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“Where’s the car?”
“What’s left of it is out on La Cienega. I had to get a ride back with a friend.”
“Who?” says Candy.
“Thomas Abbot.”
That gets Julie’s attention. She writes something down on a yellow legal pad.
“I’m torn here, Stark. Despite all the time you didn’t listen to my orders and went off on your own, you did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to solving this case. You handled some very dangerous people and helped reinstate Death to his rightful place. And your information helped to shut down the White Light Legion. Congratulations. You really put the agency on the map.”
Candy reaches over and squeezes my hand.
“Thanks. Just happy to be part of the team, boss.”
“With that in mind, I have a couple of announcements. First, Chihiro isn’t an intern anymore. I’m hiring her full-time.”
I look over at Candy. She’s practically beaming.
“That’s great news, babe. You deserve it.”
“Also, Stark, you’re fired.”
“What?” says Candy. “Why?”
“For all the reasons I listed before. You never listen to anybody. You lost me a perfectly good car. You lied about where Vincent’s heart was and you interfered with a Vigil raid. Plus, I’m sure there are a dozen other things I don’t know about.”
“At least a dozen,” I say. “Two things, though. First, what did you think was going to happen when you saddled me with a cop car? Second, don’t take any of this out on Allegra. If you give her a chance, she’ll be a great tenant.”
“It’s all right,” says Candy.
“Yes, we talked the other day while you were out,” says Julie. “She’s moving in at the end of the month.”
I get up and take out a Malediction.
“By the way, I got your eminent domain called off.”
“How?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I walk to the stairs, turn back to her.
“There’s just one more thing.”
“What?” says Julie.
“Vincent is dead.”
“Then who’s Death?”
“I have no idea. See you around.”
WE SPEND THE night at the Beat Hotel and move back into Max Overdrive the next morning. I’m still walking wounded for a couple more days, so we schedule the reopening and Candy’s new-job party for the weekend.
Carlos gets there first and sets up a sound system. I thought he was just bringing a boom box with some Martin Denny and Les Baxter. Candy is thrilled. I’m happy she’s happy, but plan to spend a fair amount of time outside smoking.
A little after six, Allegra and Vidocq are the next to arrive. They have Brigitte with them.
