The Kill Society (Sandman Slim 9)
Page 64
She lays a delicate hand on the back of my head and hits me with what smells like rose water and vinegar.
“That stuff stinks.”
“Shut up,” she says, and hands me a pint of laudanum.
I take the bottle and have a long, deep pull.
She takes it back.
“That’s enough for now, tiger. But you know where to come for more.”
She winks. I start to say something, but the laudanum kicks in and my brain is very soft and slow and the world is a lovely place.
“Feel good?” Cherry says.
“Like I have a rainbow in my heart.”
She rolls her eyes and puts her respirator back on.
“You’re ridiculously stoned,” she rasps.
She puts her arm around my waist. I drape mine over her shoulders and we stagger back to camp.
“Remember. You’re hurt. Play it up,” she says, helping me back onto the ground by my coat.
I give her a wave and she totters away.
Wanuri comes over and crouches down next to me.
“How are you feeling?”
Swaying, I give her a thumbs-up.
She frowns.
“Are you high?”
I squint at her.
“Define high.”
She looks at Cherry.
“Damn witch and her potions.”
“I respectfully disagree.”
“Get on your feet. The Magistrate wants to see you.”
“I’m not really in shape for a philosophical discussion.”
She grabs my arm and pulls me up. Even through the laudanum it hurts.
“Ow. Fuck.”
“You big baby. Move your ass.”
I look at her.