 8e
had a bad %ee(ing in the pit o% his stomach. 5orse than the %ee(ing he had had in prison2 3orse
than the %ee(ing he had had bac/ 3hen @a#ra had come to him and to(d him abo#t the robbery.
his 3as bad. he bac/ o% his nec/ pric/(ed2 he %e(t sic/ and2 se!era( times2 in 3a!es2 he %e(t
scared.
6r. 'ancy p#((ed o!er in 8#mans!i((e2 par/ed o#tside a s#permar/et. 6r. 'ancy 3ent inside2
and Shado3 %o((o3ed him in. 41ernobog 3aited in the par/ing (ot2 stretching his (egs2 smo/ing
his cigarette.
here 3as a yo#ng %airChaired man2 (itt(e more than a boy2 restoc/ing the brea/%ast cerea(
she(!es.
A8ey2B said 6r. 'ancy.
A8ey2B said the yo#ng man. A,t$s tr#e2 isn$t it: hey /i((ed him:B
A9es2B said 6r. 'ancy. Ahey /i((ed him.B
he yo#ng man banged se!era( bo&es o% 4ap$n 4r#nch do3n on the she(%. Ahey thin/ they can
cr#sh #s (i/e coc/roaches2B he said. 8e had an er#ption o% acne across one chee/ and o!er his
%orehead. 8e had a si(!er brace(et high on one %orearm. A5e don$t cr#sh that easy2 do 3e:B
A'o2B said 6r. 'ancy. A5e don$t.B
A,$(( be there2 sir2B said the yo#ng man2 his pa(e b(#e eyes b(a1ing.
A, /no3 yo# 3i((2 G3ydion2B said 6r. 'ancy.
6r. 'ancy bo#ght se!era( (arge bott(es o% +4 4o(a2 a si&Cpac/ o% toi(et paper2 a pac/ o% e!i(C
(oo/ing b(ac/ cigari((os2 a b#nch o% bananas and a pac/ o% Do#b(emint che3ing g#m. A8e$s a
good boy. 4ame o!er in the se!enth cent#ry. 5e(sh.B
he b#s meandered %irst to the 3est and then to the north. Spring %aded bac/ into the dead end
o% 3inter. .ansas 3as the cheer(ess gray o% (onesome c(o#ds2 empty 3indo3s and (ost hearts.
Shado3 had become adept at h#nting %or radio stations2 negotiating bet3een 6r. 'ancy2 3ho
(i/ed ta(/ radio and dance m#sic2 and 41ernobog2 3ho %a!ored c(assica( m#sic2 the g(oomier the
better2 (ea!ened 3ith the more e&treme e!ange(ica( re(igio#s stations. )or himse(%2 Shado3
(i/ed o(dies stations.
o3ard the end o% the a%ternoon they stopped2 at 41ernobog$s reI#est2 on the o#ts/irts o%
4herry!a(e2 .ansas Gpop. >2ZWZH. 41ernobog (ed them to a meado3 o#tside the to3n. here
3ere sti(( traces o% sno3 in the shado3s o% the trees2 and the grass 3as the co(or o% dirt.
A5ait here2B said 41ernobog.
8e 3a(/ed2 a(one2 to the center o% the meado3. 8e stood there2 in the 3inds o% the end o%
)ebr#ary2 %or some time. At %irst he h#ng his head2 then he began gestic#(ating.
A8e (oo/s (i/e he$s ta(/ing to someone2B said Shado3.
AGhosts2B said 6r. 'ancy. Ahey 3orshiped him here2 o!er a h#ndred years ago. hey made
b(oodCsacri%ice to him2 (ibations spi((ed 3ith the hammer. A%ter a time2 the to3ns%o(/ %ig#red
o#t 3hy so many o% the strangers 3ho passed thro#gh the to3n didn$t e!er come bac/. his
3as 3here they hid some o% the bodies.B
41ernobog came bac/ %rom the midd(e o% the %ie(d. 8is mo#stache seemed dar/er no32 and
there 3ere strea/s o% b(ac/ in his gray hair. 8e smi(ed2 sho3ing his iron tooth. A, %ee( good2 no3.
Ahh. Some things (inger2 and b(ood (ingers (ongest.B
hey 3a(/ed bac/ across the meado3 to 3here they had par/ed the F5 b#s. 41ernobog (it a
cigarette2 b#t did not co#gh. Ahey did it 3ith the hammer2B he said. AGrimnir2 he 3o#(d ta(/ o%
the ga((o3s and the spear2 b#t %or me2 it is one thingQB 8e reached o#t a nicotineCco(ored
%inger and tapped it2 hard2 in the center o% Shado3$s %orehead.
AP(ease don$t do that2B said Shado32 po(ite(y.
AP(ease don$t do that2B mimic/ed 41ernobog. A*ne day , 3i(( ta/e my hammer and do m#ch
3orse than that to yo#2 my %riend2 remember:B
A9es2B said Shado3. AB#t i% yo# tap my head again2 ,$(( brea/ yo#r hand.B
41ernobog snorted. hen he said2 Ahey sho#(d be grate%#(2 the peop(e here. here 3as s#ch
po3er raised. "!en thirty years a%ter they %orced my peop(e into hiding2 this (and2 this !ery (and2
ga!e #s the greatest mo!ie star o% a(( time. She 3as the greatest there e!er 3as.B
AJ#dy Gar(and:B as/ed Shado3.
41ernobog shoo/ his head c#rt(y.
A8e$s ta(/ing abo#t @o#ise Broo/s2B said 6r. 'ancy.
Shado3 decided not to as/ 3ho @o#ise Broo/s 3as. ,nstead he said2 ASo2 (oo/2 3hen
5ednesday 3ent to ta(/ to them2 he did it #nder a tr#ce.B
A9es.B
AAnd no3 3e$re going to get 5ednesday$s body %rom them2 as a tr#ce.B
A9es.B
AAnd 3e /no3 that they 3ant me dead or o#t o% the 3ay.B
Ahey 3ant a(( o% #s dead2B said 'ancy.
ASo 3hat , don$t get is2 3hy do 3e thin/ they$(( p(ay %air this time2 3hen they didn$t %or
5ednesday:B
Ahat2B said 41ernobog2 o!eren#nciating each 3ord2 as he 3o#(d %or a dea% %oreign idiot chi(d2
Ais 3hy 3e are meeting at the center. ,sQB 8e %ro3ned. A5hat is the 3ord %or it: he opposite
o% sacred:B
APro%ane2B said Shado32 3itho#t thin/ing.
A'o2B said 41ernobog. A, mean2 3hen a p(ace is (ess sacred than any other p(ace. *% negati!e
sacredness. P(aces 3here they can b#i(d no temp(es. P(aces 3here peop(e 3i(( not come2 and
3i(( (ea!e as soon as they can. P(aces 3here gods on(y 3a(/ i% they are %orced to.B
A, don$t /no32B said Shado3. A, don$t thin/ there is a 3ord %or it.B
AA(( o% America has it2 a (itt(e2B said 41ernobog. Ahat is 3hy 3e are not 3e(come here. B#t the
center2B said 41ernobog. Ahe center is 3orst. ,s (i/e a mine%ie(d. 5e a(( tread too care%#((y
there to dare brea/ the tr#ce.B
A, to(d yo# a(( this a(ready2B said 6r. 'ancy.
A5hate!er2B said Shado3.
hey had reached the b#s. 41ernobog patted Shado3$s #pper arm. A9o# don$t 3orry2B he said2
3ith g(oomy reass#rance. A'obody e(se is going to /i(( yo#. 'obody b#t me.B
Shado3 %o#nd the center o% America at e!ening that same day2 be%ore it 3as %#((y dar/. ,t 3as
on a s(ight hi(( to the north3est o% @ebanon. 8e dro!e aro#nd the (itt(e hi((side par/2 past the
tiny mobi(e chape( and the stone mon#ment2 and 3hen Shado3 sa3 the oneCstory ;<NKs mote(
at the edge o% the par/ his heart san/. here 3as a h#ge b(ac/ car par/ed in %ront o% it-a
8#m!ee2 3hich (oo/ed (i/e a Deep re%(ected in a %#nCho#se mirror2 as sI#at and point(ess and
#g(y as an armored car. here 3ere no (ights on in the b#i(ding
hey par/ed beside the mote(2 and as they did so2 a man in a cha#%%e#r$s #ni%orm and cap
3a(/ed o#t o% the mote( and 3as i((#minated by the head(ights o% the b#s. 8e to#ched his cap
to them2 po(ite(y2 got into the 8#m!ee2 and dro!e o%%.
ABig car2 tiny dic/2B said 6r. 'ancy.
ADo yo# thin/ they$(( e!en ha!e beds here:B as/ed Shado3. A,t$s been days since , s(ept in a
bed. his p(ace (oo/s (i/e it$s D#st 3aiting to be demo(ished.B
A,t$s o3ned by h#nters %rom e&as2B said 6r. 'ancy. A4ome #p here once a year. Damned i% ,
/no3 3hat they$re h#ntin$. ,t stops the p(ace being condemned and destroyed.B
hey c(imbed o#t o% the b#s. 5aiting %or them in %ront o% the mote( 3as a 3oman Shado3 did
not recogni1e. She 3as per%ect(y madeC#p2 per%ect(y coi%%ed. She reminded him o% e!ery
ne3scaster he$d e!er seen on morning te(e!ision sitting in a st#dio that didn$t rea((y resemb(e a
(i!ing room2 smi(ing at the good morning cro3d.
A@o!e(y to see yo#2B she said. A'o32 yo# m#st be 41ernobog. ,$!e heard a (ot abo#t yo#. And
yo#$re Anansi2 a(3ays #p to mischie%2 eh: 9o# Do((y o(d man. And yo#2 yo# m#st be Shado3.
9o#$!e certain(y (ed #s a merry chase2 ha!en$t yo#:B A hand too/ his2 pressed it %irm(y2 (oo/ed
him straight in the eye. A,$m 6edia. Good to meet yo#. , hope 3e can get this e!ening$s
b#siness done as p(easant(y as possib(e.B
he main doors opened. ASomeho32 oto2B said the %at /id Shado3 had (ast seen sitting in a
(imo2 A, don$t be(ie!e 3e$re in .ansas any more.B
A5e$re in .ansas2B said 6r. 'ancy. A, thin/ 3e m#st ha!e dri!en thro#gh most o% it today.
Damn b#t this co#ntry is %(at.B
Ahis p(ace has no (ights2 no po3er2 and no hot 3ater2B said the %at /id. AAnd2 no o%%ense2 yo#
peop(e rea((y need the hot 3ater. 9o# D#st sme(( (i/e yo#$!e been in that b#s %or a 3ee/.B
A, don$t thin/ there$s any need to go there2B said the 3oman2 smooth(y. A5e$re a(( %riends
here. 4ome on in. 5e$(( sho3 yo# to yo#r rooms. 5e too/ the %irst %o#r rooms. 9o#r (ate %riend
is in the %i%th. A(( the ones beyond room %i!e are empty-yo# can ta/e yo#r pic/. ,$m a%raid it$s
not the )o#r Seasons2 b#t then2 3hat is:B
She opened the door to the mote( (obby %or them. ,t sme((ed o% mi(de32 o% damp and d#st and
o% decay.
here 3as a man sitting in the (obby2 in the near dar/ness. A9o# peop(e h#ngry:B he as/ed.
A, can a(3ays eat2B said 6r. 'ancy.
ADri!er$s gone o#t %or a sac/ o% hamb#rgers2B said the man. A8e$(( be bac/ soon.B 8e (oo/ed #p.
,t 3as too dar/ to see %aces2 b#t he said2 ABig g#y. 9o#$re Shado32 h#h: he assho(e 3ho /i((ed
5oody and Stone:B
A'o2B said Shado3. Ahat 3as someone e(se. And , /no3 3ho yo# are.B 8e did. 8e had been
inside the man$s head. A9o#$re o3n. 8a!e yo# s(ept 3ith 5ood$s 3ido3 yet:B
6r. o3n %e(( o%% his chair. ,n a mo!ie2 it 3o#(d ha!e been %#nny? in rea( (i%e it 3as simp(y
c(#msy. 8e stood #p I#ic/(y2 came to3ard Shado3. Shado3 (oo/ed do3n at him2 and said2
ADon$t start anything yo#$re not prepared to %inish.B
6r. 'ancy rested his hand on Shado3$s #pper arm. Ar#ce2 remember:B he said. A5e$re at the
center.B
6r. o3n t#rned a3ay2 (eaned o!er to the co#nter and pic/ed #p three /eys. A9o#$re do3n at
the end o% the ha((2B he said. A8ere.B
8e handed the /eys to 6r. 'ancy and 3a(/ed a3ay2 into the shado3s o% the corridor. hey
heard a mote( room door open2 and they heard it s(am.
6r. 'ancy passed a /ey to Shado32 another to 41ernobog. A,s there a %(ash(ight on the b#s:B
as/ed Shado3.
A'o2B said 6r. 'ancy. AB#t it$s D#st dar/. 9o# m#stn$t be a%raid o% the dar/.B
A,$m not2B said Shado3. A,$m a%raid o% the peop(e in the dar/.B
ADar/ is good2B said 41ernobog. 8e seemed to ha!e no di%%ic#(ty seeing 3here he 3as going2
(eading them do3n the dar/ened corridor2 p#tting the /eys into the (oc/s 3itho#t %#mb(ing. A,
3i(( be in room ten2B he to(d them. And then he said2 A6edia. , thin/ , ha!e heard o% her. ,sn$t
she the one 3ho /i((ed her chi(dren:B
ADi%%erent 3oman2B said 6r. 'ancy. ASame dea(.B
6r. 'ancy 3as in room eight2 and Shado3 opposite the t3o o% them2 in room nine. he room
sme((ed damp2 and d#sty2 and deserted. here 3as a bedC%rame in there2 3ith a mattress on it2
b#t no sheets. A (itt(e (ight entered the room %rom the g(oaming o#tside the 3indo3. Shado3
sat do3n on the mattress2 p#((ed o%% his shoes2 and stretched o#t at %#(( (ength. 8e had dri!en
too m#ch in the (ast %e3 days.
Perhaps he s(ept.
8e 3as 3a(/ing.
A co(d 3ind t#gged at his c(othes. he tiny sno3%(a/es 3ere (itt(e more than a crysta((ine d#st
3hich g#sted and %(#rried in the 3ind.
here 3ere trees2 bare o% (ea!es in the 3inter. here 3ere high hi((s on each side o% him. ,t 3as
(ate on a 3inter$s a%ternoon: the s/y and the sno3 had attained the same deep shade o% p#rp(e.
Some3here ahead o% him-in this (ight2 distances 3ere impossib(e to D#dge-the %(ames o% a
bon%ire %(ic/ered2 ye((o3 and orange.
A gray 3o(% padded thro#gh the sno3 be%ore him.
Shado3 stopped. he 3o(% stopped a(so2 and t#rned2 and 3aited. *ne o% its eyes g(inted
ye((o3ishCgreen. Shado3 shr#gged and 3a(/ed to3ard the %(ames and the 3o(% amb(ed ahead
o% him.
he bon%ire b#rned in the midd(e o% a gro!e o% trees. here m#st ha!e been a h#ndred trees2
p(anted in t3o ro3s. here 3ere shapes hanging %rom the trees. At the end o% the ro3s 3as a
b#i(ding that (oo/ed a (itt(e (i/e an o!ert#rned boat. ,t 3as car!ed o% 3ood2 and it cra3(ed 3ith
3ooden creat#res and 3ooden %aces-dragons2 gryphons2 tro((s and boars-a(( o% them dancing
in the %(ic/ering (ight o% the %ire.
he bon%ire 3as so high2 and b#rning so hard2 that Shado3 co#(d bare(y approach it. he 3o(%
seemed #n%a1ed2 and it padded aro#nd the crac/(ing %ire.
8e 3aited %or it to ret#rn2 b#t in p(ace o% the 3o(% a man 3a(/ed bac/ aro#nd the %ire. 8e 3as
(eaning on a ta(( stic/.
A9o# are in Eppsa(a2 in S3eden2B said the man2 in a %ami(iar2 gra!e((y !oice. AAbo#t a tho#sand
years ago.B
A5ednesday:B said Shado3.
he man 3ho might ha!e been 5ednesday contin#ed to ta(/2 as i% Shado3 3as not there. A)irst
e!ery year2 then2 (ater2 3hen the rot set in2 and they became (a&2 e!ery nine years2 they 3o#(d
sacri%ice here. A sacri%ice o% nines. "ach day2 %or nine days2 they 3o#(d hang nine anima(s %rom
trees in the gro!e. *ne o% those anima(s 3as a(3ays a man.B
8e strode a3ay %rom the %ire(ight2 to3ard the trees2 and Shado3 %o((o3ed him. As he
approached the trees the shapes that h#ng %rom them reso(!ed: (egs and eyes and tong#es and
heads. Shado3 shoo/ his head: there 3as something abo#t seeing a b#(( hanging by its nec/
%rom a tree that 3as dar/(y sad2 and at the same time s#rrea( eno#gh a(most to be %#nny.
Shado3 passed a hanging stag2 a 3o(%ho#nd2 a bro3n bear2 and a chestn#t horse 3ith a 3hite
mane2 (itt(e bigger than a pony. he dog 3as sti(( a(i!e: e!ery %e3 seconds it 3o#(d /ic/
spasmodica((y2 and it 3as ma/ing a strained 3himpering noise2 as it dang(ed %rom the rope.
he man he 3as %o((o3ing too/ his (ong stic/2 3hich Shado3 rea(i1ed no32 as it mo!ed2 3as
act#a((y a spear2 and he s(ashed at the dog$s stomach 3ith it2 in one /ni%eC(i/e c#t do3n3ard.
Steaming entrai(s t#mb(ed onto the sno3. A, dedicate this death to *din2B said the man2
%orma((y.
A,t is on(y a gest#re2B he said2 t#rning bac/ to Shado3. AB#t gest#res mean e!erything. he
death o% one dog symbo(i1es the death o% a(( dogs. 'ine men they ga!e to me2 b#t they stood %or
a(( the men2 a(( the b(ood2 a(( the po3er. ,t D#st 3asn$t eno#gh. *ne day2 the b(ood stopped
%(o3ing. Be(ie% 3itho#t b(ood on(y ta/es #s so %ar. he b(ood m#st %(o3.B
A, sa3 yo# die2B said Shado3.
A,n the god b#siness2B said the %ig#re-and no3 Shado3 3as certain it 3as 5ednesday2 nobody
e(se had that rasp2 that deep cynica( Doy in 3ords2 Ait$s not the death that matters. ,t$s the
opport#nity %or res#rrection. And 3hen the b(ood %(o3sQB 8e gest#red at the anima(s2 at the
peop(e2 hanging %rom the trees.
Shado3 co#(d not decide 3hether the dead h#mans they 3a(/ed past 3ere more or (ess
horri%ying than the anima(s: at (east the h#mans had /no3n the %ate they 3ere going to. here
3as a deep2 boo1y sme(( abo#t the men that s#ggested that they had been a((o3ed to
anaestheti1e themse(!es on their 3ay to the ga((o3s2 3hi(e the anima(s 3o#(d simp(y ha!e been
(ynched2 ha#(ed #p a(i!e and terri%ied. he %aces o% the men (oo/ed so yo#ng: none o% them 3as
o(der than t3enty.
A5ho am ,:B as/ed Shado3.
A9o# are a di!ersion2B said the man. A9o# 3ere an opport#nity. 9o# ga!e the 3ho(e a%%air an air
o% credibi(ity , 3o#(d ha!e been hard p#t to de(i!er so(o. A(tho#gh both o% #s are committed
eno#gh to the a%%air to die %or it. "h:B
A5ho are yo#:B as/ed Shado3.
Ahe hardest part is simp(y s#r!i!ing2B said the man. he bon%ire-and Shado3 rea(i1ed 3ith a
strange horror that it tr#(y 3as a boneC%ire: ribcages and %ireCeyed s/#((s stared and st#c/ and
D#tted %rom the %(ames2 sp#ttering traceCe(ement co(ors into the night2 greens and ye((o3s and
b(#es-3as %(aring and crac/(ing and b#rning hot(y. Ahree days on the tree2 three days in the
#nder3or(d2 three days to %ind my 3ay bac/.B
he %(ames sp#ttered and %(ared too bright(y %or Shado3 to (oo/ at direct(y. 8e (oo/ed do3n into
the dar/ness beneath the trees.
here 3as no %ire2 no sno3. here 3ere no trees2 no hanged bodies2 no b(oody spear.
A /noc/ on the door-and no3 there 3as moon(ight coming in the 3indo3. Shado3 sat #p
3ith a start. ADinner$s ser!ed2B said 6edia$s !oice.
Shado3 p#t his shoes bac/ on2 3a(/ed o!er to the door2 3ent o#t into the corridor. Someone
had %o#nd some cand(es2 and a dim ye((o3 (ight i((#minated the reception ha((. he dri!er o% the
8#m!ee came in thro#gh the s3ing doors ho(ding a cardboard tray and a paper sac/. 8e 3ore a
(ong b(ac/ coat and a pea/ed cha#%%e#r$s cap.
ASorry abo#t the de(ay2B he said2 hoarse(y. A, got e!erybody the same: a co#p(e o% b#rgers2 (arge
%ries2 (arge 4o/e2 and app(e pie. ,$(( eat mine o#t in the car.B 8e p#t the %ood do3n2 then 3a(/ed
bac/ o#tside. he sme(( o% %ast %ood %i((ed the (obby. Shado3 too/ the paper bag and passed o#t
the %ood2 the nap/ins2 the pac/ets o% /etch#p.
hey ate in si(ence 3hi(e the cand(es %(ic/ered and the b#rning 3a& hissed.
Shado3 noticed that o3n 3as g(aring at him. 8e t#rned his chair a (itt(e2 so his bac/ 3as to the
3a((. 6edia ate her b#rger 3ith a nap/in poised by her (ips to remo!e cr#mbs.
A*h. Great. hese b#rgers are near(y co(d2B said the %at /id. 8e 3as sti(( 3earing his shades2
3hich Shado3 tho#ght point(ess and %oo(ish2 gi!en the dar/ness o% the room.
ASorry abo#t that. he g#y had to dri!e a 3ay to %ind them2B said o3n. Ahe nearest
6cDona(d$s is in 'ebras/a.B
hey %inished their (#/e3arm hamb#rgers and co(d %ries. he %at /id bit into his sing(eCperson
app(e pie2 and the %i((ing sp#rted do3n his chin. Ene&pected(y2 the %i((ing 3as sti(( hot. A*32B he
said. 8e 3iped at it 3ith his hand2 (ic/ing his %ingers to get them c(ean. Ahat st#%% b#rnsPB he
said. Ahose pies are a c(ass action s#it 3aiting to %#c/ing happen.B
Shado3 rea(i1ed he 3anted to hit the /id. 8e$d 3anted to hit him since the /id had his goons
h#rt him in the (imo2 a%ter @a#ra$s %#nera(. 8e /ne3 it 3as not a 3ise thing to be thin/ing2 not
here2 not no3. A4an$t 3e D#st ta/e 5ednesday$s body and get o#t o% here:B he as/ed.
A6idnight2B said 6r. 'ancy and the %at /id2 at the same time.
Ahese things m#st be done according to the r#(es2B said 41ernobog. AA(( things ha!e r#(es.B
A9eah2B said Shado3. AB#t nobody te((s me 3hat they are. 9o# /eep ta(/ing abo#t the goddamn
r#(es2 , don$t e!en /no3 3hat game yo# peop(e are p(aying.B
A,t$s (i/e brea/ing the street date2B said 6edia2 bright(y. A9o# /no3. 5hen things are a((o3ed to
be on sa(e.B
o3n said2 A, thin/ the 3ho(e thing$s a croc/ o% shit. B#t i% their r#(es ma/e them happy2 then
my agency is happy and e!erybody$s happy.B 8e s(#rped his 4o/e. A+o(( on midnight. 9o# ta/e
the body2 yo# go a3ay. 5e$re a(( (o!eyC%#c/ingCdo!ey and 3e 3a!e yo# goodbye. And then 3e
can get on 3ith h#nting yo# do3n (i/e the rats yo# are.B
A8ey2B said the %at /id to Shado3. A+eminds me. , to(d yo# to te(( yo#r boss he 3as history. Did
yo# e!er te(( him:B
A, to(d him2B said Shado3. AAnd yo# /no3 3hat he said to me: 8e said to te(( the (itt(e snot2 i%
e!er , sa3 him again2 to remember that today$s %#t#re is tomorro3$s yesterday.B 5ednesday
had ne!er said any s#ch thing2 b#t Shado3 de(i!ered it as 5ednesday 3o#(d ha!e done. hese
peop(e seemed to (i/e c(ich\s. he b(ac/ s#ng(asses re%(ected the %(ic/ering cand(eC%(ames bac/
at him2 (i/e eyes.
he %at /id said2 Ahis p(ace is s#ch a %#c/ing d#mp. 'o po3er. *#t o% 3ire(ess range. , mean2
3hen yo# got to be 3ired2 yo#$re a(ready bac/ in the Stone Age.B 8e s#c/ed the (ast o% his 4o/e
thro#gh the stra32 dropped the c#p on the tab(e and 3a(/ed a3ay do3n the corridor.
Shado3 reached o!er and p(aced the %at /id$s garbage bac/ into the paper sac/. A,$m going to
see the center o% America2B he anno#nced. 8e got #p and 3a(/ed o#tside2 into the night. 6r.
'ancy %o((o3ed him. hey stro((ed together2 across the (itt(e par/2 saying nothing #nti( they
reached the stone mon#ment. he 3ind g#sted at them2 %it%#((y2 %irst %rom one direction2 then
%rom another. ASo2B he said. A'o3 3hat:B
he ha(%Cmoon h#ng pa(e in the dar/ s/y.
A'o32B said 'ancy2 Ayo# sho#(d go bac/ to yo#r room. @oc/ the door. 9o# try to get some more
s(eep. At midnight they gi!e #s the body. And then 3e get the he(( o#t o% here. he center is not
a stab(e p(ace %or anybody.B
A,% yo# say so.B
6r. 'ancy inha(ed on his cigari((o. Ahis sho#(d ne!er ha!e happened2B he said. A'one o% this
sho#(d ha!e happened. *#r /ind o% peop(e2 3e areQB he 3a!ed the cigari((o abo#t2 as i% #sing it
to h#nt %or a 3ord2 then stabbing %or3ard 3ith it2 AQe&c(#si!e. 5e$re not socia(. 'ot e!en me.
'ot e!en Bacch#s. 'ot %or (ong. 5e 3a(/ by o#rse(!es or 3e stay in o#r o3n (itt(e gro#ps. 5e
do not p(ay 3e(( 3ith others. 5e (i/e to be adored and respected and 3orshiped-me2 , (i/e
them to be te((in$ ta(es abo#t me2 ta(es sho3ing my c(e!erness. ,t$s a %a#(t2 , /no32 b#t it$s the
3ay , am. 5e (i/e to be big. 'o32 in these shabby days2 3e are sma((. he ne3 gods rise and %a((
and rise again. B#t this is not a co#ntry that to(erates gods %or (ong. Brahma creates2 Fishn#
preser!es2 Shi!a destroys2 and the gro#nd is c(ear %or Brahma to create once more.B
ASo 3hat are yo# saying:B as/ed Shado3. Ahe %ighting$s o!er2 no3: he batt(e$s done:B
6r. 'ancy snorted. AAre yo# o#t o% yo#r mind: hey /i((ed 5ednesday. hey /i((ed him and
they bragged abo#t it. hey spread the 3ord. hey$!e sho3ed it on e!ery channe( to those 3ith
eyes to see it. 'o2 Shado3. ,t$s on(y D#st beg#n.B
8e bent do3n at the %oot o% the stone mon#ment2 st#bbed o#t his cigari((o on the earth2 and
(e%t it there2 (i/e an o%%ering.
A9o# #sed to ma/e Do/es2B said Shado3. A9o# don$t any more.B
A,t$s hard to %ind the Do/es these days. 5ednesday$s dead. Are yo# comin$ inside:B
ASoon.B
'ancy 3a(/ed a3ay2 to3ard the mote(. Shado3 reached o#t his hand and to#ched the
mon#ment$s stones. 8e dragged his big %ingers across the co(d brass p(ate. hen he t#rned and
3a(/ed o!er to the tiny 3hite ch#rch2 3a(/ed thro#gh the open door3ay2 into the dar/ness. 8e
sat do3n in the nearest pe3 and c(osed his eyes and (o3ered his head2 and tho#ght abo#t
@a#ra2 and abo#t 5ednesday2 and abo#t being a(i!e.
here 3as a c(ic/ %rom behind him2 and a sc#%% o% shoe against earth. Shado3 sat #p2 and
t#rned. Someone stood D#st o#tside the open door3ay2 a dar/ shape against the stars.
6oon(ight g(inted %rom something meta(.
A9o# going to shoot me:B as/ed Shado3.
AJes#s-, 3ish2B said 6r. o3n. A,t$s on(y %or se(%Cde%ense. So2 yo#$re praying: 8a!e they got
yo# thin/ing that they$re gods: hey aren$t gods.B
A, 3asn$t praying2B said Shado3. AJ#st thin/ing.B
Ahe 3ay , %ig#re it2B said o3n2 Athey$re m#tations. "!o(#tionary e&periments. A (itt(e hypnotic
abi(ity2 a (itt(e hoc#sCpoc#s2 and they can ma/e peop(e be(ie!e anything. 'othing to 3rite home
abo#t. hat$s a((. hey die (i/e men2 a%ter a((.B
Ahey a(3ays did2B said Shado3. 8e got #p2 and o3n too/ a step bac/. Shado3 3a(/ed o#t o%
the (itt(e chape(2 and 6r. o3n /ept his distance. A8ey2B Shado3 said. ADo yo# /no3 3ho
@o#ise Broo/s 3as:B
A)riend o% yo#rs:B
A'ope. She 3as a mo!ie star %rom so#th o% here.B
o3n pa#sed. A6aybe she changed her name2 and became @i1 ay(or or Sharon Stone or
someone2B he s#ggested2 he(p%#((y.
A6aybe.B Shado3 started to 3a(/ bac/ to the mote(. o3n /ept pace 3ith him.
A9o# sho#(d be bac/ in prison2B said 6r. o3n. A9o# sho#(d be on %#c/ing death ro3.B
A, didn$t /i(( yo#r associates2B said Shado3. AB#t ,$(( te(( yo# something a g#y once to(d me2 bac/
3hen , 3as in prison. Something ,$!e ne!er %orgotten.B
AAnd that is:B
Ahere 3as on(y one g#y in the 3ho(e Bib(e Jes#s e!er persona((y promised a p(ace 3ith him in
Paradise. 'ot Peter2 not Pa#(2 not any o% those g#ys. 8e 3as a con!icted thie%2 being e&ec#ted.
So don$t /noc/ the g#ys on death ro3. 6aybe they /no3 something yo# don$t.B
he dri!er stood by the 8#m!ee. AG$night2 gent(emen2B he said2 as they passed.
A'ight2B said 6r. o3n. And then he said2 to Shado32 A, persona((y don$t gi!e a %#c/ abo#t any
o% this. 5hat , do2 is 3hat 6r. 5or(d says. ,t$s easier that 3ay.B
Shado3 3a(/ed do3n the corridor to room nine.
8e #n(oc/ed the door2 3ent inside. 8e said2 ASorry. , tho#ght this 3as my room.B
A,t is2B said 6edia. A, 3as 3aiting %or yo#.B 8e co#(d see her hair in the moon(ight2 and her pa(e
%ace. She 3as sitting on his bed2 prim(y.
A,$(( %ind another room.B
A, 3on$t be here %or (ong2B she said. A, D#st tho#ght it might be an appropriate time to ma/e yo#
an o%%er.B
A*/ay. 6a/e the o%%er.B
A+e(a&2B she said. here 3as a smi(e in her !oice. A9o# ha!e s#ch a stic/ #p yo#r b#tt. @oo/2
5ednesday$s dead. 9o# don$t o3e anyone anything. hro3 in 3ith #s. ime to 4ome *!er to
the 5inning eam.B
Shado3 said nothing.
A5e can ma/e yo# %amo#s2 Shado3. 5e can gi!e yo# po3er o!er 3hat peop(e be(ie!e and say
and 3ear and dream. 9o# 3ant to be the ne&t 4ary Grant: 5e can ma/e that happen. 5e can
ma/e yo# the ne&t Beat(es.B
A, thin/ , pre%erred it 3hen yo# 3ere o%%ering to sho3 me @#cy$s tits2B said Shado3. A,% that 3as
yo#.B
AAh2B she said.
A, need my room bac/. Good night.B
AAnd then o% co#rse2B she said2 not mo!ing2 as i% he had not spo/en2 A3e can t#rn it a(( aro#nd.
5e can ma/e it bad %or yo#. 9o# co#(d be a bad Do/e %ore!er2 Shado3. *r yo# co#(d be
remembered as a monster. 9o# co#(d be remembered %ore!er2 b#t as a 6anson2 a 8it(erQho3
3o#(d yo# (i/e that:B
A,$m sorry2 ma$am2 b#t ,$m /ind o% tired2B said Shado3. A,$d be grate%#( i% yo#$d (ea!e no3.B
A, o%%ered yo# the 3or(d2B she said. A5hen yo#$re dying in a g#tter2 yo# remember that.B
A,$(( ma/e a point o% it2B he said.
A%ter she had gone her per%#me (ingered. 8e (ay on the bare mattress and tho#ght abo#t @a#ra2
b#t 3hate!er he tho#ght abo#t-@a#ra p(aying )risbee2 @a#ra eating a rootCbeer %(oat 3itho#t a
spoon2 @a#ra gigg(ing2 sho3ing o%% the e&otic #nder3ear she had bo#ght 3hen she attended a
tra!e( agents$ con!ention in Anaheim-a(3ays morphed2 in his mind2 into @a#ra s#c/ing
+obbie$s coc/ as a tr#c/ s(ammed them o%% the road and into ob(i!ion. And then he heard her
3ords2 and they h#rt e!ery time.
9o#$re not dead2 said @a#ra in her I#iet !oice2 in his head. B#t ,$m not s#re that yo#$re a(i!e2
either.
here 3as a /noc/. Shado3 got #p and opened the door. ,t 3as the %at /id. Ahose
hamb#rgers2B he said. Ahey 3ere D#st ic/y. 4an yo# be(ie!e it: )i%ty mi(es %rom 6cDona(d$s. ,
didn$t thin/ there 3as any3here in the 3or(d that 3as %i%ty mi(es %rom 6cDona(d$s.B
Ahis p(ace is t#rning into Grand 4entra( Station2B said Shado3. A*/ay2 so , g#ess yo#$re here to
o%%er me the %reedom o% the ,nternet i% , come o!er to yo#r side o% the %ence. +ight:B
he %at /id 3as shi!ering. A'o. 9o#$re a(ready dead meat2B he said. A9o#Cyo#$re a %#c/ing
i((#minated gothic b(ac/C(etter man#script. 9o# co#(dn$t be hyperte&t i% yo# tried. ,$mQ,$m
synaptic2 3hi(e2 3hi(e yo#$re synopticQB 8e sme((ed strange2 Shado3 rea(i1ed. here 3as a g#y
in the ce(( across the 3ay2 3hose name Shado3 had ne!er /no3n. 8e had ta/en o%% a(( his
c(othes in the midd(e o% the day and to(d e!eryone that he had been sent to ta/e them a3ay2
the tr#(y good ones2 (i/e him2 in a si(!er spaceship to a per%ect p(ace. hat had been the (ast
time Shado3 had seen him. he %at /id sme((ed (i/e that g#y.
AAre yo# here %or a reason:B
AJ#st 3anted to ta(/2B said the %at /id. here 3as a 3hine in his !oice. A,t$s creepy in my room.
hat$s a((. ,t$s creepy in there. )i%ty mi(es to a 6cDona(d$s2 can yo# be(ie!e that: 6aybe , co#(d
stay in here 3ith yo#.B
A5hat abo#t yo#r %riends %rom the (imo: he ones 3ho hit me: Sho#(dn$t yo# as/ them to stay
3ith yo#:B
Ahe chi(dren 3o#(dn$t operate o#t here. 5e$re in a dead 1one.B
Shado3 said2 A,t$s a 3hi(e #nti( midnight2 and it$s (onger to da3n. , thin/ maybe yo# need rest. ,
/no3 , do.B
he %at /id said nothing %or a moment2 then he nodded2 and 3a(/ed o#t o% the room.
Shado3 c(osed his door2 and (oc/ed it 3ith the /ey. 8e (ay bac/ on the mattress.
A%ter a %e3 moments the noise began. ,t too/ him a %e3 moments to %ig#re o#t 3hat it had to
be2 then he #n(oc/ed his door and 3a(/ed o#t into the ha((3ay. ,t 3as the %at /id2 no3 bac/ in
his o3n room. ,t so#nded (i/e he 3as thro3ing something h#ge against the 3a((s o% the room.
)rom the so#nds2 Shado3 g#essed that 3hat he 3as thro3ing 3as himse(%. A,t$s D#st mePB he
3as sobbing. *r perhaps2 A,t$s D#st meat.B Shado3 co#(d not te((.
A7#ietPB came a be((o3 %rom 41ernobog$s room2 do3n the ha((.
Shado3 3a(/ed do3n to the (obby and o#t o% the mote(. 8e 3as tired.
he dri!er sti(( stood beside the 8#m!ee2 a dar/ shape in a pea/ed cap.
A4o#(dn$t s(eep2 sir:B he as/ed.
A'o2B said Shado3.
A4igarette2 sir:B
A'o2 than/ yo#.B
A9o# don$t mind i% , do:B
AGo right ahead.B
he dri!er #sed a Bic disposab(e (ighter2 and it 3as in the ye((o3 (ight o% the %(ame that Shado3
sa3 the man$s %ace2 act#a((y sa3 it %or the %irst time2 and recogni1ed him2 and began to
#nderstand.
Shado3 /ne3 that thin %ace. 8e /ne3 that there 3o#(d be c(oseCcropped orange hair beneath
the b(ac/ dri!er$s cap2 c#t c(ose to the sca(p (i/e the embers o% a %ire. 8e /ne3 that 3hen the
man$s (ips smi(ed they 3o#(d crease into a net3or/ o% ro#gh scars.
A9o#$re (oo/ing good2 big g#y2B said the dri!er.
A@o3 .ey:B Shado3 stared at his o(d ce((mate 3ari(y.
Prison %riendships are good things: they get yo# thro#gh bad p(aces and thro#gh dar/ times.
B#t a prison %riendship ends at the prison gates2 and a prison %riend 3ho reappears in yo#r (i%e
is at best a mi&ed b(essing.
AJes#s. @o3 .ey @yesmith2B said Shado32 and then he heard 3hat he 3as saying and he
#nderstood. A@o/i2B he said. A@o/i @ieCSmith.B
A9o#$re s(o32B said @o/i2 Ab#t yo# get there in the end.B And his (ips t3isted into a croo/ed
smi(e and embers danced in the shado3s o% his eyes.
hey sat in Shado3$s room in the abandoned mote(2 sitting on the bed2 at opposite ends o% the
mattress. he so#nds %rom the %at /id$s room had pretty m#ch stopped.
A9o# (ied to me2B said Shado3.
A,t$s one o% the things ,$m good at2B said @o/i. AB#t yo# 3ere (#c/y 3e 3ere inside together. 9o#
3o#(d ne!er ha!e s#r!i!ed yo#r %irst year 3itho#t me.B
A9o# co#(dn$t ha!e 3a(/ed o#t i% yo# 3anted:B
A,t$s easier D#st to do the time. 9o# got to #nderstand the god thing. ,t$s not magic. 'ot e&act(y.
,t$s abo#t %oc#s. ,t$s abo#t being yo#2 b#t the yo# that peop(e be(ie!e in. ,t$s abo#t being the
concentrated2 magni%ied essence o% yo#. ,t$s abo#t becoming th#nder2 or the po3er o% a
r#nning horse2 or 3isdom. 9o# ta/e a(( the be(ie%2 a(( the prayers2 and they become a /ind o%
certainty2 something that (ets yo# become bigger2 coo(er2 more than h#man. 9o# crysta((i1e.B
8e pa#sed. AAnd then one day they %orget abo#t yo#2 and they don$t be(ie!e in yo#2 and they
don$t sacri%ice2 and they don$t care2 and the ne&t thing yo# /no3 yo#$re r#nning a threeCcard
monte game on the corner o% Broad3ay and )ortyCthird.B
A5hy 3ere yo# in my ce((:B
A4oincidence. P#re and simp(e. hat 3as 3here they p#t me. 9o# don$t be(ie!e me: ,t$s tr#e.B
AAnd no3 yo#$re a dri!er:B
A, do other st#%% too.B
ADri!ing %or the opposition.B
A,% yo# 3ant to ca(( them that. ,t depends 3here yo#$re standing. he 3ay , %ig#re it2 ,$m dri!ing
%or the 3inning team.B
AB#t yo# and 5ednesday2 yo# 3ere %rom the same2 yo#$re both-B
A'orse pantheon. 5e$re both %rom the 'orse pantheon. ,s that 3hat yo#$re trying to say:B
A9eah.B
ASo:B
Shado3 hesitated. A9o# m#st ha!e been %riends. *nce.B
A'o. 5e 3ere ne!er %riends. ,$m not sorry he$s dead. 8e 3as D#st ho(ding the rest o% #s bac/.
5ith him gone2 the rest o% them are going to ha!e to %ace #p to the %acts: it$s change or die2
e!o(!e or perish. ,$m a(( %or e!o(#tion-it$s the o(d changeCorCdie game. 8e$s dead. 5ar$s o!er.B
Shado3 (oo/ed at him2 p#11(ed. A9o# aren$t that st#pid2B he said. A9o# 3ere a(3ays so sharp.
5ednesday$s death isn$t going to end anything. ,t$s D#st p#shed a(( o% the ones 3ho 3ere on the
%ence o!er the edge.B
A6i&ing metaphors2 Shado3. Bad habit.B
A5hate!er2B said Shado3. A,t$s sti(( tr#e. Jes#s. 8is death did in an instant 3hat he$d spent the
(ast %e3 months trying to do. ,t #nited them. ,t ga!e them something to be(ie!e in.B
APerhaps.B @o/i shr#gged. AAs %ar as , /no32 the thin/ing on this side o% the %ence 3as that 3ith
the tro#b(ema/er o#t o% the 3ay2 the tro#b(e 3o#(d a(so be gone. ,t$s not any o% my b#siness2
tho#gh. , D#st dri!e.B
ASo te(( me2B said Shado32 A3hy does e!eryone care abo#t me: hey act (i/e ,$m important.
5hy does it matter 3hat , do.B
A9o#$re an in!estment2B said @o/i. A9o# 3ere important to #s beca#se yo# 3ere important to
5ednesday. As %or the 3hy o% itQ, don$t thin/ any o% #s /no3. 8e did. 8e$s dead. J#st another
one o% (i%e$s (itt(e mysteries.B
A,$m tired o% mysteries.B
A9eah: , thin/ they add a /ind o% 1est to the 3or(d. @i/e sa(t in a ste3.B
ASo yo#$re their dri!er. 9o# dri!e %or a(( o% them:B
A5hoe!er needs me2B said @o/i. A,t$s a (i!ing.B
8e raised his 3rist3atch to his %ace2 pressed a b#tton: the dia( g(o3ed a gent(e b(#e2 3hich
i((#minated his %ace2 gi!ing it a ha#nting2 ha#nted appearance. A)i!e to midnight. ime2B said
@o/i. Aime to (ight the cand(es. Say a %e3 3ords abo#t the dear(y departed. Do the %orma(ities.
9o# coming:B
Shado3 too/ a deep breath. A,$m coming2B he said.
hey 3a(/ed do3n the dar/ mote( corridor. A, bo#ght some cand(es %or this2 b#t there 3ere
p(enty o% o(d ones aro#nd too2B said @o/i. A*(d st#mps and st#bs and cand(eCends in the rooms2
and in a bo& in a c(oset. , don$t thin/ , missed any. And , got a bo& o% matches. 9o# start (ighting
cand(es 3ith a (ighter2 the end gets too hot.B
hey reached room %i!e.
A9o# 3ant to come in:B as/ed @o/i.
Shado3 didn$t 3ant to enter that room. A*/ay2B he said. hey 3ent in.
@o/i too/ a bo& o% matches %rom his poc/et2 and th#mbCnai(ed a match into %(ame. he
momentary %(are h#rt Shado3$s eyes. A cand(e3ic/ %(ic/ered and ca#ght. And another. @o/i (it a
ne3 match2 and contin#ed to (ight cand(es: they 3ere on the 3indo3si((s and on the headboard
o% the bed and on the sin/ in the corner o% the room. hey sho3ed him the room by cand(e(ight.
he bed had been ha#(ed %rom its position against the 3a(( into the midd(e o% the mote( room2
(ea!ing a %e3 %eet o% space bet3een the bed and the 3a(( on each side. here 3ere sheets
draped o!er the bed2 o(d mote( sheets2 mothCho(ed and stained2 3hich @o/i m#st ha!e %o#nd in
a c(oset some3here. *n top o% the sheets (ay 5ednesday2 per%ect(y sti((.
8e 3as %#((y dressed2 in the pa(e s#it he had been 3earing 3hen he 3as shot. he right side o%
his %ace 3as #nto#ched2 per%ect2 #nmarred by b(ood. he (e%t side o% his %ace 3as a ragged
mess2 and the (e%t sho#(der and %ront o% the s#it 3as spattered 3ith dar/ spots2 a pointi((ist
mess. 8is hands 3ere at his sides. he e&pression on that 3rec/ o% a %ace 3as %ar %rom peace%#(:
it (oo/ed h#rt-a so#(Ch#rt2 a rea( do3n deep h#rt2 %i((ed 3ith hatred and anger and ra3
cra1iness. And2 on some (e!e(2 it (oo/ed satis%ied.
Shado3 imagined 6r. JacI#e($s practiced hands smoothing that hatred and pain a3ay2
reb#i(ding a %ace %or 5ednesday 3ith mortician$s 3a& and ma/eC#p2 gi!ing him a %ina( peace
and dignity that e!en death had denied him.
Sti((2 the body seemed no sma((er in death. ,t had not shr#n/. And it sti(( sme((ed %aint(y o% Jac/
Danie($s.
he 3ind %rom the p(ains 3as rising: he co#(d hear it ho3(ing aro#nd the o(d mote( at the e&act
imaginary center o% America. he cand(es on the 3indo3si(( g#ttered and %(ic/ered.
8e co#(d hear %ootsteps in the ha((3ay. Someone /noc/ed on a door2 ca((ed2 A8#rry #p p(ease2
it$s time2B and they began to sh#%%(e in2 heads (o3ered.
o3n came in %irst2 %o((o3ed by 6edia and 6r. 'ancy and 41ernobog. @ast o% a(( came the %at
/id: he had %resh red br#ises on his %ace2 and his (ips 3ere mo!ing a(( the time2 as i% he 3ere
reciting some 3ords to himse(%2 b#t he 3as ma/ing no so#nd. Shado3 %o#nd himse(% %ee(ing
sorry %or him.
,n%orma((y2 3itho#t a 3ord being spo/en2 they ranged themse(!es abo#t the body2 each an
arm$s (ength a3ay %rom the ne&t. he atmosphere in the room 3as re(igio#s-deep(y re(igio#s2
in a 3ay that Shado3 had ne!er pre!io#s(y e&perienced. here 3as no so#nd b#t the ho3(ing o%
the 3ind and the crac/(ing o% the cand(es.
A5e are come together2 here in this god(ess p(ace2B said @o/i2 Ato pass on the body o% this
indi!id#a( to those 3ho 3i(( dispose o% it proper(y according to the rites. ,% anyone 3o#(d (i/e to
say something2 say it no3.B
A'ot me2B said o3n. A, ne!er proper(y met the g#y. And this 3ho(e thing ma/es me %ee(
#ncom%ortab(e.B
41ernobog said2 Ahese actions 3i(( ha!e conseI#ences. 9o# /no3 that: his can on(y be the
start o% it a((.B
he %at /id started to gigg(e2 a highCpitched2 gir(ish noise. 8e said2 A*/ay. */ay ,$!e got it.B And
then2 a(( on one note2 he recited:
A#rning and t#rning in the 3idening gyrehe %a(con cannot hear the %a(coner?hings %a(( apart?
the center cannot ho(dQB
and then he bro/e o%%2 his bro3 creasing. 8e said2 AShit. , #sed to /no3 the 3ho(e thing2B and
he r#bbed his temp(es and made a %ace and 3as I#iet.
And then they 3ere a(( (oo/ing at Shado3. he 3ind 3as screaming no3. 8e didn$t /no3 3hat
to say. 8e said2 Ahis 3ho(e thing is piti%#(. 8a(% o% yo# /i((ed him or had a hand in his death.
'o3 yo#$re gi!ing #s his body. Great. 8e 3as an irascib(e o(d %#c/ b#t , dran/ his mead and ,$m
sti(( 3or/ing %or him. hat$s a((.B
6edia said2 A,n a 3or(d 3here peop(e die e!ery day2 , thin/ the important thing to remember
is that %or each moment o% sorro3 3e get 3hen peop(e (ea!e this 3or(d there$s a
corresponding moment o% Doy 3hen a ne3 baby comes into this 3or(d. hat %irst 3ai( is-3e((2
it$s magic2 isn$t it: Perhaps it$s a hard thing to say2 b#t Doy and sorro3 are (i/e mi(/ and
coo/ies. hat$s ho3 3e(( they go together. , thin/ 3e sho#(d a(( ta/e a moment to meditate on
that.B
And 6r. 'ancy c(eared his throat and said2 ASo. , got to say it2 beca#se nobody e(se here 3i((.
5e are at the center o% this p(ace: a (and that has no time %or gods2 and here at the center it has
(ess time %or #s than any3here. ,t is a noCman$s (and2 a p(ace o% tr#ce2 and 3e obser!e o#r
tr#ces2 here. 5e ha!e no choice. So. 9o# gi!e #s the body o% o#r %riend. 5e accept it. 9o# 3i((
pay %or this2 m#rder %or m#rder2 b(ood %or b(ood.B
o3n said2 A5hate!er. 9o# co#(d sa!e yo#rse(!es a (ot o% time and e%%ort by going bac/ to yo#r
homes and shooting yo#rse(!es in the heads. 4#t o#t the midd(eman.B
A)#c/ yo#2B said 41ernobog. A)#c/ yo# and %#c/ yo#r mother and %#c/ the %#c/ing horse yo#
%#c/ing rode in on. 9o# 3i(( not e!en die in batt(e. 'o 3arrior 3i(( taste yo#r b(ood. 'o one a(i!e
3i(( ta/e yo#r (i%e. 9o# 3i(( die a so%t2 poor death. 9o# 3i(( die 3ith a /iss on yo#r (ips and a (ie in
yo#r heart.B
A@ea!e it2 o(d man2B said o3n.
