Page 60 of Half Dead

The demon crossed the threshold, his gaze still pinned on Kane. “You look well, old friend.”

“Thank you.”

“What? No return compliment? Never mind. I understand. These things take time.”

“He doesn’t look scary,” Ray remarked.

“You can’t judge a book by its cover,” Nana Pratt said.

“Why not?” Ray asked. “It’s how I choose what I want to read.”

I shooed them away. Now wasn’t the time for distractions.

The food delivery arrived a few minutes later. As I handed the driver a tip, I spotted Dantalion in the shadows outside the gate and waved. He spread his arms wide in a ‘what gives’ gesture.

I closed the door and carried the warm bag into the kitchen, where Kane and Lucifer were seated at the table. Lucifer’s body was languid and relaxed, whereas Kane looked like he’d entered the first stage of rigor mortis. Claude had decided to join the party by perching on Kane’s shoulder, which only added to the look.

Lucifer studied the wrapper. “And what is this curious fare?”

“It’s called a cheesesteak hoagie. I ordered them from Sal’s. Half the town thinks Sal’s makes the best ones, and the other half insists it’s Joey’s.”

Lucifer carefully unwrapped the sandwich. “And you’re Team Sal, I take it?”

“I’m Team Coupon, which Sal’s had in the circular this week. If Joey’s had included one, it would’ve been a tossup.”

“The goddess of the underworld is a bargain shopper,” he said with amusement. “Who would’ve guessed?”

“My bank account is as empty as your soul.”

He snorted inelegantly. “And what’s the preferred beverage with a cheesesteak hoagie?”

“I’m partial to beer,” I said, “but Kane likes red wine. If you don’t want alcohol, you could pair it with a soda. They’re salty, so you’ll be thirsty later no matter what.”

“I’ll have a beer, if one’s going spare,” Lucifer said.

Kane rose to his feet. “I’ll get it.”

Lucifer leaned forward and lowered his voice. “He’s uncharacteristically quiet this evening.”

“Because he’s worried you’re here to murder him,” I whispered back.

“Right, I suppose that’s it. I should really put his mind at ease, shouldn’t I?”

“It won’t be easy.”

“No, but I knew that from the start.”

Kane returned to the table with three beer bottles and an opener. “I figured I’d give the beer a try, too.” He cracked open a bottle and placed it in front of Lucifer. “This brand is fairly local.”

Lucifer studied the label. “Clever. I like the artwork.”

“You’ll like the taste even better.” Despite his easygoing response, I could see that Kane’s fingers were curled tightly around the bottle, as though he was attempting to squeeze the liquid out by force.

“I noticed a lot of wreaths on the doors in town,” Lucifer commented. “People seem superstitious in Fairhaven.”

“Some,” I said. “Older residents like Jessie know the town’s history, but a lot of people hang the wreaths because they’re pretty, not because they ward off witches and dark spirits.”

Lucifer took a polite sip of beer. “Is that Jessie Talbot? I met her yesterday. Lovely lady. Very knowledgeable.”

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