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“Why would they know anything?” Adam hadn’t gotten much from his last attempt to get information from the cult.
“They followed the Wolf. Some of them talked to him. Maybe there’s a clue there.”
“Maybe. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Take this.”
Seamus handed Adam a coin.
“As long as you have this, my people will grant you safe passage.”
Adam turned it over in his hands. It was a nickel, though the figure on it had been carved into a rough-looking skull wearing a top hat.
It wasn’t like Seamus to be so generous, but Adam couldn’t feel any malicious magic in it. It was a gift, a sign of their temporary alliance. Maybe, just maybe, he could build on it.
“Thank you.”
“We have a deal then, you’ll tell me what you find out?”
“Yes.” Adam blinked and the patch of cardboard next to him was empty.
8
Adam wasn’t surprised to find Vic home when he got back to the apartment. It was a mixed blessing. On one hand, Vic was around more. On the other, it meant shifts at the ghost kitchen were drying up.
Adam didn’t speak. He just folded himself into Vic’s arms.
Vic smelled of the kitchen, of sweat and a long shift, but underneath that was him, just him.
“Hey.” Vic squeezed him back, then met his eyes. “What happened? Everything okay?”
Adam explained about Seamus and the Lost Ones and stayed there, embracing Vic, as long as he could.
It wasn’t so bad today. He didn’t feel the need to pull away, that being held was like the restraints. The whisper of the blade against his skin was more distant, and he wished it would stay there even though he knew it wouldn’t. He just had to keep himself from thinking about the hotel, the gurney, and the descent of the hammer toward his shoulder.
It was like hearing the word elephant and trying not to think about an elephant.
It all rose, quick and sudden. Adam tensed, and Vic felt it, because he let go.
“So you’re going to go question the Lost Ones?”
“Yeah.”
“When?”
“I was thinking now. I’ve got a lead so I might as well chase it.”
Adam knew it didn’t make sense to resent Vic for dropping the hug. He would have needed to do it himself if Vic hadn’t, but he also felt suddenly cold. That was the whole problem with this PTSD thing. It wasn’t rational. He couldn’t just will it away or make it better by thinking happy thoughts.
“Do you want me to come along?” Vic sounded hopeful.
“Yeah?”
“I’d like to. It’s a chance to spend some time with you.”
“That would be great.”
Vic smiled and Adam brightened.
