"I think I have to object to that," Gabe said. "I'd threaten to leave for good if I didn't think you'd wave bon voyage under the erroneous assumption that I'm better off without you." He shook his head. "We have got to work on that self-esteem of yours, Skul."

"A week?" Melissa repeated thoughtfully, also looking toward Corrival. Dexter managed to get hold of his laughter and sat up, bracing his elbows on the chair's arm so they didn't dig into Erskine's leg.

"A week?" he echoed, his whole face lighting up with glee. "A week with Detective Skulduggery Pleasant wearing a powdered and curled wig? Voluntarily? Without extenuating circumstances? Take it! Take it and run!"

"Definitely," Corrival agreed. "You'll never get a better deal than that."

"Since the experts have spoken, I think I'll take that deal," Melissa said, turning to Skulduggery and holding out her hand. "So long as you swear on, I don't know, maybe Gabe? Just to keep you on the level, you understand."

"Oh, I'll keep him on the level, don't worry," Gabe said with a beatific smile.