“Never. You were always the smart one.” She takes my head in her hands and kisses me hard. “Take care of yourself.” “You, too. Go be a movie star. It’ll be fun to see you fifty feet tall.” “Just for you.” She starts away and I yell after her. “You know, you never told me your real name.” She smiles. “I know. We’ll just have to find each other down the road sometime and I’ll tell you then.” And she’s gone. “Wow. Going out with you is a real boost to the ego,” says Kasabian. “Shot down twice in one night. Even I’m doing better than that with these kinky Goth chicks.” “Drink up, Alfredo. I hope no one starts keeping their dirty socks in your bag.” I get up and start away from the bar. “Where are you going?” “To the men’s room. You remember those?” “Funny. When you get back you want to take me outside for a smoke?” “Why not?” I get the usual funny looks of recognition and curiosity in the men’s room. It’s not just civilians. Lurkers are just as likely to stare. “If any of you want an autograph right this second, I’m going to have to do it in piss.” That usually breaks up the viewing party. Marshal Julie is waiting for me when I come out of the men’s room. “Don’t worry, officer. I washed my hands.” She nods and looks me over. “You cost me my job, you know.” “Talk to Aelita about that. Or Wells. Besides, I thought you worked for Homeland Security. Just ’cause the Vigil is gone baby gone, why does that affect you?” “When the Vigil died, Washington panicked and burned our whole operation out here. They cut everyone loose.” “And now you’re roaming the countryside like a Ronin. If you’re looking for money or sympathy, I’m fresh out of both.” “That’s not why I’m here. I don’t want us to be enemies.” “I can’t play bridge, so don’t ask me to be your fourth.” “I’m opening my own investigations agency. My father was a PI, so I have experience. If it pans out, I thought that maybe I can throw you work sometimes.” I listen to her heart and watch her eyes. She means it. Her soul pulses steadily in her chest, a shimmering
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