Американские боги

           Hescratcheditbehindwheretheearsmusthavebeen.

           ShadowturnedtoEaster."Yourodehimhere?"

           "Yes,"shesaid."Youcanridehimback,ifheletsyou."

           "Howdoyouridehim?"

           "It’seasy,"shesaid."Ifyoudon’tfall.Likeridingthelightning."

           "WillIseeyoubackthere?"

           Sheshookherhead."I’mdone,honey,"shetoldhim."Yougodowhatyouneedtodo.I’mtired.Bringingyoubacklikethat…ittookalotoutofme.Ineedtorest,tosaveupmyenergiesuntilmyfestivalbegins.I’msorry.Goodluck."

           Shadownodded."WhiskeyJack.Isawhim.AfterIpassedon.Hecameandfoundme.Wedrankbeertogether."

           "Yes,"shesaid."I’msureyoudid."

           "WillIeverseeyouagain?"askedShadow.

           Shelookedathimwitheyesthegreenofripeningcorn.Shesaidnothing.Then,abruptly,sheshookherhead."Idoubtit,"shesaid.

           Shadowclamberedawkwardlyontothethunderbird’sback.Hefeltlikeamouseonthebackofahawk.Therewasanozonetasteinhismouth,metallicandblue.Somethingcrackled.Thethunderbirdextendeditswings,andbegantoflapthem,hard.

           Asthegroundfellawaybeneaththem,Shadowclungon,hisheartpoundinginhischestlikeawildthing.

           Itwasexactlylikeridingthelightning.