"It's an expression," said Heiji. Talking to Mab was like talking to a space alien sometimes. Or like someone super, super old who barely knew any slang or anything, which he supposed she was. "Anyhow, clearly we've got different definitions of what's okay and what's not."

"I agree that we're going to have to deal with real conflicts in the future. But I don't think pickin' fights with anyone who looks at us funny is going to do us any favors. I think that makes us look weak, like we can't even handle some little girl mouthin' off without taking the nuclear option.

"Plus, the courts've only just agreed to make a move on the human world. You know how rare it is for them to agree on anything. You think there's gonna be unlimited appetite for takin' on everyone we don't like? I thought that's why we talked to the wolves -- 'cause we don't want to be actively fighting with everyone in London. Plus, this is a whole different era. We can't always just do things the way we used to just because it's the way we've always done it."

At least he was coming out of this conversation with something, though. "I don't think I need to know the particulars, actually. Or rather, I can investigate the rest on my own. I just wanted to know who you are and why you do what ya do. And now I think I understand a little better. So thanks, I guess. I can't promise you that I'll never interfere again, but... I'll try and make more 'suggestions'. That oughtta be good enough, right?"