Rainford decided he didn’t like being shot. The ache from the bullet was irritating and the blood from his wound was ruining the only good shirt he had left.

He would have prayed if he believed in a higher being, but if there was a one he was sure that It knew that he was laying in the middle of an alley with a bullet in his shoulder and a bruised skull.

And It was probably laughing.

“Jesus!”

Rainford looked to the familiar voice and high-heeled footsteps as they ran to his side.

“Flattering, Gemi, but I’m afraid not.” Rainford said. “Though I can see how you got us confused.”

“What happened?”

“Well, God was going to send me instead, but I declined.”

“Oh, shut up. I meant the bullet wound.”

“Less interesting story. I was shot.”

“By who?”

“Someone with a gun.”

Gemi helped him to his feet. She was unusually strong for a woman in heels. “Let’s go. You’re acting strange. Even for you.”

Rainford chuckled, holding his arm. “You’re right. For a second, I actually thought about thanking you.”