"I'd be real, real surprised if you could convince him of that," replied Adam cheerfully. "He dun't usually do anythin' he dun't wanna. I know you're not the janitor, though. I'll come do it if you want."

Adam laughed, holding up his foot. The soles of his trainers were still nominally attached to the tops, but his toes were sticking out. "Nothin' wrong with 'em. Got lots a use left in."

He wrapped a comforting arm around her waist. Her head was comfortable on his shoulder and made him feel protective and powerful. "I guess they just grew up. I guess we all kinda did. And yeah, it is someone we know, which is prob'ly why he hasn't told us."