In this excerpt from Carl Hiaasen's Tourist Season, Mulcahy confronts Skip about his recent decline in work quality, implying that Skip has been losing his edge. Mulcahy’s frustration is evident as he criticizes Skip for producing subpar material despite his natural talent as a writer. He suspects that there is something wrong with Skip physically or mentally, indicating concern for his well-being.

The dialogue highlights a moment of tension and care between the characters, with Mulcahy pushing Skip to acknowledge that his recent struggles might stem from illness or personal issues. The scene underscores the emotional strain and the importance of recognizing when someone is no longer operating at their best, whether due to health or other factors.