I was rereading chapter 29 of Goliath and came up with this.
Deryn had been glaring daggers at Eddie Malone ever since Villa had discovered him eavesdropping outside of the medical tent. The intrepid journalist was still regaling the general with his stories.
She was getting barking tired of hearing about his adventures in the world of reporting and growing more irritated by the minute. It was as if fate was conspiring against her and no matter how hard she tried someone new discovered her secret at every turn.
Alek, who was still sitting at her side like the faithful friend that he was, could almost see the wheels in her head turning. He wondered what she could possibly be thinking; though he could guess from the dark scowl that graced her usually cheerful face.
Malone soon had his eager eyes back on Deryn. "Now, Miss Sharp," He began, pulling out a notebook and pencil. "Would you care to give a statement or two? Being the daughter of the famous Artemis Sharp I'm sure everyone will be eager to know what exactly led you to join the Air Service."
Deryn shrugged with her good shoulder and looked resigned. "I suppose I could. The whole story is going to come out whether I want it to or not."
Alek was surprised and immediately suspicious when Deryn agreed without so much as batting an eye. He knew his friend well enough to know that that sort of defeatist attitude was out of character for her.
Malone looked pleased at the prospect of getting his story and moved to sit on a crate near Deryn's cot.
Too near Alek realized belatedly.
Eddie Malone had barely settled himself when Deryn's fist shot out and caught him square in the nose.
Alek winced, knowing from past experience how painful in was to be on the receiving end of a punch from an angry Deryn Sharp. He couldn't say he felt sorry for the man, though.
Malone gave a startled yelp and crashed backwards into the dirt while Bovril stared wide eyed from his perch on the edge of the bed. "Barking spiders!" The little beastie exclaimed.
Deryn would have taken another swing at Malone if not for Alek leaping up to restrain her for fear she would injure herself further.
"Please, Deryn. You're in no condition to fight." He reminded her as Dr. Azuela checked the stitches in her arm to ensure that they were still in place.
Deryn looked satisfied though she was hardly finished. "You bum-rag." She growled at Malone as he picked himself up off the ground. "What makes you think I would tell you one sodding thing about my life?"
"It was worth a try." Eddie Malone grinned, picking himself up. "If you all will excuse me, I believe I have some writing to do." He vigorously pumped General Villa's hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Sir." He declared before nodding in Deryn's direction. "Good afternoon Miss Sharp." Then he disappeared through the canvas flap.
Alek was glad he still had a good hold on Deryn or else she would have been out the tent flap after Malone, injuries be damned. Instead she was forced to settle for some good old fashioned swearing; satisfying though not the least bit effective.