Hounded

me in recovery.
    We didn’t miss the guy waiting by the side door, though. That would be Detective Carlos Jimenez. He was showing some annoying signs of sentience.
    » You’re looking pretty good for a guy who got shot in the chest, « he said.
    » Detective. « I nodded at him. » How may I help you? «
    » I need a statement. «
    » I got shot in Tempe. You’re from Phoenix. There’s a statement. Two, in fact. «
    » I know, Mr. O’Sullivan, I just need your version of events to put in my report. There’s always a lot of scrutiny when a cop gets shot, and it gets insane when he gets shot by other cops. So oblige me, will you? «
    » All right. Detective Fagles shot me for no good reason while I had my hands up and was making no threatening movements or statements. The brave and decisive action of Detective Carlos Jimenez prevented me from suffering further injury and possibly saved my life. I am going to sue Tempe for millions. How’s that? «
    » That was great. Thanks. Where are you off to in such a hurry? «
    » Maybe I’m going to a titty bar. It’s none of your business. Come on, Doctor, let’s go. « Snorri began to roll me forward, and as he did, Jimenez registered what was slung around the back of my wheelchair.
    » Hey, is that a scabbard? Or a sword, rather? «
    » Whoa. Déjà vu, « I said, gesturing for Snorri to keep on pushing. » That sounds eerily like the line of questioning Detective Fagles used today when he was supposed to be searching for the dog I don’t have. «
    » If that’s the sword Detective Fagles was talking about, then you removed it from a crime scene, « Jimenez replied, walking a pace or two behind us.
    » If it is the same sword, Detective—and that’s a big if , since nobody ever saw that imaginary sword but Fagles—then it’s just as legally in my possession here as it was in my shop. Good evening, sir. «
    » Wait a second, « Jimenez said. » Where can I find you if I need additional information? «
    » You already know where I live and where I work, « I said.
    » You’re going home, then? « He was a persistent bugger.
    » Tell you what. If you cannot find me at home or at work, you may contact me through Hal Hauk, my attorney. « My plan had been to be out of the chair and walking north up Civic Center at this point, but Jimenez was kind of putting a crimp in my plans. He noticed this as we ran out of the parking lot and arrived at the street, where Snorri stopped pushing my wheelchair.
    » What, no ride? « Jimenez asked.
    » Good night, Detective, « I said pointedly.
    He ignored me and addressed Snorri. » Has Mr. O’Sullivan been checked out of the hospital, then? «
    » Yes, on my authority. «
    » And you are? «
    » Dr. Snorri Jodursson. «
    » What can you tell me about his condition, Doctor? «
    » I can tell you nothing right now, as you know. But once I receive a proper medical records request, you may of course read his chart and my notes yourself. And the sooner you leave me alone, the sooner I can get the paperwork finished. «
    » Well, you’re quite a pair, « Jimenez said, folding his arms across his chest and locking his knees. He said nothing more, just stood there and stared at us. I kept my gaze focused on Scottsdale Stadium across the street, and I think Snorri was returning his gaze. I bet Jimenez would blink first—werewolves, you know—but Snorri didn’t have the patience to stare him down baldly. He employed a legal argument to save time.
    » If you will excuse us, Detective, I need to consult with my patient in private, « Snorri said, and then I could practically feel him turning on that werewolf vibe that says back the hell off.
    It took about two seconds for Jimenez to lower his eyes. He said, » Of course, Doctor. Good evening to you. And to you, Mr. O’Sullivan. I’ll be in touch. « We made no reply as he walked south along the sidewalk for about twenty-five yards. Then he stopped and pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket and started slapping it against his palm. He looked back at us as he put one between his lips and lit up, clearly intending to wait around to see who gave me a ride. Annoying.
    » Snorri, start walking me north toward Civic Center park, « I whispered, confident that he could hear me, and he complied. » I’m going to cast camouflage on myself and the sword now that you’re concealing me from his sight, « I said, » and I’ll get up while you’re pushing me and walk along with you. I