The character was both easier and harder the longer he kept it up. Gus had been playing this role for more than twenty years: it wasn't Hanamura that would going to make him break, he told himself. Or whatever avenging angel Castiel claimed to be. Even if both names would be added to a very short list in his head.

But whatever God Castiel reported to surely knew how frustrating this was becoming, and he allowed some of that to leech through, rubbing his temples. "Do you think I asked for this, Mr. Hanamura? I was just..." He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, wiping his hands over his face. "I-- I can't even take it to the police, can I? There is nothing I can do."

But oh, he would find a way later on.