“Mongolian Fondue," I say. "Very authentic.”

“I don't see how I could possibly move a napkin with the power of my mind," I say."All will be revealed." "Did you just say, 'All will be revealed'?"He looks up. "Yes.""Who says, 'All will be revealed'?""I do," Packard says. "Just perform the task.”

“Up ahead stands the fun house, which you enter through a clown’s smiling mouth.“I would kill myself if I was prisoner here,” Shelby says.“No, you wouldn’t, just out of courtesy,” I say, “because your body would be trapped in there after you die, and your friends would have to watch your corpse rot.”“Hmm,” Shelby says. “Smell it too.”“Well, now we’re looking on the bright side,” Packard says.”

“People want view of beauty. Pfft. I say, do not give me lies.”

“I can't say Ah now?""No," I say sternly."Even if it's purely innocent? A genuine Ah? Not even that?" He makes a pleading face. It looks silly on him; he's never been the pleading type.He bats his cinnamon lashes once. "Not even ..."I try not to laugh.He keeps the face going and ”

“It’s all very deliciously diabolical my friend.” He smiles and I smile. We’re both pretty pleased with the plan. And increasingly pleased with each other.”

“God, Packard! Do you know how hard I worked atit?” I twist up the napkin and whip it at him.He deflects it. “There we go; I knew you could do it.”My mouth falls open. “Very funny.”He just laughs.“I can’t believe you!”