Американские боги

           Hewentinandchangedintotheorangeclothesandtheshowerfootwear.Itstankevillyinthere.TheorangetophepulledoverhisheadhadLUMBERCOUNTYJAILwrittenontheback,inlargeblackletters.

           Themetaltoiletinthecellhadbackedup,andwasfilledtothebrimwithabrownstewofliquidfecesandsour,beerishurine.

           Shadowcamebackout,gavethewomanhisclothes,whichsheputintotheplasticbagwiththerestofhispossessions.Shehadhimsignforthem.ShadowsignedforthemasMikeAinsel,althoughhefoundthathewasalreadythinkingofMikeAinselassomeonehehadlikedwellenoughinthepastbutwouldnolongerbeseeinginthefuture.Hehadthumbedthroughthewalletbeforehehandeditover."Youtakecareofthis,"hehadsaidtothewoman."Mywholelifeisinhere."Thewomantookthewalletfromhim,andassuredhimthatitwouldbesafewiththem.SheaskedChadifthatwasn’ttrue,andChad,lookingupfromthelastofhispaperwork,saidLizwastellingthetruth,they’dneverlostaprisoner’spossessionsyet.

           Shadowhadslippedthefourhundred-dollarbillsthathehadpalmedfromthewalletintohissocks,whenhehadchanged,alongwiththesilverLibertydollarhehadpalmedashehademptiedhispockets.

           "Say,"Shadowasked,whenhecameout."WoulditbeokayifIfinishedreadingthebook?"

           "Sorry,Mike.Rulesarerules,"saidChad.