I hate what you represent." ... "Power without conviction." Isana replied, her tone lifeless, matter of fact. "Ambition without conscience. Decent folk suffer at the hands of those like you.

I'd been in hairier situations than this one. Actually, it's sort of depressing, thinking how many times I'd been in them. But if experience had taught me anything, it was this: No matter how screwed up things are, they can get a whole lot worse.

You're in America now," I said. "Our idea of diplomacy is showing up with a gun in one hand and a sandwich in the other and asking which you'd prefer.

You know the law, Dresden." "He who kills the cheer springs for beer," chanted the rest of the table.

Wait. You work for me?" "I prefer to think of it as managing your incompetence.

Whenever it gets too dark, think of the good things you have, the good times you've had. It will help. I promise.

Me and polite have never been on close terms.