Now, I married Etheline myself once, several years ago. And I lost her, for a nwnber of reasons. And I guess you could say I lost everything, if you want to be heavy-handed about it. But I must say I'm glad to be here. I'm very happy for both of you.

We're here to celebrate the marriage of Henry Sherman and Etheline Tenenbawn.

Just stay with me.

I'm, obviously, not an ordained minister or a justice of the peace. Or even a licensed attorney, at this point. But since Father Petersen's on his way to the emergency room, and we already cut the wedding cake, I'd like to go ahead and try to do this, if I may.

May I have your attention, please? Can I have your attention for a moment?

I know you have, Chassie.

We've had a rough year, Dad.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

Sparkplug.

What's his name?

I'm sorry I let you down, Chas. All of you. I really am. I've been trying to make it up to you.

Yeah.

You did?

I just bought him.

What's this?

I got you a new dog for the boys.

Pagoda? Bring out some cake for Ari and Uzi.

I know, but there's nothing we can do for him.

But Buckley's still under there.

You boys come over here with me.

Can you see out of it?

Chas elbowed me in the face.

What happened?

It doesn't matter. It's still best to file it under force majeure, and recoup the deductible.

But these aren't structure-bearing elements, Dad.

You look great!

What's so funny, Dudley?

Sparkplug. Sit.

I think he's part mutt. What kind of papers you got for him?

You know my work?

You wrote Old Custer and Wildcattin'.

I am, indeed.

You're Eli Cash.

The police officer studies Eli's driver's license.

At which point I apparently lost control of the vehicle, smashed it into the house, and killed that poor dog.

Do you have an alternate?

That's not terribly serious, is it?

I think he may've broken his ankle.

Can we get into your backyard, ma'am? We got a couple of boys out there.

I'm sorry, Henry. This is bullshit. It's a goddamn circus.

Go around to the other side!

So do I.

I need help.

Yeah.

Is he dead?

Yeah.

Did I hit the dog?

Chas?

Help! Please!