"Them that know me call me the Shade." he replied simply. "And it ain't well known, but new homes fall within my sphere of influence as readily as death 'n grief do."

Stepping closer, he offered her his hand to shake.

"I'm a death god, little soldier--and you are a soldier. Look to your gut, you know I'm speakin' truthfully. I'm here to look out for you...and to see you safely through that door."