An annoyed look flitted across his face. "Stop saying that! I have not attacked you!"

"You strangled me!" I answered, part of my mind pointing out that reason never worked with deranged madmen, but too irritated to listen. "I almost died! If that's not an attack, I'd like to know what is!"

"I told you—that was before I knew you were mortal," he snapped, irritation replacing the annoyance.

I waved the book around in a vaguely threatening manner. "I'd just like to know what you think I could be if not mortal!"

"You're a virtue," he answered quickly, reaching behind me and wrenching both lamp and book out of my hands, tossing them onto the bed. "Thus, you must be a member of the Court of Divine Blood, and as such, bound to uphold the laws therein. You wish for an accounting? I will give you one. The Hashmallim do not enter the mortal world unless it is to capture someone intended for destruction. Since I saved the lives of you and your friend by spiriting you away from under the nose of the Hashmallim, you are in my debt. I am calling in that debt, and the price shall be exculpation."

"I forgive you," Sarah said with breathy adoration, her eyes glowing as she gazed at him.

"The first thing I do after this guy is locked up is get you to a good head shrink," I told her.

"Woman!" the man roared, and grabbed me by the neck, hauling me up until my face was close to his. His eyes burned into mine, his breath skittering along my mouth.

"My name is Portia," I said without thinking. "I hate being referred to as if I was nothing but an object!"

"You push me too far, Portia!"

Sarah made faint mewing noises of distress as she pushed in close to us, her hands on his arms.

"You're assaulting me again." I waved my arms frantically for the lamp or book.

"Eee!" Sarah said, half demanding, half plaintive as she brushed her lips on his cheek.