“Fuck that,” Arik said. “I doexpect him to. He needs to.”
“No, actually, I don’t.”
Both Arik and Blaze turned to Lucas. “I don’t,” Lucas repeated. “I don’t need to believe it at all in order to think about it. That’s like saying I have to believe in Santa Claus to research Saint Nicolaus. Or that I have to shake hands with Satan to study Dante’s seven rings.” Lucas shook his head. “It’s a hell of a story, gentlemen, and for what my opinion is worth, I think it’s as real as anything can be to the two of you.”
“Want to see him cut his finger off?” Arik asked. “It’s inspiring on the belief front.”
“No, no,” Lucas said. “I think I can do without that. Though I have seen a man brought back from the dead.”
“Excuse me?” Arik asked.