The noise level inside the Crystal Palace was still low enough to listen in on individual conversations, but Spector wasn’t interested in eavesdropping. He headed straight for the bar, sat down, and started drumming his fingers on the polished wood. Sascha, alone behind the bar, was busy making brandy alexander for a blond woman in a tight red-and-white cotton dress. Sascha’s eyeless face gave Spector the creeps.
“Hey,” Spector said, just loudly enough to get Sascha’s attention. “I need a double shot of Jack Black.”
“I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Spector nodded and pushed his hair back out of his eyes.’, He was too scared to eat, but he could always drink. Shit, he thought, I should have agreed to whatever he wanted. That twisted old fuck can make mincemeat out of me. He put his hand over his mouth and tried to slow his ragged breathing. He turned around, afraid that the Astronomer might be right behind him. Only a few people would have the balls to start something at the Crystal Palace, but the Astonomer wouldn’t even think twice about it.
God, I really don’t want that bastard after me. Maybe he’ll be too busy with the others. Even the Astronomer will have trouble taking them all on.
“Your drink.”
Spector jumped at Sascha’s voice, then turned around. “Thanks.” He fished in his pocket for a five and tossed the crumpled bill onto the bar. Sascha hesitated for a moment, then picked up the money and walked away.
Spector picked up the glass and downed the whiskey. Got to keep moving. Maybe he won’t look for me in Brooklyn. He laughed softly to himself. Maybe the next President will be a joker.
The air was chill and calm as he stepped outside. He rubbed his palms together and walked quickly down the street, toward the nearest subway.