Snowed In
morganskye
Summary:
A blizzard is on its way to New York and Janine is determined to get home so that she's not stuck at the Firehouse. Egon is less than pleased at the idea and decides to take action, but where's the line between being a good friend and something more? Rating for language and sexual innuendo.
Notes:
While this story doesn't fit into a specific time during the RGB run, it does take the first season versions of the characters but sets them a few years later. Janine is still her ballsy Brooklyn self and I wouldn't want her any other way.
Also please forgive my flip-flopping between past and present tense. it's been a looooong time since I've written so I'm incredibly rusty.
Story originally posted to archiveofourown
(See the end of the work for more notes.)
Chapter 1: The Blizzard
Chapter Text
The snow was already ankle deep by the time Janine made her way back to the firehouse. The
utility cart she had grabbed on her way out to run errands was jammed full of food and emergency supplies (including one good bottle of tequila for 'medicinal' use). She was also struggling with her own purchases since she knew she was going to be trapped inside for a few days. She grinned thinking about how she nabbed the last copy of Paranormal Quarterly from some floofed up lady who was clearly from Jersey. It had a great shot of Egon on the cover so there was no way she'd let someone else have it.
You're being silly again. You should have just let that woman have it.
Janine had been trying, with occasional success, to put Egon out of her mind. Realistically she knew it would never go anywhere with him but sometimes it was hard to remember that. Working next to the man every day certainly didn't make things easier.
The utility cart wobbled along, leaving little trails that disappeared quickly with the increasing snowfall. Janine noticed that the streets were already starting to empty even though it was only 11 am. New Yorkers knew when to take their weather alerts seriously. Thankfully she was only about two blocks away from the firehouse.
"Hey! Janine!"
Ray trotted up to her, his breath making giant clouds in the air.
"What are you doing out in this Ray?"
"Looking for you! The guys were worried because you've been gone so long."
"Shopping on a day like today is a contact sport! It took me a while to get everything. It didn't help that I had to go to three different stores to find Peter's hair gel."
Ray chuckled as he plucked the bags out of her arms. Janine gratefully accepted the assistance, giving her arms a quick rub to get the blood flowing.
"You know how vain Peter is. Not that it matters much since we won't be seeing anyone for a while. Even the calls have dropped off. I guess even ghosts get cold. Hey, you know I should talk to Egon about that…"
Janine was happy to let him prattle on while they finished walking to their home base. Ray was sweet, and when he got on a tangent he could come up with some amazing things. After all, it was his mind and creativity that allowed her to work her….well not dream job, but it was a heck of a lot more interesting than her previous ones. Plus there was always Egon…damn the man.
"Janine? You in there?"
"Yeah sorry Ray. I'm trying to keep a mental list of everything I need to do before I go home." It was a smooth lie so Ray didn't notice.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean this weather is getting rough. Maybe you should stay here at the firehouse. We've got plenty of space."
"Ray, you're a doll but I think I would kill Peter by the end of the storm at the very least. For all our sakes I'm better off at home. Plus I don't have any extra clothes with me."
"Heh fair enough."
Finally the red brick walls of the Ghostbusters' headquarters came into view. They stepped up their pace, eager to get into the warmth of home.
Ray offered to take the food upstairs while Janine began the process of putting her desk in order.
"Ok first I need to finish these invoices, then set the answering machine. I should make a note to call the plumber when I get back…"
Meanwhile, upstairs
"Janine is planning on going home for the storm." said Ray as he put away groceries. Winston helped by storing the stuff that went in the fridge.
"I don't know if that's a good idea man. It's already pretty nasty out there."
"I tried to talk her out of it, but she's pretty determined. She also made a good point about killing Peter."
Winston snorted in response. They had all wanted to throttle the loud-mouth at some point, but Janine is probably the only one who could do it, especially combined with cabin fever.
"Well maybe we should have Egon talk to her. If anyone can get her to change her mind, it's him."
"I don't know. She's been treating him differently lately."
"Yeah I noticed. She's not constantly trying to get his attention. It's weird! Although I don't miss the way she used to call him."
"Ha! You mean 'oh Eeeeeeeegooooooooon'?" Ray fluttered his eyes, making Winston laugh loudly.
"That's the one!" He grew stoic for a moment. "It's strange. She's still the same ball-buster but when she's not fawning over Egon something feels..."
