James spoke with the manager and secured an area in the back, away from the windows. The hostess was instructed that anyone who arrived with an invitation and referenced his name should be pointed to the reserved area. Coffee carafes, water pitchers, and cups were placed on the tables. James held the line at pre-ordering appetizers; the shrimp cocktail in the glass case looked like it could kill someone. He got there early and camped out with a notebook, pen, and a cup of black coffee, his knee swaying under the table as time ticked closer to midnight.