“Stifling an obscene oath, I went back up the steps at a run, but I was locking the stable when the horse was already at the airport with a false passport.”

“I could dodge the kick, but the stable door was already down - and I hadn't even realised it until I saw the splinters.”

“Could it hurt to take a look? The answer was yes, of course. It's always yes. But I went anyway.”

“Elaine: He saved my life twice. He's the only grown-up I know who keeps his promises.Michael: Yes. It is a point of pride with him. But please — don't mistake it for a virtue.”

“I have stared into the light and you are all my shadows.”

“And there's a darker side to Peckham, too, once you get in deep: a side I like a lot more, because I identify with the past and prefer even worm-eaten wood to wipe-clean plastic.”

“I took a strong dislike to him right then to save time and effort later.”