Kathy Reichs Quotes

I now had the pleasure of her company 24/7.
Joy.
Kit broke the awkward silence. "This looks delicious, honey. You've done it again." Grinning, he raised his fork in a mock salute.
My dad, the dork.
I suppressed a sigh. If this silly, white-gloved dingbat made my father happy - and I knew she did - it was my solemn duty as his progeny to suffer it.

Tory a father isn't supposed to fear his fourteen-year-old daughter. That being sad, you terrify me.

I know about the torture and assassination, Detective Galiano. That's why I'm in Guatemala.

Ben launched himself from the building.
BEN!
For the second time in two nights, I watched in horror as Ben sailed through the air. His arms pinwheeled as he dropped toward the shimmering inkblot below.
Ben hit with a thunderous splash and disappeared beneath the water. Heart in my throat, I willed him to resurface.
Ben. Ben, are you okay?!
My bond with Ben grew fuzzy. Tenuous. Then it broke altogether. Frantic, I unleashed a swell of love for Ben I didn't know existed. All my hopes and cares burst outward. In a split second, I bared my soul.
The water rippled.
I never knew you cared.

Hi, already doused, was nonchalant. "Did the bad Indian throw you in the water, boy?" Taking a knee, he ruffled Coop's ears. "Been there."
Hi was referring to Ben's claim of ties to the Sewee, a North American clan folded into the Catawba tribe centuries ago. He'd even named his boat Sewee.
"I feel your pain," Hi continued. "Thanksgiving was a huge mistake."
Coop licked Hi's face.
"Not nice," I joked. "You'll sour Jewish-Sewee relations."
"It's true, I take it back," Hi said. "Our peoples have a rich history of mutual respect. Long live the alliance!

Bones tell me the story of a person's life - how old they were, what their gender was, their ancestral background.

Who's going to rob us? A crackhead crab? A jellyfish junkie?

I only run if chased. Even then, I'm only going hard enough to outrun the next slowest person

First ignored. Then attacked. I need new friends and a lawyer. ~ Hi

Gritty and witty, The Chicago Way is done the classic Raymond Chandler Way. Harvey's taut plot, snappy prose, and memorable characters make this debut novel a real winner.

Then Ben tugged my elbow. Nodded to his left.
"Kit?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you pull the car around? I'll be there in a sec."
Kit's gaze flicked to Ben, then he nodded. "Five minutes."
As my father strode away, Shelton and Hi both unleashed dramatic yawns.
"Welp." Hi stretched his arms over his head. "I'd better go check on various things that aren't right here. You coming, Shelton?"
"Oh, you know it." Hiding a smile. "Stuff to do. No time to waste."
They hurried off together, chuckling quietly.
Thanks, guys. This couldn't be more awkward.
Ben was looking at me, a soft smile on his lips.
Panic.

Though Anne was born in Alabama and schooled in Mississippi, she had traveled North, and, like many Southerners, gained a theoretical understanding of the concept of cold. But the mind is an overprotective parent. What it doesn't care for, it hides. Like many inhabiting the subtropics, Anne had repressed the reality of subzero mercury.

Hey, check this weirdo out." Hi was inspecting a bust on the mantel. "This face is ninety percent eyebrow. What do you want to bet he owned slaves?"
Scowling to match the carving's expression, Hi spoke in a gravelly voice. "In my day, we ate the poor people. We had a giant outdoor grill, and we cooked up peasant steaks every Sunday."

So I'm not using anything but two-ply from now on," Hi was saying. "Otherwise, the stuff just shreds - "
Noting Shelton's expression, he abruptly cut off. Turned. Went beet red.
"Hey." Sitting down as if nothing was unusual. "You know Ella. Okay if she joins us?"
"Okay if she joins us?" Shelton repeated. "I mean, yes. Join us. Okay."
"I was talking about art supplies," Hi blurted. "I'm into papier-mâché.

