Fannie blew out some smoke and ashed the tip of her cigarillo in a tray. “I’ll let my mechanic know,” she said. “Last week I dropped my brand-new Lexus into a crater the size of the fucking Grand Canyon, busted an axle and about knocked my transmission loose.”

“I’d prefer you not using profanity,” Skinner said. “I’m not some of your employees next door. I don’t mind working with a woman, but she needs to understand how to discuss matters in this town.”

Two of her waitresses, Christy and Ruth Ann, stood by the cash register, trying to eavesdrop on her little meet with Skinner. They disliked the big, lumbering son of a bitch more than she did, with his reptilian eyes, bald head, and slow way of speaking. An affectation of Southern bullshit trying to dominate the conversation, to show he had an understanding of all things.

“I’ve complied with the law at Vienna’s Place,” she said. “And I’ve even made a donation or two to your reelection campaign. However, I draw the goddamn line at raising money for some Bible-thumping monstrosity that will block the view of one of the most famous signs in the Mid-South.”

“What sign?”

“Vienna’s Place,” she said. “Or haven’t you noticed the curvy mud flap girl done up in blue and red neon. I’ll have you know the sign was featured on both the Travel Channel and Playboy After Dark. It’s a damn Mississippi landmark.”

“Of iniquity.”

“Come again?”

“That means ‘evil,’” Skinner said, reaching for his half-finished cup of coffee and slurping up what was left.

“I know what it means,” she said. “But I really thought you were a realist. A businessman who wanted to put Tibbehah back on the map, like you said. The first thing you try to do is shut me down, cover up my only advertising, and now put out a tin cup in my business to fund the plan to make it happen. You must think I’m stupid as hell.”

“No, ma’am,” Skinner said. “I’ve never thought you stupid. But I’ll offer you a fair warning. Times are changing around here, Miss Hath-cock. I figure you know that, but the only reason I was called back into public service was to help turn back the clock on the immorality and stain on this county. There’s a hot wind of change blowing across Mississippi.”

“I’ve seen the goddamn commercials,” Hathcock said. “Your buddy Vardaman.”

“A fine Christian man,” Skinner said. “He sees the sword coming against the land and sounds the trumpet to warn the people.”

“The Watchmen,” Fannie said, leaning back into her chair. “I’ve heard that bullshit, too. A real interesting group of kooks, kind of like the Jaycees without the sense of humor. I get talk radio on my ride up to Memphis.”