“Because—a million five, that’s fairy tale money. And besides, a million five, you just don’t go and hide it somewhere. You put it in the bank.”

“Sure. Absolutely.”

“But the way Rafer tells it, when he’s up in them clouds, he says he promised Grogan that he’d never open his mouth. Because it’s only the two of them who know where all that money is. And then he’s bawlin’ like a baby, sayin’ how it hurts him in his heart because after all he’s been with Grogan all these years. And he’s in Grogan’s corner all the way, but Jesus Christ it’s a million five and where it is now it ain’t doin’ nobody no good. And bawlin’ with real tears, sippin’ more of that mixture from the bowl and then wavin’ the spoon over his head like he’s winding himself up. Like some mechanical toy, or like a talkin’ doll that can cry and say Mama. And that’s what he was sayin’. He was sayin’ Mama it’s a million five and it ain’t doin’ nothin’ for nobody. It sure ain’t doin’ nothin’ for the Chinaman—”

“The who?”

“The Chinaman. And don’t ask me what Chinaman. Remember, it’s just a fairy tale—” She hiccuped again. Then she let out a louder hiccup, followed with a grunt as the alcohol jolted her. Nellie finally closed her eyes, her knees giving way. She was going to the floor. Corey grabbed her, dragging her away from the bar. He managed to get her into a chair. She put her head on the table and fell asleep.

Corey Bradford leaned heavily against the table and wondered if he could make it to the street. He started toward the door, bumped into a seated drinker, went to the floor and got up, weaving, then swaying as he kept trying for the door. You’re really soused, he told himself. You’re just about ready to fall out.

Someone opened the door for him and he staggered through, trying to straighten up, telling himself he mustn’t fade out. But that’s what’s gonna happen? he asked the gin-hound who just couldn’t straighten up, who’d had one too many double shots and nothing in his belly to soak it up. Because you didn’t have no supper, he chided the goofy-eyed boozer. All you had today was a goddam cinnamon bun and coffee. But what’s that she said about the Chinaman?