“You're...a demon hunter?''It's not as exciting as it sounds,' he said. 'There is a surprising amount of paperwork involved.”

“One question," I said. "Did you tell me all that because you think I'm going to die?""No," he said. "It's because you're doing something brave, and I felt I should too.""I'll take that as a yes," I said.”

“English rain feels obligatory, like paperwork. It dampens already damn days and slicks the stones.”

“I'm Keith," he said, "and you're . . . clearly mad, but what's your name?”

“Mouth guard. And I think we'll start you in goal."Goal sounded like a special job. I didn't want a special job, unless that special job involved sitting on the side under a pile of blankets.”

“Hot tea," he said, holding the cups. "It's just wrong.”

“It's always awkward when someone doesn't realize you're joking and devotes thought time to what you've said. Double that when the person is wearing tinfoil.”