"Missing." Winston nodded in agreement with Ray's reply.
"I wonder if he's noticed?"
"Funny enough, I think he has."
"...inclement weather the Ghostbusters will be unable to perform service calls. Please leave your name, number, and a detailed message. We will return your call as soon as possible. Have a good day."
Janine checked one more thing off the list in her head. Now all she needed to do was check on Slimer and the boys, then she was off to home. A glance outside had her moving just a little faster. The sky was dark and ominous, which left her little time to get home safely. Her thoughts were broken by Egon's voice drifting down the stairs.
"Janine are you down there?"
"Just barely. If you and the guys are ok I'm going to go home."
Egon reached the ground floor just as Janine was putting on her jacket. He was glad he caught her. When Winston told him that she was going to leave he wanted to run downstairs and shake her. He liked that she was strong and independent, but she had a stubborn streak a mile wide. That streak was one of the many reasons he was getting cracks in his emotional walls, the constant presence of Janine just being herself was wearing down his defenses. Unfortunately he hadn't even acknowledged his feelings, much less come up with a plan on how to deal with them in the traditional Spengler fashion. For now all he knew was that something had changed between them, and he didn't like it. She was pulling away and he seemed to be unable to do anything but follow after her.
"We're fine, but I really don't think you should leave. It's practically a blizzard out there."
"Egon, you're sweet to worry but I'll be fine. I could use some quiet time anyway. Things have been so busy I haven't had a real day off in weeks That and the holidays are just a few weeks away. I have to finish making some gifts.." She grabbed her purse and bags of supplies. The bottle of tequila clinked gently against a jar of pickles. Janine grinned at her secret purchase, eager to get her relaxing forced holiday going.
He didn't like it. He REALLY didn't like it. All he could see was her car spinning out or getting hit by someone else. She would be all alone in the cold, hurt or maybe even dying. A chill ran up his spine that had nothing to do with the snow.
"Then I'm coming with you." He crossed over to the closet where his busting gear was kept and grabbed a jacket.
"What?!"
"If you're really set on going home then I'm going to make sure you get there safely." he said, shrugging into the coat.
Janine did her best to ignore the sudden flip-flopping of her heart. Over the years she had worked hard to convince herself that Egon saw her as nothing more than a good friend, but every once in a while he did or said something that would change her mind. The whole process would start over in an almost maddening circle.
It's nothing but brotherly concern. That's it and nothing more. Don't let him get to you. Things will never change.
"I could always call and let you know I got home alright."
"Janine…"
"Egon I appreciate it but you don't need to worry."
He took her by the shoulders, stepping in close enough that she could smell his aftershave and the faint scent of burnt electrical wire. Janine looked up at him knowing she had lost the argument. Even through his red-rimmed glasses she could see his eyes shining with concern. Her heart ached.
"Ok Egon."
She was rewarded with a smile she'd remember for years.
Ten minutes later they were bundled into her tiny pink Beetle. The car sputtered and whined before finally turning over reluctantly. From the second floor the guys waved them good-bye. Egon could swear he saw Peter high-five Winston before they drove off. He idly wondered if there was still a betting pool going over when they would 'hook up'. Egon shook the thoughts from his head. Janine, studiously ignoring him, set the heat to the highest setting but it barely made a dent compared to the freezing air. Outside the wind had picked up, swirling new snow with what was still falling. There was no one on the street, either pedestrian or car. The skies had gotten so dark that the street lights had come on. Janine started to think her hard-headed Brooklyn attitude was about to bite her in the ass.
"If I remember correctly there's a subway station about three blocks from your house. I'll take it back home."
"Don't be silly. You'll catch a cold walking that far in just your jumpsuit and a jacket. I'll drop you off before I go home."
"Absolutely not. I'm going to make sure you get in your front door before I go home."
Her eyes rolled before she could stop them, but the smile that graced her face told Egon she wasn't really annoyed with him. She wondered where this chivalry was a few years ago when it would have made a difference to her.
Oh it's still making a difference. Do you really want to go down that road again silly girl?
"I can't believe we're arguing about this, but if that's what you want then that's what you want. When you turn into an icicle just remember I gave you plenty of chances to stay warm."