Ahe b(oodCdimmed tide is (oose2B said the %at /id. A, thin/ that comes ne&t.B
he 3ind ho3(ed.
A*/ay2B said @o/i. A8e$s yo#rs. 5e$re done. a/e the o(d bastard a3ay.B
8e made a gest#re 3ith his %ingers2 and o3n2 6edia and the %at /id (e%t the room. 8e smi(ed at
Shado3. A4a(( no man happy2 h#h2 /id:B he said. And then he2 too2 3a(/ed a3ay.
A5hat happens no3:B as/ed Shado3.
A'o3 3e 3rap him #p2B said Anansi. AAnd 3e ta/e him a3ay %rom here.B
hey 3rapped the body in the mote( sheets2 3rapped it 3e(( in its imprompt# shro#d2 so there
3as no body to be seen2 and they co#(d carry it. he t3o o(d men 3a(/ed to each end o% the
body2 b#t Shado3 said2 A@et me see something2B and he bent his /nees and s(ipped his arms
aro#nd the 3hiteCsheeted %ig#re2 p#shed him #p and o!er his sho#(der. 8e straightened his
/nees2 #nti( he 3as standing2 more or (ess easi(y. A*/ay2B he said. A,$!e got him. @et$s p#t him
into the bac/ o% the car.B
41ernobog (oo/ed as i% he 3ere abo#t to arg#e2 b#t he c(osed his mo#th. 8e spat on his
%ore%inger and th#mb and began to sn#%% the cand(es bet3een his %ingertips. Shado3 co#(d
hear them %i11 as he 3a(/ed %rom the dar/ening room.
5ednesday 3as hea!y2 b#t Shado3 co#(d cope2 i% he 3a(/ed steadi(y. 8e had no choice.
5ednesday$s 3ords 3ere in his head 3ith e!ery step he too/ a(ong the corridor2 and he co#(d
taste the so#rCs3eetness o% mead in the bac/ o% his throat. 9o# 3or/ %or me. 9o# protect me.
9o# he(p me. 9o# transport me %rom p(ace to p(ace. 9o# in!estigate2 %rom time to time-go
p(aces and as/ I#estions %or me. 9o# r#n errands. ,n an emergency2 b#t on(y in an emergency2
yo# h#rt peop(e 3ho need to be h#rt. ,n the #n(i/e(y e!ent o% my death2 yo# 3i(( ho(d my !igi(Q
A dea( 3as a dea(2 and this one 3as in his b(ood and in his bones.
6r. 'ancy opened the mote( (obby door %or him2 then h#rried o!er and opened the bac/ o% the
b#s. he other %o#r 3ere a(ready standing by their 8#m!ee2 3atching them as i% they co#(d not
3ait to be o%%. @o/i had p#t his dri!er$s cap bac/ on. he co(d 3ind 3hipped at the sheets2
t#gged at Shado3 as he 3a(/ed.
8e p(aced 5ednesday do3n as gent(y as he co#(d in the bac/ o% the b#s.
Someone tapped him on the sho#(der. 8e t#rned. o3n stood there 3ith his hand o#t. 8e 3as
ho(ding something.
A8ere2B said 6r. o3n2 A6ister 5or(d 3anted yo# to ha!e this.B ,t 3as a g(ass eye. here 3as a
hair(ine crac/ do3n the midd(e o% it2 and a tiny chip gone %rom the %ront. A5e %o#nd it in the
6asonic ha((2 3hen 3e 3ere c(eaning #p. .eep it %or (#c/. God /no3s yo#$(( need it.B
Shado3 c(osed his hand aro#nd the eye. 8e 3ished he co#(d come bac/ 3ith something smart
and sharp and c(e!er2 b#t o3n 3as a(ready bac/ at the 8#m!ee2 and c(imbing #p into the car?
and Shado3 sti(( co#(dn$t thin/ o% anything c(e!er to say.
41ernobog 3as the (ast person o#t o% the mote(. As he (oc/ed the b#i(ding he 3atched the
8#m!ee p#(( o#t o% the par/ and head o%% do3n the b(ac/top. 8e p#t the /ey to the mote(
beneath a roc/ by the (obby door2 and he shoo/ his head. A, sho#(d ha!e eaten his heart2B he
said to Shado32 con!ersationa((y. A'ot D#st c#rsed his death. 8e needs to be ta#ght respect.B
8e c(imbed into the bac/ o% the b#s.
A9o# ride shotg#n2B said 6r. 'ancy to Shado3. A,$(( dri!e a 3hi(e.B
8e dro!e east.
Da3n %o#nd them in Prince ton2 6isso#ri. Shado3 had not s(ept yet.
'ancy said2 AAny3here yo# 3ant #s to drop yo#: ,% , 3ere yo#2 ,$d r#st(e #p some ,D and head
%or 4anada. *r 6e&ico.B
A,$m stic/ing 3ith yo# g#ys2B said Shado3. A,t$s 3hat 5ednesday 3o#(d ha!e 3anted.B
A9o# aren$t 3or/ing %or him any more. 8e$s dead. *nce 3e drop his body o%%2 yo# are %ree to
go.B
AAnd do 3hat:B
A.eep o#t o% the 3ay2 3hi(e the 3ar is on. @i/e , say2 yo# sho#(d (ea!e the co#ntry2B said 'ancy.
8e %(ipped his t#rn signa(2 and too/ a (e%t.
A8ide yo#rse(%2 %or a (itt(e time2B said 41ernobog. Ahen2 3hen this is o!er2 yo# 3i(( come bac/
to me2 and , 3i(( %inish the 3ho(e thing. 5ith my hammer.B
Shado3 said2 A5here are 3e ta/ing the body:B
AFirginia. here$s a tree2B said 'ancy.
AA 3or(d tree2B said 41ernobog 3ith g(oomy satis%action. A5e had one in my part o% the 3or(d.
B#t o#rs gre3 #nder the 3or(d2 not abo!e it.B
A5e p#t him at the %oot o% the tree2B said 'ancy. A5e (ea!e him there. 5e (et yo# go. 5e dri!e
so#th. here$s a batt(e. B(ood is shed. 6any die. he 3or(d changes2 a (itt(e.B
A9o# don$t 3ant me at yo#r batt(e: ,$m pretty big. ,$m good in a %ight.B
'ancy t#rned his head to Shado3 and smi(ed-the %irst rea( smi(e Shado3 had seen on 6r.
'ancy$s %ace since he had resc#ed Shado3 %rom the @#mber 4o#nty Jai(. A6ost o% this batt(e
3i(( be %o#ght in a p(ace yo# cannot go2 and yo# cannot to#ch.B
A,n the hearts and the minds o% the peop(e2B said 41ernobog. A@i/e at the big ro#ndabo#t.B
A8#h:B
Ahe caro#se(2B said 6r. 'ancy.
A*h2B said Shado3. ABac/stage. , got it. @i/e the desert 3ith a(( the bones in it.B
6r. 'ancy raised his head. ABac/stage. 9es. "!ery time , %ig#re yo# don$t ha!e eno#gh sense to
bring g#ts to a bear2 yo# s#rprise me. hat$s right. Bac/stage. hat$s 3here the rea( batt(e 3i((
happen. "!erything e(se 3i(( D#st be %(ash and th#nder.B
Ae(( me abo#t the !igi(2B said Shado3.
ASomeone has to stay 3ith the body. ,t$s a tradition. *ne o% o#r peop(e 3i(( do it.B
A8e 3anted me to do it.B
A'o2B said 41ernobog. A,t 3i(( /i(( yo#. Bad2 bad2 bad idea.B
A9eah: ,t$(( /i(( me: o stay 3ith his body:B
A,t$s 3hat happens 3hen the a((C%ather dies2B said 6r. 'ancy. A,t 3o#(dn$t be tr#e %or me. 5hen
, die2 , D#st 3ant them to p(ant me some3here 3arm. And then 3hen pretty 3omen 3a(/ o!er
my gra!e , 3o#(d grab their an/(es2 (i/e in that mo!ie.B
A, ne!er sa3 that mo!ie2B said 41ernobog.
A*% co#rse yo# did. ,t$s right at the end. ,t$s the high schoo( mo!ie. A(( the chi(dren going to the
prom.B
41ernobog shoo/ his head.
Shado3 said2 Ahe %i(m$s ca((ed 4arrie2 6ister 41ernobog. */ay2 one o% yo# te(( me abo#t the
!igi(.B
'ancy said2 A9o# te(( him. ,$m dri!in$.B
A, ne!er heard o% no %i(m ca((ed 4arrie. 9o# te(( him.B
'ancy said2 Ahe person on the !igi(-gets tied to the tree. J#st (i/e 5ednesday 3as. And then
they hang there %or nine days and nine nights. 'o %ood2 no 3ater. A(( a(one. At the end they c#t
the person do3n2 and i% they (i!edQ3e((2 it co#(d happen. And 5ednesday 3i(( ha!e had his
!igi(.B
41ernobog said2 A6aybe A(!iss 3i(( send #s one o% his peop(e. A d3ar% co#(d s#r!i!e it.B
A,$(( do it2B said Shado3.
A'o2B said 6r. 'ancy.
A9es2B said Shado3.
he t3o o(d men 3ere si(ent. hen 'ancy said2 A5hy:B
ABeca#se it$s the /ind o% thing a (i!ing person 3o#(d do2B said Shado3.
A9o# are cra1y2B said 41ernobog.
A6aybe. B#t ,$m going to ho(d 5ednesday$s !igi(.B
5hen they stopped %or gas 41ernobog anno#nced he %e(t sic/2 and 3anted to ride in the %ront.
Shado3 didn$t mind mo!ing to the bac/ o% the b#s. 8e co#(d stretch o#t more2 and s(eep.
hey dro!e on in si(ence. Shado3 %e(t that he$d done something !ery big and !ery strange2 and
he 3asn$t certain e&act(y 3hat it 3as.
A8ey. 41ernobog2B said 6r. 'ancy2 a%ter a 3hi(e. A9o# chec/ o#t the technica( boy bac/ at the
mote(: 8e 3as not happy. 8e$s been scre3in$ 3ith something that scre3ed him right bac/.
hat$s the biggest tro#b(e 3ith the ne3 /ids-they %ig#re they /no3 e!erythin$2 and yo# can$t
teach them nothin$ b#t the hard 3ay.B
AGood2B said 41ernobog.
Shado3 3as stretched o#t %#(( (ength on the seat in the bac/. 8e %e(t (i/e t3o peop(e2 or more
than t3o. here 3as part o% him that %e(t gent(y e&hi(arated: he had done something. 8e had
mo!ed. ,t 3o#(dn$t ha!e mattered i% he hadn$t 3anted to (i!e2 b#t he did 3ant to (i!e2 and that
made a(( the di%%erence. 8e hoped he 3o#(d (i!e thro#gh this2 b#t he 3as 3i((ing to die2 i% that
3as 3hat it too/ to be a(i!e. And2 %or a moment he tho#ght that the 3ho(e thing 3as %#nny2 D#st
the %#nniest thing in the 3or(d? and he 3ondered i% @a#ra 3o#(d appreciate the Do/e.
here 3as another part o% him-maybe it 3as 6i/e Ainse(2 he tho#ght2 !anished o%% into
nothing at the press o% a b#tton in the @a/eside Po(ice Department-3ho 3as sti(( trying to
%ig#re it a(( o#t2 trying to see the big pict#re.
A8idden ,ndians2B he said o#t (o#d.
A5hat:B came 41ernobog$s irritated croa/ %rom the %ront seat.
Ahe pict#res yo#$d get to co(or in as /ids. R4an yo# see the hidden ,ndians in this pict#re:
here are ten ,ndians in this pict#re2 can yo# %ind them a((:$ And at %irst g(ance yo# co#(d on(y
see the 3ater%a(( and the roc/s and the trees2 then yo# see that i% yo# D#st tip the pict#re on its
side that shado3 is an ,ndianQB 8e ya3ned.
AS(eep2B s#ggested 41ernobog.
AB#t the big pict#re2B said Shado3. hen he s(ept2 and dreamed o% hidden ,ndians.
he tree 3as in Firginia. ,t 3as a (ong 3ay a3ay %rom any3here2 on the bac/ o% an o(d %arm. o
get to the %arm they had had to dri!e %or a(most an ho#r so#th %rom B(ac/sb#rg2 to dri!e roads
3ith names (i/e Penny3in/(e Branch and +ooster Sp#r. hey got t#rned aro#nd t3ice and 6r.
'ancy and 41ernobog both (ost their tempers 3ith Shado3 and 3ith each other.
hey stopped to get directions at a tiny genera( store2 set at the bottom o% the hi(( in the p(ace
3here the road %or/ed. An o(d man came o#t o% the bac/ o% the store and stared at them: he
3ore *sh.osh B$gosh denim o!era((s and nothing e(se2 not e!en shoes. 41ernobog bo#ght a
pic/(ed hog$s %oot %rom the h#ge Dar o% hogs$ %eet on the co#nter2 and 3ent o#tside to eat it on
the dec/2 3hi(e 'ancy and the man in the o!era((s too/ t#rns dra3ing each other maps on the
bac/ o% nap/ins2 mar/ing o%% t#rnings and (oca( (andmar/s.
hey set o%% once more2 3ith 6r. 'ancy dri!ing2 and they 3ere there in ten min#tes. A sign on
the gate said AS8.
Shado3 got o#t o% the b#s2 and opened the gate. he b#s dro!e thro#gh2 Do(ting thro#gh the
meado3(and. Shado3 c(osed the gate. 8e 3a(/ed a (itt(e behind the b#s2 stretching his (egs2
Dogging 3hen the b#s got too %ar in %ront o% him. "nDoying the sensation o% mo!ing his body.
8e had (ost a(( sense o% time on the dri!e %rom .ansas. 8ad they been dri!ing %or t3o days:
hree days: 8e did not /no3.
he body in the bac/ o% the b#s did not seem to be rotting. 8e co#(d sme(( it-a %aint odor o%
Jac/ Danie($s2 o!er(aid 3ith something that might ha!e been so#r honey. B#t the sme(( 3as not
#np(easant. )rom time to time he 3o#(d ta/e o#t the g(ass eye %rom his poc/et and (oo/ at it: it
3as shattered deep inside2 %ract#red %rom 3hat he imagined 3as the impact o% a b#((et2 b#t
apart %rom a chip to one side o% the iris the s#r%ace 3as #nmarred. Shado3 3o#(d r#n it
thro#gh his hands2 pa(ming it2 ro((ing it2 p#shing it a(ong 3ith his %ingers. ,t 3as a ghast(y
so#!enir2 b#t odd(y com%orting: and he s#spected that it 3o#(d ha!e am#sed 5ednesday to
/no3 that his eye had 3o#nd #p in Shado3$s poc/et.
he %armho#se 3as dar/ and sh#t #p. he meado3s 3ere o!ergro3n and seemed abandoned.
he b#i(ding$s roo% 3as cr#mb(ing at the bac/? it 3as co!ered in b(ac/ p(astic sheeting. hey
Do(ted o!er a ridge and Shado3 sa3 the tree.
,t 3as si(!erCgray and it 3as higher than the %armho#se. ,t 3as the most bea#ti%#( tree Shado3
had e!er seen: spectra( and yet #tter(y rea( and a(most per%ect(y symmetrica(. ,t a(so (oo/ed
instant(y %ami(iar: he 3ondered i% he had dreamed it2 then rea(i1ed that no2 he had seen it
be%ore2 or a representation o% it2 many times. ,t 3as 5ednesday$s si(!er tiepin.
he F5 b#s Do(ted and b#mped across the meado32 and came to a stop abo#t t3enty %eet %rom
the tr#n/ o% the tree.
here 3ere three 3omen standing by the tree. At %irst g(ance Shado3 tho#ght that they 3ere
the 0orya2 b#t he rea(i1ed in moments that he 3as mista/en. hey 3ere three 3omen he did
not /no3. hey (oo/ed tired and bored2 as i% they had been standing there %or a (ong time. "ach
o% them he(d a 3ooden (adder. he biggest one o% them a(so carried a bro3n sac/. hey (oo/ed
(i/e a set o% +#ssian do((s: a ta(( one-she 3as Shado3$s height2 or e!en ta((er-a midd(eCsi1ed
one2 and a 3oman so short and h#nched that at %irst g(ance Shado3 3rong(y s#pposed her to
be a chi(d. Sti((2 they (oo/ed so m#ch a(i/e-something in the %orehead2 or the eyes2 or the set
o% the chin-that Shado3 3as certain that the 3omen m#st be sisters.
he sma((est o% the 3omen dropped to a c#rtsy 3hen the b#s dre3 #p. he other t3o D#st
stared. hey 3ere sharing a cigarette2 and they smo/ed it do3n to the %i(ter be%ore one o% them
st#bbed it o#t against a root.
41ernobog opened the bac/ o% the b#s and the biggest o% the 3omen p#shed past him2 and2
easi(y as i% it 3ere a sac/ o% %(o#r2 she (i%ted 5ednesday$s body o#t o% the bac/ and carried it to
the tree. She (aid it in %ront o% the tree2 p#t it do3n abo#t ten %eet %rom the tr#n/. She and her
sisters #n3rapped 5ednesday$s body. 8e (oo/ed 3orse by day(ight than he had by cand(e(ight
in the mote( room2 and a%ter one I#ic/ g(ance Shado3 (oo/ed a3ay. he 3omen arranged his
c(othes2 tidied his s#it2 then p(aced him at the corner o% the sheet2 and 3o#nd it aro#nd him
once more.
hen the 3omen came o!er to Shado3.
-9o# are the one: the biggest o% them as/ed.
-he one 3ho 3i(( mo#rn the a((C%ather: as/ed the midd(eCsi1ed one.
-9o# ha!e chosen to ta/e the !igi(: as/ed the sma((est.
Shado3 nodded. A%ter3ard2 he 3as #nab(e to remember 3hether he had act#a((y heard their
!oices. Perhaps he had simp(y #nderstood 3hat they had meant %rom their (oo/s and their
eyes.
6r. 'ancy2 3ho had gone bac/ to the ho#se to #se the bathroom2 came 3a(/ing bac/ to the
tree. 8e 3as smo/ing a cigari((o. 8e (oo/ed tho#ght%#(.
AShado32B he ca((ed. A9o# rea((y don$t ha!e to do this. 5e can %ind somebody more s#ited. 9o#
ain$t ready %or this.B
A,$m doing it2B said Shado32 simp(y.
A9o# don$t ha!e to2B said 6r. 'ancy. A9o# don$t /no3 3hat yo#$re (ettin$ yo#rse(% in %or.B
A,t doesn$t matter2B said Shado3.
AAnd i% yo# die:B as/ed 6r. 'ancy. A,% it /i((s yo#:B
Ahen2B said Shado32 Ait /i((s me.B
6r. 'ancy %(ic/ed his cigari((o into the meado32 angri(y. A, said yo# had shit %or brains2 and yo#
sti(( ha!e shit %or brains. 4an$t see 3hen somebody$s tryin$ to gi!e yo# an o#t:B
A,$m sorry2B said Shado3. 8e didn$t say anything e(se. 'ancy 3a(/ed bac/ to the b#s.
41ernobog 3a(/ed o!er to Shado3. 8e did not (oo/ p(eased. A9o# m#st come thro#gh this
a(i!e2B he said. A4ome thro#gh this sa%e(y %or me.B And then he tapped his /n#c/(e gent(y
against Shado3$s %orehead and said2 ABamPB 8e sI#ee1ed Shado3$s sho#(der2 patted his arm2
and 3a(/ed bac/ to the b#s.
he biggest 3oman2 3hose name seemed to be Ertha or Erder-Shado3 co#(d not repeat it
bac/ to her to her satis%action-to(d him2 in pantomime2 to ta/e o%% his c(othes.
AA(( o% them:B
he big 3oman shr#gged. Shado3 stripped to his brie%s and Cshirt. he 3omen propped the
(adders against the tree. *ne o% the (adders-it 3as painted by hand2 3ith (itt(e %(o3ers and
(ea!es t3ining #p the str#ts-they pointed o#t to him.
8e c(imbed the nine steps. hen2 at their #rging2 he stepped onto a (o3 branch.
he midd(e 3oman tipped o#t the contents o% the sac/ onto the meado3Cgrass. ,t 3as %i((ed
3ith a tang(e o% thin ropes2 bro3n 3ith age and dirt2 and the 3oman began to sort them o#t
into (engths2 and to (ay them care%#((y on the gro#nd beside 5ednesday$s body.
hey c(imbed their o3n (adders no32 and they began to /not the ropes2 intricate and e(egant
/nots2 and they 3rapped the ropes %irst abo#t the tree2 and then abo#t Shado3.
Enembarrassed2 (i/e mid3i!es or n#rses or those 3ho (ay o#t corpses2 they remo!ed his Cshirt
and brie%s2 then they bo#nd him2 ne!er tight(y2 b#t %irm(y and %ina((y. 8e 3as ama1ed at ho3
com%ortab(y the ropes and the /nots bore his 3eight. he ropes 3ent #nder his arms2 bet3een
his (egs2 aro#nd his 3aist2 his an/(es2 his chest2 binding him to the tree.
he %ina( rope 3as tied2 (oose(y2 abo#t his nec/. ,t 3as initia((y #ncom%ortab(e2 b#t his 3eight
3as 3e(( distrib#ted and none o% the ropes c#t his %(esh.
8is %eet 3ere %i!e %eet abo!e the gro#nd. he tree 3as (ea%(ess and h#ge2 its branches b(ac/
against the gray s/y2 its bar/ a smooth si(!ery gray.
hey too/ the (adders a3ay. here 3as a moment o% panic as he dropped a %e3 inches2 as a(( his
3eight 3as ta/en by the ropes. 8e made no so#nd.
8e 3as entire(y na/ed by that point.
he 3omen p(aced the body2 3rapped in its mote(Csheet shro#d2 at the %oot o% the tree2 and
they (e%t him there.
hey (e%t him there a(one.
48AP"+ ),)""'
8ang me2 * hang me2 and ,$(( be dead and gone28ang me2 * hang me2 and ,$(( be dead and
gone2, 3o#(dn$t mind the hangin$2 it$s bein$ gone so (ong2,t$s (yin$ in the gra!e so (ong.-*@D S*'G
he %irst day that Shado3 h#ng %rom the tree he e&perienced on(y discom%ort2 that edged
s(o3(y into pain and %ear and2 occasiona((y2 an emotion that 3as some3here bet3een boredom
and apathy: a gray acceptance2 a 3aiting.
8e h#ng.
he 3ind 3as sti((.
A%ter se!era( ho#rs %(eeting b#rsts o% co(or started to e&p(ode across his !ision in b(ossoms o%
crimson and go(d2 throbbing and p#(sing 3ith a (i%e o% their o3n.
he pain in his arms and (egs became2 by degrees2 into(erab(e. ,% he re(a&ed them2 (et his body
go s(ac/ and dang(e2 i% he %(opped %or3ard2 then the rope aro#nd his nec/ 3o#(d ta/e #p the
s(ac/ and the 3or(d 3o#(d shimmer and s3im. So he p#shed himse(% bac/ against the tr#n/ o%
the tree. 8e co#(d %ee( his heart (aboring in his chest2 a po#nding arrhythmic tattoo as it
p#mped the b(ood thro#gh his bodyQ
"mera(ds and sapphires and r#bies crysta((i1ed and b#rst in %ront o% his eyes. 8is breath came in
sha((o3 g#(ps. he bar/ o% the tree 3as ro#gh against his bac/. he chi(( o% the a%ternoon on his
na/ed s/in made him shi!er2 made his %(esh pric/(e and goose.
,t$s easy2 said someone in the bac/ o% his head. here$s a tric/ to it. "ither yo# do it2 or yo# die.
,t 3as a 3ise thing to ha!e tho#ght2 he decided. 8e 3as p(eased 3ith it2 and repeated it o!er
and o!er in the bac/ o% his head2 part mantra2 part n#rsery rhyme2 ratt(ing a(ong to the
dr#mbeat o% his heart.
,t$s easy2 there$s a tric/ to it2 yo# do it or yo# die.,t$s easy2 there$s a tric/ to it2 yo# do it or yo#
die.,t$s easy2 there$s a tric/ to it2 yo# do it or yo# die.,t$s easy2 there$s a tric/ to it2 yo# do it or
yo# die.
ime passed. he chanting contin#ed. 8e co#(d hear it. Someone 3as repeating the 3ords2 on(y
stopping 3hen Shado3$s mo#th began to dry o#t2 3hen his tong#e t#rned dry and s/inC(i/e in
his mo#th. 8e p#shed himse(% #p and a3ay %rom the tree 3ith his %eet2 trying to s#pport his
3eight in a 3ay that 3o#(d sti(( a((o3 him to %i(( his (#ngs.
8e breathed #nti( he co#(d ho(d himse(% #p no more2 and then he %e(( bac/ into the bonds2 and
h#ng %rom the tree.
5hen the chattering started-an angry2 (a#ghing chattering noise-he c(osed his mo#th2
concerned that it 3as he himse(% ma/ing it? b#t the noise contin#ed. ,t$s the 3or(d (a#ghing at
me2 then2 tho#ght Shado3. 8is head (o((ed to one side. Something ran do3n the treeCtr#n/
beside him2 stopping beside his head. ,t chittered (o#d(y in his ear2 one 3ord2 3hich so#nded a
(ot (i/e Aratatos/.B Shado3 tried to repeat it2 b#t his tong#e st#c/ to the roo% o% his mo#th. 8e
t#rned2 s(o3(y2 and stared into the grayCbro3n %ace and pointed ears o% a sI#irre(.
,n c(oseC#p2 he (earned2 a sI#irre( (oo/s a (ot (ess c#te than it does %rom a distance. he creat#re
3as ratC(i/e2 and dangero#s2 not s3eet or charming. And its teeth (oo/ed sharp. 8e hoped that
it 3o#(d not percei!e him as a threat2 or as a %ood so#rce. 8e did not thin/ that sI#irre(s 3ere
carni!oro#sQb#t then2 so many things he had not tho#ght had t#rned o#t to be soQ
8e s(ept.
he pain 3o/e him se!era( times in the ne&t %e3 ho#rs. ,t p#((ed him %rom a dar/ dream in
3hich dead chi(dren rose and came to him2 their eyes pee(ing2 s3o((en pear(s2 and they
reproached him %or %ai(ing them and it p#((ed him %rom another dream2 in 3hich he 3as staring
#p at a mammoth2 hairy and dar/2 as it (#mbered to3ard him %rom the mist2 b#t-a3a/e %or a
moment2 a spider edging across his %ace2 and he shoo/ his head2 dis(odging or %rightening
it-no3 the mammoth 3as an e(ephantCheaded man2 potCbe((ied2 one t#s/ bro/en2 and he 3as
riding to3ard Shado3 on the bac/ o% a h#ge mo#se. he e(ephantCheaded man c#r(ed his tr#n/
to3ards Shado3 and said2 A,% yo# had in!o/ed me be%ore yo# began this Do#rney2 perhaps some
o% yo#r tro#b(es might ha!e been a!oided.B hen the e(ephant too/ the mo#se2 3hich had2 by
some means that Shado3 co#(d not percei!e2 become tiny 3hi(e not changing in si1e at a((2 and
passed it %rom hand to hand to hand2 %ingers c#r(ing abo#t it as the (itt(e bro3n creat#re
scampered %rom pa(m to pa(m2 and Shado3 3as not at a(( s#rprised 3hen the e(ephantCheaded
god %ina((y opened a(( %o#r o% his hands to re!ea( them per%ect(y empty. 8e shr#gged arm a%ter
arm a%ter arm in a pec#(iar %(#id motion2 and (oo/ed at Shado32 his %ace #nreadab(e.
A,t$s in the tr#n/2B Shado3 to(d the e(ephant man2 3ho had seen the %(ic/ering tai( !anish.
he e(ephant man nodded his h#ge head2 and said2 A9es. ,n the tr#n/. 9o# 3i(( %orget many
things. 9o# 3i(( gi!e many things a3ay. 9o# 3i(( (ose many things. B#t do not (ose this.B And
then the rains began2 and Shado3 3as a3a/e once more. 8e t#mb(ed2 shi!ering and 3et2 %rom
deep s(eep to 3a/e%#(ness in moments. he shi!ering intensi%ied2 #nti( it scared Shado3: he
3as shi!ering more !io(ent(y than he had e!er imagined possib(e2 a series o% con!#(si!e
sh#dders 3hich b#i(t #pon each other. 8e 3i((ed himse(% to stop sha/ing2 b#t sti(( he shi!ered2
his teeth banging together2 his (imbs t3itching and Der/ing beyond his contro(. here 3as rea(
pain there2 too2 a deep2 /ni%eC(i/e pain that co!ered his body 3ith tiny2 in!isib(e 3o#nds2
intimate and #nbearab(e.
8e opened his mo#th to catch the rain as it %e((2 moistening his crac/ed (ips and his dry tong#e2
3etting the ropes that bo#nd him to the tr#n/ o% the tree. here 3as a %(ash o% (ightning so
bright it %e(t (i/e a b(o3 to his eyes2 trans%orming the 3or(d into an intense panorama o% image
and a%terCimage. hen the th#nder2 a crac/ and a boom and a r#mb(e2 and2 as the th#nder
echoed2 the rain redo#b(ed. ,n the rain and the night the shi!ering abated? the /ni%eCb(ades
3ere p#t a3ay. Shado3 no (onger %e(t the co(d2 or rather2 he %e(t on(y the co(d2 b#t the co(d had
no3 become part o% himse(%2 it be(onged to him and he be(onged to it.
Shado3 h#ng %rom the tree 3hi(e the (ightning %(ic/ered and %or/ed across the s/y2 and the
th#nder s#bsided into an omnipresent r#mb(ing2 3ith occasiona( bangs and roars (i/e distant
bombs e&p(oding in the night2 and the 3ind t#gged at Shado32 trying to p#(( him %rom the tree2
%(aying his s/in2 c#tting to the bone? and at the height o% the storm-and Shado3 /ne3 in his
so#( that the rea( storm had tr#(y beg#n2 the tr#e storm2 and that no3 it 3as here there 3as
nothing any o% them co#(d do b#t ride it o#t: none o% them2 o(d gods or ne32 spirits2 po3ers2
3omen or menQ
A strange Doy rose 3ithin Shado3 then2 and he started (a#ghing2 as the rain 3ashed his na/ed
s/in and the (ightning %(ashed and th#nder r#mb(ed so (o#d(y that he co#(d bare(y hear himse(%.
8e (a#ghed and e&#(ted.
8e 3as a(i!e. 8e had ne!er %e(t (i/e this. "!er.
,% he did die2 he tho#ght2 i% he died right no32 here on the tree2 it 3o#(d be 3orth it to ha!e had
this one2 per%ect2 mad moment.
A8eyPB he sho#ted2 at the storm. A8eyP ,t$s meP ,$m herePB
8e trapped some 3ater bet3een his bare sho#(der and the tr#n/ o% the tree2 and he t3isted his
head o!er and dran/ the trapped rain3ater2 s#c/ing and s(#rping at it2 and he dran/ more and
he (a#ghed2 (a#ghed 3ith Doy and de(ight2 not madness2 #nti( he co#(d (a#gh no more2 #nti( he
h#ng there2 too e&ha#sted to mo!e.
At the %oot o% the tree2 on the gro#nd2 the rain had made the sheet part(y transparent2 and had
(i%ted it and p#shed it %or3ard so that Shado3 co#(d see 5ednesday$s dead hand2 3a&y and
pa(e2 and the shape o% his head2 and he tho#ght o% the shro#d o% #rin and he remembered the
open gir( on JacI#e($s s(ab in 4airo2 and then2 as i% to spite the co(d2 he obser!ed that he 3as
%ee(ing 3arm and com%ortab(e2 and the bar/ o% the tree %e(t so%t2 and he s(ept once more2 and i%
he dreamed any dreams in the dar/ness this time he co#(d not remember them.
By the %o((o3ing morning the pain 3as omnipresent. ,t 3as no (onger (oca(2 not con%ined to the
p(aces 3here the ropes c#t into his %(esh2 or 3here the bar/ scraped his s/in. 'o3 the pain 3as
e!ery3here.
And he 3as h#ngry2 3ith empty pangs do3n in the pit o% him. 8is head 3as po#nding.
Sometimes he imagined that he had stopped breathing2 that his heart had ceased to beat. hen
he 3o#(d ho(d his breath #nti( he co#(d hear his heart po#nding an ocean in his ears and he 3as
%orced to s#c/ air (i/e a di!er s#r%acing %rom the depths.
,t seemed to him that the tree reached %rom he(( to hea!en2 and that he had been hanging
there %ore!er. A bro3n ha3/ circ(ed the tree2 (anded on a bro/en branch near to him2 and then
too/ to the 3ing2 %(ying 3est.
he storm2 3hich had abated at da3n2 began to ret#rn as the day passed. Gray2 roi(ing c(o#ds
stretched %rom hori1on to hori1on? a s(o3 dri11(e began to %a((. he body at the base o% the tree
seemed to ha!e become (ess2 in its stained mote( 3inding sheet2 cr#mb(ing into itse(% (i/e a
s#gar ca/e (e%t in the rain.
Sometimes Shado3 b#rned2 sometimes he %ro1e.
5hen the th#nder started once more he imagined that he heard dr#ms beating2 /ett(edr#ms in
the th#nder and the th#mp o% his heart2 inside his head or o#tside2 it did not matter.
8e percei!ed the pain in co(ors: the red o% a neon barCsign2 the green o% a tra%%ic (ight on a 3et
night2 the b(#e o% an empty !ideo screen.
he sI#irre( dropped %rom the bar/ o% the tr#n/ onto Shado3$s sho#(der2 sharp c(a3s digging
into his s/in. A+atatos/PB it chattered. he tip o% its nose to#ched his (ips. A+atatos/.B ,t sprang
bac/ onto the tree.
8is s/in 3as on %ire 3ith pins and need(es2 a pric/ing co!ering his 3ho(e body. he sensation
3as into(erab(e.
8is (i%e 3as (aid o#t be(o3 him2 on the mote( sheet shro#d2 (itera((y (aid o#t2 (i/e the items at
some Dada picnic2 a s#rrea(ist tab(ea#: he co#(d see his mother$s p#11(ed stare2 the American
embassy in 'or3ay2 @a#ra$s eyes on their 3edding dayQ
8e ch#c/(ed thro#gh dry (ips.
A5hat$s so %#nny2 p#ppy:B as/ed @a#ra.
A*#r 3edding day2B he said. A9o# bribed the organist to change %rom p(aying the R5edding
6arch$ to the themeCsong %rom ScoobyCDoo as yo# 3a(/ed to3ard me do3n the ais(e. Do yo#
remember:B
A*% co#rse , remember2 dar(ing. , 3o#(d ha!e made it too2 i% it 3asn$t %or those medd(ing /ids.B
A, (o!ed yo# so m#ch2B said Shado3.
8e co#(d %ee( her (ips on his2 and they 3ere 3arm and 3et and (i!ing2 not co(d and dead2 so he
/ne3 that this 3as another ha((#cination. A9o# aren$t here2 are yo#:B he as/ed.
A'o2B she said. AB#t yo# are ca((ing me2 %or the (ast time. And , am coming.B
Breathing 3as harder no3. he ropes c#tting his %(esh 3ere an abstract concept2 (i/e %ree 3i(( or
eternity.
AS(eep2 p#ppy2B she said2 a(tho#gh he tho#ght it might ha!e been his o3n !oice he heard2 and
he s(ept.
he s#n 3as a pe3ter coin in a (eaden s/y. Shado3 3as2 he rea(i1ed s(o3(y2 a3a/e2 and he 3as
co(d. B#t the part o% him that #nderstood that seemed !ery %ar a3ay %rom the rest o% him.
Some3here in the distance he 3as a3are that his mo#th and throat 3ere b#rning2 pain%#( and
crac/ed. Sometimes2 in the day(ight2 he 3o#(d see stars %a((? other times he sa3 h#ge birds2 the
si1e o% de(i!ery tr#c/s2 %(ying to3ard him. 'othing reached him? nothing to#ched him.
A+atatos/. +atatos/.B he chattering had become a sco(ding.
he sI#irre( (anded2 hea!i(y2 3ith sharp c(a3s2 on his sho#(der and stared into his %ace. 8e
3ondered i% he 3ere ha((#cinating: the anima( 3as ho(ding a 3a(n#tCshe((2 (i/e a do(($sCho#se
c#p2 in its %ront pa3s. he anima( pressed the she(( to Shado3$s (ips. Shado3 %e(t the 3ater2
and2 in!o(#ntari(y2 he s#c/ed it into his mo#th2 drin/ing %rom the tiny c#p. 8e ran the 3ater
aro#nd his crac/ed (ips2 his dry tong#e. 8e 3et his mo#th 3ith it2 and s3a((o3ed 3hat 3as (e%t2
3hich 3as not m#ch.
he sI#irre( (eapt bac/ to the tree2 and ran do3n it2 to3ards the roots2 and then2 in seconds2 or
min#tes2 or ho#rs2 Shado3 co#(d not te(( 3hich Ga(( the c(oc/s in his mind 3ere bro/en2 he
tho#ght2 and their gears and cogs and springs 3ere simp(y a D#mb(e do3n there in the 3rithing
grassH2 the sI#irre( ret#rned 3ith its 3a(n#tCshe(( c#p2 c(imbing care%#((y2 and Shado3 dran/ the
3ater it bro#ght to him.
he m#ddyCiron taste o% the 3ater %i((ed his mo#th2 coo(ed his parched throat. ,t eased his
%atig#e and his madness.
By the third 3a(n#tCshe((2 he 3as no (onger thirsty.
8e began to str#gg(e2 then2 p#((ing at the ropes2 %(ai(ing his body2 trying to get do3n2 to get %ree2
to get a3ay. 8e moaned.
he /nots 3ere good. he ropes 3ere strong2 and they he(d2 and soon he e&ha#sted himse(%
once more.
,n his de(iri#m2 Shado3 became the tree. ,ts roots 3ent deep into the (oam o% the earth2 deep
do3n into time2 into the hidden springs. 8e %e(t the spring o% the 3oman ca((ed Erd2 3hich is to
say2 Past. She 3as h#ge2 a giantess2 an #ndergro#nd mo#ntain o% a 3oman2 and the 3aters she
g#arded 3ere the 3aters o% time. *ther roots 3ent to other p(aces. Some o% them 3ere secret.
'o32 3hen he 3as thirsty2 he p#((ed 3ater %rom his roots2 p#((ed them #p into the body o% his
being.
8e had a h#ndred arms 3hich bro/e into a h#ndred tho#sand %ingers2 and a(( o% his %ingers
reached #p into the s/y. he 3eight o% the s/y 3as hea!y on his sho#(ders.
,t 3as not that the discom%ort 3as (essened2 b#t the pain be(onged to the %ig#re hanging %rom
the tree2 rather than to the tree itse(%2 and Shado3 in his madness 3as no3 so m#ch more than
the man on the tree. 8e 3as the tree2 and he 3as the 3ind ratt(ing the bare branches o% the
3or(d tree? he 3as the gray s/y and the t#mb(ing c(o#ds? he 3as +atatos/ the sI#irre( r#nning
%rom the deepest roots to the highest branches? he 3as the madCeyed ha3/ 3ho sat on a
bro/en branch at the top o% the tree s#r!eying the 3or(d? he 3as the 3orm in the heart o% the
tree.
he stars 3hee(ed2 and he passed his h#ndred hands o!er the g(ittering stars2 pa(ming them2
s3itching them2 !anishing themQ
A moment o% c(arity2 in the pain and the madness: Shado3 %e(t himse(% s#r%acing. 8e /ne3 it
3o#(d not be %or (ong. he morning s#n 3as da11(ing him. 8e c(osed his eyes2 3ishing he co#(d
shade them.
here 3as not (ong to go. 8e /ne3 that2 too.
5hen he opened his eyes2 Shado3 noticed that there 3as a yo#ng man in the tree 3ith him.
8is s/in 3as dar/ bro3n. 8is %orehead 3as high and his dar/ hair 3as tight(y c#r(ed. 8e 3as
sitting on a branch high abo!e Shado3$s head. Shado3 co#(d see him c(ear(y by craning his
head. And the man 3as mad. Shado3 co#(d see that at a g(ance.
A9o#$re na/ed2B con%ided the madman2 in a crac/ed !oice. A,$m na/ed2 too.B
A, see that2B croa/ed Shado3.
he madman (oo/ed at him2 then he nodded and t3isted his head do3n and aro#nd2 as i% he
3ere trying to remo!e a cric/ %rom his nec/. "!ent#a((y he said2 ADo yo# /no3 me:B
A'o2B said Shado3.
A, /no3 yo#. , 3atched yo# in 4airo. , 3atched yo# a%ter. 6y sister (i/es yo#.B
A9o# areQB he name escaped him. "ats road/i((. 9es. A9o# are 8or#s.B
he madman nodded. A8or#s2B he said. A, am the %a(con o% the morning2 the ha3/ o% the
a%ternoon. , am the s#n. As yo# are the s#n. And , /no3 the tr#e name o% +a. 6y mother to(d
me.B
Ahat$s great2B said Shado32 po(ite(y.
he madman stared at the gro#nd be(o3 them intent(y2 saying nothing. hen he dropped %rom
the tree.
A ha3/ %e(( (i/e a stone to the gro#nd2 p#((ed o#t o% its p(#mmet into a s3oop2 beat its 3ings
hea!i(y and %(e3 bac/ to the tree2 a baby rabbit in its ta(ons. ,t (anded on a branch c(oser to
Shado3.
AAre yo# h#ngry:B as/ed the madman.
A'o2B said Shado3. A, g#ess , sho#(d be2 b#t ,$m not.B
A,$m h#ngry2B said the madman. 8e ate the rabbit rapid(y2 p#((ing it apart2 s#c/ing2 tearing2
rending. As he %inished 3ith them2 he dropped the gna3ed bones and the %#r to the gro#nd. 8e
3a(/ed %#rther do3n the branch #nti( he 3as on(y an arm$s (ength %rom Shado3. hen he
peered at Shado3 #nse(%conscio#s(y2 inspecting him 3ith care and ca#tion2 %rom his %eet to his
head. here 3as rabbitCb(ood on the man$s chin and his chest2 and he 3iped it o%% 3ith the bac/
o% his hand.
Shado3 %e(t he had to say something. A8ey2B he said.
A8ey2B said the madman. 8e stood #p on the branch2 t#rned a3ay %rom Shado3 and (et a
stream o% dar/ #rine arc o#t into the meado3 be(o3. ,t 3ent on %or a (ong time. 5hen he had
%inished he cro#ched do3n again on the branch.
A5hat do they ca(( yo#:B as/ed 8or#s.
AShado32B said Shado3.
he madman nodded. A9o# are the shado3. , am the (ight2B he said. A"!erything that is2 casts a
shado3.B hen he said2 Ahey 3i(( %ight soon. , 3as 3atching them as they started to arri!e. ,
3as high in the s/y2 and none o% them sa3 me2 a(tho#gh some o% them ha!e /een eyes.B
And then the madman said2 A9o# are dying. Aren$t yo#:B
B#t Shado3 co#(d no (onger spea/. "!erything 3as !ery %ar a3ay. A ha3/ too/ 3ing2 and circ(ed
s(o3(y #p3ard2 riding the #pdra%ts into the morning.
6oon(ight.
A co#gh shoo/ Shado3$s %rame2 a rac/ing pain%#( co#gh that stabbed his chest and his throat.
8e gagged %or breath.
A8ey2 p#ppy2B ca((ed a !oice that he /ne3.
8e (oo/ed do3n.
he moon(ight b#rned 3hite(y thro#gh the branches o% the tree2 bright as day2 and there 3as a
3oman standing in the moon(ight on the gro#nd be(o3 him2 her %ace a pa(e o!a(. he 3ind
ratt(ed in the branches o% the tree.
A8i2 p#ppy2B she said.
8e tried to spea/2 b#t he co#ghed instead2 deep in his chest2 %or a (ong time.
A9o# /no32B she said2 he(p%#((y2 Athat doesn$t so#nd good.B
8e croa/ed2 A8e((o2 @a#ra.B
She (oo/ed #p at him 3ith dead eyes2 and she smi(ed.
A8o3 did yo# %ind me:B he as/ed.
She 3as si(ent2 %or a 3hi(e2 in the moon(ight. hen she said2 A9o# are the nearest thing , ha!e to
(i%e. 9o# are the on(y thing , ha!e (e%t2 the on(y thing that isn$t b(ea/ and %(at and gray. , co#(d be
b(ind%o(ded and dropped into the deepest ocean and , 3o#(d /no3 3here to %ind yo#. , co#(d
be b#ried a h#ndred mi(es #ndergro#nd and , 3o#(d /no3 3here yo# are.B
8e (oo/ed do3n at the 3oman in the moon(ight2 and his eyes st#ng 3ith tears.
A,$(( c#t yo# do3n2B she said2 a%ter a 3hi(e. A, spend too m#ch time resc#ing yo#2 don$t ,:B
8e co#ghed again. hen2 A'o2 (ea!e me. , ha!e to do this.B
She (oo/ed #p at him2 and shoo/ her head. A9o#$re cra1y2B she said. A9o#$re dying #p there. *r
yo#$(( be cripp(ed2 i% yo# aren$t a(ready.B
A6aybe2B he said. AB#t ,$m a(i!e.B
A9es2B she said2 a%ter a moment. A, g#ess yo# are.B
A9o# to(d me2B he said. A,n the gra!eyard.B
A,t seems (i/e s#ch a (ong time ago2 p#ppy2B she said. hen she said2 A, %ee( better2 here. ,t
doesn$t h#rt as m#ch. 9o# /no3 3hat , mean: B#t ,$m so dry.B
he 3ind (et #p2 and he co#(d sme(( her no3: a stin/ o% rotten meat and sic/ness and decay2
per!asi!e and #np(easant.
A, (ost my Dob2B she said. A,t 3as a night Dob2 b#t they said peop(e had comp(ained. , to(d them ,
3as sic/2 and they said they didn$t care. ,$m so thirsty.B
Ahe 3omen2B he to(d her. Ahey ha!e 3ater. he ho#se.B
AP#ppyQB She so#nded scared.
Ae(( themQte(( them , said to gi!e yo# 3aterQB
he 3hite %ace stared #p at him. A, sho#(d go2B she to(d him. hen she hac/ed2 and made a %ace2
and spat a mass o% something 3hite onto the grass. ,t bro/e #p 3hen it hit the gro#nd and
3rigg(ed a3ay.
,t 3as a(most impossib(e to breathe. 8is chest %e(t hea!y2 and his head 3as s3aying.
AStay2B he said2 in a breath that 3as a(most a 3hisper2 #ns#re 3hether or not she co#(d hear
him. AP(ease don$t go.B 8e started to co#gh. AStay the night.B
A,$(( stop a 3hi(e2B she said. And then2 (i/e a mother to a chi(d she said2 A'othing$s gonna h#rt
yo# 3hen ,$m here. 9o# /no3 that:B
Shado3 co#ghed once more. 8e c(osed his eyes-on(y %or a moment2 he tho#ght2 b#t 3hen he
opened them again the moon had set and he 3as a(one.
A crashing and a po#nding in his head2 beyond the pain o% migraine2 beyond a(( pain.
"!erything disso(!ed into tiny b#tter%(ies 3hich circ(ed him (i/e a m#(tico(ored d#st storm and
then e!aporated into the night.
he 3hite sheet 3rapped abo#t the body at the base o% the tree %(apped noisi(y in the morning
3ind.
he po#nding eased. "!erything s(o3ed. here 3as nothing (e%t to ma/e him /eep breathing.
8is heart ceased to beat in his chest.
he dar/ness that he entered this time 3as deep2 and (it by a sing(e star2 and it 3as %ina(.
48AP"+ S,U""'
, /no3 it$s croo/ed. B#t it$s the on(y game in to3n.-4A'ADA B,@@ J*'"S
he tree 3as gone2 and the 3or(d 3as gone2 and the morningCgray s/y abo!e him 3as gone.
he s/y 3as no3 the co(or o% midnight. here 3as a sing(e co(d star shining high abo!e him2 a
b(a1ing2 t3in/(ing (ight2 and nothing e(se. 8e too/ a sing(e step and a(most tripped.
Shado3 (oo/ed do3n. here 3ere steps c#t into the roc/2 going do3n2 steps so h#ge that he
co#(d on(y imagine that giants had c#t them and descended them a (ong time ago.
8e c(ambered do3n3ard2 ha(% D#mping2 ha(% !a#(ting %rom step to step. 8is body ached2 b#t it
3as the ache o% (ac/ o% #se2 not the tort#red ache o% a body that has h#ng on a tree #nti( it 3as
dead.
8e obser!ed2 3itho#t s#rprise2 that he 3as no3 %#((y dressed2 in Deans and a 3hite Cshirt. 8e
3as bare%oot. 8e e&perienced a pro%o#nd moment o% d\D] !#: this 3as 3hat he had been
3earing 3hen he stood in 41ernobog$s apartment the night 3hen 0orya Po(#nochnaya had
come to him and to(d him abo#t the conste((ation ca((ed *din$s 5ain. She had ta/en the moon
do3n %rom the s/y %or him.
8e /ne32 s#dden(y2 3hat 3o#(d happen ne&t. 0orya Po(#nochnaya 3o#(d be there.
She 3as 3aiting %or him at the bottom o% the steps. here 3as no moon in the s/y2 b#t she 3as
bathed in moon(ight nonethe(ess: her 3hite hair 3as moonCpa(e2 and she 3ore the same (aceC
andC(inen nightdress she had 3orn that night in 4hicago.
She smi(ed 3hen she sa3 him2 and (oo/ed do3n2 as i% momentari(y embarrassed. A8e((o2B she
said.
A8i2B said Shado3.
A8o3 are yo#:B
A, don$t /no32B he said. A, thin/ this is maybe another strange dream on the tree. ,$!e been
ha!ing cra1y dreams since , got o#t o% prison.B
8er %ace 3as si(!ered by the moon(ight Gb#t no moon h#ng in that p(#mCb(ac/ s/y2 and no32 at
the %oot o% the steps2 e!en the sing(e star 3as (ost to !ie3H and she (oo/ed both so(emn and
!#(nerab(e. She said2 AA(( yo#r I#estions can be ans3ered2 i% that is 3hat yo# 3ant. B#t once
yo# (earn yo#r ans3ers2 yo# can ne!er #n(earn them. 9o# ha!e to #nderstand that.B
A, got it2B he said.
