The Perdition Score (Sandman Slim 8)

Bill pours and I hand Hesediel a glass.

“It’s just a ritual. As an angel, you should understand that.”

“If I must,” she says.

“It’s the polite thing to do.”

She looks at the glass like it’s full of bear shit.

“Samael said there would be trials and tests with you.”

“We Abominations are picky bastards.”

“Then we’ll drink to that,” says Bill. “To as motley a crew of bastards as I’ve ever partnered with.”

Everyone drinks.

Hesediel hesitates, then downs the whole thing. And goes into a coughing fit I’m afraid is going to blow her wings off.

She doubles up and leans a hand on the bar. I lean over to her.

“You okay?”

She chokes out, “Yes.”

A few more seconds and she can stand again.

“Is that it, then? If there are more rituals and tests, I’d like to get them over with now.”

Bill holds out a handkerchief for her. She shakes her head.

I set down my glass.

“No more tests. And if it’s any comfort, the first time I tried Hellion booze, I did the same thing.”

“Good,” she says.

“So, maybe we’re not a suicide mission anymore?” says Candy.

“Maybe not. With Hesediel, we might actually survive this.”

I look at her.

“You ready to kill some Hellions?”

“I’m here to do whatever is necessary.”

“Even if it’s killing other Heavenly angels?”

“You mean rebels against Father? I’ve dispatched many of them already. If more are necessary, so be it. I’ll take care of it.”

“I can help there.”

She shifts uncomfortably.

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

“Why?”