“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.”