Valkyrie, once again, found herself wondering how in the world Skulduggery talked her into this situation. A few hours ago she was resting on her bed, listening to her iPod and now she was spelunking in a cave without the proper gear!

She grumbled under her breath as her new boots stepped into something slimy.

Skulduggery sighed. "Perhaps I will just leave you in the Bentley next time, hmm?"

Valkyrie hissed. "That suits me just fine!"

Her partner just shook his head in mock disappointment. "Where did I go wrong? They don't make good detective partners like they used to."

Valkyrie moved quicker so she could reach him to punch him. Unfortunately, she slipped. With a scream of outrage and utter mortification, she slid sideways into a pool of slime.

"AHHH!" She flung her hands down in an effort to rid herself of some of the slime. It didn't work.

Skulduggery was laughing, real, honest to goodness belly laughs. "Thank you, my dearest Valkyrie, for supplying me with much needed comedy relief!"

Valkyrie screamed at him. "Don't just stand there, Mr. Funny Bones! Give me a hand!"

Something hit her in her face. Catching it automatically, she looked at it and realized it was Skulduggery's left hand.

"VERY FUNNY!"

Her only response was another bout of laughter from Skulduggery.