In greeting, we Southerners say "hey" not "hi." To alert, draw the attention of, or show objection to another, we also say "hey," but air is expelled and the ending is truncated. This

Where is the dog tag you found?"
"What?" Shelton yipped. "We…lost it."
"Where?"
"In the woods. After we ran."
"Where in the woods? Ran from what?"
"Oh, uh…Tory dropped the tag when we ran from…whatever."
"From whatever?" Hi hammered. "Did you see men with guns or not?"
"Um, no. I guess not."
"You guess?"
"It was dark." Shelton struggled. "I realize now that nobody was there."
"Then what did you hear?"
"Uh, er…pops. Like sticks breaking?"
Shelton's responses were growing increasingly feeble.
"How many? From which direction?"
"Lots. Like, from everywhere."
Hi's eyebrows shot up. "You heard 'lots' of 'pops like sticks' coming from everywhere? That's your story?"
"Wait, no, not everywhere. From the…left?

I try to be open-minded, to judge each individual on merit and accomplishment. I hold no bias against any belief system, sexual orientation, or skin color that differs from mine. I do not hate in stereotype.

That's just stupid, Tory! Quit being so damn stubborn!"
"Not a chance! You've got some kind of death wish! We can't even trust our power lately. They're too erratic for a public heist."
Ben thumped the steering wheel in frustration. "Maybe for you."
I glowered at Ben from the backseat. I'd given Hi shotgun, having sensed this argument was inevitable. I didn't want to be close. The urge to slap might become overpowering.
"Why don't we all use our friendly words?" Hi suggested. "Let's take five, and everyone can say something we like about each other. I'll start. Shelton, you're super at - "
"Shut up, Hi!" Ben and I shouted, the first thing we'd agreed upon all morning.

Many fiction writers who put the science in don't get it right.

I needed him here like I needed a yeast infection.

She gave me a conspiratorial wink. "He's cute."
Gross.
Whitney discussing my friends was straight-up creepy.
Though he is cute. No denying that.
"I dunno. Maybe."
"Would you like me to speak to his mother?" Whitney leaned close. "If you're uncomfortable inviting a boy, we could arrange for him to ask you."
I wanted to punch her face.
He already offered, you dolt. Everything's not as simple as you are.

He'll have nightmares about Kit diving for his knees," Hi added. "I'm pretty sure that was an illegal tackle. Chop block. Something.

Remember, I might be the wind, but you control the kite.

Parallel tough-guy nods. Man fix boat! Man be strong!
"What now?" I asked, hoping to divert the two from actually beating their chests.

Jason shot to his feet, nostrils flaring. Ben stopped dead.
The cafeteria went still. Everyone watched the boys square off.
"Im not a violent person, Blue." Jason bit off the words. "But Ive had enough of your mouth. Ill kick your ass right here."
Ben's jaw tightened. "You think so, rich boy?"
"You heard me." A vein was bulging in Jason's neck.
Ben's breathing quickened. The tiniest spark of gold flickered in his irises.
My stomach backflipped.
Oh my God! He's going to flare!
"Get him out of here!" I hissed at Shelton and Hi. "Hurry!"
Recognizing the danger, Hi jumped to his feet, planted both hands on Ben's chest and pushed him towards the door, whispering, "Use your head, use your head, use your head!"
Ben tried to hold his ground, but Shelton joined the effort. "Get it together! People are watching. Dont lose control!"
Slowly, the duo managed to back Ben away, but his glare never strayed from Jason. At the exit, Ben shrugged free, and stalked down the hall alone.
I took my first breath since Jason stood.
Crisis averted, but only barely.

What do you think the message means?" Hi tapped the lone word on the sign.
Chance snorted. "It means, Hiram, that whoever did this thinks I'm a traitor."
"Join the club." Ben said.

Let's do it. Monkeys are always funny. You pretty much can't go wrong with a monkey, right? Hi paused. Well unless that monkey wants you dead, or does needle drugs or something. Then it's wrong, and a bad monkey.

