I sat down on the ground against the bookcase and prepared for the longest half hour of my life.

"You didn't bring the puppy," Moran said petulantly. Yes, this was all a plot to deprive you of your playdate.

"Prison breaks rile her up too much. Next time." Twenty-nine minutes and thirty seconds to go.

The Queen hovered over her daughter, and every time Isabel twitched or breathed funny, I flinched.

The silence stretched on.

"It's growing lighter." ...