Book 1, Part 3 Summary

The next morning, Sabbath learns that his old friend, Lincoln Gelman, has committed suicide. Linc's partner, Norman Cowan, calls Sabbath to tell him the news. Sabbath hasn't seen Linc in thirty years and is surprised to hear that his once animated friend had spent the past seven years depressed and ill. Norman assures him Linc's death is a relief to many people, especially at their office. The men had been partners for years. Linc had discovered Sabbath's puppet act and produced the Sabbath's Indecent Theater show during the 50's and 60's when Sabbath had been a small success as an artist on the Lower East Side. Linc and Norman had known Sabbath when Nikki had disappeared.

The funeral is tomorrow and Norman hopes Sabbath will come. Sabbath hesitates. Norman tells him that Linc always believed in Sabbath's talent. Linc had been...