Extraits

“I see you’ve gotten an early start to training this morning,” I said, strolling up to him.

“Just trying to establish some discipline before all the careless frolicking sets in.”

“You should try it sometime. Careless frolicking. It significantly reduces the risk of curmudgeonism.”

“Curmudgeonism. Seems your vocabulary could use a bit of tweaking.”

“So could your attitude.”

With quiet steps, I strode toward her, seemingly unnoticed even as I arrived alongside the table. When she looked up again, a scream flew past her lips, and she tumbled backward. Before she hit the ground, I reached out and caught her.

Mouth gaping, she wore a quizzical expression, as I tipped her upright. “How …. That was …. Wow. Fast. Is that an angel thing, or something?” “It’s a not wanting to see you crack your head open thing.”

“Yeah. That would’ve made a horrible mess.”

“Just in case, I’ve packed some homemade deterrent spray for you.”

“Homemade?”

“Yes. Causes momentary blindness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nasty stuff.”

“Well, hopefully I don’t accidentally inhale it.”