Beyond her2 the path %or/ed. 8e 3o#(d ha!e to decide 3hich path to ta/e2 he /ne3 that. B#t
there 3as one thing he had to do %irst. 8e reached into the poc/et o% his Deans and 3as re(ie!ed
3hen he %e(t the %ami(iar 3eight o% the coin at the bottom o% the poc/et. 8e eased it o#t2 he(d it
bet3een %inger and th#mb: a ;<>> @iberty do((ar. Ahis is yo#rs2B he said.
8e remembered then that his c(othes 3ere rea((y at the %oot o% the tree. he 3omen had
p(aced his c(othes in the can!as sac/ %rom 3hich they had ta/en the ropes2 and tied the end o%
the sac/2 and the biggest o% the 3omen had p(aced a hea!y roc/ on it to stop it %rom b(o3ing
a3ay. And so he /ne3 that2 in rea(ity2 the @iberty do((ar 3as in a poc/et in that sac/2 beneath
the roc/. B#t sti((2 it 3as hea!y in his hand2 at the entrance to the #nder3or(d.
She too/ it %rom his pa(m 3ith her s(im %ingers.
Ahan/ yo#. ,t bo#ght yo# yo#r (iberty t3ice2B she said. AAnd no3 it 3i(( (ight yo#r 3ay into dar/
p(aces.B
She c(osed her hand aro#nd the do((ar2 then she reached #p and p(aced it in the air2 as high as
she co#(d reach. She (et go o% it. Shado3 /ne32 then2 that this 3as another dream2 %or instead
o% %a((ing2 the coin %(oated #p3ard #nti( it 3as a %oot or so abo!e Shado3$s head. ,t 3as no
(onger a si(!er coin2 tho#gh. @ady @iberty and her cro3n o% spi/es 3ere gone. he %ace he sa3
on the coin 3as the indeterminate %ace o% the moon in the s#mmer s/y2 the %ace that 3as on(y
!isib(e #nti( yo# stared at it2 3here#pon it 3o#(d become dar/ seas and shapes on the moon$s
cratered s#r%ace2 the pattern and the %ace rep(aced by shado3s o% p#re randomness and
chance.
Shado3 co#(d not decide 3hether he 3as (oo/ing at a moon the si1e o% a do((ar2 a %oot abo!e
his head? or 3hether he 3as (oo/ing at a moon the si1e o% the Paci%ic *cean2 many tho#sands o%
mi(es a3ay. 'or 3hether there 3as any di%%erence bet3een the t3o ideas. Perhaps it 3as a(( a
matter o% perspecti!e. Perhaps it 3as a(( a matter o% point o% !ie3.
8e (oo/ed at the %or/ing path ahead o% him.
A5hich path sho#(d , ta/e:B he as/ed. A5hich one is sa%e:B
Aa/e one2 and yo# cannot ta/e the other2B she said. AB#t neither path is sa%e. 5hich 3ay
3o#(d yo# 3a(/-the 3ay o% hard tr#ths or the 3ay o% %ine (ies:B
Shado3 hesitated. Ar#ths2B he said. A,$!e come too %ar %or more (ies.B
She (oo/ed sad. Ahere 3i(( be a price2B she said.
A,$(( pay it. 5hat$s the price:B
A9o#r name2B she said. A9o#r rea( name. 9o# 3i(( ha!e to gi!e it to me.B
A8o3:B
A@i/e this2B she said. She reached a per%ect hand to3ard his head. 8e %e(t her %ingers br#sh his
s/in2 then he %e(t them penetrate his s/in2 his s/#((2 %e(t them p#sh deep into his head.
Something tic/(ed2 in his s/#(( and a(( do3n his spine. She p#((ed her hand o#t o% his head. A
%(ame2 (i/e a cand(eC%(ame b#t b#rning 3ith a c(ear magnesi#mC3hite (#minance2 3as %(ic/ering
on the tip o% her %ore%inger.
A,s that my name:B he as/ed.
She c(osed her hand2 and the (ight 3as gone. A,t 3as2B she said. She e&tended her hand2 and
pointed to the rightChand path. Ahat 3ay2B she said. A)or no3.B
'ame(ess2 Shado3 3a(/ed do3n the rightChand path in the moon(ight. 5hen he t#rned aro#nd
to than/ her2 he sa3 nothing b#t dar/ness. ,t seemed to him that he 3as deep #nder the
gro#nd2 b#t 3hen he (oo/ed #p into the dar/ness abo!e him he sti(( sa3 the tiny moon.
8e t#rned a corner.
,% this 3as the a%ter(i%e2 he tho#ght2 it 3as a (ot (i/e the 8o#se on the +oc/: part diorama2 part
nightmare.
8e 3as (oo/ing at himse(% in prison b(#es2 in the 3arden$s o%%ice2 as the 3arden to(d him that
@a#ra had died in a car crash. 8e sa3 the e&pression on his o3n %ace-he (oo/ed (i/e a man
3ho had been abandoned by the 3or(d. ,t h#rt him to see it2 the na/edness and the %ear. 8e
h#rried on2 p#shed thro#gh the 3arden$s gray o%%ice2 and %o#nd himse(% (oo/ing at the F4+
repair store on the o#ts/irts o% "ag(e Point. hree years ago. 9es.
,nside the store2 he /ne32 he 3as beating the (i!ing crap o#t o% @arry Po3ers and B. J. 5est2
br#ising his /n#c/(es in the process: pretty soon he 3o#(d 3a(/ o#t o% there2 carrying a bro3n
s#permar/et bag %i((ed 3ith t3entyCdo((ar bi((s. he money they co#(d ne!er pro!e he had
ta/en: his share o% the proceeds2 and a (itt(e more2 %or they sho#(dn$t ha!e tried to rip him and
@a#ra o%% (i/e that. 8e 3as on(y the dri!er2 b#t he had done his part2 done e!erything that she
had as/ed o% himQ
At the tria(2 nobody mentioned the ban/ robbery2 a(tho#gh he 3as certain e!erybody 3anted
to. hey co#(dn$t pro!e a thing2 as (ong as nobody 3as ta(/ing. And nobody 3as. he prosec#tor
3as %orced instead to stic/ to the bodi(y damage that Shado3 had in%(icted on Po3ers and
5est. 8e sho3ed photographs o% the t3o men on their arri!a( in the (oca( hospita(. Shado3
bare(y de%ended himse(% in co#rt? it 3as easier that 3ay. 'either Po3ers nor 5est seemed ab(e
to remember 3hat the %ight had been abo#t2 b#t they each admitted that Shado3 had been
their assai(ant.
'obody ta(/ed abo#t the money.
'obody e!en mentioned @a#ra2 and that 3as a(( that Shado3 had 3anted.
Shado3 3ondered 3hether the path o% com%orting (ies 3o#(d ha!e been a better one to 3a(/.
8e 3a(/ed a3ay %rom that p(ace2 and %o((o3ed the roc/ path do3n into 3hat (oo/ed (i/e a
hospita( room2 a p#b(ic hospita( in 4hicago2 and he %e(t the bi(e rise in his throat. 8e stopped. 8e
did not 3ant to (oo/. 8e did not 3ant to /eep 3a(/ing.
,n the hospita( bed his mother 3as dying again2 as she$d died 3hen he 3as si&teen2 and2 yes2
here he 3as2 a (arge2 c(#msy si&teenCyearCo(d 3ith acne poc/ing his creamCandCco%%ee s/in2
sitting at her bedside2 #nab(e to (oo/ at her2 reading a thic/ paperbac/ boo/. Shado3 3ondered
3hat the boo/ 3as2 and he 3a(/ed aro#nd the hospita( bed to inspect it more c(ose(y. 8e stood
bet3een the bed and the chair (oo/ing %rom the one to the other2 the big boy h#nched into his
chair2 his nose b#ried in Gra!ity$s +ainbo32 trying to escape %rom his mother$s death into
@ondon d#ring the b(it12 the %ictiona( madness o% the boo/ no escape and no e&c#se.
8is mother$s eyes 3ere c(osed in a morphine peace: 3hat she had tho#ght 3as D#st another
sic/(eCce(( crisis2 another bo#t o% pain to be end#red2 had t#rned o#t2 they had disco!ered2 too
(ate2 to be (ymphoma. here 3as a (emonishCgray tinge to her s/in. She 3as in her ear(y thirties2
b#t she (oo/ed m#ch o(der.
Shado3 3anted to sha/e himse(%2 the a3/3ard boy that he once 3as2 get him to ho(d her hand2
ta(/ to her2 do something be%ore she s(ipped a3ay2 as he /ne3 that she 3o#(d. B#t he co#(d
not to#ch himse(%2 and he contin#ed to read? and so his mother died 3hi(e he sat in the chair
ne&t to her2 reading a %at boo/.
A%ter that he had more or (ess stopped reading. 9o# co#(d not tr#st %iction. 5hat good 3ere
boo/s2 i% they co#(dn$t protect yo# %rom something (i/e that:
Shado3 3a(/ed a3ay %rom the hospita( room2 do3n the 3inding corridor2 deep into the bo3e(s
o% the earth.
8e sees his mother %irst and he cannot be(ie!e ho3 yo#ng she is2 not yet t3entyC%i!e he
g#esses2 be%ore her medica( discharge and they$re in their apartment2 another embassy renta(
some3here in 'orthern "#rope2 he (oo/s aro#nd %or something to gi!e him a c(#e2 and he$s D#st
a shrimp o% a /id no32 big pa(eCgray eyes and straight dar/ hair. hey are arg#ing. Shado3
/no3s 3itho#t hearing the 3ords 3hat they$re arg#ing abo#t: it 3as the on(y thing they
I#arre(ed abo#t2 a%ter a((.
-e(( me abo#t my %ather.
-8e$s dead. Don$t as/ abo#t him.
-B#t 3ho 3as he:
-)orget him. Dead and gone and yo# ain$t missed nothing.
-, 3ant to see a pict#re o% him.
-, ain$t got a pict#re2 she$d say2 and her !oice 3o#(d get I#iet and %ierce2 and he /ne3 that i%
he /ept as/ing her I#estions she 3o#(d sho#t2 or e!en hit him2 and he /ne3 that he co#(d not
stop as/ing I#estions2 so he t#rned a3ay and 3a(/ed on do3n the t#nne(.
he path he %o((o3ed t3isted and 3o#nd and c#r(ed bac/ on itse(%2 and it p#t him in mind o%
sna/es/ins and intestines and o% deep2 deep tree roots. here 3as a poo( to his (e%t? he heard
the drip2 drip o% 3ater into it some3here at the bac/ o% the t#nne(2 the %a((ing 3ater bare(y
r#%%(ing the mirrored s#r%ace o% the poo(. 8e dropped to his /nees and dran/2 #sing his hand to
bring the 3ater to his (ips. hen he 3a(/ed on #nti( he 3as standing in the %(oating discoCg(itter
patterns o% a mirrorCba((. ,t 3as (i/e being in the e&act center o% the #ni!erse 3ith a(( the stars
and p(anets circ(ing him2 and he co#(d not hear anything2 not the m#sic2 nor the sho#ted
con!ersations o!er the m#sic2 and no3 Shado3 3as staring at a 3oman 3ho (oo/ed D#st (i/e his
mother ne!er (oo/ed in a(( the years he /ne3 her2 she$s (itt(e more than a chi(d2 a%ter a((Q
And she is dancing.
Shado3 %o#nd that he 3as comp(ete(y #ns#rprised 3hen he recogni1ed the man 3ho dances
3ith her. 8e had not changed that m#ch in thirtyCthree years.
She is dr#n/: Shado3 co#(d see that at a g(ance. She is not !ery dr#n/2 b#t she is #n#sed to
drin/2 and in a 3ee/ or so she 3i(( ta/e a ship to 'or3ay. hey ha!e been drin/ing margaritas2
and she has sa(t on her (ips and sa(t c(inging to the bac/ o% her hand.
5ednesday is not 3earing a s#it and tie2 b#t the pin in the shape o% a si(!er tree he 3ears o!er
the poc/et o% his shirt g(itters and g(ints 3hen the mirrorCba(( (ight catches it. 8e does not dance
bad(y? they ma/e a %ineC(oo/ing co#p(e2 considering the di%%erence in their ages. here is a
(#pine grace to his mo!ements.
A s(o3 dance. 8e p#((s her c(ose to him2 and his pa3C(i/e hand c#r!es aro#nd the seat o% her
s/irt possessi!e(y2 mo!ing her c(oser to him. 8is other hand ta/es her chin2 p#shes it #p3ard
into his %ace2 and the t3o o% them /iss2 there on the %(oor2 as the g(itterCba(( (ights circ(e them
into the center o% the #ni!erse.
Soon a%ter2 they (ea!e. She s3ays against him2 and he (eads her %rom the dance ha((. Shado3
b#ries his head in his hands2 and does not %o((o3 them2 #nab(e or #n3i((ing to 3itness his o3n
conception.
he mirror (ights 3ere gone2 and no3 the on(y i((#mination came %rom the tiny moon that
b#rned high abo!e his head.
8e 3a(/ed on. At a bend in the path he stopped %or a moment2 to catch his breath.
8e %e(t a hand r#n gent(y #p his bac/2 and gent(e %ingers r#%%(e the hair on the bac/ o% his head.
A8e((o2 hon2B 3hispered a smo/y %ema(e !oice2 o!er his sho#(der.
A8e((o2B he said2 t#rning to %ace her.
She had bro3n hair and bro3n s/in and her eyes 3ere the deep go(denCamber o% good honey.
8er p#pi(s 3ere !ertica( s(its. ADo , /no3 yo#:B he as/ed2 p#11(ed.
A,ntimate(y2B she said2 and she smi(ed. A, #sed to s(eep on yo#r bed. And my peop(e ha!e been
/eeping their eyes on yo#2 %or me.B She t#rned to the path ahead o% him2 pointed to the three
3ays he co#(d go. A*/ay2B she said. A*ne 3ay 3i(( ma/e yo# 3ise. *ne 3ay 3i(( ma/e yo#
3ho(e. And one 3ay 3i(( /i(( yo#.B
A,$m a(ready dead2 , thin/2B said Shado3. A, died on the tree.B
She made a mo#e. Ahere$s dead2B she said2 Aand there$s dead2 and there$s dead. ,t$s a re(ati!e
thing.B hen she smi(ed again. A, co#(d ma/e a Do/e abo#t that2 yo# /no3. Something abo#t
dead re(ati!es.B
A'o2B said Shado3. A,t$s o/ay.B
ASo2B she said. A5hich 3ay do yo# 3ant to go:B
A, don$t /no32B he admitted.
She tipped her head on one side2 a per%ect(y %e(ine gest#re. S#dden(y2 Shado3 /ne3 e&act(y
3ho she 3as2 and 3here he /ne3 her %rom. 8e %e(t himse(% beginning to b(#sh. A,% yo# tr#st
me2B said Bast2 A, can choose %or yo#.B
A, tr#st yo#2B he said2 3itho#t hesitation.
ADo yo# 3ant to /no3 3hat it$s going to cost yo#:B
A,$!e a(ready (ost my name2B he to(d her.
A'ames come and names go. 5as it 3orth it:B
A9es. 6aybe. ,t 3asn$t easy. As re!e(ations go2 it 3as /ind o% persona(.B
AA(( re!e(ations are persona(2B she said. Ahat$s 3hy a(( re!e(ations are s#spect.B
A, don$t #nderstand.B
A'o2B she said2 Ayo# don$t. ,$(( ta/e yo#r heart. 5e$(( need it (ater2B and she reached her hand
deep inside his chest2 and she p#((ed it o#t 3ith something r#by and p#(sing he(d bet3een her
sharp %ingernai(s. ,t 3as the co(or o% pigeon$s b(ood2 and it 3as made o% p#re (ight. +hythmica((y
it e&panded and contracted.
She c(osed her hand2 and it 3as gone.
Aa/e the midd(e 3ay2B she said.
Shado3 hesitated. AAre yo# rea((y here:B he as/ed.
She tipped her head on one side2 regarded him gra!e(y2 said nothing at a((.
A5hat are yo#:B he as/ed. A5hat are yo# peop(e:B
She ya3ned2 sho3ing a per%ect2 dar/Cpin/ tong#e. Ahin/ o% #s as symbo(s-3e$re the dream
that h#manity creates to ma/e sense o% the shado3s on the ca!e 3a((. 'o3 go on2 /eep
mo!ing. 9o#r body is a(ready gro3ing co(d. he %oo(s are gathering on the mo#ntain. he c(oc/
is tic/ing.B
Shado3 nodded2 and 3a(/ed on.
he path 3as becoming s(ippery no3. here 3as ice on the roc/. Shado3 st#mb(ed and s/idded
as he 3a(/ed do3n the roc/ path2 to3ard the p(ace 3here it di!ided2 scraping his /n#c/(es on a
D#t o% roc/ at chest height. 8e edged %or3ard as s(o3(y as he co#(d. he moon abo!e him
g(ittered thro#gh the iceCcrysta(s in the air: there 3as a ring abo#t the moon2 a moonbo32
di%%#sing the (ight. ,t 3as bea#ti%#(2 b#t it made 3a(/ing harder. he path 3as #nre(iab(e.
8e reached the p(ace 3here the path di!ided.
8e (oo/ed at the %irst path 3ith a %ee(ing o% recognition. ,t opened into a !ast chamber2 or a set
o% chambers2 (i/e a dar/ m#se#m. 8e /ne3 it a(ready. 8e had been there once2 a(tho#gh %or
se!era( moments he 3as #nab(e to remember 3here or 3hen. 8e co#(d hear the (ong echoes o%
tiny noises. 8e co#(d hear the noise that the d#st ma/es as it sett(es.
,t 3as the p(ace that he had dreamed o%2 that %irst night that @a#ra had come to him2 in the
mote(2 so (ong ago? the end(ess memoria( ha(( to the gods that 3ere %orgotten2 and the ones
3hose !ery e&istence had been (ost.
8e too/ a step bac/3ard.
8e 3a(/ed to the path on the %ar side2 and (oo/ed ahead. here 3as a Disney(and I#a(ity to the
corridor: b(ac/ P(e&ig(as 3a((s 3ith (ights set in them. he co(ored (ights b(in/ed and %(ashed in
the i((#sion o% order2 %or no partic#(ar reason2 (i/e the conso(e (ights on a te(e!ision starship.
8e co#(d hear something there as 3e((: a deep !ibrating bass drone 3hich Shado3 co#(d %ee( in
the pit o% his stomach.
8e stopped and (oo/ed aro#nd. 'either 3ay seemed right. 'ot any (onger. 8e 3as done 3ith
paths. he midd(e 3ay2 the 3ay the catC3oman had to(d him to 3a(/2 that 3as his 3ay. 8e
mo!ed to3ard it.
he moon abo!e him 3as beginning to %ade: the edge o% it 3as pin/ing and going into ec(ipse.
he path 3as %ramed by a h#ge door3ay.
here 3ere no dea(s to ma/e any more2 no more bargains. here 3as nothing to do b#t enter.
So Shado3 3a(/ed thro#gh the door3ay2 in dar/ness. he air 3as 3arm2 and it sme((ed o% 3et
d#st2 (i/e a city street a%ter the s#mmer$s %irst rain.
8e 3as not a%raid.
'ot any more. )ear had died on the tree2 as Shado3 had died. here 3as no %ear (e%t2 no
hatred2 no pain. 'othing (e%t b#t essence.
Something big sp(ashed2 I#iet(y2 in the distance2 and the sp(ash echoed into the !astness. 8e
sI#inted2 b#t co#(d see nothing. ,t 3as too dar/. And then2 %rom the direction o% the sp(ashes2 a
ghostC(ight g(immered and the 3or(d too/ %orm: he 3as in a ca!ern2 and in %ront o% him2 mirrorC
smooth2 3as 3ater.
he sp(ashing noises came c(oser and the (ight became brighter2 and Shado3 3aited on the
shore. Soon eno#gh a (o32 %(at boat came into sight2 a %(ic/ering 3hite (antern b#rning at its
raised pro32 another re%(ected in the g(assy b(ac/ 3ater se!era( %eet be(o3 it. he boat 3as
being po(ed by a ta(( %ig#re2 and the sp(ashing noise Shado3 had heard 3as the so#nd o% the
po(e being (i%ted and mo!ed as it p#shed the cra%t across the 3aters o% the #ndergro#nd (a/e.
A8e((o therePB ca((ed Shado3. "choes o% his 3ords s#dden(y s#rro#nded him: he co#(d imagine
that a 3ho(e chor#s o% peop(e 3ere 3e(coming him2 and ca((ing to him2 and each o% them had
his !oice.
he person po(ing the boat made no rep(y.
he boat$s pi(ot 3as ta((2 and !ery thin. 8e-i% it 3as a he-3ore an #nadorned 3hite robe2 and
the pa(e head that topped it 3as so #tter(y inh#man that Shado3 3as certain that it had to be a
mas/ o% some sort: it 3as a bird$s head2 sma(( on a (ong nec/2 its bea/ (ong and high. Shado3
3as certain he had seen it be%ore2 this ghost(y2 birdC(i/e %ig#re. 8e grasped at the memory and
then2 disappointed2 rea(i1ed that he 3as pict#ring the c(oc/3or/ pennyCinCtheCs(ot machine in
the 8o#se on the +oc/2 and the pa(e2 birdC(i/e2 ha(%Cg(impsed %ig#re that g(ided o#t %rom behind
the crypt %or the dr#n/ard$s so#(.
5ater dripped and echoed %rom the po(e and the pro32 and the ship$s 3a/e ripp(ed the g(assy
3aters. he boat 3as made o% reeds2 bo#nd and tied.
he boat came c(ose to the shore. he pi(ot (eaned on its po(e. ,ts head t#rned s(o3(y2 #nti( it
3as %acing Shado3. A8e((o2B it said2 3itho#t mo!ing its (ong bea/. he !oice 3as ma(e2 and2 (i/e
e!erything e(se in Shado3$s a%ter(i%e so %ar2 %ami(iar. A4ome on board. 9o#$(( get yo#r %eet 3et2
,$m a%raid2 b#t there$s not a thing can be done abo#t that. hese are o(d boats2 and i% , come in
c(oser , co#(d rip o#t the bottom.B
Shado3 too/ o%% the shoes he had not been a3are he 3as 3earing2 and stepped o#t into the
3ater. ,t came ha(%3ay #p his ca(!es2 and 3as2 a%ter the initia( shoc/ o% 3etness2 s#rprising(y
3arm. 8e reached the boat2 and the pi(ot p#t do3n a hand2 and p#((ed him aboard. he reed
boat roc/ed a (itt(e2 and 3ater sp(ashed o!er the (o3 sides o% it2 and then it steadied.
he pi(ot po(ed o%% a3ay %rom the shore. Shado3 stood there and 3atched2 his pantsC(egs
dripping.
A, /no3 yo#2B he said to the creat#re at the pro3.
A9o# do indeed2B said the boatman. he oi( (amp 3hich h#ng at the %ront o% the boat b#rned
more %it%#((y2 and the smo/e %rom the (amp made Shado3 co#gh. A9o# 3or/ed %or me. ,$m
a%raid 3e had to inter @i(a Goodchi(d 3itho#t yo#.B he !oice 3as %#ssy and precise.
he smo/e st#ng Shado3$s eyes. 8e 3iped the tears a3ay 3ith his hand2 and2 thro#gh the
smo/e2 he tho#ght he sa3 a ta(( man2 in a s#it2 3ith go(dCrimmed spectac(es. he smo/e c(eared
and the boatman 3as once more a ha(%Ch#man creat#re 3ith the head o% a ri!erCbird.
A6ister ,bis:B
AGood to see yo#2 Shado32B said the creat#re2 3ith 6r. ,bis$s !oice. ADo yo# /no3 3hat a
psychopomp is:B
Shado3 tho#ght he /ne3 the 3ord2 b#t it had been a (ong time. 8e shoo/ his head.
A,t$s a %ancy term %or an escort2B said 6r. ,bis. A5e a(( ha!e so many %#nctions2 so many 3ays o%
e&isting. ,n my o3n !ision o% myse(%2 , am a scho(ar 3ho (i!es I#iet(y2 and pens his (itt(e ta(es2
and dreams abo#t a past that may or may not e!er ha!e e&isted. And that is tr#e2 as %ar as it
goes. B#t , am a(so2 in one o% my capacities2 (i/e so many o% the peop(e yo# ha!e chosen to
associate 3ith2 a psychopomp. , escort the (i!ing to the 3or(d o% the dead.B
A, tho#ght this 3as the 3or(d o% the dead2B said Shado3.
A'o. 'ot per se. ,t$s more o% a pre(iminary.B
he boat s(ipped and s(id across the mirrorCs#r%ace o% the #ndergro#nd poo(. he birdChead o%
the creat#re at the pro3 stared ahead. And then 6r. ,bis said2 3itho#t mo!ing its bea/2 A9o#
peop(e ta(/ abo#t the (i!ing and the dead as i% they 3ere t3o m#t#a((y e&c(#si!e categories. As
i% yo# cannot ha!e a ri!er that is a(so a road2 or a song that is a(so a co(or.B
A9o# can$t2B said Shado3. A4an yo#:B he echoes 3hispered his 3ords bac/ at him %rom across
the poo(.
A5hat yo# ha!e to remember2B said 6r. ,bis2 testi(y2 Ais that (i%e and death are di%%erent sides o%
the same coin. @i/e the heads and tai(s o% a I#arter.B
AAnd i% , had a do#b(eCheaded I#arter:B
A9o# don$t. hey on(y be(ong to %oo(s2 and gods.B
Shado3 had a %risson2 then2 as they crossed the dar/ 3ater. 8e imagined he co#(d see the %aces
o% chi(dren staring #p at him reproach%#((y %rom beneath the 3ater$s g(assy s#r%ace: their %aces
3ere 3ater(ogged and so%tened2 their b(ind eyes c(o#ded. here 3as no 3ind in that
#ndergro#nd ca!ern to dist#rb the b(ac/ s#r%ace o% the (a/e.
ASo ,$m dead2B said Shado3. 8e 3as getting #sed to the idea. A*r ,$m going to be dead.B
A5e are on o#r 3ay to the 8a(( o% the Dead. , reI#ested that , be the one to come %or yo#.B
A5hy:B
A,$m a psychopomp. , (i/e yo#. 9o# 3ere a hard 3or/er. 5hy not:B
ABeca#seQB Shado3 marsha(ed his tho#ghts. ABeca#se , ne!er be(ie!ed in yo#. Beca#se , don$t
/no3 m#ch abo#t "gyptian mytho(ogy. Beca#se , didn$t e&pect this. 5hat happened to Saint
Peter and the Pear(y Gates:B
he (ongCbea/ed 3hite head shoo/ %rom side to side2 gra!e(y. A,t doesn$t matter that yo# didn$t
be(ie!e in #s2B said 6r. ,bis. A5e be(ie!ed in yo#.B
he boat to#ched bottom. 6r. ,bis stepped o%% the side2 into the poo(2 and to(d Shado3 to do
the same. 6r. ,bis too/ a (ine %rom the pro3 o% the boat2 and passed Shado3 the (antern to
carry. ,t 3as in the shape o% a crescent moon. hey 3a(/ed ashore2 and 6r. ,bis tied the boat to
a meta( ring set in the roc/ %(oor. hen he too/ the (amp %rom Shado3 and 3a(/ed s3i%t(y
%or3ard2 ho(ding the (amp high as he 3a(/ed2 thro3ing !ast shado3s across the roc/ %(oor and
the high roc/ 3a((s.
AAre yo# scared:B as/ed 6r. ,bis.
A'ot rea((y.B
A5e((2 try to c#(ti!ate the emotions o% tr#e a3e and spirit#a( terror2 as 3e 3a(/. hey are the
appropriate %ee(ings %or the sit#ation at hand.B
Shado3 3as not scared. 8e 3as interested2 and apprehensi!e2 b#t no more. 8e 3as not scared
o% the shi%ting dar/ness2 nor o% being dead2 nor e!en o% the dogCheaded creat#re the si1e o% a
grain si(o 3ho stared at them as they approached. ,t gro3(ed2 deep in its throat2 and Shado3
%e(t his nec/Chairs pric/(e.
AShado32B it said. A'o3 is the time o% D#dgment.B
Shado3 (oo/ed #p at the creat#re. A6ister JacI#e(:B he said.
he hands o% An#bis came do3n2 h#ge dar/ hands2 and they pic/ed Shado3 #p and bro#ght
him c(ose.
he Dac/a( head e&amined him 3ith bright and g(ittering eyes? e&amined him as dispassionate(y
as 6r. JacI#e( had e&amined the dead gir( on the s(ab. Shado3 /ne3 that a(( his %a#(ts2 a(( his
%ai(ings2 a(( his 3ea/nesses 3ere being ta/en o#t and 3eighed and meas#red? that he 3as2 in
some 3ay2 being dissected2 and s(iced2 and tasted.
5e do not a(3ays remember the things that do no credit to #s. 5e D#sti%y them2 co!er them in
bright (ies or 3ith the thic/ d#st o% %orget%#(ness. A(( o% the things that Shado3 had done in his
(i%e o% 3hich he 3as not pro#d2 a(( the things he 3ished he had done other3ise or (e%t #ndone2
came at him then in a s3ir(ing storm o% g#i(t and regret and shame2 and he had no3here to
hide %rom them. 8e 3as as na/ed and as open as a corpse on a tab(e2 and dar/ An#bis the Dac/a(
god 3as his prosector and his prosec#tor and his persec#tor.
AP(ease2B said Shado3. AP(ease stop.B
B#t the e&amination did not stop. "!ery (ie he had e!er to(d2 e!ery obDect he had sto(en2 e!ery
h#rt he had in%(icted on another person2 a(( the (itt(e crimes and the tiny m#rders that ma/e #p
the day2 each o% these things and more 3ere e&tracted and he(d #p to the (ight by the Dac/a(C
headed D#dge o% the dead.
Shado3 began to 3eep2 pain%#((y2 in the pa(m o% the dar/ god$s hand. 8e 3as a tiny chi(d again2
as he(p(ess and as po3er(ess as he had e!er been.
And then2 3itho#t 3arning2 it 3as o!er. Shado3 panted2 and sobbed2 and snot streamed %rom
his nose? he sti(( %e(t he(p(ess2 b#t the hands p(aced him2 care%#((y2 a(most tender(y2 do3n on the
roc/ %(oor.
A5ho has his heart:B gro3(ed An#bis.
A, do2B p#rred a 3oman$s !oice. Shado3 (oo/ed #p. Bast 3as standing there beside the thing
that 3as no (onger 6r. ,bis2 and she he(d Shado3$s heart in her right hand. ,t (it her %ace 3ith a
r#by (ight.
AGi!e it to me2B said hoth2 the ibisCheaded god2 and he too/ the heart in his hands2 3hich 3ere
not h#man hands2 and he g(ided %or3ard.
An#bis p(aced a pair o% go(den sca(es in %ront o% him.
ASo is this 3here 3e %ind o#t 3hat , get:B 3hispered Shado3 to Bast. A8ea!en: 8e((:
P#rgatory:B
A,% the %eather ba(ances2B she said2 Ayo# get to choose yo#r o3n destination.B
AAnd i% not:B
She shr#gged2 as i% the s#bDect made her #ncom%ortab(e. hen she said2 Ahen 3e %eed yo#r
heart and yo#r so#( to Ammet2 the "ater o% So#(sQB
A6aybe2B he said. A6aybe , can get some /ind o% a happy ending.B
A'ot on(y are there no happy endings2B she to(d him. Ahere aren$t e!en any endings.B
*n one o% the pans o% the sca(es2 care%#((y2 re!erent(y2 An#bis p(aced a %eather.
An#bis p#t Shado3$s heart on the other pan o% the sca(es. Something mo!ed in the shado3s
#nder the sca(e2 something it made Shado3 #ncom%ortab(e to e&amine too c(ose(y.
,t 3as a hea!y %eather2 b#t Shado3 had a hea!y heart2 and the sca(es tipped and s3#ng
3orrying(y.
B#t they ba(anced2 in the end2 and the creat#re in the shado3s s/#(/ed a3ay2 #nsatis%ied.
ASo that$s that2B said Bast2 3ist%#((y. AJ#st another s/#(( %or the pi(e. ,t$s a pity. , had hoped that
yo# 3o#(d do some good2 in the c#rrent tro#b(es. ,t$s (i/e 3atching a s(o3Cmotion car crash and
being po3er(ess to pre!ent it.B
A9o# 3on$t be there:B
She shoo/ her head. A, don$t (i/e other peop(e pic/ing my batt(es %or me2B she said.
here 3as si(ence then2 in the !asty ha(( o% death2 3here it echoed o% 3ater and the dar/.
Shado3 said2 ASo no3 , get to choose 3here , go ne&t:B
A4hoose2B said hoth. A*r 3e can choose %or yo#.B
A'o2B said Shado3. A,t$s o/ay. ,t$s my choice.B
A5e((:B roared An#bis.
A, 3ant to rest no32B said Shado3. Ahat$s 3hat , 3ant. , 3ant nothing. 'o hea!en2 no he((2 no
anything. J#st (et it end.B
A9o#$re certain:B as/ed hoth.
A9es2B said Shado3.
6r. JacI#e( opened the (ast door %or Shado32 and behind that door there 3as nothing. 'ot
dar/ness. 'ot e!en ob(i!ion. *n(y nothing.
Shado3 accepted it2 comp(ete(y and 3itho#t reser!ation2 and he 3a(/ed thro#gh the door into
nothing 3ith a strange %ierce Doy.
48AP"+ S"F"'""'
"!erything is #pon a great sca(e #pon this continent. he ri!ers are immense2 the c(imate !io(ent
in heat and co(d2 the prospects magni%icent2 the th#nder and (ightning tremendo#s. he
disorders incident to the co#ntry ma/e e!ery constit#tion tremb(e. *#r o3n b(#nders here2 o#r
miscond#ct2 o#r (osses2 o#r disgraces2 o#r r#in2 are on a great sca(e.-@*+D 4A+@,S@"2 * G"*+G"
S"@59'2 ;MMY
he most important p(ace in the so#theastern Enited States is ad!ertised on h#ndreds o% aging
barnCroo%s across Georgia and ennessee and #p into .ent#c/y. *n a 3inding road thro#gh a
%orest a dri!er 3i(( pass a rotting red barn2 and see2 painted on its roo%
S"" +*4. 4,9
8" ",G88 5*'D"+ *) 8" 5*+@D
and on the roo% o% a t#mb(edo3n mi(/ing shed nearby2 painted in 3hite b(oc/ (etters2
S"" S"F"' SA"S )+*6+*4. 4,9
8" 5*+@D$S 5*'D"+
he dri!er is (ed by this to be(ie!e that +oc/ 4ity is s#re(y D#st aro#nd the nearest corner instead
o% being a day$s dri!e a3ay2 on @oo/o#t 6o#ntain2 a hair o!er the state (ine2 in Georgia2 D#st
so#th3est o% 4hattanooga2 ennessee.
@oo/o#t 6o#ntain is not m#ch o% a mo#ntain. ,t resemb(es an impossib(y high and commanding
hi((2 bro3n %rom a distance2 green 3ith trees and ho#ses %rom #p c(ose. he 4hic/ama#ga2 a
branch o% the 4hero/ee2 (i!ed there 3hen the 3hite men came? they ca((ed the mo#ntain
4hattotonoogee2 3hich has been trans(ated as the mo#ntain that rises to a point.
,n the ;YVKs Andre3 Jac/son$s ,ndian +emo!a( Act %orced them a(( %rom their (and-a(( the
4hocta3 and 4hic/ama#ga and 4hero/ee and 4hic/asa3-and E.S. troops %orced e!ery one o%
them they co#(d %ind and catch to 3a(/ o!er a tho#sand mi(es to the ne3 ,ndian erritories in
3hat 3o#(d one day be */(ahoma2 do3n the rai( o% ears: a cheer%#( gest#re o% cas#a(
genocide. ho#sands o% men2 3omen2 and chi(dren died on the 3ay. 5hen yo#$!e 3on2 yo#$!e
3on2 and nobody can arg#e 3ith that.
)or 3hoe!er contro((ed @oo/o#t 6o#ntain contro((ed the (and? that 3as the (egend. ,t 3as a
sacred site2 a%ter a((2 and it 3as a high p(ace. ,n the 4i!i( 5ar2 the 5ar Bet3een the States2 there
3as a batt(e there: the Batt(e Abo!e the 4(o#ds2 that 3as the %irst day$s %ighting2 and then the
Enion %orces did the impossib(e2 and2 3itho#t orders2 s3ept #p 6issionary +idge and too/ it.
he troops o% Genera( Grant 3on the day2 and the 'orth too/ @oo/o#t 6o#ntain and the 'orth
too/ the 3ar.
here are t#nne(s and ca!es2 some !ery o(d2 beneath @oo/o#t 6o#ntain. )or the most part they
are b(oc/ed o%% no32 a(tho#gh a (oca( b#sinessman e&ca!ated an #ndergro#nd 3ater%a((2 3hich
he ca((ed +#by )a((s. ,t can be reached by e(e!ator. ,t$s a to#rist attraction2 a(tho#gh the biggest
to#rist attraction o% a(( is at the top o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain. hat is +oc/ 4ity.
+oc/ 4ity begins as an ornamenta( garden on a mo#ntainside: its !isitors 3a(/ a path that ta/es
them thro#gh roc/s2 o!er roc/s2 bet3een roc/s. hey thro3 corn into a deer enc(os#re2 cross a
hanging bridge and peer o#t thro#gh aCI#arterCaCthro3 binoc#(ars at a !ie3 that promises
them se!en states on the rare s#nny days 3hen the air is per%ect(y c(ear. And %rom there2 (i/e a
drop into some strange he((2 the path ta/es the !isitors2 mi((ions #pon mi((ions o% them e!ery
year2 do3n into ca!erns2 3here they stare at b(ac/C(it do((s arranged into n#rseryCrhyme and
%airyCta(e dioramas. 5hen they (ea!e2 they (ea!e bem#sed2 #ncertain o% 3hy they came2 o%
3hat they ha!e seen2 o% 3hether they had a good time or not.
hey came to @oo/o#t 6o#ntain %rom a(( across the Enited States. hey 3ere not to#rists. hey
came by car and they came by p(ane and by b#s and by rai(road and on %oot. Some o% them
%(e3-they %(e3 (o32 and they %(e3 on(y in the dar/ o% the night2 b#t sti((2 they %(e3. Se!era( o%
them tra!e(ed their o3n 3ays beneath the earth. 6any o% them hitchhi/ed2 cadging rides %rom
ner!o#s motorists or %rom tr#c/ dri!ers. hose 3ho had cars or tr#c/s 3o#(d see the ones 3ho
had not 3a(/ing beside the roads or at rest stations and in diners on the 3ay2 and2 recogni1ing
them %or 3hat they 3ere2 3o#(d o%%er them rides.
hey arri!ed d#stCstained and 3eary at the %oot o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain. @oo/ing #p to the
heights o% the treeCco!ered s(ope they co#(d see2 or imagine that they co#(d see2 the paths and
gardens and streams o% +oc/ 4ity.
hey started arri!ing ear(y in the morning. A second 3a!e o% them arri!ed at d#s/. And %or
se!era( days they simp(y /ept coming.
A battered EC8a#( tr#c/ p#((ed #p2 disgorging se!era( tra!e(C3eary !i(a and r#sa(/a2 their
ma/eC#p sm#dged2 r#ns in their stoc/ings2 their e&pressions hea!yC(idded and tired.
,n a c(#mp o% trees at the bottom o% the hi((2 an e(der(y 3ampyr o%%ered a 6ar(boro to a h#ge
na/ed apeC(i/e creat#re co!ered 3ith a tang(e o% orange %#r. ,t accepted gracio#s(y2 and they
smo/ed in si(ence2 side by side.
A oyota Pre!ia p#((ed #p by the side o% the road2 and se!en 4hinese men and 3omen got o#t
o% it. hey (oo/ed2 abo!e a((2 c(ean2 and they 3ore the /ind o% dar/ s#its that2 in some co#ntries2
are 3orn by minor go!ernment o%%icia(s. *ne o% them carried a c(ipboard2 and he chec/ed the
in!entory as they #n(oaded (arge go(%Cbags %rom the bac/ o% the car: the bags contained ornate
s3ords 3ith (acI#er hand(es2 and car!ed stic/s2 and mirrors. he 3eapons 3ere distrib#ted2
chec/ed o%%2 signed %or.
A onceC%amo#s comedian2 be(ie!ed to ha!e died in the ;<>Ks2 c(imbed o#t o% his r#sting car2
and proceeded to remo!e his c(othing: his (egs 3ere goatC(egs2 and his tai( 3as short and
goatish.
)o#r 6e&icans arri!ed2 a(( smi(es2 their hair b(ac/ and !ery shiny: they passed among
themse(!es a beer bott(e 3hich they /ept o#t o% sight in a bro3n paper bag2 its contents a bitter
mi&t#re o% po3dered choco(ate2 (iI#or2 and b(ood.
A sma((2 dar/Cbearded man 3ith a d#sty b(ac/ derby on his head2 c#r(ing payess at his temp(es2
and a ragged %ringed prayer sha3( came to them 3a(/ing across the %ie(ds. 8e 3as se!era( %eet
in %ront o% his companion2 3ho 3as t3ice his height and 3as the b(an/ gray co(or o% good Po(ish
c(ay: the 3ord inscribed on his %orehead meant tr#th.
hey /ept coming. A cab dre3 #p and se!era( ra/shasas2 the demons o% the ,ndian
s#bcontinent2 c(imbed o#t and mi((ed aro#nd2 staring at the peop(e at the bottom o% the hi((
3itho#t spea/ing2 #nti( they %o#nd 6amaCDi2 her eyes c(osed2 her (ips mo!ing in prayer. She 3as
the on(y thing here that 3as %ami(iar to them2 b#t sti((2 they hesitated to approach her2
remembering o(d batt(es. 8er hands r#bbed the nec/(ace o% s/#((s abo#t her nec/. 8er bro3n
s/in became s(o3(y b(ac/2 the g(assy b(ac/ o% Det2 o% obsidian: her (ips c#r(ed and her (ong 3hite
teeth 3ere !ery sharp. She opened a(( her eyes2 and bec/oned the ra/shasas to her2 and
greeted them as she 3o#(d ha!e greeted her o3n chi(dren.
he storms o% the (ast %e3 days2 to the north and the east2 had done nothing to ease the %ee(ing
o% press#re and discom%ort in the air. @oca( 3eather %orecasters had beg#n to 3arn o% ce((s that
might spa3n tornados2 o% highCpress#re areas that did not mo!e. ,t 3as 3arm by day there2 b#t
the nights 3ere co(d.
hey c(#mped together in in%orma( companies2 banding together sometimes by nationa(ity2 by
race2 by temperament2 e!en by species. hey (oo/ed apprehensi!e. hey (oo/ed tired.
Some o% them 3ere ta(/ing. here 3as (a#ghter2 on occasion2 b#t it 3as m#ted and sporadic.
Si&Cpac/s o% beer 3ere handed aro#nd.
Se!era( (oca( men and 3omen came 3a(/ing o!er the meado3s2 their bodies mo!ing in
#n%ami(iar 3ays: their !oices2 3hen they spo/e2 3ere the !oices o% the (oa 3ho rode them: a
ta((2 b(ac/ man spo/e in the !oice o% Papa @egba 3ho opens the gates? 3hi(e Baron Samedi2 the
!o#don (ord o% death2 had ta/en o!er the body o% a teenage Goth gir( %rom 4hattanooga2
possib(y beca#se she possessed her o3n b(ac/ si(/ top hat2 3hich sat on her dar/ hair at a
Da#nty ang(e. She spo/e in the baron$s o3n deep !oice2 smo/ed a cigar o% enormo#s si1e2 and
commanded three o% the G\d\2 the @oa o% the dead. he G\d\ inhabited the bodies o% three
midd(eCaged brothers. hey carried shotg#ns and to(d contin#a( Do/es o% s#ch asto#nding
%i(thiness that on(y they 3ere 3i((ing to (a#gh at them2 3hich they did2 ra#co#s(y and
repeated(y.
3o age(ess 4hic/ama#ga 3omen2 in oi(Cstained b(#e Deans and battered (eather Dac/ets2
3a(/ed aro#nd2 3atching the peop(e and the preparations %or batt(e. Sometimes they pointed
and (a#ghed? they did not intend to ta/e part in the coming con%(ict.
he moon s3e((ed and rose in the east2 a day a3ay %rom %#((. ,t seemed ha(% as big as the s/y as
it rose2 a deep reddishCorange2 immediate(y abo!e the hi((s. As it crossed the s/y it seemed to
shrin/ and pa(e #nti( it h#ng high in the s/y (i/e a (antern.
here 3ere so many o% them 3aiting there2 in the moon(ight2 at the %oot o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain.
@a#ra 3as thirsty.
Sometimes (i!ing peop(e b#rned steadi(y in her mind (i/e cand(es and sometimes they %(amed
(i/e torches. ,t made them easy to a!oid2 and it made them easy2 on occasion2 to %ind. Shado3
had b#rned so strange(y2 3ith his o3n (ight2 #p on that tree.
She had chided him once2 on that day 3hen they had 3a(/ed and he(d hands2 %or not being
a(i!e. She had hoped2 perhaps2 to see a spar/ o% ra3 emotion2 something that 3o#(d sho3 her
that the man she had once been married to 3as a rea( man2 a (i!e one. And she had seen
nothing at a((.
She remembered 3a(/ing beside him2 3ishing that he co#(d #nderstand 3hat she 3as trying to
say.
'o32 dying on the tree2 Shado3 3as #tter(y a(i!e. She had 3atched him as the (i%e had %aded2
and he had been %oc#sed and rea(. And he had as/ed her to stay 3ith him2 to stay the 3ho(e
night. 8e had %orgi!en herQperhaps he had %orgi!en her. ,t did not matter. 8e had changed?
that 3as a(( she /ne3.
Shado3 had to(d her to go to the %armho#se2 that they 3o#(d gi!e her 3ater to drin/ there.
here 3ere no (ights b#rning in the %arm b#i(ding2 and she co#(d %ee( nobody at home. B#t he
had to(d her that they 3o#(d care %or her. She p#shed against the door o% the %armho#se and it
opened2 r#sty hinges protesting the 3ho(e 3hi(e.
Something mo!ed in her (e%t (#ng2 something that p#shed and sI#irmed and made her co#gh.
She %o#nd herse(% in a narro3 ha((3ay2 her 3ay a(most b(oc/ed by a ta(( and d#sty piano. he
inside o% the b#i(ding sme((ed o% o(d damp. She sI#ee1ed past the piano2 p#shed open a door
and %o#nd herse(% in a di(apidated dra3ing room2 %i((ed 3ith ramshac/(e %#rnit#re. An oi( (amp
b#rned on the mante(piece. here 3as a coa( %ire b#rning in the %irep(ace beneath it2 a(tho#gh
she had neither seen nor sme((ed smo/e o#tside the ho#se. he coa( %ire did nothing to (i%t the
chi(( she %e(t in that room2 a(tho#gh2 @a#ra 3as 3i((ing to concede2 that might not be the %a#(t o%
the room.
Death h#rt @a#ra2 a(tho#gh the h#rt consisted most(y o% absences2 o% things that 3ere not
there: a parching thirst that drained e!ery ce(( o% her2 a co(d in her bones that no heat co#(d (i%t.
Sometimes she 3o#(d catch herse(% 3ondering 3hether the crisp and crac/(ing %(ames o% a pyre
3o#(d 3arm her2 or the so%t bro3n b(an/et o% the earth? 3hether the co(d sea 3o#(d I#ench
her thirstQ
he room2 she rea(i1ed2 3as not empty.
hree 3omen sat on an e(der(y co#ch2 as i% they had come as a matched set in some o#t(andish
artistic e&hibition. he co#ch 3as #pho(stered in threadbare !e(!et2 a %aded bro3n that might2
once2 a h#ndred years ago2 ha!e been a bright canary ye((o3. he 3omen 3ere dressed in
identica( %ogCgray s/irts and s3eaters. heir eyes 3ere too deep(y set2 their s/in the 3hite o%
%resh bone. he one on the (e%t o% the so%a 3as a giantess2 or a(most2 the one on the right 3as
(itt(e more than a d3ar%2 and2 bet3een them2 3as a 3oman @a#ra 3as certain 3o#(d be her
o3n height. hey %o((o3ed her 3ith their eyes as she entered the room2 and they said nothing.
@a#ra had not /no3n they 3o#(d be there.
Something 3rigg(ed and %e(( in her nasa( ca!ity. @a#ra %#mb(ed in her s(ee!e %or a tiss#e2 and she
b(e3 her nose into it. She cr#mp(ed the tiss#e and %(#ng it and its contents onto the coa(s o% the
%ire2 3atched it cr#mp(e and b(ac/en and become orange (ace. She 3atched the maggots shri!e(
and bro3n and b#rn.
his done2 she t#rned bac/ to the 3omen on the co#ch. hey had not mo!ed since she had
entered2 not a m#sc(e2 not a hair. hey stared at her.
A8e((o. ,s this yo#r %arm:B she as/ed.
he (argest o% the 3omen nodded. 8er hands 3ere !ery red2 and her e&pression 3as impassi!e.
AShado3-that$s the g#y hanging on the tree. 8e$s my h#sband. 8e said , sho#(d te(( yo# that
he 3ants yo# to gi!e me 3ater.B Something (arge shi%ted in her bo3e(s. ,t sI#irmed2 and then
3as sti((.
he sma((est 3oman nodded. She c(ambered o%% the co#ch. 8er %eet had not pre!io#s(y
to#ched the %(oor. She sc#rried %rom the room.
@a#ra co#(d hear doors opening and c(osing2 thro#gh the %armho#se. hen2 %rom o#tside2 she
co#(d hear a series o% (o#d crea/s. "ach 3as %o((o3ed by a sp(ash o% 3ater.
Soon eno#gh2 the sma(( 3oman ret#rned. She 3as carrying a bro3n earthen3are D#g o% 3ater.
She p#t it do3n2 care%#((y2 on the tab(e2 and retreated to the co#ch. She p#((ed herse(% #p2 3ith
a 3rigg(e and a shi!er2 and 3as seated beside her sisters once again.
