Chapter 40
After Ultima regaled everyone with the story of how Caspar dangled Katja over a glass case like a spider monkey in order to avoid a techno-witch light trap, Malek was beyond impressed.
Even Ultima seemed pleased by Katja’s “natural grace,” and tried to convince her, over laughter in the seats of the bus, to run away and join the circus.
Katja merely shook her head and clasped hands with Natasha fiercely.
“Not a chance.”
“Well, we still need some sort of celebration,” Malek said. “But since William can’t drink, we need to find an alternative to a bar.”
“What about candy bars?” Caspar suggested. “You know, like the kind you got me when I was first out of prison?”
“That’s perfect,” Malek said. As they passed the downtown core, Malek noticed the blinding neon lights of a convenience store around the corner. He signalled for William to pull over there, and promised he’d buy everyone whatever their heart desired.
“And wear your crown inside while you’re doing it?”
Malek touched his temples self-consciously. “You think they’ll ask questions?”
“Maybe, but they’ll all be in French, so you’ll need to have something prepared beyond ‘Je ne sais pas.’” Caspar beamed as he remembered the small phrase. “I can hold it for you again. Probably easier that way. I won’t go far.”
“You better not.” Malek handed over the crown and watched as it disappeared into Caspar’s suit jacket. When he ran his hand over Caspar’s skin, he swore there was an electric current between them—one that turned their skin purple again and made Malek feel safe and powerful.
As Natasha parked the van, Caspar took candy orders.
Once inside the convenience store, Malek and Caspar finally unclasped their hands.
Caspar walked down the chip and pastry aisle, gathering the smorgasbord they needed while Malek grabbed some drinks.
They met up again at the cash, paid the man, and then wandered outside.
“So what did you want to tell me?” Malek asked as he tore the wrapper off his Big Turk bar. “Back in the banquet hall? What else did you see in the basement?”
“Only a bunch of art work that had djinns on it. And djinns flying.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously,” Caspar said, unwrapping his Coffee Crisp. “I wouldn’t lie about that. But it makes me wonder who owns that museum unit, and how old those tapestries are. And then, of course, if I can fly.”
Malek laughed, but the thought struck him. He already felt happier than he’d been in years, so maybe flying wasn’t that far off. His dreams were halted as he came across the empty street and a sign that read “NO PARKING” in French.
“I guess the guys on the bus went to park in the back?” Caspar suggested. He took a few bites of his chocolate bar as he walked. Malek jogged to catch up, about to ask for his crown back since they were out of the store, when he heard thudding footsteps as loud as an avalanche.
Malek stopped in his tracks. Gargoyles. He raised his eyes to the blinding sign of the convenience store and saw a shadow eclipse the light.
“Caspar!” Malek cried out. “Caspar, watch out—”
The shadow split into three gargoyles. Two of them jumped down toward the back of the store, sending out a crack through the pavement as they did, while the other turned on Malek. He barely had time to raise his hand before he felt the sickening crack of stone against his head.
Then there was nothing but blackness.