“But no one is dying,” says Julie.
Death nods.
“Exactly. And yet there must be a Death. This leaves the question: Who has usurped my role and why isn’t he or she taking souls?”
I think back to Marlowe and his bogeyman for a second, but let the thought drop.
I give Death a look.
“You had to wait till now to bring this up. You just took a massive shit all over our feel-good moment.”
“I know,” says Death. “I’m somewhat famous for that.”
“You can fucking say that again,” yells Kasabian through the storage room wall. “Now, will you people fuck off so I can get some sleep?”
JULIE GOES HOME soon after the interview, but calls back a few hours later. She needs Candy and me on a quick one-night job that has nothing to do with the guy in my storage room. I like the sound of that. Maybe like is too strong a word. The job is a stakeout. Sitting in a car for hours without a break, so I don’t actually like it, but I do like the chance to walk away from Death’s case for a few hours.
“While I have you on the line, I need to know something. Is there a statute of limitations for a Lurker with an assault charge?”
She doesn’t say anything right away.
“As far as I know, there isn’t a statute of limitations for Lurkers at all.”
“Thanks. I had to know.”
“I’m sorry, for both you and Chihiro.”
“One more thing. Do you know where I can get some brass knuckles?”
“Those are illegal in California, you know.”
“And yet I need them. Years ago, a friend bought a set off an ex-cop. He was selling them as novelty paperweights.”
“They could have both gone to jail for that.”
“Sounds like you don’t have those connections.”
“No. I don’t. And you shouldn’t be asking questions like that. In the current climate, they can get you in trouble.”
“Understood. I’m going to need a car for tomorrow night.”
“Swing by the office later today. I bought one just to keep you out of trouble. You’ll love it. It’s a big, comfy Crown Vic. Retired just a couple of years ago.”
“A retired Crown Vic. You’re talking about a cop car.”
“Indeed I am. It’s in great shape.”
“You’re going to make me drive around L.A. in a cop car?”
“It’s this or you can get a Vespa.”
“Don’t say that to Chihiro. If she ever got her hands on a scooter, we’d never see her again.”
“Then it’s the Vic?”
“You’ve got me cornered.”