I really think he was upset about the fact that we have the better act; and took it personally. When you break a dummy’s jaw, it’s not like other human beings. It snaps off and falls to the floor. So, you have to wire it back together until you get it mended by a specialist.” All fourteen inches of Luis were perched on the distressed ventriloquist’s knee in their Brooklyn apartment. Pablo showed how the splintered jaw, kept in place by copper-wire and bandages, was now inflexible, muting the usually chatty Luis. They were awaiting a house call from a carpenter to see what could be done about the fracture. Pablo: “We’re just praying they won’t have to saw him open. This might be expensive, and right now there’s no money coming in.” They do have three upcoming shows, including their Atlantic City debut, but according to Pablo, he needs Luis at 100%. Pablo: “What’s Abbott without Costello? Or Laurel without Hardy. That’s the way I feel about Luis. And it’s not like I can just go out and get another partner. Luis and I have built a rapport. Besides, dummies are expensive.” Things do look bleak as in his current state, Luis can voice no more than a “mmmm” or “gnuuffff”. Pablo: “We can’t go on an Atlantic City stage without everything clicking on all cylinders. I’m not the comedian, I’m the straight man. Luis’s got all the funny lines. He’s the butter, I’m only the bread. We’re in deep trouble and everybody knows who’s fault it is.”

Has he thought about taking action against The Rodnees ? Pablo: “It’s bad to sue people in this business. You never know who’s gonna have power over you. So, it’s best to maintain a low profile and let sleeping dogs lie. But if Bailey had any class, he’d pay for Luis’s carpenter bills.”

Next month: The Rodnees find their audience!