54

registration papers. “There’s the story, Max. I'm
going back to school. Three nights a week. Isn’t it
wonderful? e

““Three nights a week. You sonofabitch. And what
the hell am I going to do. Sit here and twiddle my
thumbs. While you’re up there laying all those
musical fags. My ass, you’re going to school. Not
while you’re living like a little prince on my dough.’

“I was shocked. I'd never seen Jack this drunk. {8

I'd never heard him talk that way eithér. I tried to °
 break in on the tirade, but nothing I said placated
him.

“In an angry gesture, he threw his glass at the |
fireplace and broke it. I walked over and kneeled
down, beginning to pick up the pieces. There was a
movement behind me. Before I could react, Jack’s
foot was on the back of my hand, squeezing my
palm and fingers into the glass. Blood burst forth
from what seemed a half dozen places. He held his §
foot there, pressing harder, ‘Now, ‘little prince, we’ll
see who the hell’s going to take piano lessons?’ ,

“It was a nightmare. The sight of blood should
have horrified him. It didn’t. He loved it. It seemed |
hours before I extricated myself. My hand had
‘turned to pulp.

“I wrapped it in a towel and ran downstairs.