Chapter 9: In Which Hoyle Makes a Decision“So, yeah, they’re all afraid,” said Oliver, when they finally stopped for a real breather. “And nobody will tell me why. They talk about ‘the big bloke,’ and at first I thought they maybe meant Spike, but he’s just as scared as the rest of them. I think Dianne’s trying to protect me or something, which I very much resent. I can take care of myself.”
“Don’t knock it,” said Ada. “If there’s someone willing to give you a feed and chase the baddies away, I say let ‘em. It’s not like that sort of person is everywhere.” She glanced at Sybil and blushed.
Hey, thought Hoyle. I helped too. The wave of resentment shocked him with its strength. And it wasn’t just about helping Ada, either. He remembered for the thousandth time the feeling of that knife pop
