ATDTDA (17): Deuce Grief (478)

[Michael Lee Bailey]

Tim Strzechowski 
>

> Pynchon gives us the sentimental image of the cowboy at the grave of his partner ... why'd it have to be you, in the wrong place at the wrong time, etc. ... quickly followed by a fear for his own ass and a hunger for immediate revenge.
>
> To what extent is his exit motivated by fear for his own safety? A desire to avenge Sloat's death? An excuse to leave Lake?
>
>

a) only 20% fear - in the prime of life, a law official with access to
pretty good information sources, he's dug in and protected

b) 40% vengeance - mingled with nostalgia (riding away is something
he used to do with Sloat)

c) 40% desire to leave Lake - that talk where 
things almost came out in the open, where she pointedly didn't
disavow Webb...she's still part of the Traverse family... 
After the debacle of that conversation, 
of course he isn't going to ask her to clarify where
she stands, and try to win her loyalty - those just aren't
skills that he has.  Leaving, though - that, he can do.