"Howard Waldrop - Flying Saucer Rock & Roll" - читать интересную книгу автора (Waldrop Howard)

because nobody was listening to their stuff anymore."

"Well, that's rough," said Bobby. "It's tough out there on the road."

"Yeah," said Zoot. "It really is."

Some of the tension was gone, but certain delicate ethical questions
remained to be settled.

"I'm Lucius," said a voice. "Warlord of the Purple Monsters." The
flashlight came on him. He was huge. He was like Cornelius, only he was
big all the way to the ground. His feet looked like blunt I beams sticking
out of the bottom of his jeans. His purple satin jacket was a bright
fluorescent blot on the night. "I hate to break up this chitchat"—he glared
at Bobby—"but the fact is you people are on Purple Monster territory, and
some tribute needs to be exacted."

Ray was digging in his pockets for nickels and dimes.

"Not money. Something that will remind you not to do this again."

"Tell you what," said Leroy. He had worked himself away from Slim.
"You think Bobby and the Bombers can sing?"

"Easy!" said Lucius to Bobby, who had started forward with the
Bombers. "Yeah, kid. They're the best damn group in the city."

"Well, I think we can outsing 'em," said Leroy, and smiled around his
dead cigar.

"Oh, jeez," said Zoot. "They got a record, and they've—"

"I said, we can outsing Bobby and the Bombers, anytime, any place,"
said Leroy.

"And what if you can't?" asked Lucius.

"You guys like piss a lot, don't you?" There was a general movement
toward the Kool-Tones. Lucius held up his hand. "Well," said Leroy, "how
about all the members of the losing group drink a quart apiece?"

Hands of the Kool-Tones reached out to still Leroy. He danced away.

"I like that," said Lucius. "I really like that. That all right, Bobby?"

"I'm going to start saving it up now."

"Who's gonna judge?" asked one of the Bombers.

"The same as always," said Leroy. "The public. Invite 'em in."