Stalking the Unicorn: A Fable of Tonight by Mike Resnick Read Free Book Online

head, the body, and the horn?” suggested Mallory sardonically.
    She smiled and nodded.
    Mallory glared at her for a moment, then shrugged. “All right. Can either of you tell me anything about Flypaper Gillespie?"
    "He's a leprechaun,” said Mürgenstürm.
    "I know he's a leprechaun!” snapped Mallory. “You told me that already!"
    "That totally defines him,” said Mürgenstürm. “What else did you want to know?"
    "I almost hesitate to ask, but what does a leprechaun look like?"
    "They're sort of ... well, small ... and they've got funny ears, though they're not really pointed ... and, um ...” began Mürgenstürm, struggling to come up with a description.
    "They wear tweeds a lot,” interjected Felina helpfully.
    "Anyway, you'll know one when you see one,” concluded Mürgenstürm confidently.
    "How about behavior?” demanded Mallory, resisting the urge to snatch up the little elf and shake him. “What do leprechauns do?"
    "They rob and steal and drink a lot,” said Mürgenstürm. “Mostly Irish whiskey."
    "And they lie,” added Felina.
    "Oh, yes,” said Mürgenstürm. “They never tell the truth when they can tell a lie.” He looked at Mallory. “You seem annoyed, John Justin."
    "I can't imagine why,” muttered Mallory. “I'll try once more. Where am I likely to find Flypaper Gillespie?"
    "I don't know,” said Mürgenstürm. “I apologize if my answers seem inadequate, but the truth of the matter is that nobody has ever tried to find the Grundy or Flypaper Gillespie before. Usually, people run in the opposite direction."
    "So I gather,” said Mallory. “In fact, I think it's contract renegotiation time. I've got a feeling that I'm being underpaid for this job."
    "But you agreed to take the case!"
    "The case didn't have a goddamned demon in it when I agreed!"
    "All right,” said the little elf with a sigh of resignation. “Twenty thousand."
    "Twenty-five,” said Mallory.
    "Done."
    Mallory stared at him. “Thirty-five."
    "But you said twenty-five thousand and I agreed!” protested the elf.
    "You agreed too damned fast,” said Mallory.
    "Well, I'm certainly not going to agree to thirty-five thousand dollars—fast, slow, or otherwise."
    "That's your privilege,” said Mallory. “Find Larkspur yourself."
    "Twenty-eight and a half,” said the elf quickly.
    "Thirty-three."
    "Thirty."
    "Make it thirty-one and we're in business."
    "You promise?” asked Mürgenstürm distrustfully.
    "Word of honor."
    The elf considered it for a minute, then nodded his assent.
    "You're really going to try to find the unicorn?” asked Felina.
    "That's right,” said Mallory.
    "Even knowing that the Grundy's behind it?"
    "Even so."
    "Why?"
    "Because Mürgenstürm's paying me an awful lot of money,” said Mallory. He paused. “Besides, I haven't been having much luck as a husband or a horseplayer or anything else lately. I think it's about time I got back to doing something I'm good at."
    "I like you,” said Felina, rubbing her hip against his and purring. “You're not like the others."
    "Thank you,” said Mallory. “I think."
    "You're not like them at all,” she repeated. “You're crazy! Imagine anyone wanting to fight the Grundy!"
    "I didn't say I wanted to,” replied Mallory. “I said that for the right price I was willing to."
    She rubbed up against him again. “Can I come along?"
    "I thought you were afraid of the Grundy."
    "I am,” she assured him. “I'll desert you in the end, but it'll be fun in the meantime."
    Mallory stared at her for a moment.
    "Can you follow a unicorn's scent?"
    "I suppose so."
    "Okay, you're hired. Now, let's get going. We're not going to find it by hanging around here talking."
    She stared at the ground, nostrils twitching, then walked to the gate, opened it, and headed off down the twisting, deserted street.
    "I'm sorry that events have taken this unexpected and distressing turn, John Justin,” said Mürgenstürm as he and Mallory fell into step behind Felina.
    "It could