Ahan/ yo#.B @a#ra 3a(/ed o!er to the tab(e2 (oo/ed aro#nd %or a c#p or a g(ass2 b#t there 3as
nothing (i/e that to be seen. She pic/ed #p the D#g. ,t 3as hea!ier than it (oo/ed. he 3ater in it
3as per%ect(y c(ear.
She raised the D#g to her (ips and began to drin/.
he 3ater 3as co(der than she had e!er imagined (iI#id 3ater co#(d be. ,t %ro1e her tong#e and
her teeth and her g#((et. Sti((2 she dran/2 #nab(e to stop drin/ing2 %ee(ing the 3ater %ree1ing its
3ay into her stomach2 her bo3e(s2 her heart2 her !eins.
he 3ater %(o3ed into her. ,t 3as (i/e drin/ing (iI#id ice.
She rea(i1ed that the D#g 3as empty and2 s#rprised2 she p#t it do3n on the tab(e.
he 3omen 3ere obser!ing her2 dispassionate(y. Since her death2 @a#ra had not tho#ght in
metaphors: things 3ere2 or they 3ere not. B#t no32 as she (oo/ed at the 3omen on the so%a2
she %o#nd herse(% thin/ing o% D#ries2 o% scientists obser!ing a (aboratory anima(.
She shoo/2 s#dden(y and con!#(si!e(y. She reached o#t a hand to the tab(e to steady herse(%2
b#t the tab(e 3as s(ipping and (#rching2 and it a(most a!oided her grasp. As she p#t her hand on
the tab(e she began to !omit. She bro#ght #p bi(e and %orma(in2 centipedes2 and maggots. And
then she %e(t herse(% starting to !oid2 and to piss: st#%% 3as being p#shed !io(ent(y2 3et(y2 %rom
her body. She 3o#(d ha!e screamed i% she co#(d? b#t then the d#sty %(oorboards came #p to
meet her so %ast and so hard that2 had she been breathing2 they 3o#(d ha!e /noc/ed the breath
%rom her body.
ime r#shed o!er her and into her2 s3ir(ing (i/e a d#stCde!i(. A tho#sand memories began to
p(ay at once: she 3as 3et and stin/ing on the %(oor o% the %armho#se? and she 3as (ost in a
department store the 3ee/ be%ore 4hristmas and her %ather 3as no3here to be seen? and no3
she 3as sitting in the bar at 4hiC4hi$s2 ordering a stra3berry daiI#iri and chec/ing o#t her b(ind
date2 the big2 gra!e manCchi(d2 and 3ondering ho3 he /issed? and she 3as in the car as2
sic/ening(y2 it ro((ed and Do(ted2 and +obbie 3as screaming at her #nti( the meta( post %ina((y
stopped the car2 b#t not its contents2 %rom mo!ingQ
he 3ater o% time2 3hich comes %rom the spring o% %ate2 Erd$s 5e((2 is not the 3ater o% (i%e. 'ot
I#ite. ,t %eeds the roots o% the 3or(d tree2 tho#gh. And there is no other 3ater (i/e it.
5hen @a#ra 3o/e in the empty %armho#se room2 she 3as shi!ering2 and her breath act#a((y
steamed in the morning air. here 3as a scrape on the bac/ o% her hand2 and a 3et smear on
the scrape2 the redCorange o% %resh b(ood.
And she /ne3 3here she had to go. She had dr#n/ %rom the 3ater o% time2 3hich comes %rom
the spring o% %ate. She co#(d see the mo#ntain in her mind. She (ic/ed the b(ood %rom the bac/
o% her hand2 mar!e(ing at the %i(m o% sa(i!a2 and she began to 3a(/.
,t 3as a 3et 6arch day2 and it 3as #nseasonab(y co(d2 and the storms o% the pre!io#s %e3 days
had (ashed their 3ay across the so#thern states2 3hich meant that there 3ere !ery %e3 rea(
to#rists at +oc/ 4ity on @oo/o#t 6o#ntain. he 4hristmas (ights had been ta/en do3n2 the
s#mmer !isitors 3ere yet to start arri!ing.
Sti((2 there 3ere a n#mber o% peop(e there. here 3as e!en a to#r b#s that dre3 #p that
morning2 re(easing a do1en men and 3omen 3ith per%ect tans and g(eaming2 reass#ring smi(es.
hey (oo/ed (i/e ne3s anchors2 and one co#(d a(most imagine there 3as a phosphorCdot I#a(ity
to them: they seemed to b(#r gent(y as they mo!ed. A b(ac/ 8#m!ee 3as par/ed in the %ront (ot
o% +oc/ 4ity2 near to +oc/y the animatronic gnome.
he F peop(e 3a(/ed intent(y thro#gh +oc/ 4ity2 stationing themse(!es near the ba(ancing
roc/2 3here they ta(/ed to each other in p(easant2 reasonab(e !oices.
hey 3ere not the on(y !isitors. ,% yo# had 3a(/ed the paths o% +oc/ 4ity that day2 yo# might
ha!e noticed peop(e 3ho (oo/ed (i/e mo!ie stars2 and peop(e 3ho (oo/ed (i/e a(iens and a
n#mber o% peop(e 3ho (oo/ed most o% a(( (i/e the idea o% a person and nothing (i/e the rea(ity.
9o# might ha!e seen them2 b#t most (i/e(y yo# 3o#(d ne!er ha!e noticed them at a((.
hey came to +oc/ 4ity in (ong (imo#sines and in sma(( sports cars and in o!ersi1ed SEFs. 6any
o% them 3ore the s#ng(asses o% those 3ho habit#a((y 3ear s#ng(asses indoors and o#t2 and do
not 3i((ing(y or com%ortab(y remo!e them. here 3ere s#ntans and s#its and shades and smi(es
and sco3(s. hey came in a(( si1es and shapes2 a(( ages and sty(es.
A(( they had in common 3as a (oo/2 a !ery speci%ic (oo/. ,t said2 9o# /no3 me? or perhaps2 9o#
o#ght to /no3 me. An instant %ami(iarity that 3as a(so a distance2 a (oo/2 or an attit#de-the
con%idence that the 3or(d e&isted %or them2 and that it 3e(comed them2 and that they 3ere
adored.
he %at /id mo!ed among them 3ith the sh#%%(ing 3a(/ o% one 3ho2 despite ha!ing no socia(
s/i((s2 has sti(( become s#ccess%#( beyond his dreams. 8is b(ac/ coat %(apped in the 3ind.
Something that stood beside the so%t drin/ stand in 6other Goose 4o#rt co#ghed to attract his
attention. ,t 3as massi!e2 and sca(pe(Cb(ades D#tted %rom its %ace and its %ingers. ,ts %ace 3as
cancero#s. A,t 3i(( be a mighty batt(e2B it to(d him2 in a g(#tino#s !oice.
A,t$s not going to be a batt(e2B said the %at /id. AA(( 3e$re %acing here is a %#c/ing paradigm shi%t.
,t$s a sha/edo3n. 6oda(ities (i/e batt(e are so %#c/ing @ao 1#.B
he cancero#s thing b(in/ed at him. A5aiting2B is a(( it said in rep(y.
A5hate!er2B said the %at /id. hen2 A,$m (oo/ing %or 6ister 5or(d. 9o# seen him:B
he thing scratched itse(% 3ith a sca(pe(Cb(ade2 a t#moro#s (o3er (ip p#shed o#t in
concentration. hen it nodded. A*!er there2B it said.
he %at /id 3a(/ed a3ay2 3itho#t a than/Cyo#2 in the direction indicated. he cancero#s thing
3aited2 saying nothing2 #nti( the /id 3as o#t o% sight.
A,t 3i(( be a batt(e2B said the cancero#s thing to a 3oman 3hose %ace 3as sm#dged 3ith
phosphorCdots.
She nodded2 and (eaned c(oser to it. ASo ho3 does that ma/e yo# %ee(:B she as/ed2 in a
sympathetic !oice.
,t b(in/ed2 and then it began to te(( her.
o3n$s )ord "&p(orer had a g(oba( positioning system2 a (itt(e si(!er bo& that (istened to the
sate((ites and 3hispered bac/ to the car its (ocation2 b#t he sti(( got (ost once he got so#th o%
B(ac/sb#rg and onto the co#ntry roads: the roads he dro!e seemed to bear (itt(e re(ationship to
the tang(e o% (ines on the map on the screen. "!ent#a((y he stopped the car in a co#ntry (ane2
3o#nd do3n the 3indo3 and as/ed a %at 3hite 3oman being p#((ed by a 3o(%ho#nd on its
ear(y morning 3a(/ %or directions to Ashtree %arm.
She nodded2 and pointed and said something to him. 8e co#(d not #nderstand 3hat she had
said2 b#t he said than/s a mi((ion and 3o#nd #p the 3indo3 and dro!e o%% in the genera(
direction she had indicated.
8e /ept going %or another %orty min#tes2 do3n co#ntry road a%ter co#ntry road2 each o% them
promising2 none o% them the road he so#ght. o3n began to che3 his (o3er (ip.
A,$m too o(d %or this shit2B he said a(o#d2 re(ishing the mo!ieCstar 3or(dC3eariness o% the (ine.
8e 3as p#shing %i%ty. 6ost o% his 3or/ing (i%e had been spent in a branch o% go!ernment 3hich
3ent on(y by its initia(s2 and 3hether or not he had (e%t his go!ernment Dob a do1en years ago
%or emp(oyment by the pri!ate sector 3as a matter o% opinion: some days he tho#ght one 3ay2
some days another. Any3ay2 it 3as on(y 3hen yo# got do3n to the Does on the street that
anyone seemed to ass#me there 3as a di%%erence.
8e 3as on the !erge o% gi!ing #p on the %arm 3hen he dro!e #p a hi(( and sa3 the sign2 hand
painted2 on the gate. ,t said simp(y2 as he had been to(d it 3o#(d2 AS8. 8e p#((ed #p the )ord
"&p(orer2 c(imbed o#t and #nt3isted the 3ire that he(d the gate c(osed. 8e got bac/ in the car
and dro!e thro#gh.
,t 3as (i/e coo/ing a %rog2 he tho#ght. 9o# p#t the %rog in the 3ater2 and then yo# t#rn on the
heat. And by the time the %rog notices that there$s anything 3rong2 it$s a(ready been coo/ed.
he 3or(d in 3hich he 3or/ed 3as a(( too 3eird. here 3as no so(id gro#nd beneath his %eet?
the 3ater in the pot 3as b#bb(ing %ierce(y.
5hen he$d been trans%erred to the Agency it had a(( seemed so simp(e. 'o3 it 3as a(( so-not
comp(e&2 he decided? mere(y bi1arre. 8e had been sitting in 6r. 5or(d$s o%%ice at t3o that
morning2 and he had been to(d 3hat he 3as to do. A9o# got it:B said 6r. 5or(d2 handing him
the /ni%e in its dar/ (eather sheath. A4#t me a stic/. ,t doesn$t ha!e to be (onger than a co#p(e
o% %eet.B
AA%%irmati!e2B he said. And then he said2 A5hy do , ha!e to do this2 sir:B
ABeca#se , te(( yo# to2B said 6r. 5or(d2 %(at(y. A)ind the tree. Do the Dob. 6eet me do3n in
4hattanooga. Don$t 3aste any time.B
AAnd 3hat abo#t the assho(e:B
AShado3: ,% yo# see him2 D#st a!oid him. Don$t to#ch him. Don$t e!en mess 3ith him. , don$t
3ant yo# t#rning him into a martyr. here$s no room %or martyrs in the c#rrent gameCp(an.B 8e
smi(ed then2 his scarred smi(e. 6r. 5or(d 3as easi(y am#sed. 6r. o3n had noticed this on
se!era( occasions. ,t had am#sed him to p(ay cha#%%e#r2 in .ansas2 a%ter a((.
A@oo/-B
A'o martyrs2 o3n.B
And o3n had nodded2 and ta/en the /ni%e in its sheath2 and p#shed the rage that 3e((ed #p
inside him do3n deep and a3ay.
6r. o3n$s hatred o% Shado3 had become a part o% him. As he 3as %a((ing as(eep he 3o#(d see
Shado3$s so(emn %ace2 see that smi(e that 3asn$t a smi(e2 the 3ay Shado3 had o% smi(ing
3itho#t smi(ing that made o3n 3ant to sin/ his %ist into the man$s g#t2 and e!en as he %e((
as(eep he co#(d %ee( his Da3s sI#ee1e together2 his temp(es tense2 his g#((et b#rn.
8e dro!e the )ord "&p(orer across the meado32 past an abandoned %armho#se. 8e crested a
ridge and sa3 the tree. 8e par/ed the car a (itt(e 3ay past it2 and t#rned o%% the engine. he
c(oc/ on the dashboard said it 3as W:VY A.6. 8e (e%t the /eys in the car2 and 3a(/ed to3ard the
tree.
he tree 3as (arge? it seemed to e&ist on its o3n sense o% sca(e. o3n co#(d not ha!e said i% it
3as %i%ty %eet high or t3o h#ndred. ,ts bar/ 3as the gray o% a %ine si(/ scar%.
here 3as a na/ed man tied to the tr#n/ a (itt(e 3ay abo!e the gro#nd by a 3eb3or/ o% ropes2
and there 3as something 3rapped in a sheet at the %oot o% the tree. o3n rea(i1ed 3hat it 3as
as he passed it. 8e p#shed at the sheet 3ith his %oot. 5ednesday$s r#ined ha(%CaC%ace stared o#t
at him. 8e 3o#(d ha!e e&pected it to be a(i!e 3ith maggots and %(ies2 b#t it 3as #nto#ched by
insects. ,t didn$t e!en sme(( bad. ,t (oo/ed D#st as it had 3hen he had ta/en it to the mote(.
o3n reached the tree. 8e 3a(/ed a (itt(e 3ay aro#nd the thic/ tr#n/2 a3ay %rom the sight(ess
eyes o% the %armho#se2 then he #n1ipped his %(y and pissed against the tr#n/ o% the tree. 8e did
#p his %(y. 8e 3a(/ed bac/ o!er to the ho#se2 %o#nd a 3ooden e&tension (adder2 carried it bac/
to the tree. 8e (eaned it care%#((y against the tr#n/. hen he c(imbed #p it.
Shado3 h#ng2 (imp(y2 %rom the ropes that tied him to the tree. o3n 3ondered i% the man 3ere
sti(( a(i!e: his chest did not rise or %a((. Dead or a(most dead2 it did not matter.
A8e((o2 assho(e2B o3n said2 a(o#d. Shado3 did not mo!e.
o3n reached the top o% the (adder2 and he p#((ed o#t the /ni%e. 8e %o#nd a sma(( branch 3hich
seemed to meet 6r. 5or(d$s speci%ications2 and hac/ed at the base o% it 3ith the /ni%eCb(ade2
c#tting it ha(%Cthro#gh2 then brea/ing it o%% 3ith his hand. ,t 3as abo#t thirty inches (ong.
8e p#t the /ni%e bac/ in its sheath. hen he started to c(imb bac/ do3n the (adder. 5hen he
3as opposite Shado32 he pa#sed. AGod2 , hate yo#2B he said. 8e 3ished he co#(d D#st ha!e
ta/en o#t a g#n and shot him2 and he /ne3 that he co#(d not. And then he Dabbed the stic/ in
the air to3ard the hanging man2 in a stabbing motion. ,t 3as an instincti!e gest#re2 containing
a(( the %r#stration and rage inside o3n. 8e imagined that he 3as ho(ding a spear and t3isting it
into Shado3$s g#ts.
A4ome on2B he said2 a(o#d. Aime to get mo!ing.B hen he tho#ght2 )irst sign o% madness.
a(/ing to yo#rse(%. 8e c(imbed do3n a %e3 more steps2 then D#mped the rest o% the 3ay to the
gro#nd. 8e (oo/ed at the stic/ he 3as ho(ding2 and %e(t (i/e a sma(( boy2 ho(ding his stic/ as a
s3ord or a spear. , co#(d ha!e c#t a stic/ %rom any tree2 he tho#ght. ,t didn$t ha!e to be this
tree. 5ho the %#c/ 3o#(d ha!e /no3n:
And he tho#ght2 6r. 5or(d 3o#(d ha!e /no3n.
8e carried the (adder bac/ to the %armho#se. )rom the corner o% his eye he tho#ght he sa3
something mo!e2 and he (oo/ed in thro#gh the 3indo32 into the dar/ room %i((ed 3ith bro/en
%#rnit#re2 3ith the p(aster pee(ing %rom the 3a((s2 and %or a moment2 in a ha(%Cdream2 he
imagined that he sa3 three 3omen sitting in the dar/ par(or.
*ne o% them 3as /nitting. *ne o% them 3as staring direct(y at him. *ne o% them appeared to be
as(eep. he 3oman 3ho 3as staring at him began to smi(e2 a h#ge smi(e that seemed to sp(it
her %ace (ength3ise2 a smi(e that crossed %rom ear to ear. hen she raised a %inger and to#ched
it to her nec/2 and ran it gent(y %rom one side o% her nec/ to the other.
hat 3as 3hat he tho#ght he sa32 a(( in a moment2 in that empty room2 3hich contained2 he
sa3 at a second g(ance2 nothing more than o(d rotting %#rnit#re and %(yCspotted prints and dry
rot. here 3as nobody there at a((.
8e r#bbed his eyes.
o3n 3a(/ed bac/ to the bro3n )ord "&p(orer and c(imbed in. 8e tossed the stic/ onto the
3hite (eather o% the passenger seat. 8e t#rned the /ey in the ignition. he dashboard c(oc/ said
W:VM A.6. o3n %ro3ned2 and chec/ed his 3rist3atch2 3hich b(in/ed that it 3as ;V:NY.
Great2 he tho#ght. , 3as either #p on that tree %or eight ho#rs2 or %or min#s a min#te. hat 3as
3hat he tho#ght2 b#t 3hat he be(ie!ed 3as that both timepieces had2 coincidenta((y2 beg#n to
misbeha!e.
*n the tree2 Shado3$s body began to b(eed. he 3o#nd 3as in his side. he b(ood that came
%rom it 3as s(o3 and thic/ and mo(assesCb(ac/.
8e did not mo!e. ,% he 3as s(eeping2 he did not 3a/e.
4(o#ds co!ered the top o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain.
"aster sat some distance a3ay %rom the cro3d at the bottom o% the mo#ntain2 3atching the
da3n o!er the hi((s to the east. She had a chain o% b(#e %orgetCmeCnots tattooed aro#nd her (e%t
3rist2 and she r#bbed them2 absent(y2 3ith her right th#mb.
Another night had come and gone2 and nothing. he %o(/ 3ere sti(( coming2 by ones and t3os.
he (ast night had bro#ght se!era( creat#res %rom the so#th3est2 inc(#ding t3o yo#ng boys
each the si1e o% an app(e tree2 and something 3hich she had on(y g(impsed2 b#t 3hich had
(oo/ed (i/e a disembodied head the si1e o% a F5 B#g. hey had disappeared into the trees at
the base o% the mo#ntain.
'obody bothered them. 'obody %rom the o#tside 3or(d e!en seemed to ha!e noticed they
3ere there: she imagined the to#rists at +oc/ 4ity staring do3n at them thro#gh their insertCaC
I#arter binoc#(ars2 staring straight at a ramshac/(e encampment o% things and peop(e at the
%oot o% the mo#ntain2 and seeing nothing b#t trees and b#shes and roc/s.
She co#(d sme(( the smo/e %rom a coo/ing %ire2 a sme(( o% b#rning bacon on the chi((y da3n
3ind. Someone at the %ar end o% the encampment began to p(ay the harmonica2 3hich made
her2 in!o(#ntari(y2 smi(e and shi!er. She had a paperbac/ boo/ in her bac/pac/2 and she 3aited
%or the s/y to become (ight eno#gh %or her to read.
here 3ere t3o dots in the s/y2 immediate(y be(o3 the c(o#ds: a sma(( one and a (arger one. A
spatter o% rain br#shed her %ace in the morning 3ind.
A bare%oot gir( came o#t %rom the encampment2 3a(/ing to3ard her. She stopped beside a tree2
hitched #p her s/irts2 and sI#atted. 5hen she had %inished2 "aster hai(ed her. he gir( 3a(/ed
o!er.
AGood morning2 (ady2B she said. Ahe batt(e 3i(( start soon no3.B he tip o% her pin/ tong#e
to#ched her scar(et (ips. She had a b(ac/ cro3$s 3ing tied 3ith (eather onto her sho#(der2 a
cro3$s %oot on a chain aro#nd her nec/. 8er arms 3ere b(#eCtattooed 3ith (ines and patterns
and intricate /nots.
A8o3 do yo# /no3:B
he gir( grinned. A, am 6acha2 o% the 6orrigan. 5hen 3ar comes2 , can sme(( it in the air. , am a
3ar goddess2 and , say2 b(ood sha(( be spi((ed this day.B
A*h2B said "aster. A5e((. here yo# go.B She 3as 3atching the sma((er dot in the s/y as it
t#mb(ed do3n to3ard them2 dropping (i/e a roc/.
AAnd 3e sha(( %ight them2 and 3e sha(( /i(( them2 e!ery one2B said the gir(. AAnd 3e sha(( ta/e
their heads as trophies2 and the cro3s sha(( ha!e their eyes and their corpses.B he dot had
become a bird2 its 3ings o#tstretched2 riding the g#sty morning 3inds abo!e them.
"aster coc/ed her head on one side. A,s that some hidden 3ar goddess /no3(edge:B she as/ed.
Ahe 3ho(e R3ho$s going to 3in$ thing: 5ho gets 3hose head:B
A'o2B said the gir(. A, can sme(( the batt(e2 b#t that$s a((. B#t 3e$(( 3in. 5on$t 3e: 5e ha!e to. ,
sa3 3hat they did to the a((C%ather. ,t$s them or #s.B
A9eah2B said "aster. A, s#ppose it is.B
he gir( smi(ed again2 in the ha(%C(ight2 and made her 3ay bac/ to the camp. "aster p#t her hand
do3n and to#ched a green shoot 3hich stabbed #p %rom the earth (i/e a /ni%e b(ade. As she
to#ched it it gre32 and opened2 and t3isted2 and changed2 #nti( she 3as resting her hand on a
green t#(ip head. 5hen the s#n 3as high the %(o3er 3o#(d open.
"aster (oo/ed #p at the ha3/. A4an , he(p yo#:B she said.
he ha3/ circ(ed abo#t %i%teen %eet abo!e "aster$s head2 s(o3(y2 then it g(ided do3n to her2 and
(anded on the gro#nd nearby. ,t (oo/ed #p at her 3ith mad eyes.
A8e((o2 c#tie2B she said. A'o32 3hat do yo# rea((y (oo/ (i/e2 eh:B
he ha3/ hopped to3ard her2 #ncertain(y2 and then it 3as no (onger a ha3/2 b#t a yo#ng man.
8e (oo/ed at her2 and then (oo/ed do3n at the grass. A9o#:B he said. 8is g(ance 3ent
e!ery3here2 to the grass2 to the s/y2 to the b#shes. 'ot to her.
A6e2B she said. A5hat abo#t me:B
A9o#.B 8e stopped. 8e seemed to be trying to m#ster his tho#ghts? strange e&pressions %(itted
and s3am across his %ace. 8e spent too (ong a bird2 she tho#ght. 8e has %orgotten ho3 to be a
man. She 3aited patient(y. "!ent#a((y2 he said2 A5i(( yo# come 3ith me:B
A6aybe. 5here do yo# 3ant me to go:B
Ahe man on the tree. 8e needs yo#. A ghost h#rt2 in his side. he b(ood came2 then it stopped.
, thin/ he is dead.B
Ahere$s a 3ar on. , can$t D#st go r#nning a3ay.B
he na/ed man said nothing2 D#st mo!ed %rom one %oot to another as i% he 3ere #ncertain o% his
3eight2 as i% he 3ere #sed to resting on the air or on a s3aying branch2 not on the so(id and
#nchanging earth. hen he said2 A,% he is gone %ore!er2 it is a(( o!er.B
AB#t the batt(e-B
A,% he is (ost2 it 3i(( not matter 3ho 3ins.B 8e (oo/ed (i/e he needed a b(an/et2 and a c#p o%
s3eet co%%ee2 and someone to ta/e him some3here he co#(d shi!er and babb(e #nti( he got his
mind bac/. 8e he(d his arms sti%%(y against his sides.
A5here is this: 'earby:B
8e stared at the t#(ip p(ant2 and shoo/ his head. A5ay a3ay.B
A5e((2B she said2 A,$m needed here. And , can$t D#st (ea!e. 8o3 do yo# e&pect me to get there: ,
can$t %(y2 (i/e yo#2 yo# /no3.B
A'o2B said 8or#s. A9o# can$t.B hen he (oo/ed #p2 gra!e(y2 and pointed to the other dot that
circ(ed them2 as it dropped %rom the dar/ening c(o#ds2 gro3ing in si1e. A8e can.B
Another se!era( ho#rs$ point(ess dri!ing2 and by no3 o3n hated the GPS a(most as m#ch as he
hated Shado3. here 3as no passion in the hate2 tho#gh. 8e had tho#ght %inding his 3ay to the
%arm2 to the great si(!er ash tree2 had been hard? %inding his 3ay a3ay %rom the %arm 3as
m#ch harder. ,t did not seem to matter 3hich road he too/2 3hich direction he dro!e do3n the
narro3 co#ntry (anes-the t3isting Firginia bac/ roads 3hich m#st ha!e beg#n2 he 3as s#re2 as
deer trai(s and co3 paths-e!ent#a((y he 3o#(d %ind himse(% passing the %arm once more2 and
the handCpainted sign2 AS8.
his 3as cra1y2 3asn$t it: 8e simp(y had to retrace his 3ay2 ta/e a (e%t t#rn %or e!ery right he
had ta/en on his 3ay here2 a right t#rn %or e!ery (e%t.
*n(y that 3as 3hat he had done (ast time2 and no3 here he 3as2 bac/ at the %arm once more.
here 3ere hea!y storm c(o#ds coming in2 it 3as getting dar/ %ast2 it %e(t (i/e night2 not
morning2 and he had a (ong dri!e ahead o% him: he 3o#(d ne!er get to 4hattanooga be%ore
a%ternoon at this rate.
8is ce(( phone ga!e him on(y a 'o Ser!ice message. he %o(dCo#t map in the car$s g(o!e
compartment sho3ed the main roads2 a(( the interstates and the rea( high3ays2 b#t as %ar as it
3as concerned nothing e(se e&isted.
'or 3as there anyone aro#nd that he co#(d as/. he ho#ses 3ere set bac/ %rom the roads?
there 3ere no 3e(coming (ights. 'o3 the %#e( ga#ge 3as n#dging "mpty. 8e heard a r#mb(e o%
distant th#nder2 and a sing(e drop o% rain sp(ashed hea!i(y onto his 3indshie(d.
So 3hen o3n sa3 the 3oman 3a(/ing a(ong the side o% the road2 he %o#nd himse(% smi(ing2
in!o(#ntari(y. Ahan/ God2B he said2 a(o#d2 and he dre3 #p beside her. 8e th#mbed do3n her
3indo3. A6a$am: ,$m sorry. ,$m /ind o% (ost. 4an yo# te(( me ho3 to get to 8igh3ay Y; %rom
here:B
She (oo/ed at him thro#gh the open passengerCside 3indo3 and said2 A9o# /no32 , don$t thin/ ,
can e&p(ain it. B#t , can sho3 yo#2 i% yo# (i/e.B She 3as pa(e and her 3et hair 3as (ong and dar/.
A4(imb in2B said o3n. 8e didn$t e!en hesitate. A)irst thing2 3e need to b#y some gas.B
Ahan/s2B she said. A, needed a ride.B She got in. 8er eyes 3ere astonishing(y b(#e. Ahere$s a
stic/ here2 on the seat2B she said2 p#11(ed.
AJ#st thro3 it in the bac/. 5here are yo# heading:B he as/ed. A@ady2 i% yo# can get me to a gas
station2 and bac/ to a %ree3ay2 ,$(( ta/e yo# a(( the 3ay to yo#r o3n %ront door.B
She said2 Ahan/ yo#. B#t , thin/ ,$m going %#rther than yo# are. ,% yo# can get me to the
%ree3ay2 that 3i(( be %ine. 6aybe a tr#c/er 3i(( gi!e me a ride.B And she smi(ed2 a croo/ed2
determined smi(e. ,t 3as the smi(e that did it.
A6a$am2B he said2 A, can gi!e yo# a %iner ride than any tr#c/er.B 8e co#(d sme(( her per%#me. ,t
3as heady and hea!y2 a c(oying scent2 (i/e magno(ias or (i(acs2 b#t he did not mind.
A,$m going to Georgia2B she said. A,t$s a (ong 3ay.B
A,$m going to 4hattanooga. ,$(( ta/e yo# as %ar as , can.B
A6mm2B she said. A5hat$s yo#r name:B
Ahey ca(( me 6ac/2B said 6r. o3n. 5hen he 3as ta(/ing to 3omen in bars2 he 3o#(d
sometimes %o((o3 that #p 3ith AAnd the ones that /no3 me rea((y 3e(( ca(( me Big 6ac/.B hat
co#(d 3ait. hey 3o#(d ha!e many ho#rs in each other$s company to get to /no3 each other2
a%ter a((. A5hat$s yo#rs:B
A@a#ra2B she to(d him.
A5e((2 @a#ra2B he said2 A,$m s#re 3e$re going to be great %riends.B
he %at /id %o#nd 6r. 5or(d in the +ainbo3 +oom-a 3a((ed section o% the path2 its 3indo3
g(ass co!ered in c(ear p(astic sheets o% green and red and ye((o3 %i(m. 8e 3as 3a(/ing
impatient(y %rom 3indo3 to 3indo32 staring o#t2 in t#rn2 at a go(den 3or(d2 a red 3or(d2 a
green 3or(d. 8is hair 3as reddishCorange and c(oseCcropped to his s/#((. 8e 3ore a B#rberry
raincoat.
he %at /id co#ghed. 6r. 5or(d (oo/ed #p.
A"&c#se me: 6ister 5or(d:B
A9es: ,s e!erything on sched#(e:B
he %at /id$s mo#th 3as dry. 8e (ic/ed his (ips2 and said2 A,$!e set #p e!erything. , don$t ha!e
con%irmation on the choppers.B
Ahe he(icopters 3i(( be here 3hen 3e need them.B
AGood2B said the %at /id. AGood.B 8e stood there2 not saying anything2 not going a3ay. here
3as a br#ise on his %orehead.
A%ter a 3hi(e 6r. 5or(d said2 A,s there anything e(se , can do %or yo#:B
A pa#se. he boy s3a((o3ed and nodded. ASomething e(se2B he said. A9es.B
A5o#(d yo# %ee( more com%ortab(e disc#ssing it in pri!ate:B
he boy nodded again.
6r. 5or(d 3a(/ed 3ith the /id bac/ to his operations center: a damp ca!e containing a diorama
o% dr#n/en pi&ies ma/ing moonshine 3ith a sti((. A sign o#tside 3arned to#rists a3ay d#ring
reno!ations. he t3o men sat do3n on p(astic chairs.
A8o3 can , he(p yo#:B as/ed 6r. 5or(d.
A9es. */ay. +ight2 t3o things2 */ay. *ne. 5hat are 3e 3aiting %or: And t3o. 3o is harder.
@oo/. 5e ha!e the g#ns. +ight. 5e ha!e the %irepo3er. hey ha!e %#c/ing s3ords and /ni!es
and %#c/ing hammers and stone a&es. And (i/e2 tire irons. 5e ha!e %#c/ing smart bombs.B
A5hich 3e 3i(( not be #sing2B pointed o#t the other man.
A, /no3 that. 9o# said that a(ready. , /no3 that. And that$s doab(e. B#t. @oo/2 e!er since , did
the Dob on that bitch in @.A. ,$!e beenQB 8e stopped2 made a %ace2 seemed #n3i((ing to go on.
A9o#$!e been tro#b(ed:B
A9es. Good 3ord. ro#b(ed. 9es. @i/e a home %or tro#b(ed teens. )#nny. 9es.B
AAnd 3hat e&act(y is tro#b(ing yo#:B
A5e((2 3e %ight2 3e 3in.B
AAnd that is a so#rce o% tro#b(e: , %ind it a matter o% tri#mph and de(ight2 myse(%.B
AB#t. hey$(( die o#t any3ay. hey are passenger pigeons and thy(acines. 9es: 5ho cares: his
3ay2 it$s going to be a b(oodbath. ,% 3e D#st 3ait them o#t2 3e get the 3ho(e thing.B
AAh.B 6r. 5or(d nodded.
8e 3as %o((o3ing. hat 3as good. he %at /id said2 A@oo/2 ,$m not the on(y one 3ho %ee(s this
3ay. ,$!e chec/ed 3ith the cre3 at +adio 6odern2 and they$re a(( %or sett(ing this peace%#((y?
and the ,ntangib(es are pretty m#ch in %a!or o% (etting mar/et %orces ta/e care o% it. ,$m being.
9o# /no3. he !oice o% reason here.B
A9o# are indeed. En%ort#nate(y2 there is in%ormation yo# do not ha!e.B he smi(e that %o((o3ed
3as t3isted and scarred.
he boy b(in/ed. 8e said2 A6ister 5or(d: 5hat happened to yo#r (ips:B
5or(d sighed. Ahe tr#th o% the matter2B he said2 Ais that somebody se3ed them together. A
(ong time ago.B
A5hoa2B said the %at /id. ASerio#s omert] shit.B
A9es. 9o# 3ant to /no3 3hat 3e$re 3aiting %or: 5hy 3e didn$t stri/e (ast night:B
he %at /id nodded. 8e 3as s3eating2 b#t it 3as a co(d s3eat.
A5e didn$t stri/e yet2 beca#se ,$m 3aiting %or a stic/.B
AA stic/:B
Ahat$s right. A stic/. And do yo# /no3 3hat ,$m going to do 3ith the stic/:B
A head sha/e. A*/ay. ,$(( bite. 5hat:B
A, co#(d te(( yo#2B said 6r. 5or(d2 sober(y. AB#t then ,$d ha!e to /i(( yo#.B 8e 3in/ed2 and the
tension in the room e!aporated.
he %at /id began to gigg(e2 a (o32 sn#%%(ing (a#gh in the bac/ o% his throat and in his nose.
A*/ay2B he said. A8ee. 8ee. */ay. 8ee. Got it. 6essage recei!ed on P(anet echnica(. @o#d and
c(ear. ,&nay on the estionsI#ay.B
6r. 5or(d shoo/ his head. 8e rested a hand on the %at /id$s sho#(der. A8ey2B he said. A9o#
rea((y 3ant to /no3:B
AS#re.B
A5e((2B said 6r. 5or(d2 Aseeing that 3e$re %riends2 here$s the ans3er: ,$m going to ta/e the
stic/2 and ,$m going to thro3 it o!er the armies as they come together. As , thro3 it2 it 3i((
become a spear. And then2 as the spear arcs o!er the batt(e2 ,$m going to sho#t2 R, dedicate this
batt(e to *din.$B
A8#h:B said the %at /id. A5hy:B
APo3er2B said 6r. 5or(d. 8e scratched his chin. AAnd %ood. A combination o% the t3o. 9o# see2
the o#tcome o% the batt(e is #nimportant. 5hat matters is the chaos2 and the s(a#ghter.B
A, don$t get it.B
A@et me sho3 yo#. ,t$(( be D#st (i/e this2B said 6r. 5or(d. A5atchPB 8e too/ the 3oodenCb(aded
h#nter$s /ni%e %rom the poc/et o% his B#rberry and2 in one %(#id mo!ement2 he s(ipped the b(ade
o% it into the so%t %(esh beneath the %at /id$s chin2 and p#shed hard #p3ard2 to3ard the brain. A,
dedicate this death to *din2B he said2 as the /ni%e san/ in.
here 3as a (ea/age onto his hand o% something that 3as not act#a((y b(ood2 and a sp#ttering
spar/ing noise behind the %at /id$s eyes. he sme(( on the air 3as that o% b#rning ins#(ation
3ire2 as i% some3here a p(#g 3as o!er(oading.
he %at /id$s hand t3itched spastica((y2 and then he %e((. he e&pression on his %ace 3as one o%
p#11(ement2 and misery. A@oo/ at him2B said 6r. 5or(d2 con!ersationa((y2 to the air. A8e (oo/s
as i% he D#st sa3 a seI#ence o% 1eroes and ones t#rn into a c(#ster o% bright(y co(ored birds2 and
then D#st %(y a3ay.B
here 3as no rep(y %rom the empty roc/ corridor.
6r. 5or(d sho#(dered the body as i% it 3eighed !ery (itt(e2 and he opened the pi&ie diorama and
dropped the body beside the sti((2 co!ering it 3ith its (ong b(ac/ raincoat. 8e 3o#(d dispose o% it
that e!ening2 he decided2 and he grinned his scarred grin: hiding a body on a batt(e%ie(d 3o#(d
a(most be too easy. 'obody 3o#(d e!er notice. 'obody 3o#(d care.
)or a (itt(e 3hi(e there 3as si(ence in that p(ace. And then a gr#%% !oice 3hich 3as not 6r.
5or(d$s c(eared its throat in the shado3s2 and said2 AGood start.B
48AP"+ ",G8""'
hey tried to stand o%% the so(diers2 b#t the men %ired and /i((ed them both. So the song$s 3rong
abo#t the Dai(2 b#t that$s p#t in %or poetry. 9o# can$t a((#s ha!e things (i/e they are in poetry.
Poetry ain$t 3hat yo#$d ca(( tr#th. here ain$t room eno#gh in the !erses.-A S,'G"+$S 4*66"'A+9 *'
A8" BA@@AD *) SA6 BASS2B A +"ASE+9 *) A6"+,4A' )*@.@*+"
'one o% this can act#a((y be happening. ,% it ma/es yo# more com%ortab(e2 yo# co#(d simp(y
thin/ o% it as metaphor. +e(igions are2 by de%inition2 metaphors2 a%ter a((: God is a dream2 a
hope2 a 3oman2 an ironist2 a %ather2 a city2 a ho#se o% many rooms2 a 3atchma/er 3ho (e%t his
pri1e chronometer in the desert2 someone 3ho (o!es yo#-e!en2 perhaps2 against a(( e!idence2
a ce(estia( being 3hose on(y interest is to ma/e s#re yo#r %ootba(( team2 army2 b#siness2 or
marriage thri!es2 prospers and tri#mphs o!er a(( opposition.
+e(igions are p(aces to stand and (oo/ and act2 !antage points %rom 3hich to !ie3 the 3or(d.
So2 none o% this is happening. S#ch things co#(d not occ#r in this day and age. 'e!er a 3ord o% it
is (itera((y tr#e2 a(tho#gh it a(( happened2 and the ne&t thing that happened2 happened (i/e this:
At the %oot o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain2 3hich is scarce(y more than a !ery high hi((2 men and 3omen
3ere gathered aro#nd a sma(( bon%ire in the rain. hey stood beneath the trees2 3hich pro!ided
poor co!er2 and they 3ere arg#ing.
he (ady .a(i2 3ith her in/Cb(ac/ s/in and 3hite2 sharp teeth2 said2 A,t is time.B
Anansi2 3ith (emonCye((o3 g(o!es and si(!ering hair2 shoo/ his head. A5e can 3ait2B he said.
A5hi(e 3e can 3ait2 3e sho#(d 3ait.B
here 3as a m#rm#r o% disagreement %rom the cro3d.
A'o2 (isten. 8e$s right2B said an o(d man 3ith ironCgray hair: 41ernobog. 8e 3as ho(ding a sma((
s(edgehammer2 resting the head o% it on his sho#(der. Ahey ha!e the high gro#nd. he 3eather
is against #s. his is madness2 to begin this no3.B
Something that (oo/ed a (itt(e (i/e a 3o(% and a (itt(e more (i/e a man gr#nted and spat on the
%orest %(oor. A5hen better to attac/ them2 ded#sh/a: Sha(( 3e 3ait #nti( the 3eather c(ears2
3hen they e&pect it: , say 3e go no3. , say 3e mo!e.B
Ahere are c(o#ds2 bet3een #s and them2B pointed o#t ,sten o% the 8#ngarians. 8e had a %ine
b(ac/ mo#stache2 a (arge2 d#sty b(ac/ hat2 and the grin o% a man 3ho ma/es his (i!ing se((ing
a(#min#m siding and ne3 roo%s and g#tters to senior citi1ens b#t 3ho a(3ays (ea!es to3n the
day a%ter the chec/s c(ear 3hether the 3or/ is done or not.
A man in an e(egant s#it2 3ho had #nti( no3 said nothing2 p#t his hands together2 stepped into
the %ire(ight2 and made his point s#ccinct(y and c(ear(y. here 3ere nods and m#tters o%
agreement.
A !oice came %rom one o% three 3arriorC3omen 3ho comprised the 6orrigan2 standing so c(ose
together in the shado3s that they had become an arrangement o% b(#eCtattooed (imbs and
dang(ing cro3$s 3ings. She said2 A,t doesn$t matter 3hether this is a good time or a bad time.
his is the time. hey ha!e been /i((ing #s. hey 3i(( contin#e to /i(( #s2 3hether 3e %ight or
not. Perhaps 3e 3i(( tri#mph. Perhaps 3e 3i(( die. Better to die together2 on the attac/2 (i/e
gods2 than to die %(eeing and sing(y2 (i/e rats in a ce((ar.B
Another m#rm#r2 this time one o% deep agreement. She had said it %or a(( o% them. 'o3 3as the
time.
Ahe %irst head is mine2B said a !ery ta(( 4hinese man2 3ith a rope o% tiny s/#((s aro#nd his nec/.
8e began to 3a(/2 s(o3(y and intent(y2 #p the mo#ntain2 sho#(dering a sta%% 3ith a c#r!ed b(ade
at the end o% it2 (i/e a si(!er moon.
"!en 'othing cannot (ast %ore!er.
8e might ha!e been there2 been 'o3here2 %or ten min#tes or %or ten tho#sand years. ,t made
no di%%erence. ime 3as an idea %or 3hich he no (onger had any need.
8e co#(d no (onger remember his rea( name. 8e %e(t empty and c(eansed2 in that p(ace that 3as
not a p(ace.
8e 3as 3itho#t %orm2 and !oid.
8e 3as nothing.
And into that nothing a !oice said2 A8oCho/a2 co#sin. 5e got to ta(/.B
And something that might once ha!e been Shado3 said2 A5his/ey Jac/:B
A9eah2B said 5his/ey Jac/2 in the dar/ness. A9o# are a hard man to h#nt do3n2 3hen yo#$re
dead. 9o# didn$t go to any o% the p(aces , %ig#red. , had to (oo/ a(( o!er be%ore , tho#ght o%
chec/ing here. Say2 yo# e!er %ind yo#r tribe:B
Shado3 remembered the man and the gir( in the disco beneath the spinning mirrorCba((. A,
g#ess , %o#nd my %ami(y. B#t no2 , ne!er %o#nd my tribe.B
ASorry to ha!e to dist#rb yo#.B
A'o. 9o# aren$t sorry. @et me be. , got 3hat , 3anted. ,$m done.B
Ahey are coming %or yo#2B said 5his/ey Jac/. Ahey are going to re!i!e yo#.B
AB#t ,$m done2B said Shado3. A,t 3as a(( o!er and done.B
A'o s#ch thing2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A'e!er any s#ch thing. 5e$(( go to my p(ace. 9o# 3ant a
beer:B
8e g#essed he 3o#(d (i/e a beer2 at that. AS#re.B
AGet me one too. here$s a coo(er o#tside the door2B said 5his/ey Jac/2 and he pointed. hey
3ere in his shac/.
Shado3 opened the door to the shac/ 3ith hands it seemed to him he had not possessed
moments be%ore. here 3as a p(astic coo(er %i((ed 3ith ch#n/s o% ri!erCice o#t there2 and2 in the
ice2 a do1en cans o% B#d3eiser. 8e p#((ed o#t a co#p(e o% cans o% beer and then sat in the
door3ay and (oo/ed o#t o!er the !a((ey.
hey 3ere at the top o% a hi((2 near a 3ater%a((2 s3o((en 3ith me(ting sno3 and r#no%%. ,t %e((2 in
stages2 maybe se!enty %eet be(o3 them2 maybe a h#ndred. he s#n re%(ected %rom the ice
3hich sheathed the trees that o!erh#ng the 3ater%a(( basin. he ch#rning noise as the 3ater
crashed and %e(( %i((ed the air.
A5here are 3e:B as/ed Shado3.
A5here yo# 3ere (ast time2B said 5his/ey Jac/. A6y p(ace. 9o# p(anning on ho(ding on to my
B#d ti(( it 3arms #p: hey aren$t good (i/e that.B
Shado3 stood #p and passed him the can o% beer. A9o# didn$t ha!e a 3ater%a(( o#tside yo#r
p(ace (ast time , 3as here2B he said.
5his/ey Jac/ said nothing. 8e popped the top o% the B#d2 and dran/ ha(% the can in one (ong
s(o3 s3a((o3. hen he said2 A9o# remember my nephe3: 8arry B(#eDay: he poet: 8e traded
his B#ic/ %or yo#r 5innebago. +emember:B
AS#re. , didn$t /no3 he 3as a poet.B
5his/ey Jac/ raised his chin and (oo/ed pro#d. ABest damn poet in America2B he said.
8e drained the rest o% his can o% beer2 be(ched2 and got another can2 3hi(e Shado3 popped
open his o3n can o% beer2 and the t3o men sat o#tside on a roc/2 by the pa(e green %erns2 in
the morning s#n2 and they 3atched the %a((ing 3ater and they dran/ their beer. here 3as sti((
sno3 on the gro#nd2 in the p(aces 3here the shado3s ne!er (i%ted.
he earth 3as m#ddy and 3et.
A8arry 3as diabetic2B contin#ed 5his/ey Jac/. A,t happens. oo m#ch. 9o# peop(e came to
America2 yo# ta/e o#r s#gar cane2 potatoes and corn2 then yo# se(( #s potato chips and carame(
popcorn2 and 3e$re the ones 3ho get sic/.B 8e sipped his beer2 re%(ecting. A8e$d 3on a co#p(e
o% pri1es %or his poetry. here 3ere peop(e in 6innesota 3ho 3anted to p#t his poems into a
boo/. 8e 3as dri!ing to 6innesota in a sports car to ta(/ to them. 8e had traded yo#r $Bago %or
a ye((o3 6iata. he doctors said they thin/ he 3ent into a coma 3hi(e he 3as dri!ing2 3ent o%%
the road2 ran the car into one o% yo#r road signs. oo (a1y to (oo/ at 3here yo# are2 to read the
mo#ntains and the c(o#ds2 yo# peop(e need road signs e!ery3here. And so 8arry B(#eDay 3ent
a3ay %ore!er2 3ent to (i!e 3ith brother 5o(%. So , said2 nothing /eeping me there any (onger. ,
came north. Good %ishing #p here.B
A,$m sorry abo#t yo#r nephe3.B
A6e too. So no3 ,$m (i!ing here in the north. @ong 3ay %rom 3hite man$s diseases. 5hite man$s
roads. 5hite man$s road signs. 5hite man$s ye((o3 6iatas. 5hite man$s carame( popcorn.B
A5hite man$s beer:B
5his/ey Jac/ (oo/ed at the can. A5hen yo# peop(e %ina((y gi!e #p and go home2 yo# can (ea!e
#s the B#d3eiser bre3eries2B he said.
A5here are 3e:B as/ed Shado3. AAm , on the tree: Am , dead: Am , here: , tho#ght
e!erything 3as %inished. 5hat$s rea(:B
A9es2B said 5his/ey Jac/.
A9es: 5hat /ind o% an ans3er is 9es:B
A,t$s a good ans3er. r#e ans3er2 too.B
Shado3 said2 AAre yo# a god as 3e((:B
5his/ey Jac/ shoo/ his head. A,$m a c#(t#re hero2B he said. A5e do the same shit gods do2 3e
D#st scre3 #p more and nobody 3orships #s. hey te(( stories abo#t #s2 b#t they te(( the ones
3hich ma/e #s (oo/ bad a(ong 3ith the ones 3here 3e came o#t %air(y o/ay.B
A, see2B said Shado3. And he did see2 more or (ess.
A@oo/2B said 5his/ey Jac/. Ahis is not a good co#ntry %or gods. 6y peop(e %ig#red that o#t
ear(y on. here are creator spirits 3ho %o#nd the earth or made it or shit it o#t2 b#t yo# thin/
abo#t it: 3ho$s going to 3orship 4oyote: 8e made (o!e to Porc#pine 5oman and got his dic/
shot thro#gh 3ith more need(es than a pinc#shion. 8e$d arg#e 3ith roc/s and the roc/s 3o#(d
3in.
ASo2 yeah2 my peop(e %ig#red that maybe there$s something at the bac/ o% it a((2 a creator2 a
great spirit2 and so 3e say than/ yo# to it2 beca#se it$s a(3ays good to say than/ yo#. B#t 3e
ne!er b#i(t ch#rches. 5e didn$t need to. he (and 3as the ch#rch. he (and 3as the re(igion.
he (and 3as o(der and 3iser than the peop(e 3ho 3a(/ed on it. ,t ga!e #s sa(mon and corn and
b#%%a(o and passenger pigeons. ,t ga!e #s 3i(d rice and 3a((eye. ,t ga!e #s me(on and sI#ash
and t#r/ey. And 3e 3ere the chi(dren o% the (and2 D#st (i/e the porc#pine and the s/#n/ and the
b(#e Day.B
8e %inished his second beer and gest#red to3ard the ri!er at the bottom o% the 3ater%a((. A9o#
%o((o3 that ri!er %or a 3ay2 yo#$(( get to the (a/es 3here the 3i(d rice gro3s. ,n 3i(d rice time2
yo# go o#t in yo#r canoe 3ith a %riend2 and yo# /noc/ the 3i(d rice into yo#r canoe2 and coo/ it2
and store it2 and it 3i(( /eep yo# %or a (ong time. Di%%erent p(aces gro3 di%%erent %oods. Go %ar
eno#gh so#th there are orange trees2 (emon trees2 and those sI#ashy green g#ys2 (oo/ (i/e
pears-B
AA!ocados.B
AA!ocados2B agreed 5his/ey Jac/. Ahat$s them. hey don$t gro3 #p this 3ay. his is 3i(d rice
co#ntry. 6oose co#ntry. 5hat ,$m trying to say is that America is (i/e that. ,t$s not good
gro3ing co#ntry %or gods. hey don$t gro3 3e(( here. hey$re (i/e a!ocados trying to gro3 in
3i(d rice co#ntry.B
Ahey may not gro3 3e((2B said Shado32 remembering2 Ab#t they$re going to 3ar.B
hat 3as the on(y time he e!er sa3 5his/ey Jac/ (a#gh. ,t 3as a(most a bar/2 and it had (itt(e
h#mor in it. A8ey2 Shado32B said 5his/ey Jac/. A,% a(( yo#r %riends D#mped o%% a c(i%%2 3o#(d yo#
D#mp o%% too:B
A6aybe.B Shado3 %e(t good. 8e didn$t thin/ it 3as D#st the beer. 8e co#(dn$t remember the (ast
time he had %e(t so a(i!e2 and so together.
