Summary

In Chapter 13, "Pierson, 1991," Pierson enters a period of financial crisis. Becky knows she needs to suspend the Activity. Because art prices are low, she has been scooping up "everything she'd ever had an eye on" (142).

During a budget meeting, everyone panics. Phil Mannetone from PR and Communications snidely suggests Becky find some funds as she always does. Knowing Phil is trouble, Becky gets nervous, suggesting they turn Pierson's annual Petunia Festival into a fundraiser. Though the fundraiser promises to work, Becky worries she will have no way to get money for "the secret account" if she no longer has the state to blame for their "budget shortfall" (146).

While in Chicago one weekend, Becky takes art dealer, Monty Dubner, to her condo. She hopes to sell him a portion of her collection so she can pay Pierson back. When they arrive, however, her door...