Американские боги

           Shadowfoldedthenewspaperuponcemoreandsliditbackacrossthetable,towardWednesday,whowasgorginghimselfonasteaksobloodyandsoblueitmightneverhavebeenintroducedtoakitchenflame.

           "Here.Takeitback,"saidShadow.

           Robbiehadbeendriving.Hemusthavebeendrunk,althoughthenewspaperaccountsaidnothingaboutthis.ShadowfoundhimselfimaginingLaura’sfacewhensherealizedthatRobbiewastoodrunktodrive.ThescenariounfoldedinShadow’smind,andtherewasnothinghecoulddotostopit:LaurashoutingatRobbie-shoutingathimtopullofftheroad,thenthethudofcaragainsttruck,andthesteeringwheelwrenchingover...

           ...thecaronthesideoftheroad,brokenglassglitteringlikeiceanddiamondsintheheadlights,bloodpoolinginrubiesontheroadbesidethem.Twobodiesbeingcarriedfromthewreck,orlaidneatlybythesideoftheroad.

           "Well?"askedMr.Wednesday.Hehadfinishedhissteak,devoureditlikeastarvingman.Nowhewasmunchingthefrenchfries,spearingthemwithhisfork.

           "You’reright,"saidShadow."Idon’thaveajob."Shadowtookaquarterfromhispocket,tailsup.Heflickeditupintheair,knockingitagainsthisfingerasitlefthishand,givingitawobbleasifitwereturning,caughtit,slappeditdownonthebackofhishand.

           "Call,"hesaid.

           "Why?"askedWednesday.

           "Idon’twanttoworkforanyonewithworseluckthanme.Call."

           "Heads,"saidMr.Wednesday.

           "Sorry,"saidShadow,withoutevenbotheringtoglanceatthequarter."Itwastails.Iriggedthetoss."