She frowned. "They didn't say a word? They didn't even react to what you were saying?" This time, Victoria did actually feel chilled; it was an odd sort of feeling. She looked around to make sure no one was was watching her before turning back to him.

"I'm sorry your dog keeps running off," she said. "What kind of dog is it? I'll be sure to keep a lookout for him.

And - aren't you technically dead and gone?" The words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself, and Victoria bit her lip and tensed. She hoped she hadn't struck a nerve or anything of the sort.