“I’ve seen a lot worse.” Feingold offered his ancient wisdom, rolling his eyes at Warlock as Rabun threw an alabaster peach through the picture window. Then Rabun grabbed Warlock by the lapels.

“Do something about this mess, you hear? I’m on the verge of the greatest discovery of my career. I’m getting old, and my brain is being trampled by cunts and perverts. I beg you.”

“I will, sir. I promise it on my life.” His eyes grew misty at the solemnity of the moment.

Warlock had to walk Feingold out to his rent-a-car to protect him from the not imaginary threat of the dogs.

“If you do anything illegal don’t tell me about it. Lawyers have a code of ethics.”

“Yeah, that’s why they do so well in politics.” He felt himself toughening for the big mission.

“Since you so obviously enjoy snooping around you might do a head count at the motel and a boat count at the marina. Actually I’m jealous. I know a lot of ladies in Lauderdale. You want some phone numbers?”

“I’ll do it my way,” Warlock said sententiously. “I never buy a pig in a poke.” What was a poke?

Rabun’s tantrum had passed leaving him in a state of serene melancholy. They split a roast pheasant and a bottle of 1953 Richebourg.

“My compliments to the chef wherever she is.” The effects of the drug concoction were beginning to wear off.

“I do my own cooking.”

“You don’t!” He was astounded. This surely was a Renaissance man.

“I do. It’s primarily a diagnostic and prognostic situation, a matter of textures and odors, a comprehension of the physical nature of the material.”

“I cook but not this well.”

“Diana told me you did. I judge the sensitivity of a man by what he eats and who he fucks.” Rabun winked and laughed.

“Sometimes we backslide a little bit.” Warlock was thinking of Aurora.

“Of course we do. Haute cuisine would be a bore without variation. I occasionally make myself a hamburger or a pot of chili. Most nurses are hamburgers, frankly. You’re very fortunate to be married to a ruffed grouse.”

“Thank you.” They toasted and Warlock reminded himself to share this wonderful compliment with Diana.

Chapter 32