There are very few credible excuses one can make up on the fly about a big bandage around the back of your hand. Certainly not 'cut myself shaving', anyway. And I knew that Coraline would know if I lied to her.

"I tried to dig you out," I said, quietly. "The ITF had to take me away."

Kicking and screaming. And I didn't need to add that this Nyana could pack a hell of a punch.