The Dancing Accountant

    By C. Lamar Bailey

    The Dancing Accountant cover image

    26 Apr, 2024

    a man sitting at a desk with stacks of papers and a laptop computer on it, in front of a bookcase, private press, a comic book panel, Eugene Montgomery, graphic novel

    Eugene Levy, after being fired from his corporate job, sits alone in his home office. The room is filled with tension as he contemplates his next step.

    a man sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor and keyboard in a library filled with books, serial art, a character portrait, David Park, official art

    His best friend, Steve Bucheme, walks in with two beers in his hands. 'Cheer up, Eugene! Let's go out and forget about this.' he suggests.

    a man in a suit holding two glasses of beer in front of a crowd of people in a bar, american realism, a comic book panel, F. Scott Hess, highly detailed digital painting

    Eugene Levy and Steve Bucheme head out to a local club. Under the influence of alcohol, Levy ends up talking to some of the dancers about their taxes.

    a man sitting at a desk in front of a window with a cup of coffee and papers on it, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Everett Warner, official art

    The next morning, Levy wakes up with a hangover and a handful of phone numbers from the dancers. He slowly remembers the conversation about taxes.

    two men sitting at a desk with a book and a cup of pencils in front of them, one of them smiling, academic art, a stock photo, Brothers Hildebrandt, affinity photo

    His neighbour, Andrew Dice Clay, knocks on the door. 'What was all that racket last night?' he grumbles. Levy explains the situation and Clay bursts into laughter.

    a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a classroom full of people with laptops and papers, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Edwin Georgi, high detail illustration

    Within days, Levy's office is filled with dancers seeking tax advice. He finds himself enjoying his new job despite the unconventional client base.

    a man in a suit holding a beer in front of a group of people in a room with papers and papers, serial art, a comic book panel, Austin Briggs, official art

    Steve Bucheme visits Levy's office and is amazed at the transformation. 'You seem happier, Eugene.' he observes, patting his friend's back.

    a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a camera in a room full of people with television screens, american realism, a comic book panel, Al Feldstein, graphic novel

    Levy's unique venture catches the local news station's attention. They interview him, and he becomes a local sensation overnight.

    a man holding two glasses of beer in front of a crowd of people in a room with pictures on the walls, american realism, a character portrait, F. Scott Hess, weta digital

    Levy's office becomes a local hub. Even Clay starts visiting often. Levy, Bucheme, and Clay toast to their unlikely friendship.

    a man in a suit and tie sitting at a desk in front of a group of people in a room, american realism, a colorized photo, Al Feldstein, graphic novel

    Levy, once a corporate drone, is now a successful accountant for exotic dancers. He is content, surrounded by friends and laughter.

    a cartoon of a man in a suit pointing at a computer screen and a man in a suit and tie, computer art, a character portrait, Al Feldstein, official art

    Bucheme walks into Levy's office one day and hands him a gift. 'For the best accountant in town.' he grins. It's a glittery calculator.

    a man sitting at a desk with a glass of beer in front of him and another man standing behind him, serial art, a comic book panel, Benjamin Marra, official art

    They all share a hearty laugh. Levy's life had taken a strange turn, but he wouldn't have it any other way.