Read Pluto Walks the Earth, Chapter 53: Physics
Pluto
Oh, brother. After I win $1 million (a check for $610,000 after taxes) I go back to my room. It’s crazy at the elevator lobby, because it’s jammed with folks who want to go upstairs with me, but security doesn’t let anyone through. They’re all treating me like a super celebrity, but, tell you the truth, I’m not exactly sure what was happening. There were the weird tails of light I saw in everyone’s footsteps or arm movements and their faces all looked so … crinkly? I know what’s happening, OK, but the Bitter Magic really did a number on me. Not in a bad way. Just in a big way. The elevator ride up 15 floors feels like I’m being sucked along like in those tubes at the bank drive-through. When I get to the room, there’s Mary Lou conked out in my bed. There’s also about a 5-foot tall flower arrangement (from Vineeta!), and another basket filled with candy and fruit, courtesy of the NACM. (“Dear Mr. McDowell. Thank you for participating in the 116th Annual Credit Conference & Expo. Please enjoy a snack on us in advance of your session tomorrow morning. Break a leg! Sincerely, Milt Pleasence.”) Oh, and a shopping bag from a gun range with about a pound and a half of sacramental herbs.