was.
“The way I see it, if there’s going to be trouble, it will
hit when we leave. That means the trick is to leave without
their knowing it. Order another pitcher.”
That’s when I realized how much I’d already had to drink.
For a moment there, I thought the Djin had said . . .
“You want me to …”
“… Order another pitcher, but whatever you do, don’t
drink any of it.”
That made even less sense, but I followed his instructions
and gestured at the bartender who delivered another pitcher
with impressive speed.
I paid him from my pocket.
-“I don’t get it,” I said. “Why should I order a pitcher
when you say I shouldn’t …”
“Shut up and listen,” Kalvin hissed. “That was so every-
body watching you will think you’re planning to stick around
for a while. In the meantime, we move.”
That made even less sense than having some more to
drink.
“But, Kalvin . . . most of them are between us and the
door! They’ll see me …”
‘ ‘Not out the front door, stupid! You see that little hallway
in back? That leads to the restrooms. There’s also an exit
back there which probably opens into an alley. That’s the
route we’ re taking.”
“How do you know there’s an exit back there?” I said
suspiciously.
MYTH-NOMERS AND IM-PERVECTIONS 113
“Because one of the things I do when I come into a new
bar is count the exits,” the Djin retorted. “It’s a habit I
suggest you develop if you’re going to keep drinking.”
‘ ‘Don’t want any more to drink,” I managed, my stomach
suddenly rebelling at the thought.
“Good boy. Easy now. Nice and casual. Head for the