Ballistic Kiss (Sandman Slim 11)

“Despite all the art, red really isn’t my color.”

“Are you here to congratulate me or just drink the last of my coffee?”

“All of the above. Well done with everything.”

I look at him.

“I always get nervous when you’re nice.”

He looks at me in mock horror.

“I’m the sincerest being in the entire universe.”

“What about Mr. Muninn?”

“The second-sincerest being in the universe, then.”

I look at him. It’s hard to tell when angels are lying, especially one who used to be the Devil, but I still give it a try.

“Did you know that Maria Simon was Zadkiel?”

He holds up a hand.

“Honestly, old man. I was as surprised as you.”

He seems to be telling the truth. But he was the Prince of Lies, so I’m not sure.

“But you did nudge me toward the Zero Lodge.”

“That I did do.”

“Because you knew Zadkiel was a member?”

“No. Because I hated them and knew that sooner or later you’d explode and kill them all.”

“So, it was just a fantastic coincidence that of all the places your lost angel could be hiding, you got me to join the exact club where she was trawling for new boyfriends?”

“Absolutely.”

We stare at each other for a couple of minutes.

“Liar.”

He says, “How’s the coffee coming?”

“Soon.”

“Do you have any snacks around? I’m feeling a bit peckish.”

I look around the room.

“There are cookies full of splinters and smashed corn chips.”

“Corn chips sound lovely.”

I toss him the bag and go back to the coffeemaker.

“What did you know about Chris Stein?”