"John Varley - Anthology - Super Heroes - Various Authors" - читать интересную книгу автора (Varley John)

him to beg, I really did—said Maria's illness is God's retribution for her
sins."
Revenant folded his arms and his eyes narrowed perceptibly. Martin felt a
chill run down his spine and could see how the man before him had earned
the nickname of the Nightmare Detective. Had he been there just for
himself, Martin would have run when he first saw Revenant, and if
Revenant were ever after him, he knew he'd just die.
"I don't know that I can help you, Mr. Hopkins. While I sympathize with
your plight"—Revenant shrugged uneasily— "I am only a normal man with
a few tricks and a cape. This is the type of case better handled by people like
the American Justice Commission."
Martin sagged to his knees. "I tried them. Colonel Constitution says the
order is legal and it's a second-amendment issue. I can't fight them." He
opened his mouth, then closed it again. Swallowing the lump down, he
croaked, "Please?"
The Nightmare Detective remained silent and motionless for what felt
like hours to Martin. Finally he nodded. "How long does your daughter
have?"
"Maybe a month. The sooner the better."
"Very well. I will give you details for your part in this. You will have
your son as soon as possible."
A charcoal-grey gloved hand extended itself from beneath the blue cape,
and Martin shook Revenant's hand. Revenant did not seek to crush his hand,
and Martin drew strength from the firm grip. "One more thing, Mr.
Revenant, sir." Martin freed his hand and patted the trench coat's pockets
until he found what he wanted. He pulled a rabbit's foot from his pocket and
handed it to the tall man.
Revenant took it, examined it, then shook his head. "I appreciate the
sentiment, Mr. Hopkins, but I doubt this will help me."
Revenant made to hand it back, but Martin waved him off. "No, look,
Nathan is a smart boy and wouldn't go with you
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unless you can give him a sign that you're bringing him to me. That's
his—Jeanette called it satanic and left it behind when she ran. Give it to him.
He'll know."
 The Nightmare Detective nodded, and the lucky charm disappeared into a
pouch on his belt.
Martin smiled and pulled his cap back on. "I can't thank you enough."
"That may be true, Mr. Hopkins, we'll see." Revenant started to withdraw,
then stopped. "You can make a start right now, if you will."
Martin stiffened. "Yes?"
"You're not the sort of man to be associating with those who know how
to contact me. How did you get the number where you left that message?''
Martin blinked, then thought for a second. "At the hospital, in a get-well
card, someone had put in a note—anonymous. I called."
"Anonymous; interesting." Revenant stepped into the shadows and
vanished.
***
The Advocate turned and pointed at Revenant. "Regardless of the
seemingly humanitarian motive of obtaining the marrow needed for a