Sass followed me in silence as I ascended the stairs back to the kitchen, not sure what to think about the black ribbon clinging so happily to my wrist. The silver Persian leaped up on the table with a soft grunt while I headed for the coffee pot, not so ready to go to bed as I thought.

"Tell me that thing isn't going to attack you at the least opportune moment." His voice sounded as tired as I felt.

I managed a shrug as I ...