now there was just the matter of his pinkie , which was sticking out as if he meant to make a toast . but the old man simply scratched his beard , studying jake as if this were a test . he holds his hands out to catch me . to marcus , let it mean whatever he wanted it to . people whispered about how quiet he was now . he was like a god come to life . i 'm calling you once a week , and if you do n't pick up , that 's your choice . 