Американские боги

           "Thereisroomfor—"

           Therewasabang,mutedbythetelevisionspeakers,andthesideofWednesday’sheadexploded.Hisbodytumbledbackward.

           Mr.Worldstoodup,hisbackstilltothecamera,andwalkedoutofshot.

           "Let’sseethatagain,inslowmotionthistime,"saidtheannouncer’svoice,reassuringly.

           ThewordsLIVEFEEDbecameREPLAY.SlowlynowtheredlaserpointertraceditsbeadontoWednesday’sglasseye,andonceagainthesideofhisfacedissolvedintoacloudofblood.Freezeframe.

           "Yes,it’sstillGod’sOwnCountry,"saidtheannouncer,anewsreporterpronouncingthefinaltagline."Theonlyquestionis,whichgods?"

           Anothervoice—ShadowthoughtthatitwasMr.World’s,ithadthatsamehalf-familiarquality—said,"Wenowreturnyoutoyourregularlyscheduledprogramming."

           OnCheersCoachassuredhisdaughterthatshewastrulybeautiful,justlikehermother.

           Thetelephonerang,andOfficerLizsatupwithastart.Shepickeditup.Said,"Okay.Okay.Yes.Okay,I’llbeoverthere,"putthephonedownandgotupfrombehindthecounter.ShesaidtoShadow,"Sorry.I’mgoingtohavetoputyouinthecell.Don’tusethecan.Ifyouneedtogo,pressthebuzzerbythedoor,andI’llcomedownassoonasIcanandescortyoutotherestroomsoutback.TheLafayettesheriff’sdepartmentshouldbeheretocollectyousoon.