“I want a lawyer.”

I burst out laughing. “You’re lucky you’re not getting ripped apart. What do you think would happen if we released you to the seelie king?” I shivered. “He may be the ‘light’ fae king, but the guy’s not exactly known for being merciful. And that’s if the fae representative doesn’t make you beg for death first. You and your little friends made her look like an idiot.”

Bob swallowed. “Okay, no lawyer. I get it. I was scared, okay. You were there when that demon was left at the station. We had our memories wiped,” he spat. “I told my cousin and he let me know about an organization. They were fighting back against the paranormals.”

“What organization?”

“Humans for Population Stabilization.”

“And what does that mean?”

“Portal control. Those freaks are streaming through every fucking day. Before long, humans are going to be the minority in our own fucking world.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’re no better than us just because you’re a witch. Luck of the draw gave you that power.”

“I never claimed to be,” I said mildly. If Bob knew I was half-demon, he’d probably have a stroke.

“Yeah, well we’re sick of it. These other groups, they talk a big game, but all they’re doing is writing letters to politicians. Human politicians. As if they can do anything. HPS was actually willing to do something about it.”

I sat back in my chair. Now we were getting somewhere. “So you decided HPS could help you get rid of the paranormals.”

“Right,” Bob nodded, warming up now. His nose was broken, likely from my fist. From the way Bob winced when he talked, gently prodding the swelling around his eyes, I’d say he was regretting swinging at me.

“Look, if you don’t have power in this world, you’re screwed. Hard work doesn’t count for shit anymore. Humans are invisible to these paranormals— we’re only useful for cleaning up their fucking messes.”

I mean, he had a point. Bob must’ve seen agreement on my face because he gave me a vigorous nod.

“You get it right? You may be a witch, but at least you’re human. Can’t you see things from my point of view?”

His voice had turned into a high-pitched whine, but now I could hear traces of the man who’d attacked Gary. I think I’d hear his voice— and Gary’s choked moans— in my sleep for months.

“Pretend like I do see things from your point of view. No one else is going to. The best thing you can do for yourself is to spill everything you know.”

Bob was silent for a long moment. I rolled my shoulders and let him think. Finally, he heaved a sigh.