Vernon Mercer

Vernon learned how to hold a bass pattern under a melody during summers with his Mississippi
relatives, then learned electric rhythm guitar by backing singers at local dances and small clubs. He
stayed in Joliet, took a steady job, and kept playing. He is careful about his tools and work hours, less
careful with an argument, and considerably easier to beat at cards than he thinks. He once sold a
guitar to help make the first payment on Nina's braces, played a borrowed instrument, and stayed
with his band. He likes a full dance floor and a useful receipt. May has her own work, appetites, humor,
and limits.