I have a rule that has served me well in life. When in doubt, do nothing. If you're not sure, don't buy it, don't comment, don't commit. Sit tight. Deviation from this maxim has usually caused me regret.

a monster. Morris was exposed and sitting smack in her path. No one really

We staying out here today?" Hi rubbed his chin as if considering the proposition, his Bolton Prep blazer flipped inside-out with the lining exposed. "Mr. Terenzoni might not be willing to yell his lesson plan out the window.

She wanted to feel safe. Untouchable in her home. The ultimate female fantasy.

If he scratches my baby . . ." Ben tried to scowl, but it didn't take. He seemed relieved. And still hadn't let go of my hand.
I heard a shoe scuff the ground. Shelton and Hi were standing across from Ben and me.
Shelton took a deep breath. "So it's like that, huh?"
"Guys." I felt my stomach lurch. "I know this is weird. Ben and I, we - "
Hi's face was pained. "I don't even get a chance? No shot to say how I feel?"
My head jerked back. "What?"
"So it's all decided." Shelton sullenly kicked a rock, his voice resentful. "What does Ben have that I don't?"
I stared, openmouthed.
Hi dropped to a knee and pinned me with solemn eyes. "I can't hide it anymore, Victoria. You need to know the truth. I love you, too. Forever and ever. I want to be your sweet babushka."
My mind reeled. "Hi, I . . . I didn't - "
"I'm gonna wring your stupid necks." Ben's face was burning.
Hi burst out laughing, rolling away from his kick. I glanced at Shelton, who was trying - and failing - to hold it together.
"I love you, Tory Brennan!" Hi bounced to his feet, ready to bolt at Ben's slightest twitch. "Let me rub your supple feet!"
I covered my face with both hands. "Oh God.

I hated myself for needing him at such times, for craving his strength whenever I felt upset.

the guy had a hot date

He left as silently as he'd come. Pierre LaManche favored crepe-soled shoes, kept his pockets empty so nothing jangled or swished. Like a croc in a river he arrived and departed unannounced by auditory cues. Some of the staff found it unnerving.

I do interviews and signings and readings and all of these people just hang off my every word. And then I go home and have dinner with my family and nobody lets me get a word in.

then flats of marigolds and petunias. Made of sterner stuff, I figured, their sort might survive my regime of horticultural neglect.

His ears and nose were raspberry red, and when he spoke, a cloud of vapor billowed from his mouth. I wanted to tell him to cover his ears, immediately felt like my mother, and didn't. He's a big boy. If his lobes crack off, he'll deal with it.

I desecrated my own house?" Chance snorted in disbelief. "Then swam out to Fort Sumter and played paint-by-numbers on the walls, all to make Benjamin Blue like me? Don't flatter yourself, kid."
Ben's eyes cut like diamonds. "You act like such a big shot. But you don't fool me. Do you have any friends, Chance? Is there a single person who cares where you are right now?"
"Ben!" I blurted, horrified. "That's not - "
"You're one to talk." Chance stepped closer to Ben and matched him glare for glare. "I've never betrayed my friends. Not like you, eh, Benjamin?"
Ben's whole body went still. "What did you say?"
"Guys, guys!" Hi half rose, palms up. "There's no need for anyone to get upset. I've got Go-Gurt in the mini-fridge. I know when I get hungry, my manners can - "
"Shut up, Hi." Ben and Chance, in unison.

The military loves its alphabet soup. At CILHI, I was issued a glossary of acronyms as thick as my arm. KIA/BNR: killed in action, body not recovered. DADCAP: dawn and dusk combat air patrol; AACP: advance airborne command post; TRF: tuned radio frequency. Or trident refit facility. I guess context is important for that one. But you get the idea. It makes a civilian want to join the AAAAAA: the Association for the Abolition of Abused Abbreviations and Asinine Acronyms.

I tend to watch a lot of movies at home. It's nice to be close to the refrigerator with my pyjamas on and just relax.

High school popularity is so fickle.

I was a university professor, I could talk on and on and on. Give me a podium and you have to drag me off with a hook.

Or was the chill I felt triggered by forces other than wind?

