Lessons in Detachment

After I finished giving instructions, I sat back down and said gratefully, "Thanks for the advice. I really hadn't thought about fighting back like that."

Alistair's eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. "Looks like you've still got a lot to learn—stuff you'll never pick up from books or teachers. Want me to show you the ropes?"

I paused for a moment. Alistair had managed to keep the Kensington fami