Американские боги

           Whenhewastalkingtowomeninbars,hewouldsometimesfollowthatupwith"AndtheonesthatknowmereallywellcallmeBigMack."Thatcouldwait.Theywouldhavemanyhoursineachother’scompanytogettoknoweachother,afterall."What’syours?"

           "Laura,"shetoldhim.

           "Well,Laura,"hesaid,"I’msurewe’regoingtobegreatfriends."

           ThefatkidfoundMr.WorldintheRainbowRoom—awalledsectionofthepath,itswindowglasscoveredinclearplasticsheetsofgreenandredandyellowfilm.Hewaswalkingimpatientlyfromwindowtowindow,staringout,inturn,atagoldenworld,aredworld,agreenworld.Hishairwasreddish-orangeandclose-croppedtohisskull.HeworeaBurberryraincoat.

           Thefatkidcoughed.Mr.Worldlookedup.

           "Excuseme?MisterWorld?"

           "Yes?Iseverythingonschedule?"

           Thefatkid’smouthwasdry.Helickedhislips,andsaid,"I’vesetupeverything.Idon’thaveconfirmationonthechoppers."

           "Thehelicopterswillbeherewhenweneedthem."

           "Good,"saidthefatkid."Good."Hestoodthere,notsayinganything,notgoingaway.Therewasabruiseonhisforehead.

           AfterawhileMr.Worldsaid,"IsthereanythingelseIcandoforyou?"

           Apause.Theboyswallowedandnodded."Somethingelse,"hesaid."Yes.