Shock shifted a bit uncomfortably in her spot. No, that time was [i]definitely[/i] a residual effect of the corpse flower. Still, she could resist the urge. Thoughts of trouble often helped curb it.

[I]Just go already, you old codger![/i] she thought.

Dr. Finkelstein glowered. His upper lip furled in agitation.

"Perhaps you should spend more time studying so you [i]don't[/i] risk doing that," he said. "Make some use of that pumpkin brain."

From down the hall, Jewel's voice rang.

"Darling? Is everything all right?"

Dr. Finkelstein called over his shoulder.

"Yes, dearest! Just a false alarm!" He glanced back to Carver. "Behave yourself, and keep it down."


With that, he turned to go. As soon as the door shut, Shock let go of her hat and stepped forward. Her legs shook a little, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

"Bad influence, nothing," she said. "We're the reason you have any fun!"