Kill City Blues (Sandman Slim 5)

I lean against the wall and she leans next to me. We’re shoulder to shoulder, but not having to look at me makes it easier for her to talk.

“Yes. I don’t even bother locking it. Locks never stopped him before.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

She puts a hand on my arm.

“Please don’t kill him. I want him to go away, but I don’t want to feel like I bought a hit on him just so I can hide in my nice new life.”

“I’ll do my best, but some people, they just don’t listen.”

“Please.”

She sounds genuinely torn up asking me. What am I supposed to say to that?

“Okay.”

She turns and hugs me. Talking about Hell and now the admission. It’s been hard on her. I think she’s crying. She sniffles a little.

“Don’t wipe your nose on my coat.”

She laughs once.

“Eugène said you would say yes, but I wasn’t sure.”

A cream-colored Lexus has driven past us twice. Now it stops. The guy who gets out has a haircut that costs as much as an appendectomy. He’s wearing rimless glasses and a sharp but conservative blue suit. He could be an investment banker.

“Mr. Stark. Would you mind taking a ride with me?”

Allegra steps away. I shake my head.

“I’m with a friend.”

He gestures at her.

“She can come too, if you like.”

“Nice car, but we’re fine right here. I’d invite you in for a drink, but I don’t think this is your kind of place.”

The Banker smiles and comes around to our side of the car.

“This isn’t anything sinister. It’s just a meeting to talk about possible employment.”

“With who?”

“Norris Quay.”

“Who’s that?”

“The richest man in California.”

“Never heard of him.”

“Exactly.”

I turn to Allegra.

“Do you want to get in the nice man’s car? He says he has candy and a puppy.”