The Night Beat

through the pawnshop quickly. We caught up to him. “What are you looking for?”
    He shook his head. “No idea. But Mather clearly doesn’t pay attention to what he gets or who he gets it from. I don’t buy that Abaddon or Apollyon didn’t come in here. If they were able to disguise themselves even a little bit, they probably fooled him.”
    “That I could believe,” Sexy Cindy said. “He always called me ‘like unto the Whore of Babylon’ even if I was in here with folks who were really doing bad things. And it’s not like hooking hurts anyone.”
    “Other than the hooker.” Those words were out of my mouth before my mind could stop them.
    She didn’t seem upset or offended. “Yeah, well, there are worse things, okay? He never gave the rapists or murderers or drug dealers in here any crap. Besides, no one cares about the hookers, just the johns.”
    “Now isn’t the time for a discussion of questionable vice practices,” Freddy said. “Jack, I echo Victoria. What are you looking for? If we know, we could split up and perhaps spot it faster.”
    I noted that, in here, both Freddy and Sexy Cindy were starting to sound more like I’d assumed they had before they’d hit the streets. Interesting. Much as I despised him, Cotton was running what could be considered a legitimate business, not a den of evil. Pity. I would have loved a good reason to force him out of business.
    A thought occurred. “You guys search for whatever it is we’re searching for. I need to talk to Cotton again.”
    “I’m looking for anything that gives off an evil feeling or seems like it could relate to Armageddon,” Jack said quickly. “Look when you’re with him. For all we know, he keeps that stuff in his office under the idea they’re interesting bits of history.”
    “Wow, you got him down in one short interview?”
    Jack shrugged. “Studied the Salem Witch Trials in school. You get an idea of someone when you’ve learned what they did as a human and why.”
    I didn’t trust myself to say anything, so I just nodded and trotted off to find Cotton. His office was buried in the back of the pawnshop but ectoplasm has a distinct odor -- like old, wet socks -- so it was easy to find him.
    He was humming while doing some filing. He was clearly happy here. Which made no sense. “Hey, Cotton, sorry, but I thought of some questions I wanted to ask. In private.”
    He looked over from his filing. “Oh? Something insulting, as usual?”
    “I don’t think so, though, as always, you’ll be the judge, jury and executioner. I’m wondering a couple of things. First off, how long have you owned this place? This is part of my beat for Prosaic City P.D. and no one told me you were here.” Or that The Pleasure Palace was here, or the Salvation Center. Which was odd. I could understand the Count expecting me to notice -- not that I had -- but not for over a year with no mention.
    “I’ve owned this business for several years. It was human-owned and run for decades. However, the last owner wanted to leave town, so was selling on the cheap. I saw an opportunity to run this for both Prosaic City and Necropolis citizens. After all, even the best people can fall on hard times.”
    “Okay, but why here, why this business in particular?”
    He stared at me for a few long moments, then I saw realization dawn on his face. “Oh, that’s right. In your position, you have to function as human more than undead. If you’re able to, look around with undead eyes.”
    I was embarrassed that I hadn’t thought of this on my own. But, fine, I’d throw one to Cotton. I shifted my mind and opened my eyes. And managed not to scream.
    “Why didn’t anyone mention this?”
    Cotton sighed. “I assume they thought you knew, or would pay attention.”
    “You know, it’s hard to pretend to be human if you can see Necropolis. Or this.”
    “No need to get defensive.” He was quiet for another few moments. “Do you think it’s significant to your case?”
    “Yeah, I do. How long has this been here?”
    “It appeared just before I took over the business. I’m sure it’s why I was encouraged to do so. Someone must guard the portal, so to speak.”
    I dragged the words out. “Thank you, this is a great help, Cotton.”
    “You’re very welcome.” He sounded incredibly pleased. “You know, I’ve been thinking about the young man, Tony T. The last time I saw him was several months ago, right after he’d come in for the scroll. He