“you gave up any right to comment on the subject when you threw my ring back in my face, didn't you?"She (Elly) stiffened."I didn't throw it back. I just sort of set in down on your desk." He (Cooper)shrugged."We each have our own version of events, Want some fries?”

“When you're looking for a hunter," she said, slipping out of her coat, "you go to places where they tend to congregate. Unfortunately, the Trap Door is just that sort of dive. The big surprise here is you. Back in aurora springs you didn't spend a lot of time in the usual hunter hangouts. You're not wearing your seal ring, either. What's up? are you here incognito or something?”

“How did you know I was here in town?""The old quarter here in Cadence is my neighborhood now," she said smoothly,"Let's just say I have my sources.""Right", He nodded, evidently satisfied and picked up his sandwich. "your mother phoned and told you I was on my way here to Cadence.”

“Relax Guild Boss. You have my word of honor that I won't tell a soul about your connection to Watson Whitaker." she winked. "Frankly,though, I doubt if the story would do you any real damage if it did get out. Might even give you a boost in the popularity ratings back home. People love legends.”

“You and I certainly had out issues, Cooper. But I never, for a moment, doubted that you could be trusted. My father told me once that your word was good amber. I have no reason to believe otherwise.”

“They were having sex on Gifford's desk, if you must know."Lucas's eyes glinted. "His desk, huh?""Yes." Amaryllis raised her chin, the better to look down her nose at him. "I would have thought it would have been extremely uncomfo rtable, but they appeared to enjoy it.”

“why are you ending our engagement then?""Because of the reason you fought it" (The duel)"I don't understand.""I know”