No matter how mortal, how “normal” the god became, they were still, and always, colored by and connected to the power they carried.
“If you know something about Heim’s death,” I said, “I want to hear about it.”
“I have no idea how he died. But you could probably ask your friend Chuckles here.”
“I already did.”
“And?”
“He was sort of vague.”
Crow snickered. “He always has been.”
Thanatos, who had gotten bored with our conversation, was looking at the tools on the worktable, his hands folded behind his back, fingers of his left hand wrapped around the bony wrist of his right as if he were perusing artifacts in a museum.
He sniffed once at Crow’s accusation, but had no further comment.
“If you hear something,” I said again. “Tell me.”
“I will.”
“Good. Thank you.” I strolled over to Than. “Can I have one word with you?”
He slipped his gaze away from something that looked like a gaffing hook. “Yes.”
I walked back out into the main shop. The front door opened and two women and a young girl stepped into the shop. I caught the door and smiled as we stepped past them and out into the parking lot.
I walked over to my Jeep, and Than followed.
“You worry, Reed Daughter?”
“Today seems to be a good day for it. I just wanted to remind you that now that you are here, in Ordinary, and your powers are stored there.” I pointed back to the shop. “You are vulnerable. You are mortal. You can be killed.”
“I know.” His eyes gleamed. “Wouldn’t that be a most interesting thing?”
“No. It’s not interesting. It’s just a permanent thing that will take loads of my time and effort and even more paperwork. I already have one power to deal with. I don’t want to have to hold two and find new owners for both, understand?”
“I understand your concern.”
I didn’t think he was taking me seriously. Maybe the direct approach would work. “Please, don’t do anything to get yourself killed.”
“I shall strive to become an upstanding and long-lived mortal, Delaney.”
I nodded. “Using my name? That’s a good start. Thank you, Than.”
He tipped his head to the side and gave me the kind of half bow that I would expect out of a butler.
“Do you have a place to stay? Would you like me to drop you off anywhere? Hades runs a cute little bed and breakfast.”
“Hades,” he said with some distaste. Then he looked up at the sky and down at the street, the cars, the people walking into the city library, all with the same sense of quiet wonder.
“I believe I shall take a constitutional and acquaint myself with the possibilities. Good day, Delaney.”
“Good day, Than.”
With that, he started off north. His smooth, even gait, head held high, was an odd contrast with his crazy-bright shirt and sleek black slacks. I wondered if his shoes were going to give him blisters, but decided that might be another mortal experience he would find interesting.
Chapter 11
