How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Across the garden stands the fence where years ago I carved my name. The angel treated the scratchings like a holy relic. His only proof of me. I was so often tempted to scrub the letters off. After a while, the weather did it for me. Now there's no word, no name, no proof, just the fence. (14.2)
One word stands out to us here: relic. Finnigan doesn't talk about his name scratched into the fence as though it's a reminder or symbol; instead, it's something with a holy connotation. Perhaps that's because it's communication between a devil and angel.
Quote #8
There's an antiseptic smell in the room. Also: trepidation. Also: me. Finally he opens his eyes. Their color's the same—gasoline-blue. You look like you've seen a ghost, I say; he smiles and says, Finnigan. (16.11)
In some ways, Finnigan is a ghost, or at least some kind of apparition since he's actually part of Gabriel. What's even more telling is the fact that we don't get these lines verbalized between the two, but written in italics (not dialogue). You might have noticed this is how some of Gabriel's thoughts are written, too…
Quote #9
And the morning after I argued with Finnigan between the ramshackle fence and the chicken shed, Surrender brought home a small slain piglet which I buried in a race against the sun which rose unstoppably, like a vengeful spirit, to expose the crime. "Surrender," I whispered, "be careful," but the dog was already sleeping on the lawn, worn out by his escapades. (17.16)
Even the way Gabriel talks about his dog's killing sprees and victims seems other-worldly. It's clear that Gabriel does believe in other spirits and beings, even though this is said as somewhat of a joke. To him, everything can rise again—even animals.