“So I just waltz up to your witch-god and ask to go home,' Jorden said with little regard as to whether the statement was offensive or not. The kaedith nodded again. 'That's about the size of it,' she said, and lit up another cigar.”

“Shouldn't that be flipped right-side up?" I asked. "No," she said, eyes on the cards. After several moments of heavy silence, said, "You will destroy that which is undead." I waited about thirty seconds for her to continue, but she didn't. "Wait, that's it?" She nodded. "That's what the cards say to me.”

“He yawned again, this time very loudly, and lazily opened his eyes."I'm sorry I woke you up," she said quickly."Was I sleeping?"She nodded."So there really is a God," he muttered.”

“This is Tez Jones,” I said. “He’s a police detective from Tampa.”“Oh, my,” said Martha, blinking up at him. “Is something wrong?”“Nope,” said Tez, grinning at her and offering a saucy wink. “I’m just the boyfriend.”“Well, then.” She sized him up, and nodded.“It’s about time Elizabeth found someone who deserved her.”“I worship at her dainty feet.”

“If he goes for my nose again, I fink I'll hang him up by his little balls,' one of the Guard said, getting to his feet. Froi tried to ignore the mockery.'Nothing little about me,' he grunted. 'Don't take my word for it, Hindley. Ask your wife. She seemed happy last night, you know, with the size and all.”

“Good?” Cam said. “Right?”I took another bite and nodded. “Well, I have a whole ton of them at home.” He stretched as he rolled up his napkin. “Just saying.”