"Who says I want to get rid of it?" the sphinx snapped, irritated by the exchange, thankfully brief, between Bob and Chantinelle. She enjoyed being the centre of attention. "It is a good warning sign."

"The park? The season is a bit cold for that, don't you think?" She drummed the window with her fingers. Winter had never been her favourite time of the year. "Not that I'm saying we couldn't go..."