Ballistic Kiss (Sandman Slim 11)

What the hell could Zadkiel have done while she was lying there half-dead?

I look around. Once again, the poor flying saucer house looks like it was hit by a hurricane. A few more times like this and I’m going to get annoyed.

When I can move again, I hunt through the wreckage by the sofa until I find the asphodel seed. With it tight in my fist I shadow walk—well, shadow stumble—and come out across town.

Right in front of Max Overdrive. Candy and Alessa are still partying at Bamboo House, so I’m alone with Kasabian.

I knock on his door.

“Go away.”

“It’s me, Kas.”

“Then go far away and fuck off.”

I go inside and sit down.

“Thanks for the invitation.”

He’s still just a pile of wreckage on his bed. He holds up his one good arm and gives me the finger.

“Make yourself at home since I’m in no condition to throw you out.”

I look around and find a couple of dirty glasses.

“You have any of that Suntory left? I thought we could have a drink.”

“To what?”

“Vidocq, you asshole.”

He stops whining and looks serious.

“Yeah. I heard about that. I know you two were close. Sorry.”

“What? No shots at me for being sentimental or a death trap? You really must be feeling low.”

“Don’t worry, I still think you’re a prick. It’s just that, unlike you, I don’t kick a man when he’s down.”

“You’re saying you’re a better person than me?”

Kasabian thinks about it.

“Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“Then let’s drink to that. Where’s the bottle?”

“On the floor.”

He’s done a good job on it. The bottle is about three-quarters empty. Still, there’s plenty left for what I need to do.

I pour one drink and set it on the floor by my foot. Then pour a second glass, drop in the asphodel seed, and give it to Kasabian.

I hold up my drink in a toast.

“To Vidocq. Like you and me: one of a fucked-up kind.”

“I’ll drink to that,” he says.