Hi shook his head. The guy's not a rocket scientist. Or a rock scientist. He's dumb, is what I'm saying.

The air's okay," Jake

What gives my books authenticity is that I actually do what it is I'm writing about. I think the fact that I am in the autopsy room, I go to the crime scene and I do work in the lab gives my books this flavor that otherwise they wouldn't have.

Won't you take me to Monkey-Town?

You're the coolest thing alive," Hi breathed, as close to the bonewhite reptile as he dared. "Don't let anyone tell you different.

Booth: "You're a smart ass, you know that?"
Brennan: "Objectively I'd say I'm very smart, although it has nothing to do with my ass.

Though a good cop, Luc Claudel has the patience of a firecracker, the sensitivity of Vlad the Impaler, and a persistent skepticism as to the value of forensic anthropology.
Snappy dresser, though.

Baravetto was unconscious when we found him," Hi said. "What'd you do to the guy?"
"Kicked him in the balls, then brained him with a rolling pin. Twice.

Whom to invite? Upon which gallant young men should I bestow the honor of walking me across a ballroom three time?
Such a hot ticket. I don't want to start a riot.

The larger buildings are now rented out and house schools and institutions more secular in mission where the Internet and fax machine replace Scripture and theological discourse as the working paradigm. Perhaps it's a good metaphor for modern society. We're too absorbed in communicating among ourselves to worry about an almighty architect.

Ella finished her burger and dug into a side of fries. Hi watched, enraptured.
She couldn't help but notice. "Would you like one?"
"What? Sure." Hi smiled, made no move.
After a moment, Ella nudged the bowl his way. "Careful, they're still hot."
"Oh, no problem." Hi fumbled for a fry. "I like food that's hot."
I caught Shelton slowly shaking his head.
"Oh, shoot!" Ella winced. "I forgot to stop by the office. My mother had to drop off my shin guards." She slid her fries over to Hi. "Enjoy. They're hot, which apparently you like."
"Got that right. Hot hot hot!" Hi awkwardly shoved another fry into his mouth.
"Okay, wow." Ella gathered her things, then brushed my cheek with a kiss. "Later, Tor." Shouldering her bag, she hurried from the cafeteria.
A loud thunk drew my attention back to the table.
Hi's forehead was resting on his tray. "Tell me that wasn't as bad as I think."
"Worse," Shelton said. "So, so much worse."
Then head rose, then thunked back down. "I don't remember parts. I think I lost time."
I patted his shoulder. "That's probably for the best."
"Such." Thunk. "A." Thunk. "Dumbass." Thunk.
Shelton laughed nervously. "See? That's why I don't talk."
Hi's face shot up. "Tell her I have brain seizures. A serious medical condition. Or that I have an evil twin who sometimes takes my place, but can't talk for crap."
"Got it," I promised. His head dropped once more.

Ashe is the energy that permeates the universe. It's in everything - people, animals, plants, rocks. The orishas are mega-repositories. Spells, ceremonies, and invocations are all conducted to acquire ashe. Ashe gives the power to change things - to solve problems, subdue enemies, win love, acquire money. Ebbo is the concept of sacrifice. It's what you do to get ashe. Ebbo can be an offering of fruit, flowers, candles, or food, or it can involve animal sacrifice. Priests and priestesses are known as santeros and

Instead, I gave them the only salute I could think of.
Two middle fingers. Held high for emphasis.
The six fiery orbs winked out at once. Hopefully, they'd died from affront.
Ben eyed me sideways as he maneuvered from shore. "What in the world are you doing?"
"Those red-eyed jerks were on the cliff," I spat, then immediately felt silly. "All I could think of."
Ben made an odd huffing sound I couldn't interpret. For a shocked second, I thought he was furious with me.
"Nice work, Victoria." Ben couldn't hold the laughter inside. "That oughta do it!"
I flinched, surprised by his reaction. Ben, cracking up at a time like this?
He had such a full, honest laugh - I wished I heard it more. Infectious, too. I couldn't help joining in, though mine came out in a low Beavis and Butthead cackle. Which made Ben howl even more.
In an instant, we were both in stitches at the absurdity of my one-finger salutes. At the insanity of the evening. At everything. Tears wet my eyes as Sewee bobbed over the surf, circling the southeast corner of the island. It was a release I desperately needed.
Ben ran a hand through his hair, then sighed deeply. "I love it," he snickered, steering Sewee through the breakers, keeping our speed to a crawl so the engine made less noise. "I love you, sometimes."
Abruptly, his good humor cut off like a guillotine. Ben's body went rigid. I felt a wave of panic roll from him, as if he'd accidently triggered a nuclear

