Page 61 of Half Dead

Kane’s head swung toward the demon. “Did you leave her in the same condition you found her?”

“I can’t say that I did.”

My shoulders tensed. “What did you do?” I hadn’t heard of any deaths or injuries this week, and I would certainly have heard if something had happened to Jessie Talbot. The elderly woman was a local legend.

“I fixed her bicycle,” Lucifer announced. “Sweet little thing with a wicker basket and a horn. Delightful.”

“I’m shocked,” Kane said.

Lucifer pressed a palm flat against his chest. “And I’m offended.”

“No, I’m shocked that Jessie Talbot can still ride a bicycle at her age,” Kane said. “Doesn’t she walk with a cane?”

“She does, but she’s surprisingly spry,” I replied. “It’s her fae blood, I think.”

Kane’s eyes narrowed at Lucifer. “Since when did you become such a Good Samaritan?”

“Since I saw the error of my ways, which you so bravely brought to light during your rebellion. In that regard, one could argue that you won after all.”

“Didn’t feel like a win when I was having the skin peeled off my back.”

“Yes, that was bad behavior on my part. I deeply apologize for the harm I caused you.”

Kane blinked, seemingly at a loss for words.

Lucifer polished off his cheesesteak hoagie in what seemed like three large bites. I should’ve ordered extra. Couldn’t have the ruler of hell leaving my house hungry. What would the other demons say?

“That was incredibly delicious,” Lucifer said, patting his stomach. “I had no expectations.”

“It’s a personal favorite,” I admitted.

“Humans do have a way of combining the most mundane ingredients in a way that makes them interesting.”

“That’s called cooking,” Kane said. “Now that you’ve eaten, why not tell us the real reason you’re here.”

I shot him a warning glance. “Kane…”

“I only hoped to find you so that I could do exactly as I’m doing now. Showing you that your act of rebellion made a difference.”

Kane swigged his beer. “Why don’t I believe you?”

“Because of our history, obviously. I wouldn’t believe me either, which is why I knew it was necessary to demonstratemy changed behavior. As we know, actions speak louder than words.”

Kane’s face remained grim. Under the table, I placed a reassuring hand on his thigh. “Can I interest you in dessert?” I asked Lucifer. “We have devil’s food cake.”

Lucifer chuckled. “Oh, aren’t you charming?”

“We also have brandy,” Kane said. “We can retire to the parlor room for a glass.”

Lucifer made a noncommittal noise.

“What?” Kane asked.

“You said ‘we.’ How very domestic of you.” He pushed back his chair. “Brandy is an excellent idea. I don’t suppose you have any cigars.”

“There’s no smoking in this house,” I said.

Lucifer glanced around the kitchen. “Yes, I can see what a fire hazard it might be for a house in this condition.”

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