A throbbing split the air. A red splinter of car hurtled around the corner and squealed to the curb. A tall, lank man unfolded, ignoring them.
Brendel sprang to overwhelm him. He pulled him to the steps to make introductions. But Latsker Smith peered absently at Pollony and she was embarrassed that Brendel acted like an eager child confronting some heroic figure from a dream.
"Latsker's pop got money." Brendel launched into his story again.
When the story fizzled she said, "Why couldn't you get a job?"
Smith held his head tilted. "Don't want a job."
"If you had a job you wouldn't have to stay one place so long."
"No use being anyplace if I have to leave my car."