My first book was the most successful debut novel in the U.K. ever and every one of my books has reached number one in the U.K. Clearly the British know brilliance when they see it.

Static cackled from the cafeteria speaker. A bored female voice come on. "Victoria Brennan, please report to the headmaster's office. Victoria Brennan to the headmaster's office."
Classmates glanced our way. Whispers sprang up around me.
"Not good." Shelton was reaching for his earlobe.
"Tell them you have amnesia," Hi said. "Or dementia. Pretend you're Joan of Arc."
"Thanks for the support, guys. If I'm not back for class, look for my body in the harbor."
Hiram's hand flew up. "I call her iTunes collection. Shelton can have the mutt."
"Nice.

It's not even a full court shot. Blindfolded. Underhand. With a bowling ball. ~ Shelton

Moments later, Hawfield walked in. He wasn't alone.
"You've got to be kidding!" Hi blurted.
Carmine Corcoran's scowl was as deep as ever. He'd lost a few pounds, but was still a large man, with muttonchop sideburns and a bristly black mustache. His hair was graying at the temples, making him appear more distinguished than his forty-five years merited.
Ruth popped the back of her son's head. "Mind your manners, Hiram."
"Why does everyone do the?" Hi muttered. "And child abuse. In front of the police, I might add.

Experience is a valuable thing. It enables us to recognize mistakes when we repeat them.

For an hour we talked of Anne and that famous farm on Prince Edward Island. Thus the friendship began.

My own walls caved. Tears trickled from the corner of my eyes.
Then strong arms enveloped me.
"Don't cry." Ben's hot breath on my cheek. "We'll find her. And the twins. I promise."
"Don't make promises you can't keep," I hiccupped. "People always do that."
"I mean it." Firmly spoken. "I won't let us fail. Not at this."
The sobs broke free. I burrowed into Ben's chest, letting everything go. I cried and cried and cried, unthinking, releasing a week's worth of pent-up emotion in a few hot seconds.
Ben held me, silent, softly rubbing my back.
A thought floated from somewhere far away.
This isn't so bad.
I pushed away, gently breaking Ben's embrace. Looked into his eyes. His face was a whisper from mine.
I thought of Ben's confession during the hurricane. How he'd wanted to be more than just packmates. Emotions swirled in my chest, making me dizzy. Off balance.
"Ben . . . I . . ."
"Tory?"
My father's voice sent us flying apart as if electroshocked.
Kit was descending the steps, an odd look on his face.
"Yes?" Discreetly wiping away tears.
I saw a thousand questions fill Kitt's eyes, but, thankfully, he kept them shelved.
"I hate to do this, kiddo, but Whitney's party starts in an hour. She's trying to be patient, but, frankly, that isn't her strong suit."
"No. Right." I stood, smoothing clothes and hair. "Mustn't keep the Duchess waiting."
Kit frowned. "Say the word, and we cancel right

We caught him," I said. "Thats the fun part." For us, at least. I doubt the fish would agree.

Ben sighed loudly. "Can you help Tory or not?"
Jason's cool slipped a notch. "If you don't need anything, why are you here?"
"I'm studying jerkoffs in the wild," Ben answered dryly. "This seemed like a good chance to observe one up close.

I have come to think of violence as a self-perpetuating mania of the power of the aggressive over those less strong.