A,t$s not going to be a 3ar.B
Ahen 3hat is it:B
5his/ey Jac/ cr#shed the beer can bet3een his hands2 pressing it #nti( it 3as %(at. A@oo/2B he
said2 and pointed to the 3ater%a((. he s#n 3as high eno#gh that it ca#ght the 3ater%a(( spray: a
rainbo3 nimb#s h#ng in the air. Shado3 tho#ght it 3as the most bea#ti%#( thing he had e!er
seen.
A,t$s going to be a b(oodbath2B said 5his/ey Jac/2 %(at(y.
Shado3 sa3 it then. 8e sa3 it a((2 star/ in its simp(icity. 8e shoo/ his head2 then he began to
ch#c/(e2 and he shoo/ his head some more2 and the ch#c/(e became a %#((Cthroated (a#gh.
A9o# o/ay:B
A,$m %ine2B said Shado3. A, D#st sa3 the hidden ,ndians. 'ot a(( o% them. B#t , sa3 them
anyho3.B
AProbab(y 8o 4h#n/2 then. hose g#ys ne!er co#(d hide 3orth a damn.B 8e (oo/ed #p at the
s#n. Aime to go bac/2B he said. 8e stood #p.
A,t$s a t3oCman con2B said Shado3. A,t$s not a 3ar at a((2 is it:B
5his/ey Jac/ patted Shado3$s arm. A9o#$re not so d#mb2B he said.
hey 3a(/ed bac/ to 5his/ey Jac/$s shac/. 8e opened the door. Shado3 hesitated. A, 3ish ,
co#(d stay here 3ith yo#2B he said. Ahis seems (i/e a good p(ace.B
Ahere are a (ot o% good p(aces2B said 5his/ey Jac/. Ahat$s /ind o% the point. @isten2 gods die
3hen they are %orgotten. Peop(e too. B#t the (and$s sti(( here. he good p(aces2 and the bad.
he (and isn$t going any3here. And neither am ,.B
Shado3 c(osed the door. Something 3as p#((ing at him. 8e 3as a(one in the dar/ness once
more2 b#t the dar/ness became brighter and brighter #nti( it 3as b#rning (i/e the s#n.
And then the pain began.
here 3as a 3oman 3ho 3a(/ed thro#gh a meado32 and spring %(o3ers b(ossomed 3here she
had passed. ,n this p(ace and at this time2 she ca((ed herse(% "aster.
She passed a p(ace 3here2 (ong ago2 a %armho#se had stood. "!en today se!era( 3a((s 3ere sti((
standing2 D#tting o#t o% the 3eeds and the meado3Cgrass (i/e rotten teeth. A thin rain 3as
%a((ing. he c(o#ds 3ere dar/ and (o32 and it 3as co(d.
A (itt(e 3ay beyond the p(ace 3here the %armho#se had been there 3as a tree2 a h#ge si(!erC
gray tree2 3interCdead to a(( appearances2 and (ea%(ess2 and in %ront o% the tree2 on the grass2
3ere %rayed c(#mps o% co(or(ess %abric. he 3oman stopped at the %abric2 and bent do3n2 and
pic/ed #p something bro3nishC3hite: it 3as a m#chCgna3ed %ragment o% bone 3hich might2
once2 ha!e been a part o% a h#man s/#((. She tossed it bac/ do3n onto the grass.
hen she (oo/ed at the man on the tree and she smi(ed 3ry(y. Ahey D#st aren$t as interesting
na/ed2B she said. A,t$s the #n3rapping that$s ha(% the %#n. @i/e 3ith gi%ts2 and eggs.B
he ha3/Cheaded man 3ho 3a(/ed beside her (oo/ed do3n at his penis and seemed2 %or the
%irst time2 to become a3are o% his o3n na/edness. 8e said2 A, can (oo/ at the s#n 3itho#t e!en
b(in/ing.B
Ahat$s !ery c(e!er o% yo#2B "aster to(d him2 reass#ring(y. A'o32 (et$s get him do3n %rom there.B
he 3et ropes that he(d Shado3 to the tree had (ong ago 3eathered and rotted2 and they
parted easi(y as the t3o peop(e p#((ed on them. he body on the tree s(ipped and s(id do3n
to3ard the roots. hey ca#ght him as he %e((2 and they too/ him #p2 carrying him easi(y2
a(tho#gh he 3as a !ery big man2 and they p#t him do3n in the gray meado3.
he body on the grass 3as co(d2 and it did not breathe. here 3as a patch o% dried b(ac/ b(ood
on its side2 as i% it had been stabbed 3ith a spear.
A5hat no3:B
A'o32B she said2 A3e 3arm him. 9o# /no3 3hat yo# ha!e to do.B
A, /no3. , cannot.B
A,% yo# are not 3i((ing to he(p2 then yo# sho#(d not ha!e ca((ed me here.B
AB#t it has been too (ong.B
A,t has been too (ong %or a(( o% #s.B
AAnd , am I#ite mad.B
A, /no3.B She reached o#t a 3hite hand to 8or#s2 and she to#ched his b(ac/ hair. 8e b(in/ed at
her2 intent(y. hen he shimmered2 as i% in a heat ha1e.
he ha3/ eye that %aced her g(inted orange2 as i% a %(ame had D#st been /ind(ed inside it? a %(ame
that had been (ong e&ting#ished.
he ha3/ too/ to the air2 and it s3#ng #p3ard2 circ(ing and ascending in a rising gyre2 circ(ing
the p(ace in the gray c(o#ds 3here the s#n might concei!ab(y be2 and as the ha3/ rose it
became %irst a dot and then a spec/2 and then2 to the na/ed eye2 nothing at a((2 something that
co#(d on(y be imagined. he c(o#ds began to thin and to e!aporate2 creating a patch o% b(#e s/y
thro#gh 3hich the s#n g(ared. he sing(e bright s#nbeam penetrating the c(o#ds and bathing
the meado3 3as bea#ti%#(2 b#t the image %aded as more c(o#ds !anished. Soon the morning
s#n 3as b(a1ing do3n on that meado3 (i/e a s#mmer s#n at noon2 b#rning the 3ater !apor
%rom the morning$s rain into mists and b#rning the mist o%% into nothing at a((.
he go(den s#n bathed the body on the %(oor o% the meado3 3ith its radiance and its heat.
Shades o% pin/ and o% 3arm bro3n to#ched the dead thing.
he 3oman dragged the %ingers o% her right hand (ight(y across the body$s chest. She imagined
she co#(d %ee( a shi!er in his breast-something that 3as not a heartbeat2 b#t sti((QShe (et her
hand remain there2 on his chest2 D#st abo!e his heart.
She (o3ered her (ips to Shado3$s (ips2 and she breathed into his (#ngs2 a gent(e in and o#t2 and
then the breath became a /iss. 8er /iss 3as gent(e2 and it tasted o% spring rains and meado3
%(o3ers.
he 3o#nd in his side began to %(o3 3ith (iI#id b(ood once more-a scar(et b(ood2 3hich oo1ed
(i/e (iI#id r#bies in the s#n(ight2 and then the b(eeding stopped.
She /issed his chee/ and his %orehead. A4ome on2B she said. Aime to get #p. ,t$s a(( happening.
9o# don$t 3ant to miss it.B
8is eyes %(#ttered2 and then they opened2 t3o eyes o% a gray so deep it 3as co(or(ess2 the gray
o% e!ening2 and he (oo/ed at her.
She smi(ed2 and then she remo!ed her hand %rom his chest.
8e said2 A9o# ca((ed me bac/.B 8e said it s(o3(y2 as i% he had %orgotten ho3 to spea/ "ng(ish.
here 3as h#rt in his !oice2 and p#11(ement.
A9es.B
A, 3as done. , 3as D#dged. ,t 3as o!er. 9o# ca((ed me bac/. 9o# dared.B
A,$m sorry.B
A9es.B
8e sat #p2 s(o3(y. 8e 3inced2 and to#ched his side. hen he (oo/ed p#11(ed: there 3as a
beading o% 3et b(ood there2 b#t there 3as no 3o#nd beneath it.
8e reached o#t a hand2 and she p#t her arm aro#nd him and he(ped him to his %eet. 8e (oo/ed
across the meado3 as i% he 3as trying to remember the names o% the things he 3as (oo/ing at:
the %(o3ers in the (ong grass2 the r#ins o% the %armho#se2 the ha1e o% green b#ds that %ogged
the branches o% the h#ge si(!er tree.
ADo yo# remember:B she as/ed. ADo yo# remember 3hat yo# (earned:B
A9es. ,t 3i(( %ade tho#gh. @i/e a dream. , /no3 that. , (ost my name2 and , (ost my heart. And yo#
bro#ght me bac/.B
A,$m sorry2B she said2 %or the second time. Ahey are going to %ight2 soon. he o(d gods and the
ne3 ones.B
A9o# 3ant me to %ight %or yo#: 9o# 3asted yo#r time.B
A, bro#ght yo# bac/ beca#se that 3as 3hat , had to do2B she said. A,t$s 3hat , can do. ,t$s 3hat
,$m best at. 5hat yo# do no3 is 3hate!er yo# ha!e to do. 9o#r ca((. , did my part.B S#dden(y2
she became a3are o% his na/edness2 and she b(#shed a b#rning scar(et %(#sh2 and she (oo/ed
do3n and a3ay.
,n the rain and the c(o#d2 shado3s mo!ed #p the side o% the mo#ntain2 #p to the roc/
path3ays.
5hite %o&es padded #p the hi(( in company 3ith redChaired men in green Dac/ets. here 3as a
b#((Cheaded minota#r 3a(/ing beside an ironC%ingered dacty(. A pig2 a mon/ey2 and a sharpC
toothed gho#( c(ambered #p the hi((side2 in company 3ith a b(#eCs/inned man ho(ding a %(aming
bo32 a bear 3ith %(o3ers t3ined into its %#r2 and a man in go(den chain mai( ho(ding his s3ord
o% eyes.
Bea#ti%#( Antino#s2 3ho 3as the (o!er o% 8adrian2 3a(/ed #p the hi((side at the head o% a
company o% (eather I#eens2 their arms and chests steroidCs3o((en and sc#(pted into per%ect
shapes.
A grayCs/inned man2 his one cyc(opean eye a h#ge cabochon emera(d2 3a(/ed sti%%(y #p the hi((2
ahead o% se!era( sI#at and s3arthy men2 their impassi!e %aces as reg#(ar as A1tec car!ings:
they /ne3 the secrets that the D#ng(es had s3a((o3ed.
A sniper at the top o% the hi(( too/ care%#( aim at a 3hite %o&2 and %ired. here 3as an e&p(osion2
and a p#%% o% cordite2 g#npo3der scent on the 3et air. he corpse 3as a yo#ng Japanese
3oman 3ith her stomach b(o3n a3ay2 and her %ace a(( b(oody. S(o3(y2 the corpse began to
%ade.
he peop(e contin#ed #p the hi((2 on t3o (egs2 on %o#r (egs2 on no (egs at a((.
he dri!e thro#gh the ennessee mo#ntain co#ntry had been start(ing(y bea#ti%#( 3hene!er the
storm had eased2 and ner!eC3rac/ing 3hene!er the rain had pe(ted do3n. o3n and @a#ra had
ta(/ed and ta(/ed and ta(/ed the 3ho(e 3ay. 8e 3as so g(ad he had met her. ,t 3as (i/e meeting
an o(d %riend2 a rea((y good o(d %riend yo#$d simp(y ne!er met be%ore. hey ta(/ed history and
mo!ies and m#sic2 and she t#rned o#t to be the on(y person2 and , mean the on(y other
person2 he had e!er met 3ho had seen a %oreign %i(m G6r. o3n 3as s#re it 3as Spanish2 3hi(e
@a#ra 3as D#st as certain it 3as Po(ishH %rom the si&ties ca((ed he 6an#script )o#nd in
Saragossa2 a %i(m he had been starting to be(ie!e he had ha((#cinated.
5hen @a#ra pointed o#t the %irst S"" +*4. 4,9 barn to him he ch#c/(ed and admitted that that 3as
3here he 3as headed. She said that 3as so coo(. She a(3ays 3anted to !isit those /inds o%
p(aces2 b#t she ne!er made the time2 and a(3ays regretted it (ater. hat 3as 3hy she 3as on
the road right no3. She 3as ha!ing an ad!ent#re.
She 3as a tra!e( agent2 she to(d him. Separated %rom her h#sband. She admitted that she didn$t
thin/ they co#(d e!er get bac/ together2 and said it 3as her %a#(t.
A, can$t be(ie!e that.B
She sighed. A,t$s tr#e2 6ac/. ,$m D#st not the 3oman he married anymore.B
5e((2 he to(d her2 peop(e change2 and be%ore he co#(d thin/ he 3as te((ing her e!erything he
co#(d te(( her abo#t his (i%e2 he 3as e!en te((ing her abo#t 5oody and Stoner2 ho3 the three o%
them 3ere the three m#s/eteers2 and the t3o o% them 3ere /i((ed2 yo# thin/ yo#$d get
hardened to that /ind o% thing in go!ernment 3or/2 b#t yo# ne!er did. ,t ne!er happened.
And she reached o#t one hand-it 3as co(d eno#gh that he t#rned #p the car$s heating-and
sI#ee1ed his hand tight(y in hers.
@#nchtime2 they ate bad Japanese %ood 3hi(e a th#nderstorm (o3ered on .no&!i((e2 and o3n
didn$t care that the %ood 3as (ate2 that the miso so#p 3as co(d2 or that the s#shi 3as 3arm.
8e (o!ed the %act that she 3as o#t2 3ith him2 ha!ing an ad!ent#re.
A5e((2B con%ided @a#ra2 A, hated the idea o% getting sta(e. , 3as D#st rotting a3ay 3here , 3as. So
, set o%% 3itho#t my car and 3itho#t my credit cards. ,$m D#st re(ying on the /indness o%
strangers. And ,$!e had the best time. Peop(e ha!e been so good to me.B
AAren$t yo# scared:B he as/ed. A, mean2 yo# co#(d be stranded2 yo# co#(d be m#gged2 yo#
co#(d star!e.B
She shoo/ her head. hen she said2 3ith a hesitant smi(e2 A, met yo#2 didn$t ,:B and he co#(dn$t
%ind anything to say.
5hen the mea( 3as o!er they ran thro#gh the storm to his car ho(ding JapaneseC(ang#age
ne3spapers to co!er their heads2 and they (a#ghed as they ran2 (i/e schoo(chi(dren in the rain.
A8o3 %ar can , ta/e yo#:B he as/ed2 3hen they made it bac/ into the car. A,$(( go as %ar as yo#$re
going2 6ac/2B she to(d him2 shy(y.
8e 3as g(ad he hadn$t #sed the Big 6ac/ (ine. his 3oman 3asn$t a barCroom oneCnighter2 6r.
o3n /ne3 that in his so#(. ,t might ha!e ta/en him %i%ty years to %ind her2 b#t this 3as %ina((y it2
this 3as the one2 this 3i(d2 magica( 3oman 3ith the (ong dar/ hair.
his 3as (o!e.
A@oo/2B he said2 as they approached 4hattanooga. he 3ipers s(ooshed the rain across the
3indshie(d2 b(#rring the gray o% the city. A8o3 abo#t , %ind a mote( %or yo# tonight: ,$(( pay %or
it. And once , ma/e my de(i!ery2 3e can. 5e((2 3e can ta/e a hot bath together2 %or a start.
5arm yo# #p.B
Ahat so#nds 3onder%#(2B said @a#ra. A5hat are yo# de(i!ering:B
Ahat stic/2B he to(d her2 and ch#c/(ed. Ahe one on the bac/ seat.B
A*/ay2B she said2 h#moring him. Ahen don$t te(( me2 6ister 6ysterio#s.B
8e to(d her it 3o#(d be best i% she 3aited in the car in the +oc/ 4ity par/ing (ot 3hi(e he made
his de(i!ery. 8e dro!e #p the side o% @oo/o#t 6o#ntain in the g#sting rain2 ne!er brea/ing thirty
mi(es per ho#r2 3ith his head(ights b#rning.
hey par/ed at the bac/ o% the par/ing (ot. 8e t#rned o%% the engine.
A8ey. 6ac/. Be%ore yo# get o#t o% the car2 don$t , get a h#g:B as/ed @a#ra 3ith a smi(e.
A9o# s#re(y do2B said 6r. o3n2 and he p#t his arms aro#nd her2 and she sn#gg(ed c(ose to him
3hi(e the rain pattered a tattoo on the roo% o% the )ord "&p(orer. 8e co#(d sme(( her hair. here
3as a %aint(y #np(easant scent beneath the per%#me. ra!e( 3o#(d do it2 e!ery time. hat bath2
he decided2 3as a rea( m#st %or both o% them. 8e 3ondered i% there 3as anyp(ace in
4hattanooga 3here he co#(d get those scented bath bombs his %irst 3i%e had (o!ed so m#ch.
@a#ra raised her head against his2 and her hand stro/ed the (ine o% his nec/2 absent(y.
A6ac/Q, /eep thin/ing. 9o# m#st rea((y 3ant to /no3 3hat happened to those %riends o%
yo#rs2B she said. A5oody and Stone. Do yo#:B
A9eah2B he said2 mo!ing his (ips do3n to hers2 %or their %irst /iss. AS#re , do.B
So she sho3ed him.
Shado3 3a(/ed the meado32 ma/ing his o3n s(o3 circ(es aro#nd the tr#n/ o% the tree2
grad#a((y 3idening his circ(e. Sometimes he 3o#(d stop and pic/ something #p: a %(o3er2 or a
(ea%2 or a pebb(e2 or a t3ig2 or a b(ade o% grass. 8e 3o#(d e&amine it min#te(y2 as i%
concentrating entire(y on the t3igness o% the t3ig2 the (ea%ness o% the (ea%2 as i% he 3ere
seeing it %or the %irst time.
"aster %o#nd herse(% reminded o% the ga1e o% a baby2 at the point 3here it (earns to %oc#s.
She did not dare to ta(/ to him. At that moment2 it 3o#(d ha!e been sacri(egio#s. She 3atched
him2 e&ha#sted as she 3as2 and she 3ondered.
Abo#t t3enty %eet o#t %rom the base o% the tree2 ha(%Co!ergro3n 3ith (ong meado3Cgrass and
dead creepers2 he %o#nd a can!as bag. Shado3 pic/ed it #p2 #ntied the /nots at the top o% the
bag2 (oosened the dra3Cstring.
he c(othes he p#((ed o#t 3ere his o3n. hey 3ere o(d2 b#t sti(( ser!iceab(e. 8e t#rned the
shoes o!er in his hands. 8e stro/ed the %abric o% the shirt2 the 3oo( o% the s3eater2 stared at
them as i% he 3ere (oo/ing at them across a mi((ion years.
)or some time he (oo/ed at them2 then2 one by one2 he p#t them on.
8e p#t his hands into his poc/ets2 and (oo/ed p#11(ed as he p#((ed one hand o#t ho(ding 3hat
(oo/ed to "aster (i/e a 3hite and gray marb(e.
8e said2 A'o coins.B ,t 3as the %irst thing he had said in se!era( ho#rs.
A'o coins:B echoed "aster.
8e shoo/ his head. A,t 3as good to ha!e the coins2B he said. Ahey ga!e me something to do
3ith my hands.B 8e bent do3n to p#(( on his shoes.
*nce he 3as dressed2 he (oo/ed more norma(. Gra!e2 tho#gh. She 3ondered ho3 %ar he had
tra!e(ed2 and 3hat it had cost him to ret#rn. 8e 3as not the %irst 3hose ret#rn she had
initiated2 and she /ne3 that2 soon eno#gh2 the mi((ionCyear stare 3o#(d %ade2 and the memories
and the dreams that he had bro#ght bac/ %rom the tree 3o#(d be e(ided by the 3or(d o% things
yo# co#(d to#ch. hat 3as the 3ay it a(3ays 3ent.
She (ed their 3ay to the rear o% the meado3. 8er mo#nt 3aited in the trees.
A,t can$t carry both o% #s2B she to(d him. A,$(( ma/e my o3n 3ay home.B
Shado3 nodded. 8e seemed to be trying to remember something. hen he opened his mo#th2
and he screeched a cry o% 3e(come and o% Doy.
he th#nderbird opened its cr#e( bea/2 and it screeched a 3e(come bac/ at him.
S#per%icia((y2 at (east2 it resemb(ed a condor. ,ts %eathers 3ere b(ac/2 3ith a p#rp(ish sheen2 and
its nec/ 3as banded 3ith 3hite. ,ts bea/ 3as b(ac/ and cr#e(: a raptor$s bea/2 made %or tearing.
At rest2 on the gro#nd2 3ith its 3ings %o(ded a3ay2 it 3as the si1e o% a b(ac/ bear2 and its head
3as on a (e!e( 3ith Shado3$s o3n.
8or#s said2 pro#d(y2 A, bro#ght him. hey (i!e in the mo#ntains.B
Shado3 nodded. A, had a dream o% th#nderbirds once2B he said. ADamnedest dream , e!er
had.B
he th#nderbird opened its bea/ and made a s#rprising(y gent(e noise2 4ra3roo: A9o# heard
my dream too:B as/ed Shado3.
8e reached o#t a hand and r#bbed it gent(y against the bird$s head. he th#nderbird p#shed #p
against him (i/e an a%%ectionate pony. 8e scratched it behind 3here the ears m#st ha!e been.
Shado3 t#rned to "aster. A9o# rode him here:B
A9es2B she said. A9o# can ride him bac/2 i% he (ets yo#.B
A8o3 do yo# ride him:B
A,t$s easy2B she said. A,% yo# don$t %a((. @i/e riding the (ightning.B
A5i(( , see yo# bac/ there:B
She shoo/ her head. A,$m done2 honey2B she to(d him. A9o# go do 3hat yo# need to do. ,$m
tired. Bringing yo# bac/ (i/e thatQit too/ a (ot o#t o% me. , need to rest2 to sa!e #p my energies
#nti( my %esti!a( begins. ,$m sorry. Good (#c/.B
Shado3 nodded. A5his/ey Jac/. , sa3 him. A%ter , passed on. 8e came and %o#nd me. 5e dran/
beer together.B
A9es2B she said. A,$m s#re yo# did.B
A5i(( , e!er see yo# again:B as/ed Shado3.
She (oo/ed at him 3ith eyes the green o% ripening corn. She said nothing. hen2 abr#pt(y2 she
shoo/ her head. A, do#bt it2B she said.
Shado3 c(ambered a3/3ard(y onto the th#nderbird$s bac/. 8e %e(t (i/e a mo#se on the bac/ o%
a ha3/. here 3as an o1one taste in his mo#th2 meta((ic and b(#e. Something crac/(ed. he
th#nderbird e&tended its 3ings2 and began to %(ap them2 hard.
As the gro#nd %e(( a3ay beneath them2 Shado3 c(#ng on2 his heart po#nding in his chest (i/e a
3i(d thing.
,t 3as e&act(y (i/e riding the (ightning.
@a#ra too/ the stic/ %rom the bac/ seat o% the car. She (e%t 6r. o3n in the %ront seat o% the
)ord "&p(orer2 and c(imbed o#t o% the car2 and 3a(/ed thro#gh the rain to +oc/ 4ity. he tic/et
o%%ice 3as c(osed. he door to the gi%t shop 3as not (oc/ed and she 3a(/ed thro#gh it2 past the
roc/ candy and the disp(ay o% S"" +*4. 4,9 birdho#ses2 into the "ighth 5onder o% the 5or(d.
'obody cha((enged her2 a(tho#gh she passed se!era( men and 3omen on the path2 in the rain.
6any o% them (oo/ed %aint(y arti%icia(? se!era( o% them 3ere trans(#cent. She 3a(/ed across a
s3inging rope bridge. She passed the 3hite deer gardens2 and p#shed herse(% thro#gh the )at
6an$s SI#ee1e2 3here the path ran bet3een t3o roc/ 3a((s.
And2 in the end2 she stepped o!er a chain2 3ith a sign on it te((ing her that this part o% the
attraction 3as c(osed2 and she 3ent into a ca!ern2 and she sa3 a man sitting on a p(astic chair2
in %ront o% a diorama o% dr#n/en gnomes. 8e 3as reading the 5ashington Post by the (ight o% a
sma(( e(ectric (antern. 5hen he sa3 her he %o(ded the paper and p(aced it beneath his chair. 8e
stood #p2 a ta(( man 3ith c(oseCcropped orange hair in an e&pensi!e raincoat2 and he ga!e her a
sma(( bo3.
A, sha(( ass#me that 6ister o3n is dead2B he said. A5e(come2 spearCcarrier.B
Ahan/ yo#. ,$m sorry abo#t 6ac/2B she said. A5ere yo# %riends:B
A'ot at a((. 8e sho#(d ha!e /ept himse(% a(i!e2 i% he 3anted to /eep his Dob. B#t yo# bro#ght his
stic/.B 8e (oo/ed her #p and do3n 3ith eyes that g(immered (i/e the orange embers o% a dying
%ire. A, am a%raid yo# ha!e the ad!antage o% me. hey ca(( me 6ister 5or(d2 here at the top o%
the hi((.B
A,$m Shado3$s 3i%e.B
A*% co#rse. he (o!e(y @a#ra2B he said. A, sho#(d ha!e recogni1ed yo#. 8e had se!era(
photographs o% yo# #p abo!e his bed2 in the ce(( that once 3e shared. And2 i% yo# don$t mind
my saying so2 yo# are (oo/ing (o!e(ier than yo# ha!e any right to (oo/. Sho#(dn$t yo# be %#rther
a(ong on the 3ho(e roadCtoCrotCandCr#in b#siness by no3:B
A, 3as2B she said simp(y. A, 3as m#ch %#rther a(ong. ,$m not s#re 3hat changed. , /no3 3hen ,
started %ee(ing better. ,t 3as this morning. hose 3omen2 in the %arm2 they ga!e me 3ater %rom
their 3e((.B
An eyebro3 raised. AErd$s 5e((: S#re(y not.B
She pointed to herse(%. 8er s/in 3as pa(e2 and her eyeCsoc/ets 3ere dar/2 b#t she 3as
mani%est(y 3ho(e: i% she 3as indeed a 3a(/ing corpse2 she 3as %resh(y dead.
A,t 3on$t (ast2B said 6r. 5or(d. Ahe 'orns ga!e yo# a (itt(e taste o% the past. ,t 3i(( disso(!e into
the present soon eno#gh2 and then those pretty b(#e eyes 3i(( ro(( o#t o% their soc/ets and oo1e
do3n those pretty chee/s2 3hich 3i((2 by then2 o% co#rse2 no (onger be so pretty. By the 3ay2
yo# ha!e my stic/. 4an , ha!e it2 p(ease:B
8e p#((ed o#t a pac/ o% @#c/y Stri/es2 too/ a cigarette2 (it it 3ith a disposab(e b(ac/ Bic.
She said2 A4an , ha!e one o% those:B
AS#re. ,$(( gi!e yo# a cigarette i% yo# gi!e me my stic/.B
A'o2B she said. A,% yo# 3ant it2 it$s 3orth more than D#st a cigarette.B
8e said nothing.
She said2 A, 3ant ans3ers. , 3ant to /no3 things.B
8e (it a cigarette and passed it to her. She too/ it and inha(ed. hen she b(in/ed. A, can a(most
taste this one2B she said. A, thin/ maybe , can.B She smi(ed. A6m. 'icotine.B
A9es2B he said. A5hy did yo# go to the 3omen in the %armho#se:B
AShado3 to(d me to go to them2B she said. A8e said to as/ them %or 3ater.B
A, 3onder i% he /ne3 3hat it 3o#(d do. Probab(y not. Sti((2 that$s the good thing abo#t ha!ing
him dead on his tree. , /no3 3here he is at a(( times2 no3. 8e$s o%% the board.B
A9o# set #p my h#sband2B she said. A9o# set him #p a(( the 3ay2 yo# peop(e. 8e has a good
heart2 yo# /no3 that:B
A9es2B said 6r. 5or(d. A, /no3.B
A5hy did yo# 3ant him:B
APatterns2 and distraction2B said 6r. 5or(d. A5hen this is a(( done 3ith2 , g#ess ,$(( sharpen a
stic/ o% mist(etoe and go do3n to the ash tree2 and ram it thro#gh his eye. hat$s 3hat those
morons %ighting o#t there ha!e ne!er been ab(e to grasp. ,t$s ne!er a matter o% o(d and ne3. ,t$s
on(y abo#t patterns. 'o3. 6y stic/2 p(ease.B
A5hy do yo# 3ant it:B
A,t$s a so#!enir o% this 3ho(e sorry mess2B said 6r. 5or(d. ADon$t 3orry2 it$s not mist(etoe.B 8e
%(ashed a grin. A,t symbo(i1es a spear2 and in this sorry 3or(d2 the symbo( is the thing.B
he noises %rom o#tside gre3 (o#der.
A5hich side are yo# on:B she as/ed.
A,t$s not abo#t sides2B he to(d her. AB#t since yo# as/ed2 ,$m on the 3inning side. A(3ays. hat$s
3hat , do best.B
She nodded2 and she did not (et go o% the stic/. A, can see that2B she said.
She t#rned a3ay %rom him2 and (oo/ed o#t o% the ca!ern door. )ar be(o3 her2 in the roc/s2 she
co#(d see something that g(o3ed and p#(sed. ,t 3rapped itse(% aro#nd a thin2 ma#!eC%aced
bearded man2 3ho 3as beating at it 3ith a sI#eegee stic/2 the /ind o% sI#eegee that peop(e
(i/e him #se to smear across car 3indshie(ds at tra%%ic (ights. here 3as a scream2 and they both
disappeared %rom !ie3.
A*/ay. ,$(( gi!e yo# the stic/2B she said.
6r. 5or(d$s !oice came %rom behind her. AGood gir(2B he said reass#ring(y2 in a 3ay that str#c/
her as being both patroni1ing and inde%inab(y ma(e. ,t made her s/in cra3(.
She 3aited in the roc/ door3ay #nti( she co#(d hear his breath in her ear. She had to 3ait #nti(
he got c(ose eno#gh. She had that m#ch %ig#red o#t.
he ride 3as more than e&hi(arating? it 3as e(ectric.
hey s3ept thro#gh the storm (i/e Dagged bo(ts o% (ightning2 %(ashing %rom c(o#d to c(o#d? they
mo!ed (i/e the th#nder$s roar2 (i/e the s3e(( and rip o% the h#rricane. ,t 3as a crac/(ing2
impossib(e Do#rney2 and Shado3 %orgot to be scared a(most immediate(y. 9o# cannot be a%raid
3hen yo# ride the th#nderbird. here is no %ear: on(y the po3er o% the storm2 #nstoppab(e and
a((Ccons#ming2 and the Doy o% the %(ight.
Shado3 d#g his %ingers into the th#nderbird$s %eathers2 %ee(ing the static pric/(e on his s/in.
B(#e spar/s 3rithed across his hands (i/e tiny sna/es. +ain 3ashed his %ace.
Ahis is the best2B he sho#ted2 o!er the roar o% the storm.
As i% it #nderstood him2 the bird began to rise higher2 e!ery 3ingCbeat a c(ap o% th#nder2 and it
s3ooped and do!e and t#mb(ed thro#gh the dar/ c(o#ds.
A,n my dream2 , 3as h#nting yo#2B said Shado32 his 3ords ripped a3ay by the 3ind. A,n my
dream. , had to bring bac/ a %eather.B
9es. he 3ord 3as a static crac/(e in the radio o% his mind. hey came to #s %or %eathers2 to
pro!e that they 3ere men? and they came to #s to c#t the stones %rom o#r heads2 to gi!e their
dead o#r (i!es.
An image %i((ed his mind then: o% a th#nderbird-a %ema(e2 he ass#med2 %or her p(#mage 3as
bro3n2 not b(ac/-(ying %resh(y dead on the side o% a mo#ntain. Beside it 3as a 3oman. She
3as brea/ing open its s/#(( 3ith a /nob o% %(int. She pic/ed thro#gh the 3et shards o% bone and
the brains #nti( she %o#nd a smooth c(ear stone the ta3ny co(or o% garnet2 opa(escent %ires
%(ic/ering in its depths. "ag(e stones2 tho#ght Shado3. She 3as going to ta/e it to her in%ant
son2 dead these (ast three nights2 and she 3o#(d (ay it on his co(d breast. By the ne&t s#nrise the
boy 3o#(d be a(i!e and (a#ghing2 and the De3e( 3o#(d be gray and c(o#ded and2 (i/e the bird it
had been sto(en %rom2 I#ite dead.
A, #nderstand2B he said to the bird.
he bird thre3 bac/ its head and cro3ed2 and its cry 3as the th#nder.
he 3or(d beneath them %(ashed past in one strange dream.
@a#ra adD#sted her grip on the stic/2 and she 3aited %or the man she /ne3 as 6r. 5or(d to
come to her. She 3as %acing a3ay %rom him2 (oo/ing o#t at the storm2 and the dar/ green hi((s
be(o3.
,n this sorry 3or(d2 she tho#ght2 the symbo( is the thing. 9es.
She %e(t his hand c(ose so%t(y onto her right sho#(der.
Good2 she tho#ght. 8e does not 3ant to a(arm me. 8e is scared that , 3i(( thro3 his stic/ o#t
into the storm2 that it 3i(( t#mb(e do3n the mo#ntainside2 and he 3i(( (ose it.
She (eaned bac/2 D#st a (itt(e2 #nti( she 3as to#ching his chest 3ith her bac/. 8is (e%t arm c#r!ed
aro#nd her. ,t 3as an intimate gest#re. 8is (e%t hand 3as open in %ront o% her. She c(osed both
o% her hands aro#nd the top o% the stic/2 e&ha(ed2 concentrated.
AP(ease. 6y stic/2B he said2 in her ears.
A9es2B she said. A,t$s yo#rs.B And then2 not /no3ing i% it 3o#(d mean anything2 she said2 A,
dedicate this death to Shado32B and she stabbed the stic/ into her chest2 D#st be(o3 the
breastbone2 %e(t it 3rithe and change in her hands as the stic/ became a spear.
he bo#ndary bet3een sensation and pain had di%%#sed since she had died. She %e(t the spear
head penetrate her chest2 %e(t it p#sh o#t thro#gh her bac/. A moment$s resistance-she
p#shed harder-and the spear thr#st into 6r. 5or(d. She co#(d %ee( the 3arm breath o% him on
the coo( s/in o% her nec/2 as he 3ai(ed in h#rt and s#rprise2 impa(ed on the spear.
She did not recogni1e the 3ords he spo/e2 nor the (ang#age he said them in. She p#shed the
sha%t o% the spear %#rther in2 %orcing it thro#gh her body2 into and thro#gh his.
She co#(d %ee( his hot b(ood sp#rting onto her bac/.
ABitch2B he said2 in "ng(ish. A9o# %#c/ing bitch.B here 3as a 3et g#rg(ing I#a(ity to his !oice.
She g#essed that the b(ade o% the spear m#st ha!e s(iced a (#ng. 6r. 5or(d 3as mo!ing no32 or
trying to mo!e2 and e!ery mo!e he made roc/ed her too: they 3ere Doined by the po(e2 impa(ed
together (i/e t3o %ish on a sing(e spear. 8e no3 had a /ni%e in one hand2 she sa32 and he
stabbed her chest and breasts random(y and 3i(d(y 3ith the /ni%e2 #nab(e to see 3hat he 3as
doing.
She did not care. 5hat are /ni%eCc#ts to a corpse:
She bro#ght her %ist do3n2 hard2 on his 3a!ing 3rist2 and the /ni%e 3ent %(ying to the %(oor o%
the ca!ern. She /ic/ed it a3ay.
And no3 he 3as crying and 3ai(ing. She co#(d %ee( him p#shing against her2 his hands %#mb(ing
at her bac/2 his hot tears on her nec/. 8is b(ood 3as soa/ing her bac/2 sp#rting do3n the bac/
o% her (egs.
Ahis m#st (oo/ so #ndigni%ied2B she said2 in a dead 3hisper 3hich 3as not 3itho#t a certain
dar/ am#sement.
She %e(t 6r. 5or(d st#mb(e behind her2 and she st#mb(ed too2 and then she s(ipped in the
b(ood-a(( o% it his-that 3as p#dd(ing on the %(oor o% the ca!e2 and they both 3ent do3n.
he th#nderbird (anded in the +oc/ 4ity par/ing (ot. +ain 3as %a((ing in sheets. Shado3 co#(d
bare(y see a do1en %eet in %ront o% his %ace. 8e (et go o% the th#nderbird$s %eathers and ha(%C
s(ipped2 ha(%Ct#mb(ed to the 3et tarmac.
he bird (oo/ed at him. @ightning %(ashed2 and the bird 3as gone.
Shado3 c(imbed to his %eet.
he par/ing (ot 3as threeCI#arters empty. Shado3 started to3ard the entrance. 8e passed a
bro3n )ord "&p(orer2 par/ed against a roc/ 3a((. here 3as something deep(y %ami(iar abo#t
the car2 and he g(anced #p at it c#rio#s(y2 noticing the man inside the car2 s(#mped o!er the
steering 3hee( as i% as(eep.
Shado3 p#((ed open the dri!er$s door.
8e had (ast seen 6r. o3n standing o#tside the mote( in the center o% America. he e&pression
on his %ace 3as one o% s#rprise. 8is nec/ had been e&pert(y bro/en. Shado3 to#ched the man$s
%ace. Sti(( 3arm.
Shado3 co#(d sme(( a scent on the air in the car? it 3as %aint2 (i/e the per%#me o% someone 3ho
(e%t a room years be%ore2 b#t Shado3 3o#(d ha!e /no3n it any3here. 8e s(ammed the door o%
the "&p(orer and made his 3ay across the par/ing (ot.
As he 3a(/ed he %e(t a t3inge in his side2 a sharp2 Dabbing pain that m#st ha!e on(y e&isted in his
head2 as it (asted %or on(y a second2 or (ess2 and then it 3as gone.
here 3as nobody in the gi%t shop2 nobody se((ing tic/ets. 8e 3a(/ed thro#gh the b#i(ding and
o#t into the gardens o% +oc/ 4ity.
h#nder r#mb(ed2 and it ratt(ed the branches o% the trees and shoo/ deep inside the h#ge
roc/s2 and the rain %e(( 3ith co(d !io(ence. ,t 3as (ate a%ternoon2 b#t it 3as dar/ as night.
A trai( o% (ightning speared across the c(o#ds2 and Shado3 3ondered i% that 3as the
th#nderbird ret#rning to its high crags2 or D#st an atmospheric discharge2 or 3hether the t3o
ideas 3ere2 on some (e!e(2 the same thing.
And o% co#rse they 3ere. hat 3as the point2 a%ter a((.
Some3here a man$s !oice ca((ed o#t. Shado3 heard it. he on(y 3ords he recogni1ed or
tho#ght he recogni1ed 3ere AQto *dinPB
Shado3 h#rried across Se!en States )(ag 4o#rt2 the %(agstones no3 r#nning %ast 3ith a
dangero#s amo#nt o% rain3ater. *nce he s(ipped on the s(ic/ stone. here 3as a thic/ (ayer o%
c(o#d s#rro#nding the mo#ntain2 and in the g(oom and the storm beyond the co#rtyard he
co#(d see no states at a((.
here 3as no so#nd. he p(ace seemed #tter(y abandoned.
8e ca((ed o#t2 and imagined he heard something ans3ering. 8e 3a(/ed to3ard the p(ace %rom
3hich he tho#ght the so#nd had come.
'obody. 'othing. J#st a chain mar/ing the entrance to a ca!e as o%%C(imits to g#ests.
Shado3 stepped o!er the chain.
8e (oo/ed aro#nd2 peering into the dar/ness.
8is s/in pric/(ed.
A !oice %rom behind him2 in the shado3s2 said2 !ery I#iet(y2 A9o# ha!e ne!er disappointed me.B
Shado3 did not t#rn. Ahat$s 3eird2B he said. A, disappointed myse(% a(( the 3ay. "!ery time.B
A'ot at a((2B ch#c/(ed the !oice. A9o# did e!erything yo# 3ere meant to do2 and more. 9o# too/
e!erybody$s attention2 so they ne!er (oo/ed at the hand 3ith the coin in it. ,t$s ca((ed
misdirection. And there$s po3er in the sacri%ice o% a son-po3er eno#gh2 and more than
eno#gh2 to get the 3ho(e ba(( ro((ing. o te(( the tr#th2 ,$m pro#d o% yo#.B
A,t 3as croo/ed2B said Shado3. AA(( o% it. 'one o% it 3as %or rea(. ,t 3as D#st a setC#p %or a
massacre.B
A"&act(y2B said 5ednesday$s !oice %rom the shado3s. A,t 3as croo/ed. B#t it 3as the on(y game
in to3n.B
A, 3ant @a#ra2B said Shado3. A, 3ant @o/i. 5here are they:B
here 3as on(y si(ence. A spray o% rain g#sted at him. h#nder r#mb(ed some3here c(ose at
hand.
8e 3a(/ed %#rther in.
@o/i @ieCSmith sat on the gro#nd 3ith his bac/ to a meta( cage. ,nside the cage2 dr#n/en pi&ies
tended their sti((. 8e 3as co!ered 3ith a b(an/et. *n(y his %ace sho3ed2 and his hands2 3hite
and (ong2 came aro#nd the b(an/et. An e(ectric (antern sat on a chair beside him. he (antern$s
batteries 3ere c(ose to %ai(ing2 and the (ight it cast 3as %aint and ye((o3.
8e (oo/ed pa(e2 and he (oo/ed ro#gh.
8is eyes2 tho#gh. 8is eyes 3ere sti(( %iery2 and they g(ared at Shado3 as he 3a(/ed thro#gh the
ca!ern.
5hen Shado3 3as se!era( paces %rom @o/i2 he stopped.
A9o# are too (ate2B said @o/i. 8is !oice 3as raspy and 3et. A, ha!e thro3n the spear. , ha!e
dedicated the batt(e. ,t has beg#n.B
A'o shit2B said Shado3.
A'o shit2B said @o/i. A,t does not matter 3hat yo# do any more. ,t is too (ate.B
A*/ay2B said Shado3. 8e stopped and tho#ght. hen he said2 A9o# say there$s some spear yo#
had to thro3 to /ic/ o%% the batt(e. @i/e the 3ho(e Eppsa(a thing. his is the batt(e yo#$(( be
%eeding on. Am , right:B
Si(ence. 8e co#(d hear @o/i breathing2 a ghast(y ratt(ing inha(ation.
A, %ig#red it o#t2B said Shado3. A.ind o%. ,$m not s#re 3hen , %ig#red it o#t. 6aybe 3hen , 3as
hanging on the tree. 6aybe be%ore. ,t 3as %rom something 5ednesday said to me2 at
4hristmas.B
@o/i D#st stared at him2 saying nothing.
A,t$s D#st a t3oCman con2B said Shado3. A@i/e the bishop and the diamond nec/(ace and the cop.
@i/e the g#y 3ith the %idd(e2 and the g#y 3ho 3ants to b#y the %idd(e2 and the poor sap in
bet3een them 3ho pays %or the %idd(e. 3o men2 3ho appear to be on opposite sides2 p(aying
the same game.B
@o/i 3hispered2 A9o# are ridic#(o#s.B
A5hy: , (i/ed 3hat yo# did at the mote(. hat 3as smart. 9o# needed to be there2 to ma/e s#re
that e!erything 3ent according to p(an. , sa3 yo#. , e!en rea(i1ed 3ho yo# 3ere. And , sti((
ne!er t3igged that yo# 3ere their 6ister 5or(d. *r maybe , did2 some3here do3n deep. ,
/ne3 , /ne3 yo#r !oice2 any3ay.B
Shado3 raised his !oice. A9o# can come o#t2B he said2 to the ca!ern. A5here!er yo# are. Sho3
yo#rse(%.B
he 3ind ho3(ed in the opening o% the ca!ern2 and it dro!e a spray o% rain3ater in to3ard
them. Shado3 shi!ered.
A,$m tired o% being p(ayed %or a s#c/er2B said Shado3. ASho3 yo#rse(%. @et me see yo#.B
here 3as a change in the shado3s at the bac/ o% the ca!e. Something became more so(id?
something shi%ted. A9o# /no3 too damned m#ch2 m$boy2B said 5ednesday$s %ami(iar r#mb(e.
ASo they didn$t /i(( yo#.B
Ahey /i((ed me2B said 5ednesday2 %rom the shado3s. A'one o% this 3o#(d ha!e 3or/ed i% they
hadn$t.B 8is !oice 3as %aint-not act#a((y I#iet2 b#t there 3as a I#a(ity to it that made Shado3
thin/ o% an o(d radio not I#ite t#ned in to a distant station. A,% , hadn$t died %or rea(2 3e co#(d
ne!er ha!e got them here2B said 5ednesday. A.a(i and the 6orrigan and the @oa and the
%#c/ing A(banians and-3e((2 yo#$!e seen them a((. ,t 3as my death that dre3 them a((
together. , 3as the sacri%icia( (amb.B
A'o2B said Shado3. A9o# 3ere the J#das Goat.B
he 3raithCshape in the shado3s s3ir(ed and shi%ted. A'ot at a((. hat imp(ies that , 3as
betraying the o(d gods %or the ne3. 5hich 3as not 3hat 3e 3ere doing.B
A'ot at a((2B 3hispered @o/i.
A, can see that2B said Shado3. A9o# t3o 3eren$t betraying either side. 9o# 3ere betraying both
sides.B
A, g#ess 3e 3ere at that2B said 5ednesday. 8e so#nded p(eased 3ith himse(%.
A9o# 3anted a massacre. 9o# needed a b(ood sacri%ice. A sacri%ice o% gods.B
he 3ind gre3 stronger? the ho3( across the ca!e door became a screech2 as i% o% something
immeas#rab(y h#ge in pain.
AAnd 3hy the he(( not: ,$!e been trapped in this damned (and %or a(most t3e(!e h#ndred years.
6y b(ood is thin. ,$m h#ngry.B
AAnd yo# t3o %eed on death2B said Shado3.
8e tho#ght he co#(d see 5ednesday2 no32 standing in the shado3s. Behind him-thro#gh
him-3ere the bars o% a cage 3hich he(d 3hat (oo/ed (i/e p(astic (eprecha#ns. 8e 3as a shape
made o% dar/ness2 3ho became more rea( the more Shado3 (oo/ed a3ay %rom him2 a((o3ed
him to ta/e shape in his periphera( !ision.
A, %eed on death that is dedicated to me2B said 5ednesday.
A@i/e my death on the tree2B said Shado3.
Ahat2B said 5ednesday2 A3as specia(.B
AAnd do yo# a(so %eed on death:B as/ed Shado32 (oo/ing at @o/i.
@o/i shoo/ his head2 3eari(y.
A'o2 o% co#rse not2B said Shado3. A9o# %eed on chaos.B
@o/i smi(ed at that2 a brie% pained smi(e2 and orange %(ames danced in his eyes2 and %(ic/ered (i/e
b#rning (ace beneath his pa(e s/in.
A5e co#(dn$t ha!e done it 3itho#t yo#2B said 5ednesday2 %rom the corner o% Shado3$s eye.
A,$d been 3ith so many 3omenQB
A9o# needed a son2B said Shado3.
5ednesday$s ghostC!oice echoed. A, needed yo#2 my boy. 9es. 6y o3n boy. , /ne3 that yo#
had been concei!ed2 b#t yo#r mother (e%t the co#ntry. ,t too/ #s so (ong to %ind yo#. And 3hen
3e did %ind yo#2 yo# 3ere in prison. 5e needed to %ind o#t 3hat made yo# tic/. 5hat b#ttons
3e co#(d press to ma/e yo# mo!e. 5ho yo# 3ere.B @o/i (oo/ed2 momentari(y2 p(eased 3ith
himse(%. Shado3 3anted to hit him. AAnd yo# had a 3i%e to go bac/ home to. ,t 3as
#n%ort#nate. 'ot ins#rmo#ntab(e.B
AShe 3as no good %or yo#2B 3hispered @o/i. A9o# 3ere better o%% 3itho#t her.B
A,% it co#(d ha!e been any other 3ay2B said 5ednesday2 and this time Shado3 /ne3 3hat he
meant.
AAnd i% she$d had-the grace-to stay dead2B panted @o/i. A5ood and Stone-3ere good men.
9o# 3ere going-to be a((o3ed to escape-3hen the train crossed the Da/otasQB
A5here is she:B as/ed Shado3.
@o/i reached a pa(e arm2 and pointed to the bac/ o% the ca!ern.
AShe 3ent thatCaC3ay2B he said. hen2 3itho#t 3arning2 he tipped %or3ard2 his body co((apsing
onto the roc/ %(oor.
Shado3 sa3 3hat the b(an/et had hidden %rom him? the poo( o% b(ood2 the ho(e thro#gh @o/i$s
bac/2 the %a3n raincoat soa/ed b(ac/ 3ith b(ood. A5hat happened:B he said.
@o/i said nothing.
Shado3 did not thin/ he 3o#(d be saying anything any more.
A9o#r 3i%e happened to him2 m$boy2B said 5ednesday$s distant !oice. 8e had become harder to
see2 as i% he 3as %ading bac/ into the ether. AB#t the batt(e 3i(( bring him bac/. As the batt(e 3i((
bring me bac/ %or good. ,$m a ghost2 and he$s a corpse2 b#t 3e$!e sti(( 3on. he game 3as
rigged.B
A+igged games2B said Shado32 remembering2 Aare the easiest to beat.B
here 3as no ans3er. 'othing mo!ed in the shado3s.
Shado3 said2 AGoodbye2B and then he said2 A)ather.B B#t by then there 3as no trace o%
anybody e(se in the ca!ern. 'obody at a((.
Shado3 3a(/ed bac/ #p to the Se!en States )(ag 4o#rt2 b#t sa3 nobody2 and heard nothing b#t
the crac/ and 3hip o% the %(ags in the stormC3ind. here 3ere no peop(e 3ith s3ords at the
ho#sandCon Ba(anced +oc/2 no de%enders o% the S3ingCAC@ong Bridge. 8e 3as a(one.
here 3as nothing to see. he p(ace 3as deserted. ,t 3as an empty batt(e%ie(d.
