Ghost Dance (35 page)

She took a mouthful of eggs Benedict before she answered. It tasted great and she took the time to appreciate it. She hadn't been sure she'd have the chance to do something this ordinary again. "Coby's trapped in the spirit world," she said finally. "Forever, I guess."

"And what will happen to him there? Will he pay for what he's done?"

"I doubt it. I think... Actually, I think he's sort of a god now."

He looked horrified. "A
god
?"

"Yeah. He can't do anything terrible, not really, but he can appear in the dreams of people sensitive to the spirit realm - the way Raven did to him. He can influence people, inspire them, at least those who are open to his way of thinking."

"Inspire them to be like him?"

She nodded. "If that's the way they're already inclined."

"Jesus. The god of serial killers."

She studied him, his over-serious face and soft eyes. "What does it matter, anyway? We did the best we could and we both escaped, even if we're not going to win any popularity contests with our respective employers. We can go far away and get on with our lives."

"Not me," he said. "I'm going back to the Hermetic Division."

"You're kidding, right? You totally screwed them. You'll be lucky if they just lock you up."

He shrugged and looked away. "I don't think anyone should be able to get away with just anything. Because of what I did, all kinds of people like Coby might not have to pay in the next life. I can't change that now. But at least I can make sure I pay for what I've done in this one."

"Count me out," she said. "I'm heading for the hills."

He smiled finally. "That's OK. I'm still not sorry I saved you."