This is going to be nasty.

He?s got a very good staff behind him, both up on the hill (at the district offices) and down at the high school. And he?s certainly going to have the backing of the board.

I think it?s a very good idea. If it can work, Dave?s the person who can make it (happen).

I?m sorry the teachers have decided to take this position.

It's just nasty. It's nasty.

I couldn't get through this last book."

"He didn't even just skip ahead to read the sex scenes," Helia said. "Which is what he normally does with your paranormals."

Patrick turned to Gabriel. "This is your revenge, isn't it?"

"Helia and Alexios? Gabriel said. "This is Patrick. He'll be accompanying us to Seanna."

"Oooh," Alexios said. "It's a family reunion."

"So you really are Gabriel's father?" Helia said. "That's what everyone says, but then we found Seanna and started thinking maybe the rumor was wrong, that you two couldn't have ... you know. She seems kind of ..." She wrinkled her nose. "Nasty."

"Maybe he likes nasty," Alexios said. "You've read his sex scenes."

"I'm not sure they're meant to be nasty."

"I believe it's time to go," Gabriel said, ushering them out.

"Well played," Patrick murmured as he passed. "Well played.