I Like Your Books

In the betting line the other day man behind me asked, "are you Henry Chinaski?" "uh huh," I answered. "I like your books," he went on. "thanks," I answered. "who do you like in this race?" he asked. "uh uh," I answered. "I like the 4 horse," he told me. I made my bet and went back to my seat.... the next race I am standing in line and here is this same man standing behind me again. there are at least 50 lines at the windows but he has to find mine again. "I think this race favors the closers," he said to the back of my neck. "the track looks heavy." "listen," I said, not looking around, "it's the kiss of death to talk about horses at the track..." "what kind of rule is that?" he asked. "God doesn't make rules..." I turned around and looked at him: "maybe not, but I do." after the next race I got in line, glanced behind me: he was not there: lost another reader. I lose 2 or 3 each week. fine. let 'em go back to Kafka.