Carrion Comfort

by Dan Simmons

Irritated, Haines brushed imaginary lint from his gray slacks.

I thought "imaginary lint" was a verbal tic from Romantasy authors, but I guess it is more pervasive. It's been in classic horror since the 80's!

but he recognized the fear and welcomed it back—knowing very well that it had never left—and let it flow through him and past him rather than over him.

lovely Dune reference