The Getaway God (Sandman Slim 6)

I put my hand in my pocket around the Colt. Then let go and take my hand out. I turn to Julie.

“You have two hours to find Candy or I’m killing this guy, 8 Ball or no 8 Ball.”

She checks her phone.

“I have a message. I’ll see how the search is going.”

She leaves and the Shonin goes to Mason’s side of the table.

“You’re been a very bad boy from what I hear.”

Mason gives him a bland, condescending smile.

“I know that in your quaint foreign land what you did to yourself is considered a holy act, but here it would get you 5150’d. You’re going to have to forgive me if I’m unimpressed with the elaborate way you chose to sublimate your masochistic tendencies.”

The Shonin wags a finger at Mason.

“We had boys like you at the monastery. Big power. Little brains.”

“You didn’t have anyone like me. Tell him, Jimmy.”

I don’t say anything.

Mason’s scarred face clouds over.

“Tell him.”

I look at the Shonin.

“I doubt you ever had anyone like him.”

“Or him,” says Mason, pointing to me.

The Shonin throws up his hands.

“Fatty and Big Balls, a mutual admiration society. I’m going back to work.”

As the Shonin heads for the door, Mason calls after him.

“Be careful with the Qomrama. If you get the recitation wrong she has a nasty bite.”

The Shonin goes out, and before the door closes, Julie comes back in.

“We found her,” she says.

I get up.

“Where is she?”

Julie puts up her hands.

“Wait. You need to know something. She’s under arrest.”

“For what?”

“She attacked a homeless man and almost killed him. They’re both lucky we have a serum that reverses the effects of Jade venom. The man will live.”