“I know what she’s asking,” said Pat. “And I was giving her the answer she deserved.”

“I was just wondering if Danny was going to be worried about the pregnant girl carrying his baby,” said Hermia.

“That’s not me,” said Pat.

“I don’t want to go back to Arkoi,” said Hermia. “I’m not sure I want to stay here among people who have every reason to hate me and no reason ever to trust me … but since that also describes my family, especially after my astonishing escape…”

“Stay here,” said Veevee. “I do indeed hate you, but Danny’s free of Set’s control and he and Pat are back from the dead, so I honestly think it’s not as awful as it was just a few days ago, and I might as well have you where I can watch you.”

“And what if I decide to walk away from here?” asked Hermia.

“Do what you want,” said Danny. “But if you leave, then you aren’t part of anything we do from then on.”

“Ever?” asked Hermia.

“You’ve already betrayed us once,” said Danny. “Fool me twice, shame on me.”

“Fair enough,” said Hermia.

“And the food here is pretty good,” said Veevee. “You aren’t a prisoner. You can go grocery shopping or whatever. Just so you come back at night. And we know where you are and whom you’re seeing.”

“We don’t have to know that,” said Danny. “She’s not a prisoner. I’ve had enough of keeping prisoners.”

“Except the one,” said Pat.

“Well, yes,” said Danny. “The Father of Lies and all that. I can’t very well encourage him to do whatever he wants. But I’m not sure he’s actually a prisoner, either.”

“And I’m not a prisoner,” said Hermia, “but if I go too far off the reservation…”

“You’re on parole,” said Pat.

Hermia considered that for a moment. “Is that how it stands, Danny?”

“Close enough,” Danny answered. “Do you promise to be a good girl and check in with Mom?”

“Oh, please, I’m nobody’s ‘mom,’” said Veevee.

“He meant me,” said Pat.

“I meant Veevee,” said Danny. “Because I hope you’ll stay with me.”

Veevee hooted. “Oh, the two of you, really. Danny, don’t you know why chaperones were invented in the first place? I think you two should get married so it’s all legal and you can make the beast with two backs without breaking any rules.”

“We’re too young,” said Danny. “And I don’t think it’s legit for a third party to propose marriage to the two of us on each other’s behalf.”

“Just suggesting,” said Veevee.

“Always looking out for others,” said Hermia. “You’re such a saint, Veevee.”

“Sainte Voyeuse, patroness of oglers, panderers, and dirty thoughts,” said Veevee.

“I don’t think the Catholic Church will ever accept that particular saint,” said Pat.