He said nothing, but smiled and sat back. Janine clicked on the radio and tuned it to the news. The Beetle plodded along at a slow pace, moving just fast enough to keep from sliding on the ice that had started to form. The squeaky swish-swoosh of the car's wipers were relaxing with their rhythm, although it did nothing to keep the snow from blocking the view of the road.
I should be terrified. Janine isn't the best driver, but for some reason this is soothing. If only it was a little warmer this would be nice.
His mind had them driving upstate for Christmas to stay at some little B&B. The thoughts that followed had him blushing so hard he had to look out the side window until he calmed down.
"Update! NYC metro has announced that due to the snow and wind the public transit system, both bus and subway, will be shut down within the hour. Residents are advised to either leave for home immediately or stay put until the roads are cleared. Repeat, NYC metro..."
Egon looked over at Janine, ready to argue that she shouldn't go faster when he noticed that she hadn't changed her pace. She did, however, have an odd look on her face.
"Janine?"
"We're not going to make it in time if we stick to your plan. I won't speed, and you won't let me drop you off. So either we turn around and go back to the firehouse, or you come stay with me."
She never took her eyes off the road, but she could feel him staring at her. The car was silent save for the repeating news update. Janine's heart was pounding so hard her ears hurt.
Why did you say that? You don't want to be at the firehouse and you CAN'T have Egon in your apartment. What's wrong with you?!
Egon was shocked at her offer. It held none of the innuendo or sass her comments usually had, which made it all the more unsettling. It was these odd kind of moments when she wasn't the ballsy secretary from Brooklyn that had him thinking about her more often. He was about to respond when out of nowhere an 18-wheeler headed right for them. Thanks to the horrible visibility neither the truck or Janine saw each other until it was almost too late. She swerved right, barely missing the front of the truck and hit a large patch of ice. The little pink bug spun wildly before she could get it back under control. Winston's driving lessons came back to her in a rush, keeping her from running into anything living. If she had just had a few more feet of road Janine could have gotten the car fully under control, but the hard streets of New York had other ideas. The Beetle's passenger side tires hit the curb with a loud THUMP, practically tipping the vehicle over on its side. If they had been filming an action movie it would have been a perfect sliding parallel parking job. By sheer luck the car settled back down on all fours, shaking for a moment. The engine wasn't as blessed. It sputtered out as soon as the shock of the impact hit it. With it went the heater, radio, and lights. The wipers were stuck halfway up the windshield.
Egon and Janine sat in silence, the only sound was the final clicks of the engine before it went dead. He cautiously looked over to find Janine shaking quietly. As the moment stretched on Egon decided to reach out and make sure she was ok. Just as his hand started to lift up she exploded.
"That stupid shit sucking ass goblin! I'm going to find that pisswizard and show him you don't fuck with a girl from Brooklyn!" As she ranted she ripped off her seat belt and flew out of the car. A split second later she fell to the ground with an anguished yelp. Egon barreled out of the bug and was at her side before she could blink the tears from her eyes.
"Egon, my ankle."
He knelt down in the snow beside her and looked at her right foot. Even through the snow boot he could see a bulge.
"Do you think it's broken?"
"Probably not but it's definitely sprained. Let's get you back in the car. I'll finish the drive."
With some effort she got up on her feet and hobbled to the passenger side. Egon tried to help but she kept waving him off. Eventually they were both back in the bug and buckled up. Snow was now completely covering both the front and rear windshield in a thick blanket. What little heat had been in the cabin was gone, leaving them both shivering. Egon rubbed his hands together for warmth before trying to turn on the car. It clicked but nothing happened.
"Try it again. Sometimes it's fussy." said Janine.
He did, and still nothing happened.
"Shit. Something must have knocked loose when we hit the curb."
"It seems that way. I'd call the guys but I honestly don't think the Ecto can handle the roads. The snow is already up pretty high."
They sat again in silence, each trying to think of a plan. Their breath puffed up and faded in the chilly air, and it was getting colder by the minute.
"Ok," Egon began, "Here's where we stand. You've got a twisted ankle and can't walk. The car is dead and no one can come to get us. How far is it to your apartment? It's bound to be closer than the firehouse at this point."
Janine nodded, "About three blocks up and a block and a half over."
"Alright. I'm going to carry you."
Her eyes went so wide they looked like ping pong balls.
"Ooooh no Spengler. You are NOT carrying me. I can walk just fine thank you. Just carry the bags for me and I'll make it."
