Most people nodded, others made noises of approval. “Good,” Polly said. “If there’s any problem, just let me know. I want to introduce you all to my Hero. Actually, his name’s Herodotus Shapiro, but I think Hero suits him. Please make him feel welcome.” A small cheer went up from the crowd, which only made Herodotus feel more embarrassed.
Polly turned back to him. “You look like you could use a drink.”
“I’m not really a big drinker—”
“Just a glass of wine. Oh Fifi,” she called out.
A beautiful and perky young blonde in a black-and-white maid’s outfit came over to them, carrying a tray with some filled wine glasses. Her costume was very brief and left little to the imagination, especially the perfectly cantilevered evidence of her mammalian heritage. “Oui, Mademoiselle?” she asked.
Pol
