Candy looks bored. She gets out of the car, goes back to the garage, and starts talking to the shorter vucari. By her body language she’s flirting.
“What do you know about this ghost girl running around town?”
“Our mediums say she’s a hungry ghost. A spirit that will never be satisfied no matter how much she devours. She’s killed a lot of people.”
“I know. A lot of Sub Rosa.”
“Not just Sub Rosa. Ordinary mortals too. In fact, she’s killed members of our temple. When I knew it was you, I was hoping you’d returned to save us.”
Now Candy is flirting with the taller vucari. She glances over her shoulder at the shorter one and she and Ivan laugh together. The short vucari isn’t pounding on the car anymore.
“Of course I’m here to save my followers. But I have to know which of my flocks are worthy of saving. Yours isn’t the only temple in California, Amanda.”
“Of course. We’ll prove ourselves worthy of you.”
I doubt that.
“I’m sure you will. I’d like all information you can find as soon as possible. Let’s say tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? That’s hardly any time at all.”
“Then you’d better get started.”
Candy steps out of the garage, running her hand down Ivan’s arm and holding his pinkie for a second. She blows the short vucari a kiss and comes back to the car.
I put my hand over the receiver when she gets in.
“What was that all about?” I whisper.
“Watch,” she says.
In the garage, the vucari cousins are shouting. The little one pokes Ivan in the chest with the wooden handle of his mallet. Ivan swings and clocks the little guy. But he doesn’t go down. He crouches and slams his shoulder into Ivan’s belly. Ivan falls on the shorter vucari and they end up in a pile of flailing fists and feet, rolling around the garage floor like a spider having a seizure.
I mouth, “You’re evil.”
Candy shrugs and mouths, “I was bored. And I love messing with dumb guys.”
“One more thing, Amanda. I’m going to need guns. Pistols. I’m not sure what I’ll be in the mood for, so bring an assortment. Like teacakes to a party. All right?”
“My pleasure, Lucifer. I live to serve you.”
“Of course you do.”
“Where shall I get in touch with you? The usual? The Chateau Marmont?”
Goddamn. I forgot about that place.
“Yes, the Chateau. My usual suite.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Lucifer.”
“Ciao.”
I put the phone away and Candy leans back like she’s never seen me before.
“You have a suite somewhere? You’ve been holding out on me.”
“I don’t have one yet but I think I will when we get back to town.”