"I'm talking about the demon that was about to trip you into messing up and hurting that guy, which, from the huge coffee stain on him, I'm going to guess isn't the first time.There you go, question answered," he said, in a voice too quiet for Takeo to hear. He drank a little more milk before adding, "You know, back in the day they used to put good luck charms, or just some salt on the doorway, to keep those things out. But I guess that's just not how it goes no more, huh? Grow some rosemary or something."

He breathed deep, and added. "And yes, 'probably.' Depends on the bad luck. It's not my thing. I just do flowers. Can I have a little more milk? Don't worry, I got money."