'o. 'ot deserted. 'ot e&act(y.
8e 3as D#st in the 3rong p(ace.
his 3as +oc/ 4ity. ,t had been a p(ace o% a3e and 3orship %or tho#sands o% years? today the
mi((ions o% to#rists 3ho 3a(/ed thro#gh the gardens and s3#ng their 3ay across the S3ingCAC
@ong Bridge had the same e%%ect as 3ater t#rning a mi((ion prayer 3hee(s. +ea(ity 3as thin here.
And Shado3 /ne3 3here the batt(e m#st be ta/ing p(ace.
5ith that2 he began to 3a(/. 8e remembered ho3 he had %e(t on the 4aro#se(2 tried to %ee( (i/e
that2 b#t in a ne3 moment o% timeQ
8e remembered t#rning the 5innebago2 shi%ting it at right ang(es to e!erything. 8e tried to
capt#re that sensation-
And then2 easi(y and per%ect(y2 it happened.
,t 3as (i/e p#shing thro#gh a membrane2 (i/e p(#nging #p %rom deep 3ater into air. 5ith one
step he had mo!ed %rom the to#rist path on the mo#ntain toQ
o some3here rea(. 8e 3as Bac/stage.
8e 3as sti(( on the top o% a mo#ntain. hat m#ch remained the same. B#t it 3as so m#ch more
than that. his mo#ntaintop 3as the I#intessence o% p(ace2 the heart o% things as they 3ere.
4ompared to it2 the @oo/o#t 6o#ntain he had (e%t 3as a painting on a bac/drop2 or a
papiermcch\ mode( seen on a F screen-mere(y a representation o% the thing2 not the thing
itse(%.
his 3as the tr#e p(ace.
he roc/ 3a((s %ormed a nat#ra( amphitheater. Paths o% stone 3o#nd aro#nd and across it2
%orming t3isty nat#ra( bridges that "schered thro#gh and across the roc/ 3a((s.
And the s/yQ
he s/y 3as dar/. ,t 3as (it2 and the 3or(d beneath it 3as i((#minated2 by a b#rning greenishC
3hite strea/2 brighter than the s#n2 3hich %or/ed cra1i(y across the s/y %rom end to end2 (i/e a
3hite rip in the dar/ened s/y.
,t 3as (ightning2 Shado3 rea(i1ed. @ightning he(d in one %ro1en moment that stretched into
%ore!er. he (ight it cast 3as harsh and #n%orgi!ing: it 3ashed o#t %aces2 ho((o3ed eyes into
dar/ pits.
his 3as the moment o% the storm.
he paradigms 3ere shi%ting. 8e co#(d %ee( it. he o(d 3or(d2 a 3or(d o% in%inite !astness and
i((imitab(e reso#rces and %#t#re2 3as being con%ronted by something e(se-a 3eb o% energy2 o%
opinions2 o% g#(%s.
Peop(e be(ie!e2 tho#ght Shado3. ,t$s 3hat peop(e do. hey be(ie!e. And then they 3i(( not ta/e
responsibi(ity %or their be(ie%s? they conD#re things2 and do not tr#st the conD#rations. Peop(e
pop#(ate the dar/ness? 3ith ghosts2 3ith gods2 3ith e(ectrons2 3ith ta(es. Peop(e imagine2 and
peop(e be(ie!e: and it is that be(ie%2 that roc/Cso(id be(ie%2 that ma/es things happen.
he mo#ntaintop 3as an arena? he sa3 that immediate(y. And on each side o% the arena he
co#(d see them arrayed.
hey 3ere too big. "!erything 3as too big in that p(ace.
here 3ere o(d gods in that p(ace: gods 3ith s/ins the bro3n o% o(d m#shrooms2 the pin/ o%
chic/enC%(esh2 the ye((o3 o% a#t#mn (ea!es. Some 3ere cra1y and some 3ere sane. Shado3
recogni1ed the o(d gods. 8e$d met them a(ready2 or he$d met others (i/e them. here 3ere i%rits
and pis/ies2 giants and d3ar%s. 8e sa3 the 3oman he had met in the dar/ened bedroom in
+hode ,s(and2 sa3 the 3rithing green sna/eCcoi(s o% her hair. 8e sa3 6amaCDi2 %rom the
4aro#se(2 and there 3as b(ood on her hands and a smi(e on her %ace. 8e /ne3 them a((.
8e recogni1ed the ne3 ones2 too.
here 3as somebody 3ho had to be a rai(road baron2 in an antiI#e s#it2 his 3atchCchain
stretched across his !est. 8e had the air o% one 3ho had seen better days. 8is %orehead
t3itched.
here 3ere the great gray gods o% the airp(anes2 heirs to a(( the dreams o% hea!ierCthanCair
tra!e(.
here 3ere car gods there: a po3er%#(2 serio#sC%aced contingent2 3ith b(ood on their b(ac/
g(o!es and on their chrome teeth: recipients o% h#man sacri%ice on a sca(e #ndreamedCo% since
the A1tecs. "!en they (oo/ed #ncom%ortab(e. 5or(ds change.
*thers had %aces o% sm#dged phosphors? they g(o3ed gent(y2 as i% they e&isted in their o3n
(ight.
Shado3 %e(t sorry %or them a((.
here 3as an arrogance to the ne3 ones. Shado3 co#(d see that. B#t there 3as a(so a %ear.
hey 3ere a%raid that #n(ess they /ept pace 3ith a changing 3or(d2 #n(ess they remade and
redre3 and reb#i(t the 3or(d in their image2 their time 3o#(d a(ready be o!er.
"ach side %aced the other 3ith bra!ery. o each side2 the opposition 3ere the demons2 the
monsters2 the damned.
Shado3 co#(d see an initia( s/irmish had ta/en p(ace. here 3as a(ready b(ood on the roc/s.
hey 3ere readying themse(!es %or the rea( batt(e? %or the rea( 3ar. ,t 3as no3 or ne!er2 he
tho#ght. ,% he did not mo!e no32 it 3o#(d be too (ate.
,n America e!erything goes on %ore!er2 said a !oice in the bac/ o% his head. he ;<NKs (asted
%or a tho#sand years. 9o# ha!e a(( the time in the 3or(d.
Shado3 3a(/ed in something that 3as ha(% a stro((2 ha(% a contro((ed st#mb(e2 into the center o%
the arena.
8e co#(d %ee( eyes on him2 eyes and things that 3ere not eyes. 8e shi!ered.
he b#%%a(o !oice said2 9o# are doing D#st %ine.
Shado3 tho#ght2 Damn right. , came bac/ %rom the dead this morning. A%ter that2 e!erything
e(se sho#(d be a piece o% ca/e.
A9o# /no32B said Shado32 to the air2 in a con!ersationa( !oice2 Athis is not a 3ar. his 3as ne!er
intended to be a 3ar. And i% any o% yo# thin/ this is a 3ar2 yo# are de(#ding yo#rse(!es.B 8e
heard gr#mb(ing noises %rom both sides. 8e had impressed nobody.
A5e are %ighting %or o#r s#r!i!a(2B (o3ed a minota#r %rom one side o% the arena.
A5e are %ighting %or o#r e&istence2B sho#ted a mo#th in a pi((ar o% g(ittering smo/e2 %rom the
other.
Ahis is a bad (and %or gods2B said Shado3. As an opening statement it 3asn$t )riends2 +omans2
4o#ntrymen2 b#t it 3o#(d do. A9o#$!e probab(y a(( (earned that2 in yo#r o3n 3ay. he o(d gods
are ignored. he ne3 gods are as I#ic/(y ta/en #p as they are abandoned2 cast aside %or the
ne&t big thing. "ither yo#$!e been %orgotten2 or yo#$re scared yo#$re going to be rendered
obso(ete2 or maybe yo#$re D#st getting tired o% e&isting on the 3him o% peop(e.B
he gr#mb(es 3ere %e3er no3. 8e had said something they agreed 3ith. 'o32 3hi(e they 3ere
(istening2 he had to te(( them the story.
Ahere 3as a god 3ho came here %rom a %ar (and2 and 3hose po3er and in%(#ence 3aned as
be(ie% in him %aded. 8e 3as a god 3ho too/ his po3er %rom sacri%ice2 and %rom death2 and
especia((y %rom 3ar. 8e 3o#(d ha!e deaths o% those 3ho %e(( in 3ar dedicated to him-3ho(e
batt(e%ie(ds 3hich2 in the o(d co#ntry2 ga!e him po3er and s#stenance.
A'o3 he 3as o(d. 8e made his (i!ing as a gri%ter2 3or/ing 3ith another god %rom his pantheon2
a god o% chaos and deceit. ogether they roo/ed the g#((ib(e. ogether they too/ peop(e %or a((
they$d got.
ASome3here in there-maybe %i%ty years ago2 maybe a h#ndred-they p#t a p(an into motion2 a
p(an to create a reser!e o% po3er they co#(d both tap into. Something that 3o#(d ma/e them
stronger than they had e!er been. A%ter a((2 3hat co#(d be more po3er%#( than a batt(e%ie(d
co!ered 3ith dead gods: he game they p(ayed 3as ca((ed R@et$s 9o# and 8im )ight.$
ADo yo# see:
Ahe batt(e yo#$re here to %ight isn$t something that any o% yo# can 3in or (ose. he 3inning
and the (osing are #nimportant to him2 to them. 5hat matters is that eno#gh o% yo# die. "ach
o% yo# that %a((s in batt(e gi!es him po3er. "!ery one o% yo# that dies2 %eeds him. Do yo#
#nderstand:B
he roaring2 3hoomp%ing so#nd o% something catching on %ire echoed across the arena. Shado3
(oo/ed to the p(ace the noise came %rom. An enormo#s man2 his s/in the deep bro3n o%
mahogany2 his chest na/ed2 3earing a top hat2 cigar stic/ing ra/ish(y %rom his mo#th2 spo/e in a
!oice as deep as the gra!e. Baron Samedi said2 A*/ay. B#t *din. 8e died. At the peace ta(/s.
6other%#c/ers /i((ed him. 8e died. , /no3 death. 'obody goin$ to %oo( me abo#t death.B
Shado3 said2 A*b!io#s(y. 8e had to die %or rea(. 8e sacri%iced his physica( body to ma/e this 3ar
happen. A%ter the batt(e he 3o#(d ha!e been more po3er%#( than he had e!er been.B
Somebody ca((ed2 A5ho are yo#:B
A, am-, 3as-, am his son.B
*ne o% the ne3 gods-Shado3 s#spected it 3as a dr#g %rom the 3ay it smi(ed and spang(ed
and shi!ered-said2 AB#t 6ister 5or(d said-B
Ahere 3as no 6ister 5or(d. here ne!er 3as. 8e 3as D#st another one o% yo# bastards trying
to %eed on the chaos he created.B 8e co#(d see that they be(ie!ed him2 and he co#(d see the
h#rt in their eyes.
Shado3 shoo/ his head. A9o# /no32B he said2 A, thin/ , 3o#(d rather be a man than a god. 5e
don$t need anyone to be(ie!e in #s. 5e D#st /eep going anyho3. ,t$s 3hat 3e do.B
here 3as si(ence2 in the high p(ace.
And then2 3ith a shoc/ing crac/2 the (ightning bo(t %ro1en in the s/y crashed to the
mo#ntaintop2 and the arena 3ent entire(y dar/.
hey g(o3ed2 many o% those presences2 in the dar/ness.
Shado3 3ondered i% they 3ere going to arg#e 3ith him2 to attac/ him2 to try to /i(( him. 8e
3aited %or some /ind o% response.
And then Shado3 rea(i1ed that the (ights 3ere going o#t. he gods 3ere (ea!ing that p(ace2 %irst
in hand%#(s2 and then by scores2 and %ina((y in their h#ndreds.
A spider the si1e o% a rott3ei(er sc#tt(ed hea!i(y to3ard him2 on se!en (egs? its c(#ster o% eyes
g(o3ed %aint(y.
Shado3 he(d his gro#nd2 a(tho#gh he %e(t s(ight(y sic/.
5hen the spider got c(ose eno#gh2 it said2 in 6r. 'ancy$s !oice2 Ahat 3as a good Dob. Pro#d o%
yo#. 9o# done good2 /id.B
Ahan/ yo#2B said Shado3.
A5e sho#(d get yo# bac/. oo (ong in this p(ace is goin$ to mess yo# #p.B ,t rested one bro3nC
haired spiderC(eg on Shado3$s sho#(derQ
Q and2 bac/ on Se!en States )(ag 4o#rt2 6r. 'ancy co#ghed. 8is right hand rested on Shado3$s
sho#(der. he rain had stopped. 6r. 'ancy he(d his (e%t hand across his side2 as i% it h#rt.
Shado3 as/ed i% he 3as o/ay.
A,$m to#gh as o(d nai(s2B said 6r. 'ancy. Ao#gher.B 8e did not so#nd happy. 8e so#nded (i/e
an o(d man in pain.
here 3ere do1ens o% them2 standing or sitting on the gro#nd or on the benches. Some o% them
(oo/ed bad(y inD#red.
Shado3 co#(d hear a ratt(ing noise in the s/y2 approaching %rom the so#th. 8e (oo/ed at 6r.
'ancy. A8e(icopters:B
6r. 'ancy nodded. ADon$t yo# 3orry abo#t them. 'ot any more. hey$(( D#st c(ean #p the mess2
and (ea!e. hey$re good at it.B
AGot it.B
Shado3 /ne3 that there 3as one part o% the mess he 3anted to see %or himse(%2 be%ore it 3as
c(eaned #p. 8e borro3ed a %(ash(ight %rom a grayChaired man 3ho (oo/ed (i/e a retired ne3s
anchor and began to h#nt.
8e %o#nd @a#ra stretched o#t on the gro#nd in a sideCca!ern2 beside a diorama o% mining
gnomes straight o#t o% Sno3 5hite. he %(oor beneath her 3as stic/y 3ith b(ood. She 3as on
her side2 3here @o/i m#st ha!e dropped her a%ter he had p#((ed the spear o#t o% them both.
*ne o% @a#ra$s hands c(#tched her chest. She (oo/ed dread%#((y !#(nerab(e. She a(so (oo/ed
dead2 b#t then Shado3 3as a(most #sed to that by no3.
Shado3 sI#atted beside her2 and he to#ched her chee/ 3ith his hand2 and he said her name.
8er eyes opened2 and she (i%ted her head and t#rned it #nti( she 3as (oo/ing at him.
A8e((o2 p#ppy2B she said. 8er !oice 3as thin.
A8i2 @a#ra. 5hat happened here:B
A'othing2B she said. AJ#st st#%%. Did they 3in:B
A, don$t /no32B said Shado3. A, thin/ these things are /ind o% re(ati!e. B#t , stopped the batt(e
they 3ere trying to start.B
A6y c(e!er p#ppy2B she said. Ahat man2 6ister 5or(d2 he said he 3as going to p#t a stic/
thro#gh yo#r eye. , didn$t (i/e him at a((.B
A8e$s dead. 9o# /i((ed him2 hon.B
She nodded. She said2 Ahat$s good.B
8er eyes c(osed. Shado3$s hand %o#nd her co(d hand2 and he he(d it in his. ,n time she opened
her eyes again.
ADid yo# e!er %ig#re o#t ho3 to bring me bac/ %rom the dead:B she as/ed.
A, g#ess2B he said. A, /no3 one 3ay2 any3ay.B
Ahat$s good2B she said. She sI#ee1ed his hand 3ith her co(d hand. And then she said2 AAnd the
opposite: 5hat abo#t that:B
Ahe opposite:B
A9es2B she 3hispered. A, thin/ , m#st ha!e earned it.B
A, don$t 3ant to do that.B
She said nothing. She simp(y 3aited.
Shado3 said2 A*/ay.B hen he too/ his hand %rom hers and p#t it to her nec/.
She said2 Ahat$s my h#sband.B She said it pro#d(y.
A, (o!e yo#2 babes2B said Shado3.
A@o!e yo#2 p#ppy2B she 3hispered.
8e c(osed his hand aro#nd the go(den coin that h#ng aro#nd her nec/. 8e t#gged2 hard2 at the
chain2 3hich snapped easi(y. hen he too/ the go(d coin bet3een his %inger and th#mb2 and
b(e3 on it2 and opened his hand 3ide.
he coin 3as gone.
8er eyes 3ere sti(( open2 b#t they did not mo!e.
8e bent do3n then2 and /issed her2 gent(y2 on her co(d chee/2 b#t she did not respond. 8e did
not e&pect her to. hen he got #p and 3a(/ed o#t o% the ca!ern2 to stare into the night.
he storms had c(eared. he air %e(t %resh and c(ean and ne3 once more.
omorro32 he had no do#bt2 3o#(d be one he(( o% a bea#ti%#( day.
PA+ )*E+
"pi(og#e: Something hat the Dead Are .eeping Bac/
48AP"+ ','"""'
*ne describes a ta(e best by te((ing the ta(e. 9o# see: he 3ay one describes a story2 to onese(%
or to the 3or(d2 is by te((ing the story. ,t is a ba(ancing act and it is a dream. he more acc#rate
the map2 the more it resemb(es the territory. he most acc#rate map possib(e 3o#(d be the
territory2 and th#s 3o#(d be per%ect(y acc#rate and per%ect(y #se(ess. he ta(e is the map 3hich
is the territory. 9o# m#st remember this.-)+*6 8" '*"B**.S *) 6+. ,B,S
he t3o o% them 3ere dri!ing the F5 b#s do3n to )(orida on ,CMN. hey$d been dri!ing since
da3n2 or rather2 Shado3 had dri!en2 and 6r. 'ancy had sat #p %ront in the passenger seat and2
%rom time to time2 and 3ith a pained e&pression on his %ace2 o%%ered to dri!e. Shado3 a(3ays
said no.
AAre yo# happy:B as/ed 6r. 'ancy2 s#dden(y. 8e had been staring at Shado3 %or se!era( ho#rs.
5hene!er Shado3 g(anced o!er to his right2 6r. 'ancy 3as (oo/ing at him 3ith his earthC
bro3n eyes.
A'ot rea((y2B said Shado3. AB#t ,$m not dead yet.B
A8#h:B
A4a(( no man happy #nti( he is dead. 8erodot#s.B
6r. 'ancy raised a 3hite eyebro32 and he said2 A,$m not dead yet2 and2 most(y beca#se ,$m
not dead yet2 ,$m happy as a c(amboy.B
Ahe 8erodot#s thing. ,t doesn$t mean that the dead are happy2B said Shado3. A,t means that
yo# can$t D#dge the shape o% someone$s (i%e #nti( it$s o!er and done.B
A, don$t e!en D#dge then2B said 6r. 'ancy. AAnd as %or happiness2 there$s a (ot o% di%%erent /inds
o% happiness2 D#st as there$s a he(( o% a (ot o% di%%erent /inds o% dead. 6e2 ,$(( D#st ta/e 3hat , can
get 3hen , can get it.B
Shado3 changed the s#bDect. Ahose he(icopters2B he said. Ahe ones that too/ a3ay the
bodies2 and the inD#red.B
A5hat abo#t them:B
A5ho sent them: 5here did they come %rom:B
A9o# sho#(dn$t 3orry yo#rse(% abo#t that. hey$re (i/e !a(/yries or b#11ards. hey come
beca#se they ha!e to come.B
A,% yo# say so.B
Ahe dead and the 3o#nded 3i(( be ta/en care o%. 9o# as/ me2 o(d JacI#e($s going to be !ery
b#sy %or the ne&t month or so. e(( me somethin$2 Shado3Cboy.B
A*/ay.B
A9o# (earn anythin$ %rom a(( this:B
Shado3 shr#gged. A, don$t /no3. 6ost o% 3hat , (earned on the tree ,$!e a(ready %orgotten2B he
said. A, thin/ , met some peop(e. B#t ,$m not certain o% anything any more. ,t$s (i/e one o% those
dreams that changes yo#. 9o# /eep some o% the dream %ore!er2 and yo# /no3 things do3n
deep inside yo#rse(%2 beca#se it happened to yo#2 b#t 3hen yo# go (oo/ing %or detai(s they /ind
o% D#st s(ip o#t o% yo#r head.B
A9eah2B said 6r. 'ancy. And then he said2 gr#dging(y2 A9o#$re not so d#mb.B
A6aybe not2B said Shado3. AB#t , 3ish , co#(d ha!e /ept more o% 3hat passed thro#gh my
hands2 since , got o#t o% prison. , 3as gi!en so many things2 and , (ost them again.B
A6aybe2B said 6r. 'ancy2 Ayo# /ept more than yo# thin/.B
A'o2B said Shado3.
hey crossed the border into )(orida2 and Shado3 sa3 his %irst pa(m tree. 8e 3ondered i% they$d
p(anted it there on p#rpose2 at the border2 D#st so that yo# /ne3 yo# 3ere in )(orida no3.
6r. 'ancy began to snore2 and Shado3 g(anced o!er at him. he o(d man sti(( (oo/ed !ery gray2
and his breath 3as rasping. Shado3 3ondered2 not %or the %irst time2 i% he had s#stained some
/ind o% chest or (#ng inD#ry in the %ight. 'ancy had re%#sed any medica( attention.
)(orida 3ent on %or (onger than Shado3 had imagined2 and it 3as (ate by the time he p#((ed #p
o#tside a sma((2 oneCstory 3ooden ho#se2 its 3indo3s tight(y sh#ttered2 on the o#ts/irts o% )ort
Pierce. 'ancy2 3ho had directed him thro#gh the (ast %i!e mi(es2 in!ited him to stay the night.
A, can get a room in a mote(2B said Shado3. A,t$s not a prob(em.B
A9o# co#(d do that2 and ,$d be h#rt. *b!io#s(y , 3o#(dn$t say anythin$. B#t ,$d be rea( h#rt2 rea(
bad2B said 6r. 'ancy. ASo yo# better stay here2 and ,$(( ma/e yo# a bed #p on the co#ch.B
6r. 'ancy #n(oc/ed the h#rricane sh#tters2 and p#((ed open the 3indo3s. he ho#se sme((ed
m#sty and damp2 and a (itt(e s3eet2 as i% it 3ere ha#nted by the ghosts o% (ongCdead coo/ies.
Shado3 agreed2 re(#ctant(y2 to stay the night there2 D#st as he agreed2 e!en more re(#ctant(y2 to
3a(/ 3ith 6r. 'ancy to the bar at the end o% the road2 %or D#st one (ateCnight drin/ 3hi(e the
ho#se aired o#t.
ADid yo# see 41ernobog:B as/ed 'ancy2 as they stro((ed thro#gh the m#ggy )(oridian night. he
air 3as a(i!e 3ith 3hirring pa(metto b#gs and the gro#nd cra3(ed 3ith creat#res that sc#tt(ed
and c(ic/ed. 6r. 'ancy (it a cigari((o2 and co#ghed and cho/ed on it. Sti((2 he /ept right on
smo/ing.
A8e 3as gone 3hen , came o#t o% the ca!e.B
A8e 3i(( ha!e headed home. 8e$(( be 3aitin$ %or yo# there2 yo# /no3.B
A9es.B
hey 3a(/ed in si(ence to the end o% the road. ,t 3asn$t m#ch o% a bar2 b#t it 3as open.
A,$(( b#y the %irst beers2B said 6r. 'ancy.
A5e$re on(y ha!ing one beer2 remember2B said Shado3.
A5hat are yo#:B as/ed 6r. 'ancy. ASome /ind o% cheaps/ate:B
6r. 'ancy bo#ght them their %irst beers2 and Shado3 bo#ght the second ro#nd. 8e stared in
horror as 6r. 'ancy ta(/ed the barman into t#rning on the /arao/e machine2 and then 3atched
in %ascinated embarrassment as the o(d man be(ted his 3ay thro#gh A5hat$s 'e3 P#ssycat:B
be%ore crooning o#t a mo!ing2 t#ne%#( !ersion o% Ahe 5ay 9o# @oo/ onight.B 8e had a %ine
!oice2 and by the end the hand%#( o% peop(e sti(( in the bar 3ere cheering and app(a#ding him.
5hen he came bac/ to Shado3 at the bar he 3as (oo/ing brighter. he 3hites o% his eyes 3ere
c(ear2 and the gray pa((or that had to#ched his s/in 3as gone. A9o#r t#rn2B he said.
AAbso(#te(y not2B said Shado3.
B#t 6r. 'ancy had ordered more beers and 3as handing Shado3 a stained printo#t o% songs
%rom 3hich to choose. AJ#st pic/ a song yo# /no3 the 3ords to.B
Ahis is not %#nny2B said Shado3. he 3or(d 3as beginning to s3im2 a (itt(e2 b#t he co#(dn$t
m#ster the energy to arg#e2 and then 6r. 'ancy 3as p#tting on the bac/ing tape to ADon$t @et
6e Be 6is#nderstood2B and p#shing-(itera((y p#shing-Shado3 #p onto the tiny ma/eshi%t
stage at the end o% the bar.
Shado3 he(d the mi/e as i% it 3as probab(y (i!e2 and then the bac/ing m#sic started and he
croa/ed o#t the initia( ABabyQB 'obody in the bar thre3 anything in his direction. And it %e(t
good. A4an yo# #nderstand me no3:B 8is !oice 3as ro#gh b#t me(odic2 and ro#gh s#ited the
song D#st %ine. ASometimes , %ee( a (itt(e mad. Don$t yo# /no3 that no one a(i!e can a(3ays be an
ange(QB
And he 3as sti(( singing it as they 3a(/ed home thro#gh the b#sy )(orida night2 the o(d man and
the yo#ng2 st#mb(ing and happy.
A,$m D#st a so#( 3hose intentions are good2B he sang to the crabs and the spiders and the
pa(metto beet(es and the (i1ards and the night. A*h (ord2 p(ease don$t (et me be mis#nderstood.B
6r. 'ancy sho3ed him to the co#ch. ,t 3as m#ch sma((er than Shado32 3ho decided to s(eep
on the %(oor2 b#t by the time he had %inished deciding to s(eep on the %(oor he 3as a(ready %ast
as(eep2 ha(%Csitting2 ha(%C(ying2 on the tiny so%a.
At %irst2 he did not dream. here 3as D#st the com%orting dar/ness. And then he sa3 a %ire
b#rning in the dar/ness and he 3a(/ed to3ard it.
A9o# did 3e((2B 3hispered the b#%%a(o man 3itho#t mo!ing his (ips.
A, don$t /no3 3hat , did2B said Shado3.
A9o# made peace2B said the b#%%a(o man. A9o# too/ o#r 3ords and made them yo#r o3n. hey
ne!er #nderstood that they 3ere here-and the peop(e 3ho 3orshiped them 3ere
here-beca#se it s#its #s that they are here. B#t 3e can change o#r minds. And perhaps 3e
3i((.B
AAre yo# a god:B as/ed Shado3.
he b#%%a(oCheaded man shoo/ his head. Shado3 tho#ght2 %or a moment2 that the creat#re 3as
am#sed. A, am the (and2B he said.
And i% there 3as more to that dream then Shado3 did not remember it.
8e heard something si11(ing. 8is head 3as aching2 and there 3as a po#nding behind his eyes.
6r. 'ancy 3as a(ready coo/ing brea/%ast: a pi(e o% panca/es2 si11(ing bacon2 per%ect eggs2 and
co%%ee. 8e (oo/ed in the pea/ o% hea(th.
A6y head h#rts2B said Shado3.
A9o# get a good brea/%ast inside yo#2 yo#$(( %ee( (i/e a ne3 man.B
A,$d rather %ee( (i/e the same man2 D#st 3ith a di%%erent head2B said Shado3.
A"at2B said 6r. 'ancy.
Shado3 ate.
A8o3 do yo# %ee( no3:B
A@i/e ,$!e got a headache2 on(y no3 ,$!e got some %ood in my stomach and , thin/ ,$m going to
thro3 #p.B
A4ome 3ith me.B Beside the so%a2 on 3hich Shado3 had spent the night2 co!ered 3ith an
A%rican b(an/et2 3as a tr#n/2 made o% some dar/ 3ood2 3hich (oo/ed (i/e an #ndersi1ed pirate
chest. 6r. 'ancy #ndid the pad(oc/2 and opened the (id. ,nside the tr#n/ there 3ere a n#mber
o% bo&es. 'ancy r#mmaged among the bo&es. A,t$s an ancient A%rican herba( remedy2B he said.
A,t$s made o% gro#nd 3i((o3 bar/2 things (i/e that.B
A@i/e aspirin:B
A9#p2B said 6r. 'ancy. AJ#st (i/e that.B )rom the bottom o% the tr#n/ he prod#ced a giant
economyCsi1ed bott(e o% generic aspirin. 8e #nscre3ed the top2 and shoo/ o#t a co#p(e o%
3hite pi((s. A8ere.B
A'ice tr#n/2B said Shado3. 8e too/ the bitter pi((s2 s3a((o3ed them 3ith a g(ass o% 3ater.
A6y son sent it to me2B said 6r. 'ancy. A8e$s a good boy. , don$t see him as m#ch as ,$d (i/e.B
A, miss 5ednesday2B said Shado3. ADespite e!erything he did. , /eep e&pecting to see him. B#t ,
(oo/ #p and he$s not there.B 8e /ept staring at the pirate tr#n/2 trying %ig#re o#t 3hat it
reminded him o%.
9o# 3i(( (ose many things. Do not (ose this. 5ho said that:
A9o# miss him: A%ter 3hat he p#t yo# thro#gh: P#t #s a(( thro#gh:B
A9es2B said Shado3. A, g#ess , do. Do yo# thin/ he$(( be bac/:B
A, thin/2B said 6r. 'ancy2 Athat 3here!er t3o men are gathered together to se(( a third man a
t3entyCdo((ar !io(in %or ten tho#sand do((ars2 he 3i(( be there in spirit.B
A9es2 b#t-B
A5e sho#(d get bac/ into the /itchen2B said 6r. 'ancy2 his e&pression becoming stony. Ahose
pans 3on$t 3ash themse(!es.B
6r. 'ancy 3ashed the pans and the dishes. Shado3 dried them2 and p#t them a3ay.
Some3here in there the headache began to ease. hey 3ent bac/ into the sitting room.
Shado3 stared at the o(d tr#n/ some more2 3i((ing himse(% to remember. A,% , don$t go to see
41ernobog2B he said2 A3hat 3o#(d happen:B
A9o#$(( see him2B said 6r. 'ancy %(at(y. A6aybe he$(( %ind yo#. *r maybe he$(( bring yo# to him.
B#t one 3ay or another2 yo#$(( see him.B
Shado3 nodded. Something started to %a(( into p(ace. A8ey2B he said. A,s there a god 3ith an
e(ephant$s head:B
AGanesh: 8e$s a 8ind# god. 8e remo!es obstac(es and ma/es Do#rneys easier. Good coo/2 too.B
Shado3 (oo/ed #p. AQit$s in the tr#n/2B he said. A, /ne3 it 3as important2 b#t , didn$t /no3
3hy. , tho#ght maybe it meant the tr#n/ o% the tree. B#t he 3asn$t ta(/ing abo#t that at a((2 3as
he:B
6r. 'ancy %ro3ned. A9o# (ost me.B
A,t$s in the tr#n/2B said Shado3. 8e /ne3 it 3as tr#e. 8e did not /no3 3hy it sho#(d be tr#e2
not I#ite. B#t o% that he 3as comp(ete(y certain.
8e got to his %eet. A, got to go2B he said. A,$m sorry.B
6r. 'ancy raised an eyebro3. A5hy the h#rry:B
ABeca#se2B said Shado32 Athe ice is me(ting.B
48AP"+ 5"'9
it$sspringandthegoatC%ootedba((oon6an 3hist(es%arand3ee-".". 4E66,'GS
Shado3 3as dri!ing a renta(2 and he came o#t o% the %orest s(o3(y2 abo#t Y:VK in the morning2
dro!e do3n the hi(( doing #nder %ortyC%i!e mi(es per ho#r2 and entered the to3n o% @a/eside
three 3ee/s a%ter he 3as certain he had (e%t it %or good.
8e dro!e thro#gh the city2 s#rprised at ho3 (itt(e it had changed in the (ast %e3 3ee/s2 3hich
3ere a (i%etime2 and he par/ed ha(%3ay do3n the dri!e3ay that (ed to the (a/e. hen he got o#t
o% the car.
here 3ere no more iceC%ishing h#ts on the %ro1en (a/e any (onger2 no SEFs2 nobody sitting at a
%ishing ho(e 3ith a (ine and a t3e(!eCpac/. he (a/e 3as dar/: no (onger co!ered 3ith a b(ind
3hite (ayer o% sno32 no3 there 3ere re%(ecti!e patches o% 3ater on the s#r%ace o% the ice2 and
the 3ater beneath the ice 3as dar/2 and the ice itse(% 3as c(ear eno#gh that the dar/ness
beneath sho3ed thro#gh. he s/y 3as gray2 b#t the icy (a/e 3as b(ea/ and empty.
A(most empty.
here 3as one car remaining on the ice2 par/ed o#t on the %ro1en (a/e a(most beneath the
bridge2 so that anyone dri!ing thro#gh the to3n2 anyone crossing the to3n2 co#(d not he(p b#t
see it. ,t 3as a dirty green in co(or? the sort o% car that peop(e abandon in par/ing (ots2 the /ind
that they D#st par/ and (ea!e beca#se it$s D#st not 3orth coming bac/ %or. ,t had no engine. ,t
3as a symbo( o% a 3ager2 3aiting %or the ice to become rotten eno#gh2 and so%t eno#gh2 and
dangero#s eno#gh to a((o3 the (a/e to ta/e it %ore!er.
here 3as a chain across the short dri!e3ay that (ed do3n to the (a/e2 and a 3arning sign
%orbidding entrance to peop(e or to !ehic(es. 8,' ,4"2 it said. Beneath it 3as a handCpainted
seI#ence o% pictograms 3ith (ines thro#gh them: no cars2 no pedestrians2 no sno3mobi(es.
Danger.
Shado3 ignored the 3arnings and scramb(ed do3n the ban/. ,t 3as s(ippery-the sno3 had
a(ready me(ted2 t#rning the earth to m#d #nder his %eet2 and the bro3n grass bare(y o%%ered
traction. 8e s/idded and s(id do3n to the (a/e and 3a(/ed2 care%#((y2 o#t onto a short 3ooden
Detty2 and %rom there he stepped do3n onto the ice.
he (ayer o% 3ater on the ice2 made #p o% me(ted ice and me(ted sno32 3as deeper than it had
(oo/ed %rom abo!e2 and the ice beneath the 3ater 3as s(ic/er and more s(ippery than any
s/ating rin/2 so that Shado3 3as %orced to %ight to /eep his %ooting. 8e sp(ashed thro#gh the
3ater2 as it co!ered his boots to the (aces and seeped inside. ,ce 3ater. ,t n#mbed 3here it
to#ched. 8e %e(t strange(y distant as he tr#dged across the %ro1en (a/e2 as i% he 3ere 3atching
himse(% on a mo!ie screen-a mo!ie in 3hich he 3as the hero2 a detecti!e2 perhaps: there 3as
a %ee(ing o% ine!itabi(ity2 no32 as i% e!erything that 3as going to happen 3o#(d p(ay itse(% o#t2
and there 3as nothing he co#(d ha!e done to change a moment o% it.
8e 3a(/ed to3ard the /(#n/er2 pain%#((y a3are that the ice 3as too rotten %or this2 and that the
3ater beneath the ice 3as as co(d as 3ater co#(d be 3itho#t %ree1ing. 8e %e(t !ery e&posed2 o#t
on the ice a(one. 8e /ept 3a(/ing2 and he s(ipped and s(id. Se!era( times he %e((.
8e passed empty beer bott(es and cans (e%t to (itter the ice2 and he passed circ#(ar ho(es c#t
into the ice2 %or %ishing2 ho(es that had not %ro1en again2 each ho(e %i((ed 3ith b(ac/ 3ater.
he /(#n/er seemed %#rther a3ay than it had (oo/ed %rom the road. 8e heard a (o#d crac/ %rom
the so#th o% the (a/e2 (i/e a stic/ brea/ing2 %o((o3ed by the so#nd o% something h#ge
thr#mming2 as i% a bass string the si1e o% a (a/e 3as !ibrating. 6assi!e(y2 the ice crea/ed and
groaned2 (i/e an o(d door protesting being opened. Shado3 /ept 3a(/ing2 as steadi(y as he
co#(d.
his is s#icide2 3hispered a sane !oice in the bac/ o% his mind. 4an$t yo# D#st (et it go:
A'o2B he said2 a(o#d. A, ha!e to /no3.B And he /ept right on 3a(/ing.
8e arri!ed at the /(#n/er2 and e!en be%ore he reached it he /ne3 that he had been right. here
3as a miasma that h#ng abo#t the car2 something that 3as at the same time a %aint2 %o#( sme((
and 3as a(so a bad taste in the bac/ o% his throat. 8e 3a(/ed aro#nd the car2 (oo/ing inside. he
seats 3ere stained2 and ripped. he car 3as ob!io#s(y empty. 8e tried the doors. hey 3ere
(oc/ed. 8e tried the tr#n/. A(so (oc/ed.
8e 3ished that he had bro#ght a cro3bar.
8e made a %ist o% his hand inside his g(o!e. 8e co#nted to three2 then smashed his hand2 hard2
against the dri!er$sCside 3indo3Cg(ass.
8is hand h#rt. he sideC3indo3 3as #ndamaged.
8e tho#ght abo#t r#nning at it-he co#(d /ic/ the 3indo3 in2 he 3as certain2 i% he didn$t s/id
and %a(( on the 3et ice. B#t the (ast thing he 3anted to do 3as to dist#rb the /(#n/er eno#gh
that the ice beneath it 3o#(d crac/.
8e (oo/ed at the car. hen he reached %or the radio antenna-it 3as the /ind 3hich 3as meant
to go #p and do3n2 b#t 3hich had stopped going do3n a decade ago2 and had remained in the
#p position e!er since-and2 3ith a (itt(e 3agg(ing2 he bro/e it o%% at the base. 8e too/ the thin
end o% the antenna-it had once had a meta( b#tton on the end2 b#t that 3as (ost in time2 and2
3ith strong %ingers2 he bent it bac/ #p into a ma/eshi%t hoo/.
hen he rammed the e&tended meta( antenna do3n bet3een the r#bber and the g(ass o% the
%ront 3indo32 deep into the mechanism o% the door. 8e %ished in the mechanism2 t3isting2
mo!ing2 p#shing the meta( antenna abo#t #nti( it ca#ght: and then he p#((ed #p.
8e %e(t the impro!ised hoo/ s(iding %rom the (oc/2 #se(ess(y.
8e sighed. )ished again2 s(o3er2 more care%#((y. 8e co#(d imagine the ice gr#mb(ing beneath his
%eet as he shi%ted his 3eight. And s(o3QandQ
8e had it. 8e p#((ed #p on the aeria( and the %ront door (oc/ing mechanism popped #p.
Shado3 reached do3n one g(o!ed hand and too/ the door hand(e2 pressed the b#tton2 and
p#((ed. he door did not open.
,t$s st#c/2 he tho#ght2 iced #p. hat$s a((.
8e t#gged2 s(iding on the ice2 and s#dden(y the door o% the /(#n/er %(e3 open2 ice scattering
e!ery3here.
he miasma 3as 3orse inside the car2 a stench o% rot and i((ness. Shado3 %e(t sic/.
8e reached #nder the dashboard2 %o#nd the b(ac/ p(astic hand(e that opened the tr#n/2 and
t#gged on it2 hard.
here 3as a th#n/ %rom behind him as the tr#n/ door re(eased.
Shado3 3a(/ed o#t onto the ice2 s(ipped and sp(ashed aro#nd the car2 ho(ding on to the side o%
it as he 3ent.
,t$s in the tr#n/2 he tho#ght.
he tr#n/ 3as open an inch. 8e reached do3n and opened it the rest o% the 3ay2 p#((ing it #p.
he sme(( 3as bad2 b#t it co#(d ha!e been m#ch 3orse: the bottom o% the tr#n/ 3as %i((ed 3ith
an inch or so o% ha(%Cme(ted ice. here 3as a gir( in the tr#n/. She 3ore a scar(et sno3s#it2 no3
stained2 and her mo#sy hair 3as (ong and her mo#th 3as c(osed2 so Shado3 co#(d not see the
b(#e r#bberCband braces2 b#t he /ne3 that they 3ere there. he co(d had preser!ed her2 /ept
her as %resh as i% she had been in a %ree1er.
8er eyes 3ere 3ide open2 and she (oo/ed as i% she had been crying 3hen she died2 and the
tears that had %ro1en on her chee/s had sti(( not me(ted. 8er g(o!es 3ere bright green.
A9o# 3ere here a(( the time2B said Shado3 to A(ison 6cGo!ern$s corpse. A"!ery sing(e person
3ho dro!e o!er that bridge sa3 yo#. "!eryone 3ho dro!e thro#gh the to3n sa3 yo#. he ice
%ishermen 3a(/ed past yo# e!ery day. And nobody /ne3.B And then he rea(i1ed ho3 %oo(ish
that 3as.
Somebody /ne3.
Somebody had p#t her here.
8e reached into the tr#n/-to see i% he co#(d p#(( her o#t. 8e had %o#nd her2 a%ter a((. 'o3 he
had to get her o#t. 8e p#t his 3eight on the car2 as he (eaned in. Perhaps that 3as 3hat did it.
he ice beneath the %ront 3hee(s 3ent at that moment2 perhaps %rom his mo!ements2 perhaps
not. he %ront o% the car (#rched do3n3ard se!era( %eet into the dar/ 3ater o% the (a/e. 5ater
began to po#r into the car thro#gh the open dri!er$s door. 5ater sp(ashed abo#t Shado3$s
an/(es2 a(tho#gh the ice he stood on 3as sti(( so(id. 8e (oo/ed aro#nd #rgent(y2 3ondering ho3
to get a3ay-and then it 3as too (ate2 and the ice tipped precipito#s(y2 thro3ing him against
the car and the dead gir( in the tr#n/? and the bac/ o% the car 3ent do3n2 and Shado3 3ent
do3n 3ith it2 into the co(d 3aters o% the (a/e. ,t 3as ten past nine in the morning2 on 6arch the
t3entyCthird.
8e too/ a deep breath be%ore he 3ent #nder2 c(osing his eyes2 b#t the co(d o% the (a/e 3ater hit
him (i/e a 3a((2 /noc/ing the breath %rom his body.
8e t#mb(ed do3n3ard2 into the m#r/y ice 3ater2 p#((ed do3n by the car.
8e 3as #nder the (a/e2 do3n in the dar/ness and the co(d2 3eighed do3n by his c(othes and his
g(o!es and his boots2 trapped and s3athed in his coat2 3hich seemed to ha!e become hea!ier
and b#(/ier than he co#(d ha!e imagined.
8e 3as %a((ing2 sti((. 8e tried to p#sh a3ay %rom the car2 b#t it 3as p#((ing him 3ith it2 and then
there 3as a bang 3hich he co#(d hear 3ith his 3ho(e body2 not his ears2 and his (e%t %oot 3as
3renched at the an/(e2 the %oot t3isted and trapped beneath the car as it sett(ed on the (a/e
bottom2 and panic too/ him.
8e opened his eyes.
8e /ne3 it 3as dar/ do3n there: rationa((y2 he /ne3 it 3as too dar/ to see anything2 b#t sti((2
he co#(d see? he co#(d see e!erything. 8e co#(d see A(ison 6cGo!ern$s 3hite %ace staring at
him %rom the open tr#n/. 8e co#(d see other cars as 3e((-the /(#n/ers o% bygone years2 rotten
h#(/ shapes in the dar/ness2 ha(%Cb#ried in the (a/e m#d. And 3hat e(se 3o#(d they ha!e
dragged o#t onto the (a/e2 tho#ght Shado32 be%ore there 3ere cars:
"ach one2 he /ne32 3itho#t any I#estion2 had a dead chi(d in the tr#n/. here 3ere scores o%
them do3n there. "ach had sat o#t on the ice2 in %ront o% the eyes o% the 3or(d2 a(( thro#gh the
co(d 3inter. "ach had t#mb(ed into the co(d 3aters o% the (a/e2 3hen the 3inter 3as done.
his 3as 3here they rested: @emmi 8a#ta(a and Jessie @o!at and Sandy *(sen and Jo 6ing and
Sarah @indI#ist and a(( the rest o% them. Do3n 3here it 3as si(ent and co(dQ
8e p#((ed at his %oot. ,t 3as st#c/ %ast2 and the press#re in his (#ngs 3as becoming #nbearab(e.
here 3as a sharp2 terrib(e2 h#rt in his ears. 8e e&ha(ed s(o3(y2 and the air b#bb(ed aro#nd his
%ace.
Soon2 he tho#ght2 soon ,$(( ha!e to breathe. *r ,$(( cho/e.
8e reached do3n2 p#t both hands aro#nd the b#mper o% the /(#n/er2 and p#shed2 3ith
e!erything he had2 (eaning into it. 'othing happened.
,t$s on(y the she(( o% a car2 he to(d himse(%. hey too/ o#t the engine. hat$s the hea!iest part o%
the car. 9o# can do it. J#st /eep p#shing.
8e p#shed.
Agoni1ing(y s(o3(y2 a %raction o% an inch at a time2 the car s(ipped %or3ard in the m#d2 and
Shado3 p#((ed his %oot %rom the m#d beneath the car2 and /ic/ed2 and tried to p#sh himse(% o#t
into the co(d (a/e 3ater. 8e didn$t mo!e. he coat2 he to(d himse(%. ,t$s the coat. ,t$s st#c/2 or
ca#ght on something. 8e p#((ed his arms %rom his coat2 %#mb(ed 3ith n#mb %ingers at the
%ro1en 1ipper. hen he p#((ed both hands on each side o% the 1ipper2 %e(t the coat gi!e and rend.
8asti(y2 he %reed himse(% %rom its embrace2 and p#shed #p3ard2 a3ay %rom the car.
here 3as a r#shing sensation b#t no sense o% #p2 no sense o% do3n2 and he 3as cho/ing and
the pain in his chest and in his head 3as too m#ch to bear2 so that he 3as certain that he 3as
going to ha!e to inha(e2 to breathe in the co(d 3ater2 to die. And then his head hit something
so(id.
,ce. 8e 3as p#shing against the ice on the top o% the (a/e. 8e hammered at it 3ith his %ists2 b#t
there 3as no strength (e%t in his arms2 nothing to ho(d on to2 nothing to p#sh against. he 3or(d
had disso(!ed into the chi(( b(ac/ness beneath the (a/e. here 3as nothing (e%t b#t co(d.
his is ridic#(o#s2 he tho#ght. And he tho#ght2 remembering some o(d ony 4#rtis %i(m he$d
seen as a /id2 , sho#(d ro(( onto my bac/ and p#sh the ice #p3ard and press my %ace to it2 and
%ind some air2 , co#(d breathe again2 there$s air there some3here2 b#t he 3as D#st %(oating and
%ree1ing and he co#(d no (onger mo!e a m#sc(e2 not i% his (i%e depended on it2 3hich it did.
he co(d became bearab(e. Became 3arm. And he tho#ght2 ,$m dying. here 3as anger there
this time2 a deep %#ry2 and he too/ the pain and the anger and reached 3ith it2 %(ai(ed2 %orced
m#sc(es to mo!e that 3ere resigned ne!er to mo!e again.
8e p#shed #p 3ith his hand2 and %e(t it scrape the edge o% the ice and mo!e #p into the air. 8e
%(ai(ed %or a grip2 and %e(t another hand ta/e his o3n2 and p#((.
8is head banged against the ice2 his %ace scraped the #nderneath o% the ice2 and then his head
3as #p in the air2 and he co#(d see that he 3as coming #p thro#gh a ho(e in the ice2 and %or a
moment a(( he co#(d do 3as breathe2 and (et the b(ac/ (a/e 3ater r#n %rom his nose and his
mo#th2 and b(in/ his eyes2 3hich co#(d see nothing more than a b(inding day(ight2 and shapes2
and someone 3as p#((ing him2 no32 %orcing him o#t o% the 3ater2 saying something abo#t ho3
he$d %ree1e to death2 so come on2 man2 p#((2 and Shado3 3rigg(ed and shoo/ (i/e a b#(( sea(
coming ashore2 sha/ing and co#ghing and sh#ddering.
8e breathed deep gasps o% air2 stretched %(at o#t on the crea/ing ice2 and e!en that 3o#(d not
ho(d %or (ong2 he /ne32 b#t it 3as no good. 8is tho#ghts 3ere coming 3ith di%%ic#(ty2 treac(eC
s(o3.
AJ#st (ea!e me2B he tried to say. A,$(( be %ine.B 8is 3ords 3ere a s(#r2 and e!erything 3as
dra3ing to a ha(t.
8e D#st needed to rest %or a moment2 that 3as a((2 D#st rest2 and then he 3o#(d get #p and mo!e
on2 %or ob!io#s(y he co#(d not D#st (ie there %ore!er.
here 3as a Der/? 3ater sp(ashed his %ace. 8is head 3as (i%ted #p. Shado3 %e(t himse(% being
ha#(ed across the ice2 s(iding on his bac/ across the s(ic/ s#r%ace2 and he 3anted to protest2 to
e&p(ain that he D#st needed a (itt(e rest-maybe a (itt(e s(eep2 3as that as/ing %or so
m#ch:-and he 3o#(d be D#st %ine. ,% they D#st (e%t him a(one.
8e did not be(ie!e that he had %a((en as(eep2 b#t he 3as standing on a !ast p(ain2 and there 3as
a man there 3ith the head and sho#(ders o% a b#%%a(o2 and a 3oman 3ith the head o% an
enormo#s condor2 and there 3as 5his/ey Jac/ standing bet3een them2 (oo/ing at him sad(y2
sha/ing his head.
5his/ey Jac/ t#rned and 3a(/ed s(o3(y a3ay %rom Shado3. he B#%%a(o man 3a(/ed a3ay
beside him. he th#nderbird 3oman a(so 3a(/ed2 and then she d#c/ed and /ic/ed and she 3as
g(iding o#t into the s/ies.
Shado3 %e(t a sense o% (oss. 8e 3anted to ca(( to them2 to p(ead 3ith them to come bac/2 not to
gi!e #p on him2 b#t e!erything 3as becoming %orm(ess and de!oid o% shape: they 3ere gone2
and the p(ains 3ere %ading2 and e!erything became !oid.
he pain 3as intense: it 3as as i% e!ery ce(( in his body2 e!ery ner!e2 3as me(ting and 3a/ing
and ad!ertising its presence by b#rning him and h#rting him.
here 3as a hand at the bac/ o% his head2 gripping it by the hair2 and another hand beneath his
chin. 8e opened his eyes2 e&pecting to %ind himse(% in some /ind o% hospita(.
