“No. No more surprises. No more secrets. Or so help me, I will rip off your own leg and beat you with it.”

“I was surprised by the growl that wanted to well up in my throat.... I told myself it was stress, not my illness's way of saying, Get your own take-out.”

“Pam," Issy attempted, voice high with fear. "I can tell you, from this side of the fence..you really need to calm down.""I will shoot you in the face if you say one more word to me," I fumed."So noted.""I am so glad that I am an only child," Coalhouse remarked quietly.”

“I felt like crawling off and finding a way to kick myself in the rear. One twist of the leg, might not be too hard.”

“Anyway, the sickness kick-starts the brain, reanimates the body after death. I could go into more detail,but you know, we have these great visual aids out here, which would really help me out...""Nice try."I heard him chuckle. I willed myself not to like the sound. And I undid one of the locks.”

“I want him to explain a few things to me, before I beat the prion-whatevers out of him.”

“Miss Dearly, please understand! You're in danger! I'm here to help you..your father would want me to help you!"This was such a ridiculous statement that I unthinkingly ceased my efforts to free myself,if only for a second."My father is dead! Unless you've come from the hereafter,I'm pretty sure you've no idea what he wants!”