Previously in the novel: West Texan Harley Sadler traveled the High Plains with his melodrama tent show, making some money and sharing it with down-on-their-luck farmers. He lost his fortune in the Depression, his daughter died and his wife Billie sank into alcoholism, but Harley tried to keep busy with performing in benefits and serving in the Legislature.
David Bodie was out of show business by nineteen fifty-four, and his trim actor’s build had filled out because of his success as a marketing director for a large Houston bank. He had a way of talking people into deals that were not really good for them. This particular week he was in Austin. The Legislature was in session and palms had be to be greased to insure bank-friendly bills were enacted. He hunched over a lobby phone at a hotel known to be the residence of many West Texas representatives. David tried to keep an eye on the elevator door as he conspired with his boss in Houston.
“Yeah, yeah. Well, I tell you I can get him to take the money. I worked in his last show. The Ledge doesn’t pay anything and his wife is a Woolworth clerk now. I’ll have him in our pocket by this afternoon.” He saw the elevator doors open and Harley walk out. “Here he comes now.”
David adjusted his tie and walked over to the old man. “Why, if it isn’t Harley Sadler! What a surprise bumping into you!”
Harley smiled broadly and extended his hand. “David Bodie! It’s been years! You look like you’re doing well.” He observed David’s clothes. “Nice suit you have on there.”
“Vice-president with Houston International Bank.” He shrugged. “What can I say? Got out of show business—“
“Me, too.”
“You, Harley?” David feigned surprise. “Why, you are show business! Anyway, the bank sends me all over the state representing its interests. One of its clients is a manufacturing giant from up north that’s considering moving to Texas; that is, if government eases up on some of its laws.”
“That’s wonderful,” Harley replied as though he had not heard a word David said. “You’ll have to tell me all about it over lunch. Right now, I’m heading to the governor’s Bible class at the Executive Mansion. Why don’t you join me?”
“It’s Sunday?” He could not disguise the surprise in his voice.
“Aww, David, you were always a kidder. Come on. I think you’ll get something out of it. I always do.”
David had not been to Sunday school since he ran away from home. His business sense told him if he refused Harley’s offer he could kiss the deal good-bye. It was not so bad. David had never been inside the governor’s home before. Nice digs. Several men gathered in an ornate parlor. The staff served coffee and home-made cookies. He wondered if he could pick up some new contacts.
When the preacher stood and started reading the Bible and expounding on its meanings, David had a hard time staying awake. After nodding off briefly he looked over to see if Harley noticed. He had not. David could not believe the serene look on the old man’s face. Glancing at his watch, he decided he would explode if that damned preacher did not shut up.
Finally they made their way back to the hotel and the small dining room that served brunch. Only a few other customers sat near them. All the better to press the deal. He could tell Harley savored his omelet.
“Yes sir,” he said between bites, “I always get a blessing out of that class.”
“I can see why.” David hoped he sounded sincere.
“So you’re doing well in your new business. I’m glad to hear it.” He pushed his plate away. “I’m sorry I had you fired.”
“Oh no, sir. You did me a favor.” He was pleased with his magnanimous gesture. “I wasn’t cut out for show business anyway.”
“I hope you got that drinking under control.”
“Sure.” He shifted uneasily in his chair because he had a fresh quart of bourbon in his room. “Never touch the stuff anymore.”
“That’s good.” Harley sipped his coffee. “It can ruin your life. Drive away the people you love best.” Harley looked across the room with an empty gaze. “Even if they don’t want to go away.”
David did not like the solemn turn of the conversation. “So. How are you doing?”
“How? Spiritually, fine. Financially—well, we’re getting by. Physically—not good at all.” Harley laughed.
“Really?” David raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You look spry as ever.”
“Doctor says it’s my heart.” He rubbed his chest. “I don’t know. If I could just burp real good….”
David did not know how to respond and was appalled to allow a moment of awkward silence. “Sometimes you just have to slow down,” he whispered.
“After I finish up here tomorrow with a water conservation meeting I got a PTA dinner in Spur, a Boy Scout benefit in Avoca and then I’m doing a Toby show in Sweetwater. Auditions over the weekend. And then back for two more weeks in the Ledge before we adjourn.”
“Sometimes you have to say no.” David remembered why he was there. He did not want to encourage Harley to say no to him. “On the other hand, you have to say yes sometimes too.”
He shrugged. “It’s the ham in me. Just vanity, I guess, wanting to do everything people ask me to do.” Harley paused to gaze off nowhere in particular again. “All is vanity.”
David still felt like he was losing control of the situation. The waitress walked to their table. He smiled and reached for his wallet. “Let me pick this up.”
“That’s all right,” she replied. “Mr. Sadler’s already taken care of that.” She sounded weary. “He has a long time tab with us.”
“And I hope you put a little something on the tab for yourself, dear.” Harley smiled at David. “Would you care for anything else?”
David finally realized he never had control of the situation. Even though he barely had enough money to pay his bills, Harley still wanted to pay for everything. How could you ever bribe a man like that? David smiled pitifully.
“No, thanks, I’m done.”