The Getaway God Read Online Free PDF Page B

­people—­humans, and monsters—­you are lost beings.”
    â€œSpeaking for all the yôkai in L.A., go fuck yourself,” says Candy.
    â€œWatch the profanity,” says Wells.
    I go over to him.
    â€œExactly what is Mr. Bones doing here?”
    â€œHe was a yamabushi back in Japan. A lone mountain monk in Sennizawa. They called them Swamp Wizards. He has a deep background in the mystical arts. He’s going to figure out how to make the Qomrama Om Ya work.”
    â€œI’m supposed to be lab partners with this guy?”
    The Vigil has the 8 Ball locked up in a secure clean room all by itself, suspended in a magnetic field. It floats in the air and changes shape as you walk around it.
    â€œNot supposed to,” says Wells. “You are. It’s done and settled. He’ll figure out the Qomrama and you’ll use it.”
    â€œWhy don’t you clue me in on these things from time to time so I know what to expect?”
    Wells pushes the cooler against the wall with the toe of his highly polished shoe.
    â€œFine. Here’s your clue for today. I want you to write down everything that happened before the man you brought in died and everything you saw and heard when you went inside his head. Make sure Ishiro Shonin gets a copy and so do I.”
    â€œNow I’m your secretary.”
    â€œFor the kind of money we’re paying you, you’re whatever I need. Today you weren’t much of anything at all.”
    â€œSpeaking of money, I still don’t have my first check.”
    Wells squares his shoulders.
    â€œI wanted a man to question and you bring me back a horror show. This isn’t a good time to complain to management about your salary.”
    I look over at Candy. She’s leaning her elbows on the table.
    â€œI’ll write your report, but I’m doing it at home.”
    â€œI want it by nine A.M. ”
    â€œNoon, it is.”
    Wells is tense. His heart rate is up a little. His pupils are narrow. I head over to Candy.
    â€œIs there something else you have to say? Something you’re not telling me?”
    â€œYes. Up your game, Stark. These might be the End Times. I don’t want you half-­assing your way through them.”
    It’s a good party-­line statement, but it’s not what he’s thinking about. There’s something else.
    â€œSure,” I say. Then to the Shonin, “See you around the watercooler, King Tut.”
    â€œDon’t eat too much tonight, fatty. Salads are your friend.”
    I grab my coat and Candy and I follow Wells outside. The Shonin stays behind and pours himself some tea.
    â€œWhat an asshole,” she says.
    â€œHe’s just trying to get under my skin. Sounds like he’s getting under yours.”
    She shakes her head.
    â€œMaybe. I don’t feel well. I’m going to see Allegra.”
    I touch her cheek. It’s cold, but Jades always run a little cool.
    â€œYou feel a little colder than usual. Want me to come along?”
    â€œI’ll be fine. I’ll see you at home.”
    â€œAt least let me take you through a shadow. It’ll take you forever on the street.”
    â€œI’m fine,” she says. For a second she flashes her Jade face. It’s almost subliminal, like she wasn’t in control. “Stop getting all over me.”
    I say, “I’ll see you at home.”
    Candy doesn’t say anything. Just walks away.
    I remember that she still has my gun and I almost go after her. But I don’t. Maybe some space is what she needs right now. Anyway, whatever’s wrong, Allegra’s clinic will fix her up.
    I find a good shadow by the lab door and go through, coming out at home. Maximum Overdrive. The video store I run with a not-­quite-­dead man named Kasabian.
    M AX O VERD RIVE IS located on Las Palmas, right off Hollywood Boulevard. It sits midway between Donut Universe and Bamboo House of Dolls, the only