Part 59 (1/2)

”I know what a contraction is.”

”They use them.”

”So?”

He exhaled explosively. ”So who ever heard of a G.o.d using contractions? It just isn't G.o.dlike.”

Claire'd heard of G.o.ds who took their own names in vain three words out of seven, but she decided not to mention that to Lance. ”What's second?” When he looked confused-well, more confused than usual-she expanded the question. ”You said 'first of all,' so there must be at least a second.”

”Right!”

And the exclamations were back.

”It's the two of them, the way they interact. They're like Ruff and Ready!”

”Who?”

”You know; the cartoon!” Waving his hands from side to side, sketching out the beat, Lance sang, ”They're Ruff and Ready. Always Ruff and Ready. They sometimes have their little spats, even fight like d . . .”

Up onto her toes, she got her hand over his mouth just in time. Anubis was showing rather a lot of teeth, and Bast's ears were flat against her skull while the triangle of fur that touched the top of her spine had lifted. Lesson . . . actually, Claire'd lost track at this point, but it had to be around lesson seven or eight in dealing with G.o.ds. Do not ever compare them to cartoon animals.

”Please ...” No power, just a heartfelt plea. ”. . . ignore him. He's just a Bystander.”

”He is . . .”

”. . . annoying.” Anubis finished, the word emerging as one, long growl.

”I know. But we'll be gone soon and, gross!” She s.n.a.t.c.hed her hand away and wiped it on her skirt. ”You licked me!”

Lance grinned down at her. ”It worked.”

”How'd she taste?”

Bast and Claire turned as one toward the jackal-headed G.o.d.

”How did she taste?” Bast demanded.

Anubis shrugged. ”I'm just curious.”

”Pretty good,” Lance allowed thoughtfully. ”A little salty.”

His muzzle wrinkled as Anubis took a step toward her, and Claire was ninety percent sure she was about to be licked again. Oh that's just great. I am so not a dog person.

Bast's hand on his arm yanked him to a halt. ”The Lord Osiris is waiting.”

Sure enough, there was now a figure sitting on the distant throne.

Sighing deeply, Anubis began walking again. ”You never let me have any fun.”

”Oh, yeah? Who throws all those d.a.m.ned b.a.l.l.s for you?”