"That," said Desmond gratefully, "sounds like a wonderful idea."

"I'll stay behind," Ghastly added. "Give Dexter and Tanith a second opinion on the competency of the doctors Erskine hired. Give Valky - Stephanie - give Stephanie a wave from me."

"Will do," Skulduggery answered. "Desmond, if you don't mind, I'd like to start the lesson plan today. I need a welcome distraction."

"I'm... well, that's fine with me, but my wife is the one you're going to have to convince. She runs the household. She's in charge of the punishments. We decided that, long ago, back before Stephanie was even a plan." He hesitated. "Of course, that wasn't taking into account all this... magic, but. Being able to pull rabbits out of a hat isn't going to change her view."

"Well, I can't pull rabbits out of hats, so that should be easy."

Ghastly smiled and turned to go, putting a hand briefly on his friend's shoulder. "You'll be alright?"

"I'll be fine. You go be there for Tanith."

Ghastly shook his head. "I suppose you have got your guardian angel on your shoulder," he murmured before moving away and cutting off any chance of a reply.