to Shrikes sword, reinforcing her hold on the flower.
Madame Cinders deep rasping laugh filled the room. "Better and better," she said. "Youve earned the commission. " Primo pushed the lever again and the flower retracted completely, disappearing into the ceiling. By then, the old woman had gone.
Eighteen
A Weapon for Others
Primo took Spyder and Shrike from the greenhouse to Madame Cinders private quarters, which was located at the top of the minaret theyd seen from outside the -compound.
They climbed a stone spiral staircase that had been worn smooth over centuries of use. Spyder had no idea how Madame Cinders got up and down the tower since it didnt seem big enough to house anything resembling an elevator. Shrike tugged on Spyders arm, holding him back and letting Primo get ahead of them on the stairs.
"Since when are you an expert on demonology?" she asked. "You didnt even believe in demons until two days ago. "
"My daddy used to say, Just because T-bones are better eating, doesnt mean you shouldnt know the zip code of the brisket. "
"What the hell does that mean?"
"It means, that even a useless tattooist can pick up a few facts that arent about girls or ink," he said. "Jenny was an anthropology major. Studying medieval Christianity. I used to read her textbooks when she was finished. Youd be surprised how hot and bothered a little demon and saint talk gets Catholic girls. I still know Hells floorplan, all seven Heavens and which angels rule each one. "
"You saved us back there. "
"That sword trick helped. Someday youre going to have to show me how that thing goes from a
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