I'd seriously contemplated a real collar - a sparkly green one - if only because I was sure it would offend his dignity.

Cars like that shouldn’t be left in storage. It causes mechanical issues. With brakes and tires and engines and such.” My smile returned. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, do you?” “Not a word.

Demon possession strains the boundaries of credulity, given the sheer number of times it seems to happen. One would really hope demons had better things to do with their time.

Don’t grumble,” I said. “Or I’ll bake you more cookies.

He emphasized murderous as if clarifying that he’d certainly believed me capable of making enemies, just not to that degree. I could have taken offense at that, but in Gabriel’s world, if you aren’t making the occasional enemy, you aren’t trying hard enough.

I should have a gun.” “And you think I can provide it?” “Ask your biker gang buddies.” “They prefer the term ‘motorcycle club.’” “I’m sure they do.

Yours is more than business. Your opinion of him - and your continuing relationship with him - matters. My nephew is not accustomed to that, and he's struggling with it.

. When the plague struck Chicago, the townspeople here erected the gargoyles, and nary a soul was lost to the Black Death.” “The bubonic plague predates Chicago by about five hundred years.” He lowered himself to the bench. “I know. I was very disappointed when I found out. Almost as bad as when I learned there were no fairies. The world is much more interesting with goblins and plagues.” “Unless you catch the plague.

Yes, you’re sleeping in my apartment,” I said. “On my sofa. It was an exciting night, but not that exciting. I’d really hope you’d remember if it had been.