" What the hell was your pal Bertin demanding?” he asked. “Sipping syrup?” “It’s a cocktail he prefers when he gets, ah, overly excited.” “A cocktail?” “Of sorts. Lemon–lime soda, vodka, codeine in solution, and a Jolly Rancher candy.” “A what?” “Bertin prefers the watermelon–flavored variety.” D’Agosta shook his head. “Christ. Only in Louisiana.” “Actually, I understand the concoction originated in Houston. "