“You don’t get off that lucky,” Jonas muttered.

Fred was about to retort when her cell rang. Irritably she plucked it off her hip and flipped it open. “Yeah?”

“Dr. Bimm?” It was Dr. Barb. “I see by the sheet that you and Thomas are signing out the Lollipop today.”

Oops. “Yeah.”

“I think, in light of what happened last time, I feel strongly that—wait. I’ll come out.”

“But—” Fred was talking to a dead line. “Dammit. Good thing you’re here, Jonas. I’m going to need you to distract—”

“Good morning, Little Rika.”

“Hey, Fred.”

“Howdy, fellas.” She pulled Jonas to the side so the men could board the ship. “I’ll be right there.”

She turned to Jonas. “Okay, now it’s really good that you’re not coming.”

Jonas shrugged. “Who cares?”

“Jonas, whoever the bimbo is, forget about her! She’s obviously a moron of the highest order and you’re way too good for her. So put the bitch out of your mind and focus on me now, please.”

“Oh, it’s Fred time. Must be Tuesday. Or one of the other six days of the week.”

“Sarcasm does not become you,” she said stiffly. “And furthermore—”

“Hi, Dr. Bimm!”

They looked. Madison was scampering up the ramp, waving. She wore a peach-colored shell (did she have a closet full of them, in all different colors?) and khaki pants that showed her pubic bone.

“My God,” Jonas muttered. “I can see her five o’clock shadow.”

Madison screeched to a halt in front of them. “Hi, you guys! Are you going out in the ship?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come with? I can look for dolphins.”

“No.”

“Besides,” Jonas said kindly, “there aren’t any dolphins in—”

“Oh please please? I won’t be any trouble, I swear. You won’t even know I’m there!”

“That,” Fred said, “is a lie.”

Madison looked crushed. “Well… maybe your friend can keep me company.” She batted her long lashes at Jonas. Actually batted her lashes! Fred didn’t think women did that anymore.

“Thanks anyway, honey,” Jonas said, “but I’m in mourning for my sex life.”

“You—oh. Oh.” Fred watched while Madison jumped to the conclusion that Jonas was gay. Normally she’d be irritated for her friend and wouldn’t hesitate to correct the mistake, but in this case, Madison was doing Jonas a huge favor.

Furthermore, Dr. Barb was here, approaching them rapidly. Jonas had his back to her, but from where she was standing Fred had a perfect view of—a navy blue suit?

She stared. And stared more when Dr. Barb saw them and dramatically slowed her trot. In fact, she stopped altogether. And if Fred didn’t know better, she’d think Dr. Barb was standing like that to… pose?

“Holy cow!” Madison peeped. “Dr. Barb got a haircut! And new clothes!”

Jonas’s eyes bulged and he whipped around like it was the boogeyman coming up behind him instead of good old Dr. Barb.

“Jeez,” Fred said, impressed. “She looks really good. I had no idea she had such a cute figure under those lab coats.”