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B got off the bus near Chinatown, and walked to the street that hid the Celestial’s shop.
“I don’t know when I’ve been more terrified,” Cole said, as Marla slipped into a narrow
space between a bus and a taxi.
“I hate driving,” she said, and changed lanes again to get around the cab, which wasn’t
going fast enough for her taste. “I’m not very good at it.” She reached for the gearshift,
which wasn’t there, because the minivan she’d stolen was an automatic. She nearly
threw it into reverse before she noticed. “Shit,” she said. “I wish you could drive.”
“Automobiles were essentially novelty items when I last had occasion to travel,” Cole
said. “I have never been inside one before, and I can say with assurance that I have
never moved at such speeds when I was not actually flying. Even if you were a good
driver, I would be terrified.” He gripped the edges of his seat with both hands, but
otherwise didn’t seem particularly frightened.
“We’re safe,” Marla said. “I cast a strong repulsion on the car, to keep the police from
bothering me for speeding, and also to help prevent accidents. See?” She swerved left,
dangerously close to a silver SUV, which braked suddenly and jigged away from her.
“It’s literally impossible for another car to hit us. Though I could still conceivably slam
into a wall or something—you know, hit stuff that can’t move out of the way.”
“I am quite relieved,” Cole said. Marla saw a sign for the airport and zoomed across two
lanes to take the exit. Cole looked out at the system of overpasses and shook his head in
wonder. “It’s amazing. I haven’t really looked at the city in almost forty years. Half my
time walking around was just spent gazing at the changes, as much as looking in on you
and the other sorcerers. Things have been built up tremendously.”
“I thought you went to sleep in 1910 or something.”
“Around then,” Cole said. “But I have, from time to time, opened my eyes and looked
around to make sure the city was still standing.”
“What made you choose hibernation?”
“This city is my legacy, the only worthwhile thing I ever helped create. I wanted to see
it flourish through the ages.” He looked at her sidelong. “Surely you can relate. You
have a city of your own, don’t you?”
“Yeah, Felport, back east,” Marla said. “It was pretty much built before I got there, but
I’ve been trying to help it along the way to becoming something better. Which is why I
don’t appreciate Susan trying to cut me out of existence.” She’d explained the
particulars of her mission to Cole earlier in the drive, and he’d assured her that the
Cornerstone could help protect her in the way she’d hoped. Marla hadn’t really doubted
that, but it was nice to have confirmation.
“I hope she doesn’t try to cast the spell again while you’re driving,” Cole said. “If you
disappear, I don’t think I’d have much hope of getting this vehicle under control.”