Chapter Thirteen: Fionn
‘What?’ I said, momentarily breathless.
‘May I mercilessly barter you for personal gain,’ came Tai’s voice down the phone.
I drew in air, with difficulty. ‘Tai—’ I began.
‘Come on! It’ll be fun!’
‘It will be anything but fun.’
She sighed. ‘I know. I do.’
‘I don’t think you do, or you wouldn’t make a joke out of it.’ Her words had hit me with the force of a brick, or perhaps a whole flurry of bricks. I felt bruised. A slave auction? For selkies?
‘Right.’ Tai paused; I could almost hear her swallowing the next jest she’d doubtless been planning to make. ‘Fair. I’m sorry. I thought it might make it easier—’
‘Shall we move ahead to the explanations?’ I said, keeping my voice even with an effort.
‘Sorry.’ The story that followed grew a little confused; I gather
