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“That’s a great idea. I’m sure all those semidead ­people won’t mind while you get your shit together.”

“Don’t get snippy with me. I’m not the one who broke the universe . . . Again.”

I nod.

“Can you take me home?”

“Of course.”

“Great. I have more good news for you.”

He tosses the stick away onto the tracks.

“And what’s that?”

“I don’t think I can walk. You’re going to have to carry me.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“You’re going to ruin my suit.”

“I’ll get you a new one.”

“You can’t afford my tailor.”

“I’ll buy him off with a bottle of Aqua Regia.”

“What makes you think he’ll accept it?”

“It’s all I have. Unless he wants a set of Nazi brass knuckles.”

Samael looks down at me.

“No. I don’t think that’s quite his style. Can you at least get on your feet?”

I struggle up onto my knees and Samael pulls me the rest of the way.

“You’re sure you can’t walk? I love this suit.”

“Sorry.”

Samael isn’t a huge man, but he picks me up like I’m a toddler and walks like I weigh nothing at all. I guess even ex-­devils have secrets.

“Don’t ever tell anyone I agreed to this.”

“My lips are sealed.”

It’s a long walk down the tracks and through the station.

“What kind of aftershave is that?” I say.

“What? I don’t wear aftershave.”

“You smell nice.”

He stops for a second.

“Say that again and I’ll throw you in a ditch.”