Part II: Chapter 2 Summary

Thompson begins Chapter 2 by ridding himself of the conspicuous Red Shark. He decides to abandon it in a rental car lot at the airport, and then spends time in the airport bar drinking Bloody Marys for whatever small nutritional content they might provide.

At the airport 's car rental booth, the man behind the desk recommends a Mercedes. Thompson responds with great indignation that he will only drive an American car. Subsequently, he is given the white Cadillac convertible, which he pays for with a bad credit card.

From the rental agency, Thompson drives to the Hotel Flamingo, where he encounters a mass of police officers gathered for the seminar. Standing in line for check-in, he observes an argument between one of the cops and the desk clerk over a late reservation. Impatiently, Thompson interrupts in order to inquire...