She once knew a man capable of such behavior. Almost
The first time the narrator mentions Al's name. At this point the reader hasn't been able to connect the flash backs, and the yellow mercedes, and the parts from Al's POV, with AL. The preceeding describption of the J&B gambler gives us insight into Al's character - his desire to show off his wealth and destroy himself to purove his masculnity. Later, Ben will destroy himself but for an opposite reason - that he simply has no sense of self worth.
