He shakes my hand and says, It’s been a long time Monsieur Edgar. Do you still sing? I sure damn do, I say, want to hear something? He says maybe later. When he sees Johona his eyes get big and he presses his palms together like he’s praying. You were right, he says to Jesse. It’s incredible. She’s the very image of Claudine. He takes Johona’s hand and kisses her three times. It is a pleasure to meet you my dear, he says.

A lady’s playing piano. Monsieur Beaumont pours some champagne for Jesse and Johona and Jesse says I can have some too. I ain’t never had champagne before. It’s got bubbles and smells like sour milk. Jesse asks Monsieur Beaumont if he’s got any ideas for what to do about the Fiends. I’ve been asking around, Monsieur Beaumont says, and I may have found someone who can put me in touch with them. The first step is to see if they’re willing to negotiate and perhaps accept some form of restitution in lieu of revenge. Will you do that for us? Jesse says. Monsieur Beaumont takes Johona’s hand again and says, How can I say no after seeing this beautiful creature? She mustn’t come to any harm. Thank you, Johona says.

The piano lady is singing that song about Moon River. Monsieur Beaumont comes out of his swoon and says to Jesse, Of course I can’t guarantee anything. Stealing the infant, dusting one of their comrades. If it’s even possible to arrange a settlement the price will be steep. Whatever it takes, Jesse says.

Monsieur Beaumont turns to me and Johona and says, Would you mind leaving us for a moment? We need to speak privately. Johona looks to Jesse. Everything’s fine, he says.

Me and Johona go to the casino. She gets two paper rolls of quarters and we pick a couple slot machines. I put in half my quarters and don’t win nothing. Then I get three oranges and the game goes to flashing and making noise but only a few coins come out. Johona keeps looking over to the bar. I tell her you got to pay attention if you want to win. A girl showing lots of leg asks do we want cocktails. I say to bring me a Coca-Cola with a cherry in it.