Valkyrie woke up the next morning and stretched. She yawned and rolled over and fell off the couch she was sleeping on. Valkyrie hit the floor with a 'Thump!' and sat up with a scowl.

"Good morning!"

Valkyrie glared at Skulduggery. "Shut up. If you hadn't decided that it would be funny to leave my bed out in the rain as a prank I wouldn't have to sleep on this stupid couch."

"I admit, that was not my best judgment. But you love that couch, I know you do."

"Oh yeah? And how do you figure that?"

"Because I've heard you say in your sleep." Skulduggery put on a high pitched voice. "'Oh couch, I love you soooo much. I would marry you if I could'!"

Valkyrie looked at Skulduggery. "You ran out of comebacks didn't you?"

"Me? Never. I'm too witty and quick to run out of comebacks."

"Really? Let's test it. Your house smells like feet."

"Uh…"

"Exactly."

"I- grr…."

"Admit it. You aren't as great as you think."

"Hush. Now get up and get your jacket. It's a big day today, remember?"

Valkyrie faltered, slightly disappointed. She had hoped to continue their banter. She sighed and stood up. "Right. Time to go meet with the people who wanted to kill me."

"Yes. Oh, by the way. You will need to grab a cab today."

Valkyrie frowned. "Why?"

"Because I am getting some things and you can't come with me. I'll meet you at the Sanctuary. Bye!"

Before Valkyrie could throw something at him, Skulduggery ducked out the door.

….

Valkyrie rode through the Dublin streets in silence. Apprehension made her stomach tie into knots and her heart beat faster. This case wasn't like the others. It seemed to go deeper then met the eye. It was done with precision with no clues left behind. The perfect crime.

Valkyrie looked out the window at the clouds and the blue sky and the bright sun and the buildings that were turning upside down as she watched. Before she could even register what was happening, the taxi was flipping over.

The sound of crushing metal and the smell of smoke were the only things Valkyrie were able to comprehend. Once the roar stopped, she tried to open her eyes. The taxi was upside down. The driver wasn't moving. The first thought that went through her head was that the bad guys had banded together and decided to hunt her down while they were allowed back in Ireland.

Valkyrie heard footsteps, than someone cut the seat belt holding her in place and pulled her out of the wreckage. She started to turn her head to look at the person but they put a sweet smelling cloth over her mouth and nose and everything went black.

Thanks to all who have reviewed already! Remember to keep doing that! :)