Don DeLillo - Americana

In the morning I took my camera over to the hotel and told the desk clerk I wanted the same room, indefinitely this time. Traces of a sneeze lingered in his mustache. He looked at my camera, wondered whether or not to comment, and then simply pushed the key across the desk.

Upstairs I set the camera on the bed and sat in a chair looking at it. I blew on the tips of my fingers. I unbuttoned each shirtcuff and rolled the sleeves tightly to a point one inch below my elbows. I moved my shoulders back and forth, trying to loosen the muscles. I took out my keychain and cleaned my fingernails with the mailbox key. I blew on the knuckle of the index finger of my right hand. With the other hand I juggled my testicles until they were comfortable. Then I expelled air three times through my nose.

Austin Wakely showed up precisely on time. He was wearing, as directed, a pair of brown shoes, army-issue and spit-shined, and fresh clean summer khakis. Pants and shirt had come from the wardrobe room at McCompex; the shoes were borrowed. Austin asked ten or twelve questions, only two of which I answered-that there was no plot to this thing, that I'd be shooting in black and white all the way. The answers upset him only slightly less than the non-answers had.

"Granted I don't know much about it," he said, "but there doesn't seem to be enough light in here."

"I want it natural. I brought along some high-watt bulbs. We'll use those and pray we don't blow a fuse. I think we'll make that floor lamp the key light. This whole thing is what is known in some circles as inspired amateurism. Today's little task is pretty simple, a sort of signature that could be used as both beginning and end. When we start using sound I'll give you the words as far in advance as possible. That means twenty-four hours at most. I hope you'll be able to read my handwriting."

"I'll read it."

"Now listen," I said.

I gave him final instructions, changed the light bulbs and then set the film rating and f.p.s. dial. I adjusted the eyepiece. Austin cleared his throat although he had no lines to speak. He was standing with his back to a full-length mirror, facing directly into the camera. I moved him slightly to one side. I used a single camera position and shot straight on from the foot of the bed for about twenty seconds, a popular commercial length.

When we were done it became clear that Austin's mood had changed. He talked enthusiastically of the film and his unknown role in it. His image had been placed in the time bank and this was sufficient cause for elation. For the first time since I'd met him, I felt myself gaining the edge. There would have to be no subtle bloodshed, no long campaign to dominate another individual. I had the camera and that was enough.

After he'd gone I took a shower and then asked the voice at the switchboard to get me the network.

"I'm naked," I said.

"How exciting. Who's with you?"

"The Mormon Tabernacle Choir."

"Lucky them," Binky said. "I didn't think you'd call again so soon."

"How old is Harris Hodge?"

"David, he's twenty-six. Don't get mad. He looks older."

"Okay, how's Ted Warburton?"

"He collapsed at his desk and had to be rushed to the hospital."

"You already told me that, goddamn it, and I think you used exactly those words. When did you become a recorded announcement? I want to know if there's been any word from the hospital."

"I don't know. I'll ask around."

"Hasn't Weede tried to get in touch with Mrs. Warburton?"

"I don't know," she said.

"Well, find out. Next time you're in bed with Weede, ask him if he's tried to get in touch with Mrs. Warburton. Use exactly those words. Do you think you can do that for me, Binky?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry," I said.

"So am I, David. I feel terrible about Ted Warburton. I really do. If you want, I can find out what hospital he's in and you can call him."

"No, don't do that. If Ted's really bad I'd just as soon not talk to him. I can't stand talking to people who are really bad. Just find out how he is and I'll call you next week."

"Okay."

"I'm sorry about what I said about Weede."

"It's okay. Everybody knows anyway. When you said you were with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, did that mean you're in Utah?"

"Yes."

"Utah's right above Arizona." "Is it?" I said.

"So you'll be on location any day now." "Precisely."

"Everybody's very excited about the project." "Don't talk that way." "Are you really naked?" "Starkers."

"I'm sorry about Harris Hodge."

I thought of asking Binky to switch my call to Tana Elk-bridge's phone. But then she would suspect that Tana and I were having an affair and since Tana was married this was not a good idea. Of course I could have given her Tana's extension, not telling her who the number belonged to, but she would have been able to find out simply by going through the network directory. It was better not to take chances. When Binky and I were finished talking I hung up and then had the voice call the network all over again. I asked for Tana Elkbridge. Her boss answered. I hung up immediately. Then I called Meredith at her office.

"Where are you?" she said.

"Out here in the Midwest. How's everything in Gramercy Park? Bombs, strikes, riots, plague?"

"Everything's fine here but I've had some upsetting news from Turkey. Mother is in a hospital in Ankara. She's been drinking again. I guess it got really bad. She fell down some steps."

"I wish I could be with you."

"So do I, David."

"I miss you."

"Yes."

"I think we've both matured," I said.

"Has the trip been good for you?"

"Whole new perspective."

"Before I forget, David, I saw my cousin Edwina a few days ago. You've heard me talk about her. She's the cousin I stayed with when I was in London that time. Her husband is here on business and they just spent three days in New York. They're in Boston now and they're going to Toronto next and then to Chicago. They're spending just two days in Chicago and I thought if you were close by you could go and see them. Edwina doesn't know a soul there and Charles will be going to meetings all day long."

I wrote down the details and then commiserated with her some more about her mother's health. I asked if there were any exciting new men in her life. She was noncommittal.

"Listen," I said. "Guess what? I dream in color."

"Are you sure?"

"I had a dream the other night about a big blue bus on a desert highway. When I woke up I was absolutely sure the bus was blue. It was the first time I knew for sure that I dream in color."

"David, that's great."

"Yeah."

"Take care of yourself now. Have a good time. Good luck with the Indians. And do try to get to Chicago."

"It was nice talking to you, Merry."

"It was sweet of you to call, David."

My father's secretary said he was in a meeting. I told her I was calling long-distance and that it was a matter of some urgency. She said she'd get him.

"What's up, sport?"

"How are you, dad? Working hard?"

"We just picked up some P and G business. A whole new line of toiletries they've come out with. This country is toilet-oriented. You know that as well as I do. We spend all our time in the toilet. We do everything in there but shit and piss. Maxine, go type that call report. The toilet is holy soil. Understand what I'm talking about?"

"Sounds like it might be a good account."

"What's on your mind, Dave? Where the hell are you anyway?"

"I'm out here in the Midwest."

"You need any money I'll have Maxine wire it right out."

"No, no, I just called to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"You never talked much about your experiences in the war. All I ever knew was that you served in the Pacific and got wounded a few times and received several decorations for valor. I was just wondering if you could tell me a little more about it."