Falling As Snakes

Even the best nights must end. The Clown Bar is closing.

Vello has paid the large bill.

It was expensive but worth it, thinks Vello, as he pays with his credit card.

Everyone spills out into the warm Paris night.

The parallel parties go off in opposite directions. The two Saint Roleys touch wings in passing.

Are you FRIENDS? asks Terence.

Of course, says Saint Roley.

He didn't like me, says Terence.

He didn't have time to get used to you, says Saint Roley.

I got used to him straight away, says Terence. He's a bumbrain.

Saint Roley decides not to argue.

Where are we going next? asks Terence.

Let's wait and see, says Saint Roley.

They wait and see.

It's a hotel in the Folie-Méricourt. A nice one.

Team Philosophe and Team Condor have three rooms between them.

Belle is sharing one with Terence and Saint Roley.

She collapses into bed, without even getting them a cushion.

In bed, she dreams of the future.

In the dream it is morning. Vello and David are heading for the Gare de Lyon in a taxi.

No wait. It IS morning. Vello and David are about to head for Gare de Lyon in a taxi.

You're really going to Ferney? asks Belle.

Yes dear, says Vello. I have Sweezus's design for my statue in my pocket.

Let's see it in the cold light of morning, says Belle.

Good thinking, says Vello. Sweezus is still available for last minute corrections....

He takes the paper napkin from his pocket. Tries to unfold it. Succeeds only partly. It is torn in some places.

Hum, says Vello. It's fortunate that we checked. Where's Sweezus?

Still sleeping.

Gaius comes into the room, and sees the problem. Not surprising. He had already foreseen it.

Try steaming, says Gaius.

David goes downstairs to ask for a kettle.

We'll miss the train, fusses Vello.

......

Terence has been looking for Sweezus. He has knocked loudly on ten or more doors.

Angry voices have pursued him.

At last, Pablo opens.

Qué? says Pablo.

Am I coming with you?

No, says Pablo. We men are going to Spain. It is hot there. Forty seven degrees. Too hot for an infant.

Terence stomps back to Belle's room where Saint Roley is waiting.

Is it too hot in Spain? asks Terence.

I suppose so, says Saint Roley. In some parts. It depends probably. Why don't we ask Gaius?

Terence scowls.

He suspects he will end up with Gaius. And where is Gaius going? To a place that's called Weeper, with snakes.

I know the future, says Terence.

Is it in your shorts? asks Saint Roley.

Terence had forgotten about the Sea Salt. There is not much left. But there's some in his pocket. Saint Roley is clever. Not a bumbrain.

Terence jigs up and down.

Sea Salt falls to the floor at his cement feet.

It falls ~~~

definitively ~~~

as snakes ~~~