“From the horse’s mouth,” I say and because I need him to understand just what Pocher is capable of, I dare to add, “I was drugged, taken to the beach at my house, and if the piece of shit hadn’t decided to rape me first, I wouldn’t be here now. He meant to kill me. I think he told me that. I blocked it out. Or I try. Kane saved me. If he hadn’t come home early to see me, I wouldn’t be here. He pulled the guy off me.”

I speak that confession with remarkable ease, I think, but then killing your attacker does lend to closure. And other things, like a willingness to kill, but that isn’t a topic to discuss with Captain America.

He presses a hand on the wall and lowers his chin to his chest, torment radiating from him before he looks at me again. “There’s a lot of things I could say to that—”

“Don’t. That’s not why I told you. I want you to know who Pocher is, what Dad knows, and how much Kane really is there for us.”

“I get that. I owe him then.”

“He doesn’t want to be owed.”

“Either way, I can’t believe you didn’t come to me.”

“It was complicated.”

“I’m only letting you get away with that simplistic answer right now because of location and time restraints. Be straight with me. Do you think Pocher is behind that jar of blood and the visit to your house last night?”

“Logically, yes, but my gut keeps telling me that this is just a sick fuck who killed for the sport. Which means he’ll kill again.”

He scrubs a hand through his hair and settles his hands on his hips. “I came here to talk. Emma’s fiancé is flying in at noon. I’ll set the interview up for tonight. Can you make seven?”

“I’ll be here.” I tilt my head. “You came all the way here just to talk to me?”

“There are some things better not discussed by phone.”

“Good to see you growing a brain. The Society is monstrously large and powerful. Don’t underestimate them. And don’t trust anyone. And that means Samantha, Andrew.” I glance at my watch to discover it’s eight-fifteen. “I have to go.” I grab his arm. “Don’t go trying to play Captain America on your own. There’s a way to deal with the Society. Leave this to me and Kane.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Then you work with us. Promise me.”

“I can’t do nothing, Lilah.”

“Work this case. Just work the case. And come by the house tonight.”