VLVL2 (3) A Finesi Romance #1

[Terrance]

> 
> I'm more inclined to think that Zoyd hasn't understood the ritualistic gag
> and PI routine which Van Meter and Hector employ here. I actually think that
> Van Meter provides the corroborating information about Leon deliberately,
> and that the "Aaaaa" is for Zoyd's benefit, or part of the routine. A snitch
> needs to be careful not to let others know that he is a snitch.

I agree. 


This is not the first time Hector has  been to their pad. 



"He showed up first in Zoyd's life [p.22 2nd par.]

So Hector  is introducing himself, his federal commission, his gun, his
heavy partner, his imprest fund ... to the fresh meat or Zoyd. 

Clearly Zoyd doesn't know him. 

And Zoyd seems pretty ignorant of the narc-snitch system at this point. 

Oof knows him. And Oof tells him to fuck off and then takes off running. 

 Zoyd doesn't. 


"Zoyd, whose luck it happened to've been to answer Hector's knock, stood
trying to understand what this individual with the outlaw hat and cop
sideburns was talking about." 

[top of page 23]

Hector shows up with a business plan. Zoyd doesn't slam the door in his
face. Doesn't Dis Hector with a witty reply like the surfer and guitar
player and then take off. 

Zoyd listens and tries to figure out what Hector is proposing. 

Next, Van Meter comes to the kitchen door. 

Van Meter is either very confused and thinks that Hector is delivering
drugs for Leon or he is snitching. Giving Leon's name is very stupid
unless Van Meter is in business with Hector already. Based on Van
Meter's attitude and his actions later on in the novel, I'm convinced
that he's been turned. So has Leon. Zoyd figures this out. His pad is
Hector's Safeway Snitch House. Poor Oof. No wonder he took off. I mean,
he dealt with Hector, but he can't trust the boys in the band. Not to
mention all the other people coming and going, snitching and fucking
each other. 


> 
> > The flashback runs three pages (22-25) and offers Hector, in Ricardo
> > Montalban mode, trying to write, ie produce, a narrative that features
> > Zoyd as snitch.
> 
> I don't think this is correct. 

No shit. I don't know what Paul is smoking but It must be pretty good.