Kill the Dead

I GET UP a few minutes before nine and walk through a shadow to come out in a corner of the Grand Central Market. I haven’t seen the place since that day with Eleanor. It looks a lot nicer when it’s not on fire. I buy a Styrofoam cooler and dry ice at the liquor store where Eleanor torched herself. I have to stop at three different butcher stalls to make sure I have enough pig guts to bribe Johnny. At a Filipino market near the Hill Street entrance, I pick up pork blood to fill out the feast. Of course, if I’d felt this way earlier and hadn’t fucked up in just the right way so I landed exactly where I was at exactly the right time and place, I might never have met Alice. Without that, why would I be doing anything at all? I pick up a couple of pound bags of jelly beans and step into another shadow. And out into Allegra and Vidocq’s living room. They’re sitting around the kitchen counter drinking coffee. Allegra is dressed, but there’s something wrong with her proportions. “Did you gain twenty pounds since I’ve been gone?” “Ask him,” she says, and nods at Vidocq. “I simply want her to be well padded if your friend should try to make a snack of her.” “I’m wearing like three shirts, a sweater, and a coat.” I look at the Frenchman. “You couldn’t have just sprinkled her with holy water or shark repellent or whatever it is that scares off Drifters?” “I did that, too. But spells can be broken. Potions counteracted. I would rather she didn’t look so pretty for a while if it means she comes home.” Allegra smiles and leans across the counter to kiss him on the cheek. “Where’s Brigitte?” “In the bedroom for now, until I can find a safe and more permanent place for her.” “Thanks.” “None are necessary.” “I’d invite you along, but it’s dicey enough bringing one more person. I don’t think this guy’s handlers would go for two.” Vidocq waves off the comment. “I should stay and watch your Sleeping Beauty anyway. And, as my dear has explained to me several times this morning, she needs to see and experience the kinds of things that I have experienced to become the alchemist she will someday be.” “Good answer,” says Allegra. “Are you ready to go?” I ask. She stands and pats a nylon bike-messenger bag slung across her shoulder. “Got the scope right here.” I hand her the bags of jelly beans. “What are these for?” “Tribute.” “What’s in the cooler?” “You’ll see soon enough. Then you’ll be sorry you asked.” She goes around the counter and gives Vidocq a real kiss. He looks at me. “You will look after her the way you would Alice, correct?” “I won’t let anything happen to her.” “And you yourself. You’re feeling all right?” “I’m fine. You were right. The Cupbearer elixir is keeping me from changing one little bit.” “Excellent.” Allegra takes my arm. We step through a shadow on the wall and out onto Hollywood Boulevard.