The sound of footsteps in the hall approached, and we both froze. But they didn’t slow or stop, didn’t open the door to inspect. They passed by, the sound softening, and Patrick and I sagged and stifled laughter in our cuffs.
I put a hand against my thundering heart. “Holy shit.”
“Yeah,” there was a grin in his voice. “Holy shit.”
There was a click. A flicker. A flame spluttered to life in Patrick’s hand, illuminating his face.
For a moment, I gawked at it. It came from a tiny silver tin. “What is that?” I hated how awestruck I sounded.
Patrick watched me curiously. “A lighter. You don’t have none in Scurry?”
“If we did, would I bother askin’ about it?”
Patrick smirked. “This particular one is me father’s invention. Here,” and he held it up for closer inspection. “This wheel here, i
