The Getaway God (Sandman Slim 6)

“I’ve left a case of this and some Maledictions at home for you.”

“Merry Christmas, Samael.”

“And to you. Nice meeting you, Julie.”

“How do you know my name?”

“It’s just a trick I can do.”

“Stark said that to me when we first met.”

“I guess all us angelic frauds know the same jokes.”

He turns, weaves his way through the crowd, and heads out, slowing for just a second to look at the blonde with Brigitte.

“Will Samael be coming around the office when we’re working together?” says Julie. “He’s kind of cute, in a vaguely sinister way.”

“And that’s your type?”

She looks at me.

“Unfortunately, it is.”

I start to get up and walk to the bathroom when I notice Brigitte heading our way. She comes over and hugs me.

“Merry Christmas, James.”

“Merry Christmas to you.”

She points to the blonde. She’s Japanese. Young, in a shaggy pink fake-­fur coat.

“Have you two met?”

“Hi,” she says. “I’m Chihiro.”

She puts out her hand and I shake it.

“Like the girl in Spirited Away.”

“What’s that?” she says.

“It’s a movie.”

She smiles crookedly.

“I’ll have to watch it sometime.”

“I think you’d like it.”

“May we join you?” says Brigitte.

“Of course.”

Brigitte brings over a chair. She sits next to Julie and Chihiro sits where Samael was, next to me.

Julie does a small wave.

“Hi. I’m Julie.”