"Of course I'm coming," Kelly said, and scowled at Skulduggery. It wasn't angry, but it was serious and pointed at the same time. "And you can leash that sarcasm, Mister Agent Man. This is our part of town. If you need to take Marr in, fine. We're happy to help you. She's a traitor to all of us. But if she deserves our help, you can bet your balls we're going to do what we can to protect her--just like we would for any other woman."

She pointed at him. "So you can laugh all you want. We have no reason to trust you. The only reason we are is because Gabby's good for the girls we are protecting, which gives us reason to believe her over Marr. You haven't done anything to warrant that kind of trust. Prove to us you can be trusted, Government Man. Most of you don't."

With that she rose, not even waiting for Skulduggery to reply. Gabriel was still smiling slightly, ducking his head so Skul didn't have to see it, but he rose too, letting Kelly link her elbow with his. The woman said briskly, "So. Which car are we heading to?"

"The Bentley," Gabe said, and his smile blossomed into a grin when Kelly stopped short barely a foot from the table.

"You're kidding. Damn, girl, you did land on your feet."

"I'm good at landings," Gabe said modestly, and just managed to restrain the urge to glance mischievously over his shoulder at Skulduggery.