“Are you okay?”“Well, I’d prefer to be in my own bedroom at home, dreaming of ponies and rainbows, but since I’m stuck here, I guess I’m as good as I can be.”

“I’m too romantic for my own good. And okay, you get kicked in the butt sometimes. But, frankly, I’d rather have, you know — actual sentiments. Than. You know? You know what I mean?”

“So how’s it going?”“Okay. Glad to be home, I guess. Gus told me you were in the ICU?”“Yeah,” I said.“Sucks,” he said.“I’m a lot better now,” I said. “I’m going to Amsterdam tomorrow with Gus.”“I know. I’m pretty well up-to-date on your life, because Gus never. Talks. About. Anything. Else.”

“Now, before you begin to worry, the section of the gaol that I’m standing in is completely secure. No problems here. I’m not in any danger whatsoever.”“And the section I’m standing in?”“Well,” he said, “the important thing to remember is that I’m perfectly safe.”Valkyrie sighed. “I’m stuck in here with the bad guys, aren’t I?”“Or you could be glass-half-full about it and say that they are stuck in there with you. Which might make you feel better.”

“Well then, I guess I’m man enough to admit that I’m trying to get in touch with my inner bitch.”

“I’m here to right wrongs and I’m gonna do it, Angel. You told me I’d had my last chance but I don’t accept that and I won’t. If you tell me now that my explanation is not enough and you want me gone, I’m not goin’. I’m not giving up. I got one part of my life’s dream still open to me, very sign she gives me is screaming that she’s standing in my arms right now and I’m not gonna be ninety years old, looking back on my life and regretting that I gave up that dream.”