The Bonfire of the Vanities

Abe Weiss’s attitude toward Kramer has changed ever since the discovery of Roland. Weiss now actually talks to Kramer, even referring to him by his first name, “Larry.” At a meeting, Bernie Fitzgibbon and Kramer tell the DA they have enough evidence to move on Sherman, but Weiss wants them to first ensure Roland is telling the truth. Since Roland is a known drug dealer, his testimony cannot be taken at face value. Kramer feels indignant on Roland’s behalf and tells Weiss that Roland “is not that bad a kid” (442). Weiss smiles and teases Kramer for “lighting up the witness” (446), the common phenomenon of romanticizing one’s star witnesses. The men go through the issue of Architectural Digest featuring Sherman’s huge, sumptuously decorated apartment. Kramer feels resentful of Sherman for inheriting so much wealth he could buy such an apartment. Weiss agrees to have Sherman McCoy arraigned: Having Sherman arrested from his Park Avenue apartment would show the public that Weiss is not afraid to take on New York’s elite. Fitzgibbon tells Weiss that he has made a deal with Thomas Killian that Sherman will be allowed to turn himself in. Weiss resists the suggestion but ultimately agrees because he too believes in the system of the Favor Bank.