Американские боги

           Hecouldn’tfindthecouragetotellMargiethathe’dlosthisjob.Soforamonth,maybefortwomonths,he’ddriveoffearlyinthemorning,comehomelateintheeveningcomplainingabouttheharddayhe’dhadatthemotel."

           "Whatwashedoing?"askedShadow.

           "Mm.Couldn’tsayforcertain.IreckonhewasdrivinguptoIronwood,maybedowntoGreenBay.Guesshestartedoutasajobhunter.Prettysoonhewasdrinkingthetimeaway,gettingstoned,morethanprobablymeetingtheoccasionalworkinggirlforalittleinstantgratification.Hecouldhavebeengambling.WhatIdoknowforcertainisthatheemptiedouttheirjointaccountinabouttenweeks.ItwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeMargiefiguredout—therewego!"

           Heswungthecarout,flickedonthesirenandthelights,andscaredthedaylightsoutofasmallmanwithIowaplateswhohadjustcomedownthehillatseventy.

           TherogueIowanticketed,Mulliganreturnedtohisstory.

           "WherewasI?Okay.SoMargiekickshimout,suesfordivorce.Itturnedintoaviciouscustodybattle.That’swhattheycall’emwhentheygetintoPeoplemagazine.ViciousCustodyBattle.Alwaysmakesmethinkoflawyerswithknivesandassaultweaponsandbrassknuckles.Shegotthekids.Darrengotvisitationrightsandpreciouslittleelse.Now,backthenLeonwasprettysmall.Sandywasolder,agoodkid,thekindofboywhoworshipshisdaddy.Wouldn’tletMargiesaynothingbadabouthim.