"01 - Armageddon, the Musical (b)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rankin Robert)

'Hang out?'

'Where they live, take up residence, co-exist, assume a non-transient occupancy. The dunghole where they do their butchery.'

'Go on.'

'They're bad boys, mister. They eat people.'

'I'd rather gathered that.'

'So you'd better take a food parcel, unless you wanna be on the menu.'

'Do you want another drink?' asked the barman, who had been edging back, all ears. 'Or do you want kicking into the street?'

'One more for myself,’ Rex nodded towards Rogan Josh, 'and one for my companion, that will indeed be all.'

'Oh, thanks very much,' sneered the wounded barman. 'Would it be of any interest to learn my considered opinion of yourself?'

'None whatever.'

'Not that I consider you the accidental outcome of a homosexual relationship?'

'One for myself and one for my companion.'

The barman splashed two foreshortened measures of Tomorrowman into as many glasses, overcharged Rex's

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account and stood with his arms folded, grinding his tooth.

Rex steered his informer away to a side table. Here he spoke in whispered tones. The barman, whose hearing was considerably less acute than his temper, slouched off, muttering beneath his breath.

'Now,' said Rex, 'all I require are names and locations.'

The wretch eyed him with open suspicion. 'Who are you, mister?' he asked.

'Rex Mundi is the name. Whenever you think of four credits, justly earned, you will think of me.'

'If you dispense credits as liberally as you do words, then I shall be happy enough.'

'Quite so. Then let us begin with the local high priest. Always best to go straight to the top, I always find.'

'Thinking to pay him a visit at home, are you?'

'Certainly.'

'Then as you won't be coming back, you won't miss another five credits for the information.'

T tend towards the optimistic,’ Rex replied, 'but your point is well taken. I shouldn't wish my murderer to gain financially from my demise. My cash is at your disposal.'