8is %eet 3ere bare. 8e 3as 3earing Deans. 8e 3as na/ed %rom the 3aist #p. here 3as steam in
the air. 8e co#(d see a sha!ing mirror on the 3a(( %acing him2 and a sma(( basin2 and a b(#e
toothbr#sh in a toothpasteCstained g(ass.
,n%ormation 3as processed s(o3(y2 one dat#m at a time.
8is %ingers b#rned. 8is toes b#rned.
8e began to 3himper %rom the pain.
A"asy no32 6i/e. "asy there2B said a !oice he /ne3.
A5hat:B he said2 or tried to say. A5hat$s happening:B ,t so#nded strained and strange to his
ears.
8e 3as in a batht#b. he 3ater 3as hot. 8e tho#ght the 3ater 3as hot2 a(tho#gh he co#(d not
be certain. he 3ater 3as #p to his nec/.
AD#mbest thing yo# can do 3ith a %e((o3 %ree1ing to death is to p#t him in %ront o% a %ire. he
secondCd#mbest thing yo# can do is to 3rap him in b(an/ets-especia((y i% he$s in co(d 3et
c(othes a(ready. B(an/ets ins#(ate him-/eep the co(d in. he thirdCd#mbest thing-and this is
my pri!ate opinion-is to ta/e the %e((o3$s b(ood o#t2 3arm it #p2 and p#t it bac/. hat$s 3hat
doctors do these days. 4omp(icated2 e&pensi!e. D#mb.B he !oice 3as coming %rom abo!e and
behind his head.
Ahe smartest2 I#ic/est thing yo# can do is 3hat sai(ors ha!e done to men o!erboard %or
h#ndreds o% years. 9o# p#t the %e((o3 in hot 3ater. 'ot too hot. J#st hot. 'o32 D#st so yo#
/no32 yo# 3ere basica((y dead2 3hen , %o#nd yo# on the ice bac/ there. 8o3 are yo# %ee(ing
no32 8o#dini:B
A,t h#rts2B said Shado3. A"!erything h#rts. 9o# sa!ed my (i%e.B
A, g#ess maybe , did2 at that. 4an yo# ho(d yo#r head #p on yo#r o3n no3:B
A6aybe.B
A,$m going to (et yo# go. ,% yo# start sin/ing be(o3 the 3ater ,$(( p#(( yo# bac/ #p again.B
he hands re(eased their grip on his head.
8e %e(t himse(% s(iding %or3ard in the batht#b. 8e p#t o#t his hands2 pressed them against the
sides o% the t#b2 and (eaned bac/. he bathroom 3as sma((. he t#b 3as meta(2 and the ename(
3as stained and scratched.
An o(d man mo!ed into his %ie(d o% !ision. 8e (oo/ed concerned.
A)ee(ing better:B as/ed 8in1e(mann. A9o# D#st (ay bac/ and re(a&. ,$!e got the den nice and
3arm. 9o# te(( me 3hen yo#$re ready2 , got a robe yo# can 3ear2 and , can thro3 yo#r Deans
into the dryer 3ith the rest o% yo#r c(othes. So#nd good2 6i/e:B
Ahat$s not my name.B
A,% yo# say so.B he o(d man$s gob(in %ace t3isted into an e&pression o% discom%ort.
Shado3 had no rea( sense o% time: he (ay in the bath #nti( the b#rning stopped and his toes and
%ingers %(e&ed 3itho#t rea( discom%ort. 8in1e(mann he(ped Shado3 to his %eet and (et o#t the
3arm 3ater. Shado3 sat on the side o% the bath and together they p#((ed o%% his Deans.
8e sI#ee1ed2 3itho#t m#ch di%%ic#(ty2 into a terryc(oth robe too sma(( %or him2 and2 (eaning on
the o(d man2 he 3ent thro#gh to the den2 and %(opped do3n on an ancient so%a. 8e 3as tired
and 3ea/: deep(y %atig#ed2 b#t a(i!e. A (og %ire b#rned in the %irep(ace. A hand%#( o% s#rprisedC
(oo/ing deer heads peered do3n d#sti(y %rom aro#nd the 3a((s2 3here they Dost(ed %or space
3ith se!era( (arge !arnished %ish.
8in1e(mann 3ent a3ay 3ith Shado3$s Deans2 and %rom the room ne&t door Shado3 co#(d hear
a brie% pa#se in the ratt(e o% a c(othes dryer2 be%ore it res#med. he o(d man ret#rned 3ith a
steaming m#g.
A,t$s co%%ee2B he said2 A3hich is a stim#(ant. And , sp(ashed a (itt(e schnapps into it. J#st a (itt(e.
hat$s 3hat 3e a(3ays did in the o(d days. A doctor 3o#(dn$t recommend it.B
Shado3 too/ the co%%ee 3ith both hands. *n the side o% the m#g 3as a pict#re o% a mosI#ito
and the message2 G,F" B@**D-F,S, 5,S4*'S,'PP
Ahan/s2B he said.
A,t$s 3hat %riends are %or2B said 8in1e(mann. A*ne day2 yo# can sa!e my (i%e. )or no32 %orget
abo#t it.B
Shado3 sipped the co%%ee. A, tho#ght , 3as dead.B
A9o# 3ere (#c/y. , 3as #p on the bridge-,$d pretty m#ch %ig#red that today 3as going to be the
big day2 yo# get a %ee( %or it2 3hen yo# get to my age-so , 3as #p there 3ith my o(d poc/et
3atch2 and , sa3 yo# heading o#t onto the (a/e. , sho#ted2 b#t , s#re as hec/ don$t thin/ yo#
co#(da heard me. , sa3 the car go do3n2 and , sa3 yo# go do3n 3ith it2 and , tho#ght ,$d (ost
yo#2 so , 3ent o#t onto the ice. Ga!e me the heebieCDeebies. 9o# m#st ha!e been #nder the
3ater %or the best part o% t3o min#tes. hen , sa3 yo#r hand come #p thro#gh the p(ace 3here
the car 3ent do3n-it 3as (i/e seeing a ghost2 seeing yo# thereQB 8e trai(ed o%%. A5e 3ere
both damn (#c/y that the ice too/ o#r 3eight as , dragged yo# bac/ to the shore.B
Shado3 nodded.
A9o# did a good thing2B he to(d 8in1e(mann2 and the o(d man beamed a(( o!er his gob(in %ace.
Some3here in the ho#se2 Shado3 heard a door c(ose. 8e sipped at his co%%ee.
'o3 that he 3as ab(e to thin/ c(ear(y2 he 3as starting to as/ himse(% I#estions.
8e 3ondered ho3 an o(d man2 a man ha(% his height and perhaps a third his 3eight2 had been
ab(e to drag him2 #nconscio#s2 across the ice2 or get him #p the ban/ to a car. 8e 3ondered
ho3 8in1e(mann had gotten Shado3 into the ho#se and the bath.
8in1e(mann 3a(/ed o!er to the %ire2 pic/ed #p the tongs and p(aced a thin (og2 care%#((y2 onto
the b(a1ing %ire.
ADo yo# 3ant to /no3 3hat , 3as doing o#t on the ice:B
8in1e(mann shr#gged. A'one o% my b#siness.B
A9o# /no3 3hat , don$t #nderstandQ2B said Shado3. 8e hesitated2 p#tting his tho#ghts in
order. A, don$t #nderstand 3hy yo# sa!ed my (i%e.B
A5e((2B said 8in1e(mann2 Athe 3ay , 3as bro#ght #p2 i% yo# see another %e((o3 in tro#b(e-B
A'o2B said Shado3. Ahat$s not 3hat , mean. , mean2 yo# /i((ed a(( those /ids. "!ery 3inter. ,
3as the on(y one to ha!e %ig#red it o#t. 9o# m#st ha!e seen me open the tr#n/. 5hy didn$t yo#
D#st (et me dro3n:B
8in1e(mann tipped his head on one side. 8e scratched his nose2 tho#ght%#((y2 roc/ed bac/ and
%orth as i% he 3ere thin/ing. A5e((2B he said. Ahat$s a good I#estion. , g#ess it$s beca#se , o3ed
a certain party a debt. And ,$m good %or my debts.B
A5ednesday:B
Ahat$s the %e((o3.B
Ahere 3as a reason he hid me in @a/eside2 3asn$t there: here 3as a reason nobody sho#(d
ha!e been ab(e to %ind me here.B
8in1e(mann said nothing. 8e #nhoo/ed a hea!y b(ac/ po/er %rom its p(ace on the 3a((2 and he
prodded at the %ire 3ith it2 sending #p a c(o#d o% orange spar/s and smo/e. Ahis is my home2B
he said2 pet#(ant(y. A,t$s a good to3n.B
Shado3 %inished his co%%ee. 8e p#t the c#p do3n on the %(oor. he e%%ort 3as e&ha#sting. A8o3
(ong ha!e yo# been here:B
A@ong eno#gh.B
AAnd yo# made the (a/e:B
8in1e(mann peered at him2 s#rprised. A9es2B he said. A, made the (a/e. hey 3ere ca((ing it a
(a/e 3hen , got here2 b#t it 3eren$t nothing more than a spring and a mi((Cpond and a cree/.B
8e pa#sed. A, %ig#red that this co#ntry is he(( on my /ind o% %o(/. ,t eats #s. , didn$t 3ant to be
eaten. So , made a dea(. , ga!e them a (a/e2 and , ga!e them prosperityQB
AAnd a(( it cost them 3as one chi(d e!ery 3inter.B
AGood /ids2B said 8in1e(mann2 sha/ing his o(d head2 s(o3(y. Ahey 3ere a(( good /ids. ,$d on(y
pic/ ones , (i/ed. "&cept %or 4har(ie 'e((igan. 8e 3as a bad seed2 that one. 8e 3as2 3hat2 ;<>Z:
;<>N: 9eah. hat 3as the dea(.B
Ahe peop(e o% the to3n2B said Shado3. A6abe(. 6arg#erite. 4had 6#((igan. Do they /no3:B
8in1e(mann said nothing. 8e p#((ed the po/er %rom the %ire: the %irst si& inches at the tip g(o3ed
a d#(( orange. Shado3 /ne3 that the hand(e o% the po/er m#st be too hot to ho(d2 b#t it did not
seem to bother 8in1e(mann2 and he prodded the %ire again. 8e p#t the po/er bac/ into the %ire2
tip %irst2 and (e%t it there. hen he said2 Ahey /no3 that they (i!e in a good p(ace. 5hi(e e!ery
other to3n and city in this co#nty2 hec/2 in this part o% the state2 is cr#mb(ing into nothing. hey
/no3 that.B
AAnd that$s yo#r doing:B
Ahis to3n2B said 8in1e(mann. A, care %or it. 'othing happens here that , don$t 3ant to happen.
9o# #nderstand that: 'obody comes here that , don$t 3ant to come here. hat 3as 3hy yo#r
%ather sent yo# here. 8e didn$t 3ant yo# o#t there in the 3or(d2 attracting attention. hat$s a((.B
AAnd yo# betrayed him.B
A, did no s#ch thing. 8e 3as a croo/. B#t , a(3ays pay my debts.B
A, don$t be(ie!e yo#2B said Shado3.
8in1e(mann (oo/ed o%%ended. *ne hand t#gged at the c(#mp o% 3hite hair at his temp(e. A, /eep
my 3ord.B
A'o. 9o# don$t. @a#ra came here. She said something 3as ca((ing her here. And 3hat abo#t the
coincidence that bro#ght Sam B(ac/ 4ro3 and A#drey B#rton here2 on the same night: , don$t
be(ie!e in coincidence any more.
ASam B(ac/ 4ro3 and A#drey B#rton. 3o peop(e 3ho both /ne3 3ho , rea((y 3as2 and that
there 3ere peop(e o#t there (oo/ing %or me. , g#ess i% one o% them %ai(ed2 there 3as a(3ays the
other. And i% a(( o% them had %ai(ed2 3ho e(se 3as on their 3ay to @a/eside2 8in1e(mann: 6y o(d
prison 3arden2 #p here %or a 3ee/end$s iceC%ishing: @a#ra$s mother:B Shado3 rea(i1ed that he
3as angry. A9o# 3anted me o#t o% yo#r to3n. 9o# D#st didn$t 3ant to ha!e to te(( 5ednesday
that 3as 3hat yo# 3ere doing.B
,n the %ire(ight2 8in1e(mann seemed more (i/e a gargoy(e than an imp. Ahis is a good to3n2B he
said. 5itho#t his smi(e he (oo/ed 3a&en and corpseC(i/e. A9o# co#(d ha!e attracted too m#ch
attention. 'ot good %or the to3n.B
A9o# sho#(d ha!e (e%t me bac/ there on the ice2B said Shado3. A9o# sho#(d ha!e (e%t me in the
(a/e. , opened the tr#n/ o% the /(#n/er. +ight no3 A(ison is sti(( iced into the tr#n/. B#t the ice
3i(( me(t2 and her body$(( %(oat o#t and #p to the s#r%ace. And then they$(( go do3n and (oo/ and
see 3hat e(se they can %ind do3n there. )ind yo#r 3ho(e stash o% /ids. , g#ess some o% those
bodies are pretty 3e(( preser!ed.B
8in1e(mann reached do3n and pic/ed #p the po/er. 8e made no pretense o% stirring the %ire
3ith it any (onger? he he(d it (i/e a s3ord2 or a baton2 the g(o3ing orangeC3hite tip o% it 3a!ing
in the air. ,t smo/ed. Shado3 3as !ery a3are that he 3as ne&tCtoCna/ed2 and he 3as sti(( tired2
and c(#msy2 and %ar %rom ab(e to de%end himse(%.
A9o# 3ant to /i(( me:B said Shado3. AGo ahead. Do it. ,$m a dead man any3ay. , /no3 yo# o3n
this to3n-it$s yo#r (itt(e 3or(d. B#t i% yo# thin/ no one$s going to come (oo/ing %or me2 yo#$re
(i!ing in a dream 3or(d. ,t$s o!er2 8in1e(mann. *ne 3ay or another2 it$s done.B
8in1e(mann p#shed himse(% to his %eet2 #sing the po/er as a 3a(/ing stic/. he carpet charred
and smo/ed 3here he rested the redChot tip as he got #p. 8e (oo/ed at Shado3 and there 3ere
tears in his pa(e b(#e eyes. A, (o!e this to3n2B he said. A, rea((y (i/e being a cran/y o(d man2 and
te((ing my stories and dri!ing essie and iceC%ishing. +emember 3hat , to(d yo#2 it$s not the %ish
yo# bring home %rom a day$s %ishing. ,t$s the peace o% mind.B
8e e&tended the tip o% the po/er in Shado3$s direction: Shado3 co#(d %ee( the heat o% it %rom a
%oot a3ay.
A, co#(d /i(( yo#2B said 8in1e(mann2 A, co#(d %i& it. ,$!e done it be%ore. 9o#$re not the %irst to
%ig#re it o#t. 4had 6#((igan$s %ather2 he %ig#red it o#t. , %i&ed him. , can %i& yo#.B
A6aybe2B said Shado3. AB#t %or ho3 (ong2 8in1e(mann: Another year: Another decade: hey
ha!e comp#ters. hey aren$t st#pid. hey pic/ #p on patterns. "!ery year a /id$s going to
!anish. hey$(( come sni%%ing abo#t here. J#st (i/e they$(( come (oo/ing %or me. e(( me-ho3 o(d
are yo#:B 8e c#r(ed his %ingers aro#nd a so%a c#shion2 and prepared to p#(( it o!er his head: it
3o#(d de%(ect a %irst b(o3.
8in1e(mann$s %ace 3as e&pression(ess. Ahey 3ere gi!ing their chi(dren to me be%ore the
+omans came to the B(ac/ )orest2B he said. A, 3as a god be%ore e!er , 3as a /obo(d.B
A6aybe it$s time to mo!e on2B said Shado3. 8e 3ondered 3hat a /obo(d 3as.
8in1e(mann stared at him. hen he too/ the po/er2 and p#shed the tip o% it bac/ into the
b#rning embers. A6aybe it is2 at that2B he said. AB#t it$s not that simp(e. 5hat ma/es yo# thin/ ,
can (ea!e this to3n2 e!en i% , 3ant to2 Shado3: ,$m part o% this to3n. 9o# going to ma/e me go2
Shado3: 9o# ready to /i(( me: So , can (ea!e:B
Shado3 (oo/ed do3n at the %(oor. here 3ere sti(( g(immers and spar/s in the carpet2 3here the
po/erCtip had rested. 8in1e(mann %o((o3ed the (oo/ 3ith his o3n2 and cr#shed the embers o#t
3ith his %oot2 t3isting. ,n Shado3$s mind came2 #nbidden2 chi(dren2 h#ndreds o% them2 staring
at him 3ith boneCb(ind eyes2 the hair t3isting s(o3(y aro#nd their %aces (i/e %ronds o% sea3eed.
hey 3ere (oo/ing at him reproach%#((y.
8e /ne3 that he 3as (etting them do3n. 8e D#st didn$t /no3 3hat e(se to do.
Shado3 said2 A, can$t /i(( yo#. 9o# sa!ed my (i%e.B
8e shoo/ his head. 8e %e(t (i/e crap2 in e!ery 3ay he co#(d %ee( (i/e crap. 8e didn$t %ee( (i/e a
hero or a detecti!e any more-D#st another %#c/ing se((Co#t2 3a!ing a stern %inger at the
dar/ness be%ore t#rning his bac/ on it.
A9o# 3ant to /no3 a secret:B as/ed 8in1e(mann.
AS#re2B said Shado32 3ith a hea!y heart. 8e 3as ready to be done 3ith secrets.
A5atch this.B
5here 8in1e(mann had been standing stood a ma(e chi(d2 no more than %i!e years o(d. 8is hair
3as dar/ bro3n2 and (ong. 8e 3as per%ect(y na/ed2 sa!e %or a 3orn (eather band aro#nd his
nec/. 8e 3as pierced 3ith t3o s3ords2 one o% them going thro#gh his chest2 the other entering
at his sho#(der2 3ith the point coming o#t beneath the ribcage. B(ood %(o3ed thro#gh the
3o#nds 3itho#t stopping and ran do3n the chi(d$s body to poo( and p#dd(e on the %(oor. he
s3ords (oo/ed #nimaginab(y o(d.
he (itt(e boy stared #p at Shado3 3ith eyes that he(d on(y pain.
And Shado3 tho#ght to himse(%2 *% co#rse. hat$s as good a 3ay as any other o% ma/ing a triba(
god. 8e did not ha!e to be to(d. 8e /ne3.
9o# ta/e a baby and yo# bring it #p in the dar/ness2 (etting it see no one2 to#ch no one2 and yo#
%eed it 3e(( as the years pass2 %eed it better than any o% the !i((age$s other chi(dren2 and then2
%i!e 3inters on2 3hen the night is at its (ongest2 yo# drag the terri%ied chi(d o#t o% its h#t and
into the circ(e o% bon%ires2 and yo# pierce it 3ith b(ades o% iron and o% bron1e. hen yo# smo/e
the sma(( body o!er charcoa( %ires #nti( it is proper(y dried2 and yo# 3rap it in %#rs and carry it
3ith yo# %rom encampment to encampment2 deep in the B(ac/ )orest2 sacri%icing anima(s and
chi(dren to it2 ma/ing it the (#c/ o% the tribe. 5hen2 e!ent#a((y2 the thing %a((s apart %rom age2
yo# p(ace its %ragi(e bones in a bo&2 and yo# 3orship the bo&? #nti( one day the bones are
scattered and %orgotten2 and the tribes 3ho 3orshiped the chi(dCgod o% the bo& are (ong gone?
and the chi(dCgod2 the (#c/ o% the !i((age2 3i(( be bare(y remembered2 sa!e as a ghost or a
bro3nie2 a /obo(d.
Shado3 3ondered 3hich o% the peop(e 3ho had come to northern 5isconsin a h#ndred and
%i%ty years ago2 a 3oodc#tter2 perhaps2 or a mapma/er2 had crossed the At(antic 3ith
8in1e(mann (i!ing in his head.
And then the b(oody chi(d 3as gone2 and the b(ood2 and there 3as on(y an o(d man 3ith a %(#%%
o% 3hite hair and a gob(in smi(e2 his s3eaterCs(ee!es sti(( soa/ed %rom p#tting Shado3 into the
bath that had sa!ed his (i%e.
A8in1e(mann:B he !oice came %rom the door3ay o% the den.
8in1e(mann t#rned. Shado3 t#rned too.
A, came o!er to te(( yo#2B said 4had 6#((igan2 and his !oice 3as strained2 Athat the /(#n/er 3ent
thro#gh the ice. , sa3 it had gone do3n 3hen , dro!e o!er that 3ay2 and tho#ght ,$d come o!er
and (et yo# /no32 in case yo#$d missed it.B
8e 3as ho(ding his g#n. ,t 3as pointed at the %(oor.
A8ey2 4had2B said Shado3.
A8ey2 pa(2B said 4had 6#((igan. Ahey sent me a note said yo#$d died in c#stody. 8eart attac/.B
A8o3 abo#t that:B said Shado3. ASeems (i/e ,$m dying a(( o!er the p(ace.B
A8e came do3n here2 4had2B said 8in1e(mann. A8e threatened me.B
A'o2B said 4had 6#((igan. A8e didn$t. ,$!e been here %or the (ast ten min#tes2 8in1e(mann. ,
heard e!erything yo# said. Abo#t my o(d man. Abo#t the (a/e.B 8e 3a(/ed %#rther into the den.
8e did not raise the g#n. A, mean2 Jes#s2 8in1e(mann. 9o# can$t dri!e thro#gh this to3n 3itho#t
seeing that goddamned (a/e. ,t$s at the center o% e!erything. So 3hat the he(( am , s#pposed to
do:B
A9o# got to arrest him. 8e said he 3as going to /i(( me2B said 8in1e(mann2 a scared o(d man in a
d#sty den. A4had2 ,$m p(eased yo#$re here.B
A'o2B said 4had 6#((igan. A9o#$re not.B
8in1e(mann sighed. 8e bent do3n2 as i% resigned2 and he p#((ed the po/er o#t %rom the %ire. he
tip o% it 3as b#rning bright orange.
AP#t that do3n2 8in1e(mann. J#st p#t it do3n s(o3(y2 /eep yo#r hands in the air 3here , can see
them2 and t#rn and %ace the 3a((.B
here 3as an e&pression o% p#re %ear on the o(d man$s %ace2 and Shado3 3o#(d ha!e %e(t sorry
%or him2 b#t he remembered the %ro1en tears on the chee/s o% A(ison 6cGo!ern2 and co#(d not
%ee( anything. 8in1e(mann did not mo!e. 8e did not p#t do3n the po/er. 8e did not t#rn to the
3a((. Shado3 3as abo#t to reach %or 8in1e(mann2 to try to ta/e the po/er a3ay %rom him2 3hen
the o(d man thre3 the b#rning po/er at 4had 6#((igan.
8in1e(mann thre3 it a3/3ard(y2 (obbing it across the room as i% %or %orm$s sa/e2 and as he
thre3 it he 3as a(ready h#rrying %or the door.
he po/er g(anced o%% 4had$s (e%t arm.
he noise o% the shot2 in the c(ose I#arters o% the o(d man$s room2 3as dea%ening.
*ne shot to the head2 and that 3as a((.
6#((igan said2 ABetter get yo#r c(othes on.B 8is !oice 3as d#(( and dead.
Shado3 nodded. 8e 3a(/ed to the room ne&t door2 opened the door o% the c(othes dryer and
p#((ed o#t his c(othes. he Deans 3ere sti(( damp. 8e p#t them on any3ay. By the time he got
bac/ to the den2 %#((y dressed-e&cept %or his coat2 3hich 3as some3here deep in the %ree1ing
m#d o% the (a/e2 and his boots2 3hich he co#(d not %ind-6#((igan had a(ready ha#(ed se!era(
smo(dering (ogs o#t %rom the %irep(ace.
6#((igan said2 A,t$s a bad day %or a cop 3hen he has to commit arson2 D#st to co!er #p a
m#rder.B hen he (oo/ed #p at Shado3. A9o# need boots2B he said.
A, don$t /no3 3here he p#t them2B said Shado3.
A8e((2B said 6#((igan. hen he said2 ASorry abo#t this2 8in1e(mann2B and he pic/ed the o(d man
#p by the co((ar and by the be(t b#c/(e2 and he s3#ng him %or3ard2 dropped the body 3ith its
head resting in the open %irep(ace. he 3hite hair crac/(ed and %(ared2 and the room began to
%i(( 3ith the sme(( o% charring %(esh.
A,t 3asn$t m#rder. ,t 3as se(%Cde%ense2B said Shado3.
A, /no3 3hat it 3as2B said 6#((igan2 %(at(y. 8e had a(ready t#rned his attention to the smo/ing
(ogs he had scattered abo#t the room. 8e p#shed one o% them to the edge o% the so%a2 pic/ed
#p an o(d copy o% the @a/eside 'e3s and p#((ed it into its component pages2 3hich he
cr#mp(ed #p and dropped onto the (og. he ne3spaper pages bro3ned and then b#rst into
%(ame.
AGet o#tside2B said 4had 6#((igan.
8e opened the 3indo3s as they 3a(/ed o#t o% the ho#se2 and he sprang the (oc/ on the %ront
door to (oc/ it be%ore he c(osed it.
Shado3 %o((o3ed him o#t to the po(ice car in his bare %eet. 6#((igan opened the %ront
passenger door %or him2 and Shado3 got in and 3iped his %eet o%% on the mat. hen he p#t on
his soc/s2 3hich 3ere pretty m#ch dry by no3.
A5e can get yo# some boots at 8enning$s )arm and 8ome2B said 4had 6#((igan.
A8o3 m#ch did yo# hear in there:B as/ed Shado3.
A"no#gh2B said 6#((igan. hen he said2 Aoo m#ch.B
hey dro!e to 8enning$s )arm and 8ome in si(ence. 5hen they got there the po(ice chie% said2
A5hat si1e %eet:B
Shado3 to(d him.
6#((igan 3a(/ed into the store. 8e ret#rned 3ith a pair o% thic/ 3oo(en soc/s2 and a pair o%
(eather %arm boots. AA(( they had (e%t in yo#r si1e2B he said. AEn(ess yo# 3anted g#mboots. ,
%ig#red yo# didn$t.B
Shado3 p#((ed on the soc/s and the boots. hey %itted %ine. Ahan/s2B he said.
A9o# got a car:B as/ed 6#((igan.
A,t$s par/ed by the road do3n to the (a/e. 'ear the bridge.B
6#((igan started the car and p#((ed o#t o% the 8enning$s par/ing (ot.
A5hat happened to A#drey:B as/ed Shado3.
ADay a%ter they too/ yo# a3ay2 she said she (i/ed me as a %riend2 b#t it 3o#(d ne!er 3or/ o#t
bet3een #s2 #s being %ami(y and a((2 and she 3ent bac/ to "ag(e Point. Bro/e my goshCdarn
heart.B
A6a/es sense2B said Shado3. AAnd it 3asn$t persona(. 8in1e(mann didn$t need her here any
more.B
hey dro!e bac/ past 8in1e(mann$s ho#se. A thic/ p(#me o% 3hite smo/e 3as coming #p %rom
the chimney.
AShe on(y came to to3n beca#se he 3anted her here. She 3as something to he(p him to get me
o#t o% to3n. , 3as bringing attention he didn$t need.B
A, tho#ght she (i/ed me.B
hey p#((ed #p beside Shado3$s renta( car. A5hat are yo# going to do no3:B as/ed Shado3.
A, don$t /no32B said 6#((igan. 8is norma((y harassed %ace 3as starting to (oo/ more a(i!e than it
had at any point since 8in1e(mann$s den. ,t a(so (oo/ed more tro#b(ed. A, %ig#re2 , got a co#p(e
o% choices. "ither ,$((QB And he made a g#n o% his %irst t3o %ingers2 and p#t the %ingertips into his
open mo#th2 and remo!ed them. AQp#t a b#((et thro#gh my brain. *r ,$(( 3ait another co#p(e o%
days #nti( the ice is most(y gone2 and tie a concrete b(oc/ to my (eg and D#mp o%% the bridge. *r
pi((s. Sheesh. 6aybe , sho#(d D#st dri!e a 3hi(e2 o#t to one o% the %orests. a/e pi((s o#t there. ,
don$t 3ant to ma/e one o% my g#ys ha!e to do the c(eanC#p. @ea!e it %or the co#nty2 h#h:B 8e
sighed2 and shoo/ his head.
A9o# didn$t /i(( 8in1e(mann2 4had. 8e died a (ong time ago2 a (ong 3ay %rom here.B
Ahan/s %or saying that2 6i/e. B#t , /i((ed him. , shot a man in co(d b(ood2 and , co!ered it #p.
And i% yo# as/ed me 3hy , did it2 3hy , rea((y did it2 ,$m darned i% , co#(d te(( yo#.B
Shado3 p#t o#t a hand2 to#ched 6#((igan on the arm. A8in1e(mann o3ned this to3n2B he said.
A, don$t thin/ yo# had a (ot o% choice abo#t 3hat happened bac/ there. , thin/ he bro#ght yo#
there. 8e 3anted yo# to hear 3hat yo# heard. 8e set yo# #p. , g#ess it 3as the on(y 3ay he
co#(d (ea!e.B
6#((igan$s miserab(e e&pression did not change. Shado3 co#(d see that the po(ice chie% had
bare(y heard anything that he had said. 8e had /i((ed 8in1e(mann and b#i(t him a pyre2 and
no32 obeying the (ast o% 8in1e(mann$s desires2 or simp(y beca#se it 3as the on(y thing he co#(d
do to (i!e 3ith himse(%2 he 3o#(d commit s#icide.
Shado3 c(osed his eyes2 remembering the p(ace in his head that he had gone 3hen 5ednesday
had to(d him to ma/e sno3: that p(ace that p#shed2 mind to mind2 and he smi(ed a smi(e he did
not %ee( and he said2 A4had. @et it go.B here 3as a c(o#d in the man$s mind2 a dar/2 oppressi!e
c(o#d2 and Shado3 co#(d a(most see it and2 concentrating on it2 imagined it %ading a3ay (i/e a
%og in the morning. A4had2B he said2 %ierce(y2 trying to penetrate the c(o#d2 Athis to3n is going
to change no3. ,t$s not going to be the on(y good to3n in a depressed region any more. ,t$s
going to be a (ot more (i/e the rest o% this part o% the 3or(d. here$s going to be a (ot more
tro#b(e. Peop(e o#t o% 3or/. Peop(e o#t o% their heads. 6ore peop(e getting h#rt. 6ore bad shit
going do3n. hey are going to need a po(ice chie% 3ith e&perience. he to3n needs yo#.B And
then he said2 A6arg#erite needs yo#.B
Something shi%ted in the storm c(o#d that %i((ed the man$s head. Shado3 co#(d %ee( it change.
8e p#shed then2 en!isioning 6arg#erite *(sen$s practica( bro3n hands and her dar/ eyes2 and
her (ong2 (ong b(ac/ hair. 8e pict#red the 3ay she tipped her head on one side and ha(%Csmi(ed
3hen she 3as am#sed. AShe$s 3aiting %or yo#2B said Shado32 and he /ne3 it 3as tr#e as he said
it.
A6argie:B said 4had 6#((igan.
And at that moment2 a(tho#gh he co#(d ne!er te(( yo# ho3 he had done it2 and he do#bted that
he co#(d e!er do it again2 Shado3 reached in to 4had 6#((igan$s mind2 easy as anything2 and he
p(#c/ed the e!ents o% that a%ternoon %rom it as precise(y and dispassionate(y as a ra!en pic/ing
an eye %rom road/i((.
he creases in 4had$s %orehead smoothed2 and he b(in/ed2 s(eepi(y.
AGo see 6argie2B said Shado3. A,t$s been good seeing yo#2 4had. a/e care o% yo#rse(%.B
AS#re2B ya3ned 4had 6#((igan.
A message crac/(ed o!er the po(ice radio2 and 4had reached o#t %or the handset. Shado3 got
o#t o% the car.
Shado3 3a(/ed o!er to his renta( car. 8e co#(d see the gray %(atness o% the (a/e at the center o%
the to3n. 8e tho#ght o% the dead chi(dren 3ho 3aited at the bottom o% the 3ater.
Soon2 A(ison 3o#(d %(oat to the s#r%aceQ
As Shado3 dro!e past 8in1e(mann$s p(ace he co#(d see the p(#me o% smo/e had a(ready t#rned
into a b(a1e. 8e co#(d hear a siren 3ai(.
8e dro!e so#th2 heading %or 8igh3ay N;. 8e 3as on his 3ay to /eep his %ina( appointment. B#t
be%ore that2 he tho#ght2 he 3o#(d stop o%% in 6adison2 %or one (ast goodbye.
Best o% e!erything2 Samantha B(ac/ 4ro3 (i/ed c(osing #p the 4o%%ee 8o#se at night. ,t 3as a
per%ect(y ca(ming thing to do: it ga!e her a %ee(ing that she 3as p#tting order bac/ into the
3or(d. She 3o#(d p#t on an ,ndigo Gir(s 4D2 and she 3o#(d do her %ina( chores o% the night at
her o3n pace and in her o3n 3ay. )irst2 she 3o#(d c(ean the espresso machine. hen she 3o#(d
do the %ina( ro#nds2 ens#ring that any missed c#ps or p(ates 3ere deposited bac/ in the /itchen2
and that the ne3spapers that 3ere a(3ays scattered aro#nd the 4o%%ee 8o#se by the end o%
each day 3ere co((ected together and pi(ed neat(y by the %ront door2 a(( ready %or recyc(ing.
She (o!ed the 4o%%ee 8o#se. She$d gone there as a c#stomer %or si& months be%ore she ta(/ed
Je%%2 the manager2 into gi!ing her a Dob. ,t 3as a (ong2 3inding series o% rooms %i((ed 3ith
armchairs and so%as and (o3 tab(es2 on a street (ined 3ith secondChand boo/stores.
She co!ered the (e%to!er s(ices o% cheeseca/e and p#t them into the (arge re%rigerator %or the
night2 then she too/ a c(oth and 3iped the (ast o% the cr#mbs a3ay. She enDoyed being a(one.
As she 3or/ed she 3o#(d sing a(ong 3ith the ,ndigo Gir(s. Sometimes she 3o#(d brea/ into a
dance %or a step or t3o2 be%ore catching herse(%2 and stopping2 smi(ing 3ry(y at herse(%.
A tapping on the 3indo3 Der/ed her attention %rom her chores bac/ to the rea( 3or(d. She 3ent
to the door2 opened it2 to admit a 3oman o% abo#t Sam$s age2 3ith pigtai(ed magenta hair. 8er
name 3as 'ata(ie.
A8e((o2B said 'ata(ie. She 3ent #p on tiptoes and /issed Sam2 depositing the /iss sn#g(y
bet3een Sam$s chee/ and the corner o% her mo#th. 9o# can say a (ot o% things 3ith a /iss (i/e
that. A9o# done:B
A'ear(y.B
A9o# 3ant to see a mo!ie:B
AS#re. @o!e to. ,$!e got a good %i!e min#tes (e%t here2 tho#gh. 5hy don$t yo# sit and read the
*nion:B
A, sa3 this 3ee/$s a(ready.B She sat on a chair near the door2 r#%%(ed thro#gh the pi(e o%
ne3spapers p#t aside %or recyc(ing #nti( she %o#nd something2 and she read it2 3hi(e Sam
bagged #p the (ast o% the money in the ti(( and p#t it in the sa%e.
hey had been s(eeping together %or a 3ee/ no3. Sam 3ondered i% this 3as it2 the re(ationship
she$d been 3aiting %or a(( her (i%e. She to(d herse(% that it 3as D#st brain chemica(s and
pheromones that made her happy 3hen she sa3 'ata(ie2 and perhaps that 3as 3hat it 3as?
sti((2 a(( she /ne3 %or s#re 3as that she smi(ed 3hen she sa3 'ata(ie2 and that 3hen they 3ere
together she %e(t com%ortab(e and com%orted.
Ahis paper2B said 'ata(ie2 Ahas another one o% those artic(es in it. R,s America 4hanging:$B
A5e((2 is it:B
Ahey don$t say. hey say that maybe it is2 b#t they don$t /no3 ho3 and they don$t /no3 3hy2
and maybe it isn$t happening at a((.B
Sam smi(ed broad(y. A5e((2B she said2 Athat co!ers e!ery option2 doesn$t it:B
A, g#ess.B 'ata(ie$s bro3 creased and she 3ent bac/ to her ne3spaper.
Sam 3ashed the dishc(oth and %o(ded it. A, thin/ it$s D#st that2 despite the go!ernment and
3hate!er2 e!erything D#st %ee(s s#dden(y good right no3. 6aybe it$s D#st spring coming a (itt(e
ear(y. ,t 3as a (ong 3inter2 and ,$m g(ad it$s o!er.B
A6e2 too.B A pa#se. A,t says in the artic(e that (ots o% peop(e ha!e been reporting 3eird dreams.
, ha!en$t rea((y had any 3eird dreams. 'othing 3eirder than norma(.B
Sam (oo/ed aro#nd to see i% there 3as anything she had missed. 'ope. ,t 3as a good Dob 3e((
done. She too/ o%% her apron2 h#ng it bac/ in the /itchen. hen she came bac/ and started to
t#rn o%% the (ights. A,$!e had some 3eird dreams recent(y2B she said. Ahey got 3eird eno#gh
that , act#a((y started /eeping a dream Do#rna(. hey seem to mean so m#ch 3hi(e ,$m dreaming
them. , 3rite them do3n 3hen , 3a/e #p. And then 3hen , read them2 they don$t mean
anything at a((.B
She p#t on her street coat2 and her oneCsi1eC%itsCa(( g(o!es.
A, did some dream 3or/2B said 'ata(ie. 'ata(ie had done a (itt(e o% e!erything2 %rom arcane se(%C
de%ense discip(ines and s3eat (odges to %eng sh#i and Da11 dancing. Ae(( me. ,$(( te(( yo# 3hat
they mean.B
A*/ay.B Sam #n(oc/ed the door and t#rned the (ast o% the (ights o%%. She (et 'ata(ie o#t2 and she
3a(/ed o#t onto the street and (oc/ed the door to the 4o%%ee 8o#se %irm(y behind her.
ASometimes , ha!e been dreaming o% peop(e 3ho %e(( %rom the s/y. Sometimes ,$m
#ndergro#nd2 ta(/ing to a 3oman 3ith a b#%%a(o head. And sometimes , dream abo#t this g#y ,
/issed once in a bar.B
'ata(ie made a noise. ASomething yo# sho#(d ha!e to(d me abo#t:B
A6aybe. B#t not (i/e that. ,t 3as a )#c/C*%% .iss.B
A9o# 3ere te((ing him to %#c/ o%%:B
A'o2 , 3as te((ing e!eryone e(se they co#(d %#c/ o%%. 9o# had to be there2 , g#ess.B
'ata(ie$s shoes c(ic/ed do3n the side3a(/. Sam padded on ne&t to her. A8e o3ns my car2B said
Sam.
Ahat p#rp(e thing yo# got at yo#r sister$s:B
A9#p.B
A5hat happened to him: 5hy doesn$t he 3ant his car:B
A, don$t /no3. 6aybe he$s in prison. 6aybe he$s dead.B
ADead:B
A, g#ess.B Sam hesitated. AA %e3 3ee/s bac/2 , 3as certain he 3as dead. "SP. *r 3hate!er. @i/e2
, /ne3. B#t then2 , started to thin/ maybe he 3asn$t. , don$t /no3. , g#ess my "SP isn$t that
hot.B
A8o3 (ong are yo# going to /eep his car:B
AEnti( someone comes %or it. , thin/ it$s 3hat he 3o#(d ha!e 3anted.B
'ata(ie (oo/ed at Sam2 then she (oo/ed again. hen she said2 A5here did yo# get those %rom:B
A5hat:B
Ahe %(o3ers. he ones yo#$re ho(ding2 Sam. 5here did they come %rom: Did yo# ha!e them
3hen 3e (e%t the 4o%%ee 8o#se: , 3o#(d ha!e seen them.B
Sam (oo/ed do3n. hen she grinned. A9o# are so s3eet. , sho#(d ha!e said something 3hen
yo# ga!e them to me2 sho#(dn$t ,:B she said. Ahey are (o!e(y. han/ yo# so m#ch. B#t 3o#(dn$t
red ha!e been more appropriate:B
hey 3ere roses2 their stems 3rapped in paper. Si& o% them2 and 3hite.
A, didn$t gi!e them to yo#2B said 'ata(ie2 her (ips %irming.
And neither o% them said another 3ord #nti( they reached the mo!ie theater.
5hen she got home that night Sam p#t the roses in an impro!ised !ase. @ater2 she cast them in
bron1e2 and she /ept to herse(% the ta(e o% ho3 she got them2 a(tho#gh she to(d 4aro(ine2 3ho
came a%ter 'ata(ie2 the story o% the ghostCroses one night 3hen they 3ere both !ery dr#n/2 and
4aro(ine agreed 3ith Sam that it 3as a rea((y2 rea((y strange and a spoo/y story2 and2 deep
do3n2 did not act#a((y be(ie!e a 3ord o% it2 so that 3as a(( right.
Shado3 had par/ed near the capito( b#i(ding2 and 3a(/ed s(o3(y aro#nd the sI#are2 stretching
his (egs a%ter the (ong dri!e. 8is c(othes 3ere #ncom%ortab(e2 a(tho#gh they had dried on his
body2 and the ne3 boots 3ere sti(( tight. 8e passed a payphone. 8e ca((ed in%ormation2 and
they ga!e him the n#mber.
'o2 he 3as to(d. She isn$t here. She$s not bac/ yet. She$s probab(y sti(( at the 4o%%ee 8o#se.
8e stopped on the 3ay to the 4o%%ee 8o#se to b#y %(o3ers.
8e %o#nd the 4o%%ee 8o#se2 then he crossed the road and stood in the door3ay o% a #sed
boo/store2 and 3aited2 and 3atched.
he p(ace c(osed at eight2 and at ten past eight Shado3 sa3 Sam B(ac/ 4ro3 3a(/ o#t o% the
4o%%ee 8o#se in the company o% a sma((er 3oman 3hose pigtai(ed hair 3as a pec#(iar shade o%
red. hey 3ere ho(ding hands tight(y2 as i% simp(y ho(ding hands co#(d /eep the 3or(d at bay2
and they 3ere ta(/ing-or rather2 Sam 3as doing most o% the ta(/ing 3hi(e her %riend (istened.
Shado3 3ondered 3hat Sam 3as saying. She smi(ed as she ta(/ed.
he t3o 3omen crossed the road2 and they 3a(/ed past the p(ace 3here Shado3 3as standing.
he pigtai(ed gir( passed 3ithin a %oot o% him? he co#(d ha!e reached o#t and to#ched her2 and
they didn$t see him at a((.
8e 3atched them 3a(/ing a3ay %rom him do3n the street2 and %e(t a pang2 (i/e a minor chord
being p(ayed inside him.
,t had been a good /iss2 Shado3 re%(ected2 b#t Sam had ne!er (oo/ed at him the 3ay she 3as
(oo/ing at the pigtai(ed gir(2 and she ne!er 3o#(d.
A5hat the he((. 5e$(( a(3ays ha!e Per#2B he said2 #nder his breath2 as Sam 3a(/ed a3ay %rom
him. AAnd "( Paso. 5e$(( a(3ays ha!e that.B
hen he ran a%ter her2 and p#t the %(o3ers into Sam$s hands. 8e h#rried a3ay2 so she co#(d not
gi!e them bac/.
hen he 3a(/ed #p the hi(( bac/ to his car2 and he too/ 8igh3ay <K so#th to 4hicago. 8e dro!e
at or s(ight(y #nder the speed (imit.
,t 3as the (ast thing he had to do.
8e 3as in no h#rry.
8e spent the night in a 6ote( W. 8e got #p the ne&t morning2 and rea(i1ed his c(othes sti((
sme((ed (i/e the bottom o% the (a/e. 8e p#t them on any3ay. 8e %ig#red he 3o#(dn$t need them
m#ch (onger.
Shado3 paid his bi((. 8e dro!e to the bro3nstone apartment b#i(ding. 8e %o#nd it 3itho#t any
di%%ic#(ty. ,t 3as sma((er than he remembered.
8e 3a(/ed #p the stairs steadi(y2 not %ast2 that 3o#(d ha!e meant he 3as eager to go to his
death2 and not s(o32 that 3o#(d ha!e meant he 3as a%raid. Someone had c(eaned the stair3e((:
the b(ac/ garbage bags had gone. he p(ace sme((ed o% the ch(orineCsme(( o% b(each2 no (onger
o% rotting !egetab(es.
he redCpainted door at the top o% the stairs 3as 3ide open: the sme(( o% o(d mea(s h#ng in the
air. Shado3 hesitated2 then he pressed the doorbe((.
A, comePB ca((ed a 3oman$s !oice2 and2 d3ar%Csma(( and da11(ing(y b(onde2 0orya Etrennyaya
came o#t o% the /itchen and b#st(ed to3ards him2 3iping her hands on her apron. She (oo/ed
di%%erent2 Shado3 rea(i1ed. She (oo/ed happy. 8er chee/s 3ere ro#ged red2 and there 3as a
spar/(e in her o(d eyes. 5hen she sa3 him her mo#th became an * and she ca((ed o#t2
AShado3: 9o# came bac/ to #s:B and she h#rried to3ard him 3ith her arms o#tstretched. 8e
bent do3n and embraced her2 and she /issed his chee/. ASo good to see yo#PB she said. A'o3
yo# m#st go a3ay.B
Shado3 stepped into the apartment. A(( the doors in the apartment Ge&cept2 #ns#rprising(y2
0orya Po(#nochnaya$sH 3ere 3ide open2 and a(( the 3indo3s he co#(d see 3ere open as 3e((. A
gent(e bree1e b(e3 %it%#((y thro#gh the corridor.
A9o#$re spring c(eaning2B he said to 0orya Etrennyaya.
A5e ha!e a g#est coming2B she to(d him. A'o32 yo# m#st go a3ay. )irst2 yo# 3ant co%%ee:B
A, came to see 41ernobog2B said Shado3. A,t$s time.B
0orya Etrennyaya shoo/ her head !io(ent(y. A'o2 no2B she said. A9o# don$t 3ant to see him.
'ot a good idea.B
A, /no32B said Shado3. AB#t yo# /no32 the on(y thing ,$!e rea((y (earned abo#t dea(ing 3ith
gods is that i% yo# ma/e a dea(2 yo# /eep it. hey get to brea/ a(( the r#(es they 3ant. 5e don$t.
"!en i% , tried to 3a(/ o#t o% here2 my %eet 3o#(d D#st bring me bac/.B
She p#shed #p her bottom (ip2 then said2 A,s tr#e. B#t go today. 4ome bac/ tomorro3. 8e 3i((
be gone then.B
A5ho is it:B ca((ed a 3oman$s !oice2 %rom %#rther do3n the corridor. A0orya Etrennyaya2 to
3ho are yo# ta(/ing: his mattress2 , cannot t#rn on my o3n2 yo# /no3.B
Shado3 3a(/ed do3n the corridor2 and said2 AGood morning2 0orya Fechernyaya. 4an , he(p:B
3hich made the 3oman in the room sI#ea/ 3ith s#rprise and drop her corner o% the mattress.
he bedroom 3as thic/ 3ith d#st: it co!ered e!ery s#r%ace2 the 3ood and the g(ass2 and motes
o% it %(oated and danced thro#gh the beams o% s#nshine coming thro#gh the open 3indo32
dist#rbed by occasiona( bree1es and the (a1y %(apping o% the ye((o3ed (ace c#rtains.
8e remembered this room. his 3as the room they had gi!en to 5ednesday2 that night.
Bie(ebog$s room.
0orya Fechernyaya eyed him #ncertain(y. Ahe mattress2B she said. A,t needs to be t#rned.B
A'ot a prob(em2B said Shado3. 8e reached o#t and too/ the mattress2 (i%ted it 3ith ease and
t#rned it o!er. ,t 3as an o(d 3ooden bed2 and the %eather mattress 3eighed a(most as m#ch as
a man. D#st %(e3 and s3ir(ed as the mattress 3ent do3n.
A5hy are yo# here:B as/ed 0orya Fechernyaya. ,t 3as not a %riend(y I#estion2 the 3ay she
as/ed it.
A,$m here2B said Shado32 Abeca#se bac/ in December a yo#ng man p(ayed a game o% chec/ers
3ith an o(d god2 and he (ost.B
he o(d 3oman$s gray hair 3as #p on the top o% her head in a tight b#n. She p#rsed her (ips.
A4ome bac/ tomorro32B said 0orya Fechernyaya.
A, can$t2B he said2 simp(y.
A,s yo#r %#nera(. 'o32 yo# go and sit do3n. 0orya Etrennyaya 3i(( bring yo# co%%ee. 41ernobog
3i(( be bac/ soon.B
Shado3 3a(/ed a(ong the corridor to the sitting room. ,t 3as D#st as he remembered2 a(tho#gh
no3 the 3indo3 3as open. he gray cat s(ept on the arm o% the so%a. ,t opened an eye as
Shado3 came in and then2 #nimpressed2 it 3ent bac/ to s(eep.
his 3as 3here he had p(ayed chec/ers 3ith 41ernobog? this 3as 3here he had 3agered his (i%e
to get the o(d man to Doin them on 5ednesday$s (ast doomed gri%t. he %resh air came in
thro#gh the open 3indo32 b(o3ing the sta(e air a3ay.
0orya Etrennyaya came in 3ith a red 3ooden tray. A sma(( ename(ed c#p o% steaming b(ac/
co%%ee sat on the tray2 beside a sa#cer %i((ed 3ith sma(( choco(ateCchip coo/ies. She p#t it do3n
on the tab(e in %ront o% him.
A, sa3 0orya Po(#nochnaya again2B he said. AShe came to me #nder the 3or(d2 and she ga!e me
the moon to (ight my 3ay. And she too/ something %rom me. B#t , don$t remember 3hat.B
AShe (i/es yo#2B said 0orya Etrennyaya. AShe dreams so m#ch. And she g#ards #s a((. She is so
bra!e.B
A5here$s 41ernobog:B
A8e says the springCc(eaning ma/es him #ncom%ortab(e. 8e goes o#t to b#y ne3spaper2 sit in
the par/. B#y cigarettes. Perhaps he 3i(( not come bac/ today. 9o# do not ha!e to 3ait. 5hy
don$t yo# go: 4ome bac/ tomorro3.B
A,$(( 3ait2B said Shado3. his 3as no geas2 %orcing him to 3ait2 he /ne3 that. his 3as him. ,t
3as one (ast thing that needed to happen2 and i% it 3as the (ast thing that happened2 3e((2 he
3as going there o% his o3n !o(ition. A%ter this there 3o#(d be no more ob(igations2 no more
mysteries2 no more ghosts.
