Lennox ran up the iron steps to the balcony, three at a time. He passed the dancers' dressing room and had a flashing glimpse of naked flat-chested girls juggling into can-can costumes. He knocked once on the door of Nine and burst in. It was the size of a privy. Cooper sat on a stool before the bulb-ringed mirror staring at a red and white blazer and a scarlet banded straw hat. His face bore a ghastly expression.
"What the hell, Sam?"
Cooper looked at him without changing expression.
"Your spot comes up in five minutes."
Cooper shook his head.
"What's the matter? Speak."
"I'm sick."
"Stage-fright, hey? Don't worry, I'll see you through." Lennox picked up the blazer. "Come on. Change."
Cooper made no move. Lennox took his shoulder and shook him. "Wake up, boy. You're on in five minutes. Take off your coat."
"Leave me alone!" Cooper knocked Jake's hand away.