1934 Peter Pan in Chains: Finale/In a Bar in New York

Synopsis
While in a New York City bar, Maiza Avaro observes that Czeslaw Meyer has been restless since the previous day and asks what is wrong. Ronny Schiatto deduces that Czes is worried New York might be due for trouble in light of the reported chaos in Chicago, something which had not ready occurred to Maiza due to how easygoing the Martillos have been.

Maiza then brings up Elmer as an example of someone without any instinct for danger, though he remarks that Renee actually comes to mind first. Ronny agrees, causing Czes to wonder if Ronny knows about Elmer Albatross (as opposed to some unrelated Elmer) specifically and wonder who Renee is. Maiza clarifies that Renee is not so much easygoing as she is 'missing her emotions', but here Ronny disagrees; he believes Renee lacks emotional connections.

In subsequently comparing the "ties of fate" to an enormous puzzle, Ronny muses that Renee's puzzle piece lacks connectors—and as such, she must trap other pieces beneath her if she wants to create bonds. He further supposes that her 'created children' must acquire firm bonds with others for themselves in order to break free of their weight.

Czes snaps Ronny out of his mutterings, and Ronny excuses his talking to himself by blaming it on liquor. Maiza quips that Ronny is simply drunk on himself, just like Victor Talbot the other day, and Ronny does not deny the comparison.

Trivia

 * The puzzle metaphor used in this and previous color inserts is invoked in the novel's cover and chapter illustrations.

Referbacks

 * To Victor's visit to Alveare, which took place in Chapter 1: Back of 1934 Alice in Jails: Prison.

Quotes

 * "If the ties of fate are one enormous puzzle, then people do not necessarily need to seek out other pieces. They naturally fit into the places where they belong." —Ronny.
 * "You aren't drunk on liquor; you're drunk on yourself." —Maiza, on Ronny.