The sword was sheathed and hidden as best I could before I stepped back inside. I counted on my desire for it not to be seen for the rest, but Thruor had taught me not to entirely rely on it.

Mr. Sams stepped out of the office. “You’re not to leave. Social services is going to come and pick you up. They have a place for you.”

I nodded a little bit, not intending to stay at all. “Kanesha Clem is with me.”

“Aha. Well, get her to stick around too…she’s one of your housemates, right?”

“Right.”

What arrangements would they make? None that were, could be, safe. Maybe I could go for emancipation. Get it and then leave, walk away. Tyr would want me to act within the law.

Loki would want me to do what I needed to do and kick the butts of anyone who got in my way.

“I’ll be outside,” I continued, stepping outside. “Bad news, Kanesha. Social services have caught up with us.”
She made a face. “We’ll be lucky if they found a place for us that isn’t juvie.”

I shuddered, but knew it had happened. And I couldn’t just bide my time until I turned 18 and they kicked me out. “They said they had a place for me, at least. And they’re not putting you in there.”

Mike, leaning against the squad car, shook his head. “There’s a better solution. They’re coming here?”

I nodded.

“Okay, then let me do the talking. And that includes you, Warwick.”
Warwick was shaking a little. I turned to him, quietly, “What did you see?”

“I saw fire.”

I nodded. “Fire giants. Most people would have just seen scary looking thugs.”

“Oh great. Maybe it’s because I was warned.”

“Probably.” People’s ability to deny reality only went so far. But he could also have a hunter’s vision, like Seb. In which case, it was a good thing Mike had him under his wing.

“And you…who are you?”
A pause. “I can’t just reveal that in the street. Not yet. I’m one of the good guys…is that enough for you?”

He considered that. “Would be better if you had a badge on.”

“People like me don’t follow the rules too well.” Which I knew was true. And now, knowing who I was, how could I take orders from a desk sergeant.

I couldn’t.