I let out a laugh. Amparo was playing with me. She did know why I returned. She knew Max wanted that box, whatever it contained, and that I had no other reason to return to the Club, to this room, tonight. She’s already taken it.
• • •
Outside, the arch before the mezzanine glows red. An unintelligible command echoes and is followed by a low, collective laugh. The pageant has begun, drifting silhouettes beyond the pink haze of dissipated pipe smoke. My mind is just as cloudy, peopled with my personal show. Amparo, gloating. Max, pretending not to see me. East, looming above me. The parade outside. My house, my rent, the reason I returned to the Saturn Club, and the Saturn Club, laying bare how much I hate my life without it. Saturn himself, the god of death and renewal, ten feet high and
