FIFTY ONE
Patti made her entrance into Elaine’s several
steps ahead of me. Once she was inside, I stepped
into the golden light of the saloon and people started
applauding, a few at first but soon the entire joint
turned in my direction and brought their mortal
hands together. I gave a slight bow. The place was
packed. Somebody shouted out, “Speech. Speech.”
I raised my open hands to quiet the room.