The Bonfire of the Vanities

Fiske visits Bacon's office once again to recover the Episcopal diocese’s money. Fiske insinuates that Bacon has invested the church funds in his company, Urban Guaranty Investments. Bacon should repay the diocese from the reserves of his company. Bacon scolds Fiske for suggesting he move funds around dubiously and sees him out, reassuring Fiske the money will buy the church their “future at a discount” (568). Bacon gets on the phone with Channel 1’s producer, Irv Stone, and asks him to cover a demonstration against Sherman being held outside his apartment.

Sherman sent Judy, Campbell, and their housekeepers to his parents’ place on Long Island to protect them from the intrusion of the press. He also hired bodyguards for himself and his family after receiving hate calls and death threats. The bodyguards cost a lot of money, further depleting Sherman’s funds. Sequestered in the Park Avenue apartment, Sherman discusses his case with Killian. Just then the sound of “McCoy” on a blowhorn interrupts them. A large crowd, armed with megaphones and banners, has gathered right outside his apartment building, yelling his name and calling for justice for Henry. One of the placards says, “We the Jury/ Want You” (569). Sherman reflects that Annie Lamb wants to sue him for millions for Henry’s condition, and real estate agents are already offering to buy his apartment.