Chance wore a white tuxedo with tails. On anyone else? Doopy. On him? Yes, please.

Hiram!' Shelton ran to Hi's side. 'Aren't you you bleeding? I thought she shot you!'
'Red wine. When I saw it running everywhere, I played dead.' He winced as Shelton poked his belly. 'But I'm not leaping off any more shelves. That was pretty stupid.

The four of us piled inside. Hi pressed five. The doors slid shut.
"Hope nobody else needs a lift," Shelton whispered.
"We can make something up," Hi hissed. "Say we lost our pony."
I snorted. "And came to report it at one a.m.?"
"Better than breaking in to steal evidence," Hi countered. "Maybe we loved that pony.

Window. I felt anxious and

Im studying jerkoffs in the wild," Ben answered dryly. "This seemed like a good chance to view one up close.

Jason had attended debutante balls. Knew the drill. My crew would have to conduct research on YouTube. Jason was popular on the cotillion scene. My guys weren't even on the radar. Asking Jason would get Whitney off my back. Inviting only Morris Island boys might plummet her into a depression.

Why do all your brilliant ideas involve felonies?

If you want to be an anthropologist, you need to study physical anthropology specialized in bones. If you want to be a forensic chemist, get a degree in chemistry. Do you want to do DNA work? Get a degree in microbiology. And do well. Study hard and go to graduate school.

Americans have become a nation afraid." "Of?" "A shooter on a rampage in a school cafeteria. A hijacked plane toppling a high-rise building. A bomb in a train or rental van. A postal delivery carrying anthrax. The power to kill is out there for anyone willing to use it. All it takes is access to the Internet or a friendly gun shop." Ryan let me go on. "We fear terrorists, snipers, hurricanes, epidemics. And the worst part is we've lost faith in the government's ability to protect us. We feel powerless and that causes constant anxiety, makes us fear things we don't understand.

We may suck at breaking in to places, but we're money at sneaking out!

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

I spoke softly. "The cops will eat you alive, Benjamin Blue. You have to go."
Ben tensed, ready to argue.
"Detective Hawfield died. This is going to get serious. It's way too much heat for you. Please be sensible."
Ben hesitated. Then his shoulders slumped.
"Maybe you're right." Deep breath. "But you're taking away the other possibility, too."
"I don't understand." I glanced over my shoulder at the approaching vehicle. "What other possibility?"
He smiled wanly. "Ben Blue, The Hero. That kinda would've been nice."
I paused, at a loss for words. My heart broke for him.
"But that's okay." Ben dug keys from his pocket. "After all, we're Virals, not heroes. And that's fine. Plus, I'm not really the hero type."
He turned to leave.
Impulsively, I grabbed Ben's arm. Pulled him close.
Smashed my lips against his.
The kiss only lasted a second, but also an eternity.
Then I stepped back and shoved Ben toward the Explorer.
"Of course you're the type." I was grateful the darkness hid my blushes. "Now go."
Ben stared, stricken, thunderstruck. Hi and Shelton watched, wide-eyed with shock.
"Weirdest birthday ever," Hi whispered.

You'll start talking, and pretty soon we'll all start nodding, and then the next thing you know, I'm hang gliding off the Eiffel Tower at night, being chased by ninja vampires

I work with the dead, but I am working for the living.

As a pirate, she once undressed a fencing instructor using only her sword!

Hi flapped a hand. "Newborns. Always thinking they know everything!"
"Can you get serious for one minute?" Shelton jabbed a finger into Hi's chest, eyes jittery behind his sparkling lenses. "We've gotta find this crew and . . . and . . . I don't know. Shut 'em up. Or something."
"Unhand me, sir!" Hi brushed Shelton aside. "Although you make a good point. Well, no, actually. You make a terrible point, but it illuminates a good one.

