Aha. That explained the wary confusion Gabe had sensed when Valkyrie had picked up the phone. Even still, the Archangel's eyebrows shot skyward; even angels could be surprised. They couldn't sense things over a telephone wire.

"Guess that means I should prob'ly be goin' along with you," he said, and then added to the Edgleys with a wry smile, "Last time those two almost got into a cat-fight. Someone's gotta be the voice of reason." Or at the very least, a diversion for either side--whether getting Skulduggery into an argument or playing on Guild's curiosity. The Archangel knocked back the last of his scotch, set down the glass on the end-table and rose, smiling hugely at the Edgleys and holding his hand. "It was my pleasure to meet you folks."

Melissa rose too, shaking his hand. "Don't forget your protective gear," she told him seriously, but there was amusement in her eyes. "Just in case you get caught in crossfire."

Gabriel nodded soberly. "Always, ma'am. They're good draws, but lousy shots." Then he grinned at Valkyrie. "Take care of your mama, li'l lady. Be a shame if she decided to retract the idea of gettin' a pet."

As if she could, which wasn't the point.