“Go force your condescending man-logic on the next house. You can go now.”

“Cabel calls Captain.Komisky."Sir, any chance Janie and I can be seen together now?"Under the circumstances, that would pretty damn much make my day, yes. Besides, the Wilder cocaine case got settled on Monday. He pleaded guilty."You rock, sir."Yes, yes, I know. Go out to a movie or something, will you?"Right away. Thank you."And stop bothering me.”

“Be careful or you might go to school tomorrow flushed with sex.”

“Cabel regards Janie and sighs. 'I know you can handle it, Janie. You're such a damn martyr. It's tiring, really, having this same argument with you every time you've got shit happening. Just let it go. I'm not leaving.' He smiles faux-diplomatically.”

“When would you like to go out with me so we can talk about it?" A grin flirts with his lips.He's got her cornered.And he knows it.Janie chuckles, defeated. "You are such a bastard.""When," he demands. "I promise, all my heart, I'll be your house elf for the rest of my life if I fail to meet you at the appointed date and time." He leans forward. "Promise," he says again. He holds up two fingers.The bell rings.They stand up.She's not answering.He comes around the table toward her and pushes her gently against the wall. Sinks his lips into hers. He tastes like spearmint. She can't stop the flipping in her stomach.He pulls back and touches her cheek, her hair. "When," he whispers. UrgentlyShe clears her throat and blinks. "A-a-after school works for me," she says.”

“Do you think Cabel knows?"Have you thought about asking him?"Janie glances up to read her face. Bites her quivering lip to still it. "We're not exactly on speaking terms right now."Captain sighs. "I gathered that." Carefully she says, "Cabel has his own demons and if he doesn't get on with killing them soon, I'm going to kick his ass...”

“Cabel smiles and hangs up. "Guess what."What," Janie says.We can go out on our first date."Woo hoo!"And guess what else- You're buying."Me? Why?"Because you lost the bet."Janie thinks for a moment. Punches Cabel in the arm. "You did not fail five quizzes or tests!"I did. I have proof.”