Quotation

Florida, he’d learned that it seemed to have four distinct habitats: coastal boulevards for the über - rich; gated subdivisions for affluent retirees; bleak neighborhoods out of Grand Theft Auto — and swamp. === How the hell did these Floridians manage to get through a morning, let alone an entire day, without wilting? === “Coffee, partner?” Another, longer pause. Then Pendergast accepted the cup; took a small, tentative sip. “The floral bouquet of poison sumac blooms first on the palate,” he announced. “ Followed by notes of diesel oil and a long finish === the layout of Florida was bizarre : millions of people pressed against the coasts like ants , and in the middle nothing but lakes , orange groves , cattle ranches , and — of course — swamps .