CAUGHT IN THE ACT

"Get away for some time?" Emily said twice, snickering. "Oh, come on, Zoe, you've never been separated for an entire day without Leo. How do you intend to go several days without him?"

Zoe tossed one of the pillows on her face frustratingly.

"You're right," she announced. "What if I can convince him to come with me?"

"You sound ridiculous," Emily said. "Hello, have you forgotten that Leo has school to attend and certainly can't be caught up in whatever web you and Henry have spun out?"

"I was only kidding," Zoe said in a muffled voice. She began banging the pillow on her head until Emily forcefully took it from her.

"Give me that," she said and tossed it away. "Go and freshen up and sleep on this problem. I can see that you've been unable to find a solution."

"The solution is there," Zoe said, sitting up. "I have to piss his royal ass off, so he leaves me alone. I don't know how to do it yet."

"Whichever method you choose to piss his royal ass off, make sure it will not take us back t