“What would be the point? If people knew you existed, the whole world would change – maybe the Feds would even recruit some of you, set up a sorcerer task force to take down organised crime. No, I got no interest in outing you people. But I do like your toys.”

Tanith smiled. “Then you know why I’m here.”

“You can’t have my bow. As you can see, I’m using it.”

“Not even if I ask nicely?”

“Not even. It’s just too handy. I’m not that good a shot – but all I have to do is point and release. Why would I ever give up something like that?”

“Because if you don’t, I’ll kill you?” Tanith suggested.

He chuckled. “And if you were closer to me with your sword drawn, I would definitely take you seriously.”

“Well, if I can’t threaten you, how about I bargain with you? How much will you sell it for?”

“It’s not for sale.”

“Of course it is.”

“Not for a price you could afford.”

“Mr Earl, you must realise that there is no way I’m leaving Chicago without that bow. You must know this.”

He nodded. “I figured as much.”

“Then you know I’ll either be taking the bow after paying you, or taking the bow and wiping your blood off my boots.”

“I know how dangerous you are, Miss Low. I know how dangerous your friends are. I’ve been listening to it all in my earpiece. You’ve all manner of monsters down there, don’t you?”

“And I didn’t even bring my vampire.”

“I have no wish to go to war with you over this. So if I have to kill you to finish this right here and now, I’ll kill you.”

“With all my friends outside? Really?”

He answered her smile with one of his own. “What’s that on your back?”

“My sword.”

“No, Miss Low, not the sword. What’s in the bag?”

She hesitated, then ever so slowly reached up, pulled the bag away from her shoulder. The bow’s drawstring tightened.

“Easy,” she said, and unzipped the bag halfway. She showed him the bow within.

Earl laughed. “You were going to switch them? Oh, I have to say – that is clever. That is some clever thinking you’ve got going on, Miss Low. I’m impressed.”

“Why thank you, Mr Earl. You wouldn’t want to swap by any chance, would you?”

“Very nice of you to offer, but I think I’ll stick with the original.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“So what’s it going to be? Do I kill you, or let you walk out of here? You’d better make up your mind fast – it’s taking quite a lot of effort to not shoot you.”