She blew a bubble, popped it. “Fine. At least I don’t have to train a rookie god.”
“No,” Delaney said. “You have to train a rookie giant. I want Kelby with you on the desk and ride alongs for the first week.”
“That works,” Jean said. “Except for when Bertie takes up all my time.”
“I’ll take Kelby if Bertie needs you,” Delaney said. “Hatter and Shoe can help too. Sound like a plan?”
I reached into my bag and pulled out the rule books, handing one to Jean. “Let’s do our part to make Ordinary safer.”
Jean chuckled and Delaney shook her head. “Or at least keep it just as safe as it is now. Speaking of which, do you have any more info on the Hell vortex situation?”
Delaney opened the door, and we all headed into the fresher, non-minty air.
“I haven’t had a chance to get to the library yet. I’ll head up tonight, after my shift.”
“Okay. Good. Let me know if I can do anything to help.”
“You could tell Bathin to give back your soul.”
We were both out in the hall now, Jean having moved past us to the front desk.
“I have asked him. He keeps giving me the same answer,” Delaney said.
“No?”
“No. He keeps telling me he can’t.” She shrugged. “So until he can, or we find a way to make him, that’s a no-go.”
“Delaney,” Ryder said, coming down the hall toward us. “You ready?”
“Just about. We’re going to the casino to pick up god mail,” she said to me. “You okay dealing with Than today?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, good.” She pressed her hand on my arm. “Do you mind doing a drive-by on the vortex? I just want someone to keep an eye on it while I’m out of town.”
“Leave the vortex to me. And Than.”
“Tell me if you need help.”
“I will.”
She gave my arm one more squeeze, then moved out into the main part of the station.
Ryder tipped his head at me and moved to follow her, but I caught his sleeve.
“Can I talk to you a second?”
“Sure.”
“Outside?”
“I have some books for you in my truck.”
“Perfect.”
We strolled through the station. Delaney and Jean were talking to Hatter and Shoe, giving them the rundown on the first week of training for our new recruits. Delaney held up her finger in the universal “be with you in a minute” sign as we walked by.
“So what’s up?” Ryder asked as soon as we were out the door.
