@@@@@Sharon's bound to be testy about that, so
@@@@@Sharon's bound to be testy about that, so get a
move on
“Sharon isalways testy,” Jamie complained, but he got to his feet quickly
Jamie looked at me again, then he turned and disappeared into the hall
“Now,” Jeb said as soon as we were alone“I think all this baby-sitting nonsense has gone on
long enoughEveryone is busy here–too busy to sit around playin' guardSo
today you're going to have to come along with me while I get my chores done
I felt my mouth pop open
He stared at me, no smile
“Don't look so terrified,” he grumbled“My house is no
place for babies
I couldn't argue withthatI took three quick, deep breaths, trying to steady my nervesBlood
pulsed so loudly in my ears that his voice seemed quiet in comparison when he spoke again
He turned and stomped out of the room
I was frozen for a moment, and then I lurched out after himHe wasn't bluffing–he was already
invisible around the first cornerI raced after him, horrified by the thought that I might run into
someone else in this obviously inhabited wingI caught up to him before he reached the big
intersection of the tunnelsHe didn't even look at me as I slowed beside him to match his pace
“'Bout time that northeast field was plantedWe'll have to work the soil firstHope you don't
mind getting your hands dirtyAfter we're done, I'll see that you get a chance to clean yourself
up He sniffed pointedly, then laug