Egon said nothing. He just stared at her with a fierce look. Her ego shriveled under his gaze. She attempted to keep a little of her dignity as she gave in.
"Fine whatever. Just give me a second."
She turned as best as she could in the tiny car to rummage around in the backseat. Egon surmised from the sounds of metal on metal clanking that she was dumping some tools onto the floorboards. Shortly she turned around holding an old ratty backpack, some mechanic's gloves, and a coarse brown blanket with grease stains on it. She handed everything to Egon, then turned again to get the groceries. Without comment she took back the backpack and placed the food into it. It held everything but the zippers bulged from the load.
"Sorry that the blanket is so dirty. I use it to keep my engine warm on days like this, but obviously it won't make a difference now. Between that and the gloves you'll have a bit more protection from the cold."
He noticed that she couldn't, or wouldn't, look at him. A quick urge to kiss and comfort her whizzed through his mind, and was as quickly discarded.
"Come on. There's no point in waiting," he said. He got out, went around to the passenger side, and opened her door. First he took the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders like a shawl. Next came the backpack, which he put over the blanket to anchor it down, then he put on the gloves. After he was as bundled up as much as possible he helped her out of the car. She was unsteady and sweating despite the temperature. Finally she was out and closed the car door. He saw her take a deep breath before nodding that she was ready. Egon carefully yet easily picked her up and cradled her as if she was a small child. Because of her jacket and his blanket she couldn't put her arms around him, so instead she clung to the front of his jumpsuit just under where the blanket closed.
"This is so embarrassing. I'm glad the other guys aren't here to see this," she mumbled.
"I wouldn't worry. I know for a fact all of them would gladly do this for you without comment."
"Peter would comment."
Egon could hear the pout in her voice and chuckled. The low rumble vibrated through Janine like a small earthquake. Despite herself and her wounded pride she smiled.
"Peter would totally comment, but he's still help you. You're part of the family."
She lifted her head to look at him, but with the angle she could only really see his neck and chin.
"So I guess I'm the lucky little sister with four older brothers?"
It was a leading question and she didn't care that she'd said it. After all her reputation as a kick-ass New Yorker was shot to hell. In for a penny right? It took her a moment to realize that Egon hadn't responded to her question. She wanted to look up at him again but knew it wouldn't do any good. Instead she let the silence take over as she watched the city slowly slip by. There was little noise, just the constant crunch crunch of Egon's boots through the fresh snow and the occasional siren in the distance. Street lights and the occasional lit window gave everything a golden glow despite the swirling storm. A full block passed before Egon spoke.
"Talk to me. It will make the walk go by faster."
"Um, alright. What do you want to talk about?"
"You choose. I...I'd like to listen to whatever you want to say."
Oh no no no you evil man don't do this to me now! I have to keep it safe and friendly.
"I got a new fern the other day. It's doing pretty well considering the change in weather. I was thinking about re-potting it as soon as spring comes…"
Janine went on about anything and everything that had nothing to do with the Ghostbusters, her job, or her feelings. She babbled about plants, new movies, the latest celebrity gossip, whatever she could think of. There was still about two blocks to go when she ran out of things to say. Thankfully Egon picked up the conversation.
"You said you were making things for Hanukkah?"
"Yes! I learned to knit earlier this year. I...well I guess it doesn't matter if I spoil it, but I'm making all of you a scarf."
"A scarf? It's going to have to be pretty long to cover all four of us."
Janine blinked, rewound the comment in her head, and blinked again.
"Egon Spengler you made a joke!"
Another of his rumbling chuckles rolled through her.
"It happens once in a while. It must be the cold weather freezing my logic center."
She giggled in response.
"I wouldn't mind if that happened more often. You're pretty funny when you want to be."
He coughed and hoped the blush on his face could be explained away by the harsh wind making his cheeks red.
Another block passed, leaving a block and a little to go. The scientist's pace never faltered despite the oppressive winds and snow. The constant crushing of his boots along with the swaying of his gait was making Janine sleepy. The only thing keeping her up was the cold along with the constant throbbing in her ankle. She didn't dare try to wiggle it just in case it truly was broken and not just sprained. The best she could figure was her foot smacked against the gas pedal during the accident.
"Ugh it's going to cost me a fortune to fix my car. I'm also pretty sure I saw a blown tire in the back. I should just give up and take the subway."
