The Syndicate

First of all let me say that the only reason I have written this book is because Mr. Paul Newman simply does not have the ability to do so on his own. It will not escape the reader's notice when they become familiar with his persona that he would have been incapable of writing it without my own assistance. I am a ghost writer. That is to say I write other people's books for them and get paid a pittance for the privilege. My own books have not been published because mediocrity rarely recognizes genius and it will probably be my fate only to be recognized posthumously.

Please allow me to allay any fears that the reader might entertain about there being two narrators to the story. Although Mr. Newman had requested that it be written in the first person for its entirety, it was my idea to add my voice so as to be able to include the occasional description of events when Mr. Newman was not present. I have not attempted to insult the reader's intelligence by announcing when my voice takes over since there is a distinct difference in linguistic style that is emphatically obvious. Also, dare I say it, but I have had a university education whereas Mr. Paul Newman has not. In so far as Mr. Newman's narrative is concerned I have attempted to curb my literary tendencies and write in such a manner as I think Paul would have written had he been able to do so. In retrospect however, I have not always succeeded and the reader must forgive me when my literary tendencies run away from me.

So, why is such an educated, literary man allowing himself to get mixed up with such a sordid bunch as Mr. Newman and his friends? To quote the great bard it is nothing less than the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." Personally I regard Mr. Newman as an embarrassment to the human race. He also has poor taste in friends.

Mr. Newman claims that this book will show people how to win money at the race track. Anyone with an ounce of common sense will know that this is a fallacy. If you were to win money at the race track it would be by sheer luck as will be demonstrated by the events in the book as they unfold.

What is Mr. Newman like? Think of Tin Tin in Herge's adventures of the same name and you have a resemblance. Think of a vacant expression and a somewhat aimless disposition and there you have him in his entirety.

Steve Rogers

Rio De Janeiro August 22 2001