CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THREE

Tegwen emerged from the bathroom twenty minutes later, her hair fluffy and smelling like a blend of the shampoo and soap that Gabriel was used to smelling on herself. It was very weird, to say the least. She looked refreshed, though, and happy. Gabriel looked her over -- still wearing yesterday's clothing -- and decided she looked very normal. This might not have sent up any red flags if it were anybody else.

"I used your blow dryer," Tegwen confessed sheepishly. "I hope that's okay."

Gabriel smiled. "I heard it. And yeah, of course it's fine."

"Thanks. Megavolt's blow dryer was dissected a while ago, I assume, so, you know. . ."

"Yeah, I know. What are friends for? You ready to go?"

Tegwen nodded. "I think if we don't eat soon, I may start gnawing my own arm off."

Despite herself, Gabriel laughed. "Don't go doing that!" She hurried to the front door. But when she put her hand on the doorknob, someone pounded on the door from outside. She stumbled back with a startled gasp, putting her hand to her chest. "Oh my God!"

"Are you not expecting company?" Asked Tegwen.

With eyes narrowed, Gabriel replied, "As a matter of fact, no. I wasn't." She drew in a deep breath and opened the door without first checking the peephole. "Crap."

"Well I'm happy ta see you too," Steelbeak responded to Gabriel's less-than-hospitable welcome.

Peculiarly, there were no screams from Tegwen. No expletives. No scrambling to hide behind something. No confrontational behavior. She stood as she was, a few feet away from the two F.O.W.L. agents.

"What are you doing here, Steelbeak?" Gabriel asked curtly. "What could you possibly want from me?"

"I jest. . ." He cleared his throat, confident gaze dropping to the carpet at his feet.



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