careworn; he is, in the way of all existential heroes and madmen, somehow stenchless, blameless and utterly free. Other recurring characters Claire Carroll: Parker gained a steady companion in Claire Carroll in 1968's The Rare Coin Score. Claire is perfectly aware of what Parker does for a living, and has no qualms about it. The usually roving and unfaithful Parker stayed with Claire so long because she was the first steady girlfriend Parker had as an adult who didn't pry into his affairs or disapprove of his career. She is rarely involved in his work, and never as an active participant after her first appearance. Consequently, although Claire is a consistent presence in the later books, she is often an 'offstage' character, though Parker occasionally relies on her for a variety of functions that she, having no criminal record, can accomplish more easily. Joe Sheer and Handy McKay: People who want to contact Parker in a professional capacity cannot do so directly, but must arrange a meeting through a third party contact. For the first few books in the series, Parker's contact is retired felon Joe Sheer, who lives in Nebraska. After the events of The Jugger, Parker's contact becomes Handy McKay. McKay is seen in a few early books as a compatriot of Parker. Having made enough money to retire on (and worried that he might be losing a step or two), Handy quits being an active criminal, and buys a diner in Presque Isle, Maine. Working in Maine, he still acts as the contact for Parker and several other criminals. Alan Grofield: Parker sometimes associates with an actor named Alan Grofield, who moonlights as a criminal to finance his theatrical ventures. The wisecracking Grofield first appeared in The Score (1964), and made his last appearance in Butcher's Moon (1974). A ladies' man with a theatrical flair, Grofield also stars in four Stark-penned novels of his own: The Damsel (1967), The Dame (1969), The Blackbird (1969) and Lemons Never Lie (1971). Unlike Parker, Grofield can be friendly, chatty and gregarious in all types of company—but, like Parker, Grofield does not hesitate to use brutal violence (when necessary) in pursuit of his goals. Unlike Parker, who seems to be monogamous with Claire after the events of The Rare Coin Score, Grofield routinely and guiltlessly cheats on his wife and fellow thespian Mary (whom he met while helping Parker rob her