“The zeal of the stupid in her, Chris began turning pages as if it were the winter solstice gift catalog, earmarking pages and cooing in delight at the new possibilities.”

“Boots and leather jackets were strewn on her bed, and what looked like a new knife set. She’d taken a class last winter and was dying to try them out legally on someone.”

“We’re going to swim it.” I flipped forward a few pages. “Underwater.” Jenks blinked. “Rache, you gotta stop using that sugar substitute.Under the water? Do you know how cold it is?”

“I gestured my frustration. “I don’t know. She’s much better already. She wasn’t talking half an hour ago.Look at her now.”We all turned, finding Ceri sobbing quietly and drinking her tea in small reverent sips as the pixy girlshovered over her. Three were plating her long, fair hair and another was singing to her.Okay,” I said as we turned back. “Bad example.”

“I like where I live,” he said, landing behind the side pocket in his best Peter Pan pose. “You two women are too flaky to put my family in your hands. Just ask anyone here. They’d agree with me!” Ivy huffed and turned her back on him, muttering under her breath, but I could tell she was relieved her new landlord wasn’t her mom.”

“Don’t you listen to them, Rexy,” I cooed, and the cat sniffed my nose. “Rachel is a smart girl. She’s not going to go out with a ghost no matter how sexy he is. She knows better. Jenkskie wenskie can just get bent.” I beamed at Jenks, and he made an ugly face. “Rache, put my cat down before you mess with her kitty brain.”

“I ought to file charges of uncommon stupidity against you for letting her try this alone." ~ Newt, Black Magic Sanction, Kim Harrison”