70

"Everybody stay in your seats," yells a burly, bearded police sergeant as about a dozen officers flood into the room, weapons drawn. You can't help but notice they are all white. "This is police business. Keep calm and quiet."

One of the officers mounts the stage and lays hands on the singer, who drops his guitar in surprise.

"Winton Elliot, I'm arresting you on suspicion of the theft of a historical artifact from the Louisiana State Museum and of aggravated assault against a museum security guard," the officer says. He begins trying to read Elliot his rights, but Elliot is on his feet, arms wide with shock and alarm.

"Artifact? Museum? Officer, I don't even know what you're talking about!"

"Save it for someone who cares, boy," snarls the officer, slapping him across the head.

People are on their feet now. They're shouting and remonstrating the officers, who clutch their firearms and glance about nervously. This could turn ugly.