Then Billy Constable was history.

“That means,” Puckett shouted, “our winner…and the one who will try to answer the big question worth one…hundred…million…dollars is…Vera Bundle!!!”

The band played wildly and the audience cheered. Vera was taken out of her soundproof booth by the model Beautiful Monique and led to center stage. A spotlight followed them, leaving Billy Constable standing in his booth in darkness. The audience, busy cheering for Vera Bundle, didn’t notice a stagehand lead the weeping Billy from the stage.

“We’ll be back with The…Big…Question…,” shouted Rip Puckett, “right after these messages.”

As Retta Mae Wagons, Linus Major, and Linus’s friends were leaving the studio, the producer stepped out of a small hallway and stopped them.

“Both of you threw it, didn’t you?”

“Threw what?” asked Linus.

“Yes, we threw it,” said Retta Mae Wagons. “So what?”

“You better watch yourself, young lady. I have ways of—”

“No, Mr. Producer Man, you better watch yourself. I used to be a bona fide member of one of the toughest and most violent street gangs in this city. I have friends that would just love to dust your white ass for your fancy watch. I’m going to spread the word that you threatened me and my buddy Linus. Our friends here are witnesses. You just keep that in mind when you think of us and any kind of retribution you might have in mind. And when you’re finished thinking about that, think about kissing my cute black ass.”

The four turned and started to leave when Linus Major stopped, turned to the producer, and said, “You can also kiss my cute white ass.”

“And mine too,” added Dr. Bukinberg.

Oddly, as soon as the foursome arrived at Hurley’s Bar & Grill, Artie Flowers quickly excused himself, saying there was a Mets night game and he wanted to get back to his apartment for the late innings. He hugged Linus and ran for a bus. Dr. Bukinberg said something about catching a cold and thought it best he return to his apartment and try to nip the bug with a hot toddy. He hailed a cab and was gone.

“That leaves just you and me, babe,” said a cheerful Linus Major, grabbing Retta Mae’s hand and leading her into Hurley’s Bar & Grill. They sat on the same side of a banquette, Retta Mae on the inside, Linus on the outside.

“You going to hold my hand all night?” asked Retta Mae Wagons.

“I’d like to,” answered Linus.

“What’s gotten into you, boy?”

“I’m smitten.”

“Smitten!”

“Yes, smitten. No…more smitten. I was smitten before our little talk in the green room. I was smitten when I first saw you. I’m in love with you, Retta Mae.”

“You are one crazy white man.”

“Why do you say that? You’re gorgeous. You’re brilliant. And…and…”

“And what?”

“And you’re shorter than I am. I never wanted to marry a woman taller than me.”

“Marry!?”

“Yes. Well…the word kind of slipped out, but I’m glad it did.”