“Yeah, really scary," agreed Zoe, struggling not to laugh. "Like Bambi with an Uzi.”

“Victor patted my hand. 'I like you, Sky. You're a fighter.''I am, aren't I? Hear that, Zed? No more bambi comparisons. I'm a Rottweiler -with a temper.''A very small Rottweiler,' said Zed, still not convinced.”

“Xav bounded out behind him. “Yeah, Phee equals You-She squared. I’ve been working on that one: like it?”

“I really, really like you, Sky. But if I don't stop now, your dad will kill me and that will be the end of a beautiful friendship.”

“Yeah, well, not many boys take their girls out on a duck shoot with them as target for a first date. You have to give me points for style.”

“How am I going to help you?”“You are going to jump.”“Ha.”“You are.”“Have you done this before?”“Yeah, with fruit.” That was Xav.“And why am I not reassured?”

“So you got Phoenix back,” declared Karla, clapping her hands in delight. “That’s lovely.”“I’m more on loan,” I muttered.“Yeah, my little library book.”