“Cyanide is natural. So is arsenic.”

“If the young man ate candy, the wrangler says, that's probably what's kept him alive so long. Glucose is a natural antidote to cyanide poisoning. Based on anecdotal evidence, glucose binds withthe cyanide to produce less toxic compounds.”

“Potassium cyanide," says the talent wrangler as she leans over to pick up a paper napkin off the floor. "Found naturally in the cassava or manioc roots native to Africa, used to tint architectural blueprints in the form of the deep-blue pigment known as Prussian blue. Hence the shade 'cyan' blue.”

“And I say no. The problem is the light, the dim light down here. Cupped in the palm of my hand, the cyanide and the wood pill, I can't tell which is which. What's sex and what's death—I can't tell the difference.I ask which one to give her.And Mr. Bacardi leans in to look, both of us breathing hot, damp air into my open hand.”

“Disaster is a natural part of my evolution toward tragedy and dissolution.”

“Anybody's true nature is bullshit. There is no human soul. Emotion is bullshit. Love is bullshit.”

“I am not loved. I am not a beautiful soul. I am not a good-natured, giving person. I am not anybody's savior.”