“I always wondered why Chicago politics and the general state at large were so corrupt. It makes sense now,” Patrick said. “Also the homicide count.”
Frigg’s mouth twitched downward at the corners ever so slightly. “War exists in all places.”
“Yeah, but a war god exacerbates it.”
“Do you truly believe Odin is a target?”
Patrick shrugged. “Ethan went after Ra and Zeus. What makes you think he’d stop at two when there are hundreds of myths in the world to steal a godhead from? You and Odin aren’t subtle with your whole pay-to-play scheme going on here.”
“It is our right to survive.”
“At the expense of everyone else?”
Frigg pushed open the door, letting in a cold breeze that didn’t seem to bother her at all. “I worry for my husband. He thinks his ravens can keep him safe forever.”
“Why?”
“Muninn and Huginn hear all thoughts and carry all memories to Odin’s ears. They can remove what knowledge Ethan has gained about godheads and bring it to Odin for safekeeping.”
Personally, Patrick wouldn’t trust a god with anything like that. “Then why the fuck do you need me if you have them?”
“Because the Dominion Sect and the gods of all the hells keep Macaria and Ethan hidden the same way we gods of the heavens endeavored to keep you safe as you grew to adulthood. With the way Ethan is bound to your twin and Macaria, erasing his memory risks erasing Macaria’s existence. Persephone will never allow it.”
“But she’ll allow his death.”
“Death severs all bindings. It is the way of things.” Frigg nodded at the exit and the cars passing on the street beyond it. “The storm has passed, but I feel another is brewing. Odin may be cavalier about his safety, but I never have been. You should visit his son at Eiketre.”
“You know, I actually do have a case I need to work on here. Making stops at bars while on the clock isn’t a good look.”
“Then go after your work is finished, but you will go.”
The firmness of her words told Patrick arguing would be a lost cause. Patrick scowled as they left Au Hall behind, ducking his head against the fierce wind. Wade kept pace as they hurried down the block for the underground entrance that would lead back to the parking garage.
“What now? Are you going to the bar?” Wade asked.
Patrick sighed as they descended into the slightly warmer underground area, trying to ignore the headache growing behind his eyes. “Eventually. I need to set up a meeting with the SAIC out here about Westberg first.”
“Are you going to tell them his campaign manager is a god in disguise?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because most people don’t believe in gods, and I tend to not trust anyone in the SOA out of principle.”
“Is that why you brought me along?”
Patrick glanced over his shoulder at the dark-haired teen. “You’re pack, and I trust you.”
Wade seemed pleased about that. “Does that mean I’m going to the SOA with you?”
“No. You’re going back to the hotel where you’ll stay put this time and do some homework.”
Wade groaned. “That’s not fun.”
“Work never is. Welcome to adulthood.”
“Adulthood sucks. I want to return it.”
