Page 59 (1/2)

“What?” I said, incredulous

“Forgetful Christian! The Last Supper was not the Last Supper It was the Penultimate Supper! Days after the Crucifixion and entombment, Simon called Peter, on the Sea of Tiberias with the other disciples, experienced the miracle of the fishes On shore, they witnessed a pale illu by a spread of burning charcoals and fish They spoke to the estured and said, ‘Take of these fish and feed thy brethren Take of h the cities of the world and preach therein forgiveness of sin’ ”

“I’ll be damned,” I whispered

“Delightful, yes?” said J C “The Penultimate Supper first, the da Vinci supper, and then the Final Final Last Last Supper of fish baked on the charcoal bed on the sands near the Sea of Tiberias after which Christ departed to stay on forever in their blood, hearts, minds, and souls Finis”

J C bowed his head, then added: “Go rewrite the books, but especially John! Not ive, only yours to take! Out, before I rescind !”

“Have you blessed me?”

“All the while we talked, son All the while Go”

31

I stuck my head in Projection Room 4 and said, “Where’s Judas?”

“That’s the password!” cried Fritz Wong “Here are three martinis! Drink!”

“I hate et this out of my system Miss Botwin,” I said

“Maggie,” she said, quietly amused, her camera in her lap

“I’ve heard about you for years, adlad for this chance to work—”

“Yes, yes,” she said, kindly “But you’re wrong I’s skate across ponds looking for insects?”

“Water striders?”