"Most people have a life apart from their work."

"I'm not most people. Just as well, really, considering most people depress me unutterably. My work is my life."

"Killing people is a life?"

"Stick to what you're good at, that's what I always say. Hell! When I do it, it's an art form. I wonder if I could get a grant... Shut up and watch the film, Taylor. I hate it when people talk during the good bits."

I sat with her and watched quietly for a while. As far as I knew, I was the closest thing Shotgun Suzie had to a friend. She wasn't much of a one for getting out and meeting people, unless it involved killing them later. She only really came alive when she was working. In between cases, she shut down and vegetated, waiting for her next chance to go out and do the only thing she did well, the thing she was born to do.

"I worry about you, Suzie."

"Don't."

"You need to get out of this dump and get to know people. There are some out there worth knowing."

"Men have been known to walk into my life, from time to time."

It was my turn to sniff loudly. "They usually leave running."

"Not my fault if they can't keep up." She shifted her weight on the couch and farted unself-consciously.

I glared at her. "They usually leave because you made them watch Girl On A Motorcycle one time too many."

"That film is a classic!" Suzie said automatically. "Marianne Faithful never looked better. That film is right up there with Easy Rider and Roger Corman's Hells Angels movies."

"Why did you shoot me, six years ago?" I didn't know I was going to ask that until I said it.

"I had paper on you," said Suzie. "Serious paper, backed by serious money."

"You knew that paper was false. The whole thing was a setup. You had to know that... but you shot me anyway. Why?"

"You were leaving," she said quietly. "How else could I stop you?"

"Oh, Suze .,."

"Why do you think you were only wounded? You know I never miss. If I'd wanted you dead, you'd be dead."

"Why was it so important for you to stop me leaving?"

She finally turned to look at me. "Because you belong here. Because . .. even monsters need to feel they're not alone. Look, what do you want here, Taylor? You're interrupting a classic."

"Bruce Lee again?" I said, just to tease her. And because I knew I'd got as much honesty out of her as both of us could stand.

"Don't show your ignorance. This is Jackie Chan."

"There's a difference?"

"Blasphemer. Jackie's got some great moves, but Bruce Lee is God."

"Speaking of whom," I said casually, "I have a case I could use some help on."

Suzie sat up and gave me her full attention for the first time. "You have a case involving Bruce Lee?"