On Saturday Ben and I drove to Johns Island to see Skyfall."
"You did?" Hi asked sharply. "Thanks for the invite, jerks."
Shelton raised his palms. "You were at temple. We're supposed to just wait around? Plus, you've seen that move like five times."
"You still could've asked," Hi grumbled.
"I don't - "
"Guys!" I clapped my hands once. "The story, please."
"An hour in, I go for a popcorn refill." Shelton shuddered. "When I get back, Ben's sitting in the dark, flaring away, and he's not even wearing his sunglasses! I almost wet myself. He said he wanted to watch the movie in HD. Man, I don't remember a single minute from the rest of the film."
"In a theater!?" My temper exploded. "That stupid mother - "
"Hiram!"
Our heads whipped. Ruth Stolowitski was standing on her front stoop.
"Get back in here this instant! You're not dressed."
Ruth wore a fuzzy pink bathrobe, her free hand vising the garment closed. Her eyes darted, as if worried that cagey perverts were surveilling our remote island, waiting for just this opportunity to get an eyeful.

Was the isolated skeleton?

I originally worked as an archaeologist in North Carolina, and when bones were found police would take them out to the bones lady at the university, and that was me.

Death in anonymity is the ultimate insult to human dignity.

Tell me why, Been. Why would you trick us in the first place?"
Ben stopped pacing. Looked directly at me. "Don't you know?'
I shook my head,confused.
"To impress you, Victoria Brennan." His voice cracked. "I wanted you to think that I was special."
The words rocked me.
Oh, Ben.
"He'd started this madness ... for me?
'You were spending all that time with Jason," Ben said softly, staring at his shoes. "skipping around town with your new perfect guy. Cotillion this. fund-raiser that. I hated it. Hated him. When I finally told Rome, he said that I needed to amaze you. Said I needed to figure out a way to make you see me.

Wind beat at the annex like an angry landlord come for overdue rent.

I adore storms. I love the raw power of the spectacle: Hydraulics! Voltage! Percussion! Mother Nature has dominion and everyone awaits her whim.

I'm adding 'canine' to my searches," I said. "And 'instinct.'" "Whatever. I'm adding 'lunatic.

I am a woman whose moods are influenced by the weather, my outlook rising and falling with the barometer.

We're still going to Loggerhead this afternoon, right?" Hi glanced around, then dropped his voice. "For that ... home movie thing?"
I nodded. "We might as well deal with what we can. Let's take the afternoon shuttle. I'll think of an excuse for Kit, thought I'm open to suggestions."
"Ben?" Shelton asked.
"Not today. I think the two of us need a little distance."
The bell rang. We gathered our things and headed for the door.
"Tell Kit we're cutting a music video," Hi suggested as we walked. "Something real gangster, so we need to smash-cut our dance routines. Lay down some visuals. We could offer to let him rap over the second verse."
I gave him a thumbs-up. "Foolproof. Anyone need a locker stop?

I gazed up at the gloomy fortress. "And now?"
Hi looked surprised. "What? You've never been? This national treasure is like a thousand yards from your house. You could swim here."
"It's on my list," I said defensively.
Ben snorted. Chance gave me the side-eye. Even Coop's glance seemed reproachful.
Well, excuse me.
Hi shook his head like a disappointed father, but continued.

She's using you to get to me," Hi said confidently. "Both of them. They've caught Hiram fever."
I nodded. "Of course. It all makes sense now.

Deer in headlights.
Cornered suspect.
Mouse in the open, owls circling.

I wore a white tank and jeans, shooting for "sexy casual." Hoping it wasn't "left farmhouse, got lost.

Myers was not a neighborhood to visit on a lark.
Hi reached over and hit the door locks.
"Next right," Shelton said. Then, "There, on the left. Bates Pawn-and-Trade."
"Are we one hundred percent sure about exiting the vehicle?" Hi's voice was a bit high. "It might not be here when we get back."
"I'll park right in front." Ben also sounded tense.
"We'll be fine," I said. "In and out."
"That's what she said," Hi mumbled, hauling himself from the car.

Okay. Computer and

Fine. Everybody wears seatbelts. No radio. No distractions." Ben shot Hi a stern look. "No running commentary." "Your loss," Hi said. "To the pimp ride!