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Show Flying - 34 "We have some coffee and relax," says O'Connell. He plugs in a percolator and pulls cups out of a drawer. "Don't be so anxious to get to work," says Thompson, putting the cover back on the machine. "You're in O'Connell's section now, son. Just relax and enjoy it. Don't let the bastards wear you down," says O'Connell. He pulls an army blanket out from under a counter and spreads it out on the floor, then takes a deck of cards out of his pocket. John Henry gets up and peers nervously out the small window. O'Connell laughs. "Relax, baby. They don't fuck with O'Connell around here." They play nickel and dime poker for a while. John Henry, too nervous to give it the concentration it needs, loses steadily. "Ever been to Mexico, John?" says O'Connell. "No." says John Henry. "We'll have to take him down there," says Thompson. "Maybe we can go next weekend. Wait'11 you see Boys Town, John. You never seen nothing like it. Them girls is so crazy for love they drag you in off the streets." Just then the door opens and John Henry, all thoughts of lust forgotten, is overcome by dark visions of court-marshals and stockades. He drops the change he was holding and starts to stand up, but it's only Arkwright coming to |