New Orleanians learn to second line early. It’s easy to do and there are no special steps to learn. One need only to be unselfconscious and have a brass band that can pump out a good Mardi Gras beat. The extras, like sequined umbrellas or a hankie to wave, are second to the joy of forming a line and going where the music leads.
They did the Mambo first. Maybe Miss Weena was saving the Hepplewhites for the grand finale. Or she could have been saving them for herself. The raucous sound of the brass band made radio communication problematical until the second line moved outside. That’s why Mickey didn’t know until he heard them speaking to Luci that Dante and his entourage had arrived.
“Who let them in?” Mickey hissed into his mike.
“Had to, sir. They had an invitation.”
“Did you search t
