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“And you think we should fire whoever’s giving us information? Where have you guys been? There’s a new war in Heaven, Marcella. God tried to open Heaven to all souls, saved or damned. A handful of winged pricks disagreed and Heaven has been sealed shut ever since.”

She crosses her arms.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t care, but think about this: Why would I lie to you now? What would it get me? You’ve already told me everything I want to know.”

She shakes her head. Keeps shaking it.

“That can’t be right. It’s not true.”

“Believe what you want. I have things to do, like changing out of this suit.” Shifting my weight, I can feel the blood squelch in my shoes.

She looks at me.

“What happens to me now? Are you going to kill me?”

“No. I might have more questions for you later.”

I leave her and go to the door.

“I’ll have them bring a mattress and some food down for you. There’s a bathroom through that door over there.”

She looks around.

“It’s a funny place for a slumber party.”

“Be good and we’ll play Twister later.”

When I start out she says, “You know that if you don’t kill me, the others will.”

I stop.

“No one is going to bother you.”

“You’re so sure I’ll make it through the night?”

“You’ll be fine. But don’t try to leave. I’m putting some wards on the door. The idiots upstairs will be able to bring you food and things, but if you try to go …”

“Then I’ll die.”

I carve some runes in the door frame with her punch dagger.

“No. But you’ll get knocked out by a jolt like a cattle prod up your ass.”

“No fair. I didn’t get anywhere near your ass.”

“I never play fair. That’s how I got out of Hell.”

“Good night, Sandman Slim.”

“Good night, Marcella.”

I finish carving the wards and go upstairs. I tell the roaches what to bring her. None of them will get near me in my bloody butcher suit, so I’m reasonably sure they’re listening to my orders.

When I’m in my room, I lock the door and strip off every piece of clothing. Some of the blood has dried. Bits of it flake off and land in the carpet. Somehow, I don’t think anyone is going to be using this room for a while after I leave.

I toss the clothes on the floor and get in the shower. I stay in there a long time, letting the steam burn the stink of Hell and that van off me.