The Empty Grave (Lockwood & Co., #5)

by Jonathan Stroud

I paused with the towel in my hand. “What did you say? Don’t be ridiculous. He doesn’t have a death wish.” “Fine, you’re not comfortable with it. I understand that. We’ll let it drop.” The skull began humming a light tune. “Actually, no we won’t. It’s surely obvious to everyone. He’s always had it. It’s practically his middle name. And maybe it’s more pronounced than ever now, thanks to what happened to you both. Don’t forget, you’ve both been to the Other Side. That’ll have had its effect too, you know.” The face grinned at me, eyes narrowing to slits. “Why do you think La Belle Dame tried her luck with you last night? You’re not a boy.” I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but it was true. Of all her potential victims, I’d been the only girl. Still, true or not, somehow the skull’s insights always made me angry. “I should have known better than to try and talk to you,” I said, bending close to the jar. “Lockwood’s got plenty to live for. Plenty.” The face regarded me. “Has he? What would that be, I wonder? Give it a name.”