Американские боги

           "

           Thetaxidriverwrenchesthewheeltotheright,swingsaroundsomething,driveson.Salimwondershowhecanseetodrive,betweentherain,thenight,andthethicksunglasses.

           "Youtrytosellshit?"

           "Yes,"saysSalim,thrilledandhorrifiedthathehasspokenthetruthabouthisbrother-in-law’ssamples.

           "Andtheywillnotbuyit?"

           "No."

           "Strange.Youlookatthestoreshere,thatisalltheysell."

           Salimsmilesnervously.

           Atruckisblockingthestreetinfrontofthem:ared-facedcopstandinginfrontofitwavesandshoutsandpointsthemdowntheneareststreet.

           "WewillgoovertoEighthAvenue,comeuptownthatway,"saysthetaxidriver.Theyturnontothestreet,wherethetraffichasstoppedcompletely.Thereisacacophonyofhorns,butthecarsdonotmove.

           Thedriverswaysinhisseat.Hischinbeginstodescendtohischest,one,two,threetimes.Thenhebegins,gently,tosnore.Salimreachesouttowaketheman,hopingthatheisdoingtherightthing.Asheshakeshisshoulderthedrivermoves,andSalim’shandbrushestheman’sface,knockingtheman’ssunglassesfromhisfaceontohislap.

           Thetaxidriveropenshiseyesandreachesfor,andreplaces,theblackplasticsunglasses,butitistoolate.Salimhasseenhiseyes.

           Thecarcrawlsforwardintherain.