Американские боги

           Hewonderedifthewomaninthegasstationhadbeenpullinghisleg.

           "What’llitbe?"askedthebartender.

           "Housebeer,andahamburgerwithallthetrimmings.Fries."

           "Bowlofchilitostart?Bestchiliinthestate."

           "Soundsgood,"saidShadow."Where’stherestroom?"

           Themanpointedtoadoorinthecornerofthebar.Therewasastuffedalligatorheadmountedonthedoor.Shadowwentthroughthedoor.

           Itwasaclean,well-litrestroom.Shadowlookedaroundtheroomfirst;forceofhabit.("Remember,Shadow,youcan’tfightbackwhenyou’repissing,"LowKeysaid,lowkeyasalways,inthebackofhishead.)Hetooktheurinalstallontheleft.Thenheunzippedhisflyandpissedforanage,feelingrelief.Hereadtheyellowingpressclippingframedateyelevel,withaphotoofJackandtwoalligators.

           Therewasapolitegruntfromtheurinalimmediatelytohisright,althoughhehadheardnobodycomein.

           ThemaninthepalesuitwasbiggerstandingthanhehadseemedsittingontheplanebesideShadow.HewasalmostShadow’sheight,andShadowwasabigman.Hewasstaringaheadofhim.Hefinishedpissing,shookoffthelastfewdrops,andzippedhimselfup.

           Thenhegrinned,likeafoxeatingshitfromabarbedwirefence."So,"saidMr.Wednesday,"you’vehadtimetothink,Shadow.Doyouwantajob?"

           SOMEWHEREINAMERICA

           LosAngeles.11:26p.m.