Byron’s head turned for a moment, as if he were checking up on his mate. Perhaps he was worried I’d jump on Jamie and rip his clothes off right here and now. But as soon as Jamie walked off in the opposite direction, Byron returned his attention to Tipsania.

‘You like him,’ Bob said coyly into my ear.

I jumped. He was perched on my shoulder like a damn parrot. ‘Don’t sneak up on me like that!’

‘Why? Are you worried I’ll catch you drooling?’

‘For Jamie Moncrieffe?’ I considered it. ‘His dimples are rather alluring.’

‘Not him,’ Bob purred. ‘The other one.’

I stiffened. ‘Just because I might find Byron Moncrieffe sexually attractive, along with his friend,’ I added quickly, ‘does not mean that I drool. Besides, as you can see, he’s already taken.’

‘I don’t see no ring.’

‘Watch this space.’ I started to stride away again.

‘Uh Integrity! Stop!’

‘I have to find the others,’ I said. ‘They probably think I’m dead by now.’

The genie looked exasperated. ‘So why are you taking the long way around?’

‘What do you mean?’

Bob stood on his tiptoes and smacked me on the side of my head. ‘Hello? Teleportation?’

Oh. I’d completely forgotten. I grinned. ‘Thanks, Bob.’

He tsked. A faint shadow crossed his face while I snapped my fingers and declared in a deep voice, ‘The tower.’

‘You don’t have to do that with your hand, you know.’

‘I know but I think it adds a little something to the effect,’ I said, as I felt myself being tugged away. It really was a handy Gift to have.

*

Lexie, Speck and Brochan were relieved to see me. Once again I enjoyed several hugs. ‘We’re making a habit of this,’ I joked.

‘We didn’t know what had happened to you!’ Lexie burst out. ‘That wanky genie…’

I sighed. ‘It wasn’t his fault. But I certainly won’t be asking for any more wishes any time soon.’

‘What happened, Tegs?’ Brochan asked. ‘Who was it?’

‘It was the Bull all along. I should have suspected him from the start. I guess there are so many people around here who seem to hate me that he was too obvious.’ I explained to the three of them what had happened.

Speck’s face turned green. ‘Heights. I hate heights.’

‘It was kind of fun once I realised I wasn’t going to hit the ground.’

‘What colour is my aura?’ Lexie asked eagerly.

‘Orange. It’s very bright,’ I admitted.

She folded her arms. ‘Orange? That’s awful!’

I blinked. ‘Why?’

‘Orange and blue don’t go together at all. Now I’ll have to re-think my entire wardrobe! Not to mention dying my hair.’ She shook her head. ‘All this time I’ve been clashing.’

‘I wouldn’t worry about it, Lex. I don’t think there’s anyone except the Bull and me who can see it.’