Chapters 16-18 Summary

Nate roamed the city streets. Many shops were closed for Christmas, but he managed to find a delicatessen that remained open and sold liquor. Nate entered, hoping for a beer or two, but as he stood at the counter, he was consumed by his addiction. His mind alternated between thoughts of home, Walnut Hill, his career, and his loneliness. They merged and he purchased two bottles of vodka. Back in his hotel room, he spent the night consuming the vodka. One and a half bottles later, he was naked, intoxicated and unconscious. When he didn't arrive at the boat dock in the morning Jevy went to the hotel in search of him. Jevy had been paid well to help Nate navigate the Pantanal and he intended to complete his mission. First, he had to rouse Nate, which was not a pleasant...