The Bachman Books

standing around restlessly, waiting for the return of their tweedy bull stud. Read my dreams, Sigmund. Squirt 'em with the sperm of symbols and make 'em grow. Show me how we're different from, say, rabid dogs or old tigers full of bad blood. Show me the man hiding between my wet dreams. They had every reason to be confident (although they did not look confident). In the symbolic sense, Mr. Grace was Pathfinder of the Western World. Bull stud with a compass.

Natty Bumppo was breathing raggedly from the little latticed box over my head. I wondered if he'd read any good rapid eye movements lately. I wondered what his own would be like when night finally came.

'All right, Don. Let's get it on.'

Chapter 19

'How was your military obligation fulfilled?'

'In the Army, Charlie. This isn't going to accomplish anything.'

'In what capacity?'

'As a doctor. '

'Psychiatrist?'

'No. '

'How long have you been a practicing psychiatrist?'

'Five years.'

'Have you ever eaten your wife out?'

'Wh . . . ' Terrified, angry pause.

'I . . . I don't know the meaning of the phrase. '

'I'll rephrase it, then. Have you ever engaged in oral-genital practices with your wife?'

'I won't answer that. You have no right.'

'I have all the rights. You have none. Answer, or I'll shoot someone. And remember, if you lie and I catch you in a lie, I'll shoot someone. Have you ever engaged in-?'

'No!'

'How long have you been a practicing psychiatrist?'

'Five years. '

'Why?'

'Wh . . . Well, because it fulfills me. As a person.'

'Has your wife ever had an affair with another man?'

'No.'

'Another woman?'

'How do you know?'

'She loves me.'

'Has your wife ever given you a blow job, Don?'

'I don't know what you-'

'You know goddamn well what I mean!'

'No, Charlie, I-'

'Ever cheat on an exam in college?'

Pause. 'Absolutely not.'

'On a quiz?'

'No.'

I pounced. 'Then how can you say your wife has never engaged in oral-genital sex practices with you?'

'I . . . I never . . . Charlie . . . '

'Where did you do your basic training?'

'F-Fort Benning.'

'What year?'

'I don't remem-'

'Give me a year or I'm going to shoot somebody down here!'

'Nineteen-fifty-six. '

'Were you a grunt?'

'I . . . I don't-'