8e sipped the hot co%%ee2 as b(ac/ and as s3eet as he remembered.
8e heard a deep ma(e !oice in the corridor2 and he sat #p straighter. 8e 3as p(eased to see that
his hand 3as not tremb(ing. he door opened.
AShado3:B
A8i2B said Shado3. 8e stayed sitting do3n.
41ernobog 3a(/ed into the room. 8e 3as carrying a %o(ded copy o% the 4hicago S#nCimes2
3hich he p#t do3n on the co%%ee tab(e. 8e stared at Shado32 then he p#t his hand o#t2
tentati!e(y. he t3o men shoo/ hands.
A, came2B said Shado3. A*#r dea(. 9o# came thro#gh 3ith yo#r part o% it. his is my part.B
41ernobog nodded. 8is bro3 creased. he s#n(ight g(inted on his gray hair and mo#stache2
ma/ing them appear a(most go(den. A,sQB 8e %ro3ned. A,s notQB 8e bro/e o%%. A6aybe yo#
sho#(d go. ,s not a good time.B
Aa/e as (ong as yo# need2B said Shado3. A,$m ready.B
41ernobog sighed. A9o# are a !ery st#pid boy. 9o# /no3 that:B
A, g#ess.B
A9o# are a st#pid boy. And on the mo#ntaintop2 yo# did a !ery good thing.B
A, did 3hat , had to do.B
APerhaps.B
41ernobog 3a(/ed to the o(d 3ooden sideboard2 and2 bending do3n2 p#((ed an attach\ case
%rom #nderneath it. 8e %(ipped the catches on the case. "ach one sprang bac/ 3ith a satis%ying
th#mp. 8e opened the case. 8e too/ a hammer o#t2 and he%ted it2 e&perimenta((y. he hammer
(oo/ed (i/e a sca(edCdo3n s(edgehammer? its 3ooden ha%t 3as stained.
hen he stood #p. 8e said2 A, o3e yo# m#ch. 6ore than yo# /no3. Beca#se o% yo#2 things are
changing. his is spring time. he tr#e spring.B
A, /no3 3hat , did2B said Shado3. A, didn$t ha!e a (ot o% choice.B
41ernobog nodded. here 3as a (oo/ in his eyes that Shado3 did not remember seeing be%ore.
ADid , e!er te(( yo# abo#t my brother:B
ABie(ebog:B Shado3 3a(/ed to the center o% the ashCstained carpet. 8e 3ent do3n on his
/nees. A9o# said yo# hadn$t seen him in a (ong time.B
A9es2B said the o(d man2 raising the hammer. A,t has been a (ong 3inter2 boy. A !ery (ong 3inter.
B#t the 3inter is ending2 no3.B And he shoo/ his head2 s(o3(y2 as i% he 3ere remembering
something. And he said2 A4(ose yo#r eyes.B
Shado3 c(osed his eyes and raised his head2 and he 3aited.
he head o% the s(edgehammer 3as co(d2 icy co(d2 and it to#ched his %orehead as gent(y as a
/iss.
APoc/P here2B said 41ernobog. A,s done.B here 3as a smi(e on his %ace that Shado3 had ne!er
seen be%ore2 an easy2 com%ortab(e smi(e2 (i/e s#nshine on a s#mmer$s day. he o(d man 3a(/ed
o!er to the case2 and he p#t the hammer a3ay2 and c(osed the bag2 and p#shed it bac/ #nder
the sideboard.
A41ernobog:B as/ed Shado3. hen2 AAre yo# 41ernobog:B
A9es. )or today2B said the o(d man. ABy tomorro32 it 3i(( a(( be Bie(ebog. B#t today2 is sti((
41ernobog.B
Ahen 3hy: 5hy didn$t yo# /i(( me 3hen yo# co#(d:B
he o(d man too/ o#t an #n%i(tered cigarette %rom a pac/ in his poc/et. 8e too/ a (arge bo& o%
matches %rom the mante(piece and (it the cigarette 3ith a match. 8e seemed deep in tho#ght.
ABeca#se2B said the o(d man2 a%ter some time2 Athere is b(ood. B#t there is a(so gratit#de. And it
has been a (ong2 (ong 3inter.B
Shado3 got to his %eet. here 3ere d#sty patches on the /nees o% his Deans2 3here he had /ne(t2
and he br#shed the d#st a3ay.
Ahan/s2B he said.
A9o#$re 3e(come2B said the o(d man. A'e&t time yo# 3ant to p(ay chec/ers2 yo# /no3 3here to
%ind me. his time2 , p(ay 3hite.B
Ahan/s. 6aybe , 3i((2B said Shado3. AB#t not %or a 3hi(e.B 8e (oo/ed into the o(d man$s
t3in/(ing eyes2 and he 3ondered i% they had a(3ays been that corn%(o3er shade o% b(#e. hey
shoo/ hands2 and neither o% them said goodbye.
Shado3 /issed 0orya Etrennyaya on the chee/ on his 3ay o#t2 and he /issed 0orya
Fechernyaya on the bac/ o% her hand2 and he too/ the stairs o#t o% that p(ace t3o at a time.
Postscript
+ey/Da!^/ in ,ce(and is a strange city2 e!en %or those 3ho ha!e seen many strange cities. ,t is a
!o(canic city-the heat %or the city comes %rom deep #ndergro#nd.
here are to#rists2 b#t not as many o% them as yo# might e&pect2 not e!en in ear(y J#(y. he s#n
3as shining2 as it had shone %or 3ee/s no3: it ceased shining %or an ho#r or so in the sma((
ho#rs. here 3o#(d be a d#s/y da3n o% sorts bet3een t3o and three in the morning2 and then
the day 3o#(d begin once more.
he big to#rist had 3a(/ed most o% +ey/Da!^/ that morning2 (istening to peop(e ta(/ in a
(ang#age that had changed (itt(e in a tho#sand years. he nati!es here co#(d read the ancient
sagas as easi(y as they co#(d read a ne3spaper. here 3as a sense o% contin#ity on this is(and
that scared him2 and that he %o#nd desperate(y reass#ring. 8e 3as !ery tired: the #nending
day(ight had made s(eep a(most impossib(e2 and he had sat in his hote( room thro#gh the 3ho(e
(ong night(ess night a(ternate(y reading a g#ideboo/ and B(ea/ 8o#se2 a no!e( he had bo#ght in
an airport in the (ast %e3 3ee/s2 b#t 3hich airport he co#(d no (onger remember. Sometimes2
he had stared o#t o% the 3indo3.
)ina((y the c(oc/ as 3e(( as the s#n proc(aimed it morning.
8e bo#ght a bar o% choco(ate at one o% the many candy stores2 3a(/ed the side3a(/2
occasiona((y %inding himse(% reminded o% the !o(canic nat#re o% ,ce(and: he 3o#(d t#rn a corner
and notice2 %or a moment2 a s#(ph#ro#s I#a(ity to the air. ,t p#t him in mind not o% 8ades b#t o%
rotten eggs.
6any o% the 3omen he passed 3ere !ery bea#ti%#(: s(ender and pa(e. he /ind o% 3omen that
5ednesday had (i/ed. Shado3 3ondered 3hat co#(d ha!e attracted 5ednesday to Shado3$s
mother2 3ho had been bea#ti%#( b#t had been neither o% those things.
Shado3 smi(ed at the pretty 3omen2 beca#se they made him %ee( p(easant(y ma(e2 and he
smi(ed at the other 3omen too2 beca#se he 3as ha!ing a good time.
8e 3as not s#re 3hen he became a3are that he 3as being obser!ed. Some3here on his 3a(/
thro#gh +ey/Da!^/ he became certain that someone 3as 3atching him. 8e 3o#(d t#rn2 %rom
time to time2 trying to get a g(impse o% 3ho it 3as2 and he 3o#(d stare into store 3indo3s and
o#t at the re%(ected street behind him2 b#t he sa3 no one o#t o% the ordinary2 no one 3ho
seemed to be obser!ing him.
8e 3ent into a sma(( resta#rant2 3here he ate smo/ed p#%%in and c(o#dberries and arctic char
and boi(ed potatoes2 and he dran/ 4ocaC4o(a2 3hich tasted s3eeter2 more s#gary than he
remembered it tasting bac/ in the States.
he 3aiter bro#ght his bi((-the mea( 3as more e&pensi!e than Shado3 had e&pected2 b#t that
seemed to be tr#e o% mea(s in e!ery p(ace on Shado3$s 3andering. As the 3aiter p#t the bi((
do3n on the tab(e2 he said2 A"&c#se me. 9o# are American:B
A9es.B
Ahen2 happy )o#rth o% J#(y2B said the 3aiter. 8e (oo/ed p(eased 3ith himse(%.
Shado3 had not rea(i1ed that it 3as the )o#rth. ,ndependence Day. 9es. 8e (i/ed the idea o%
independence. 8e (e%t the money and a tip on the tab(e2 and 3a(/ed o#tside. here 3as a coo(
bree1e coming in o%% the At(antic2 and he b#ttoned #p his coat.
8e sat do3n on a grassy ban/ and (oo/ed at the city that s#rro#nded him2 and tho#ght2 one day
he 3o#(d ha!e to go home. And one day he 3o#(d ha!e to ma/e a home to go bac/ to. 8e
3ondered 3hether home 3as a thing that happened to a p(ace a%ter a 3hi(e2 or i% it 3as
something that yo# %o#nd in the end2 i% yo# simp(y 3a(/ed and 3aited and 3i((ed it (ong
eno#gh.
8e p#((ed o#t his boo/.
An o(d man came striding across the hi((side to3ard him: he 3ore a dar/ gray c(oa/2 ragged at
the bottom2 as i% he had done a (ot o% tra!e(ing2 and he 3ore a broadCbrimmed b(#e hat2 3ith a
seag#(( %eather t#c/ed into the band2 at a Da#nty ang(e. 8e (oo/ed (i/e an aging hippie2 tho#ght
Shado3. *r a (ongCretired g#n%ighter. he o(d man 3as ridic#(o#s(y ta((.
he man sI#atted beside Shado3 on the hi((side. 8e nodded2 c#rt(y2 to Shado3. 8e had a
piratica( b(ac/ eye patch o!er one eye2 and a D#tting 3hite chinCbeard. Shado3 3ondered i% the
man 3as going to hit him #p %or a cigarette.
A8!ernig geng#r: 6anst de e%tir m\r:B said the o(d man.
A,$m sorry2B said Shado3. A, don$t spea/ ,ce(andic.B hen he said2 a3/3ard(y2 the phrase he had
(earned %rom his phrase boo/ in the day(ight o% the sma(( ho#rs o% that morning: Afg ta(a bara
ens/#.B , spea/ on(y "ng(ish. AAmerican.B
he o(d man nodded s(o3(y. 8e said2 A6y peop(e 3ent %rom here to America a (ong time ago.
hey 3ent there2 and then they ret#rned to ,ce(and. hey said it 3as a good p(ace %or men2 b#t
a bad p(ace %or gods. And 3itho#t their gods they %e(t tooQa(one.B 8is "ng(ish 3as %(#ent2 b#t
the pa#ses and the beats o% the sentence 3ere strange. Shado3 (oo/ed at him: c(oseC#p2 the
man seemed o(der than Shado3 had imagined possib(e. 8is s/in 3as (ined 3ith tiny 3rin/(es
and crac/s2 (i/e the crac/s in granite.
he o(d man said2 A, do /no3 yo#2 boy.B
A9o# do:B
A9o# and ,2 3e ha!e 3a(/ed the same path. , a(so h#ng on the tree %or nine days2 a sacri%ice o%
myse(% to myse(%. , am the (ord o% the Aes. , am the god o% the ga((o3s.B
A9o# are *din2B said Shado3.
he man nodded tho#ght%#((y2 as i% 3eighing #p the name. Ahey ca(( me many things2 b#t2 yes2
, am *din2 Bor$s son2B he said.
A, sa3 yo# die2B said Shado3. A, stood !igi( %or yo#r body. 9o# tried to destroy so m#ch2 %or
po3er. 9o# 3o#(d ha!e sacri%iced so m#ch %or yo#rse(%. 9o# did that.B
A, did not do that.B
A5ednesday did. 8e 3as yo#.B
A8e 3as me2 yes. B#t , am not him.B he man scratched the side o% his nose. 8is g#((C%eather
bobbed.
A5i(( yo# go bac/:B as/ed the @ord o% the Ga((o3s. Ao America:B
A'othing to go bac/ %or2B said Shado32 and as he said it he /ne3 it 3as a (ie.
Ahings 3ait %or yo# there2B said the o(d man. AB#t they 3i(( 3ait #nti( yo# ret#rn.B
A 3hite b#tter%(y %(e3 croo/ed(y past them. Shado3 said nothing. 8e had had eno#gh o% gods
and their 3ays to (ast him se!era( (i%etimes. 8e 3o#(d ta/e the b#s to the airport2 he decided2
and change his tic/et. Get a p(ane to some3here he had ne!er been. 8e 3o#(d /eep mo!ing.
A8ey2B said Shado3. A, ha!e something %or yo#.B 8is hand dipped into his poc/et2 and pa(med
the obDect he needed. A8o(d yo#r hand o#t2B he said.
*din (oo/ed at him strange(y and serio#s(y. hen he shr#gged2 and e&tended his right hand2
pa(m do3n. Shado3 reached o!er and t#rned it so the pa(m 3as #p3ard.
8e opened his o3n hands2 sho3ed them2 one a%ter the other2 to be comp(ete(y empty. hen he
p#shed the g(ass eye into the (eathery pa(m o% the o(d man$s hand and (e%t it there.
A8o3 did yo# do that:B
A6agic2B said Shado32 3itho#t smi(ing.
he o(d man grinned and (a#ghed and c(apped his hands together. 8e (oo/ed at the eye2
ho(ding it bet3een %inger and th#mb2 and nodded2 as i% he /ne3 e&act(y 3hat it 3as2 and then
he s(ipped it into a (eather bag that h#ng by his 3aist. Aa// /gr(ega. , sha(( ta/e care o% this.B
A9o#$re 3e(come2B said Shado3. 8e stood #p2 br#shed the grass %rom his Deans. 8e c(osed the
boo/2 p#t it bac/ into the sideCpoc/et o% his bac/pac/.
AAgain2B said the @ord o% Asgard2 3ith an imperio#s motion o% his head2 his !oice deep and
commanding. A6ore. Do again.B
A9o# peop(e2B said Shado3. A9o#$re ne!er satis%ied. */ay. his is one , (earned %rom a g#y 3ho$s
dead no3.B
8e reached into no3here2 and too/ a go(d coin %rom the air. ,t 3as a norma( sort o% go(d coin. ,t
co#(dn$t bring bac/ the dead or hea( the sic/2 b#t it 3as a go(d coin s#re eno#gh. AAnd that$s a((
there is2B he said2 disp(aying it bet3een %inger and th#mb. Ahat$s a(( she 3rote.B
8e tossed the coin into the air 3ith a %(ic/ o% his th#mb. ,t sp#n go(den at the top o% its arc2 in
the s#n(ight2 and it g(ittered and g(inted and h#ng there in the midCs#mmer s/y as i% it 3as
ne!er going to come do3n. 6aybe it ne!er 3o#(d. Shado3 didn$t 3ait to see. 8e 3a(/ed a3ay
and he /ept on 3a(/ing.
Ac/no3(edgments
,t$s been a (ong boo/2 and a (ong Do#rney2 and , o3e many peop(e a great dea(.
6rs. 8a3(ey (ent me her )(orida ho#se to 3rite in2 and a(( , had to do in ret#rn 3as scare a3ay
the !#(t#res. She (ent me her ,rish ho#se to %inish it in and ca#tioned me not to scare a3ay the
ghosts. 6y than/s to her and 6r. 8a3(ey %or a(( their /indness and generosity. Jonathan and
Jane (ent me their ho#se and hammoc/ to 3rite in2 and a(( , had to do 3as %ish the occasiona(
pec#(iar )(oridian beastie o#t o% the (i1ard poo(. ,$m !ery grate%#( to them a((.
Dan Johnson2 6D2 ga!e me medica( in%ormation 3hene!er , needed it2 pointed o#t stray and
#nintentiona( ang(icisms Ge!erybody e(se did this as 3e((H2 ans3ered the oddest I#estions2 and2
on one J#(y day2 e!en %(e3 me aro#nd northern 5isconsin in a tiny p(ane. ,n addition to /eeping
my (i%e going by pro&y 3hi(e , 3rote this boo/2 my assistant2 the %ab#(o#s @orraine Gar(and2
became !ery b(as\ abo#t %inding o#t the pop#(ation o% sma(( American to3ns %or me? ,$m sti((
not s#re I#ite ho3 she did it. GShe$s part o% a band ca((ed the )(ash Gir(s: b#y their ne3 record2
P(ay "ach 6orning2 5i(d 7#een2 and ma/e her happy.H erry Pratchett he(ped #n(oc/ a /notty
p(ot point %or me on the train to Gothenb#rg. "ric "de(man ans3ered my dip(omatic I#estions.
Anna S#nshine ,son #nearthed a b#nch o% st#%% %or me on the 5est 4oast Japanese internment
camps2 3hich 3i(( ha!e to 3ait %or another boo/ to be 3ritten %or it ne!er I#ite %itted into this
one. , sto(e the best (ine o% dia(og#e in the epi(og#e %rom Gene 5o(%e2 to 3hom2 my than/s.
Sergeant .athy "rt1 gracio#s(y ans3ered e!en my 3eirdest po(ice proced#ra( I#estions and
Dep#ty Sheri%% 6arsha(( 6#(tha#% too/ me on a dri!eCa(ong. Pete 4(ar/ s#bmitted to some
ridic#(o#s(y persona( I#estioning 3ith grace and good h#mor. Da(e +obertson 3as the boo/$s
cons#(ting hydro(ogist. , appreciated Dr. Jim 6i((er$s comments abo#t peop(e2 (ang#age and
%ish2 as , did the (ing#istic he(p o% 6argret +odas. Jamy ,an S3iss made s#re that the coin magic
3as magica(. Any mista/es in the boo/ are mine2 not theirs.
6any good peop(e read the man#script and o%%ered !a(#ab(e s#ggestions2 corrections2
enco#ragement2 and in%ormation. , am especia((y grate%#( to 4o(in Green(and and S#sanna
4(ar/e2 John 4(#te and Sam#e( +. De(any. ,$d a(so (i/e to than/ *3( Goingbac/ G3ho rea((y does
ha!e the 3or(d$s coo(est nameH2 ,se(in +hsDh "!ensen2 Peter Stra#b2 Jonathan 4arro((2 .e((i
Bic/man2 Dianna Gra%2 @enny 8enry2 Pete At/ins2 4hris "3en2 e((er2 .e((y @in/2 Barb Gi((y2 5i((
Shetter(y2 4onnie 0asto#pi(2 +ant1 8ose(ey2 Diana Sch#t12 Ste!e Br#st2 .e((y S#e De4onnic/2 +o1
.a!eney2 ,an 6cDo3e((2 .aren Berger2 5endy Japhet2 erDe 'ordberg2 G3enda Bond2 herese
@itt(eton2 @o# Aronica2 8y Bender2 6ar/ As/3ith2 A(an 6oore G3ho a(so gracio#s(y (ent me
A@it!ino%%$s Boo/BH2 and the origina( Joe Sanders. han/s a(so to +ebecca 5i(son? and partic#(ar
than/s to Stacy 5eiss2 %or her insight. A%ter she read the %irst dra%t2 Diana 5ynne Jones 3arned
me 3hat /ind o% boo/ this 3as2 and the peri(s , ris/ed 3riting it2 and she$s been right on e!ery
co#nt so %ar.
, 3ish Pro%essor )ran/ 6c4onne(( 3ere sti(( 3ith #s. , thin/ he 3o#(d ha!e enDoyed this one.
*nce ,$d 3ritten the %irst dra%t , rea(i1ed that a n#mber o% other peop(e had tac/(ed these
themes be%ore e!er , got to them: in partic#(ar my %a!orite #n%ashionab(e a#thor2 James Branch
4abe((2 the (ate +oger 0e(a1ny2 and2 o% co#rse2 the inimitab(e 8ar(an "((ison2 3hose co((ection
Deathbird Stories b#rned itse(% onto the bac/ o% my head 3hen , 3as sti(( o% an age 3here a
boo/ co#(d change me %ore!er.
, can ne!er I#ite see the point o% noting do3n %or posterity the m#sic yo# (istened to 3hi(e
3riting a boo/2 and there 3as an a3%#( (ot o% m#sic (istened to 3hi(e , 3as 3riting this. Sti((2
3itho#t Greg Bro3n$s Dream 4a%\ and the 6agnetic )ie(ds$ W< @o!e Songs it 3o#(d ha!e been
a di%%erent boo/2 so than/s to Greg and to Stephin. And , %ee( it my d#ty to te(( yo# that yo# can
e&perience the m#sic o% the 8o#se on the +oc/ on tape or 4D2 inc(#ding that o% the 6i/ado
machine and o% the 5or(d$s @argest 4aro#se(. ,t$s #n(i/e2 a(tho#gh certain(y not better than2
anything e(se yo#$!e heard. 5rite to: he 8o#se on the +oc/2 Spring Green2 5, NVNYY ESA2 or
ca(( ;CWKYC<VNCVWV<.
6y agents-6erri(ee 8ei%et1 at 5riters 8o#se2 Jon @e!in and "rin 4#((ey @a 4hape((e at
4AA-3ere in!a(#ab(e as so#nding boards and pi((ars o% 3isdom.
6any peop(e2 3ho 3ere 3aiting %or things , had promised them D#st as soon as , %inished
3riting this boo/2 3ere astonishing(y patient. ,$d (i/e to than/ the good %o(/ at 5arner Bros.
pict#res Gpartic#(ar(y .e!in 6c4ormic/ and @oren1o di Bona!ent#raH2 at Fi((age +oadsho32 at
S#nbo32 and at 6irama&? and She((y Bond2 3ho p#t #p 3ith a (ot.
he t3o peop(e 3itho#t 3hom: Jenni%er 8ershey at 8arper 4o((ins in the E.S. and Do#g 9o#ng
at 8odder 8ead(ine in the E.. ,$m (#c/y to ha!e good editors2 and these are t3o o% the best
editors ,$!e /no3n. 'ot to mention t3o o% the most #ncomp(aining2 patient2 and2 as the
dead(ines 3hir(ed past #s (i/e dry (ea!es in a g#st o% 3ind2 positi!e(y stoic.
Bi(( 6assey came in at the end2 at 8ead(ine2 and (ent the boo/ his editoria( eag(e eye. .e((y
'otaras he(ped shepherd it thro#gh prod#ction 3ith grace and po(ish.
@ast(y2 , 3ant to than/ my %ami(y2 6ary2 6i/e2 8o((y2 and 6addy2 3ho 3ere the most patient o%
a((2 3ho (o!ed me2 and 3ho2 %or (ong periods d#ring the 3riting o% this boo/2 p#t #p 3ith my
going a3ay both to 3rite and to %ind America-3hich t#rned o#t2 3hen , e!ent#a((y %o#nd it2 to
ha!e been in America a(( a(ong.
'",@ GA,6A'
near .insa(e2 4o#nty 4or/
;N Jan#ary >KK;
APP"'D,U
,$d been (oo/ing %or3ard to 3riting the meeting o% Shado3 and Jes#s %or most o% the boo/: ,
co#(dn$t 3rite abo#t America 3itho#t mentioning Jes#s2 a%ter a((. 8e$s part o% the 3arp and the
3e%t o% the co#ntry.
And then , 3rote their %irst scene together in chapter %i%teen2 and it didn$t 3or/ %or me? , %e(t (i/e
, 3as a((#ding to something that , co#(dn$t simp(y mention in passing and then mo!e on %rom. ,t
3as too big.
So , too/ it o#t again.
, near(y p#t it bac/ in2 assemb(ing this a#thor$s pre%erred te&t. Act#a((y2 , did p#t it bac/ in. And
then , too/ it o#t again2 and p#t it here. 9o# can read it. ,$m D#st not s#re that it$s necessari(y
part o% American Gods.
4onsider it an apocrypha( scene2 perhaps.
*ne day2 Shado3 3i(( come bac/ to America.
here are some e&treme(y interesting con!ersations a3aiting himQ
Peop(e 3ere 3a(/ing aro#nd beside him2 in his mind or o#t o% it. Some o% the peop(e he seemed
to recogni1e2 others 3ere strangers.
AAnd 3hat$s a stranger b#t a %riend yo# ha!en$t met yet:B said someone to him2 passing him a
drin/.
8e too/ the drin/2 3a(/ed 3ith the person do3n a (ight bro3n corridor. hey 3ere in a SpanishC
sty(e b#i(ding2 and they mo!ed %rom adobe corridor to open co#rtyard to corridor once more2
3hi(e the s#n beat do3n on the 3ater gardens and the %o#ntains.
A,t might be an enemy yo#$!e not met yet too2B said Shado3.
AB(ea/2 Shado32 !ery b(ea/2B said the man. Shado3 sipped his drin/. ,t 3as a brac/ish red 3ine.
A,t$s been a b(ea/ %e3 months2B said Shado3. A,t$s been a b(ea/ %e3 years.B
he man 3as s(ender2 tanned2 o% medi#m height2 and he (oo/ed #p at Shado3 3ith a gent(e2
empathetic smi(e. A8o3$s the !igi( going2 Shado3:B
Ahe tree:B Shado3 had %orgotten that he 3as hanging %rom the si(!er tree. 8e 3ondered 3hat
e(se he had %orgotten. A,t h#rts.B
AS#%%ering is sometimes c(eansing2B said the man. 8is c(othes 3ere cas#a(2 b#t e&pensi!e. A,t can
p#ri%y.B
A,t can a(so %#c/ yo# #p2B said Shado3.
he man (ed Shado3 into a !ast o%%ice. here 3as no des/ in there2 tho#gh. A8a!e yo# tho#ght
abo#t 3hat it means to be a god:B as/ed the man. 8e had a beard and a baseba(( cap. A,t
means yo# gi!e #p yo#r morta( e&istence to become a meme: something that (i!es %ore!er in
peop(e$s minds2 (i/e the t#ne o% a n#rsery rhyme. ,t means that e!eryone gets to reCcreate yo#
in their o3n minds. 9o# bare(y ha!e yo#r o3n identity any more. ,nstead2 yo#$re a tho#sand
aspects o% 3hat peop(e need yo# to be. And e!eryone 3ants something di%%erent %rom yo#.
'othing is %i&ed2 nothing is stab(e.B
Shado3 sat in a com%ortab(e (eather chair2 by the 3indo3. he man sat on the enormo#s so%a.
AGreat p(ace yo#$!e got here2B said Shado3.
Ahan/s. Be honest no32 ho3$s the 3ine:B
Shado3 hesitated. A.ind o% so#r2 ,$m a%raid.B
ASorry. hat$s the tro#b(e 3ith 3ine. */ay 3ine , can do easi(y2 b#t good 3ine2 (et a(one great
3ineQ3e((2 yo#$!e got 3eather2 soi( acidity2 rain%a((2 e!en 3hich side o% a hi(( the grapes are
gro3n on. Don$t get me started on !intagesQB
A,t$s %ine2 rea((y2B said Shado32 and he s3a((o3ed the rest o% the 3ine in one (ong g#(p. 8e co#(d
%ee( it b#rning in his empty stomach2 %ee( the b#bb(es o% dr#n/enness rising at the bac/ o% his
head.
AAnd then this 3ho(e dea( o% ne3 gods2 o(d gods2B said his %riend. A9o# as/ me2 , 3e(come ne3
gods. Bring them on. he god o% the g#ns. he god o% bombs. A(( the gods o% ignorance and
into(erance2 o% se(%Crighteo#sness2 idiocy and b(ame. A(( the st#%% they try and (and me 3ith.
a/e a (ot o% the 3eight o%% my sho#(ders.B 8e sighed.
AB#t yo#$re so s#ccess%#(2B said Shado3. A@oo/ at this p(ace.B 8e gest#red2 indicating the
paintings on the 3a((s2 the hard3ood %(oor2 the %o#ntain in the co#rtyard be(o3 them.
8is %riend nodded. A,t has a cost2B he said. A@i/e , said. 9o# ha!e to be a(( things to a(( peop(e.
Pretty soon2 yo#$re spread so thin yo#$re hard(y there at a((. ,t$s not good.B
8e reached o#t one ca((#sed hand-the %ingers 3ere etched 3ith o(d chise( scars-and
sI#ee1ed Shado3$s hand. A, /no32 , /no3. , sho#(d co#nt my b(essings. And one o% those
b(essings is getting time D#st to meet yo# (i/e this2 and to ta(/. ,t$s great that yo# 3ere ab(e to
ma/e it2B he said. A+ea((y great. Don$t be a stranger no3.B
A'o. ,$(( D#st be a %riend yo#$!e not met yet2B said Shado3.
A)#nny g#y2B said the man 3ith the beard.
A+atatos/2 ratatos/2B chattered the sI#irre( in Shado3$s ear. 8e co#(d taste the bitter 3ine sti((2
in his mo#th and the bac/ o% his throat2 and it 3as a(most dar/.

he %o((o3ing bon#s materia( %irst appeared in the >KKN paperbac/ edition o% American Gods:
he A#thor$s Pre%erred e&t2 p#b(ished by +e!ie32 an imprint o% 8ead(ine Boo/ P#b(ishing2
Great Britain.
An ,nter!ie3 3ith 'ei( Gaiman
5hich god(i/e po3ers 3o#(d yo# (i/e to posses:
, 3ant to ma/e time stretchier. , 3o#(d (i/e m#ch more r#bbery days2 and , D#st 3ish that yo#
co#(d (ean on a 3ee/2 and sort o% p#sh the 3a((s o#t a bit2 and s#dden(y abo#t nineteen e&tra
days 3o#(d r#sh in to %i(( the !ac##m.
here is not eno#gh time2 and , 3ind #p D#st 3anting to do things that , don$t ha!e time %or.
here are so many things that ,$d (o!e to do2 and , ha!e to p#t o%%2 or that it$s a matter o% me
choosing2 3hen rea((y ,$d (o!e to do both. And i% on(y time 3ere in%inite(y stretchy2 , co#(d.
5hat is yo#r %a!orite roadside attraction:
he 8o#se on the +oc/ in American Gods act#a((y is rea(. 6ost peop(e thin/ , made it #p2
3hereas in act#a( %act , D#st toned it do3n a bit so that peop(e 3o#(d be(ie!e it. Beca#se being a
rea( p(ace it has no ob(igation to be (i/e(y. So , (e%t o#t the ;>KCpiece robot orchestra and other
st#%%.
, remember2 the %irst time , 3ent to he 8o#se on the +oc/2 thin/ing2 , D#st don$t be(ie!e this
p(ace2 and the second time , 3ent to he 8o#se on the +oc/ sti(( not be(ie!ing this p(ace. hen ,
had to go bac/ %or "ntertainment 5ee/(y to ta/e my photograph standing beside the (argest
caro#se( in the 3or(d.
,t 3as the sing(e (o#dest photo session ,$!e e!er had beca#se they act#a((y pitch the !o(#me o%
the mechanica( instr#ments in that room in order to /eep peop(e mo!ing thro#gh. 9o#$re not
rea((y meant to (inger too (ong by the (argest caro#se( in the 3or(d.
he photo session 3ent on %or se!era( ho#rs and the photographer 3as comm#nicating 3ith
me entire(y by hand gest#res. 8e 3o#(d tap his chin and point #p so that ,$d /no3 to (oo/ #p a
bit.
8o3 did yo# %ind o#t abo#t it:
@i/e most roadside attractions in America2 they ha!e signposts %or it that start abo#t VKK mi(es
a3ay2 and imp(y it$s D#st aro#nd the corner. ,$d seen a(( these signs saying 8" 8*ES" *' 8" +*4.2 and
tho#ght it 3as !ery near 3here , (i!ed2 and e!ent#a((y disco!ered it 3as >NK mi(es a3ay.
*n the other hand2 +oc/ 4ity2 3hich is a(so in American Gods2 is 3orse2 beca#se , sa3 my %irst
signpost to S"" +*4. 4,92 8" 5*+@D$S 5*'D"+ dri!ing thro#gh mo#ntaino#s ennessee or .ent#c/y or
some3here2 and again ass#med it 3as D#st aro#nd the corner2 and then dro!e %or the greater
part o% a day.
And then o% co#rse2 beca#se it$s a(most impossib(e to get to once yo#$re there2 , dro!e straight
past it. hen , dro!e bac/ and chec/ed it o#t2 and decided it 3as going to be in my boo/.
5hat 3as yo#r strangest p(ane Do#rney:
he tro#b(e 3ith p(ane Do#rneys is yo# start %o(ding them a(( together. , do remember one
3hich 3as not necessari(y my strangest p(ane Do#rney2 b#t had something ,$!e ne!er seen
happen be%ore or since.
,$d D#st been ser!ed 3ith a (arge c#p o% app(e D#ice and the p(ane hit one o% those air poc/ets
and dropped se!era( h#ndred %eet. ,t didn$t bother any o% #s beca#se 3e 3ere a(( seat be(ted in2
b#t my app(e D#ice shot straight o#t o% my c#p. he c#p remained in the same p(ace2 b#t the
contents made a s(o3 and incredib(y grace%#( arc across the cabin and (anded in a
b#sinessman$s (ap ha(% an airp(ane a3ay.
, 3as 3ith Da!e 6c.ean at the time on a 6r. P#nch signing to#r and 3e tried to pretend it
3asn$t #s. At (east they /ne3 3e hadn$t act#a((y thro3n it? it 3as the app(e D#ice that made a
mad (eap %or %reedom.
5hat$s yo#r %a!orite coin tric/:
he %a!orite coin tric/ ,$!e e!er done 3as 3hen , started 3or/ on American Gods and , had a
(arge noteboo/2 a %o#ntain pen2 and a copy o% Bobo$s 6odern 4oin 6agic.
, 3ent %rom one to the other and , spent days practicing my )rench Drop and my Do3ns Pa(m
and a(( o% those things beca#se , /ne3 Shado3 3as going to be into coin magic and , %e(t that ,
had to be ab(e to 3rite abo#t it reasonab(y con!incing(y. ,$d ne!er done any magic be%ore b#t ,
decided , had to no3.
, 3as act#a((y on a train across America2 going to San Diego2 and there 3as a tenCyearCo(d gir(
tra!e(ing 3ith her mother. 5e$d a(( been on this train no3 %or abo#t three days so 3e a(( /ne3
each other2 and , disappeared a coin %or her rather #ne&pected(y and reappeared it %rom her
ear. , don$t thin/ anybody had e!er done anything (i/e that %or her and seeing the e&pression on
her %ace (e%t me #nderstanding 3hy peop(e become magicians.
, o% co#rse ha!e ne!er become a magician2 b#t , get to hang aro#nd 3ith the Penn and e((ers
and the Derren Bro3ns o% this 3or(d2 3ho are a(( !ery2 !ery good peop(e and 3ho 3i(( h#mor
me and treat me (i/e one o% their o3n a(tho#gh they /no3 that rea((y ,$m not.
)a!orite con artist or con tric/:
Pon1i2 3ho created the Pon1i scheme. he thing that peop(e (a#gh at in terms o% con%idence
tric/s is somebody se((ing yo# the Broo/(yn Bridge2 or in "ng(and somebody se((ing yo# @ondon
Bridge2 or in )rance somebody se((ing yo# the "i%%e( o3er.
Pon1i so(d the "i%%e( o3er by going to a(( the maDor scrap meta( agents in )rance2 presenting
himse(% as a representati!e o% the )rench go!ernment2 and e&p(aining that the "i%%e( o3er had
become #nsa%e and they 3ere going to be scrapping it2 b#t they needed somebody 3ho co#(d
hand(e the dismant(ing o% the to3er and the !o(#me o% meta( that this 3o#(d generate. 8e a(so
imp(ied that the )rench go!ernment 3as going to be so grate%#( that there 3o#(d probab(y be
a(( sorts o% decorations in!o(!ed %or anybody 3ho too/ this on.
And then he e&p(ained to each o% them in t#rn that it 3as a sea(ed en!e(ope bid2 so there 3as
no possibi(ity %or corr#ption. So they 3ent o%% to prepare their bids2 and he pri!ate(y got in
to#ch 3ith each o% these gent(eman and e&p(ained that he co#(d be bribed. And each o% them
ga!e him !ast s#ms o% money in order to b#y the "i%%e( o3er. And that2 , %ee(2 is sti(( my
%a!orite con.
Did yo# enDoy ma/ing #p the con tric/s in American Gods:
, did enDoy ma/ing #p the con tric/s !ery m#ch2 a(tho#gh , ha!e to say , %o#nd myse(% rather
ba%%(ed. he one that , tho#ght yo# co#(d act#a((y do , tried to sort o% %#11 the edges o% a bit2 so
the reader can$t act#a((y %ig#re o#t e&act(y ho3 things 3or/ 3ith 6r. 5ednesday and the credit
cards. 5hat he did is doab(e b#t , %#11ed the edges so the reader can$t do it.
B#t , 3as !ery pro#d o% myse(% %or coming #p 3ith the A6 card night deposit con. , made that
#p2 and , tho#ght it 3as rea((y %#nny #nti( the phone rang abo#t eighteen months ago and it 3as
a reporter %rom 4anada (etting me /no3 that somebody 3ho 3as a %an o% the boo/ had D#st
done it and 3as no3 on the r#n2 ha!ing ta/en (oca( merchants %or TVK2KKK.
9o# don$t e&pect yo#r readers to go2 AAh this boo/$s not D#st a %ine 3or/ o% (iterary
3hatshisname2 b#t a(so a getCrichCI#ic/ scheme2B to be %o((o3ed short(y by a goCtoCprisonCI#ic/
scheme2 3hich , be(ie!e he did.
Are there any myths yo# 3o#(d (i/e to dispe(:
, ha!e my Do#rna( o!er at 333.nei(gaiman.com2 and one o% the reasons %or ha!ing it2 apart %rom
the %act that it$s incredib(y #se%#( to ha!e an immediate p(#gCin to yo#r readers2 is that , #sed to
t#rn #p at signings and peop(e 3o#(d e&pect me to be characters that ,$d created. Partic#(ar(y
the Sandman.
So ,$d t#rn #p to the signing and see the disappointment on peop(e$s %aces beca#se , 3asn$t ta((
and pa(e and bea#ti%#( and !ery morbid. hey e&pected me to spea/ in gnomic gothic sentences
and possib(y iambic pentameter2 or trio(ets or something.
, (i/e the b(og beca#se it #nderc#ts and dispe(s that. , don$t thin/ yo# can imagine somebody as
a bea#ti%#( gothic %ig#re i% they$!e D#st 3ritten abo#t c(earing #p cat !omit %rom the %(oor at
three o$c(oc/ in the morning.
,t$s no3 a %e3 years since American Gods came o#t. Do yo# ha!e any tho#ghts on the no!e(:
Peop(e 3ere incredib(y nice abo#t American Gods. , ne!er e&pected a(( the a3ards that it 3on2
partic#(ar(y 3hen it 3on the 8#go2 and the 'eb#(a2 and the Bram Sto/er a3ard-that 3as
de(ight%#(. And Americans 3ere terrib(y nice abo#t it. 'obody act#a((y did the 3ho(e A8o3 dare
yo#2 being "ng(ish2 3rite abo#t America:2B 3hich , tho#ght 3as /ind o% them.
he thing , %o#nd rea((y am#sing 3as abo#t some p(aces in the midd(e 3here peop(e are ta(/ing
in the 3ay they ta(/ in 5isconsin and 6innesota: occasiona((y , 3o#(d ha!e 'e3 9or/ers and
@os Ange(inos acc#sing me o% (apsing into Briticisms there2 most(y , thin/ beca#se peop(e ha!e
no idea 3hat peop(e ta(/ (i/e in the rest o% their co#ntry.
+eading Gro#p Disc#ssion 7#estions
;. American Gods is an epic no!e( dea(ing 3ith many big themes2 inc(#ding sacri%ice2
(oya(ty2 betraya(2 (o!e2 and %aith. 5hich theme a%%ected yo# the most strong(y2 and 3hy:
>. Shado3 begins the no!e( as a con!ict2 and ends it a di%%erent man. 8o3 does the no!e(
e&p(oit the idea o% America as a p(ace 3here immigrants and e&i(es2 both physica( and
emotiona(2 can rein!ent themse(!es: 5hat ma/es Shado3 himse(% so compe((ing and
comp(e&:
V. American Gods is part(y a road trip thro#gh sma((Cto3n America2 3here Shado3 can see
the dar/er side o% (i%e that other peop(e ignore. 5hat does the no!e( say abo#t 3hat
peop(e 3i(( accept in order to maintain a sense o% norma(ity:
Z. he o(d gods e&pect sacri%ice2 !io(ence2 and 3orship. 8o3 ha!e they adapted to the
modern 3or(d: 5hat does this say abo#t the nat#re o% di!inity: 8o3 and 3hy ha!e
Americans trans%erred their de!otion to the ne3 techno(ogica( and materia( gods %rom
the o(d spirit#a( gods: 5hat comment is being made abo#t modern c#(t#ra( !a(#es:
N. 5hat is the signi%icance o% the i((#sions2 cons2 and magic tric/s that occ#r thro#gho#t the
no!e(: American Gods is a no!e( in 3hich magic2 myth2 and the di!ine coe&ist 3ith the
norma(2 m#ndane2 and h#man in a 3ay that is #tter(y be(ie!ab(e. 8o3 is this i((#sion
maintained:
W. 8o3 does the rich bac/gro#nd description increase the po3er o% the narrati!e: 5hat
do the secondary characters2 partic#(ar(y the gods 3hose (i!es and deaths 3e are gi!en
a brie% insight into2 add to the no!e(:
8o3 Dare 9o#:
'obody$s as/ed the I#estion ,$!e been dreading2 so %ar2 the I#estion , ha!e been hoping that
no one 3o#(d as/. So ,$m going to as/ it myse(%2 and try to ans3er it myse(%2 in the hopes that2
(i/e the air(ine passenger scared o% being hiDac/ed 3ho a(3ays sm#gg(es her o3n bomb onto
the p(ane2 my doing it increases the odds against someone e(se doing it.
And the I#estion is this: 8o3 dare yo#:
*r2 in its e&panded %orm: A8o3 dare yo#2 an "ng(ishman2 try and 3rite a boo/ abo#t America2
abo#t American myths and the American so#(: 8o3 dare yo# try and 3rite abo#t 3hat ma/es
America specia(2 as a co#ntry2 as a nation2 as an idea:B
And2 being "ng(ish2 my immediate imp#(se is to shr#g my sho#(ders and promise it 3on$t
happen again.
B#t then2 , did dare2 in my no!e( American Gods2 and it too/ an odd sort o% h#bris to 3rite it.
As a yo#ng man2 , 3rote a comic boo/ abo#t dreams and stories ca((ed Sandman Gco((ected2
and sti(( in print2 in ten graphic no!e(s2 and yo# sho#(d read it i% yo# ha!en$tH. , got a simi(ar
I#estion a(( the time2 bac/ then: A9o# (i!e in "ng(and. 8o3 can yo# set so m#ch o% this story in
America:B
And , 3o#(d point o#t that2 in media terms2 the E... 3as practica((y the %i%tyC%irst state. 5e get
American %i(ms2 3atch American F. A, might not 3rite a Seatt(e that 3o#(d satis%y an
inhabitant2B , #sed to say2 Ab#t ,$(( 3rite one as good as a 'e3 9or/er 3ho$s ne!er been to
Seatt(e.B
, 3as2 o% co#rse2 3rong. , didn$t do that at a((. 5hat , did instead 3as2 in retrospect2 m#ch more
interesting: , created an America that 3as entire(y imaginary2 in 3hich Sandman co#(d ta/e
p(ace. A de(irio#s2 #n(i/e(y p(ace o#t beyond the edge o% the rea(.
And that satis%ied me #nti(2 %o((o3ing my American 3i%e and my desire %or an Addams
)ami(ySsty(e ho#se2 , came to (i!e in America.
S(o3(y-and it too/ a 3hi(e-, rea(i1ed both that the America ,$d been 3riting 3as 3ho((y
%ictiona(2 and that the rea( America2 the one #nderneath the 3hatCyo#CseeCisC3hatCyo#Cget
s#r%ace2 3as m#ch more interesting than the %ictions.
he immigrant e&perience is2 , s#spect2 a #ni!ersa( one Ge!en i% yo# are the /ind i% immigrant2
(i/e me2 3ho ho(ds on tight(y2 a(most s#perstitio#s(y2 to his E... citi1enship2 (ong a%ter his accent
has become rather dodgyH. *n the one hand2 there$s yo#2 and on the other hand2 there$s
America. ,t$s bigger than yo# are. So yo# try and ma/e sense o% it. 9o# try to %ig#re it
o#t-something 3hich it resists. ,t$s big eno#gh2 and contains eno#gh contradictions2 that it is
per%ect(y happy not to be %ig#red o#t2 and some3here in there yo# rea(i1e that the !ery best
yo# can hope %or is to be (i/e one o% the b(ind men in the %ab(e 3ho each grasped an e(ephant
by its tr#n/2 its (eg2 its side2 its tai(2 and 3ho each decided that an e(ephant 3as (i/e a sna/e2 a
tree2 a 3a((2 a rope. As a 3riter a(( , co#(d do 3as to describe a sma(( part o% the 3ho(e.
And it 3as too big to see.
, didn$t rea((y /no3 3hat /ind o% boo/ , 3anted to 3rite #nti(2 in the s#mmer o% ;<<Y2 , %o#nd
myse(% spending %ortyCeight ho#rs in +ey/Da!^/2 in ,ce(and2 and in the midd(e o% that stay , /ne3
3hat my ne&t boo/ 3as. A b#nch o% %ragments o% p(ot2 an #n3ie(dy assortment o% characters2
and something %aint(y resemb(ing a str#ct#re came together in my head. 6aybe it 3as beca#se
, 3as %ar eno#gh a3ay %rom America to see it c(ear(y2 maybe it 3as D#st that its time had come.
,t 3o#(d be a thri((er2 and a m#rder mystery2 and a romance2 and a road trip. ,t 3o#(d be abo#t
the immigrant e&perience2 abo#t 3hat peop(e be(ie!ed in 3hen they came to America. And
abo#t 3hat happened to the things that they be(ie!ed. ,$m "ng(ish. , (i/e being "ng(ish. ,$!e /ept
my passport. ,$!e as m#ch o% my accent as , co#(d. And ,$d (i!ed in the E.S. %or a(most nine years.
@ong eno#gh to /no3 that e!erything ,$d (earned abo#t it %rom the mo!ies 3as 3rong.
, 3anted to 3rite abo#t myths. , 3anted to 3rite abo#t America as a mythic p(ace.
, 3ent bac/ to my hote( room and 3rote a threeCpageC(ong ro#gh o#t(ine-more o% a (oose
description o% the boo/ , had in my head. , tried ca((ing it 6agic America Ga%ter the B(#r songH2
and that didn$t seem right. , tried ca((ing it .ing o% America Ga%ter the "(!is 4oste((o a(b#mH and
that didn$t seem right either. So , 3rote American Gods Gnot a%ter anythingH at the top o% the
%irst page o% the o#t(ine2 and %ig#red ,$d come #p 3ith a better tit(e sooner or (ater.
,$d not started 3riting the no!e( by the time the p#b(isher sent me the co!er. ,t sho3ed a road
and a (ightning bo(t and2 in (arge (etters2 a tit(e: American Gods. here seemed no point in
%ighting it-to be honest2 , 3as starting to (i/e it-and , started to 3rite.
,t$s a big boo/2 b#t then America$s a big co#ntry2 and trying to %it it into a boo/ 3as hard
eno#gh.
American Gods is the story o% a man ca((ed Shado32 and the Dob he is o%%ered 3hen he gets o#t
o% prison. ,t is the story o% a road trip. ,t te((s the story o% a sma(( 6id3estern to3n2 and the
disappearances that occ#r there e!ery 3inter. , disco!ered2 as , 3rote it2 3hy roadside
attractions are the most sacred p(aces in America. , (earned a (ot abo#t gods2 and abo#t secret
organi1ations2 and 3ars. , disco!ered many other strange by3ays and moments. Some o% them
de(ighted me. A %e3 scared me. Some o% them ama1ed me.
5hen it 3as a(most done2 3hen a(( that remained 3as to p#(( together a(( the di!erse strands2 ,
(e%t the co#ntry again2 ho(ed #p in a h#ge2 co(d2 o(d ho#se in ,re(and2 and typed a(( that 3as (e%t
to type2 shi!ering2 beside a peat %ire.
And then the boo/ 3as done2 and , stopped. @oo/ing bac/ on it2 it 3asn$t rea((y that ,$d dared2
rather that , had no choice.
his is an e&panded !ersion o% the essay 3ritten %or the Borders 3ebsite in 6arch >KK;2 and
3hich appears on 333.nei(gaiman.com.
*8"+ B**.S B9 '",@ GA,6A'
)*+ ADE@S
Stories Gedited 3ith A( SarrantonioH)ragi(e hingsAnansi BoysAmerican GodsStard#stSmo/e and
6irrors'e!er3hereGood *mens G3ith erry PratchettH
)*+ A@@ AG"S
he Gra!eyard Boo/ G3ith i((#strations by Da!e 6c.eanH6 ,s %or 6agic4ora(ine G3ith
i((#strations by Da!e 6c.eanH*dd and the )rost Giants Gi((#strated by Brett 8e(I#istH4ra1y 8air
Gi((#strated by Da!e 6c.eanHB(#eberry Gir( Gi((#strated by 4har(es FessHhe Dangero#s A(phabet
Gi((#strated by 4hris Grim(yHhe Day , S3apped 6y Dad %or 3o Go(d%ish Gi((#strated by Da!e
6c.eanHhe 5o(!es in the 5a((s G3ith i((#strations by Da!e 6c.eanH
4opyright
"!ery e%%ort has been made to (ocate and contact the copyright o3ners o% materia( reprod#ced
in this boo/. *missions bro#ght to o#r attention 3i(( be corrected in s#bseI#ent editions. 5e
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