"Don't worry. Winston and Ray can help. In fact Winston mentioned to me the other day that he's got Ecto running so well that he's bored and wants a new project. Your Beetle would be perfect."
"You really think so? That would really help! There's so much on it that's broken or nearly busted. To be honest I'm a little surprised it got us this far."
"I knew it. That's why I insisted on coming with you."
Egon let himself get away with the partial lie since there was still a tiny bit of truth in it. Janine let out a 'harumph!' and grumped for a moment.
"Oh well, no use crying over spilled brake fluid. And...I'm glad you were here."
He didn't reply, but Janine swore he held her a little tighter after that.
Shortly they were in front of Janine's building. She fussed until he put her down. With some help she hopped up the short flight of stone steps and into the blessedly warm entryway. Both of their glasses immediately fogged up from the sudden change in temperature. As they were wiping them off a little old lady walked up.
"Janine! You look like something the cat dragged in! What happened?
"My car broke down thanks to some shmendrik in a truck that ran me off the road. Now my car is busted and my ankle is killing me."
"Oh you poor thing! At least you have a nice strong man to carry you safely home." She turned to Egon. "Are you Jewish?"
He coughed and looked down. "Ah, not a practicing one no ma'am."
"Oh it's ok. That's easy to fix." The woman turned back to Janine. "I'll bring up some matzo ball soup in a little bit. Stay warm!"
"Thank you Mrs. Steinberg." She smiled at Egon. "She's a sweet lady, and her soup is the best in all the building."
"I'm sure it is." He reached over, ready to pick Janine up again but she backed up before he could touch her.
"I've got it. You don't have to carry me everywhere. Your back has to be killing you."
"That's hardly the point…"
"Well, either way I can make it up the stairs on my own."
Egon, knowing what battles to fight, stepped aside and let her take the lead.
Twenty minutes later they were just getting to the second floor. Janine was puffing from the exertion. Each step was agony and every muscle in both of her legs were screaming. Egon, to his credit, didn't say a word. He politely stayed behind her, just a few steps back. Finally pain overrode her ego again. When she reached the next landing she held out her arms like a child begging for a hug. He quietly picked her up as gently as before and finished taking her up the stairs to her apartment.
Janine fished her keys out of her purse and unlocked the multitude of locks on her front door.
"It isn't that this is a bad building, but it never hurts to be careful." She hobbled into the room and started turning on a smattering of table top and floor lamps. The first thing Egon noticed was that there were plants on every surface and in each corner. He knew she was a fanatic for flora but this blew his mind. They made the tiny room feel cosy instead of cramped. They also had the added benefit of making the air smell fresh, a nice change from the musty man and machine smell of the firehouse. The second thing he noticed was that it was a studio apartment. Her bed (a queen by his estimation) and bedroom furniture took up the back wall, while a sofa, chair, and small entertainment center sat opposite the kitchen and connecting bathroom, all of which was in the front. The sofa looked reasonably comfortable and he hoped she had some spare blankets stashed away.
"Come in and close the door. I want to turn the heat up."
Egon hadn't realized he was still standing in the entrance. He quickly shut the door, walking to the kitchenette to unpack the groceries.
"Egon, why don't you take a hot shower? You're soaked through from all the snow."
He nodded in agreement. "Just as soon as I get this stuff put away. Are you sure you'll be ok?"
"I'm just steps from something to sit on so yes I'll be fine. I'll get you some fresh towels. Use whatever you want in there."
He nodded again, but didn't really hear her. He had come across the issue of Paranormal Quarterly that she had bought earlier in the day. For some reason it surprised him. The Egon from a few years ago would have just assumed she got it for the firehouse as some kind of record of their exploits. Today's Egon felt an unfamiliar thrill at the idea that she might still be interested in him. After all, why buy a magazine that only featured him and not all of the Ghostbusters?
"Egon?"
He quickly put the book down and turned to face Janine.
"Here are some towels. Take your time in there. I'm sure it will be a nice change to have a shower that isn't interrupted by calls or Slimer looking for attention," she grinned.
Egon nodded one last time before disappearing into the bathroom.
