“I'm touched, Rixon. A bomb. How elaborate. Why didn't you keep things simple and just march inside my bedroom one night and put a bullet between my eyes?”

“You killed my Dad." Any trace of kindness or sympathy vanished from Rixon's eyes. "Well this is awkward.”

“Maggots squirming in your eyeholes...and your other orifices, might be carrying things a bit too far.""This is why I keep you around, Rixon. Always seeing things from the bright side.”

“What the hell?!" Vee shrieked. "Why did you shoot him Rixon?" "Citizen's arrest," he said. "Well, that, and Patch told me too.""You can't shoot people just because Patch says to!" Vee said, her eyes wild.”

“I nibbled my lower lip. "If you could see into my past just by touching my back, you'd have a hard time resisting the temptation too.""I have a hard time keeping my hands off you without that added bonus.”

“Cheshvan starts tonight," Rixon said, "What are you doing arsing around in a graveyard?""Thinking.""Thinking?""A process by which I use my brain to make a rational decision.”

“I had fun last night," I told Patch, flicking off my chin strap and handing over my helmet. "I'm officially in love with your sheets." "That the only thing you're in love with?""Nope. Your mattress, too."Some smile crept into Patch's eyes. "My bed's an open invitation.”