Page 66 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

“I absolutely do not.”

“You laughed.”

“I’m laughing at you.”

“Still counts.”

Esmerelda gave the teddy’s severed arm a violent shake. More stuffing exploded across the rug.

Milo pointed the spoon at him. “You’re cleaning this up.”

Grievance wisely reached for the broom as new waves of laughter broke out each time a piece of white fluff fell from the beams across the ceiling.

Pip crawled proudly onto Esmerelda’s head.

“Next lesson: throat.”

“No!” Milo snapped. “No throats!”

Pip drooped. “Fine.”

Milo sighed, then looked at Esmerelda, who was practically vibrating beneath her tiny instructor.

“You’re a good teacher, Pip. Keep at it while we’re out today. But don’t stay up too late. She’s still a baby.”

“Pip knows.”

“And no killing anything.”

Pip looked toward the ruined bear. “Define killing.”

“Pip.”

“Fine.”

Training moved outside after lunch. That was safer. Grievance sat on the back steps with Milo tucked against his side while they watched Pip lead Esmerelda through the garden.

Marigold followed them. The goat was still wearing her ridiculous little pumpkin sweater. Grievance loved it.

“Stealth!” Pip ordered.

Esmerelda flattened herself against the grass.

“Lower!”

She flattened farther.

“Quiet.”

Esmerelda crept toward Marigold. The goat continued chewing.

“Target does not know you approach.”

Marigold looked directly at Esmerelda.

“Target knows!” Pip cried. “Bad stealth!”

Esmerelda chirped as Marigold headbutted her. The dragon tumbled backward into a pile of leaves. Milo snorted against Grievance’s shoulder.