“Thruor. We have a problem.”

“Okay?”

“Tyz’vel seems to have managed to kidnap Loki.”
She blinked then laughed. “I think Tyz’vel’s likely to come off the worst.”

“Coyote’s worried.”

She sobered a little. “Tyz’vel’s gunning for King of Hell. How would kidnapping Loki help?”

“Well, either as bait to attract me, or if he thinks Loki might take his side.”

“Loki knows better than to interfere with infernal politics. What about the angel?”

I shook my head. “I haven’t swung by the church yet.” Which if the angel was around would be where I’d find him. It almost seemed to be an agreement, that – that he’d be there if needed.

Thruor nodded. “See if you can find out what he knows. I’ll try talking to Odin.”

“Odin probably doesn’t want to interfere with infernal politics either.”

“Nobody does,” Thruor admitted. “But…”

“But Loki wanted Tyz’vel to go away and stop bothering me.” I knew that was the truth. And really, it was one of the more fatherly things he’d done. “And I want Tyz’vel to be…dealt with. Long term. Permanent.”

I did want him dead. Sort of. I wasn’t sure how to achieve it.

“Which might be what Loki is up to. Are you sure we should go charging in?”

“No,” I admitted. “I’ll go talk to the angel.” I really wished he’d admit to a name. “If you see Kanesha, have her look up Zaid.”

“The Egyptian?”

“He knows things we don’t. Or she.” I still wasn’t sure which to use.

“Alright. I’ll trust your instincts.”

I looked at the time. Father William wouldn’t have locked the church up yet. I wasn’t sure I wanted to involve him in this, but I might have no choice.

I had an angel to find. I smiled at Thruor and turned to walk down the street. I trusted her. I trusted…it was interesting to think of how many people I trusted.

Allies were good. Friends were better.
The angel would never be a friend. But he did seem to be more or less on my side. I kept a wary eye for anyone following me, but all I saw was one of Freya’s warriors, who gave me a salute from a street corner.

I returned it, contemplating that Freya probably didn’t want to involve herself in infernal politics either.