One long, steamy, blessedly hot shower later Egon was feeling more human than he could remember. Janine had been right about how good a peaceful shower could be. It had also given him time to think about his predicament. He was trapped in an apartment with a woman who at one time threw herself at him at every chance. Now that he was finding himself more and more interested she seemed to be pulling away. Every now and again though she would be her old flirty self and the whole emotional roller coaster would start again. He sometimes wondered if she knew how crazy she could make him, but he doubted it. Right now what really was making him nutty was the fact that his clothes, which had been sitting on the toilet lid were now gone. Only his boots remained right where he left them. Egon remembered hearing a door open and close, but he assumed it was another door somewhere else in the apartment.
With a sigh he finished drying off, wrapped the towel around his waist and prepared to face Janine.
Relax Egon. She's seen you in swim trunks. This is technically no different.
He opened the door and walked into the kitchenette area. Janine had her back to him. She was putting out bowls and silverware on the short bar counter that served as a dining table. She had changed into pj's with distressingly short shorts, but was still wearing the one snow boot on her right foot.
"Um Janine?"
"Hey," she replied, not turning around. "Mrs. Steinberg should be up in a few minutes with that soup. I hope you're hungry!" She grabbed some crutches that were propped up beside her before facing him. Instantly her face went white as she slowly looked over his body. She couldn't seem to get her eyes off his torso. While it was true that she had seen him in a similar state of undress before, there was a HUGE difference between seeing someone in swimwear versus a barely-there towel hitched around the hips. Her eyes lingered over his arms and chest. He was by no means a bodybuilder, but the gentle curves of his muscles were a delicious sight.
No wonder he didn't have a problem carrying me! Boy that jumpsuit hides some things!
"Um…Janine?"
"You have a Vee." She stared at his hips with an almost feral interest.
"What?" The term puzzled Egon. Vee?
"What?" Janine shook her head, finding the ceiling very interesting for some reason.
"Janine do you know where my clothes are?"
"Yes. Huh there's a stain on the ceiling."
"Janine!"
"Oh! Yes! Well Mrs. Steinberg called Mr. Kowalski and asked if he would let me borrow his crutches. He broke his foot last year when he tripped on the front steps…"
"Janine…"
"I'm getting there! Anyway, when he brought them to me I happened to mention that you were stuck here without any spare clothes and he offered to wash them because he was going down to the laundry room anyway. He'll probably be back in an hour or so."
Egon pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's very nice of him, but what am I supposed to wear until then?"
Janine forced herself to look at him, repeating over and over to herself that seeing him practically naked didn't mean anything. "I have a spare nightgown. It's pink with kittens on it."
"Please no."
"Then I guess you really are getting your present early."
She crossed the room with the help of the crutches and opened a closet door. After some digging she came out with a gaily wrapped package.
"Happy Hanukkah Egon."
He sat down on the sofa, carefully unwrapping the beribboned box. He could see that she had been very meticulous with how well she decorated his gift. It was almost a shame to demolish her work but he was more eager to see what she got him than he was willing to admit. Eventually the secret of the box was revealed. Inside was a long plush indigo blue bathrobe. It was so soft Egon was sure it had to be cashmere. Over the left breast were his initials in swirling script made of gold thread. His parents and friends always got him books or some other nerdy tech item. Janine got him a bathrobe. It was exactly what he needed but would never buy for himself, which made it the perfect present. The fact it was chosen with care and personalized made it all the more special.
"I can't find the words to say."
She smiled at him. "They're lying around somewhere. I'm sure you'll find them."
When he just kept petting the robe she snorted.
"Try it on silly."
He did and it fit perfectly. It hung down to mid-calf and was roomy without being baggy. Egon's face was a picture of delight. He couldn't stop touching the soft fabric and embroidery.
"I love it. Thank you Janine." In a move that surprised them both, he hugged her. Also surprising was that neither one was in a hurry to end it. Janine nuzzled her face into the robe, and by default his chest, while Egon stroked her hair. He looked down at her and mentally smiled at the way her flaming red hair contrasted with his new gift. The 'kiss and comfort' thought sprang up again and this time he decided to listen to it. The hand that was touching her hair slowly moved down to her neck. Janine leaned back a little, looking up at him. When she saw the look on his face she knew what he wanted to do. The nagging voice telling her not to do it was drowned out by the wild thumping of her heart.
That's when someone knocked on the damn door.
Egon was positive she growled.
Notes:Ten internet points to whoever guesses where I got the 'they're lying about' quote from.