Pgs. 117-168 Summary

As the eighth chapter opens, Flashy faces the hooded men, with Joe holding a gun to his side. He recalls a poster about the Spanish Inquisition with which his childhood nurse would frighten him into behaving. An overweight figure in a broadcloth suit apologizes in a syrupy Southern accent. Flashy's anger is silenced by the colonel, Clotho, who in turn is told to relax. The three and vengeful Annette try to determine Flashy's true identity but decide that whoever he is, he will do for their purposes.

Fat, ugly Atropos removes his hood, claiming not to have a public image to preserve. He explains that they are members of Kuklos, Greek for "circle," a clandestine Southern organization devoted to preserving slavery. Each has adopted a name from the ancient Parcae (Fates): Lachesis, Clotho, and Atropos. Joe is Kuklos' secret agent in...